NASA’s Lucy spacecraft is preparing for a close encounter with a small asteroid this weekend as it continues its long journey toward the distant Trojan asteroids near Jupiter. Launched in 2021, Lucy is on an ambitious mission to explore 11 different asteroids, aiming to offer new insights into the early solar system and the remnants…
SpaceX is moving steadily toward its next big launch, as key components of the Starship megarocket have arrived at the launch pad in preparation for liftoff later this week. On February 25, the company shared images on X, showcasing the massive Super Heavy booster being carefully positioned onto the orbital launch mount at its Starbase…
NASA has selected SpaceX to launch a specialized space telescope designed to track near-Earth objects (NEOs). The agency announced on February 21 that it had awarded a task order under the NASA Launch Services II contract, assigning the Falcon 9 rocket for the launch of the Near Earth Orbit (NEO) Surveyor mission. The contract is…
NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remain aboard the International Space Station’s Harmony module as NASA adjusts its plans for an upcoming crew rotation. On Tuesday, the agency announced a change in the spacecraft assigned to its Crew-10 mission, opting to use a previously flown SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule rather than a newly built…
As New Year’s Eve approaches, the northern skies of the United States could be illuminated with vibrant pink and red streaks, adding a natural spectacle to the celebrations, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Alongside fireworks, the aurora borealis, or northern lights, may make an appearance, offering a dazzling display of colors.…
Astronomers have harnessed the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to delve into the intricate strands of the Spiderweb protocluster, revealing unexpected discoveries in this massive cosmic structure. While the $10 billion telescope didn’t uncover a literal spider lurking in the celestial web, it did uncover new insights and previously hidden galaxies within this forming galaxy…
Firefly Aerospace, a US-based aerospace company, has announced that its Moon lander is ready for transport to the launch site. Known as the Blue Ghost lunar lander, this spacecraft was developed as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative. It will soon be shipped from Firefly’s Texas facility to Cape Canaveral in Florida,…
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has granted approval for the Falcon 9 rocket to launch the European Space Agency’s Hera asteroid mission, but it remains grounded for other missions for the time being. On October 6, the FAA issued a statement confirming the authorization of the Falcon 9’s return to flight, specifically for the Hera…
NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has once again taken command of the International Space Station (ISS), marking her second tenure as the leader of the orbiting laboratory. Williams, known for her vast experience in space missions, first held the command position during Expedition 33 back in 2012. Williams, along with fellow astronaut Butch Wilmore, has been…
NASA’s CubeSat Launch Initiative (CSLI) is now accepting proposals for a fresh round of CubeSat missions. CubeSats, small spacecraft that offer a cost-effective means for various organizations to access space, are at the center of this initiative. This opportunity is particularly geared toward U.S. educational institutions, non-profits, and informal educational institutions, with a special emphasis…