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Robotic Spacecraft for Swift Boost Mission Arrives at NASA Wallops
The LINK spacecraft designed to capture and boost NASA’s Swift observatory arrived at the agency’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia on Friday, June 5.
NASA Says Goodbye to its Longtime Mars MAVEN Mission
The space agency announced that the MAVEN spacecraft, which has circled Mars for more than a decade, is being decommissioned.
Human Research, Biotechnology for Advanced Health Fill Station Research Schedule
Wednesday’s science schedule aboard the International Space Station encompassed human research, microbial analysis, and 3D bioprinting to advance health on and off the Earth. The Expedition 74 crew members also worked on spacesuit maintenance and cargo spacecraft duties throughout the day rounding out their shift.
Europa may not vent water into space after all
The debate could reopen in 2030 when NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft gets the closest view of the icy moon’s surface.
Robotics, Science Underway as Cosmonauts Prep for Wednesday Spacewalk
Robotics controllers wrapped up a weekend of swapping scientific hardware packed inside the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft’s trunk for installation on the International Space Station. Meanwhile, the Expedition 74 crew is continuing its biotechnology and botany research while getting ready for a spacewalk scheduled for Wednesday, May 27.
A Full Moon Checkup
Once a month during the full Moon, Landsat 9 turns from Earth to image the lunar surface, helping keep the spacecraft's data accurate and consistent.
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft uses Mars as a giant slingshot toward a mysterious metal world
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft just used Mars as a giant gravitational slingshot to continue its journey toward a strange metal rich asteroid. The close flyby boosted the spacecraft’s speed by about 1,000 mph while also producing rare crescent images of Mars glowing through its dusty atmosphere.
NASA to add missions to SpaceX commercial crew contract
NASA plans to add missions to SpaceX’s commercial crew contract, protecting the agency from the possibility that Boeing’s spacecraft is never certified.
Cancer, Blood Research Tops Science Schedule as Spacewalk Preps Continue
The Expedition 74 crew continued exploring ways to advance cancer treatments and prevent excessive bleeding aboard the International Space Station on Wednesday. The orbital residents are also unpacking a U.S. cargo spacecraft while preparing spacesuits for an upcoming spacewalk.
WATCH: A Spacecraft Is Launching to Study How Earth Survives Solar Storms
The first-ever X-ray observations of our planet's magnetic field.
SpaceX Dragon capsule delivers science and supplies to space station
A SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft delivered 6,500 pounds of science and supplies to the International Space Station on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
SpaceX Dragon capsule delivers science and supplies to space station
The cargo spacecraft docked at 6:37 a.m. EDT on Sunday (May 17).
SpaceX Dragon Docks to Station Filled with New Science Experiments
At 6:37 a.m. EDT, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft docked to the forward port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module, carrying nearly 6,500 pounds of food, supplies, and equipment for the Expedition 74 crew. This is the 34th SpaceX commercial resupply services mission to the space station for NASA.
NASA’s New AI Processor Is 500x Faster Than Current Space Computers
NASA’s new AI-ready space chip could give future spacecraft a brain of their own.
Dragon Nears Launch as Crew Works Biomedical Science and Spacewalk Preps
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, with a cargo-packed Dragon spacecraft atop, stands ready to launch to the International Space Station at 6:05 p.m. EDT today, weather permitting, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
NASA’s new AI space chip could let spacecraft think for themselves
NASA is testing a next-generation space computer chip that could give spacecraft the ability to operate far more independently in deep space. The radiation-hardened processor is showing performance levels hundreds of times beyond current spaceflight computers while surviving punishing tests designed to mimic the harsh conditions of space. The technology could enable AI-powered spacecraft, faster scientific discoveries, and smarter missions to the Moon and Mars.
