Topic
space-exploration
60 stories related to this topic, newest first.
arstechnica.comworld2 hrs ago
New Horizons Spacecraft Exits Hibernation 5.9 Billion Miles from Earth
NASA’s New Horizons awoke on June 23 after nearly eleven months in sleep mode. Flight controllers confirmed the spacecraft remains healthy while collecting data in the Kuiper Belt.
news.sky.comworld3 days ago
NASA considers sending spare nuclear-powered rover to the moon
The space agency is evaluating whether to repurpose an engineering model of its Mars Perseverance rover for lunar operations. Officials also announced four additional Commercial Lunar Payload Services missions scheduled for late 2028.
app.buzzsumo.comscience5 days ago
Artemis II astronauts return to Kennedy Space Center three months after lunar flyby
The four Artemis II crew members visited their capsule at Kennedy Space Center for the first time since the April launch. They set a new distance record of 252,756 miles during the mission, the first crewed lunar flight in more than 50 years.
The Guardianworld6 days agoUpdated
Wally Funk, Pilot Who Flew Briefly to Space at 82, Dies at 87
Wally Funk died Wednesday evening at an assisted living facility in Grapevine, Texas. The 87-year-old had logged more than 19,600 flight hours and flew to space aboard Blue Origin’s New Shepard in 2021.
Japan Timesscience11 days ago
Japan Probe Flies Past Asteroid at 5 Kilometers per Second
Japan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft passed within close range of the 450-meter asteroid Torifune on Sunday. The flyby serves as a test before a planned 2031 rendezvous with a smaller asteroid.
Forbesscience12 days ago
China’s Tianwen-2 spacecraft arrives at asteroid Kamoʻoalewa after 13-month journey
The probe reached the quasi-satellite on July 4, 2026, after 13 months of travel. It will orbit the asteroid for nine months to collect samples before departing in 2027.
Substrate placeholder — needs reviewworld15 days ago
NASA Astronauts Replace Failed Wrist Joint on Space Station Robot Arm
Two astronauts completed a seven-hour, 20-minute spacewalk Tuesday to swap a 200-pound wrist joint on the Canadarm2 arm. CBS News reported the repair restored full function after a May 27 failure.
New Scientistscience17 days ago
Perseverance Rover Finds Carbon-Rich Molecules in Jezero Crater Rocks, Origin Unknown
NASA’s Perseverance rover identified large carbon compounds on spotted rocks in the Bright Angel formation. The findings, made with the SHERLOC instrument in 2024, occurred near an ancient riverbed in Jezero crater. Scientists say sample return to Earth is needed to assess any bi…
Forbesscience18 days ago
China's Tianwen-2 Spacecraft Scheduled to Reach Asteroid Kamoʻoalewa in Early July
Forbes reported that the Tianwen-2 probe will arrive at the 130- to 330-foot quasi-satellite next month. The mission will collect samples before continuing to a main-belt comet around 2035.
azernews.azscience18 days ago
NASA Plans Robotic Missions to Moon for Base by 2032
The agency will partner with four companies to deliver landers and vehicles ahead of a human return before 2029. A separate $20 billion program targets a south-pole outpost powered by solar and nuclear energy.
Euronewsworld18 days agoUpdated
Astronomers Identify Largest Super-Puff Planets Found to Date
Two giant planets with densities lower than cotton candy orbit a star 1,110 light-years away. Detected by NASA’s TESS satellite, the worlds are the lightest known planets of their size.
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The Independentworld24 days ago
Nasa spacecraft observes peanut-shaped asteroid during April 2025 flyby
The Lucy spacecraft flew past asteroid Donaldjohanson on April 20, 2025, confirming its elongated, two-lobed shape. Data from the encounter showed the asteroid rotates around two axes and contains iron-rich clay minerals formed near liquid water.
winnipegfreepress.comworld24 days ago
Eight-Year-Old Meets Astronaut After Plush Toy Flies on Artemis II
Lucas Ye, who designed the Rise plush selected as the Artemis II zero-gravity indicator, met pilot Victor Glover on or before June 18, 2026. NASA posted video of the encounter the same day.
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GB Newsworld36 days ago
European astronaut selected for first time on NASA lunar mission
An Italian astronaut will fly on the Artemis III mission scheduled for 2028. The crew will test lunar landing vehicles during a two-week flight that includes work with two commercial landers.
