Topics

According to researchers, a new machine learning model can identify planetary systems that may host habitable planets with an accuracy of 99%. (Image source: DallE3)

Breakthrough in exoplanet science: 44 new candidates for Earth-like worlds

Researchers at the University of Bern have made a major breakthrough in the search for habitable worlds. Using a new AI model with a reported 99% accuracy rate, they have identified 44 planetary systems that could potentially host...

Marius Müller, 06 May 2025 14:13

The new Starlink Router Mini comes to extend Wi-fi range at an affordable price. (Image source: Starlink)

Starlink outs cheap Mini router for extended range as a Mesh node and on the go option

Instead of releasing a Gen 4 Starlink router, SpaceX filled a gap in its device offering by releasing a Starlink Mini router to go with its respective compact and highly mobile dish. It will be sold concurrently with Starlink's ot...

Daniel Zlatev, 30 Apr 2025 12:19

Tianwen-3: China seeks global partners for Mars sample return. Pictured: China's optical mirror (Image source: CNSA)

Tianwen-3 mission to return first Chinese Mars samples by 2031

Slated for late 2028, Tianwen-3 will launch two Long March 5 rockets to land, sample, and return Martian soil, delivering the first Chinese Mars samples by 2031.

Nathan Ali, 24 Apr 2025 22:39

The Starlink Gen 4 router may be launched together with the new Mini dish. (Image source: SpaceX)

Starlink is releasing Gen 4 router to go in a new Mini dish kit with faster download speeds

After the Starlink Gen 3 router that ushered in Wi-Fi 6 connectivity and was developed to support the V2 satellite generation, SpaceX is now preparing to launch new gear. The Gen 4 routers will likely support the upcoming faster S...

Daniel Zlatev, 18 Apr 2025 05:21

A visualization of K2-18b based on current scientific data, showing what the distant exoplanet might look like. (Image Source : NASA, ESA, Joseph Olmsted)

NASA's James Webb Telescope hints at alien life on planet K2-18b

A mysterious world 120 light-years away could challenge everything we thought we knew about alien life. K2-18b, a distant exoplanet orbiting a cool dwarf star in the constellation Leo, has become the focus of intense scientific in...

Santiago Nino, 18 Apr 2025 01:23

Honda will test its water electrolysis system, a key component of its energy-generating lunar fuel cell system, on the ISS. (Image source: Honda)

Honda to test key component of its lunar fuel cell system on the International Space Station

The Honda Space Development Division will test its water electrolysis system on the ISS, a key component of its regenerative lunar fuel cell system to make electricity, oxygen, and hydrogen.

David Chien, 07 Apr 2025 06:09

SpaceX's Regional Savings promo slashes $200 off the Starlink Standard price. (Image source: SpaceX)

You can still get the Starlink Standard dish for $149 in these US states

SpaceX is giving potential Starlink customers in parts of the US a bit more time to snag its Standard satellite dish at a hefty discount. The company has officially extended its "Regional Savings" program through April 30th in 27 ...

Kristen Spradlin, 03 Apr 2025 15:02

Starlink Mini still has a long way to go before approaching the affordability of the Standard dish (Image source: SpaceX)

Starlink Mini dish price is coming down in the US, but it still falls short of Musk’s budget-friendly vision

CheckMag Initially teased by Elon Musk as a potential game-changer in affordable satellite internet, the Starlink Mini hasn't exactly lived up to that billing in the US market. While the price is trending downwards, it's still significantl...

Kristen Spradlin, 25 Mar 2025 15:02

Los Alamos National Laboratory develops "Spacecraft Speedometer" to enhance satellite tracking in congested orbits. Pictured: Engineers working on NASA's GRACE-FO satellite (Image source: NASA)

"Spacecraft Speedometer" provides real-time velocity tracking for autonomous satellite management

Scientists develop "Spacecraft Speedometer" to track satellite velocity in real-time, improving space traffic management. The innovative device uses plasma spectrometers to deliver continuous velocity readings even when GPS and gr...