NASA’s Psyche Mission to Fly by Mars for Gravity Assist
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft will get a boost from Mars on Friday, May 15, passing just 2,800 miles (4,500 kilometers) from the planet’s surface at some 12,333
The Material Science Behind A Spacecraft's Impact Armor
Aerospace engineers have to consider numerous factors when designing a spacecraft, but one that comes up more and more often is the need to design against Micro-Meteoroids and Orbital Debris (MMOD). While most designers understand the threat, designing structural solutions capable of withstanding the hypervelocity impacts these undercontrolled pieces of material can cause can take a significant bite out of a mission’s mass budget. A new paper from Binkal Kumar Sharma of the University of Bremen and Harshitha Baskar, an independent researcher, provides a detailed review of cutting-edge options for defending against those deadly particles.
LAGEOS: An Earth Science Mission Built for Enduring Precision
On May 4, 1976, a spacecraft resembling a disco ball entered orbit almost 3,700 miles (6,000 kilometers) above Earth. This shiny, two‑foot‑wide
NASA shuts down 49-year-old Voyager 1 instrument to keep it alive
Voyager 1 just powered down a nearly 50-year-old instrument to stay alive in deep space. The spacecraft is running critically low on energy, forcing NASA to make careful sacrifices to keep its mission going. Despite the shutdown, it continues to send back unique data from beyond our solar system. Engineers are now working on a bold plan that could extend its life — and possibly revive the instrument later.
New Lithium-Plasma Engine Passes Key Mars Propulsion Test
You’re on the fourth human mission to Mars, and you’re told the Odyssey spacecraft designed to take you there will be the smoothest ride you’ll ever take. It features a newly christened electric propulsion engine which was in the late stages of testing during the first three missions. The mission starts and the spacecraft travels at a crawl, and you wonder if it’s broken. A week goes by and you’re now traveling at more than 400,000 kilometers (250,000 miles) per hour, and your mind is blown as to how fast you’re going, how quickly that happened, and that this mission might be more awesome than you thought.
Laser-Swarm Science at the Proxima Centauri System
The idea of sending a swarm of tiny laser-sail powered spacecraft to our nearest exoplanet won't go away. While complex and punctuated with tough problems, the idea is the only realistic way of reaching another solar system this century, according to researchers. But the scientific benefits would be huge.
NASA fires up powerful lithium-fed thruster for trips to Mars
A technology that could propel crewed missions to Mars and robotic spacecraft throughout the solar system was recently put to the test at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. On Feb. ...
Voyager 1 shuts off instrument to buy time before ‘Big Bang’ fix to extend the mission
The farthest spacecraft from Earth has shut down another instrument in the hopes of buying time for an upgrade that could boost the aging probe’s impressive lifespan.
NASA reserves science payload space for Mars telecommunications mission
NASA is reserving a small amount of space on a Mars telecommunications spacecraft for science, which could be one or more cubesats.
NASA's initial takeaways from the Artemis II mission, and more science stories
NASA has begun its initial assessments of the Orion spacecraft, SLS rocket and other systems that brought astronauts to the moon.
Advancing Earth Observation at NASA since Release of Earthrise Photo
From cameras pressed against spacecraft windows to the most powerful radar ever flown, imaging technology has taken giant leaps since 1968, but the drive to understand our home in the cosmos has remained.
NASA shuts off Voyager 1 instrument to save power 15B miles from Earth
NASA shut down Voyager 1's charged particles instrument to save dwindling power, as the interstellar spacecraft loses about 4 watts of energy per year.
NASA Shut Down Voyager 1 Science Instrument After Unexpected Power Drop
Engineers are working on a long-term plan to keep the iconic spacecraft alive.
Space Health Research Fills Day Before Cargo Craft Departs
The trash-packed Progress 93 cargo spacecraft from Roscosmos will depart the International Space Station later today completing a seven-month mission docked to the Zvezda service module’s aft port.
NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft down to just two working science instruments
The iconic spacecraft launched nearly 49 years ago and is running perilously low on power
NASA shuts off another Voyager science instrument to save power. The spacecraft is now 15 billion miles from Earth | BBC Sky at Night Magazine
NASA shuts off Voyager 1's Low-energy Charged Particles experiment, which has been operating since Voyager 1 launched in 1977.
Testing Begins for Katalyst-NASA Swift Boost Mission
On April 14, engineers from Katalyst Space Technologies arrived at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, to begin environmental tests of the company’s LINK robotic servicing spacecraft.
