Tiangong astronauts experiment with AI robot and more to kick off busy year for Chinese human spaceflight (video)

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

March 14^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

China is planning to send two new crews to its Tiangong space station in another busy year of human spaceflight.

China's Shenzhou 19 astronauts experiment with the AI robot Xiao Hang aboard the Tiangong space station in March 2025.

Watch Rocket Lab launch radar imaging satellite to orbit tonight

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 14^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

Rocket Lab will launch a private radar imaging satellite to orbit tonight (March 14), and you can watch the action live

A Rocket Lab Electron rocket launches the second of two cubesats for NASA's PREFIRE climate mission from New Zealand on June 4, 2024.

These Funko Pop! Star Wars figures are highly collectable and have a big discount at Walmart and Best Buy

Space

By: paul.brett@futurenet.com (Paul Brett)

March 14^th 2025 at 2:49 pm

Young Luke Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi Bobbleheads make a great addition or start to any Star Wars fan's Funko Pop! collection

Star Wars Funko Pop! bobbleheads of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luke Skywalker

James Webb Space Telescope investigates the origins of 'failed stars' in the Flame Nebula

Space

March 14^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

The James Webb Space Telescope is investigating the Flame Nebula, hunting for "failed stars" to better understand how brown dwarfs form and evolve.

This collage of images from the Flame Nebula shows a near-infrared light view from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope on the left, while the two insets at the right show the near-infrared view taken by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope.

'Their loss diminishes us all': Scientists emphasize how Trump's mass NOAA layoffs endanger the world

Space

March 14^th 2025 at 12:30 pm

"From our perspective down in the trenches actually working for the government, it feels like the people up top just have no clue about anything."

A person at a crowded protest holds a sign that says SAVE NOAA

How an astronomer accidentally found a star stuck in a cosmic waltz

Space

March 14^th 2025 at 12:30 pm

While unraveling the mystery of why some planet-forming disks fall onto their stars, an astronomer stumbled upon a surprise: a hidden star.

An illustration of two bright stars in the middle of a large disk of matter.

Total lunar eclipse March 2025: Best photos of the "Blood Worm Moon"

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

March 14^th 2025 at 11:58 am

Relive the 2025 "Blood Worm Moon" total lunar eclipse with these breathtaking photos.

sequence of images of the lunar eclipse over a castle

Former Google chief Eric Schmidt takes the reins at rocket startup Relativity Space

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 14^th 2025 at 12:30 am

Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt has assumed the top job at the startup Relativity Space, which aims to compete with SpaceX and other big launch companies.

Relativity Space's Terran 1 rocket successfully blasted off for its test flight but malfunctioned three minutes after liftoff.

Tom Hanks at 'Moonwalkers' film premiere predicts getting busy on moon

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

March 13^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

Tom Hanks knows there are two things that are going to happen in the future: the moon will become a home to astronauts and the other — well, it is best to hear it from him.

Tom Hanks joins Apollo and Artemis astronauts for a photo at Space Center Houston

The 1st full live-action 'Lilo and Stitch' trailer just dropped and fine, we admit it: it looks fantastic (video)

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

March 13^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

This nostalgic remake of the 2002 animated classic arrives on May 23, 2025.

Watch moon dust fly as private Blue Ghost lunar lander touches down (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 13^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost moon lander just beamed home up-close video of its epic March 2 touchdown, showing how its thrusters kicked up plumes of lunar dust.

Screenshot from a video of the March 2 touchdown of Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander, which was captured by the onboard NASA payload SCALPSS.

ESA's Hera probe trains its cameras at Mars' moon Deimos | Space photo of the day March 13, 2025

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

March 13^th 2025 at 9:00 pm

During a flyby of Mars on Wednesday (March 12), ESA's Hera spacecraft inaugurated use of its science instruments to image the smaller of the planet's two moons, Deimos.

a small moon is silhouetted against a planet in the light blue hue of near-infrared

Capri Sun takes a swing at an eclipse with limited 'Moon Punch' drink

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

March 13^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Capri Sun now shares another thing in common with NASA. The juice brand and space agency are already using the same foil for their drink packages. Now both are moon-bound.

a foil drink bag with a glowing full moon on its label sits on a lunar surface

Tiny Mars moon Deimos gets a rare close-up, thanks to Europe's Hera asteroid probe (photos)

Space

March 13^th 2025 at 7:59 pm

Europe's HERA mission has taken a good look at Mars and its moon Deimos on its way to explore the aftermath of the DART impact in the Didymos–Dimorphos asteroid system.

How to spot fake images of the 'Blood Worm Moon' total lunar eclipse

Space

March 13^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

The moon will turn blood red overnight on Thursday and Friday during the 'Blood Moon' total lunar eclipse. How can you tell what images of this event are the real deal?

The Blood Moon eclipses looms a little too large over a city skyline, a clear sign this image is a fake!

Saturn officially has 128 more moons

Space

March 13^th 2025 at 5:39 pm

The grand total of Saturnian moons is now 274.

A black background with Saturn toward the right, half off screen. Above and below its rings, which go toward the left, there are orbs of different sizes.

'Blood Worm Moon' US weather forecast: Best places to see tonight's total lunar eclipse

Space

March 13^th 2025 at 5:00 pm

Here are the weather conditions that can be expected during the the total "Blood Moon" lunar eclipse thought the United States on March 13, 2025.

a composite image showing eight different views of the moon becoming darker and more shadowed during a total lunar eclipse

Dead Athena moon lander seen inside its crater grave from lunar orbit (photos)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 13^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

Intuitive Machines' Athena lander died inside a small crater near the moon's south pole, photos by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter show.

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter spacecraft captured this shot of Intuitive Machines' Athena lander on the moon on March 7, 2025.

SpaceX launches 21 Starlink broadband satellites to orbit from Florida (video, photos)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 13^th 2025 at 3:30 pm

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 21 Starlink internet satellites, 13 of which have direct-to-cell capability, to orbit on Wednesday night (March 12).

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida’s Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on March 12, 2025. Also visible in this photo are the Falcon 9 and Crew Dragon spacecraft that will fly the Crew-10 astronaut mission to the International Space Station for NASA. The duo are scheduled to lift off from Kennedy Space Center on March 14.

A total lunar eclipse comes to North America tonight: Here's everything you need to know about the 'Blood Worm Moon'

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

March 13^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

The moon will put on quite the show tonight; we've got everything to make sure you don't miss all the total lunar eclipse action.

red moon behind tall buildings during total lunar eclipse.

Is our universe trapped inside a black hole? This James Webb Space Telescope discovery might blow your mind

Space

March 13^th 2025 at 12:30 pm

The James Webb Space Telescope has found perhaps its most profound discovery to date. The uncovered preferred direction for galaxies supports the idea that the universe was born in a black hole.

Galaxies observed by the JWST with those rotating one way circled in red, those rotating the other wat circled in blue

SpaceX calls off Crew-10 astronaut launch for NASA due to hydraulics issue (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 13^th 2025 at 3:14 am

SpaceX scrubbed today's (March 12) planned launch of the Crew-10 astronaut mission for NASA due to a ground-system hydraulics issue.

A black and white SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stands atop a pad for Crew-10 under a clear blue sky

SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts depart for launch pad ahead of liftoff (video, photos)

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

March 13^th 2025 at 12:11 am

The SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts have departed NASA's checkout facility at Kennedy Space Center and are bound for the launch pad ahead of their imminent liftoff.

four astronauts in white spacesuits stand and wave outside a nasa building

We found 6 Easter eggs in the 'Alien: Earth' shorts revealed at SXSW 2025... at least we hope they're just Easter eggs

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

March 12^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

From malevolent computers to Arcturian shore leave, here are all the callbacks and references we spotted in these short clips.

A frightening alien skull with teeth bared

What do lunar eclipses teach us about Earth?

Space

March 12^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

For starters, they taught us that Earth is round

graphic showing Earth in the background and a illustration of a lightbulb with a lunar eclipse inside it.

Water in the universe may have formed closer to the Big Bang than previously thought

Space

March 12^th 2025 at 8:18 pm

"We were surprised that water could actually form so early on — even before the birth of the first galaxies."

A dark, slightly colorful section of sky with white blobs.

Who is Galactus, the Devourer of Worlds? Exploring the big bad guy for Marvel's 'The Fantastic Four: First Steps'

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

March 12^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

Here's a planet-draining primer on Galactus, the new 'Fantastic Four' movie's larger-than-life villain.

A giant purple and blue armored humanoid titan

NASA's SPHEREx science probe heads to orbit | Space photo of the day March 12, 2025

Space

By: brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley)

March 12^th 2025 at 7:12 pm

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched two NASA science probes on March 11, 2025 in a spectacular nighttime liftoff from California after multiple delays.

a white, conical spacecraft floats in the blackness above space. a blue and white earth can be seen along the rightmost edge of the photo

Wispy comet photobombs 'rare' planetary parade above Chile's Atacama Desert (photos)

Space

By: brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley)

March 12^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

The moon, the Milky Way, Saturn, Venus, Jupiter Mars, Neptune, Uranus and comet C/2024 G3 are all visible at once in breathtaking new photos from the European Southern Observatory.

many bright dots can be seen in a starry night sky above a cluster of buildings in a desert

Total lunar eclipse March 2025 livestreams: Where to watch the 'Blood Moon' online for free tonight

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

March 12^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

Here's how to watch all the total lunar eclipse action unfold live and online so you don't miss a second of the dramatic "Blood Moon" on March 13.

graphic showing the total lunar eclipse blood moon on the screen of a laptop with livestreaming text in the top right corner.

Watch a SpaceX rocket launch Crew-10 relief mission tonight for NASA astronauts on ISS after delay (video)

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

March 12^th 2025 at 3:30 pm

SpaceX plans to launch the Crew-10 mission to relieve the current astronauts aboard the ISS on Friday (March 14), and you can watch the action live.

a white and black rocket launching from a seaside pad

Meet the SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts launching to the ISS on March 12

Space

March 12^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

SpaceX's Crew-10 mission will send two NASA astronauts, a Japanese spaceflyer and a cosmonaut to the International Space Station.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 members, pictured from left to right: NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers, Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov, NASA astronaut Anne McClain, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi.

Astronomers crack the case of a mysterious deep space radio signal that repeats every 2 hours

Space

March 12^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Astronomers have traced a starnge blast of radiowaves that repeats every 2 hours back to a dead star white dwarf magnetically slamming its stellar companion.

An illustration of a red dwarf (left) and a white dwarf (center) orbiting each other.

Scientists discover smallest galaxy ever seen: 'It's like having a perfectly functional human being that's the size of a grain of rice'

Space

March 12^th 2025 at 12:30 pm

Astronomers have discovered the smallest dwarf galaxy ever seen. It is a mystery how the satellite galaxy of Andromeda survived the blistering conditions of the early universe.

A false-color image taken with MegaCam on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT) as part of the Pan-Andromeda Archaeological Survey (PAndAS) shows a zoomed-in view of the newly discovered Andromeda XXXV satellite galaxy. A white ellipse, that measures about 1,000 light-years across its longest axis, shows the extent of the galaxy. Within the ellipse's boundary is a cluster of mostly dim stars, ranging in hues from bright blues to warm yellows.

SpaceX rocket launches NASA SPHEREx space telescope and PUNCH solar probes (video)

Space

March 12^th 2025 at 7:44 am

The duo launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on March 11 at 11:10 p.m. EST (0209 March 12 GMT).

a black and white rocket lifts off its launch pad with a bright white thrust into the dark night sky

World's largest iceberg runs aground in South Atlantic after 1,200-mile journey (satellite photos)

Space

March 11^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

Earth's largest iceberg has run aground off the coast of South Georgia Island, a common rendezvous spot for big bergs, new satellite images show.

