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NASA has selected the Dynamic Atmosphere-Ionosphere Explorer (DAPHNE) mission to study the interaction between space weather and Earth's atmosphere, with a planned launch no earlier than 2029. The mission aims to enhance our understanding of how solar activity affects the upper atmosphere, specifically the thermosphere.
The US Department of Defense has awarded Quantum Space a contract to develop an orbital refueling spacecraft, capable of transferring propellant to satellites in geostationary orbit, with delivery expected by 2028. This development marks a significant step towards enhancing the operational capabilities of military spacecraft.
A non-profit organization called Operation Period will conduct a study on menstruation in microgravity aboard a Virgin Galactic suborbital flight in 2027, aiming to provide comprehensive data on the topic. This research is crucial for longer spaceflights and extended stays on the moon.
Annie Easley, a human computer at NASA, made significant contributions to the space program despite facing discrimination, with her work on energy-conversion systems and the Cassini spacecraft leaving a lasting impact. Her story highlights the important role of unsung heroes in the history of space exploration.
A Chinese university-led mission, in collaboration with international space agencies, aims to study the asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth in 2029, providing valuable insights into the asteroid's surface and composition. The mission will utilize advanced technologies, including xenon solar electric propulsion and hyperspectral imagers, to achieve high-resolution imaging and precise data collection.
Mu-g Technologies has acquired a Dassault Falcon 50 business jet to offer commercial parabolic flight services, providing brief periods of microgravity for research and technology demonstrations. This development coincides with NASA's efforts to acquire its own aircraft for reduced-gravity research, highlighting the growing importance of parabolic flights in the aerospace industry.
Gate Space, an Austrian propulsion startup, has been awarded 6.3 million euros in funding from the European Commission's government-backed accelerator program to support its development of high-thrust chemical propulsion systems for satellites. This investment is expected to have major implications for the aerospace industry, particularly in the areas of satellite maneuverability and autonomous docking capabilities.
Private equity firm EQT has acquired Exolaunch, a company specializing in rideshare launches for small satellites, with plans to expand its launch capacity and potentially shift to SpaceX's Starship program in the future. The deal is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, marking a significant development in the growing small satellite industry.
The director of the Space Rapid Capabilities Office, Kelly Hammett, has been appointed executive director of the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, marking a significant shift in the organization of the US Space Force’s acquisition efforts. The move comes as the Space Rapid Capabilities Office is being shuttered as a standalone entity, with its programs to be integrated into the broader Portfolio Acquisition Executive framework.
The Federal Communications Commission's recent authorization of 15,000 Starlink Gen2 satellites has highlighted the need for a satellite servicing economy to mitigate the environmental impact of satellite reentries, with experts warning of potential damage to the ozone layer. As the aerospace industry continues to expand, the development of in-space servicing technology and demisable satellites is becoming increasingly important.
Boeing has successfully demonstrated a key quantum networking protocol, high-fidelity entanglement swapping, in ground testing of a compact payload, marking a significant step towards the development of a global quantum internet. The technology will be further tested in orbit as part of the Q4S mission scheduled for 2027.
Scientists have identified the source of a high-energy neutrino as a star-forming galaxy located 11 billion light-years away, providing significant evidence for the role of such galaxies in populating the universe with these particles. This discovery was made possible through the use of advanced telescopes and the phenomenon of gravitational lensing.
SpaceX is set to launch its third mission of the year in support of the National Reconnaissance Office's constellation of intelligence-gathering satellites, marking the company's 14th launch for the NRO. The mission will utilize a Falcon 9 rocket to deploy an undisclosed number of satellites into low Earth orbit.
On June 19, 2026, SpaceX will launch a batch of spy satellites for the US National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. The mission, designated NROL-179, marks the 71st Falcon 9 launch of 2026 and is part of a new network of spy satellites known as "proliferated architecture".
A team of astronomers is studying the TOI-5882 system, approximately 1,300 light-years away, to determine if a star has consumed a super-Earth exoplanet with assistance from its brown dwarf companion. The investigation relies on observations of the star's chemical composition and lithium content to understand the nature of the engulfed planet.
The European Space Agency's Mars Express orbiter has captured an image of the Mamers Valles valley system on Mars, revealing 30 dust devils in the region. This discovery provides valuable insights into the Martian environment and has significant implications for future Mars missions.
An experimental satellite, Pulsar-0, has successfully mapped the scale of GPS jamming across Europe and the Middle East from space, providing valuable insights into the vulnerability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). This discovery has significant implications for the development of more resilient navigation systems.
The Perseverance rover has successfully traveled over 26.2 miles on the Martian surface, marking a significant technical milestone for the mission. This achievement provides valuable insights into the feasibility of future human exploration on the Red Planet.
The Ariane 6 rocket has successfully launched 36 Amazon Leo satellites into low-Earth orbit, setting a new weight record for Europe and demonstrating the launcher's versatility. This achievement marks a significant milestone in European space capabilities.
The US Pentagon has launched the Golden Dome initiative, a global, multi-layered defense architecture designed to track and counter emerging threats using space-based and ground-based sensors. This new defense strategy has significant implications for the broader aerospace industry, with several companies already developing prototypes and competing for funding commitments.
Relativity Space is set to launch a Mars orbiter in 2028 as part of its Interplanetary Sciences Program, marking a significant private sector undertaking in interplanetary exploration. The mission will utilize a reusable launch vehicle and feature advanced instrumentation for atmospheric and geological studies.
On June 17, an upgraded Ariane 6 rocket launched 36 Amazon Leo broadband satellites into low Earth orbit from Kourou, French Guiana, marking the third Ariane 6 launch this year and carrying the heaviest payload yet for the vehicle. The mission utilized upgraded solid rocket boosters to increase thrust and payload capacity.
Researchers have found a binary star system, HD 81809, where one star has a higher concentration of metals, indicating it may have consumed an exoplanet. This discovery provides insights into the formation and evolution of planetary systems.
Researchers have found that asteroids in the inner solar system, aided by Jupiter's gravitational influence, are likely the source of Earth's phosphorus and nitrogen, elements crucial for life. This discovery, based on a combination of lab experiments and computer simulations, sheds new light on the early formation of our solar system and the delivery of key ingredients necessary for life to emerge on our planet.