We are living in an exciting time, where next-generation instruments and improved methods are leading to discoveries in astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, and cosmology. As we look farther and in greater detail into the cosmos, some of the most enduring mysteries are finally being answered. Of particular interest are cosmic rays, the tiny particles consisting of protons, atomic nuclei, or stray electrons that have been accelerated to near the speed of light. These particles represent a major hazard for astronauts venturing beyond Earth’s protective magnetic field.
Space News & Blog Articles
Lunar demo mission to provide “stress test” for NASA’s Artemis moon program
NASA’s Orion spacecraft, with its European service module, on top of the Space Launch System moon rocket. Credit: Stephen Clark / Spaceflight Now
The first unpiloted mission for NASA’s Artemis moon program aims to prove out the most powerful rocket to ever launch from U.S. soil, and test the function of a human-rated spacecraft traveling more than 40,000 miles beyond the far side of the moon before blazing back through Earth’s atmosphere at nearly 25,000 mph.
Italian microsatellite promises orbital photo bonanza after Artemis 1 launch
Artist’s illustration of the ArgoMoon spacecraft with the SLS moon rocket’s interim cryogenic propulsion stage. Credit: ASI
Italian engineers are expecting a series of spectacular photos from a tiny satellite that will be released to fly in sync with the interim cryogenic propulsion stage that propels the Orion capsule and European service module to the moon from Earth orbit.
Giant solar sail will propel tiny spacecraft to intercept and study asteroid
Artist’s concept of the NEA Scout mission, powered by aa solar sail, approaching an asteroid. Credit: NASA
Catching a ride on Artemis 1 is a miniaturized CubeSat called NEA Scout that will use a thin, aluminum-coated solar sail about the size of a tennis court to propel it towards the smallest asteroid ever to be studied by a spacecraft.
'Star Trek' Day offers a feast for fans, including news, interviews and more
Fingers crossed there will be a brand new teaser, or trailer, or even two.
Satellites watch Europe dry up in devastating drought that may be the worst in 500 years
Europe is suffering from the worst drought in 500 years and satellites are watching it progress in real time.
Rocket Lab fires up space-flown engine in reusability milestone
Rocket Lab turned up the heat on a space-flown rocket engine Thursday (Sept. 1) as part of its quest to make Electron first stages reusable.
Weather looks good for Artemis 1 moon rocket's 2nd launch try, NASA says
NASA says the weather is looking good for the second attempt to launch its giant Artemis 1 SLS moon rocket and Orion spacecraft.
NASA astronaut Leland Melvin teaches kids about the James Webb Space Telescope
The retired astronaut and NFL player is running a class about the James Webb Space Telescope online.
SETI pioneer Frank Drake, of 'Drake Equation' fame, dies at 92
Astronomer Frank Drake, who pioneered the modern search for intelligent life in the universe, passed away Friday (Sept. 2)at the age of 92.
Catch the moon near the claws of the Scorpius constellation Friday
See the moon shine near the claws of the Scorpius constellation just after dusk tonight (Sept. 2).
Get 40% off HBO Max and watch epic sci-fi movies like Dune & Blade Runner 2049
Save a huge 40% on HBO Max’s annual plan and get access to premium TV for less.
Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S wide-angle prime lens review
The Nikon Z 20mm f/1.8 S is an uncompromising, wide prime lens that's perfect for landscape astrophotography. As you'd expect, though, this lens isn't cheap.
Nova Scotia spaceport project aims to launch clean-tech rockets
Spaceport America and other private space launch facilities worldwide have a new entrant to the market: Canada, which aims to fly 'green' rockets in 2023.
NASA is launching the 1st stage of the Artemis mission — here's why humans are going back to the moon
With the Artemis program, Earth as a global community has the opportunity to participate and push back the frontiers of human knowledge and innovation.
NASA's new look: Oxcart Assembly, Golf Wang provide garb for Artemis I launch
Throughout its history, NASA has been associated with the creation of iconic looks. Now Oxcart Assembly and Golf Wang have created a look for the Artemis launches.
China's Shenzhou 14 astronauts perform 1st spacewalk out of new module (video)
A pair of Chinese astronauts embarked on a six-hour-long spacewalk on Thursday (Sept. 1) to work on the outside of the new Wentian space station module.
Week in images: 29 August - 02 September 2022
Week in images: 29 August - 02 September 2022
Insta360 Sphere review: innovative 'invisible' drone camera
The Insta360 Sphere is an innovative 360° camera that helps anyone with a DJI Mavic Air 2/2S and basic flying experience can use to create breathtaking FPV-style video.