Antarctic iceberg A-23A stuck in shallow waters off the coast of South Georgia island in the South Atlantic Ocean on March 4, 2025, as seen by the MODIS instrument on NASA's Aqua satellite.

Life on Mars? It probably looks like something you'd find in your stomach

Space

March 11^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

Organisms known as extremophiles have been found inhabiting a range of extreme conditions on Earth, including inside our bodies. Could they be on Mars, too?

small green pill-shaped organisms with cilia and flagella

SpaceX Dragon meets sunrise at launch pad for Crew-10 flight | Space photo of the day March 11, 2025

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

March 11^th 2025 at 9:55 pm

The Dragon capsule will launch atop a SpaceX rocket to carry 4 astronauts to space on March 12.

A white and black SpaecX rocket with NASA and SpaceX logos on the side atop a launch pad

The special effects in Netflix's 'The Electric State' look amazing, but we can't stop thinking about the animatronic Mr Peanut cameo (video)

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

March 11^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Mr Peanut is in The Electric State (and my nightmares).

Watch sparks fly as Blue Ghost lander drills into the moon (video)

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

March 11^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander has beamed back video of its ongoing lunar science operations, including drilling into the surface of the moon.

a long, thin metal tube extends into a black-grey dusty surface, and a cloud of dust and sparks forms where the two meet

The best sci-fi TV shows of the 1960s

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

March 11^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

Return to the glory days of 'Star Trek' and 'The Outer Limits' in our special voyage down small screen's memory lane.

A three-way split image showing a scene from The Jetsons, Star Trek, and Doctor Who.

The next ice age is coming in 10,000 years — unless climate change prevents it

Space

March 11^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

Natural cycles in Earth's rotational axis and its orbit around the sun drive climatic changes, and now researchers have matched up specific points in those cycles to the timing of ice ages.

Throughout history, Earth's climate has cycled between ice ages and interglacials.

Private mini rover aboard sideways Athena moon lander was ready to roll — but it couldn't get out

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

March 11^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Data sent to Earth by its MAPP moon rover on Intuitive Machines' ill-fated IM-2 mission will help Colorado company Lunar Outpost prepare for future lunar voyages.

Lunar Outpost's MAPP rover is set to touch down aboard Intuitive Machines' Athena moon lander on March 6, 2025.

Astronaut turned to AI to inspire design of SpaceX Crew-10 mission patch

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

March 11^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

In what might be a first in spaceflight history, the next crew to launch to the International Space Station has adopted a mission patch that began with ideas put forth by an AI.

An astronaut in a polo shirt displaying her mission patch is juxtaposed with a graphic of the same emblem

Does exoplanet K2-18b host alien life or not? Here's why the debate continues

Space

March 11^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

A paper published in 2023 spurred discussion about whether life exists on an exoplanet named K2-18b. Two years later, the puzzle continues — and some scientists are expressing doubt.

a blue planet near a red star, with thousands of stars seen in the background around them

What time is the 'Blood Moon' total lunar eclipse tonight?

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

March 11^th 2025 at 12:30 pm

A dramatic total lunar eclipse will turn the moon blood red for millions across North America overnight on March 13-14. Here are the best times to watch the show unfold.

graphic illustrating what time the total lunar eclipse on March 13 will occur.

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 jet flew in front of the sun so NASA could take this incredible shock wave photo

Space

March 11^th 2025 at 12:30 am

NASA and Boom Supersonic released an incredible photo capturing the shock waves of the supersonic XB-1 aircraft while it traveled in front of the sun during a Feb. 10 test flight.

a sharp, slender aircraft flies across a red and yellow cloudy background, creating ripples behind it

There's a total lunar eclipse coming. How will these 2 solar-powered moon probes survive the darkness?

Space

March 10^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

The total lunar eclipse on March 13-14 will plunge moon missions into darkness. What will happen to the lunar spacecraft?

the LRO probe flying above the surface of the moon with a cratered backdrop of the moon in the background.

NASA cutting programs, workforce to comply with Trump order

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 10^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

NASA will close several offices and reduce its workforce to comply with an anti-DEI executive order from President Trump.

The logo of NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Hubble Telescope rocks out with cosmic guitar | Space photo of the day March 10, 2025

Space

March 10^th 2025 at 9:33 pm

The moshing galaxies of Arp 105 dazzle in the Space Image of the Day Monday (March 10), which comes courtesy of Hubble.

two colorful wisps of gas against thousands of background stars and galaxies

16 years before 'Mickey 17''s mission to the stars, 2009's 'Moon' was already sending in the clones

Space

March 10^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Two very different movies based on a very similar premise, but with wildly different approaches.

Mysterious phenomenon at the heart of the Milky Way could point to new dark matter suspect. 'We may have been overlooking its subtle chemical effects on the cosmos.'

Space

March 10^th 2025 at 8:39 pm

Strange events at the heart of the Milky Way could point toward a new dark suspect that annihilates to influence the chemistry of the cosmos.

An illustration of concentrated dark matter at the heart of a spiral galaxy

Save 72% on a Disney Plus subscription bundle in this huge streaming deal

Space

By: acox@space.com (Alexander Cox)

March 10^th 2025 at 8:34 pm

If you're looking for a streaming deal, this is a must as you can get a huge discount on Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus, now 72% off.

Disney Plus and Hulu logos on a purple background with a 'Space Deals' badge.

Witness the birth of the Rebellion in 'Andor' Season 2 featurette (video)

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

March 10^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

“If we don’t stand together, we will be crushed!”

An intense man suited up inside a spaceship

New recipe for gravity could unite Einstein's general relativity with quantum physics — and probe the dark universe

Space

March 10^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

If gravity arises from entropy, scientists could unite Einstein's general relativity with the quantum realm while shedding light on dark matter and dark energy.

An illustration shows a disordered universe. Could gravity arise from entropy

This week's 'blood moon' eclipse mirrors one Christopher Columbus used to scare indigenous people in 1504

Space

March 10^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

On March 13-14, 2025, skywatchers in the Americas will witness a total lunar eclipse that mirrors one Christopher Columbus is said to have used to his advantage over five centuries ago.

image of a blood red moon during a total lunar eclipse on the left and a sketch of columbus pointing up at the eclipse with frightened people around him.

These mysterious objects born in violent clashes between young star systems aren't stars or planets

Space

March 10^th 2025 at 12:30 pm

Mysterious planetary mass objects that wander the cosmos alone could be created when young star systems clash. They aren't planets or stars, but are in a cosmic class of their own.

An illustration of two clashing young star systems creating a shower of rogue planets

Scientists discover simpler way to achieve Einstein's 'spooky action at a distance' thanks to AI breakthrough — bringing quantum internet closer to reality

Space

March 9^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

AI has helped physicists discover a simpler way of achieving quantum entanglement. This finding could make it easier to develop quantum communication technologies.

Quantum entanglement enables a range of futuristic technologies.

Property and sovereignty in space: Countries and companies face potential clashes as they take to the stars

Space

March 9^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Is there enough legal framework to avoid arguments between nations as space exploration and commercial activity rapidly increase?

someone in a spacesuit on the surface of the moon stands, facing left, toward an American flag.

Is there life out there? The existence of other technological species is highly likely

Space

By: acox@space.com (Alexander Cox)

March 9^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

Is there life out there? The existence of other technological species is highly likely

Rocket Lab unveils plan to land Neutron rockets at sea, 1st launch in 2025

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

March 9^th 2025 at 3:30 pm

The new Neutron rocket includes a "hippo" mouth fairing that deploys upper stages by spitting them out from inside.

a black rocket lands on a barge at sea for Rocket Lab

What will happen during the total lunar eclipse of March 2025?

Space

March 9^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Observers across most of the United States will have front-row seats to the spectacular total lunar eclipse overnight on March 13-14. Here's what to expect.

composite image showing the stages of a total lunar eclipse with the moon turning progressively more red as Earth's shadow sweeps across it.

Here's the launch plan for NASA's SPHEREx and PUNCH missions: 'Liftoff is just the beginning'

Space

March 8^th 2025 at 8:02 pm

After more than a week of delays, two new NASA missions have gotten the greenlight to head to space tonight (March 8).

On the left, an animation showing the SPHEREx structure. On the right, the PUNCH structure.

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 151 — In Search of Alien Megastructures

Space

By: info@space.com (Space.com Staff)

March 8^th 2025 at 6:47 pm

On Episode 151 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik talk with former NASA Chief Scientist Jim Green about how we can search for technosignatures that might indicate advanced civilizations.

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 151 — In Search of Alien Megastructures

New 'Starman' documentary shines light on NASA JPL legend Gentry Lee

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

March 8^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

This illuminating film debuts this weekend at the SXSW 2025.

a man stands on a Martian landscape with the sun shining behind him

NASA's Artemis 2 crew wants your help designing the plush toy that will fly with them around the moon.

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

March 8^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

The first astronauts preparing to fly to the moon in more than 50 years want your help identifying their "moon mascot." NASA's Artemis II crew is seeking an original idea for their zero-g indicator.

Illustration of two astronauts, seen from the back, seated at a spacecraft's controls with the silhouette of a toy bear floating between them.

For NASA astronauts on a 10-day space mission that lasted 9 months, a landing date at last

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

March 8^th 2025 at 7:53 am

Crew members launching on SpaceX's next mission to the International Space Station are ready to take the reins of the orbital lab so NASA's Starliner astronauts can finally return to Earth.

three astronauts give thumbs' up signs on the international space station

FAA investigating SpaceX Starship Flight 8 explosion that disrupted commercial flights

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

March 8^th 2025 at 4:27 am

Nine minutes after its launch, SpaceX's latest Starship to attempt to reach space exploded, leaving a trail of debris in its wake. Airports in Florida were forced to halt flights.

debris from spacex starship falling over a boat in the ocean

Scientists discover Earth's oldest impact crater in Australia

Space

March 8^th 2025 at 2:02 am

This week, geologists announced they discovered the world's oldest known impact crater. It's in Western Australia's ancient Pilbara region.

A landscape with reddish rocks. Mountains are seen in the background and there is sparse vegetation.

The PSVR 2 is now one of its lowest ever prices with a huge $150 off at Walmart

Space

By: acox@space.com (Alexander Cox)

March 7^th 2025 at 10:32 pm

If you own a Playstation 5 and you want a virtual reality experience, now is the time to cash in as the PSVR 2 is 28% off.

A white box with a white headset and white circular controllers on the front sits infront of a purple starry background with the space.com logo in the top left corner.

'Star Wars: Dark Forces' at 30: An essential fragment of Star Wars and gaming history

Space

March 7^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

Before Rogue One, the Rebel Alliance turned to Kyle Katarn, mercenary for hire. 30 years later, Dark Forces is still a must-play Star Wars game.

Still from the video game Star Wars: Dark Forces. Three stormtroopers are charging at you down a narrow corridor, firing their blaster guns.

Private Intuitive Machines moon lander declared dead after falling on its side in crater at the lunar south pole

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

March 7^th 2025 at 10:16 pm

For the second time in two years, a private Intuitive Machines lander fell over on the moon.

two legs of a moon lander jutting up with the earth half-lit overhead

Hidden monster black hole in the galaxy next door fired stars at us like million mph cosmic bullets

Space

March 7^th 2025 at 9:40 pm

A hidden monster black hole in the Large Magellanic Cloud fired runaway stars at the Milky Way at millions of miles per hour.