Nathan Ali, 20 Mar 2025 21:22

Starlink Mini and Standard dishes (Image source: Starlink)

Every Starlink dish available and the differences between them

CheckMag 6 kinds of Starlink dishes are available as of March 2025. They differ in features as well as intended use cases. This little article may help users choose the right one for their needs.

Antony Muchiri, 19 Mar 2025 22:58

he Starlink Standard dish delivers fast and reliable satellite internet to residential users. (Image source: SpaceX)

Starlink Standard dish drops to $149—but only in these US states

New users in 27 US states can now save $200 on a Starlink Standard dish as part of SpaceX's Regional Savings program. The offer is valid for Starlink Standard service plans and runs until March 31. This is the lowest price the V4 ...

Kristen Spradlin, 06 Mar 2025 11:44

The Residential Lite plan is a new fixed service plan designed for smaller households. (Image source: SpaceX)

Starlink Residential Lite: New affordable unlimited data plan goes live in the US

The new Residential plan is designed for households with lower bandwidth needs. You still get unlimited data but at reduced speeds. The plan is currently live in 15 US states, and at $80 a month, it's much cheaper than the regular...

Kristen Spradlin, 02 Mar 2025 18:17

More than 450 Starlink satellites are part of this beta (Image source: T-Mobile)

Smartphones in the US could connect to Starlink satellites for free

At first, text-only messaging will be supported and available to users across various carriers. T-Mobile and SpaceX are collaborating to enable picture messaging, data services, and voice calling.

Daniela Morales Soler, 13 Feb 2025 14:59

Rosatom's new plasma engine could enable 30-day Mars missions (Image source: Rosatom)

Rosatom's new plasma engine could potentially cut Mars travel time to 60 days

Russia's Rosatom unveils a breakthrough plasma electric rocket engine that could transform space travel, potentially reducing Mars journey times from one year to just 30-60 days.

Nathan Ali, 11 Feb 2025 21:12

Lonestar prepares the Freedom RaaS lunar data center for spaceflight. (Image source: Lonestar Data Holdings)

Lonestar prepares Freedom lunar data center for space launch

Lonestar Data Holdings has tested the integration of its Freedom lunar data center with the Intuitive Machines IM-2 Athena mission lander in preparation for a first quarter SpaceX moon mission.

David Chien, 11 Feb 2025 00:13

T-Mobile turned on Starlink on iPhones (Image source: SpaceX)

Starlink satellite Internet now works on Apple iPhones with latest iOS 18.3 update

T-Mobile has turned on the Starlink satellite Internet service for Apple's iPhones in a rather surprising move. Previously, launch tests for the direct-to-cell feature were always done on Samsung phones.

Daniel Zlatev, 29 Jan 2025 14:07

China to use lasers for power delivery in space (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)

China might supply power to its spacecraft using moon-orbiting lasers

Since spacecraft left in the dark might need more power than what can be stored in the internal batteries during exposure to sunlight, China is considering transmitting power from orbit using laser wireless transmission. Moving be...

Codrut Nistor, 22 Jan 2025 15:37

Satellites like Sentinel-1 need a reliable supply of electric energy (Image source: ESA/Mlabspace)

Research on lighter and better solar cells for space yields promising results

While silicon cells are destroyed by solar radiation, In-Ga cells are heavy and expensive. Therefore, it’s time for a better power supply in space, and positive effects on residential solar systems could follow.

Mario Petzold, 15 Jan 2025 22:21

The satellite's speed of ca 30,000 km/h was a big problem. (Image source: ESA)

Online everywhere: World's first direct 5G connection to satellite established

A permanent connection to near-Earth satellites without any other ground-based systems is set to be reality soon. From simple surfing with a smartphone to real-time applications, numerous possibilities are conceivable.

