Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
On January 9, 2026, SpaceX launched its third mission of the year, deploying 29 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket. The successful launch marks another milestone in the company's efforts to expand its satellite constellation.
Due to a medical concern, NASA has scheduled an early evacuation of four astronauts from the International Space Station on January 14, 2024, with the crew set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean. The medical issue is not related to an operational problem or injury, and the affected astronaut's identity has not been disclosed.
NASA is set to roll out the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft on January 17, paving the way for the first crewed moon mission in over 50 years, scheduled to launch as soon as February 6. The Artemis 2 mission will send four astronauts on a 10-day trip around the moon, marking a significant milestone in NASA"s plans to return humans to the lunar surface.
The James Webb Space Telescope has identified unusual cosmic objects that exhibit properties of both stars and galaxies, sparking intrigue among astronomers. These findings may offer insights into the formation of galaxies billions of years ago.
NASA administrator Jared Isaacman has expressed full confidence in the Orion spacecraft's heat shield after reviewing data and meeting with experts, paving the way for the upcoming Artemis II mission. The mission is scheduled to launch in as few as four weeks, marking a crucial step towards returning humans to lunar orbit.
Schmidt Sciences has announced plans to develop a large space telescope, dubbed Lazuli, which will surpass the Hubble telescope in size and operate in a highly elliptical Earth orbit, with an expected cost in the hundreds of millions of dollars. The project aims to demonstrate a fast and low-cost approach to conducting world-class space science.
A medical issue has prompted NASA to return four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) early, leaving the station with a reduced crew of three. This decision highlights the complexities and challenges of long-duration spaceflight and the importance of prioritizing astronaut health.
In 2025, Mars and Venus appeared to cross the Beehive Cluster, creating a unique visual effect in the night sky, visible from the Southern Hemisphere over several nights in April and May. This rare astronomical event provided a fascinating sight for stargazers and astronomers alike.
The number of orbital launch attempts worldwide surpassed the record 2024 flight rate by 25 percent in 2025, with SpaceX and China leading the way, and the global launch tally has been on an upward trend since 2019. This significant increase in launch activity has major implications for the broader aerospace industry.
In 2026, Europe"s space priorities will become clearer with key developments, including the European Space Agency"s (ESA) exploration budget details and progress on major missions like HALO and Gateway. This year will be pivotal for the region"s aerospace industry, shaping its future in space exploration and technology.
A recent scientific discovery has found that Europa, a moon of Jupiter, likely lacks the necessary tectonic activity to support life in its ocean. This finding reduces the chances of discovering life on the moon, as tectonic activity is thought to be essential for providing energy and nutrients to potential ecosystems.
On January 10, 2026, Jupiter will be at its closest point to Earth, making it visible to the east at sunset and appearing brighter and larger in telescopes. This event provides an ideal opportunity for astronomers and stargazers to observe the gas giant and its four large Galilean moons.
L3Harris has announced the sale of a majority stake in its Space Propulsion and Power Systems business to AE Industrial Partners for $845 million, with the new entity, named Rocketdyne, focusing on the RL10 engine and international expansion. The deal is expected to close in the second half of 2026 and will have significant implications for the aerospace industry.
NASA has decided to return four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) earlier than planned due to a medical concern affecting one of the Crew-11 astronauts, who is currently in stable condition but requires more comprehensive care. The early return will be conducted using a SpaceX Dragon capsule, with the Artemis 2 mission remaining on schedule for its February launch.
NASA is bringing some crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) back to Earth earlier than planned due to medical concerns with one of the astronauts, a decision that may impact the scheduling of upcoming missions. The early return is not expected to interfere with the Artemis 2 mission, the first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years.
The European Space Agency (ESA) will attend the 18th European Space Conference in Brussels, discussing Europe's space ecosystem and showcasing its Strategy 2040. The conference will focus on key aspects such as autonomy, resilience, competitiveness, and security and defence.
A medical situation on the International Space Station has prompted NASA to bring home four of its seven crew members ahead of schedule, with the astronauts set to return on the SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The early return marks a rare interruption to a mission due to health concerns, highlighting the challenges of space travel and the importance of prioritizing crew safety.
Scientists plan to utilize NASA"s XRISM mission to search for signs of dark matter decay, which could provide insight into the mysterious substance comprising approximately 85% of the universe"s matter. The mission aims to detect X-ray photons emitted during the potential decay process, offering a possible explanation for the elusive nature of dark matter.
A medical issue affecting one of the crew members has prompted NASA to shorten the Crew 11 mission to the International Space Station, with the crew set to return to Earth ahead of schedule. The crew member in question is reportedly stable, although the nature of the medical issue has not been disclosed.
The XRISM spacecraft has revealed that the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way, Sagittarius A*, has experienced powerful flares over the last 1,000 years, shedding new light on its violent history. This discovery was made possible by measuring X-rays emitted by a molecular cloud near the center of the galaxy.
A medical issue has prompted NASA to return four astronauts to Earth early from the International Space Station, marking the first medical evacuation in the station's history. The astronaut in question is reported to be in stable condition.
The Vera C. Rubin Observatory has discovered the fastest-spinning asteroid on record, completing one rotation every 1.88 minutes, providing new insights into the composition and behavior of asteroids in our solar system. This discovery has significant implications for the field of astronomy and our understanding of the formation and evolution of asteroids.
The northern lights are expected to be visible in 12 states across the northern US on January 8-9 due to an incoming stream of fast solar wind and potential coronal mass ejections. This phenomenon is a result of geomagnetic activity that may reach minor storm levels, providing a rare opportunity for aurora chasers to witness the spectacle.
A philanthropic organization founded by the former CEO of Google has secured private funding for four next-generation telescopes, including a space-based observatory called Lazuli, which will have 70% more collecting area than the Hubble Space Telescope. This development marks a significant milestone in the application of commercial spaceflight lessons to large-aperture astronomy.