Technology
Advances in spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and aerospace engineering
Articles
Firefly Aerospace Initiates Upgrades to Alpha Launch Vehicle for Enhanced Reliability
Firefly Aerospace is undertaking significant upgrades to its Alpha launch vehicle to improve reliability, following a series of failures that have impacted the vehicle's performance. The upgrades aim to address technical issues and enhance the overall efficiency of the launch system.
Space Agencies and Private Companies Prepare for Lunar Missions with Nuclear Power
In 2026, space agencies and private companies will focus on developing technologies to survive the harsh lunar night and harness nuclear power for future missions. This effort is crucial for the success of upcoming lunar and Mars missions, including NASA's Artemis program.
Advancements in Superheavy-Lift Rockets Poised to Revolutionize Astronomy
Recent successful test flights of superheavy-lift rockets, such as SpaceX"s Starship and Blue Origin"s New Glenn, have significant implications for the field of astronomy by potentially enabling the development of cheaper and more capable space telescopes. These advancements could transform our understanding of the universe by allowing for more comprehensive observations of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Private Funding Secured for Four Next-Generation Telescopes, Including First Privately Funded Space Observatory
A philanthropic organization founded by the former CEO of Google has secured private funding for four next-generation telescopes, including a space-based observatory called Lazuli, which will have 70% more collecting area than the Hubble Space Telescope. This development marks a significant milestone in the application of commercial spaceflight lessons to large-aperture astronomy.
Private Investment to Advance Space-Based Telescope Technology
Billionaire Eric Schmidt and his wife Wendy have announced a significant investment in private telescope projects, including the Lazuli space telescope, which is expected to launch in late 2028 and begin scientific operations in 2029. This investment aims to push the boundaries of space-based astronomy and potentially pave the way for future breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe.
China to Introduce Reusable Long March 10-Derived Rocket in 2026
China is developing a reusable variant of its Long March 10 crew launch vehicle, aiming for a first launch in the first half of 2026, which will significantly enhance its space launch capabilities. This new rocket is designed to carry substantial payloads to orbit, supporting China"s ambitious space programs.
International Space Station Atmosphere Leak Resolved After Cracks Found in PrK Module
The International Space Station has stopped leaking atmosphere into space after cracks were discovered in the PrK module, with NASA and Roscosmos monitoring the situation closely. The resolution of the leak is a significant development for the ongoing operation of the space station.
SpaceX Achieves Record-Breaking Launch Cadence in 2025
In 2025, SpaceX successfully launched 165 orbital missions, surpassing its previous record and demonstrating a significant increase in launch frequency, with the majority of these launches supporting the expansion of its Starlink satellite constellation. This achievement highlights the company's growing capabilities in the aerospace industry.
Google"s Ambitious Plan for Orbital Data Centers Faces Challenges from Space Debris
Google plans to launch a constellation of 81 satellites into low Earth orbit to power AI data centers, but the mission faces significant challenges from space debris in an already crowded orbit. The project aims to reduce the environmental impact of traditional data centers by utilizing solar energy and beaming data back to Earth.
NASA Engineers Conduct Critical Inspection of Roman Space Telescope's Primary Mirror
NASA engineers have completed a thorough inspection of the Roman Space Telescope's primary mirror in a cleanroom at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, a crucial step towards ensuring the telescope's optics meet the strict standards required for spaceflight. The successful inspection brings the Roman Space Telescope one step closer to its launch in 2025, when it will begin exploring dark energy and discovering new exoplanets.
NASA Deploys Advanced Sensor to Identify Critical Minerals in the American West
NASA has initiated a project utilizing the AVIRIS-5 sensor to locate critical minerals in the American West, aiming to identify surface traces of these essential resources used in various technologies. This endeavor is part of the GEMx project, a collaborative effort with the USGS.
Russia Develops Patented Space Station Design Capable of Generating Artificial Gravity
Russian state-owned Energia rocket company has secured a patent for a novel spacecraft architecture designed to generate artificial gravity through rotation, which could significantly improve conditions for crews on long-duration space missions. This innovative design has the potential to mitigate the effects of microgravity on astronauts" health.
China Advances Space Station Capabilities with Next-Generation Cargo Spacecraft
China is developing a new cargo spacecraft, Qingzhou, to support its Tiangong space station, with capabilities to carry significant payloads to low Earth orbit. The Qingzhou spacecraft is slated for production in 2026, marking a major milestone in China's space program.
