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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

It's a big effort, but after all, it's about the majority of the entire universe. (Image: University of Nottingham)

Newly constructed dark energy trap could confirm theory of dark matter

It is invisible, cannot be measured in any other way, but is supposed to explain the creation and existence of the universe. A "trap" for dark matter and energy is now being constructed.

Mario Petzold, 21 Jun 2024 22:36

Was cosmic radiation to blame for all the ice? (Image: pixabay/andremartins123)

Ice ages possibly with an interstellar cause

There are many reasons for ice ages: The earth's tilt, volcanoes, the CO2 concentration could be the cause. Or a mysterious bubble in space that could have had a significant effect.

Mario Petzold, 11 Jun 2024 16:48

June 10th, 2024 solar flare (Source: NASA Blogs)

NASA detected a strong solar flare yesterday morning

With a peak level at 7:08 a.m. ET, yesterday's solar flare that got spotted by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory was labeled X1.5. On the first day of this month, NASA's solar research satellite spotted two other strong solar flar...

Codrut Nistor, 11 Jun 2024 10:35

Billionaire Yusaka Maezawa cancels ambitious 'dearMoon' project after an indefinite postponement last November. (Source: Wikipedia)

Billionaire abandons ambitious moon trip aboard SpaceX Starship citing prolonged delays

Japanese billionaire Yusaka Maezawa has cancelled his planned moon trip on board a SpaceX Starship, blaming persistent delays in the rocket's development which he did not anticipate. Originally announced in 2018 with an expected l...

Sambit Saha, 05 Jun 2024 21:56

The Envision's design matches that of Unistellar's popular smart telescopes (Image source: Unistellar)

Smart AR binoculars for stargazing and outdoor exploration unveiled by Unistellar

Unistellar, known for its smart telescopes, will soon be launching the Envision, a pair of AR-infused smart binoculars that overlay contextual information like paths and landmarks over a landscape, or constellations and planets in...

Vishal Bhardwaj, 24 May 2024 18:01

President Biden raises tariffs on Chinese-made EVs, lithium batteries, solar cells, medical PPE and syringes, and more. (Source: Whitehouse on YouTube)

President Biden raises US import tariffs on Chinese EVs, batteries, solar cells, medical supplies, semiconductors, port cranes, minerals, and metals while ignoring patients and medical providers

President Biden has raised US import tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles, batteries, solar cells, medical supplies, semiconductors, port cranes, minerals, steel, and aluminum. The tariffs are in response to unfair Chinese trade p...

David Chien, 15 May 2024 03:16

Peak solar flare period threatens GPS, satellites, flights, electrical grids, and electronic devices worldwide. (Source: NASA/SDO)

Huge solar flares from peak year of Solar Cycle 25 disrupt GPS while threatening Starlink satellites, flights, and power grids

Huge solar flares from the peak year of Solar Cycle 25 have disrupted GPS services while threatening Starlink satellites, flights, power grids, and more. Solar flares are enormous bursts of energy from the sun crash into the magne...

David Chien, 12 May 2024 08:00

A thermoelectric radioisotope generator is large and impractical, but supplies permanent electricity. (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

Mini plutonium battery with high performance in the long term: NASA wants even more

It's not a mini nuclear power plant, but the research for a new energy source presented by NASA has a lot to offer. With a permanent output that is sufficient for large systems, new destinations in the solar system are within reac...

Mario Petzold, 07 May 2024 17:58

The new Extravehicular Activity (EVA) spacesuit (image: SpaceX)

SpaceX reveals practical spacewalking suit with HUD helmet that can be scaled for Mars missions

SpaceX just unveiled its new space suit for Extravehicular Activity that could be scaled up for Moon and Mars missions.

Daniel Zlatev, 05 May 2024 15:35

Light and radio waves can transmit energy over long distances, even from orbit. (Image: Airbus)

Solar power plants in space: SOLARIS is looking for the best concepts

Solar cells in orbit could permanently supply huge amounts of electricity around the clock, regardless of the weather and without using up land surface. Now it's all about the technical realization and financial feasibility of ele...

Mario Petzold, 17 Apr 2024 15:56

If it's big enough, you can also sail in space. (Image: NASA/Aero Animation/Ben Schweighart)

Solar sails as satellite propulsion: NASA launches test run

It will be the size of a three-room apartment, fits in a shoebox when folded and could speed up future missions enormously. Sailing with solar wind could break several speed records.

Mario Petzold, 16 Apr 2024 17:23

Largest black hole in the Milky Way spotted 2,000 light years from us

A surprising discovery made in the data retrieved by the European Space Agency’s Gaia mission is the BH3 stellar black hole, located just 2,000 light years from Earth. No less than 33 times the size of the sun, BH3 is the largest ...

Codrut Nistor, 16 Apr 2024 11:33

The James Webb Space Telescope is re-writing what we thought we knew about the universe

The James Webb Telescope is the gift that keeps on giving for scientists. Rather than confirming what we already thought we understood about the universe, it is challenging everything at the heart of what is known and accepted as ...

Sanjiv Sathiah, 14 Apr 2024 11:55

The shadow literally flows over the cloud cover. (Image: ESA)

Video shows solar eclipse from space

A geostationary satellite at an altitude of 36,000 kilometers (22,000 miles) had the best view of the solar eclipse on April 8. No clouds blocked the view here. On the contrary.

