In early December, NASA experienced a significant communication setback with its Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, which has been studying the Martian atmosphere since it entered orbit in September 2014. The agency lost contact with MAVEN on December 6 as it passed behind Mars during a routine blackout phase where signals between the […]

On January 14, 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) is set to conduct a virtual event aimed at its industrial partners, intended to discuss the outcomes from the recent ESA Council at Ministerial Level held in Bremen, Germany. This event will feature presentations from ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher and other high-ranking officials, who will […]

On December 17, 2025, two new satellites for Europe’s Galileo navigation system were successfully launched from the Spaceport in French Guiana. This marked the 14th mission of the operational satellite program and demonstrated Europe’s ongoing commitment to enhancing its navigation capabilities and independence. The mission, designated VA266, showcased the new Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket, which […]

In a recent media briefing, European Space Agency (ESA) Director General Josef Aschbacher and ESA Council Chair Renato Krpoun addressed journalists regarding significant resolutions made during the ESA Council meeting, which took place at the organization’s headquarters in Paris on December 17 and 18, 2025. The discussion highlighted strategic priorities and upcoming initiatives that aim […]

Northrop Grumman Corporation, a prominent name in the American aerospace and defense sector, recently achieved a significant milestone with the successful testing of its latest solid rocket motor, the Solid Motor Adaptable Scalable Half Time/Cost !22 (SMASH!22). Conducted on December 4, 2025, at the company’s Promontory, Utah facility, the test was a demonstration of innovative […]

As 2025 draws to a close, it feels like just yesterday when I signed the agreement to assume leadership of Astronomy Now at the Royal Astronomical Society in June. The quick passage of these past six months is astonishing, filled with developments and experiences that have left me exhilarated. My connection to this magazine traces […]

The European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission has made significant strides in advancing solar observation since its launch in December 2024. Within less than a year of operations, the mission has successfully generated over 50 artificial solar eclipses in orbit, reaffirming its capability to provide crucial insights into the Sun’s corona, a region that has long […]

A remarkable surge in global space launches is on the horizon, with 13 missions planned within the next week across various locations worldwide. China will debut its Long March 12A rocket equipped with stage recovery capabilities, while South Korea gears up for its inaugural Hanbit-Nano commercial launch. Additionally, Europe’s Ariane 6 is set to deploy […]

The Copernicus Sentinel-6B satellite, which was launched on November 17, 2025, has successfully attained its operational orbit and is already sending back significant data regarding sea level variations in the North Atlantic. This latest information especially important as it will enhance the long-term record of sea levels, a vital indicator of climate change. The inaugural […]

Starfish Space and Impulse Space have announced the successful completion of the “Remora” mission, representing a notable advancement in autonomous rendezvous and proximity operations (RPO) in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Conducted discreetly without prior notice, this demonstration validated cutting-edge software for satellite navigation and showcased impressive maneuvering capabilities achieved with minimal equipment. The Remora mission […]