Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
The James Webb Space Telescope and other notable spacecraft will be visible in the night sky during January 2025, offering a unique opportunity for astronomers and space enthusiasts to observe these legendary vessels. This alignment provides a chance to learn more about the telescope's mission and its significance in understanding the universe.
Astronomers have detected a previously dormant supermassive black hole bursting back to life at the center of galaxy J1007+3540, unleashing an enormous eruption spanning 1 million light-years. This discovery provides valuable insights into the behavior and evolution of Active Galactic Nuclei (AGNs).
China is set to launch the Xuntian space telescope in 2027, a powerful observatory that will co-orbit with the Tiangong space station and conduct comprehensive sky surveys across near-ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths. The mission promises significant advancements in our understanding of the universe, leveraging cutting-edge technology including a 6.6-foot-wide primary mirror and a 2.5-billion-pixel camera.
A massive coronal mass ejection (CME) is expected to hit Earth on January 20, potentially triggering a severe geomagnetic storm and making the northern lights visible in 24 US states. The event is a result of an X-class solar flare that occurred on January 18, and astronomers predict the best viewing time will be between 1 and 4 a.m. EST.
A new study analyzing high-resolution images from Mars probes indicates that the planet may have had an ocean at least as large as Earth's Arctic Ocean around 3.37 billion years ago, shedding light on Mars' past and its potential for supporting life. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the Red Planet's history and its possible habitability.
A powerful X-class solar flare occurred on January 18, followed by a fast Earth-directed coronal mass ejection (CME) that is forecast to hit Earth within 24 hours, potentially causing strong geomagnetic storm conditions. The impact of the CME depends on its magnetic orientation and could be visible as far south as Northern California and Alabama.
Researchers have discovered an enormous bar of iron atoms within the Ring Nebula, a planetary nebula approximately 2,000 light-years away, using the William Herschell Telescope and WEAVE instrument. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of stellar evolution and the formation of complex structures in space.
On January 18, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched 29 new Starlink satellites into orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, marking the 99th launch of the Group 6 series and the 347th dedicated launch for the company"s internet from space service. The mission highlights SpaceX"s continued efforts to expand its satellite constellation and improve global internet connectivity.
A new game based on the Star Trek: Voyager series is scheduled for release on February 19th, 2026, promising a unique blend of strategy and adventure as players navigate the challenges of the Delta Quadrant. The game's roguelite elements and focus on player decision-making aim to provide a fresh and engaging experience for fans of the franchise.
Japanese launch company Interstellar Technologies has raised $130 million in Series F funding to continue development of its Zero small launch vehicle, which is designed to place up to 1,000 kilograms into low Earth orbit. The first launch of Zero is targeted for 2027, with eight customers already signed for the inaugural launch.
The NASA Space Launch System (SLS) rocket has been rolled out to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, ahead of the upcoming Artemis 2 mission, which will send astronauts on a 10-day trip around the moon. The mission is scheduled to launch in February 2024, pending successful systems checks and a wet dress rehearsal.
NASA has begun rolling out its Artemis 2 moon rocket to Launch Pad 39B, marking a significant step towards the mission's planned launch on February 6, which will send four astronauts around the moon. The rollout is a crucial milestone in NASA's efforts to return humans to the lunar surface.
The Crew-11 astronauts have returned safely to Earth after a medical evacuation and splashdown, while NASA is gearing up for the rollout of the Artemis 2 rocket and attempting to reestablish contact with the silent MAVEN Mars orbiter. These developments highlight the agency's ongoing efforts in space exploration and its commitment to pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
NASA is set to launch the Artemis II mission, which will send four astronauts on a trip around the Moon, marking the first human voyage to the lunar vicinity since 1972. The mission will push the boundaries of space travel, setting a new record for the farthest humans have ever ventured from Earth.
The US Congress has passed a spending bill that provides $24.438 billion for NASA, restoring funding to the agency's science programs and rejecting proposed cuts to space operations, including the International Space Station. This decision ensures continued support for key missions such as Artemis 2, despite the cancellation of the Mars Sample Return mission due to cost and schedule issues.
The four astronauts of SpaceX"s Crew-11 mission have safely arrived at NASA"s Johnson Space Center in Houston after undergoing the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station. The successful evacuation and return of the crew marks a significant milestone in the realm of space medicine and emergency response.
On January 17, NASA successfully rolled out its Artemis 2 moon rocket to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center, marking a significant step towards sending astronauts on a 10-day trip around the moon. The mission, which is scheduled to include a wet dress rehearsal on February 2, is the first crewed mission to lunar realms since Apollo 17 in 1972.
The U.S. Senate has passed a spending bill allocating $24.4 billion to NASA for fiscal year 2026, rejecting President Trump's proposed budget cuts. This decision ensures a significant increase in funding for the agency, with implications for its various programs and the broader aerospace industry.
NASA is set to launch its Artemis 2 mission, which will send four astronauts on a lunar flyby, marking the first crewed mission to the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The mission is scheduled to launch on February 6 from the Kennedy Space Center and will test the Orion spacecraft's systems during a 10-day journey.
On January 16, 2024, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying a spy satellite for the US National Reconnaissance Office as part of its first national security mission of the year. The launch marks the 12th mission in the NRO's "proliferated architecture" initiative.
The SpaceX Crew-11 mission was cut short due to a medical concern, resulting in the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station, with the spacecraft splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean on January 15, 2026. The crew members were extracted and underwent post-landing medical checks.
A high-speed solar wind stream from a coronal hole on the sun is expected to cause geomagnetic storming, leading to aurora displays in the northern US, visible in 15 states including Alaska, North Dakota, and New York. The best viewing times are between 1am-7am EST on January 16-17.
Scientists have discovered that Jupiter contains approximately 1.5 times more oxygen than the Sun, with most of it locked away in water deep beneath the planet's visible clouds. This finding supports models of Jupiter's formation and has significant implications for our understanding of the solar system.
On January 16, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, carrying an undisclosed number of intelligence-gathering satellites for the National Reconnaissance Office. The mission marks a significant milestone in the collaboration between SpaceX and the National Reconnaissance Office.