Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
Scientists are leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize spacecraft propulsion systems, potentially leading to faster and safer interplanetary travel. This breakthrough could significantly impact the aerospace industry by enabling more efficient and powerful propulsion technologies.
Three astronauts have completed their 245-day mission on the International Space Station and returned to Earth, landing safely in Kazakhstan. The successful completion of their mission marks another milestone in the ongoing operations of the ISS.
SpaceX has successfully launched its 3000th Starlink satellite, marking a significant milestone for the company, on the 32nd flight of its Falcon 9 booster, which is also a record-breaking achievement. This launch demonstrates SpaceX"s continued advancements in reusable rocket technology and its commitment to expanding global internet connectivity.
SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, marking the company's 115th Starlink launch and further expanding its global internet broadband service. This launch brings the total number of operational Starlink satellites to over 9,100, providing internet access to areas around the world with limited or no connectivity.
On December 7, 2025, SpaceX launched its Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, adding 28 satellites to the Starlink constellation in low Earth orbit. This launch marks the 115th Starlink mission in 2025, further expanding the company's broadband internet network.
President Trump's nominee for NASA leadership, Jared Isaacman, has undergone his second confirmation hearing, while significant events have unfolded globally, including changes to SpaceX's Crew 12 mission, a Chinese rocket reaching orbit, and Russia experiencing launch pad damage. These developments hold implications for the future of space exploration and cooperation.
On December 6, 2025, Rocket Lab launched the RAISE-4 satellite from its New Zealand site, marking a significant milestone in the demonstration of Japanese technology. The launch is part of the RAISE and Shine mission, which aims to test eight technologies developed by private companies, universities, and research institutions throughout Japan.
The NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has been fully assembled and is ready to begin launch preparations this summer, marking a significant milestone in the mission to survey the universe with unprecedented efficiency. The telescope is expected to observe billions of galaxies and hundreds of millions of stars, detecting more than 100,000 exoplanets through subtle gravitational lensing events.
A NASA spacecraft has successfully tracked Comet C/2025 R2 (SWAN) for nearly 40 days, capturing a unique timelapse of its journey through the inner solar system. The comet was imaged every four minutes, providing valuable insights into its composition and behavior.
Viasat and Space42 have announced a joint venture, Equatys, aiming to create the world"s largest coordinated block of direct-to-device (D2D) frequencies by pooling over 100 megahertz of L- and S-band spectrum. This move is seen as a significant development in the aerospace industry, offering a sovereignty-friendly alternative to existing solutions.
The Expedition 73 crew is preparing for their final week on the International Space Station, where they have been conducting research and capturing images of Earth. The crew's activities include working with robotic free-flying assistants and utilizing docked spacecraft for cargo and transportation.
The International Space Station is entering its final five years of planned operations, with NASA and its international partners preparing for the orbiting laboratory's intentional deorbiting around 2030. This marks a significant milestone in the history of space exploration, as the ISS has played a crucial role in advancing our understanding of space and developing new technologies.
Former NASA administrator Michael Griffin has testified that the current Artemis moon landing program is flawed and needs to be restarted, citing concerns over its complicated in-orbit refueling system. The US risks losing its lead in space exploration to China if the program is not revised.
Blue Origin's upcoming NS-37 flight will carry six passengers, including Michaela "Michi" Benthaus, to suborbital space and back, marking a significant milestone in disability inclusion in human space exploration. This mission aims to demonstrate innovative methods for ensuring that people with disabilities can safely navigate microgravity environments.
The European Space Agency"s Mars Express orbiter has imaged a distinctive butterfly-shaped crater on Mars, approximately 12 miles wide and 9 miles long, with twin lobes of material fanning out to the north and south. This discovery provides new insights into the planet"s geological history and the effects of impacts on its surface.
SpaceX has successfully launched seven Starlink missions within a two-week period, while Russia"s Sarmat missile test ended in failure. The European Space Agency (ESA) has committed significant funding to support emerging rocket companies in Europe.
A US congressional subcommittee has voiced concerns over delays in NASA's plans to return humans to the Moon, citing China's rapid progress in space exploration and the need for accountability. The subcommittee's comments come as NASA faces challenges in meeting its Artemis Program deadlines, potentially allowing China to land humans on the Moon first.
The James Webb Space Telescope has imaged a unique glowing gas bridge connecting two dwarf galaxies, NGC 4490 and NGC 4485, which are interacting and triggering star formation. This observation provides valuable insights into the dynamics of galaxy interactions and their effects on star formation.
On December 4, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking the company's 156th launch of the year. This milestone event brings the total number of operational Starlink satellites to over 9,000, further solidifying SpaceX's position in the global satellite internet market.
U.S. Senator Ed Markey has questioned NASA nominee Jared Isaacman about the presence of SpaceX CEO Elon Musk during his job offer, with Isaacman declining to provide a direct answer. The inquiry highlights concerns over potential conflicts of interest and the influence of private industry on government appointments.
A problem with the Orion spacecraft's hatch has delayed a critical launch day rehearsal for the Artemis 2 mission, which aims to send four astronauts on a loop around the Moon. The mission is currently scheduled to launch no later than April 2026.
SpaceX successfully launched 28 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, marking the company"s 114th launch of the year and the fourth this month in support of the Starlink constellation. This mission brings the total number of Starlink satellites launched by SpaceX to nearly 3,000.
Researchers utilizing the GREGOR solar telescope at the Teide Observatory in Tenerife, Spain, have captured rare high-definition images of two X-class solar flares, providing invaluable insights into the magnetic field dynamics of active sunspots. These observations, published in the journal Research Notes of the AAS, contribute significantly to our understanding of solar activity and its potential impacts on space weather.
A Russian Soyuz rocket damaged its launch pad during liftoff on November 27, 2023, while carrying three astronauts to the International Space Station. The incident highlights concerns over the reliability and maintenance of launch infrastructure.