Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
The U.S. Space Force has terminated a $1.7 billion contract with AeroVironment for the development of phased-array antennas, citing unsuccessful renegotiations. The decision marks a shift in the Space Force's acquisition strategy, with plans to reopen competition for the project.
The Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL cargo craft has successfully departed the International Space Station (ISS) after a seven-month stay, carrying thousands of pounds of garbage with it to be burned up in Earth"s atmosphere. This event marks the completion of another crucial resupply mission to the ISS.
The AXIS mission, a next-generation X-ray telescope project, has been canceled by NASA due to mismanagement and budget confusion, potentially impacting the agency's ability to replace its aging Chandra observatory. This cancellation highlights the challenges faced by NASA in managing complex projects and ensuring their successful completion.
The US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation has unanimously passed the NASA Authorization Act of 2026, which calls for establishing a permanent crewed US presence on the moon. The act aims to create a lunar base capable of long-duration habitation, robotic, and industrial operations.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch the first two satellites of its Celeste constellation on March 24, marking a significant step in the development of Low Earth Orbit Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (LEO-PNT) technology. This inaugural launch will demonstrate the feasibility of LEO-PNT and potentially revolutionize the field of satellite navigation.
NASA has announced an update on its Artemis 2 mission, which aims to send four astronauts on a 10-day trip around the moon, after a delay due to a helium flow issue. The mission is currently undergoing repairs and may still launch in the next available window, which opens on April 1.
Firefly Aerospace"s Alpha rocket successfully reached orbit on its seventh flight, marking a significant milestone for the company after experiencing two major mishaps in 2025. The mission, dubbed "Stairway to Seven," launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on March 11, 2026.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch three cutting-edge satellites, FLEX, Sentinel-3C, and MTG-I2, designed to enhance Earth observation, weather forecasting, and climate monitoring capabilities. These satellites will provide critical data for understanding our planet"s health and predicting severe weather events.
Voyager Technologies has invested in Max Space to accelerate the development of expandable modules for lunar missions, with the goal of providing a reliable and efficient habitat solution for future space exploration. This partnership aims to leverage Max Space's innovative habitat architecture to support NASA's Artemis program and other lunar initiatives.
Using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope, astronomers have captured a new image of the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way galaxy, revealing a third cloud of gas orbiting the black hole. This discovery provides valuable insights into the environment surrounding the black hole and sheds light on the dynamics of our galaxy's core.
Scientists analyzing images from NASA"s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission have found visual evidence that small asteroids exchange rocks and dust, reshaping their surfaces over millions of years. This discovery provides new insights into the dynamics of binary asteroid systems.
The NASA Artemis 2 mission, a crucial step towards returning humans to the moon, has been delayed due to liquid hydrogen fuel leaks discovered on the launch pad, with the launch rocket being transported back to its hangar for investigation. The delay is expected to last until at least April, with a press conference scheduled for March 12 to discuss the mission update.
Astronomers have discovered that the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is rich in methanol, a simple alcohol molecule, which could provide clues about the formation of planets and icy bodies around other stars. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the early stages of solar system development.
The NASA Office of Inspector General has released a report assessing the agency's management of moon lander risk for upcoming Artemis missions, identifying gaps in testing critical lander systems. The report highlights the challenges and complexities involved in reducing risks for crewed lunar missions.
SpaceX is nearing the launch of its most powerful Starship rocket yet, with the first-ever launch of the upgraded vehicle expected in early April. The launch will mark a significant milestone for the company"s Starship program, which aims to develop a reusable spacecraft capable of carrying both crew and cargo to the moon, Mars, and other destinations in the solar system.
NASA has revised its plans for the Artemis program, selecting a new upper stage for the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and adopting a standardized configuration to establish a long-term human presence on the lunar surface. This change aims to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of future lunar missions.
The Hubble and Euclid space telescopes have captured a new image of the Cat's Eye Nebula, a planetary nebula located 4,400 light-years away from Earth in the constellation Draco, revealing stunning details about the end of a star's life cycle. This discovery provides valuable insights into the final stages of stellar evolution.
Lux Aeterna has raised $10 million to develop fully reusable satellites, which could significantly reduce costs and increase flexibility in the space economy. This breakthrough technology has the potential to transform the aerospace industry by enabling satellites to return to Earth and relaunch almost instantly.
The Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission has achieved a significant milestone by altering the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos around its binary companion Didymos and the sun. This accomplishment demonstrates the effectiveness of kinetic impactor technology in deflecting asteroids, with implications for future planetary defense strategies.
On March 10, 2026, SpaceX launched the EchoStar XXV TV satellite into a geosynchronous transfer orbit on its 30th mission of the year, marking another milestone in the company's busy launch schedule. The successful launch will provide TV signals for Dish Network customers.
SpaceX successfully launched the EchoStar 25 satellite on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a significant milestone in the deployment of direct television satellites. The satellite will operate in geostationary Earth orbit, providing critical communications services to customers across the continent.
China is planning to land its first astronauts on the moon before the end of the decade, with the Rimae Bode region identified as a priority candidate landing area due to its diverse landscape of volcanic plains and ancient highlands. The mission will utilize a lunar lander and an unpressurized rover for sampling, marking a significant step in China"s space exploration program.
The development of smart telescopes has significantly impacted the field of astronomy and astrophotography, offering users a simple and immersive experience with advanced technology such as Newtonian design and OLED micro-displays. These innovative devices have made it easier for both beginners and experienced enthusiasts to explore the night sky.
SpaceX has successfully completed cryoproof operations for its Ship 39, a crucial step towards the vehicle"s first flight, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Starship program. This achievement paves the way for Ship 39 to embark on its maiden voyage, designated as Flight 12.