Space Startups Achieve Autonomous Rendezvous in Geostationary Orbit
Impulse Space and Starfish Space have successfully demonstrated autonomous rendezvous capabilities in geostationary orbit using the Mira spacecraft, marking a significant technical milestone for the aerospace industry. This achievement showcases the potential for cost-effective and efficient space missions.
SpaceX Achieves Historic Milestone with First Successful Falcon 9 Rocket Landing
On December 21, 2015, SpaceX successfully landed the first stage of its Falcon 9 rocket after launching the Orbcomm-2 mission, marking a significant milestone in the company"s history. This achievement came after a series of challenges and setbacks, including the failure of the CRS-7 mission earlier that year.
NASA"s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Achieves Milestone with Over 100,000 Photos of Martian Surface
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has reached a significant milestone by capturing over 100,000 images of the Martian surface using its High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera. This achievement marks a major contribution to our understanding of the Martian geology and topology.
Private Spacecraft Achieve Autonomous Rendezvous in Low Earth Orbit
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.
NASA Conducts Drone Tests in Death Valley to Enhance Mars Mission Navigation
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.
SpaceX Achieves Milestone with 550th Falcon 9 Booster Recovery
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.
Researchers Successfully Demonstrate AI-Controlled Free-Flying Robot on International Space Station
Stanford researchers have achieved a significant technical milestone by using artificial intelligence to navigate a free-flying robot around the International Space Station, paving the way for more autonomous space missions. This breakthrough demonstrates the potential for AI to enhance the efficiency and safety of space exploration.
Blue Origin Aims for Four-Flight Campaign to Secure New Glenn Certification
Blue Origin is working towards achieving certification under the U.S. Space Force's National Security Space Launch program by conducting four successful orbital flights with its New Glenn rocket, with a third launch expected earlier in the new year. Upon certification, Blue Origin will be eligible to compete for national security launch missions.
Construction Underway for World"s Largest Optical Telescope
The European Southern Observatory is building the Extremely Large Telescope, a groundbreaking instrument that will enable scientists to study the universe with unprecedented clarity and shed new light on its origins. The ELT will be capable of directly imaging small, rocky exoplanets and measuring the universe"s rate of expansion.
Aetherflux to Launch Orbital AI Data Centers with Galactic Brain Project
Aetherflux, a space-based solar technology company, has announced plans to launch a constellation of solar-powered satellites for artificial intelligence data center production, aiming to speed up AI computing power without bulky infrastructure. The first node of the Galactic Brain constellation is set to launch in 2027.
SpaceX Achieves Milestone with Record-Breaking Falcon 9 Booster Landing
The first stage of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket has successfully landed for the 32nd time, setting a new record for a "flight-proven" booster and bringing the company closer to its goal of flying its Falcon 9 first stages 40 times. This achievement marks another significant step forward in reusable rocket technology and highlights the progress of SpaceX"s Starlink satellite constellation.
NASA Spacecraft Vulnerability Exposed and Remedied by AI Algorithm
A recently discovered vulnerability in NASA spacecraft communications, which had gone undetected for three years, was identified and fixed by an AI algorithm within four days, averting a potential threat to billions of dollars in space infrastructure. The swift resolution highlights the critical role AI can play in enhancing cybersecurity in aerospace.
Artificial Intelligence Enhances Spacecraft Propulsion Efficiency
Scientists are leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize spacecraft propulsion systems, potentially leading to faster and safer interplanetary travel. This breakthrough could significantly impact the aerospace industry by enabling more efficient and powerful propulsion technologies.
NASA Completes Assembly of Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope Ahead of Summer Launch
The NASA Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has been fully assembled and is ready to begin launch preparations this summer, marking a significant milestone in the mission to survey the universe with unprecedented efficiency. The telescope is expected to observe billions of galaxies and hundreds of millions of stars, detecting more than 100,000 exoplanets through subtle gravitational lensing events.
Russian Soyuz Rocket Damages Launch Pad During Liftoff from Baikonur Cosmodrome
A Russian Soyuz rocket damaged its launch pad during liftoff on November 27, 2023, while carrying three astronauts to the International Space Station. The incident highlights concerns over the reliability and maintenance of launch infrastructure.
Researchers Use High-Energy X-ray System to Reveal Internal Damage of EURECA Satellite
The European Retrievable Carrier mission (EURECA) satellite was scanned using a high-energy X-ray system, revealing internal damage including cracks in composite struts and damage to scientific instruments. This study provides valuable insights for the development of future reusable space hardware.