ABC Newsscience33 days agoUpdated
NASA Names Four Astronauts for 2027 Artemis III Moon Mission
The agency selected a crew of three Americans and one Italian for the first crewed lunar landing under the current program. The mission will launch in 2027 aboard the Orion spacecraft and Space Launch System rocket.
news.sky.comworld43 days ago
British Paralympian Selected for Possible Space Station Mission
A British Paralympic medalist has been chosen for a potential flight to the Haven-1 space station under an agreement between the UK Space Agency and the company Vast. The station is scheduled for launch within the next year.
spacenews.comscience46 days ago
NASA Awards $440 Million to Astrolab and Lunar Outpost to Develop Lunar Rovers for Planned Moon Base
NASA selected two companies to build lunar terrain vehicles for a planned moon base near the lunar south pole. The contracts total about $440 million and form part of a $20 billion program announced this week.
fortune.comscience46 days ago
New Glenn Test Explosion Delays Blue Origin Launch Plans
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during an engine test on May 28, 2026, damaging the launch pad and halting near-term Blue Moon lunar missions. NASA had recently awarded Blue Origin contracts to deliver payloads to the lunar surface, but the accident leaves SpaceX as the p…
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spacenews.comscience46 days agoUpdated
Blue Origin New Glenn Rocket Engine Explodes During Test at Cape Canaveral
A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket exploded during a pre-launch engine test on May 28, 2026. The incident grounds the vehicle that was scheduled to carry a Blue Moon lunar lander for NASA.
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BBC Newsworld48 days ago
Blue Origin New Glenn Engine Test Ends in Explosion, Damages Launch Pad
A Blue Origin rocket exploded during testing at a Florida launch site, damaging the pad and delaying future flights. The incident affects Amazon satellite plans and Nasa lunar missions scheduled for 2026 and later.
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Usa Todaytechnology48 days ago
SpaceX Names Chun Wang to Lead Private Crewed Mars Flyby Mission
SpaceX announced plans for a private crewed mission that will fly around Mars and return to Earth. Cryptocurrency billionaire Chun Wang will lead both the Mars mission and a separate lunar flyby. The company provided no launch dates for either flight.
indiatoday.intoday.inworld49 days ago
NASA Details Phased Plan for Moon Base Development
NASA outlined a three-phase approach to building a lunar base, with initial missions scheduled through 2029. The agency plans to rely on private contractors for landers, rovers, and cargo delivery.
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en.antaranews.comtechnology50 days ago
NASA Outlines Three-Phase Plan for Lunar South Pole Base
NASA released a roadmap and concept images for building a sustained human presence near the lunar South Pole. The plan divides development into three phases running from robotic missions through 2029 to continuous crewed operations after 2032.
news18.comworld50 days ago
NASA Outlines First Phase of Moon Base With Rovers and Landers
NASA on Tuesday detailed initial plans for a lunar base and awarded contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to four U.S. companies. The announcement comes less than two months after the Artemis II crewed lunar flyaround.
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tass.comtechnology50 days ago
NASA Selects Blue Origin for Lunar Rover Deliveries and Details South Pole Base Plan
NASA outlined a three-phase lunar base program at the moon’s south pole, with the first robotic missions scheduled to begin this year. Blue Origin will test its Blue Moon Mark 1 Endurance lander in late 2026 as part of the initial phase.
Wiredtechnology50 days ago
NASA Awards First Contracts for Lunar South Pole Rovers
NASA selected Blue Origin, Firefly, and Astrolab to deliver rovers to the Moon’s south pole. The awards mark the first step toward a permanent lunar base after the Artemis II mission.
The Vergeworld50 days ago
NASA Outlines Three Robotic Missions to Begin Moon Base Construction
NASA announced three uncrewed lunar missions scheduled for later this year to scout landing sites and test equipment ahead of a planned crewed landing in 2028. The flights form the first phase of a multi-year effort to establish a permanent base at the Moon’s south pole.
tass.comworld50 days ago
NASA Outlines Plans for Lunar Base Operations by 2029
NASA announced details for a semi-permanent lunar base at the Moon's South Pole. The agency said the first phase will run through 2029 and involve 25 launches and 21 landings.
spacenews.comworld50 days ago
NASA Awards Contracts for Two Lunar Rovers
NASA announced contracts on Tuesday to develop two rovers that will support astronauts at a planned lunar base. The awards form part of the agency's ongoing program to establish a sustained presence on the Moon.
