Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
On July 21, SpaceX launched the MRV-MEV mission from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, aiming to extend the lives of satellites in geostationary orbit. This innovative mission marks a significant step forward in satellite servicing technology, with potential major implications for the aerospace industry.
SpaceX has launched its Starlink 17-39 mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base, adding 24 Starlink V2 Mini satellites to the constellation after an initial abort due to an issue at ignition. The successful launch marks the 85th Falcon 9 launch of the year.
SpaceX has launched a novel geosynchronous robotic servicing satellite, developed by Northrop Grumman, which will extend the lives of client satellites in geosynchronous orbit. The mission, set to last for over a decade, marks a significant milestone in the development of satellite servicing technology.
SpaceX has rescheduled the launch of its Starship megarocket, now targeting July 23 for Flight 13, after an initial attempt ended in an abort due to engine issues. The mission will carry 20 Starlink V3 internet satellites and follow a suborbital trajectory.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch the FLEX and Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellites on a Vega-C rocket in September 2026, providing new insights into vegetation health and supporting ocean and weather forecasting. This launch will mark a significant milestone in the ESA's Earth observation program.
The space industry can draw valuable lessons from the energy sector in managing risks and protecting investments, as both share similar risk profiles. By examining international energy disputes and existing space treaties, such as the Outer Space Treaty and Liability Convention, stakeholders can better navigate the complexities of space exploration.
The upcoming Artemis III mission, scheduled for next year, will mark a significant milestone in crewed space exploration as NASA sends its first crewed spacecraft to the moon, involving a complex sequence of launches and rendezvous. This endeavor will not only pave the way for future lunar missions but also demonstrate the feasibility of coordinated space operations.
The Artemis II mission, launched on April 1, 2026, successfully sent a crewed Orion spacecraft into lunar orbit, marking the first such journey in over 50 years. The 10-day mission demonstrated significant technological advancements and paved the way for future human exploration of the Moon and beyond.
NASA's Curiosity rover has found evidence of extreme ancient sandstorms on Mars, which formed rippling waves in the rock, providing new insights into the planet's past environment. This discovery sheds light on the Martian geology and its potential for supporting life.
A recent study reveals that the cost of accessing space has decreased dramatically, with the average cost of sending 2.2 pounds to orbit dropping from $87,023 in 1960 to $3,868 in 2025. This significant reduction is attributed to advancements in technology, shifts in the space-launch industry, and the adoption of reusable rockets.
SpaceX is set to launch its Starship rocket on July 23, after a previous attempt was cancelled due to engine issues, in a mission that aims to test the rocket"s capabilities and marks a significant step in the development of the company"s next-generation spacecraft. The launch will be a crucial test of the Starship rocket"s propulsion system, powered by 33 Raptor engines.
On July 23, 2026, SpaceX is set to launch its Starship megarocket, carrying 22 payloads to Earth orbit in a high-stakes test flight that aims to revolutionize spaceflight and pave the way for human settlements on the moon and Mars. The mission will demonstrate the capabilities of the Starship vehicle, including its ability to return both the Super Heavy booster and the Ship directly to the launch pad after liftoff.
Chinese startup LegendSpace has raised $29.5 million in angel funding to develop liquid rocket engines utilizing artificial intelligence, aiming to significantly reduce engine iteration cycles. This investment will support the company's efforts to integrate AI-driven design generation, multiphysics simulation, and additive manufacturing into its engine development process.
Plans to launch a large number of satellites into orbit could create an artificial ring visible from every spot on Earth, prompting concerns among astronomers about the potential impact on astronomical observations. The proposed satellite constellations would require the satellites to orbit in the same plane to maintain constant sunshine, leading to a potentially dramatic change in the night sky.
Researchers have found that artificial intelligence (AI) can be misled into misclassifying non-life as life, raising concerns about its reliability in the search for extraterrestrial life. This discovery highlights the need for careful evaluation of AI algorithms and their limitations in astrobiological research.
The island nation of Mauritius has become the 70th country to sign the Artemis Accords, a set of principles outlining best practices for space exploration and governance. This move marks a significant step in Mauritius" new space journey and underscores its commitment to shaping the future of space governance.
The US Space Force has tripled the ceiling of a major national security launch contract to $17 billion, allowing seven eligible companies to compete for task orders under the National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1 contract. This move aims to meet rising demand for launch services and support critical national security missions.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has successfully completed the first flight test of its reusable RV-X rocket prototype, marking a significant step towards developing single-stage reusable launch capabilities. This achievement paves the way for future advancements in reusable launch services and has major implications for the broader aerospace industry.
SpaceX is currently working on the 13th test of its Starship, while NASA's Artemis III mission will utilize SpaceX's Starlink for imagery delivery. The US military has also launched 21 "data transport" satellites with SpaceX.
Skyroot Aerospace has successfully launched its Vikram-1 rocket into orbit, marking a significant milestone for India’s commercial space industry. The launch demonstrates the capabilities of the privately funded Indian company and paves the way for future developments in the country’s space sector.
The European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter has captured images of dark sand dunes covered in seasonal frost, giving them a metallic appearance, providing clues to Mars' past. These findings offer insights into the planet's geological history and atmospheric conditions.
SpaceX has reached a valuation of over $85 billion in the public markets, with plans to launch up to 1 million new satellites into space, potentially paving the way for orbital data centers that could alleviate pressure on the world"s electrical grids. This development marks a significant moment in the space industry, with implications for the future of interplanetary civilization and the management of space debris.
Skyroot Aerospace is poised to launch Vikram-1, India’s first privately built orbital rocket, on July 18, carrying several payloads to low Earth orbit. This mission, named Aagaman, signifies a major breakthrough in the country’s private space industry.
SpaceX has launched its Starship rocket on a critical test flight, aiming to mature the vehicle for official operation, with NASA closely watching the development progress. The mission demonstrates the rocket’s ability to transfer and maintain cryogenic fuels, a crucial step towards future crewed missions.