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NASA has begun loading liquid hydrogen into the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket as part of an unannounced test, aiming to verify repairs to a leaky umbilical connection. This test is a crucial step towards the success of the Artemis 2 mission.
A four-astronaut crew launched to the International Space Station on February 13, restoring the orbiting laboratory to its full seven-person capacity. The Crew-12 mission, commanded by astronaut Jessica Meir, will conduct an eight-month stay aboard the ISS.
The United Launch Alliance"s Vulcan rocket experienced a problem with one of its solid rocket boosters shortly after launch on February 12, 2026, but continued on its planned trajectory to deliver payloads for the U.S. Space Force. The incident occurred during the USSF-87 mission, which includes at least one Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program (GSSAP) satellite.
The B612 Foundation, a nonprofit organization, is working to protect Earth from asteroid impacts through education and research, including promoting methods such as kinetic impact deflection. The foundation's efforts are part of a broader initiative to advance knowledge about near-Earth objects (NEOs) and mitigate potential threats to the planet.
The Exploration Company has successfully completed mock splashdown tests for its modular, reusable Nyx space capsule at the Umberto Pugliese towing tank facility in Italy, marking a significant technical milestone in the development of the spacecraft. The tests, conducted between January 13-28, bring the company closer to its goal of launching a full test flight of the Nyx capsule to the International Space Station by 2028.
The US Space Force is hosting an event to discuss new approaches to collapse space kill chains, featuring presentations from industry experts on the latest strategies and technologies. This event aims to explore innovative solutions to enhance the effectiveness of space-based target detection, tracking, and engagement.
The United Launch Alliance is set to launch the USSF-87 mission for the U.S. Space Force, carrying multiple satellites including the Geosynchronous Space Situational Awareness Program system, with a launch window opening at 3:30 a.m. EST on Thursday morning. The mission aims to deliver its payload to Geosynchronous Earth orbit, marking a significant operation for the U.S. Space Force.
China has achieved a significant milestone in its crewed lunar program by successfully conducting a low-altitude abort test of its next-gen Mengzhou capsule, demonstrating the spacecraft's ability to safely maneuver away from its launch vehicle in emergency situations. This test brings China one step closer to sending astronauts to the moon as early as 2030.
SpaceX successfully launched 24 new Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit on February 11, 2026, marking the company's 12th expansion of its Starlink network this year. This launch brings the total number of Starlink satellites in orbit to further enhance global internet connectivity and other satellite-powered services.
Small satellite manufacturers are experiencing increased demand for mini-constellations, which can provide specialized services such as constant custody or continuous coverage over a specific area. These constellations, typically consisting of dozens to hundreds of satellites, offer a range of benefits for governments and companies seeking tailored solutions.
The Artemis 2 mission, the first crewed mission to the moon in over half a century, has limited launch windows due to orbital mechanics and mission requirements. The mission will send astronauts on a 10-day trip around the moon, with launch windows available on specific dates in March and April.
NASA's Artemis 2 mission, scheduled to launch in March 2026, will orbit the moon with a crew of four astronauts aboard the Orion Spacecraft, launched by the powerful Space Launch System rocket. The mission has been delayed from its initial February 8 launch date due to technical issues.
Astronomers continue to search for remnants of comet C/2019 Y4 ATLAS, which broke apart near the sun in 2020, with predictions suggesting a half-kilometer-wide chunk may still be in orbit. The ongoing search provides valuable insights into comet breakup and the potential risks associated with near-Earth objects.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) is working to increase its launch rate after the departure of CEO Tory Bruno, with a focus on its new Vulcan rocket and aiming for 18-22 launches in 2026. The company has a backlog of about 80 missions and is adapting to changes in its customer base, including the US Space Force's decision to reassign some satellite launches to SpaceX.
United Launch Alliance (ULA) aims to launch between 18 and 22 times in 2026, with a mix of Atlas 5 and Vulcan missions, marking a significant increase in launch cadence. This surge in launches is driven by a large backlog of missions, including a major contract with Amazon to deploy its broadband internet satellites into low Earth orbit.
On February 11, 2026, at 6:14:40 a.m. PST, SpaceX successfully launched its 12th Starlink mission of the year, deploying 24 broadband internet satellites into low Earth orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket. This launch marks another significant milestone in the expansion of SpaceX"s Starlink constellation.
New observations from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope suggest that massive gas giants may form through the same core accretion process as smaller planets, challenging previous assumptions about planet formation. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of planetary development and the search for life beyond Earth.
The upcoming SpaceX Crew-12 mission, scheduled for February 13, 2026, will carry a crew of four astronauts, including two veterans and two rookies, to the International Space Station (ISS) for an eight-month stay in low Earth orbit. The mission is made possible by recent expansions to the Dragon spacecraft"s certified durational capabilities.
SpaceX has announced a shift in its priorities, now focusing on building a self-sustaining city on the Moon rather than pursuing its original goal of colonizing Mars, with the lunar settlement expected to be achieved in under a decade. This strategic change reflects the company's ongoing efforts to extend human presence beyond Earth.
The launch of NASA"s SpaceX Crew-12 mission to the International Space Station has been delayed due to weather concerns, with a backup launch date set for Friday, February 13. The mission will carry a crew of four astronauts from NASA, ESA, and Roscosmos to the ISS.
Astronomers have successfully tracked the evolution of atomic nickel and iron emissions from interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, gaining valuable insights into planet formation in other stellar systems. The comet's composition provides a unique opportunity to understand the universal recipe for planet formation.
The current legal framework governing space activities, established in the 1960s, is facing challenges in addressing the growing complexities of modern space exploration and commercialization. As global activity in Earth orbit increases, there is a pressing need for a new approach to tackle the emerging issues in space governance.
The European Southern Observatory is making progress on the Extremely Large Telescope, a groundbreaking instrument that will enable scientists to study the universe in unprecedented detail. Once completed, the ELT will be the world"s largest telescope, with a primary mirror measuring 128 feet across.
A team of scientists has identified a massive underground tunnel on Venus, carved by volcanic activity, using data from NASA's Magellan mission. This discovery challenges the long-held view of Venus as a geologically dead world and provides new insights into the planet's internal structure.