Artist’s impression of a hypervelocity star ejected from the Large Magellanic Cloud

Secretive US Space Force X-37B space plane 'breaks new ground' with return to Earth after 434 days in orbit (photos)

Space

March 7^th 2025 at 9:16 pm

The X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle-7 U.S. Space Force’s dynamic unmanned space plane has successfully returned to Earth after a novel aerobraking maneuver during its 7th flight.

technicians in bulky protective suits approach a robotic winged space plane at night

Spectacular photo taken from ISS shows 'gigantic jet' of upward-shooting lightning towering 50 miles over New Orleans

Space

March 7^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

A newly unveiled astronaut photo shows a "gigantic jet" shooting upward from a thunderstorm above Louisiana in November 2024.

A photo from space showing a giant jet of blue light shooting above a thunderstorm

SpaceX Dragon capsule arrives at launch site for Crew-10 astronaut flight to ISS (photos)

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

March 7^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

The SpaceX Dragon capsule that will carry the next crew to the International Space Station has arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center ahead of its March 12 launch.

a white space captule with metalic bottom trunk rolls into a hangar on a truck at night time.

See the moon cozy up to a fading Mars tonight (March 8)

Space

March 7^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The pair will be closest to each other at around 8 p.m. ET.

graphics showing the moon near to mars in the night sky.

'Primordial' helium from the birth of the solar system may be stuck in Earth's core

Space

March 7^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

The discovery that helium and iron can mix at the temperatures and pressures found at the center of Earth could settle a long-standing debate over how our planet formed.

Our best binoculars under $300 are now even better value with this $90 price cut

Space

March 7^th 2025 at 3:13 pm

Get the Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 for their best price in over a year — a fantastic pair of binoculars for skywatching on the go.

Celestron TrailSeeker binoculars on a purple space.com background with a deals icon

Water mining on the moon may be easier than expected, India's Chandrayaan-3 lander finds

Space

March 7^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Higher latitudes on the moon with slopes facing the poles "are not only scientifically interesting but also pose less technical challenges for exploration in comparison with regions closer to the poles of the moon."

(Main) An image of the moon (Inset) An illustration of the Chandrayaan-3

What's the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

Space

March 7^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

We explore the celestial geometry that explains different kinds of eclipses of the sun and the moon.

two panel image showing a lunar eclipse on the left and a solar eclipse on the right.

Watch fiery SpaceX Starship Flight 8 debris rain down over The Bahamas (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 7^th 2025 at 5:03 am

The upper stage of SpaceX's huge Starship rocket exploded over the Atlantic Ocean this evening (March 6), creating a dramatic sky show for people in The Bahamas, Florida and elsewhere.

Debris caused by the breakup of the SpaceX Starship Flight 9 upper stage rains down over The Bahamas in this view, captured by journalist Stefanie Waldek.

SpaceX loses Starship rocket stage again, but catches giant Super Heavy booster during Flight 8 launch (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 7^th 2025 at 3:41 am

SpaceX managed to catch the Super Heavy booster on Starship's eighth test flight today (March 6), but the vehicle's upper stage was lost about nine minutes after liftoff.

A giant silver SpaceX rocket launches on Flight 8 from a Texas seaside launch pad

Hope is all but lost for private asteroid probe in deep space — 'the chance of talking with Odin is minimal'

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 7^th 2025 at 12:30 am

AstroForge says there's no real hope of reestablishing contact with its Odin probe, the first private spacecraft ever to fly beyond the moon.

a view of spacecraft attached to a spacex rocket, including odin asteroid probe, athena moon lander and more

Intuitive Machines' private Athena probe lands near lunar south pole — but it may have tipped over

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 6^th 2025 at 9:48 pm

Intuitive Machines' second lunar lander, named Athena, landed near the moon's south pole today (March 6), but the probe's fate is unclear.

A fisheye view of the moon with a spacecraft to the right of it. There is a yellowish gold box on the craft.

Private Blue Ghost lander spotted on the moon by NASA lunar orbiter (photo)

Space

March 6^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter captured an exciting view of Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander following its recent touchdown on the moon.

Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost moon lander is seen as bright pixel casting a shadow in the middle of the box in this photo, which was captured by NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter on March 2, 2025.

7 fascinating facts about lunar eclipses

Space

March 6^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

From fiery 'blood moons' to ancient legends, discover the surprising science and history behind lunar eclipses.

sequence of total lunar eclipse showing the moon get progressively more red and the turning back to it's usual gray/white.

Low on power and spinning out of control, NASA's Lunar Trailblazer moon probe's future looks grim

Space

March 6^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

It's been a week since NASA lost contact with its new water-hunting moon satellite.

A small moon satellite with its solar panels unfurled as it flies over the moon in an artist view

DNA-busting radiation from star-killing supernova could have influenced evolution on Earth

Space

March 6^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

A distant star-killing supernova could have bombarded Earth with radiation strong enough to shift the course of evolution.

An illustration of a star-killing supernova and DNA being broken around the Earth

Mars may have a solid inner core just like Earth

Space

March 6^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

New research based on an iron and sulphur mixture mirroring the Red Planet’s inner core suggests that Mars’ deep interior could be solid, like Earth.

An artist’s concept of seismic waves detected by NASA’s InSight mission from Marsquakes traveling through the Red Planet’s core

NASA switches off Voyager instruments to extend life of the two interstellar spacecraft 'Every day could be our last.'

Space

March 6^th 2025 at 2:34 pm

NASA engineers are turning off two instruments on Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 to ensure these twin spacecraft can continue exploring interstellar space.

An illustration of the Voyager 2 spacecraft exploring space beyond the solar system

1st American robotic lunar rover set to land on the moon today

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

March 6^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Colorado-based company Lunar Outpost's MAPP rover is poised to land today (March 6) near the lunar south pole aboard the private Athena moon lander.

Total lunar eclipse is just one week away: When and where to see the Blood Moon

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

March 6^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

One week until a total lunar eclipse on March 13 turns the moon blood red. Here's everything you need to know.

a blood red moon during a total lunar eclipse on the left and a building illuminated on the right

Watch Intuitive Machines land private Athena probe at the lunar south pole

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

March 6^th 2025 at 8:32 am

Intuitive Machines' Athena lander is scheduled to touch down near the moon's south pole today (March 6). Here's how to watch it live.

looking down the body of a spacecraft on the right to see a cratered, shadowy surface of the moon.

Varda space capsule returns to Earth in 1st commercial landing in Australian Outback (photos)

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

March 6^th 2025 at 2:30 am

Varda Space has successfully landed a reentry capsule in Australia, delivering critical data that could advance in-space manufacturing and hypersonic technologies.

Varda Space Industries' W-2 reentry capsule is seen shortly after its safe landing at Australia's Koonibba Test Range on Feb. 28, 2025.

Hubble Telescope discovers a new '3-body problem' puzzle among Kuiper Belt asteroids (video)

Space

March 6^th 2025 at 1:30 am

It's a new type of three-body problem for astronomers, who used the Hubble Space Telescope to determine that twin asteroids in the Kuiper Belt could be triplets.

An illustration of the 148780 Altjira system of two or maybe three asteroids. (Inset) the Hubble Space Telescope

The US will 'plant the American flag on the planet Mars and even far beyond,' Trump tells Congress

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

March 6^th 2025 at 12:23 am

President Donald Trump told lawmakers that U.S. astronauts will one day carry the American flag to Mars and beyond during a speech before the joint session of Congress.

President Donald J Trump addresses a joint session of Congress as Vice President JD Vance and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) listen in the Capitol building's House chamber on Tuesday, March 04, 2025 in Washington, DC.

Private Athena moon lander beams home amazing video of south pole touchdown site

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

March 5^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

Intuitive Machines' Athena moon lander is giving us some incredible views from lunar orbit ahead of its March 6 touchdown attempt.

Intuitive Machines' second moon lander, named Athena, snapped this selfie above the surface of the moon on March 4, 2025.

Mystery solved! Odd X-ray signal was 'death knell' of planet destroyed by zombie star (video)

Space

March 5^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

An X-ray signal that has puzzled scientists for 45 years was the "death knell" of a planet ripped apart by a white dwarf star, data from NASA's Chandra observatory has revealed.

An illustration shows a planet being ripped apart by a "dead star" white dwarf

Sci-fi shooter 'Jump Ship' is nearly here, and it's a chaotic mix of 'Left 4 Dead', 'Sea of Thieves', 'FTL' and Hawaiian pizza (video)

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

March 5^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

Check out the new trailer for "Jump Ship", the wild co-op sci-fi shooter coming this summer, with a closed beta available right now.

an astronaut on a spaceship holding a slice of pizza

The solar system is teeming with 1 million 'alien invaders' from Alpha Centauri

Space

March 5^th 2025 at 6:17 pm

The solar system could be packed with 1 million alien visitors, space rocks shaken away from our cosmic neighbor Alpha Centauri, new research has revealed.

An illustration shows Earth surrounded by asteroids, but which is the alien invader?

'We should be living on Mars by now!' Red Planet and Voyager 1's Pale Blue Dot steal the spotlight in NYC rock show

Space

By: sspaleta@space.com (Steve Spaleta)

March 5^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Rockers Andy Frasco and the U.N. blast off at Irving Plaza.

A rock band on stage. One person is standing on top of a brown box and there are guitarists and a violinist nearby.

'Once-in-a-lifetime' planetary parade photo captures 10 celestial bodies in a single shot

Space

March 5^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

A rare grouping of 10 celestial bodies is captured in a stunning new photo taken during last weekend’s great planetary parade.

A tree in the center of the image with a starry sky and Earth in the foreground.

Touch down on the moon with private Blue Ghost lander in this amazing video

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 5^th 2025 at 2:30 am

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost spacecraft chronicled its moon landing on Sunday morning (March 2), capturing stunning footage of its landmark descent.

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander captured this shot of its own shadow on the moon just after its touchdown on March 2, 2025.

'Stuck' NASA astronauts on ISS grilled on Earthly politics as long 9-month mission nears end. 'From my standpoint, politics is not playing into this at all.'

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 5^th 2025 at 12:25 am

Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return to Earth this month after an unexpectedly long stay aboard the International Space Station —one that has become politically charged here on Earth.

See Earth shine like a Blue Marble in this stunning photo by Japan's private Resilience moon lander

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 4^th 2025 at 8:38 pm

The Japanese company ispace is targeting June 5 for the touchdown of its Resilience moon lander, which launched atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Jan. 15.

a view of a crescent moon from a moon lander and a full blue earth

Dark Skys Skyview Pocket Planetarium review

Space

March 4^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

This palm-sized device offers projection of the Northern Hemisphere's constellations for enjoyment and learning.

The Dark Skys Skyview Poket Planetarium on a brown table

India's Aditya-L1 solar probe watches powerful flare erupt from the sun

Space

March 4^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

India's Aditya-L1 spacecraft captured detailed observations of a powerful solar flare last year, helping scientists better understand our star's eruptions.

An illustration shows India's Aditya-L1 spacecraft as it investigates the sun

Geysers on Saturn's moon Enceladus may not come from its underground ocean

Space

March 4^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Scientists think geysers on Saturn's moon Enceladus might come from a "mushy" zone of ice along the world.

A black and white image of the bottom part of a world in space with hazy plumes shooting out.

Aurora alert: Incoming solar storm could spark northern lights as far south as New York tonight

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

March 4^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Aurora chasers are on high alert for possible geomagnetic storm conditions from March 4 to March 5. Northern lights possible at mid-latitudes.

