Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
NASA's Perseverance Mars rover has successfully implemented a new navigation system, enabling it to determine its exact location on Mars without relying on instructions from Earth. This advancement, made possible by the Mars Global Localization technology, significantly enhances the rover's autonomy and mobility.
Physicists are challenging the fundamental nature of time, suggesting it may not be a universal constant, but rather an emergent property of the universe. This shift in understanding has significant implications for our comprehension of spacetime, gravity, and the behavior of particles at the quantum level.
SpaceX has successfully launched two batches of Starlink satellites from separate locations, setting a new record for rocket reuse with 33 flights, and bringing the total number of active Starlink satellites to over 9700. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the company's efforts to establish a vast constellation of low-Earth orbit satellites.
The Artemis 2 mission, aimed at sending four astronauts around the Moon and back, has been delayed due to a problem with the rocket"s upper stage helium tanks. The issue will require rolling the rocket off the launch pad for troubleshooting, pushing potential launch dates into early April.
SpaceX is set to launch its most flown Falcon 9 rocket booster, B1067, on its 33rd mission, aiming to add 28 more broadband internet satellites to its Starlink constellation in low Earth orbit. The successful landing of the booster will mark the 143rd landing on the droneship "A Shortfall of Gravitas" and the 575th booster landing for SpaceX.
A recent NASA investigation has classified the flawed Starliner crewed test flight in 2024 as a Type A mishap, citing shortfalls in program oversight and identifying design and engineering deficiencies in the spacecraft. The incident highlights the need for rigorous testing and oversight in crewed spaceflight programs.
A helium-flow interruption in the upper stage of NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has delayed the Artemis 2 mission, which is scheduled to send the first crewed spacecraft beyond low Earth orbit since the Apollo era. The issue may impact the planned March launch window, with the next available opportunity from April 1 to April 6 and April 30.
The NASA Dragonfly mission, scheduled to launch in 2028, will send a multi-rotor helicopter to Saturn"s moon Titan, arriving in 2034 to explore the surface and atmosphere. This mission marks a significant step in the exploration of our solar system, providing valuable insights into the composition and potential habitability of Titan.
The Lunar Gateway, a planned space station orbiting the moon, is experiencing delays and funding issues, raising questions about its necessity for lunar objectives and the future of international cooperation in space exploration. The project"s fate has significant implications for the broader aerospace industry and the NASA-led Artemis program.
NASA is targeting March 6 for the launch of its Artemis 2 mission, the first crewed moon mission in over 50 years, following the successful completion of a critical wet dress rehearsal. The mission will send four astronauts on a trip around the moon, marking a significant step towards reestablishing a human presence in lunar orbit.
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launched 25 Starlink satellites from California, following three delays due to severe weather conditions. The mission marks the 31st flight of the reusable Falcon 9 first stage B1063.
Researchers using the James Webb Space Telescope and Atacama Large Millimeter/sub-millimeter Array have observed 70 dusty, star-forming galaxies at the universe's edge, finding them to be rich in metals despite existing earlier than predicted by current models. This discovery suggests a revision of our understanding of cosmic history.
Scientists utilized the Japanese Aerospace Agency (JAXA)/NASA X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) to investigate the turbulent conditions surrounding supermassive black holes, gaining insights into their impact on galactic evolution. The study, published in Nature, highlights the significance of understanding these phenomena for advancing our knowledge of the universe.
President Donald Trump has announced plans to declassify all US government files related to Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAP), also known as Unidentified Flying Objects (UFOs), in a move aimed at increasing transparency. The decision is expected to have significant implications for the aerospace industry, although longtime observers remain skeptical about the potential revelations.
The US has completed its GPS III satellite launch, but experts warn that the system remains vulnerable to jamming and other threats despite improvements in accuracy and anti-jam capabilities. The upcoming GPS IIIF satellites aim to address these concerns with enhanced Regional Military Protection features.
Firefly Aerospace is set to launch its Alpha rocket on February 27, marking the vehicle's first launch since a series of explosive mishaps last year, with the mission aiming to reverify the rocket's systems using a demo payload. The successful completion of this launch will be crucial for the company's future prospects and the broader aerospace industry.
NASA has commenced the second fueling test of the Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, a critical step towards the uncrewed mission to the Moon, aiming to address issues encountered during the previous test. The successful completion of this test is essential for the advancement of the Artemis program.
Researchers have discovered that active supermassive black holes can extend their influence across vast distances, affecting the star formation and evolution of neighboring galaxies. This finding sheds new light on the complex interactions within galactic ecosystems.
NASA has completed a crucial wet dress rehearsal for the Artemis II mission, demonstrating the ability to safely load propellants into the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket without significant leaks. This milestone brings the agency one step closer to sending astronauts on a lunar orbit mission in 2026.
The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully mapped auroras on Uranus in three dimensions for the first time, providing new insights into the planet's magnetosphere and upper atmosphere. This breakthrough discovery sheds light on the unique characteristics of ice giants and their complex atmospheric interactions.
On February 19, 2026, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, successfully deploying 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit and landing the first stage booster on a drone ship near The Bahamas. This mission marks the second time a Falcon 9 booster has landed in this location, demonstrating the company's continued progress in reusable launch technology.
SpaceX has unveiled a new space traffic coordination service called Stargaze, which utilizes images from star tracker cameras on its Starlink satellites to identify and track other objects in orbit. This system aims to enhance space situational awareness and provide critical data to satellite operators to prevent potential collisions.
A recent independent review has criticized NASA and Boeing for the troubled first piloted flight of the Starliner spacecraft, deeming it a potentially life-threatening "Type A mishap" due to multiple technical issues and management oversights. The report's findings have significant implications for the future of crewed spaceflight and the development of commercial spacecraft.
The Boeing Starliner spacecraft experienced multiple thruster failures during its first astronaut mission, resulting in a temporary loss of control and prompting NASA to reclassify the event as a Type A mishap. This incident highlights the risks and challenges associated with space travel and underscores the importance of rigorous testing and safety protocols.