Mario Petzold, 25 Dec 2024 01:20

Parker Solar Probe set for historic Christmas Eve solar approach (Image source: NASA)

Parker Solar Probe's closest-ever solar approach hits 3.8 million miles on Christmas Eve

NASA's Parker Solar Probe prepares for its closest-ever solar approach on December 24, flying within 3.8 million miles of the Sun's surface at speeds of 430,000 mph. Protected by advanced heat shields and specialized materials, th...

Nathan Ali, 22 Dec 2024 17:36

Antimatter spacecraft propulsion could enable interstellar travel within human lifetime, new study reveals (Image source: DALL·E 3)

Antimatter propulsion: The future of interstellar travel

A new study examines antimatter propulsion for spacecraft, showing that just 1 gram of antihydrogen could power 23 space shuttles—10 billion times more powerful than conventional rocket fuel. While production and storage hurdles r...

Nathan Ali, 21 Dec 2024 21:09

Artist concept of a OneWeb satellite (Image source: Eutelsat)

Airbus is set to build 100 new satellites in key deal to expand OneWeb constellation

The aircraft manufacturer is set to begin production in early 2026, with a launch date scheduled for the end of the same year.

Daniela Morales Soler, 20 Dec 2024 00:03

Starlink satellite constellation on a low Earth orbit (Image source: Generated using DALL·E 3)

Starlink could hit South Africa by mid-2025

Thanks to the changes in licensing requirements announced by the local Department of Communication and Digital Technologies, Starlink could enter South Africa next summer. However, this is not certain yet, although Elon Musk's sat...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Dec 2024 10:34

Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuits (Image source: SpaceX)

Artemis faces new delays, NASA pushes the lunar landing to mid-2027

The need to revise the re-entry trajectory of the Orion crew capsule and to properly test its life support and environmental control systems is changing the schedule of the Artemis mission once again. Without any additional delays...

Codrut Nistor, 06 Dec 2024 16:01

Billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman to lead NASA

Now waiting for the Senate's vote, Jared Isaacman is Donald Trump's choice as NASA's next administrator. Isaacman has been to space twice on SpaceX capsules in private missions and is a business associate of Elon Musk. If confirme...

Codrut Nistor, 06 Dec 2024 01:10

Only a few small innovations are needed for global internet access. (Image source: pixabay)

5G via satellite: Global availability for $6 per month

A study commissioned by the ESA shows that the technical implementation of 5G communication via satellite is cost-effective. A few steps still need to be taken, however.

Mario Petzold, 05 Dec 2024 23:31

Star Citizen's IAE 2954 event will end on December 5 (Image source: Roberts Space Industries)

Star Citizen becomes free to play for a limited time

The space simulation game Star Citizen is free to play for a limited time. Players can try out over 150 ships and other intergalactic vehicles from November 22 to December 5 without needing to purchase the title.

Abid Ahsan Shanto, 23 Nov 2024 06:53

SpaceX's Starship on the launch pad. (Image source: SpaceX)

SpaceX: Sixth Starship flight successful with minor difficulties

The sixth test flight of the Starship prototype was almost flawless, only the booster failed to be captured as planned. Donald Trump travelled to Texas in person to witness the spectacular launch of the SpaceX rocket.

Alexander Pensler, 20 Nov 2024 12:30

LignoSat becomes the world's first wooden satellite launched into space. (Image source: Kyoto SIC Human Spaceology Center)

World's first wooden satellite, LignoSat, launched on SpaceX International Space Station resupply mission

The world's first wooden satellite, LignoSat, has been launched on the 31st SpaceX ISS resupply rocket. Wood can reduce the amount of metal particles left in the atmosphere during satellite reentry. The CubeSat was created by a te...

David Chien, 06 Nov 2024 03:27

Diamond dust could cool Earth by 1.6°C new study suggests (Image source: DALL·E 3)

Diamond dust geoengineering could cool Earth by 1.6°C at a $200 trillion cost

Diamond dust could be the ultimate shield against global warming, outperforming other materials in reflecting sunlight and avoiding acid rain. But with a $200 trillion price tag through 2100, this ambitious geoengineering solution...

