Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
The Parker Solar Probe has captured a unique view of the solar wind, revealing that some solar material erupts from the sun only to make a U-turn and fall back towards the star. This observation, made during a record-setting close approach on Christmas Eve 2024, provides new insights into the sun"s magnetic energy recycling process.
The MAVEN spacecraft, launched by NASA in 2013 to study Mars" atmosphere, has been silent since December 4 despite attempts to reestablish contact. Analysis of a recovered signal suggests the spacecraft is spinning in an unexpected manner, potentially indicating a change in its orbit trajectory.
Japan successfully launched the Michibiki 5 navigation satellite into geosynchronous orbit using an H3 rocket, marking a significant milestone in the development of its Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZSS). The launch is part of Japan's efforts to establish a comprehensive navigation network compatible with GPS satellites.
A recent eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia's Danakil region sent ash 9 miles above sea level, with the plume drifting northeast and disrupting flights as far away as India, all while being closely monitored by NASA's Aqua satellite. The event highlights the importance of satellite surveillance in tracking natural disasters and their potential impact on global air travel.
Chinese companies are actively developing rockets that bear similarities to SpaceX"s Falcon 9 and Starship vehicles, marking a significant shift in the country"s aerospace industry. This trend is characterized by the development of reusable rockets, super-heavy lift capabilities, and innovative propulsion systems.
A private satellite constellation has successfully pinpointed significant methane emissions from oil, gas, and coal facilities globally, providing crucial data to combat climate change. The findings reveal approximately 9 million tons of methane emissions per year from 3,114 facilities worldwide.
The US Space Force has announced a new naming scheme for its spacecraft and space weaponry, drawing inspiration from mythology and the natural world, with seven categories chosen to represent different mission areas. This change aims to provide a standardized and meaningful approach to naming Space Force assets.
On December 19, the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS made its closest approach to Earth, providing a rare opportunity for astronomers to study its composition and behavior. This event marks a significant moment in the field of astronomy, as scientists from multiple space agencies and observatories have turned their attention to this interstellar visitor.
Researchers have successfully mapped the outer edge of the sun's atmosphere, revealing a dynamic boundary that changes with the sun's activity cycle, and this breakthrough could improve space weather forecasting. The study utilized data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe and other spacecraft to create the first detailed maps of this critical region.
In a significant technical milestone, two commercial spacecraft demonstrated autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations in Low Earth Orbit, marking a major achievement for the private space industry. The successful mission, developed in just nine months, showcases the capabilities of advanced guidance, navigation, and control software.
Researchers have discovered that atoms and molecules from Earth"s atmosphere have been traveling to the moon for billions of years, providing a historical record of our planet"s atmospheric composition and potentially useful resources for future lunar bases. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of the Earth-moon system and the development of sustainable space exploration.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced a robust lineup of missions and launches for 2026, featuring collaborations with NASA and advancements in cryogenic propulsion. Key highlights include the epsilon mission, Hera mission, and Plato, which will contribute significantly to the search for rocky planets and deep space exploration.
On December 15, 2025, United Launch Alliance (ULA) will conduct its final launch of the year, carrying 27 satellites for Amazon"s Leo broadband internet service into Low Earth Orbit. This mission marks a significant milestone in the development of Amazon"s satellite constellation, which aims to provide global broadband internet coverage.
The James Webb Space Telescope has found evidence of massive stars that existed shortly after the Big Bang, with masses up to 10,000 times that of the sun, which could have played a role in the formation of supermassive black holes. This discovery was made by analyzing the chemical makeup of a galaxy located 12.7 billion light-years away.
NASA is testing drones in California's Death Valley National Park as part of its Mars Exploration Program, aiming to improve navigation capabilities for future Mars missions. The tests are informed by the successes of the Ingenuity Mars helicopter and could pave the way for drones to play a crucial role in mapping landing zones and locating resources on the Martian surface.
On December 19, interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS will make its closest approach to Earth, providing astronomers with a rare opportunity to study the composition and origin of this celestial body. This event marks a significant moment in the field of astronomy, as it allows scientists to gain a deeper understanding of the interstellar medium and the formation of our solar system.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced its key milestones for 2026, including the Smile mission to study Earth's reaction to solar particles and radiation, the arrival of BepiColombo at Mercury, and various Earth Observation and Navigation launches. These endeavors highlight the agency's commitment to advancing our understanding of space and its applications.
On Monday, December 14, SpaceX launched 29 Starlink satellites into orbit using a Falcon 9 rocket, marking the company's 163rd flight of the vehicle in 2025. The launch took place despite initial poor weather forecasts, with the first stage landing on an autonomous drone ship after separation.
On December 15, 2025, a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas V rocket launched 27 Amazon Leo internet satellites into low Earth orbit, marking the fourth Project Leo mission for the Atlas V rocket. This launch is part of Amazon's effort to establish a constellation of approximately 3,200 satellites to provide global internet coverage.
SpaceX has delayed the launch of its Falcon 9 rocket from NASA"s Kennedy Space Center due to unfavorable liftoff winds and booster recovery weather, aiming to add 29 Starlink V2 Mini satellites to its low Earth orbit constellation. The mission, which will mark the sixth flight of the Falcon 9 booster with tail number 1094, is part of SpaceX"s ongoing efforts to expand its broadband internet services.
On December 14, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched 29 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into low Earth orbit aboard a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This marks the company's 120th Starlink launch this year, further expanding its megaconstellation of satellites in low Earth orbit.
The Expanse, a science fiction show that debuted 10 years ago, offers a realistic depiction of space travel and explores the political tensions between Earth, Mars, and the asteroid belt in a future where humanity has colonized the Solar System. The show"s attention to technical detail and its portrayal of a potentially plausible future have made it a favorite among fans of science fiction and aerospace enthusiasts.
The December Ursids meteor shower is expected to peak on December 21-22, with hourly rates of 5-10 meteors anticipated, providing a celestial spectacle for observers in the Northern Hemisphere. The event offers an opportunity to witness a relatively overlooked meteor shower under favorable viewing conditions.
SpaceX successfully recovered its 550th Falcon 9 booster after launching 27 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit, marking a significant technical milestone for the company. This achievement underscores SpaceX's continued progress in reusable rocket technology and its impact on the aerospace industry.