Aurora Borealis Lights Up New York,Bear Mountain,New York,United States,USA. Ribbons of green and red light fill the sky.

SpaceX, NASA to launch 1st mission to study aurora 'electrojets' in Earth's atmosphere

Space

March 4^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Scientists have been wondering about auroral electrojets for a long time. This mission could change how we understand them.

An illustration of three satellites above Earth looking down at bright green auroras.

NASA delays launch of SPHEREx and PUNCH missions to March 8

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

March 4^th 2025 at 5:11 am

NASA is now launching its SPHEREx and PUNCH space missions on March 6 at 10:09 p.m. ET.

Two panels; on the left is the SPHEREx spacecraft and on the right is material from the PUNCH mission.

SpaceX calls off Starship Flight 8 launch test due to rocket issues (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 4^th 2025 at 4:17 am

SpaceX called off today's (March 3) planned Starship Flight 8 launch after several issues with the vehicle cropped up during the countdown.

A giant silver Starship rocket is stacked atop its giant booster atop a seaside launch pad for SpaceX's Flight 5. silver SpaceX Starship rocket as it is hoisted atop its booster.

Sunrise on the moon! Private Blue Ghost lander captures amazing shot after historic lunar touchdown (photo)

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

March 4^th 2025 at 1:30 am

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander has captured a gorgeous shot of sunrise on the moon as it begins its workday on the lunar surface.

Sunrise on the moon, as seen by Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander. Firefly posted this photo on X on March 3, 2025.

Going to SXSW 2025? Here are the festival's best space-themed panels

Space

March 4^th 2025 at 12:32 am

Meet the Artemis 2 moon mission astronauts and learn about private lunar landers, space telescopes and the "dark universe" at SXSW 2025.

The Artemis 2 moon astronauts pose in the well deck of the USS San Diego during recovery exercises on Feb. 25, 2024. From left: Canadian Space Agency mission specialist Jeremy Hansen, NASA mission specialist Christina Koch, NASA pilot Victor Glover and NASA commander Reid Wiseman.

Sparkling galaxy blazes with star formation in new James Webb Space Telescope image

Space

March 3^rd 2025 at 11:30 pm

A new image from the James Webb Space Telescope captures a nearby spiral galaxy, NGC 2283, blazing with newly formed stars.

A red and orange spiral galaxy image with lots of stars.

Lego partners with moon rover firm Lunar Outpost for 'future product and surprises'

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

March 3^rd 2025 at 10:30 pm

A new collaboration has Lego getting ready to "blast off" with the help of Lunar Outpost, a company with a mission now heading for the moon.

a toy astronaut "waves" from the moon with a company logo above his hand

Get 73% off Starz streaming service for three months

Space

By: acox@space.com (Alexander Cox)

March 3^rd 2025 at 10:19 pm

Starz may not be the best-known streaming service but it's 73% off and has the Jurassic Park movies, some Marvel movies, the Borderlands movie and more.

A black rectangular box with "STARZ" written inside it and a white glow appears infront of a blue planet background with the space.com logo in the top left corner

Private Athena moon lander enters lunar orbit ahead of March 6 touchdown try

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

March 3^rd 2025 at 10:00 pm

Intuitive Machines' Athena moon lander successfully entered lunar orbit on Monday (March 3), keeping it on track for a touchdown attempt on March 6.

Intuitive Machines' second moon lander, named Athena, snapped this deep-space selfie with Earth in the background on March 1, 2025.

James Webb Space Telescope dives into the atmosphere of a mystery rogue planet or failed star

Space

March 3^rd 2025 at 9:30 pm

Astronomers have used the James Webb Space Telescope to investigate the atmosphere of a cosmic body that is either a "failed star" brown dwarf or a rogue planet.

An illustration of the isolated planetary-mass object SIMP 0136

Cadrim star projector review

Space

March 3^rd 2025 at 8:30 pm

This angular star projector takes up little shelf space and operates very quietly. It is great for gamers, movie fans and people looking for a sleep aid.

SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites to orbit, loses Falcon 9 booster after landing (video)

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

March 3^rd 2025 at 7:09 pm

A SpaceX Falcon 9 launched a batch of Starlink internet satellites into Earth orbit on Sunday night (Mar. 2), but the rocket's booster toppled over after landing.

the bottom of a black and white rocket with four landing lets deployed can be seen standing amidst a wash of smoke.

Pearl Young, the first woman to work in a technical role at NASA, overcame barriers and ‘raised hell’ − her legacy continues today

Space

March 3^rd 2025 at 5:30 pm

Thirteen years before any other woman joined the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics – or the NACA, NASA’s predecessor – in a technical role, a young lab assistant named Pearl Young was making waves in the agency.

Four women stand on a curb in a black and white photo.

Watch SpaceX launch its Starship Flight 8 megarocket test flight today

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 3^rd 2025 at 4:30 pm

SpaceX plans to launch the eighth test flight of its huge Starship rocket on Thursday (March 6), and you can watch the dramatic action live.

a silver winged starship ship is moved to launch pad with SpaceX building in foreground

Europe's powerful Ariane 6 rocket launches for 2nd time ever, sending French spy satellite to orbit (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 3^rd 2025 at 2:32 pm

Europe's Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket launched for the second time ever today (March 6), sending a French spy satellite to orbit.

An Arianespace Ariane 6 rocket launches the French military satellite CSO-3 from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana on March 6, 2025.

'America First' on the moon? US must 'dominate' in space, acting NASA chief says during lunar landing

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

March 2^nd 2025 at 9:55 pm

Acting NASA administrator made the comments just before Firefly Aerospace's private Blue Ghost 1 landed on the moon for the agency.

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander captured this photo of the moon shortly after arriving in lunar orbit on Feb. 13, 2025.

Pikoy Galaxy Projector review

Space

March 2^nd 2025 at 8:30 pm

This palm-sized star projector is a great value and would be the perfect gift to enhance the ambiance of anyone's space.

Pikoy Galaxy Projector on a desk with a brown background

Is it time to revisit what NASA's Viking lander found on Mars in 1976?

Space

March 2^nd 2025 at 4:30 pm

A new study reconsiders the controversial findings of NASA's Viking Mars lander in 1976, which some argue may have shown signs of past life on the Red Planet.

mechanical arms in front of a reddish, rocky surface

Earth shines over the moon in amazing 1st photos from private Blue Ghost lander. 'We're all in that picture.'

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

March 2^nd 2025 at 3:52 pm

Blue Ghost aced its lunar landing and is already sharing its first stunning views from the moon.

image of shadow of blue ghost lander on moon, with earth in the background.

Is the 'Blaze Star' about to explode? If it does, here's where to look in March

Space

March 2^nd 2025 at 2:30 pm

T Coronae Borealis (T CrB) is about to reappear in the spring night sky, so be ready in case it goes nova.

'We're on the moon!' Private Blue Ghost moon lander aces historic lunar landing for NASA

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

March 2^nd 2025 at 12:43 pm

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost spacecraft made history today (March 2), becoming just the second private vehicle ever to soft-land on the moon.

A black and gold moon lander on the gray lunar surface with an inset of happy engineers celebrating

Russian cargo ship docks at space station with science, spacesuit and supplies

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

March 2^nd 2025 at 2:42 am

A new delivery of food, fuel and supplies has arrived at the International Space Station by way of a Russian supply ship.

a spacecraft with two extended solar arrays approaches a space station to dock

'I think we all know that hope is fading.' Private Odin asteroid probe is tumbling in space

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

March 1^st 2025 at 9:08 pm

The company AstroForge is working to try and recover the asteroid probe before time runs out.

Govee Star Light Projector review

Space

March 1^st 2025 at 8:30 pm

The Govee Star Light Projector is an excellent star projector for noisy environments, but it isn't a good one for your bedside table.

Govee on wooden table against brown background

'Land' your own Blue Ghost with Firefly's moon lander building blocks set

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

March 1^st 2025 at 8:30 pm

As eyes turn to Firefly Aerospace's mission control for the company's first attempt at a moon landing, some watching may notice models of the Blue Ghost lander sitting at the consoles.

a model of a gold and blue lunar lander made out of toy building blocks

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 150 — Our Listener Special

Space

By: info@space.com (Space.com Staff)

March 1^st 2025 at 5:43 pm

On Episode 150 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik answer your questions, respond to your comments, and have lined up a number of your most tummy-tickling space jokes.

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 150 — Our Listener Special

Partial solar eclipse 1 month away: The moon will take a 'bite' out of the sun on March 29

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

March 1^st 2025 at 5:30 pm

Don't miss the partial solar eclipse on March 29! Find out where and when to see it, and how to prepare with just one month to go!

the moon appears to take a bite out of the sun during a partial solar eclipse whereby the sun now takes on a crescent shape.

From interstellar dust to life beyond Earth: Why scientists can't wait for NASA's new SPHEREx space telescope

Space

March 1^st 2025 at 4:30 pm

A modest NASA space telescope with grand ambitions will soon launch into an orbit around Earth. Here's why scientists are excited about it.

Hardware for NASA's SPHEREx mission lowered through the ceiling into test chamber.

NASA's Europa Clipper will fly close to Mars today on way to Jupiter's icy moon

Space

March 1^st 2025 at 2:31 pm

NASA's Europa Clipper will fly past Mars today to adjust its trajectory and position itself for a critical phase of its 1.8-billion-mile (2.9-billion-kilometer) trek to the Jupiter system.

An illustration of Mars with a spacecraft that has two solar panel wings on either side in front of the planet.

What time will the private Blue Ghost probe land on the moon today? How to watch live. [Updated]

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

March 1^st 2025 at 1:33 pm

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost probe is expected to land no earlier than Sunday, March 2, 2025 in the wee hours before dawn. Here's what we know.

A gold and black moon lander approaches the lunar surface with thrusters firing

US Space Operations Command unveils new motto in head banging video: 'Always the hunter'

Space

March 1^st 2025 at 2:30 am

US Space Operations Command recently unveiled a new motto: "Semper Venator," Latin for "Always the hunter."

a graphic showing a triangular badge in front of earth behind the words "semper venator: always the hunter"

Scientists warn of consequences as over 800 NOAA workers are fired: 'Censoring science does not change the facts'

Space

March 1^st 2025 at 2:20 am

Scientists warn that the Trump administration's abrupt firing of hundreds of weather forecasters and climate experts at NOAA will curtail important climate research and result in preventable deaths during extreme weather events and related disasters.

The sign outside an NOAA building. There is the NOAA logo on it.

NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic jet clears 'major hurdle' ahead of 1st flight (photos)

Space

By: brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley)

March 1^st 2025 at 1:30 am

NASA's X-59 quiet supersonic jet recently passed electromagnetic interference testing, moving it one step closer to its first flight.

two sleek, small jets sit on a concrete tarmac in the desert

How did Andromeda's dwarf galaxies form? Hubble Telescope finds more questions than answers

Space

March 1^st 2025 at 12:30 am

A family portrait of the Andromeda galaxy and its orbiting dwarf satellites raises questions about how galaxies evolve.

An image of a starry sky with a galaxy in the center. The yellow circles show other galaxies nearby.

SpaceX gets FAA approval for Flight 8 of Starship megarocket

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 28^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

SpaceX has received approval from the U.S Federal Aviation Administration for Flight 8 of its Starship megarocket, which is targeted for Monday (March 3).

The world's largest rocket launches into a blue sky on SpaceX's Flight 7.