Nathan Ali, 28 Oct 2024 01:39

China Tianping-3 satellite launch on a Long March 6 rocket (Image source: Ourspace)

China launches a satellite trio for ground radar calibration and measurement

The Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology (SAST) started this week with a launch that placed into orbit three satellites. The purpose of the Tianping-3A (01), B (01), and B (02) satellites is to calibrate ground radar equipme...

Codrut Nistor, 23 Oct 2024 11:34

With the LunaRecycle Challenge, NASA is paying up to 3 million US dollars in prize money for innovative recycling technologies that can be used on the moon. (Image source: NASA)

Turning lunar trash into treasure: NASA launches $3 million recycling challenge

With the LunaRecycle Challenge, NASA is offering independent inventors the chance to make a major contribution to space exploration and win attractive prize money at the same time. The aim is to find an energy-efficient, lightweig...

Marius Müller, 19 Oct 2024 15:39

SpaceX satellite (Image Source: Pixabay -edits)

SpaceX wants to upgrade Starlink to deliver gigabit speeds

FCC filings reveal SpaceX's plans to make subtle but highly impacting changes to the Starlink Network. If the FCC approves the request and other network providers do not block it, these changes could result in a jump in network pe...

Stephen Pereyra, 16 Oct 2024 06:29

The Europa Clipper will reach Jupiter's moon by April 2030. (Image source: NASA)

Hurricane Milton delays launch of NASA's largest spacecraft, Europa Clipper, to October 14

NASA's Europa Clipper mission, now rescheduled due to Hurricane Milton, is set to launch on October 14, 2024, at 12:06 p.m. EDT aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The mission will explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa, with a goal to u...

Anubhav Sharma, 13 Oct 2024 18:23

From right to left, NASA astronauts Jeanette Epps, mission specialist; Matthew Dominick, commander; Michael Barratt, pilot; and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, mission specialist. (Image source: SpaceX)

SpaceX Crew-8 members to return to Earth, NASA to provide live coverage via stream

NASA’s Crew-8 mission will conclude with the SpaceX Crew Dragon's splashdown on October 14. NASA will provide live coverage of the undocking and return, with splashdown scheduled for 3:38 p.m. EDT. Viewers can watch the full journ...

Anubhav Sharma, 12 Oct 2024 16:34

Some highlights from the most detailed infrared map of the Milky Way. (Image source: ESO.org)

This stunning Milky Way infrared image is the most detailed one yet, compiled from 500 terabytes of data

Astronomers have released the most detailed infrared map of the Milky Way ever, featuring over 1.5 billion objects. The data, collected over 13 years using ESO's VISTA telescope, reveals previously hidden stars, globular clusters,...

Anubhav Sharma, 27 Sep 2024 08:17

First Starship mission to Mars will be in 2026 (Image source: SpaceX)

SpaceX will send five Starships to Mars in 2026 and Starlink will pay for it

The revenues generated from Starlink satellite Internet subscriptions are the main source of financing all SpaceX endeavors, including sending a test mission to Mars in 2026.

Daniel Zlatev, 23 Sep 2024 12:05

An AI-generated depiction of a radio signal from deep space reaching earth. (Image source: Dall-E 3)

Deep space radio burst reaches Earth after 8 billion years, unleashing 30 years worth of Sun's energy in milliseconds

A fast and super-energetic radio burst that traveled 8 billion years through space, FRB 20220610A, was detected by astronomers. It could eventually aid us in discovering the universe's missing matter.

Anubhav Sharma, 22 Sep 2024 12:39

The EVA space suit (Image source: SpaceX)

SpaceX tests its Mars space suit in first private spacewalk out of the Dragon capsule

SpaceX has developed the Extravehicular Activity (EVA) space suit with its mission to Mars in mind, and it just underwent the first successful spacewalking test.