Forbesscience50 days ago
SpaceX Starship Must Complete Multiple Refueling Tests to Meet 2028 Moon Landing Goal
SpaceX completed a Starship flight test on May 26, 2026. The company faces additional technical requirements before landing astronauts on the Moon by 2028 under a White House executive order.
spacenews.comworld50 days ago
NASA Awards Contracts for Moon Base Landers Rovers and Drones
NASA has awarded contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to four U.S. companies for the first phase of a planned lunar base. The hardware is scheduled to arrive before astronauts land on the moon as early as 2028.
upi.comworld50 days ago
NASA Announces Timeline and Contracts for Lunar Base Development
NASA released a phased schedule for building Moon outposts and awarded lunar lander contracts to Blue Origin. The plan outlines successive stages leading to permanent settler facilities.
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app.buzzsumo.comscience50 days ago
NASA Selects Lunar Outpost for Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services Contract
NASA awarded Lunar Outpost a task order under its Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services contract. The award covers development of the Pegasus crewed lunar terrain vehicle for Artemis program operations.
New York Postscience50 days ago
NASA Administrator Announces Three 2026 Moon Missions
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that three lunar missions are scheduled for 2026. The missions will be conducted by Blue Origin, Astrobotic, and Intuitive Machines to deliver agency payloads.
France 24world51 days ago
China Launches Shenzhou 23 Spacecraft to Tiangong Station
China launched the Shenzhou 23 spacecraft and docked it with the Tiangong Space Station. The new crew will conduct experiments and prepare for future lunar landings, including a planned year-long stay in orbit.
Wiredscience52 days ago
Psyche Probe Captures Mars Images During Gravity-Assist Flyby
NASA used the Psyche spacecraft's close approach to Mars to test its instruments. The probe passed within 4,609 kilometers of the planet and gathered data on the surface and atmosphere.
foxnews.comscience52 days ago
Ice Erupts from Jupiter and Saturn Moons
Water plumes on ocean moons of Jupiter and Saturn could freeze into low-density ice resembling croissant texture. Researchers identified this material as a potential obstacle for future lander missions.
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arstechnica.comtechnology52 days ago
NASA Plans 2028 Test of Nuclear Electric Rocket for Mars Mission
NASA will test a nuclear-powered spacecraft in 2028 designed to shorten travel times to Mars. The project, called Space Reactor-1 Freedom, is part of the Ignition announcement released in March.
France 24world53 days ago
China Launches Shenzhou-23 Mission With Year-Long Orbit Stay Planned
China sent three astronauts to the Tiangong space station on Sunday aboard a Long March 2-F rocket. One crew member will remain in orbit for a full year to study long-duration spaceflight effects.
nypost.comworld53 days ago
NASA Astronaut Reid Wiseman Describes Artemis II Crew Training and Flight
Commander Reid Wiseman discussed the selection process, family considerations, and daily operations during the Artemis II lunar mission. The interview covered training adjustments, spacecraft challenges, and emergency procedures encountered in flight.
Nprscience54 days ago
SpaceX Launches Upgraded Starship V3 on Test Flight
SpaceX launched its third-generation Starship rocket Friday from Texas. The uncrewed vehicle deployed mock satellites before splashing down in the Indian Ocean.
focustaiwan.twscience54 days ago
SpaceX Names Chun Wang Commander of First Crewed Mars Flyby Mission
SpaceX announced that Chun Wang, co-founder of Bitcoin mining pool F2Pool, will serve as commander of its first crewed Mars flyby mission. The selection was reported by CoinDesk.
app.buzzsumo.comscience55 days ago
NASA Tests Mars Helicopter Rotors Past Speed of Sound
NASA engineers tested larger rotor blades for future Mars aircraft and reached speeds above Mach 1 in a simulated Martian atmosphere. The tests produced about 30 percent more lift than previous designs. Data analysis is ongoing.
world56 days ago
SpaceX to Launch Upgraded Starship Version 3 on Thursday
SpaceX plans to conduct its next Starship test flight on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. ET. The launch will debut a taller rocket with upgraded engines and comes after a seven-month pause in flight testing.
science56 days ago
Golfer Discusses Moon Landing Footage and Extraterrestrial Beliefs in Podcast
Bryson DeChambeau stated during a podcast interview that he believes humans reached the moon but questions the authenticity of existing footage. He also expressed belief in unidentified anomalous phenomena and interdimensional beings.
news.google.comscience56 days ago
NASA Tests High-Powered Plasma Thruster for Future Mars Missions
NASA conducted a test of a lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic thruster that reached 120 kilowatts of power. The agency said the system could reduce propellant use by up to 90 percent compared with chemical rockets.