How microbes from Earth can help astronauts adapt to long-term space missions

Space

February 28^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

Astronauts in isolated space habitats could benefit from the intentional fostering of diverse microbes from humanity's evolutionary past, a new study suggests.

Four people float on the ISS amid lots of tech.

1st private spacecraft to attempt to travel beyond the moon appears to be in trouble

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 28^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Space mining company AstroForge launched its Odin asteroid probe this week, but the mission is suffering from unknown issues.

AstroForge's Odin asteroid-scouting spacecraft before its February 2025 launch.

Ainael Meteor and Galaxy Projector review

Space

February 28^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Could this medium-sized, app-free star-projector-night-light combo make the perfect gift for a space fan? We find out.

Ainael Meteor and Galaxy Projector on a woode table against a brown wall

Chinese scientists developing Mars drone that can roll and fly across Red Planet (video)

Space

February 28^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

"On the ground, it mainly rolls by shifting its center of gravity."

Chinese researchers are developing a drone that could explore Mars by air or on the ground.

Save 30% on this fun kids Lego Star Wars playset — the only current set that includes a Yoda minifigure

Space

February 28^th 2025 at 8:27 pm

Want a Yoda minifigure, you do? This fantastic Lego set you will need, and 30% off it is.

Lego Star Wars Tenoo Jedi Temple on an orange planet background with a 'Space deals' badge

NASA's brand-new Lunar Trailblazer probe suffers glitch on way to the moon

Space

By: brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley)

February 28^th 2025 at 6:46 pm

NASA's water-hunting Lunar Trailblazer probe is experiencing communication and power issues while it makes its way to the moon following a Feb. 26 launch.

An artist's depiction of Lunar Trailblazer at work around the moon.

'Dark matter is more valuable than gold': Wobbly galaxies help shine a light on the universe's strangest stuff

Space

February 28^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

Scientists have used the wobble of the Milky Way and what are known as "cosmic lighthouses" to shine a light on the mystery of dark matter.

An illustration shows a pulsar sat within a cloud of dark matter

There are 3 private lunar landers headed to the moon right now — a 1st in space history

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 28^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Three private lunar landers are on their way to the moon right now, a surge of exploration never before seen in spaceflight history.

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander captured stunning views of the moon after its second lunar orbit maneuver on Feb. 24, 2025.

Watch 'rare' planetary parade online for free today as 7 planets align across the sky (video)

Space

February 28^th 2025 at 4:41 pm

Seven planets will line up for a rare "planetary parade" today (Feb. 28) and you can watch it live online, beginning at 12:00 p.m. ET (1700 GMT).

graphic showing a laptop with a poster of the livestream as the background and a live button in the top right corner.

Fuel your children's imagination for all things space with this National Geographic Power Rocket — it's got a 21% saving right now at Amazon

Space

By: paul.brett@futurenet.com (Paul Brett)

February 28^th 2025 at 4:15 pm

This fantastic motorized rocket can soar to 200ft, has a rechargeable battery, and even comes with an in-built landing system.

The National Geographic Rocket packaging details with Space/com deals logo

What time is SpaceX's Starship Flight 8 launch soon?

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

February 28^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

SpaceX is poised to launch Flight 8 of its Starship megarocket on Monday (March 3). Here's how to watch the action live.

SpaceX places the Starship Flight 8 Super Heavy booster atop the orbital launch mount at its Starbase site ahead of a planned Feb. 28, 2025 liftoff. The company posted this photo on X on Feb. 25.

Why the northern lights seem more frequent than ever — from solar science to smartphone snapshots

Space

February 28^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

You may have noticed that more auroras have been visible in recent years, including from lower latitudes. Here's why the northern lights have been amped up lately.

three panel image showing a close up view of the sun on the left, a colorful northern lights scene in the center with pillars of purple and green lights and on the right there are images of smartphones with northern lights photos on them with social media reactions of a shocked emoji, a thumbs up and a heart scattered amongst the scene.

Private Athena moon lander beams home gorgeous views of Earth from space (photos)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 28^th 2025 at 12:30 am

Intuitive Machines' second lunar lander, named Athena, snapped some amazing shots of its home planet shortly after launching atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket on Feb. 26.

Intuitive Machines' IM-2 moon lander, named Athena, captured this view of Earth shortly after launching on Feb. 26, 2025. Visible at the bottom of the frame is the second stage of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that lofted Athena.

NASA must 'consider alternatives' to put Artemis astronauts on the moon, experts tell US Congress

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 27^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

Space policy experts told U.S. Congress that NASA must consider alternatives to its current plan to return astronauts to the moon with the Artemis program.

the full moon hangs in frame with the orion, inside its payload shell atop the SLS rocket.

Private Blue Ghost lander sees far side of the moon in breathtaking detail ahead of lunar landing (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 27^th 2025 at 10:49 pm

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander has beamed home stunning views of the moon from an altitude of just 62 miles (100 kilometers).

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander snapped this shot of the moon from an altitude of about 62 miles (100 kilometers) on Feb. 24, 2025.

NASA supercomputer finds billions of comets mimicking the Milky Way's shape: 'The universe seems to like spirals!'

Space

February 27^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Astronomers have discovered that billions of comets in an icy shell around the solar system called the Oort Cloud mimic the spiral structure of the Milky Way.

A spiral structure composed of billions of comets

Belyayev's birthday 'candle': Russia launches ISS cargo ship with logo honoring cosmonaut's centennial (video)

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 27^th 2025 at 7:42 pm

Russia celebrated a late cosmonaut's 100th birthday with a special logo on the launch shroud of a space station resupply spacecraft.

a white rocket lifts off into the night sky

Katy Perry will launch to space with historic all-female crew on Blue Origin rocket

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

February 27^th 2025 at 6:35 pm

Perry and a celebrity female crew will launch on Blue Origin's NS-31 mission this spring.

Singer Katy Perry points with arms raised pointing to a crowd over a marching band

February new moon 2025: The young moon occults Mercury and passes by Venus

Space

February 27^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The moon enters its new phase for February 2025 tonight, leaving the skies nice and dark for observing many bright planets currently visible in the night sky.

an illustration of stars in the night sky

It's Pokémon Day! Here are 10 Pokémon from space to celebrate the iconic series

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 27^th 2025 at 6:00 pm

You'll need NASA's help to catch 'em all: Here are ten Pokemon from space to celebrate Pokemon Day

NASA set to deliver a knock-out PUNCH to mysteries of the solar wind

Space

February 27^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

A new mission designed to better understand the heliosphere will be the first to map in three dimensions how the solar corona becomes the solar wind.

An illustration of Earth with four satellites in formation in orbit. The sun is seen in the background.

SpaceX delays Flight 8 of Starship megarocket to March 3

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 27^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

SpaceX has pushed back the eighth test flight of its Starship megarocket by three days, to Monday (March 3).

James Webb Space Telescope joins cosmic detectives in hunt for dark matter

Space

February 27^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

The James Webb Space Telescope has joined the hunt for dark matter, aiding cosmic detectives in searching for signals indicating axion decay.

An illustration of a massive cloud of dark matter within which axions flare releasing infrared light

NASA launching its SPHEREx and PUNCH space missions on March 4 after delay: How to watch live

Space

February 27^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

NASA launching its SPHEREx and PUNCH space missions on March 4 at 10:09 p.m. ET.

SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellite on new Falcon 9 rocket, aces nighttime landing (video)

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

February 27^th 2025 at 9:06 am

A new SpaceX rocket launched a pristine batch of Starlink internet satellites into orbit late Wednesday (Feb. 26) in a dazzling nighttime liftoff.

A computer with a large wifi logo sits atop a reflective surface. To the left, in the distance, a streak of light arches into the sky.

SpaceX rocket launches private moon lander and NASA 'trailblazer' to hunt for lunar water (video)

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 27^th 2025 at 4:00 am

SpaceX launched a double moon mission today (Feb. 26), sending a private lunar lander and a NASA orbiter to hunt for signs of water on Earth's nearest neighbor.

a time lapse image of a rocket launching over a building with a space-themed mural

These dwarf galaxies in the Hydra cluster are baffling scientists: 'We found something we didn't expect'

Space

February 27^th 2025 at 1:30 am

Astronomers were surprised to see the behavior of ultrafaint dwarf galaxies located in the Hydra cluster.

(Main) The galaxies NGC3314 and UDG32 as seen by the OmegaCAM installed on the VST telescope (Inset) a closer view of a rotating ultra-diffuse galaxy

NASA leadership shakeup continues as agency settles into Trump's 2nd term

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 26^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

Among other changes, Vanessa Wyche, who previously led Johnson Space Center, has been named NASA's acting associate administrator.

Watch asteroid 2024 YR4 zoom harmlessly through space after risk of hitting Earth falls to near zero (video)

Space

February 26^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

Observations from the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope helped show that the expected trajectory of asteroid 2024 YR4 poses nearly zero risk of impacting Earth in 2032.

a photograph of space showing a few dozen stars and a blurry dot circled with a label reading "2024 YR"

See Mercury at its best in the night sky over the next 2 weeks

Space

February 26^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

In March 2025 we have a fine opportunity to view the planet that many astronomy guide books refer to as the most difficult of the naked-eye planets to see: Mercury.

The 1st Australian rocket to launch from Australian soil could reach orbit next month

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 26^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Australian company Gilmour Space has announced a launch window of no earlier than March 15 for its first-ever orbital launch attempt.

a white rocket with a pointy nose cone stands upright on a launch pad under a bright sun

NASA's asteroid-hopping Lucy probe takes 1st images of its next target: Donaldjohanson

Space

February 26^th 2025 at 7:37 pm

The Lucy mission to Jupiter's Trojan asteroids is currently cruising through the Asteroid Belt, and will fly close to asteroid Donaldjohanson in April.

A gif showing two panels. On the left is a moving white object and on the right it's the same object, but circled.

The only good 'Star Wars' prequel trilogy movie is retaking the high ground with an April theatrical return to celebrate its 20th anniversary

Space

February 26^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The final chapter of the Star Wars prequel trilogy, 'Revenge of the Sith', turns 20 this year, and Disney and Lucasfilm are bringing it back to theaters to celebrate.

This Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon set is 13% off — almost its lowest-ever price

Space

By: paul.brett@futurenet.com (Paul Brett)

February 26^th 2025 at 6:15 pm

This fantastic Millennium Falcon model looks great displayed alone or as part of a Lego Star Wars collection and it's rarely this discounted.

Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon with Space.com deals logo

Astrophotographer captures 'rare' planetary parade as 7 planets align in the night sky (photo)

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

February 26^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Seven worlds align under one sky in a breathtaking photograph captured by astrophotographer Josh Dury.

photo of the night sky showing seven planets aligned across the sky in a planetary parade.

2 NASA missions will carpool on a SpaceX rocket this weekend to help map the cosmos

Space

February 26^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

NASA's PUNCH and SPHEREx missions are scheduled to launch no earlier than Tuesday (March 4). Here's what each is built to do, and why they could yield some terrific results for astronomers.

How to watch Intuitive Machines shoot for the moon with daring lunar lander launch for NASA tonight

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 26^th 2025 at 2:12 am

Intuitive Machines is poised to launch its second lunar lander in as many years, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration.

Intuitive Machines' second moon lander, named Athena, arrived on Florida's Space Coast on Jan. 28, 2025.

SpaceX rolls huge Super Heavy booster to pad ahead of Starship Flight 8 launch (photos)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 26^th 2025 at 12:30 am

The Super Heavy booster that will fly on the eighth test mission of SpaceX's Starship megarocket is now on the launch pad. Liftoff is scheduled for Friday (Feb. 28).

