Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
Vantor has launched WorldView 3D, a service providing high-definition and up-to-date imagery, with two product offerings: WorldView 3D Rapid and WorldView 3D High Definition. This development promises significant advancements in 3D geospatial products, leveraging breakthroughs in world model reconstruction algorithms and artificial intelligence models.
EchoStar subsidiaries have filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as part of a prepackaged restructuring plan to repay debt early, with a $2.4 billion escrow set aside to cover disputes over the abandoned terrestrial wireless buildout. The move has significant implications for the company and the broader aerospace industry.
The increasing presence of drones near US rocket launch sites has become a major concern for national security and the success of space missions, with a single drone capable of causing a launch to be scrubbed at a cost of millions of dollars. This threat has prompted the US Space Force and NASA to take measures to mitigate the risk of drone-related disruptions.
Latitude, a French aerospace startup, plans to conduct its first launch from the Etlaq Spaceport in Oman in late 2027, marking a significant milestone for the company and the spaceport. The launch will demonstrate the capabilities of Latitude's small launch vehicle, which can place up to 200 kilograms into low Earth orbit.
A growing number of satellites in Earth's orbit could soon render telescopes obsolete for astronomy due to increased light pollution, with potential consequences for the field of astronomical research. The European Southern Observatory warns that plans to deploy a large number of satellites and sun-reflecting mirrors may have catastrophic effects on our ability to study the night sky.
A NASA satellite designed to study Earth"s oceans has successfully captured images of wildfire smoke over Canada, highlighting the platform"s potential for monitoring various environmental phenomena. This capability could deepen our understanding of wildfires and their spread.
A significant X-class solar flare occurred on June 30, 2023, causing radio blackouts and potentially leading to northern lights displays over the July 4 weekend. This event highlights the sun's impact on Earth's magnetic field and the importance of monitoring solar activity.
The Chandra X-ray Observatory has released a set of four stunning images showcasing various cosmic wonders, including a galaxy cluster, spiral galaxy, nebula, and supernova remnant, created by combining X-ray data from Chandra with optical data from the Hubble Space Telescope. These images not only provide breathtaking visuals but also offer valuable insights into the universe's complex structures and phenomena.
Blue Origin is implementing a new launch pad approach, utilizing a horizontal/vertical hybrid concept of operations (CONOPS), to return its New Glenn vehicle to flight by the end of 2024 after a pad explosion in May. This revised strategy aims to facilitate launches from the rebuilt Launch Complex 36 without requiring a new transporter-erector.
The space economy is projected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2035, driven in part by innovations like parametric insurance and microgravity-based manufacturing, with companies like SpaceX playing a key role through initiatives such as its Starlink satellite constellation. This growth signifies a significant shift in the industry, enabling new markets and technologies.
A recent NASA audit has highlighted technical problems with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, casting uncertainty over its ability to transport astronauts to the International Space Station. The issues have prevented human-rating certification, prompting NASA to reconsider payment schedules until the certification is complete.
The US Space Force has operationally accepted a new mobile satellite-jamming system, known as Meadowlands, which can temporarily disrupt an adversary's communications by interfering with their satellite transmissions. This development marks a significant milestone in the Space Force's counter-space capabilities.
Following a recent explosion, Blue Origin is investigating the cause and plans to resume launches of its New Glenn rockets by the end of 2026, with NASA collaborating closely on the effort. The incident has delayed the Moon Base 1 mission until early 2027, but the company aims to return to flight using a hybrid horizontal-vertical integration process.
In a critical spacewalk, NASA astronauts replaced a failed joint on the International Space Station"s (ISS) robot arm, ensuring continued operations of the orbital outpost. The successful repair highlights the importance of maintenance and upkeep in prolonging the lifespan of space-based infrastructure.
NASA has announced new lunar landing contracts as part of its Moon Base initiative, and is considering a potential rover mission to the moon's south pole using a spare nuclear-powered Mars rover. This development marks a significant step forward in the agency's plans to establish a permanent human presence on the lunar surface by 2029.
On June 30, 2026, Rocket Lab launched a Japanese Earth-observing radar satellite, QPS-SAR-13, into a circular orbit 357 miles above Earth as part of a constellation of 36 satellites. This launch marks Rocket Lab's 92nd mission to date and has significant implications for the aerospace industry.
Following an explosive accident last month, Blue Origin has begun rebuilding its launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, incorporating significant design changes to support future New Glenn rocket launches. The revamped facility is expected to be operational by the end of the year, enabling Blue Origin to resume its pursuit of low Earth orbit missions.
During a 7-hour spacewalk, NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir repaired the Canadarm2 robotic arm on the International Space Station, restoring its functionality. The successful repair ensures the continued operation of the crucial arm, which plays a vital role in the station's maintenance and scientific research.
A severe heat wave swept across Europe in June 2026, resulting in over 1,300 deaths and breaking temperature records across the continent. The European Space Agency"s Sentinel-3 satellite captured land surface temperature data during this period, providing valuable insights into the extreme weather event.
SSC Space and Firefly have announced plans to conduct the first orbital launch from Sweden’s Esrange spaceport in 2028, marking a significant milestone for the European aerospace industry. The launch will utilize Firefly’s Alpha rocket and target sun-synchronous and polar orbits.
Orbital has filed plans with the Federal Communications Commission to launch up to 100,000 data center satellites into low Earth orbit by 2028, aiming to provide 10 gigawatts of computing power from space. The company intends to use SpaceX"s Starship for launch and will rely on optical intersatellite links for primary data transmission.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has begun its 10-year Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) mission, aiming to significantly advance our understanding of the universe by studying dark energy and dark matter. This endeavor marks a major milestone in astronomical research, leveraging cutting-edge technology to unravel some of the cosmos" most profound mysteries.
A recent summit explored the concept of sending humans to Titan, Saturn's largest moon, as a potential next destination for human exploration after Mars, citing its dense atmosphere and unique weather system as key factors. The mission, which could utilize Titan as a hub for further sample-return missions, is still in the planning stages with a potential launch date scheduled for no earlier than 2028.
NASA has announced an update to its plans for establishing a moon base near the lunar south pole, with construction relying on robotic lunar rovers and landers, and upcoming Artemis missions playing a crucial role in testing key technologies. The agency will provide further details on the next set of awards for new lunar lander missions.