Crew Begins New Space Research and Installs New Science Gear
New science experiments are getting underway and new research hardware is being activated aboard the International Space Station after being delivered aboard the Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft on Monday. The Expedition 74 crew spent Wednesday unpacking Cygnus XL and stowing the new gear and supplies throughout the orbital outpost.
Expedition 74 Opens Cygnus XL and Unpacks Advanced Science Gear
The hatches are open between Northrop Grumman’s second Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft and the International Space Station following its robotic capture and installation on Monday. The Expedition 74 crew is now beginning to unload some of the new science and crew supplies delivered on Monday.
Apple Highlights Photos Shot on iPhone During NASA's Mission to Moon
As we previously reported, astronauts aboard NASA's Orion spacecraft used the iPhone 17 Pro Max to take selfies of themselves with the Earth in the background during the Artemis II mission around the far side of the Moon last week. Now that the crew members have safely returned to Earth, Apple's CEO Tim Cook and marketing chief Greg Joswiak have both turned to social media to congratulate them on their successful mission and highlight the iPhone's involvement.
How will NASA get the Artemis II crew safely back on Earth? Here's the science behind splashdown
While splashdown can be harrowing – the spacecraft will hurdle through the atmosphere faster than the speed of sound and reach temperatures in the thousands of degrees – NASA has been doing it for decades.
White House budget puts 54 NASA science missions on the chopping block
Experts found that the White House budget request for the upcoming fiscal year could defund 54 NASA science missions, including a spacecraft currently studying Jupiter and two planned Venus missions
Dorking scientists to help launch spacecraft in new mission
Scientists from the Mullard Space Science Laboratory in Dorking are helping launch the spacecraft.
NASA's Newest Photos Of The Moon Will Make You Proud To Be An American
NASA’s Artemis II mission sends astronauts past the moon, delivering stunning iPhone photos and a rare real-time look inside the Orion spacecraft during deep space travel.
The first-ever ‘Earthset’ image marks another Artemis II milestone
As NASA’s Orion spacecraft slipped behind the farside of the moon, the astronauts captured the crescent of Earth setting over the moon’s horizon.
Lone Jar of Nutella Drifts Around Cabin of Moon Spacecraft
A lone jar of Nutella could be seen floating through the cabin of NASA's Moon astronauts minutes before they set an important record.
NASA shoehorns in human science on Artemis II moon mission
While the primary goal of the Artemis II mission is the ensure the Orion spacecraft is safe for humans, NASA did find time to fit some science on board during the 10-day lunar fly-by.
Artemis II Flight Day 5: Crew Demos Suits, Readies for Lunar Flyby
The Artemis II crew of NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen, continue their workday aboard the Orion spacecraft.
The NASA Artemis 2.0 Smartwatch Runs Python And Lets Kids Code Their Own Wearable
NASA's Artemis II lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, 2026, carrying four astronauts on humanity's first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada's Jeremy Hansen are currently aboard the Orion spacecraft, preparing for a lunar flyby that will take them farther from Earth than
How NASA approved the iPhone 17 Pro Max for the Artemis II space mission
Early images of the Artemis II launch showed an iPhone floating inside the spacecraft. Here's how Apple's smartphone got approved for spaceflight.
'Trust us; you look amazing': Artemis II crewmembers share first message from space
As Artemis II begins humanity's first return to the moon in over 50 years, the four astronauts aboard the Orion spacecraft shared their first message from deep space.
Chinese satellite with robotic 'octopus arm' passes key refueling test in orbit — making longer-lived space assets more likely
The experimental Hukeda-2 satellite and its highly flexible robotic arm have passed a major refuelling test in low Earth orbit. The demonstration is the latest step toward China significantly expanding the longevity of its spacecraft.
Watch Artemis II launch sending astronauts to the moon
NASA successfully launched Artemis II, a 10-day lunar mission, during which four astronauts will do a flyby of the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft.
Every major US lunar mission explained, including the Artemis II
NASA's Apollo 8 mission was the first to orbit the moon. No US spacecraft has returned to the moon since 1972, but that's all about to change.