SpaceX says its Falcon 9 rocket debris crash over Europe was caused by propellant leak

Space

February 25^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

A propellant leak was to blame for the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket crashing to Earth over Europe last week, SpaceX says.

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket debris burns up over Ingersleben, DE on Feb. 19, 2025.

NASA tells employees to ignore Trump administration's 'What did you do last week?' email

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 25^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

NASA employees have been told they are not required to respond to a Trump administration email request to list achievements or potentially face termination.

a black marble sign beside a city street reading "mary w. jackson nasa headquarters"

Metroid Prime 4: Beyond — Release window, trailers, and everything we know

Space

February 25^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Samus Aran returns in 2025 with Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, a first-person action adventure that's been in the works for nearly a decade.

Ancient beach on Mars discovered by China's Mars rover: 'This strengthens the case for past habitability'

Space

February 25^th 2025 at 8:31 pm

China's Mars rover discovered evidence of an ancient Red Planet beach. Here's why scientists are excited about this.

A diagram of Mars with blue overlay on the top and bottom (mostly on the top) to show where oceans may have once been.

Mysterious fast radio burst traced back to massive 'cosmic graveyard' of ancient stars

Space

February 25^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

A mysterious burst of radiowaves with more energy than the sun emits in a year has been traced back to a cosmic graveyard dead galaxy filled with ancient stars.

An illustration of a "dead" elliptical galaxy emiting a powerful and rapid burst of radio waves

Exoplanetary parade: What would the night sky look like on alien worlds? (op-ed)

Space

February 25^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Most of the planets are aligned in our night sky right now, providing a treat for skywatchers. Are such "planetary parades" visible from other worlds?

A simulated view from the surface of Europa, one of Jupiter's four Galilean moons.

If Mars has microbe fossils, a laser and rock quarry in Algeria could help find them

Space

February 25^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Scientists searching for microbe fossils on Mars have a better idea of what to look for thanks to gypsum that formed when the Mediterranean Ocean dried up over 5 million years ago.

rolling hills of wind-blown red rock and dust

What makes Mars the 'Red' Planet? Scientists have some new ideas

Space

February 25^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Mars is known as the "Red" Planet, but what actually makes it red? New research offers answers.

The average distance between Earth and Marsthe two planets is 140 million miles (225 million km). The distance between the two planets affects how long it would take to travel between the two.

Blue Origin launches 'Perfect 10' space tourists on New Shepard rocket (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 25^th 2025 at 8:31 am

Jeff Bezos' aerospace company, Blue Origin, launched its 10th space tourism mission this morning (Feb. 25), sending a crew of six to space on its New Shepard rocket.

a white rocket lifts off above a desert full of scrub plants

Explosion of Starship Flight 7 traced to fires in rocket's 'attic,' SpaceX says

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 25^th 2025 at 2:38 am

SpaceX has finished its investigation into what went wrong on the seventh test flight of its Starship rocket, which ended with a dramatic explosion.

a silver rocket launches under blue skies

Private Blue Ghost moon lander captures amazing footage of Earth behind and lunar surface below (video)

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 25^th 2025 at 12:30 am

Firefly Aerospace is primed for a lunar landing attempt on Sunday (March 2) following a series of successful maneuvers in lunar orbit.

Sun unleashes powerful X-class solar flare, triggers radio blackouts across Pacific Ocean (video)

Space

February 24^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

A strong X-class solar flare erupted from the sun on Sunday, Feb. 23, creating radio blackouts across parts of the Pacific Ocean.

a bright flare of light erupts from the rightmost edge of the sun

SpaceX targeting Feb. 28 for next launch of Starship megarocket

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 25^th 2025 at 12:57 am

SpaceX plans to launch the eighth test flight of its Starship megarocket on Friday (Feb. 28), company founder and CEO Elon Musk says.

'Andor' Season 2 trailer is packed full of explosive action and 'Star Wars: Rogue One' cameos (video)

Space

February 24^th 2025 at 10:08 pm

The critically acclaimed Disney+ Star Wars series Andor is returning with a bang in April, and its long-awaited first trailer is just what we needed.

Apple TV+ shares first look at 'Murderbot', a killing machine who just wants to watch TV all day

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 24^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Martha Wells's award-winning 'The Murderbot Diaries' is getting a snarky adaptation with Alexander Skarsgård at the helm this spring.

Murderbot from the Apple TV show, shown alongside the cover for the first Murderbot Diaries book.

Limited edition Athena moon lander merch on sale at Columbia Sportswear now — and it'll definitely sell out

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 24^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

The gold dots on Columbia Sportswear's new long-sleeve shirt forms more than just the silhouette of a lunar lander. It also represents the tech used to protect the craft and outdoor explorers.

close-ups on two overlapping black shirts with graphic designs depicting a lunar module and related mission art

NASA picks SpaceX rocket to launch asteroid threat hunter NEO Surveyor in 2027

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 24^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

NASA has selected SpaceX to launch its NEO Surveyor spacecraft, which will hunt for asteroids and comets that could pose a threat to Earth.

a rectangular spacecraft floats in space

First (and last?) look at Intuitive Machines' next moon lander's footpad designs (photos)

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 24^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

Photos of the next spacecraft to launch to the moon have revealed a detail on the lander's footpads that Intuitive Machines hopes will never be seen again.

a six-legged lunar lander is seen being fit into its launch shroud with an inset showing the detail on one of the craft's footpads

NASA installs 'bulletproof' sunshade on powerful Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope (photos)

Space

February 24^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Technicians have installed the sunshade on NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which is scheduled to launch in Spring 2027.

In this photo, technician Brenda Estavia is installing the innermost layer of the sunshade onto the deployable aperture cover structure of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

'That's impact probability zero folks!' Earth safe from 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4

Space

February 24^th 2025 at 3:59 pm

The chances of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting our planet are now zero. Last week, it was the riskiest asteroid to hit our planet since records began.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 makes a close pass of Earth

Where will the 'Blood Moon' total lunar eclipse be visible in March 2025?

Space

February 24^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

A total lunar eclipse on March 13-14, 2025, will be visible across Earth's night side. See detailed maps of where and when to watch the dramatic 'Blood Moon'.

blood red moon during a total lunar eclipse next to a building with two statues on the roof

NASA's 'SPHEREx' infrared space telescope is launching this week. Here's why it's a big deal

Space

February 24^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Scientists aim to answer some of the most fundamental questions about the universe using NASA's newest space telescope, SPHEREx, which is set to launch Feb. 28.

a large silver cone-shaped spacecraft in a white cleanroom

Astronomers discover misshapen galaxy is a cosmic predator that bears 'scars' from its last meal (photo)

Space

February 23^rd 2025 at 5:30 pm

Images from the Very Large Telescope suggest that a galaxy called NGC 3640 has a history of absorbing smaller galaxies.

two wispy white clouds in space in front of hundreds of small colorful swirls of light

Leaping robots, fusion satellites and more! New NASA-funded studies could someday 'change the possible'

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 23^rd 2025 at 2:30 pm

NASA has awarded funds to 15 trailblazing concepts for space technology that could help us explore and inhabit the solar system.

a collage of different images showing futuristic technologies ranging from one-legged jumping robots to balloons on an alien planet

SpaceX launches 22 Starlink internet satellites from California (video)

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 23^rd 2025 at 5:22 am

SpaceX launched another set of its Starlink internet satellites from southern California on Saturday evening (Feb 22).

a white rocket lifts off into a partially cloudy dusk sky from its California launchpad

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 149 — SpaceX, Moon Missions, and Killer Asteroids?

Space

By: info@space.com (Space.com Staff)

February 22^nd 2025 at 6:37 pm

On Episode 149 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik discuss a potentially hazardous asteroid, SpaceX's plans in the Bahamas, and the debate surrounding the International Space Station.

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 149 — SpaceX, Moon Missions, and Killer Asteroids?

Astronomers discover 'Quipu,' the single largest structure in the known universe

Space

February 22^nd 2025 at 6:30 pm

Newly discovered Quipu, a superstructure in which galaxies group together in clusters and clusters of clusters, is the largest known structure in the universe in terms of length, scientists claim.

An image of a supercluster outline in pink and blue blobs

20 years of satellite data reveal 'staggering' levels of glaciers melting, sea levels rising

Space

February 22^nd 2025 at 5:30 pm

Over the past two decades, glaciers worldwide have lost 273 billion tonnes of ice to a warming world, driving sea levels to rise at an accelerated pace, according to a decades-long comprehensive analysis.

A satellite image of white streaks on top of greenish land.

30 years after warp drives were proposed, we still can't make the math work

Space

February 22^nd 2025 at 2:30 pm

To construct a warp drive, we would need negative mass, which doesn't appear to exist in the universe and would violate everything we know about motion, momentum and energy.

an illustration of a spacecraft consisting of a central spindle surrounded by three concentric rings, floating over a grid. a wave of blue light crests behind and above the spacecraft, while a wave of red light crests underneath and in front of it

What's that smell? Astronomers discover a stinky new clue in the search for alien life

Space

February 22^nd 2025 at 2:30 am

Astronomers have discovered that sulfur may be a key to helping us narrow down our search for life on other planets.

a brown and green orb floating in space in front of thousands of stars

Einstein wins again! Quarks obey relativity laws, Large Hadron Collider finds

Space

February 22^nd 2025 at 1:30 am

Do top quarks, nature's heaviest elementary particle, obey Einstein's rules at all times of day and night? Scientists at the Large Hadron Collider have the answer.

Protons colide creating a shower of elementry particles, including the top quark

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin targeting Feb. 25 for 10th space tourism launch

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 22^nd 2025 at 12:30 am

Blue Origin is targeting next Tuesday (Feb. 25) for its 10th space tourism launch, which will send six people to the final frontier. You'll be able to watch the action live.

Blue Origin's New Shepard vehicle launches on the NS-25 crewed suborbital mission, on May 19, 2024

Paralympian John McFall could become 1st astronaut with a disability on ISS

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 21^st 2025 at 10:55 pm

European Space Agency astronaut John McFall is cleared to be the first person with a physical disability to fly to the space station.

John McFall, a reserve astronaut with the European Space Agency, standing in a mockup International Space Station module.

Boost for alien hunters? Earth life may not be so improbable, study suggests

Space

February 21^st 2025 at 9:30 pm

The idea that life on Earth arose through a series of improbable "hard" evolutionary steps may be misjudged, according to a new paper that says our Earth had a big say in matters.

a blue-and-white planet on a black background

US Space Force reveals 1st look at secretive X-37B space plane in orbit (photo)

Space

By: brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley)

February 21^st 2025 at 8:41 pm

The United States Space Force released the first public photo taken by X-37B space plane in orbit, showing the vehicle high above Earth.

earth can be seen in the background, as the inside of a hollow metal structure dominates the top of the image, with visible bolts and struts

NASA Associate Administrator Jim Free announces retirement after 30-year career at the space agency

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 21^st 2025 at 7:30 pm

NASA has announced the retirement of Associate Administrator Jim Free, the agency's chief operating officer for more than 18,000 employees across the United States.

a man wearing a dark nasa logo polo shirt and glasses smiles with a greying goatee.

SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites on 450th Falcon rocket (video)

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 21^st 2025 at 7:04 pm

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 21 more of the company's Starlink internet satellites to orbit from Florida's Space Coast on Saturday (Feb. 8).

a black and white rocket launches into a blue sky

Strange X-ray flash from beyond the Milky Way perplexes scientists

Space

February 21^st 2025 at 6:30 pm

A mysterious flash of X-ray emission from outside the Milky Way has left astronomers puzzled.