Mario Petzold, 12 Apr 2024 22:15

Play an astronaut and colonize the moon, please. (Image: Epic Games)

Epic Games and ESA build Fortnite mission on the moon: "Lunar Horizons" now available

The South Pole of the moon is about to be colonized. And just like in Fortnite, it works even better as a team. But beware: reduced gravity!

Mario Petzold, 12 Apr 2024 20:28

As tall as a man, as heavy as an off-road vehicle: LSST camera in Palo Alto. (Image: Greg Stewart/SLAC)

With 3,200 megapixels: huge digital camera built

Photographing a golf ball from 24 kilometers away or searching the universe for dark matter: With over 3 billion pixels, a lot is possible, even if the camera has not become very handy.

Mario Petzold, 10 Apr 2024 10:18

SpaceX satellite catches a glimpse of the solar eclipse (image: Starlink/X)

SpaceX films total solar eclipse from satellite as Elon Musk touts free Starlink Internet

The first real-time footage of a solar eclipse by a Starlink satellite in space has been recorded, and the total eclipse looks like a black dot moving across North America in the footage.

Daniel Zlatev, 09 Apr 2024 13:33

Spectacle in space: Matter is hurled into space. (Image: Danielle Futselaar & Nathalie Degenaar, University of Amsterdam)

Almost at the speed of light: jets from a neutron star observed

Thermonuclear explosions hurl sometimes exotic elements into space at high speed. This teaches us a lot about the physics behind them and the universe, except that observing them is difficult.

Mario Petzold, 02 Apr 2024 17:24

Milani is to study the effects of a targeted impact from 2022. (Image: ESA/Science Office)

Deflecting asteroids: trio of satellites almost ready for mission

A shoebox-sized satellite is to investigate what it takes to deflect an asteroid on a collision course. It is ready for take-off to the test area.

Mario Petzold, 19 Mar 2024 17:22

Spiral galaxy NGC 4414 could also has been formed without dark matter. (Image: pixabay/WikiImages)

Without dark matter: Tired light and a much older universe

The universe could be 27 billion years old if there is no dark matter. Then light would also behave differently than expected, and a few old theories would once again be valid.

Mario Petzold, 19 Mar 2024 14:26

IRAS 23385 und IRAS 2A will eventually become stars. (Image: NASA)

Alcohol orbits protostar: James Webb telescope finds basics for life

Ethanol, formic acid and other organic compounds have been detected in a distant nebula. The discovery sharpens our view of the origin of life.

Mario Petzold, 14 Mar 2024 10:48

Scans the entire surface of the earth once a week: MethaneSAT. (Image: methanesat.org)

MethaneSAT vs climate change: search for sources of methane from space

Methane has 80 times more impact on the greenhouse effect than CO2. Researchers, engineers and Google are searching for it with MethaneSAT - at just the right time.

Mario Petzold, 04 Mar 2024 22:57

This, or at least something like this, is how a dying star explodes. (Image: ESA/L. Calcada)

Supernova remeasured: View into the center of the stellar explosion

Since neutrinos appeared worldwide in 1987 and a supernova in the neighborhood was registered shortly afterwards, observations, measurements and speculations have been ongoing. The latest ones not only show different elements, but...

Mario Petzold, 23 Feb 2024 21:15

NASA CHAPEA participants will live in a simulated Mars habitat for one year. (Source: NASA)

NASA accepting applications for CHAPEA mission crew to live one year inside a simulated Mars habitat

NASA is accepting applications for the CHAPEA mission crew. A 4-man crew will live inside a 1,700 square foot, simulated Mars habitat for one year while challenges like equipment failure will test their ability to survive.

David Chien, 18 Feb 2024 08:01

From the moon, the view of the universe is unfiltered. (Source: Intuitive Machines)

Moon landing with telescope: New view of the universe, exoplanets and Earth

A whole arsenal of equipment has made its way to the surface of the moon. It is part of the new lunar missions that could turn our satellite into a valuable research station.

Mario Petzold, 15 Feb 2024 21:00

Surgeons on the ground successfully remote-controlled the two pound spaceMIRA surgical robot on the ISS. (Source: Virtual Incision)

Surgeons successfully remote-controlled spaceMIRA surgical robot on the International Space Station during mock surgery

Surgeons at the headquarters of Virtual Incision have successfully remote-controlled the spaceMIRA surgical robot 250 miles afar on the International Space Station during mock surgery. This trial run simulated surgical tasks requi...

David Chien, 15 Feb 2024 09:30

A magnetic field provides good protection. Sun, Venus, Earth and Mars in comparison - with the right proportions. (Source: ESA)

Solar storms schedulable: ESA Solar Orbiter on its way

The weather forecast for plasma storms is to become more accurate. To this end, ESA is sending a satellite 100 million miles on a journey to provide much earlier and more reliable warnings of solar flares.

Mario Petzold, 14 Feb 2024 21:27

No Falcon 9, but this is roughly how PACE flies into space. (Source: pixabay/SpaceX-Imagery)

PACE flies into space: Satellite explores clouds and oceans

It is about 50 percent of the oxygen on earth and 90 percent of our sunlight. This is no small task for a spectacularly expensive satellite that is supposed to investigate many unanswered questions about the global climate.

Mario Petzold, 06 Feb 2024 21:00

Small planet and small star: 600 trillion miles away there is water. (Source: NASA, ESA, Leah Hustak and Ralf Crawford (STScI))

Hubble finds water 97 light years away

Three years of observations show that water must be present on an exoplanet. This is the first time that the molecule has been detected on such a small planet. It is the starting signal for further investigations.

Mario Petzold, 31 Jan 2024 21:10