Space
New NASA Administrator and an Enigmatic Cosmic Blast: This Week in Space
A private astronaut has been appointed to lead the U.S. space agency, an interstellar comet is making a close pass, a Mars orbiter is in trouble, and astronomers may have spotted a new kind of cosmic event. This Week in Space
Israeli Startups and No Room to Dock: This Week in Space
The Israeli startup accelerator in Mitzpe Ramon launches its third cohort; the ISS faces new concerns after damage at a Russian launch pad, yet all docking ports are fully occupied; and China moves closer to reusable-rocket success. This Week in Space.
The Moss That Survived in Space: This Week in Space
A new crew arrived at the International Space Station, China restores its escape-capable spacecraft, a Starship test ends in an accident, South Korea achieves a milestone launch and moss biology delivers surprising results in space. This Week in Space
A Comet from Another Solar System and Two Rescue Missions: This Week in Space
NASA releases new images of a comet from beyond the solar system, new research questions the New Space revolution, and rescue missions target Chinese astronauts and an American space telescope. This Week in Space.
Solar Storms and a Mars-Bound Launch: This Week in Space
Blue Origin successfully launched a mission to Mars — despite solar storms that lit up the aurora as far south as the U.S. Deep South. China sets new launch records, and astronomers uncover unusual planets in a distant star system. This Week in Space
A Twin Mission to Study Mars: ESCAPADE Takes Flight
The United States has launched two satellites to study the atmosphere of our neighboring planet, in the first operational launch of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket — a mission that concluded with a successful landing of its first stage on a sea platform.
Changes at the Helm of NASA: This Week in Space
The U.S. President reintroduces a previously rejected candidate to head the space agency, a first step toward a private space station, delays aboard China’s space station, and a debate over the expansion of the universe. This Week in Space
End of an Era for Starship: This Week in Space
SpaceX has completed testing of Version 2 of its Starship launch system and is preparing for Version 3. Meanwhile a small asteroid was discovered just days before passing close to Earth, and scientists have identified unexpected complex molecules on Saturn’s moon Enceladus. This Week in Space
NASA Sets Date for Crewed Lunar Mission: This Week in Space
NASA announced that it may send humans on a flight around the Moon as early as this coming February and named a new group of astronauts. Russian mice have returned from space, and new satellites are en route to study the Sun.
In Earth’s Shadow: The Science Behind the Blood Moon
A total lunar eclipse on September 7 was visible across much of Asia, Africa, and Australia. How does such an eclipse occur? What could observers see during the event, and at what times? And when will the next eclipse take place?
Head of the ISA Steps Down: This Week in Space
The director of the Israel Space Agency concludes his tenure, a Chinese experiment successfully simulates a lunar landing, the upgraded configuration of the Vulcan rocket lifts off for the first time, and a promising exoplanet is revealed to be a cosmic disappointment.
Missed Shots and Milestones: This Week in Space
Disappointment as the continuation of the Israeli experiment to photograph sprite lightning from space comes back empty-handed, another delay for Boeing’s spacecraft, a travel record on Mars, and the birth of new planets. This Week in Space
First Woman Appointed to Lead the Israel Space Agency
Dr. Shimrit Maman has been appointed chair of the Israel Space Agency — the first woman to hold the position following three male predecessors.
“At this time, we are facing significant challenges,” said Maman upon her appointment.