Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
SpaceX successfully conducted a static fire test of its Falcon 9 rocket on Sunday, February 8, 2026, in preparation for the upcoming launch of Crew-12 to the International Space Station. The test validated the systems on the launch vehicle, paving the way for a midweek launch.
On February 7, 2025, SpaceX launched 25 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a significant expansion of its satellite constellation. The successful launch brings the total number of active Starlink satellites to over 9,600.
NASA has announced plans to bolster its workforce by bringing more technical and operational expertise in-house, aiming to reduce its reliance on contractors after experiencing a significant loss of civil servants. This strategic move is expected to enhance the agency's capabilities and efficiency.
The James Webb Space Telescope has identified a range of molecules that could serve as the initial building blocks of life in a nearby galaxy, providing new insights into the formation of complex carbon-based molecules. These findings have significant implications for our understanding of prebiotic chemistry and the origins of life.
As NASA and SpaceX plan to send humans to Mars, significant challenges must be addressed, including the effects of lower gravity on the human body and the unknowns of human reproduction in space. Understanding these factors is crucial for establishing a sustainable human presence on the Martian surface.
Following a brief stand down, SpaceX successfully launched its Falcon 9 rocket on a return-to-flight mission, adding 25 Starlink satellites to the company"s megaconstellation in low Earth orbit. The launch marks a significant step forward for the company"s satellite constellation and demonstrates its continued commitment to rapid launch cadence.
The SpaceX Crew-12 mission is set to launch on February 11, carrying a team of astronauts from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and Roscosmos to the International Space Station (ISS) for a nine-month stay. This earlier-than-planned launch aims to re-stabilize the ISS after a period of reduced staffing.
SpaceX is transitioning its Dragon flights from Launch Complex 39A to Space Launch Complex 40, allowing for increased flexibility in launch schedules and prioritizing Falcon Heavy and Starship launches at the former site. This strategic move has significant implications for the company's future operations and the broader aerospace industry.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has authorized SpaceX"s Falcon 9 rocket to return to flight, paving the way for the Crew-12 astronaut mission to launch on February 11. The decision comes after a four-day grounding due to an issue with the vehicle"s upper stage during a recent Starlink satellite launch.
A recent observation by NASA's SPHEREx space telescope has revealed a dramatic flare from comet 3I/ATLAS, an interstellar visitor that passed through our solar system, providing valuable insights into the composition and behavior of these rare objects. The comet's outburst was characterized by a surge of gas, dust, and complex molecules, creating a glowing coma and a distinctive pear-shaped dust tail.
The United Launch Alliance (ULA) has successfully offloaded its first Vulcan rocket at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marking a significant milestone in the company's efforts to reestablish its West Coast launch capabilities. This development sets the stage for the upcoming launch of the USSF-87 mission, which is scheduled to take place no earlier than February 12, 2026.
The UK government has announced a proposed 30 percent budget cut to astronomy, particle, and nuclear physics research, which is expected to have a major impact on the field and affect a generation of researchers. This decision will likely influence large international collaborations and the country's position as a global astronomy powerhouse.
A recent launch of SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket ended in an unexpected failure when the upper stage crashed back to Earth without performing a controlled deorbit burn, prompting the company to ground the vehicle pending an investigation. This incident marks the fourth such anomaly involving the Falcon 9's upper stage in the past 19 months.
A recent observation by the SVOM/GRM telescope has captured a superflare from a nearby star, releasing an enormous amount of energy equivalent to several months of solar output. This discovery provides valuable insights into the physics of superflares and their potential impact on planetary systems.
A novel theoretical framework proposes that gravity may behave differently on large scales, potentially eliminating the need for dark matter to explain observed galactic phenomena. This new theory, based on quantum field theory and the infrared running scheme, offers an alternative explanation for the gravitational effects currently attributed to dark matter.
Mercury will be visible in the evening sky for viewers at mid-northern latitudes from February 6 to 18, 2026, offering a rare opportunity to observe the planet. This event is significant as it marks Mercury"s best evening apparition of the year, providing optimal viewing conditions.
Researchers have found that a toxic compound present in Martian soil can be utilized by bacteria to produce brick-like substances, potentially paving the way for the construction of habitats on Mars using local resources. This breakthrough could significantly impact future missions to the Red Planet by providing a sustainable and efficient method for building infrastructure.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman recently flew over the Artemis 2 moon rocket in his personal F-5 aircraft, marking a significant moment in the mission's preparation. The Artemis 2 mission is slated to be the first crewed flight of the Orion spacecraft, carrying four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the moon and back to Earth.
The NASA Artemis 2 mission has been postponed until March due to technical issues, while the agency continues to license and release official merchandise, including Lego sets, clothing, and patches. This development highlights both the challenges and opportunities in NASA"s ambitious plan to return humans to the lunar surface.
The SmallSat Alliance has shifted its focus from promoting the proliferation of small satellites to coordinating their use as a unified system, marking a significant change in strategy as the organization grows to over 50 member companies. This move reflects the increasing importance of small satellite constellations in low Earth orbit for national security and commercial applications.
The US Space Force is planning a broader role in the future, focusing on space superiority and dynamic space operations in response to growing threats in cislunar space. This expansion will involve increased personnel and a shift away from predictable satellite operations.
As commercial space exploration ambitions grow, a new study highlights the urgent need for research and guidelines on human reproduction in space, citing the lack of clear evidence and shared standards around reproductive health beyond Earth. This development underscores the importance of addressing this critical aspect of long-term space habitation.
A recent NASA supercomputer simulation has successfully modeled the merger of two neutron stars, providing valuable insights into these extreme celestial events and their role in forging heavy metals like gold and silver. This breakthrough simulation offers a unique glimpse into the chaotic and fascinating world of neutron star mergers.
The planned INNA green hydrogen plant near the European Southern Observatory's Cerro Paranal site has been cancelled, relieving astronomers who were concerned about its potential to increase light pollution by 35%. This decision preserves the Atacama desert's exceptionally dark skies, crucial for ongoing and future astronomical research.