A black screen showing the flash with diagrams.

'It's extremely worrisome.' NASA's James Webb Space Telescope faces potential 20% budget cut just 4 years after launch

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

February 21^st 2025 at 2:30 pm

Such a dramatic cut to a flagship space telescope still in its prime will be felt across the mission's entire operations, affecting science.

a spacecraft with a large gold hexagon on top in deep space

How do black holes 'leak' energy? Scientists have a new spin on the answer

Space

February 21^st 2025 at 1:30 pm

Scientists have discovered more about the process that causes black holes to "leak" energy to their surroundings, finding the faster they spin, the more energy is extracted.

An illustration shows a spinning black hole

'Jupiter Ascending' came out 10 years ago, and we're still not sure how The Matrix creators' space opera went so wrong

Space

February 21^st 2025 at 1:30 am

The Wachowskis' attempt at reenergizing the space opera genre is widely considered to be a low point in their career, but maybe we were too harsh?

Some baby stars in ancient stellar nurseries were born in 'fluffy' cosmic blankets

Space

February 21^st 2025 at 1:30 am

Astronomers have discovered that many infant stars born in stellar nurseries of the early universe may have preferred "fluffy" stellar blankets.

A far infrared image of the Small Magellanic Cloud as observed by the European Space Agency's (ESA) Herschel Space Observatory.

The ISS should be deorbited 'as soon as possible,' Elon Musk says: 'Let's go to Mars'

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 20^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

The International Space Station "has served its purpose" and should be deorbited "as soon as possible," SpaceX chief and close Trump adviser Elon Musk said today (Feb. 20).

The International Space Station, photographed by Expedition 56 crew members in 2018 from a Soyuz spacecraft after undocking.

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover discovers evidence of ripples from an ancient Red Planet lake (images)

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

Rippled textures in a shallow lake bed on Mars indicate that ice-free liquid water once pooled here.

A reddish section of ground with ripple patterns.

Life as we don't know it: Some aliens may need sulfuric acid like we need water

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 9:01 pm

If we're looking for life as we don't know it, the best solvent out there may be concentrated sulfuric acid — the stuff that's floating around in the clouds of Venus.

The day side of Venus covered in clouds as seen by Akatsuki

Our favorite novelty Astronaut star projector is now 20% off

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 8:11 pm

This Astronaut star projector is currently just 20% off, offering gorgeous indoor nebulas in a fun, novelty model at a sizable discount.

Astronaut star projector on an orange planet background

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket debris creates dramatic fireball over Europe, crashes in Poland (video)

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 7:44 pm

A SpaceX rocket stage fell to Earth early Wednesday morning (Feb. 19), blazing a trail of fire through European skies.

Hubble Telescope sets its eyes on cosmic cotton candy near the Tarantula Nebula (photo)

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The Hubble Space Telescope captured the colorful, wispy clouds near the Tarantula Nebula, one of the most luminous and active star-forming regions in our galactic backyard.

Hubble Space Telescope image of the colorful clouds of gas and dust near the Tarantula Nebula, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud about 160,000 light-years from Earth.

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin unveils crew for 10th space tourism launch

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 20^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Blue Origin just revealed the identities of five of the six crewmembers for NS-30, its next suborbital space tourism mission. The company has not yet announced a launch date.

'Impossible' pair of vampire stars discovered by Einstein Probe's X-ray vision

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

A flash of X-ray light has revealed the existence of an odd couple of stars, a massive star and a white dwarf, that shouldn't really exist together.

An illustration of a gray spacecraft with a purple background.

NASA massively lowers impact risk of 'city-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 to 1 in 360

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 2:12 pm

Breathe a sigh of relief! NASA has dropped the risk of asteroid 2024 YR4 impacting Earth in 2032 to 1 in 360, just days after it became the highest-risk asteroid since records began.

An illutsration shows asteroid 2024 YR4 narrowly missing Earth and the moon

What is dark energy? Exploding white dwarf stars may help us crack the case

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Astronomers have studied 3,600 supernovas to discover diversity in exploding white dwarf stars, a vital tool in the investigation of dark energy.

Exploding white dwarfs observed by the Palomar 48 inch telescope at the Palomar Observatory in California

Musk and Trump repeat false 'stranded' Starliner astronauts narrative, but they are not stranded

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 20^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Elon Musk and President Trump continue to advance the narrative that NASA astronauts from Boeing's Starliner mission were "abandoned" in space.

A pale man wearing a blue suit and red had with orange face paint purses his lips toward another, taller pale man, pursing his lips in the direction of the first man, wearing all black. A blurry man behind them awaits the inevitable.

Leaving Pluto in the dust: New Horizons probe gearing up for epic crossing of 'termination shock'

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 1:30 am

NASA's New Horizons Pluto probe is gearing up to cross the "termination shock," an exotic boundary in the outer solar system, as early as 2027.

This high-resolution image captured by NASA's New Horizons spacecraft combines blue, red and infrared images to show a bright expanse on Pluto known as Sputnik Planum, which has been found to be rich in nitrogen, carbon monoxide and methane ices.

Black holes snacking on small stars create particle accelerators that bombard Earth with cosmic rays

Space

February 20^th 2025 at 12:46 am

Gamma rays detected by NASA's Fermi spacecraft indicate that microquasars are powered by small black holes slowly devouring stars. They pack quite a punch, bombarding Earth with cosmic rays.

An illustration of a stellar-mass black hole slowly devouring a star in a microquasar system

Lego Marvel Logo & Minifigures set review

Space

February 19^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

It's not the most exciting set, but Lego Marvel Logo & Minifigures expertly achieves what it sets out to do.

Lego Marvel Logo and Minifigures with minifigures popping out

Over 1,000 NASA employees saved from dismissal as Trump downsizes federal workforce

Space

February 19^th 2025 at 10:42 pm

After the space community braced for a brutal shake-up at NASA this week, a last-minute decision on Tuesday (Feb. 18) spared over 1,000 agency employees on probationary status from being dismissed.

A building with the NASA logo. There is a sunset and pinkish clouds.

The next giant leap? How jumping could help astronauts train for trips to the moon and Mars

Space

February 19^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Scientists suggest adding jumping exercises to astronauts' training regimens, to minimize the health effects of long space missions, such as moon and Mars trips.

JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa exercises on board the International Space Station.

Largest-ever discovery of 'missing link' black holes revealed by dark energy camera (video)

Space

February 19^th 2025 at 7:31 pm

Using a revolutionary dark energy camera, astronomers have discovered the largest haul of "missing link" intermediate-mass black holes ever seen, but there should have been more.

(Main) An illustration depicts a dwarf galaxy that hosts an active galactic nucleus — an actively feeding black hole. (inset) This mosaic shows a series of images featuring intermediate-mass black hole candidates

Want a workout? Try walking to the top of the world's largest telescope (photo)

Space

February 19^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The world's largest telescope continues to take shape on the Cerro Armazones mountain in Chile's Atacama Desert.

the skeletal frame of a large domed structure

Blue Ghost moon lander lowers its orbit to fly closer to the lunar surface (video)

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 19^th 2025 at 5:29 pm

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lander lowered its orbit around the moon Tuesday (Feb. 18), sending back gorgeous footage from just over the lunar surface.

a grey, cratered landscape curved along the sphere of the moon.

7 planets are aligned in the night sky right now. But what's that mean for science?

Space

February 19^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

In February 2025, all seven of our planetary neighbors will be visible from Earth. So what does such a planetary alignment mean for science? Well, not much — unless you're an interplanetary spacecraft.

I want to believe — but yet another massive search for alien technosignatures just turned up nothing

Space

February 19^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Hunting for alien civilizations isn't a matter of just waiting around for them to show up; it's the business of combing through enormous volumes of data to look for peculiar signals.

Boeing plans to lay off hundreds of employees working on NASA's SLS moon rocket: reports

Space

February 19^th 2025 at 2:30 am

Boeing is preparing to lay off roughly 200 employees working on the Space Launch System rocket as it braces for the possibility that its contracts with NASA may not be renewed after they end in March.

an orange-and-white rocket stands upright under a purple and pink sunset

'Captain America: Brave New World' introduces adamantium into the MCU, but did it come from space in the comics?

Space

February 19^th 2025 at 1:30 am

No Weapon X yet, but Captain America: Brave New World marks the arrival of adamantium to Earth-616 in a departure from its comic book origins.

The body of the celestial Tiamut, emerging from the ocean.

Japan's Resilience moon lander aces lunar flyby ahead of historic touchdown try (photo)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 19^th 2025 at 1:00 am

Resilience, a lunar lander built by Japanese company ispace, zoomed within a mere 5,220 miles (8,400 kilometers) of the moon on Feb. 14.

Is Pluto a planet or not? Who cares! Our love for the King of the Kuiper Belt is stronger than ever 95 years later

Space

By: John.Loeffler@futurenet.com (John Loeffler)

February 19^th 2025 at 12:30 am

On the 95th anniversary of its discovery, Pluto remains one of the most beloved and enigmatic worlds in our solar system, whether you call it a planet or not.

A brownish planet with a heart shaped lighter area toward the bottom right.

Rocket Lab launches sharp-eyed Earth-observation satellite to orbit (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 18^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

Rocket Lab launched a high-resolution imaging satellite for the company Blacksky toward low Earth orbit this evening (Feb. 18).

A Rocket Lab Electron vehicle launches the first "Gen-3" Earth-imaging satellite for the company Blacksky on Feb. 18, 2025.

SpaceX Starlink mission lands rocket off coast of The Bahamas for 1st time (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 18^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 23 Starlink satellites today (Feb. 18) and then landed the Atlantic Ocean near The Bahamas —a first for the company.

The top of a rocket lifts off amidst a bright orange hue.

At $800 off, this powerful Nikon Z8 mirrorless camera has never been cheaper, just in time for March's lunar eclipse

Space

February 18^th 2025 at 7:49 pm

Looking for to take your astrophotography to the next level? Save up to $800 on the Nikon Z8, a powerhouse of a mirrorless camera just in time to capture March's lunar eclipse.

A Nikon Z8 camera, without lens, next to a Space Deals icon.

James Webb Space Telescope finds our Milky Way galaxy's supermassive black hole blowing bubbles (image, video)

Space

February 18^th 2025 at 7:31 pm

Using the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers have taken a detailed look at the supermassive black hole at the heart of the Milky Way, Sgr A*, finding it endlessly blowing bubbles.

A stream of flares emitted by the Milky Way's central black hole Sgr A* as seen by the JWST

Exoplanet with iron rain has violent winds 'like something out of science fiction'

Space

February 18^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

Astronomers have discovered a powerful jet stream raging through the atmosphere of an ultra-hot Jupiter exoplanet ravaged by liquid iron rains.

An illustration of the hot Jupiter exoplanet Wasp-121 b which has iron rains and winds that are violent beyond expectation

Imagine Dragons 'Starfield' video game anthem will beam to Earth from the moon

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 18^th 2025 at 6:47 pm

Imagine Dragons' song 'Children of the Sky' will be beamed to Earth from a lunar data center as part of the private IM-2 moon mission launching as early as Feb. 26 atop a SpaceX Falcon 9.

a rock band plays on a large stage in front of a colorful psychedelic backdrop

Save a massive 36% on the Star Wars Black Series Force FX Elite Lightsaber

Space

By: paul.brett@futurenet.com (Paul Brett)

February 18^th 2025 at 5:53 pm

With a huge 36% off, you can grab an unbeatable Star Wars deal on this feature-packed lightsaber, now it's lowest price in months.