Cargo Headed to Station, Week Begins with Science Prep and Maintenance
A cargo spacecraft is in orbit catching up to the International Space Station for a docking tomorrow to deliver food and supplies to the Expedition 74 crew. Aboard the orbital lab, the seven residents kicked off the week with science operations prep, routine maintenance, and getting systems ready for a future spacewalk.
From circles to spacecraft: How pi powers science
Math lovers and pie fans unite on March 14 to celebrate Pi, the infinite constant driving everything from space exploration to medical breakthroughs.
Spacewalk Preps and Health Checks Using Augmented Reality, Artificial Intelligence
Spacewalk preparations are underway aboard the International Space Station as two astronauts check their spacesuits and review procedures. The Expedition 74 crew also experimented with augmented reality and artificial intelligence to conduct health checks in space. Meanwhile, a U.S. cargo spacecraft nears it departure this week.
Spacecraft's impact changed asteroid's orbit around the sun in a save-the-Earth test, study finds
A new study has found that an asteroid NASA used for target practice a few years ago was nudged into a slightly different route around the sun
NASA successfully kicks asteroid off course in Earth defence test
NASA knocked an asteroid off course in 2022 in a pioneering test of humanity's ability to defend Earth. Its spacecraft's impact pushed the space rock into a slightly different orbit around the Sun, according…
NASA’s Asteroid-Smashing DART Mission Sped Up Space Rock’s Orbit Around the Sun
New data about the DART spacecraft’s effects adds evidence that Earth could be defended from future deadly asteroids by diverting their orbits.
NASA’s DART spacecraft changed an asteroid’s orbit around the sun
A 2022 NASA mission changed the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos around its companion. New data shows their joint orbit around the sun also changed.
Japan’s Cargo Spacecraft Nears Departure as Crew Works Spacewalk Preps, Science
Mission managers have given the go for a Japanese cargo spacecraft to depart the International Space Station at the end of the week. Meanwhile, the Expedition 74 crew is reviewing upcoming spacewalk procedures, packing a second cargo spacecraft for its departure, studying artificial intelligence tools, and conducting Earth observations.
NASA’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory Begins Primary Science Mission
NASA’s Carruthers Geocorona Observatory began its 24-month primary science mission on March 1. The spacecraft, launched in September 2025, will focus its
Dragon Splashes Down and Returns Science, Cargo
At 11:44 p.m. PST, the unpiloted SpaceX Dragon spacecraft splashed down off the coast of California, marking the return of the company’s 33rd Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station for NASA.
NASA lost a lunar spacecraft one day after launch. A new report details what went wrong
Why did a $72 million mission to study water on the moon fail so soon after launch? A new NASA report has the answer.
Science-Packed Dragon Departs Station, Heads for Splashdown
At 12:05 p.m. EST, the unpiloted SpaceX Dragon spacecraft undocked from the forward-facing port of the International Space Station’s Harmony module following a command from ground controllers at SpaceX.
NASA study finds ancient life could survive 50 million years in Martian ice
Mars’ frozen ice caps may be time capsules for ancient life. Lab experiments show that key building blocks of proteins can survive tens of millions of years in pure ice, even under relentless cosmic radiation. Ice mixed with Martian-like soil, however, destroys organic material far more quickly. The findings point future missions toward drilling into clean, buried ice rather than studying rocks or dirt.
Scientists May Have Spotted the Soviet Union Lander That's Been Missing for 60 Years
Luna 9 had a bouncy touchdown on the lunar surface in 1966, becoming the first spacecraft to land on the Moon.
Something supercharged Uranus when Voyager 2 flew past
Voyager 2’s flyby of Uranus in 1986 recorded radiation levels so extreme they baffled scientists for nearly 40 years. New research suggests the spacecraft caught Uranus during a rare solar wind event that flooded the planet’s radiation belts with extra energy. Similar storms have been seen near Earth, where they dramatically boost radiation levels. The discovery reshapes how scientists think about Uranus—and why it deserves another visit.
