Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
On October 22, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. This launch marks the 29th flight for the Falcon 9 booster with tail number 1069 and further expands the Starlink megaconstellation.
A planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station has been postponed due to a medical concern with one of the crew members, affecting preparations for the installation of new solar arrays. The delay is not expected to have significant implications for the overall mission or the space station"s operations.
NASA has postponed the first spacewalk of 2026, originally scheduled for January 8, due to a medical concern with one of the International Space Station crew members. The delay affects preparations for the installation of new solar arrays but does not currently impact other planned spacewalks.
A planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station (ISS) was postponed on January 8 due to a medical issue affecting one of the crew members, delaying preparations for the installation of a new solar array. The spacewalk was intended to prepare one of the ISS' power channels for the future deployment of an International Space Station Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA).
The NASA Perseverance rover has been studying megaripples on Mars, collecting over 50 observations of a specific megaripple known as "Hazyview", which could provide key insights into the planet's ancient geologic history. This discovery is part of the rover's ongoing exploration of the Jezero Crater, a region that has been under investigation since February 2021.
On January 10, Jupiter will be at its brightest and closest to Earth, providing a unique chance for astronomers and stargazers to observe the planet. This event occurs when Earth passes behind Jupiter in its orbit, a phenomenon known as opposition.
On December 15, 2025, an astrophotographer successfully captured rare footage of the Hubble Space Telescope crossing the sun at approximately 17,000 mph. The event, which lasted just 1.01 seconds, was made possible through the use of specialized transit-prediction software and high-frame-rate imaging equipment.
Smart telescopes have revolutionized amateur astronomy by providing powerful and easy-to-use tools for exploring the night sky, allowing users to find and image various celestial objects with unprecedented ease. These innovative telescopes offer a range of features and capabilities that make them an attractive option for those interested in astronomy.
NASA is embarking on a high-priority mission to bring samples from Mars back to Earth, with an estimated budget of $11 billion and a target completion date of 2040. The success of this mission has significant implications for the broader aerospace industry and our understanding of the Red Planet.
The US Space Force has initiated a comprehensive overhaul of its computer networks under a $12.5 billion contract vehicle, aiming to enhance cybersecurity and support advanced cloud-based applications. This modernization effort will upgrade both classified and unclassified network infrastructure across its bases.
Using the Hubble Space Telescope, scientists have confirmed the existence of a companion star to the red supergiant Betelgeuse, providing new insights into the evolution and behavior of giant stars. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of stellar evolution and the eventual explosion of these stars as supernovae.
SpaceX has successfully stacked the Super Heavy booster for its Starship megarocket's 12th test flight, scheduled to launch in the first quarter of this year, marking a significant milestone in the development of the company's ambitious spacecraft. This upcoming flight will feature the new Version 3 Starship variant and the Raptor 3 engine, showcasing the latest advancements in SpaceX's technology.
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have discovered a novel type of cosmic object, a cloud of dark matter and gas devoid of stars, located approximately 14 million light-years from Earth. This finding, dubbed "Cloud 9", has significant implications for our understanding of galaxy formation in the early universe.
The year 2025 saw a record number of orbital launch attempts, with 324 missions conducted globally, driven primarily by SpaceX and Chinese launch providers. This significant increase in launch activity has major implications for the broader aerospace industry.
The US Congress has approved a budget plan that allocates $24.4 billion to NASA for fiscal year 2026, rejecting the deep cuts proposed by President Trump and instead restoring funding for key science missions, including the Dragonfly mission to Saturn's moon Titan. This decision ensures continued support for NASA's exploration and research programs.
The Manicouagan crater, located in Quebec, Canada, is a striking example of an asteroid impact site, formed approximately 214 million years ago. This article provides an overview of the crater's characteristics and its observation by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.
A private equity deal has led to the revival of Rocketdyne, a historic US manufacturer of large liquid-fueled rocket engines, with AE Industrial Partners acquiring a 60% stake in L3Harris' propulsion and power business for $845 million. This development is expected to have significant implications for the broader aerospace industry, particularly in the context of NASA's Artemis Moon program.
China is set to launch its Chang’e 7 mission later this year, aiming to explore the moon’s south pole and search for water ice. The mission will involve a combination of an orbiter, lander, rover, and lunar hopper, marking a significant step in China’s lunar exploration program.
The Department of the Air Force has initiated a bidding process for the development of Space Launch Complex 14 at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, with the goal of supporting heavy or super-heavy vertical launches in support of national security objectives. Bids for the project are due by February 12, 2026.
The SpainSat NG 2 satellite, launched in October, suffered an impact from a space particle while maneuvering to its final position in geostationary orbit, potentially jeopardizing its mission. The incident highlights the risks associated with space debris and extreme space weather conditions.
Congress has released a $24.4 billion budget plan for NASA, cutting science funding by only 1 percent, and allocating funds for various missions, including the Mars Future Missions program and the Habitable Worlds Observatory. This budget plan provides a relatively stable financial foundation for NASA"s ongoing and future space exploration endeavors.
Chinese launch startup Landspace has had its initial public offering (IPO) application accepted, seeking to raise $1 billion to support the development of its reusable launch services. The funding will play a crucial role in enhancing the company's capabilities in the competitive aerospace industry.
The SpainSat NG-2 satellite, launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, has suffered an unexpected strike from a space particle at an altitude of 31,000 miles, putting its mission at risk. The incident highlights the challenges and uncertainties associated with space exploration and the potential risks to critical communications infrastructure.
The Trump administration has initiated proceedings against former NASA astronaut and current U.S. Senator Mark Kelly for participating in a video reminding servicemembers not to obey illegal orders, which may result in a reduction of his retired grade and pay. The action highlights the complexities of military protocol and free speech.