Fortunescience58 days ago
Tech Leaders Say Space Travel and Work Could Begin Within a Decade
Sam Altman, Elon Musk, and Jeff Bezos have each stated that space-related jobs and travel may become available to young workers in the coming years. Their comments come as some entry-level positions on Earth face pressure from automation.
world58 days ago
SpaceX developing technology to advance human space travel
SpaceX is working on a new technology that its founder says will mark a significant point in human history. The project aims to expand capabilities beyond current space operations.
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world60 days ago
SpaceX Reports Routine Docking With Space Station
SpaceX stated that docking operations with the space station have become routine. The company noted that it continues to treat each docking with care.
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techjuice.pkscience61 days ago
Researchers Propose Slightly More Fuel-Efficient Lunar Routes via Earth-Moon L1
Researchers analysed 30 million trajectories and found that approaching Lagrange Point L1 from the moonward side saves 58.8 metres per second in velocity compared with earlier routes. The path keeps spacecraft visible from Earth and allows 13-day stays for potential tourist excha…
nypost.comscience61 days ago
SpaceX Files for IPO, Targeting Mid-June Trading
The rocket and satellite company has moved up its long-awaited public offering schedule after a faster-than-expected SEC review. SpaceX aims to begin marketing on June 4, price shares as early as June 11 and start trading on Nasdaq under ticker SPCX on June 12. The offering seeks…
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science61 days ago
Elon Musk Says SpaceX Will Take Steps to Protect Long-Term Mission from Short-Term Pressures
Elon Musk, head of SpaceX, said the company intends to structure itself so he cannot be removed. He cited the need to keep the company focused on making life multiplanetary rather than quarterly financial targets.
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forbes.comtechnology64 days ago
SpaceX Targets May 19 Launch of Upgraded Starship Version 3
SpaceX is aiming for a May 19 launch of its Starship megarocket from South Texas, marking the vehicle's 12th test flight and the debut of an extensively redesigned Version 3. The flight will test new propulsion, thermal protection and in-space refueling capabilities critical to N…
SA
Wiredtechnology64 days ago
NASA Frees Curiosity Rover Drill Stuck on Martian Rock
The Curiosity rover's drill became stuck to a 28.6-pound rock after a sample collection on April 25. Engineers spent nearly a week using the rover's cameras, arm movements, vibrations and rotations to dislodge it. The rock broke free on the first full attempt after several days o…
thehindu.comworld65 days ago
SpaceX Loads 11 Million Pounds of Propellant on Fully Stacked Starship V3
The company has for the first time loaded 11 million pounds, or 5,000 metric tonnes, of propellant onto a fully stacked Starship V3 vehicle. The propellant loading marks a significant step in ground operations for the vehicle. The company has indicated that such rehearsals bring…
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themarketherald.com.auworld66 days ago
Footage Released From Artemis II Recovery After Splashdown
Newly released video from the Artemis II mission commander shows the view from inside the spacecraft as recovery teams opened the hatch following splashdown. The footage provides an astronaut's-eye perspective of the post-landing operations. The release comes as NASA continues it…
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news.google.comworld67 days ago
Russia Building First Privately Developed Spaceport for Ultralight Rockets, Targeting 2026 Launch
Space Energy is constructing Russia's first private spaceport, with the first launch possible as early as 2026. The Primorsky cosmodrome was selected for its ballistic conditions and sea landing zones. @MarioNawfal reported the development on Sunday.
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nypost.comscience68 days ago
Pentagon Declassifies Transcripts and Images From Apollo and Gemini Missions
The Defense Department on May 8, 2026, published more than 160 documents including Apollo 17 transcripts in which astronauts described bright tumbling particles resembling Fourth of July fireworks and three dots in triangular formation above the lunar surface.
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medium.comworld69 days ago
James Webb Telescope Finds LHS 3844 b Is a Barren, Airless World With Volcanic Rock Surface
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has delivered the first direct look at the surface of the rocky exoplanet LHS 3844 b, also known as Kua’kua, revealing a dark, airless world dominated by ancient volcanic rock. The observations, published this week in Nature Astronomy, show a pla…
Semafortechnology70 days agoUpdated
SpaceX Shifts Focus to Starship Over Falcon 9 at California Launch Site
SpaceX plans to reduce Falcon 9 launches in 2026 as it transitions resources to the larger Starship vehicle. Vandenberg Space Force Base in California has become the company's busiest launch site so far this year. The move supports ambitions for lunar landings, Mars missions, orb…