'Textbooks will need to be updated': Jupiter is smaller and flatter than we thought, Juno spacecraft reveals
Jupiter is smaller and flatter than scientists previously thought, new measurements of the gas giant reveal.
Expedition 74 Kicks Off Week with Dragon Preps and Science Gear Work
The Expedition 74 crew kicked off the week with SpaceX Dragon spacecraft preparations and science hardware maintenance ensuring research continues providing pristine results aboard the International Space Station.
Deflated: Israeli scientists find Jupiter is smaller than previously thought
Using data from NASA's Juno spacecraft, Weizmann Institute of Science researchers make most precise measurement to date, say the gas giant is thinner and flatter than believed
NASA Resumes Efforts to Reestablish Contact With MAVEN
As spacecraft and rovers at Mars emerge from solar conjunction – a period when the Red Planet and Earth are on opposite sides of the Sun and contact with Mars
Books that shaped a universe: Reiff reflects on science, curiosity and imagination
For more than five decades, Patricia Reiff has explored the forces that shape Earth’s place in space. But when the Rice professor of physics and astronomy took the stage Jan. 15 for Friends of Fondren Library’s Books That Shaped My World series, her focus shifted from spacecraft and data to the books and people that have influenced how she thinks, teaches and lives.
Sonic Booms and Seismic Waves Can Reveal Where Space Junk Crash-Lands
The sensors used to listen for earthquakes could help protect people from the hazards created by falling spacecraft.
Seismometers can track falling space junk
As the threat of falling spacecraft increases, using earthquake sensors to detect the effects of their sonic booms could better map trajectories.
NASA astronauts back on Earth after unprecedented medical emergency on ISS
The SpaceX Crew-11 Dragon spacecraft splashed down this morning as four astronauts completed an unprecedented medical evacuation of the International Space Station (ISS).
What are asteroids really made of? New analysis brings space mining closer to reality
Scientists are digging into the hidden makeup of carbon-rich asteroids to see whether they could one day fuel space exploration—or even be mined for valuable resources. By analyzing rare meteorites that naturally fall to Earth, researchers have uncovered clues about the chemistry, history, and potential usefulness of these ancient space rocks. While large-scale asteroid mining is still far off, the study highlights specific asteroid types that may be promising targets, especially for water extraction.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS is rapidly moving away from us. Can we 'intercept' it before it leaves us forever?
3I/ATLAS has passed its closest point to Earth, meaning we will soon lose sight of it for good. Some scientists want to send a spacecraft to chase down the alien comet — or the next interstellar object.
SpaceX loses contact with Starlink satellite after mishap
SpaceX's Starlink said one of its satellites experienced an anomaly in space on Wednesday that created a "small number" of debris and cut off communications with the spacecraft at 418 km (259.73 miles) in altitude, a rare kinetic accident in orbit for the satellite internet giant.
NASA Continues MAVEN Spacecraft Recontact Efforts
NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) mission team, in partnership with the agency’s Deep Space Network, continues recovery activities after
NASA’s TRACERS Spacecraft Begin Preliminary Science Data Collection
NASA’s TRACERS (Tandem Reconnection and Cusp Electrodynamics Reconnaissance Satellites) mission has started collecting preliminary science data,
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe Spies Solar Wind ‘U-Turn’
Images captured by NASA’s Parker Solar Probe as the spacecraft made its record-breaking closest approach to the Sun in December 2024 have now revealed new
NASA Teams Work MAVEN Spacecraft Signal Loss
NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) spacecraft, in orbit around Mars, experienced a loss of signal with ground stations on Earth on Dec. 6.
Space is filling with junk and scientists have a fix
Earth’s orbit is getting crowded with broken satellites and leftover rocket parts. Researchers say the solution is to build spacecraft that can be repaired, reused, or recycled instead of abandoned. They also want new tools to collect old debris and new data systems that help prevent collisions. The goal is to make space exploration cleaner and more sustainable.
NASA's PUNCH Tracks Comet Discovered by SOHO Spacecraft
From August to October, NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) mission tracked comet 2025 R2 (SWAN) — one of the thousands of comets