Browse the complete archive of aerospace journalism with contextual analysis
Researchers have created the largest 3D map of the universe, providing a groundbreaking tool for studying dark energy, a mysterious force driving the acceleration of the universe's expansion. This major breakthrough is expected to significantly advance our understanding of the cosmos.
The Artemis 2 mission, which flew by the Moon in 2024, has sparked feelings of wonder and excitement in an Apollo historian, drawing parallels with the iconic Earthrise photo taken by Apollo 8 astronauts. The mission marks a significant step towards NASA's goal of returning humans to the lunar surface.
Blue Origin has been selected by the U.S. Space Force to develop its first launch site in California at Vandenberg Space Force Base, with plans to launch the New Glenn rocket from the site. This development marks a significant step forward for Blue Origin's launch capabilities and the broader aerospace industry.
SpaceX has successfully conducted a static-fire test of its next-generation Starship V3 upper stage, paving the way for its first launch in early or mid-May. This milestone marks a significant step forward in the development of the Starship program, which aims to provide a reusable and efficient means of accessing low Earth orbit.
The Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI) has successfully concluded its 5-year mission, creating the largest 3D map of the universe by observing 47 million galaxies and quasars, and providing new insights into the mysterious force of dark energy. This achievement marks a major milestone in our understanding of the cosmos, with significant implications for the field of astronomy.
The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer mission has observed the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS releasing enormous quantities of water vapor into space, equivalent to filling 70 Olympic-sized swimming pools daily. This discovery provides valuable insights into the composition and behavior of interstellar comets and their potential role in seeding planets with essential elements.
The Artemis 2 mission has successfully completed its crewed lunar flight, marking the first time humans have visited the moon since 1972, with a documentary by NOVA providing an in-depth look at the engineering challenges and accomplishments of the mission. The mission utilized the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion capsule to carry four astronauts to the moon.
The Artemis 2 mission, crewed by four astronauts from NASA and the Canadian Space Agency, has successfully completed its 10-day journey around the moon and back, marking a significant milestone in human space exploration. The mission splashed down safely in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026, paving the way for future lunar missions.
Astronauts on board the Artemis 2 spacecraft and the International Space Station (ISS) have successfully conducted the first-ever ship-to-ship call between crews in space, marking a significant milestone in space communication. The call, which took place on April 7, connected two teams of astronauts separated by approximately 232,141 miles (373,595 km), discussing their experiences and views.
A worst-case solar storm, which could occur roughly once every 100 to 200 years, has the potential to trigger widespread disruptions, including panic buying and public unrest, due to its impact on satellite operations, power grids, and other critical infrastructure. This highlights the need for increased awareness and understanding of space weather to mitigate its effects.
On April 15, 2026, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying 25 Starlink V2 Mini satellites into orbit. The mission marked the company"s 46th Falcon 9 launch of the year, with the first-stage booster successfully landing on a drone ship in the Pacific Ocean.
On April 14, 2026, SpaceX successfully launched two Falcon 9 rockets from opposite coasts of the United States, deploying a total of 54 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit. This achievement marks a significant milestone in the company"s efforts to expand its satellite constellation.
The successful completion of NASA"s Artemis 2 mission, which sent the first astronauts around the moon in over 50 years, marks the beginning of a new era in lunar exploration. The mission is part of a broader plan to establish a sustainable presence on the moon, with future missions aiming to achieve a crewed landing and eventually a lunar base.
The Artemis 2 mission, a pivotal step in NASA"s lunar exploration program, has successfully concluded with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026, and was subsequently featured in a skit on Saturday Night Live, highlighting its significance and broader cultural impact. This milestone marks a crucial step towards returning humans to the lunar surface.
SpaceX successfully launched its 1000th Starlink satellite of 2026 on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a significant milestone in the company"s efforts to expand its broadband internet constellation. The launch is part of SpaceX"s ongoing mission to provide global internet coverage through its Starlink network.
Recent studies suggest that water-ice on the moon arrived gradually over time, rather than in a single event, and that permanently shadowed craters may not be as permanent as previously thought. This discovery has significant implications for future astronaut missions to the moon, which could utilize water-ice as a valuable resource.
The newly released FY 2027 budget request for NASA includes a 47% cut to the agency's Science Mission Directorate, reducing funding from $7.25 billion to $3.9 billion. This significant reduction has sparked concern among scientists and critics, who argue that it will have major implications for ongoing and future missions.
On April 13, 2029, the near-Earth asteroid 99942 Apophis will pass within 20,000 miles of our planet, offering a rare opportunity for skywatchers to observe the asteroid with the naked eye. This event is a once-in-a-lifetime chance for astronomers and the general public to witness a potentially hazardous asteroid up close.
The S.S. Steven R. Nagel, a Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft, has arrived at the International Space Station carrying over 5 tons of supplies, including a quantum science module to advance dark matter research. The successful docking marks the 24th flight under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services contract.
The Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft, launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is scheduled to arrive at the International Space Station on Monday, marking the second flight of the Cygnus XL vehicle. This mission highlights the ongoing collaboration between NASA, Northrop Grumman, and other space agencies in maintaining a reliable supply chain to the ISS.
The Artemis 2 crew has completed a 10-day mission around the moon, marking the first crewed lunar mission since the Apollo program ended in 1972. The successful return to Earth on April 10, 2026, paves the way for future human exploration of the lunar surface.
A worst-case space weather event could occur every 100-200 years, potentially causing loss of satellite navigation and power outages, with significant consequences for the aerospace industry and global economy. A recent technical report from the U.K."s Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) outlines the potential risks and implications of such an event.
The Artemis 2 mission has concluded with the safe return of its crew to Earth after a 10-day journey around the moon, marking a significant milestone in NASA's plans to reestablish a human presence on the lunar surface. The mission's success paves the way for future manned missions to the moon and beyond.
The Artemis 2 mission has successfully launched and completed a lunar flyby, marking a significant step towards returning humans to the Moon. The crew witnessed a spectacular solar eclipse and paid tribute to a deceased family member by naming a crater after them.