Space Exploration

Latest about Space Exploration

Artist’s illustration of NASA's MAVEN spacecraft, which is investigating how, why and when Mars lost most of its atmosphere.

NASA's MAVEN spacecraft is still silent at Mars — and apparently is spinning, too

By Mike Wall published

NASA still hasn't heard from its MAVEN Mars orbiter, and the spacecraft appears to be spinning in an odd way as well.

Launches & Spacecraft
A Japanese H3 rocket launches the Michibiki 6 navigation satellite from Tanegashima Space Center on Feb. 2, 2025.

Launch of Japan's Michibiki 5 navigation satellite scrubbed late in countdown

By Mike Wall published

The planned launch of Japan's Michibiki 5 navigation satellite atop an H3 rocket tonight (Dec. 16) was scrubbed with less than a minute left in the countdown.

Launches & Spacecraft
An image of Earth from space, showing Ethiopia and the Middle East covered with brown and gray streaks of ash

Satellite watches volcano spew ash over Middle East | Space photo of the day for Dec. 16, 2025

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published

The ash plume disrupted flights as far away as India.

Satellites
A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket launches 27 Amazon Leo internet satellites on Dec. 16, 2025.

Atlas V rocket launches 27 of Amazon's internet satellites to orbit (video)

By Mike Wall last updated

A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket sent 27 Amazon Leo internet satellites to low Earth orbit from Florida early Tuesday morning (Dec. 16).

Launches & Spacecraft
seven playing cards depicting mythological characters and animals from the natural world

Ghosts, sharks and Norse mythology: US Space Force unveils new names for satellites and space weapons

By Brett Tingley published

The U.S. Space Force unveiled the new naming scheme that it will use for its spacecraft and space-based weaponry, drawing inspiration from mythology and the natural world.

Launches & Spacecraft
Imagery from the Starfish Space/Impulse Space Remora mission, during which one Mira spacecraft approached within a mere 4,100 feet (1,250 meters) of another.

Surprise! 2 private spacecraft rendezvous in orbit on newly revealed 'Remora' mission

By Mike Wall published

Two commercial spacecraft pulled off a surprise rendezvous in Earth orbit recently, showcasing skills that could pave the way for satellite servicing missions down the road.

Satellites
a white and black rocket lifts off into the darkness of night, its bright orange-tinted plume lighting up its launch pad.

SpaceX launches Starlink satellites into orbit on 100th Falcon 9 flight from Florida in 2025 (video)

By Robert Z. Pearlman published

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 29 Starlink satellites lifted off from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Monday, Dec. 15, 2025.

Launches & Spacecraft
A poster for the documentary "Fiddler on the Moon" where an astronaut wearing a full suit looks at the camera and two candles are reflected in their face shield.

'Fiddler on the Moon' documentary explores how Judaism might adapt as humanity reaches out into space

By Josh Dinner published

'No matter what your traditions are, someone is going to break them.'

Space Exploration
a camera mounted on the side of a rocket captures the plume from the booster's nine engines as they near cutoff and separation.

Falcon 9 rocket launches Starlink satellites before making 550th SpaceX landing (video)

By Robert Z. Pearlman published

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying 27 Starlink satellites lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Sunday, Dec. 14, 2025. The first stage then made the company's 550th landing.

Launches & Spacecraft
A Rocket Lab Electron rocket launches the "RAISE and Shine" mission from New Zealand on Dec. 13, 2025.

Rocket Lab launches Japanese technology-demonstrating satellite to orbit (photos, video)

By Mike Wall last updated

Rocket Lab launched a Japanese technology-demonstrating satellite to orbit from New Zealand on Saturday night (Dec. 13).

Launches & Spacecraft
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