Daniel Zlatev, 12 Sep 2024 18:06

First manned mission to Mars may happen in 2028 (Image source: SpaceX/YT)

Elon Musk pegs the first human flight to Mars for 2028 with a colony to follow in 20 years

SpaceX is planning to do its maiden Starship voyage to Mars in the next available 2026 window. It will be used to gauge the viability of sending the first flight with a crew in four years time.

Daniel Zlatev, 08 Sep 2024 10:58

The Boeing Starliner launch on June 5 was previously delayed twice due to issues with the rocket and service module. (Image source: Wikipedia)

NASA astronaut reports strange sonar-like noises from Boeing Starliner docked at ISS

Astronaut Butch Wilmore reported unexplained sonar-like pulsing noises from the Starliner spacecraft, docked to the ISS. NASA is investigating the cause, which is likely nothing too serious. The incident follows other challenges w...

Anubhav Sharma, 02 Sep 2024 08:37

Scientists previously theorized the global electric field should begin at around 150 miles (250 kilometers) altitude. (Image source: NASA/Conceptual Image Lab/Wes Buchanan/Krystofer Kim)

60 years in the making: NASA confirms hypothesis on Earth's global electric field

NASA's recent rocket launch confirmed the existence of a global electric field around Earth, a key factor in space weather and atmospheric dynamics. This field, driven by the interaction between solar wind and Earth's magnetospher...

Anubhav Sharma, 31 Aug 2024 12:32

NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) spacecraft before the Didymos impact, an illustration. (Image source: NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Steve Gribben)

Asteroid's shape and orbit permanently changed because of NASA's 2022 DART impact

NASA's DART mission has successfully altered Dimorphos' orbit, revealing unexpected shape changes. These findings will be critical for future planetary defense. The ESA's Hera mission, scheduled to be launched in October 2024, wil...

Anubhav Sharma, 24 Aug 2024 23:06

NASA VIPER robotic moon rover (Source: NASA/Helen Arase Vargas)

NASA gearing up for new moon exploration missions, invites third parties to join

Although NASA intends to discontinue the VIPER program, the agency is now reaching out to American companies and institutions that are willing to use the moon rover to conduct a mission with minimal or no expense for the US govern...

Codrut Nistor, 12 Aug 2024 11:41

Superimposed movements reveal the binary system. (Image source: ESA/Gaia/DPAC)

Over 350 new moons discovered in the solar system

This almost doubles the number of asteroids in our planetary system that have a companion, i.e. a moon. This discovery was only possible thanks to GAIA's extremely precise instruments.

Mario Petzold, 09 Aug 2024 16:04

The July 3 launch was the 67th successful Falcon 9 rocket launch in 2024 (Image source: X)

103 DtC Starlink satellites now online as satellite-based 4G LTE Internet inches closer to reality

On July 3, Starlink successfully launched a Falcon 9 rocket carrying 13 Direct to Cell satellites and 7 regular satellites. The project that started out on January 2 with the launch of the first six DtC-enabled satellites is set t...

Sergey Tarasov, 04 Jul 2024 18:46

Clicks like the little building blocks from the nursery. (Image: ESA)

LEGO bricks constructed from meteorite dust, test run for a moon base

It's as big as the original, clicks like the original, but comes from outer space. To create a base on the moon, the ESA is copying the principle of the toy manufacturer that is also involved.

Mario Petzold, 27 Jun 2024 21:26

The International Space Station in orbit viewed from the SpaceX Crew Dragon. (Image source: NASA Johnson on Flickr)

NASA chooses SpaceX to build ISS de-orbit vehicle for $843 million after 2030 decommission

NASA will pay SpaceX $843 million to demolish the ageing space station when it reaches the end of its operational life. The current plan is to bring the ISS down over the Pacific Ocean. Plans to salvage parts of the ISS for other ...

Julian van der Merwe, 27 Jun 2024 16:06