Firefly Aerospace Achieves Successful Lunar Landing with Blue Ghost 1 Spacecraft
Firefly Aerospace has successfully landed its Blue Ghost 1 spacecraft on the moon, marking a major milestone for the company and NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. This achievement demonstrates the effectiveness of public-private partnerships in advancing space exploration.
China Achieves Technical Milestone with First Rocket Recovery Attempt
LandSpace successfully launched its new Zhuque-3 rocket, reaching its target orbit despite a failed landing attempt, marking a significant step forward for China"s reusable rocketry program. This achievement has major implications for the country"s space industry and its ability to compete with the US launch sector.
Three Decades of Solar Observation: SOHO Spacecraft Marks 30 Years of Groundbreaking Research
The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) spacecraft, a collaborative project between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA), has completed 30 years of observing the sun, providing invaluable insights into its structure, dynamics, and behavior. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the field of solar research, with SOHO having studied nearly three solar cycles and captured numerous solar flares and coronal mass ejections.
Blue Origin Achieves Key Milestone in Development of Blue Ring Spacecraft for National Security Missions
Blue Origin has successfully passed a critical development milestone for its Blue Ring spacecraft, a maneuverable in-orbit transport vehicle designed to support national security missions, with its first operational mission projected for spring 2026. The spacecraft is capable of delivering, hosting, and transporting payloads in geostationary Earth orbit, highlighting significant advancements in dynamic space operations.
Rocket Lab Achieves Record-Breaking Launches and Prepares for Neutron Rocket Debut
Rocket Lab has successfully completed 17 Electron missions, breaking its annual launch record, and is nearing the launch pad debut of its Neutron rocket. The company"s achievements have significant implications for the broader aerospace industry, with collaborations including a key role in supporting Firefly"s Blue Ghost mission to the Moon.
Stoke Space Advances Reusable Rocket Development with New Launch Site at Cape Canaveral
Stoke Space is establishing a presence in the aerospace industry with its new launch site at Cape Canaveral and a focus on developing reusable rockets, having secured $9.1 million in seed funding and leased Launch Complex 14 from the US Space Force. This move marks a significant step towards the company's goal of achieving full and rapid rocket reuse.
New Rocket Company Stoke Space Establishes Presence at Cape Canaveral
Stoke Space, a newly established rocket company, has begun constructing its launch site at Cape Canaveral, Florida, with plans to launch its reusable Nova rocket, following the securing of $9.1 million in seed funding and the lease for Launch Complex 14 in 2022. This development marks a significant step for the company as it aims to enter the competitive orbital launch market.
Blue Origin Achieves Milestone with New Glenn Rocket Launch and Recovery
Blue Origin has successfully launched its second orbital rocket, New Glenn, and recovered the booster by landing it on a barge named Jacklyn, marking a significant step forward for the company as it ramps up production to meet growing demand for launches. This achievement paves the way for future missions, including the launch of the Blue Moon Mark 1 lunar lander.
Blue Origin Achieves Milestone with Successful New Glenn Rocket Landing
Blue Origin"s New Glenn rocket has successfully landed after its second orbital launch, marking a significant technical milestone for the company, which plans to increase its launch cadence in 2026. This achievement sets the stage for future missions, including carrying the Blue Moon Mark 1 lunar lander.
Blue Origin Achieves Milestone with Successful Offshore Landing of New Glenn Rocket
Blue Origin has successfully landed its New Glenn rocket on a floating platform in the Atlantic Ocean after launching from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking a significant technical milestone for the company. This achievement demonstrates Blue Origin"s capabilities in recovering orbital-class rocket boosters, a crucial step towards reusable launch systems.
Fokker Services Group Introduces Anti-Jamming and Anti-Spoofing System for Civil Aircraft
Fokker Services Group will unveil a system to protect civil aircraft from GPS interference at the Dubai Airshow 2025, addressing a significant challenge in aviation. The technology aims to prevent disruption of satellite navigation systems, which is a growing concern for the industry.
Swedish Space Corp Unveils Streamlined Ground Station Service for Small Satellites
Swedish Space Corp has introduced a new ground station service called SSC Go, designed to provide support for operators of small satellites and constellations, offering S- and X-band communications with plans to add Ka-band capabilities next year. This development is expected to have significant implications for the broader aerospace industry, particularly in the realm of small satellite operations.