A black and green box featuring a green lightsaber and Yoda on the front infront of some purple disco circles and a black space.com logo

Cosmic voids may explain the universe's acceleration without dark energy

Space

February 18^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

New research suggests that dark energy isn't needed to explain the acceleration in the expansion of the universe — instead suggesting giant voids in space are creating an illusion.

This still from a NASA video shows a snapshot of the universe as simulated by NASA's Pleiades supercomputer, the seventh fastest in the world. The Bolshoi universe simulation is the most realistic view of the universe to date and was released in late September 2011.

3D-printed 'hydrogels' could be future space radiation shields for astronaut trips to Mars

Space

February 18^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Technology we already use everyday might be the future of space radiation shielding.

James Webb Space Telescope reveals how a cosmic 'Phoenix' cools off to birth stars

Space

February 18^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Like its mythological namesake, the Phoenix Cluster burns with blisteringly hot gas, which cools to birth stars. The James Webb Space Telescope has now learned how this galaxy cluster does it.

An image of the Phoenix cluster constructed with observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, Chandra X-ray Observatory, and the Very Large Array radio telescope.

'Star Trek: Section 31' got us thinking... Should you have to do your homework before you watch a movie?

Space

February 17^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

The latest 'Star Trek' movie assumes plenty of prior knowledge of a vast franchise — and it's not alone.

Scientists accidentally discover Earth's inner core is less solid than expected

Space

February 17^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Researchers discovered that Earth's inner core is surprisingly viscous.

Earth's inner core is made primarily of iron.

The Winter Triangle meets the 'Mars Triangle' in the night sky this month

Space

February 17^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

For the next few weeks, the planet Mars will form an isosceles triangle with the two bright stars marking the heads of the Gemini Twins, Pollux and Castor.

a starry night sky above a snow-capped mountain

Does the moon look smaller tonight? Here's why a 'micromoon' rises

Space

By: brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley)

February 17^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The moon reaches its farthest point from Earth tonight, known as apogee, making it appear ever so slightly smaller in the night sky.

Watch the sun erupt in new images from NOAA's weather satellite

Space

February 17^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

A space-based telescope has captured new images of the sun that showcase one of our star's fiery outbursts — and Mercury is in the picture.

black circle surrounded by jets of blue.

Some planet-forming stars never 'grow up' and lose their 'Peter Pan' disks

Space

February 17^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Astronomers used the James Webb Space Telescope to study a planet-forming disk around a low-mass star, finding it contains chemical signatures never seen before in such a disk.

a brown-and-yellow disk swirling around a bright white central core

Astronomers realize mysterious TV signal in their data bounced off an airplane

Space

February 17^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

By tracking the TV signal back to the plane that was reflecting it towards the Murchison Wide-field Array, astronomers will be able to learn how to remove it from their data.

A white contraption stands on the ground surrounded by many others. It has four straight legs attached to a central cylinder by three support struts each.

'City-killer' asteroid 2024 YR4 could hit the moon instead of us, scientists say

Space

February 16^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

Asteroid 2024 YR4 has a 2.3% chance of hitting Earth in the year 2032. But according to new estimates, it may have an even smaller chance of hitting the moon instead.

An asteroid passes between Earth and the moon.

Continent-size blobs in Earth's mantle are a billion years old, ancient crystals reveal

Space

February 16^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

New research suggests that dark energy isn't needed to explain the acceleration in the expansion of the universe — instead suggesting giant voids in space are creating an illusion.

'Sailing' satellites of the future could provide early warning of dangerous space weather

Space

February 16^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

'Sailing' satellites of the future could provide early warning of dangerous space weather

A solar sail flies over Earth with the sun setting on Earth in an illustration.

The best sci-fi TV shows of the 1950s

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 15^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

A list of 10 influential science fiction TV series from the '50s

A black-and-white image of a television astronaut in a bubble helmet

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 148 — Clavius Base

Space

By: info@space.com (Space.com Staff)

February 15^th 2025 at 6:55 pm

On Episode 148 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik speak with Dr. Pascal Lee about why Clavius may be the ideal place to build our first lunar base.

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 148 — Clavius Base

The force is strong with this JEDI

Space

February 15^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The force will be strong with this next-generation imager; JEDI will be a featured instrument on the Vigil space mission set to launch in 2031.

a red circle in a black circle, in a red circle, in a blue haze.

Tom Hanks' 'The Moonwalkers' makes US premiere at Space Center Houston

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 15^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

It is not unusual to see a Saturn V launch while viewing a film at Space Center Houston. Now, with "The Moonwalkers: A Journey with Tom Hanks," that spectacle stretches beyond the center's screen.

a panoramic photo of an Apollo lunar module on the moon is projected on a giant movie screen, as well as the theater's walls and floor

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 21 Starlink satellites on record-setting 26th flight (video, photos)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 15^th 2025 at 11:17 am

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched for the 26th time this morning (Feb. 15), setting a new reuse record for the company.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 21 Starlink internet satellites to orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Feb. 15, 2025.

Boeing Starliner astronauts on the ISS set the story straight: 'We don't feel stranded'

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 15^th 2025 at 2:30 am

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore say they aren't stranded aboard the space station. They'll be happy to come home but sad when their spaceflight journey comes to an end.

NASA astronauts Suni Williams (left) and Butch Wilmore, who flew to the International Space Station on Boeing's Starliner capsule in June 2024, discuss their mission during a press conference from the ISS on Sept. 13.

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin laying off 1,000 employees: reports

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 15^th 2025 at 1:36 am

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin is laying off about 1,000 employees, according to media reports. That's about 10% of the aerospace company's workforce.

Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket launches on its debut flight from Florida on Jan. 16, 2025.

What the asteroid with a 1-in-48 chance of hitting Earth in 2032 looks like (images)

Space

February 14^th 2025 at 11:45 pm

Astronomers have captured a new image of the asteroid 2024 YR4, which now has a 1 in 48 chance of hitting Earth in 2032.

The asteroid 2024 YT4 as seen by the 8.1 meter Gemini South telescope on Feb. 7, 2025

Welcome to the moon! Firefly's Blue Ghost lander reaches lunar orbit (video, photos)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 14^th 2025 at 11:00 pm

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost moon lander reached lunar orbit on Thursday (Feb. 13) and snapped some photos to commemorate the milestone.

How Sen's 4K live cameras on the ISS offer a new perspective from space (op-ed)

Space

February 14^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Sen aims to use the story-telling power of video to inspire, empowering everyone to witness planetary change and humanity's exploration of space.

The bulbous blue orb of Earth rises from below. On the left, a white spacecraft.

Astronomers have brought you a space Valentine: The Tarantula of the cosmos

Space

February 14^th 2025 at 8:00 pm

As the most intense star-forming region in the Local Group, 30 Doradus is of particular importance to astronomers.

a highly detailed composite image of a star-forming region of space known as 30 Doradus, shaped like a bouquet, or a maple leaf. 30 Doradus is a powerful stellar nursery. In 23 days of observation, the Chandra X-ray telescope revealed thousands of distinct star systems. Chandra data also revealed a diffuse X-ray glow from winds blowing off giant stars, and X-ray gas expelled by exploding stars, or supernovas. In this image, the X-ray wind and gas takes the shape of a massive purple and pink bouquet with an extended central flower, or perhaps a leaf from a maple tree. The hazy, mottled shape occupies much of the image, positioned just to our left of center, tilted slightly to our left. Inside the purple and pink gas and wind cloud are red and orange veins, and pockets of bright white light. The pockets of white light represent clusters of young stars. One cluster at the heart of 30 Doradus houses the most massive stars astronomers have ever found. The hazy purple and pink bouquet is surrounded by glowing dots of green, white, orange, and red. A second mottled purple cloud shape, which resembles a ring of smoke, sits in our lower righthand corner.

7 romantic sci-fi movies to cuddle up with on Valentine's Day

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 14^th 2025 at 6:42 pm

Here’s our list of the best cinematic sci-fi romance stories to prove that love is the one thing we're capable of perceiving that transcends dimensions of time and space.

Scene from the movie Passengers showing a man in a spacesuit and a woman in a beige top holding hands and looking into each others eyes.

Black holes vibe together in a cosmic love story for Valentine's Day written in the stars

Space

February 14^th 2025 at 6:23 pm

Researchers have discovered that black holes engage in a cosmic dance and a star-lit meal to vibe with each other in a cosmic love story fit for Valentine's Day.

A simulation of vibing black holes in a cosmic love story

Meet 'Tansuo' and 'Wangyu,' China's next moon rover and astronaut spacesuit (video)

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 14^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

China's human spaceflight agency has unveiled official names for a spacesuit and rover to be used in the country's moon landing mission before the end of the decade.

a white space suit with a gold visor next to a four-wheeled, car-like rover on a grey, dusty surface

Fastest exoplanet ever is dragged through space at 1.2 million mph by hypervelocity star

Space

February 14^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Astronomers have discovered what seems to be a star racing through the Milky Way at 1.2 million mph, dragging a Neptune-sized planet along for the ride.

(Main) an illustration shows a Neptune like planet being dragged through space by its parent star (inset) Image visualizes stars near the center of our Milky Way galaxy. with colorfuls trail indicating its speed. The longer and redder, the faster a star is moving

SpaceX test-fires Starship megarocket and Super Heavy booster ahead of next launch (video, photos)

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 14^th 2025 at 2:30 am

SpaceX fired up its next Starship and booster for an engine test before the rocket's upcoming launch to space.

fiery smoke rises from below as a tall chrome cylinder stands next to a tower

Sony's latest State of Play highlights three incredible sci-fi games coming to PlayStation 5

Space

February 14^th 2025 at 1:30 am

Get excited for a new major sci-fi game from Housemarque and two heavy-hitters from third-party studios.

Still from the trailer for the video game Saros. A man watches on as the sun is eclipsed in the sky. The sky is dark and clouded, with a swirl of light glowing from the sun.

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin targeting late spring for 2nd launch of powerful New Glenn rocket

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 13^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

Blue Origin aims to launch its New Glenn heavy-lift rocket for the second time in late spring, after making modifications designed to help the vehicle's first stage stick its landing this time.

Blue Origin launches its first New Glenn rocket from Pad 36 of the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Jan. 16, 2025.

Japan's Resilience lunar lander prepares for 1st swing around the moon

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 13^th 2025 at 11:19 pm

The second lunar lander from Japanese space exploration company ispace is ready for a flyby of the moon as part of its elongated moon landing journey.

a cubic lunar lander on four legs sits on the dusty surface of the moon next to a small four-wheeled rover

Perseverance rover's Mars samples show traces of ancient water, but NASA needs them on Earth to seek signs of life

Space

February 13^th 2025 at 10:16 pm

Scientists are cataloging and analyzing the first samples collected by NASA's Perseverance rover while the agency weighs its options for returning them to Earth.

a small grey rock at the bottom of a metal tube

Moon or Mars? Why not both, acting NASA head Janet Petro says

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 13^th 2025 at 8:58 pm

NASA still views the moon as a stepping stone to Mars, even though Elon Musk has dismissed Earth's nearest neighbor as "a distraction."

An artist's impression of astronauts working on the surface of the moon.

I test and review Lego sets for a living and Lego's 25th Anniversary R2-D2 is now one of the lowest prices I've ever seen it

Space

February 13^th 2025 at 8:23 pm

You can save 18% on the Lego Star Wars R2-D2, suitable for those aged 10 and up, making it very nearly the cheapest I've ever seen.

Lego Star Wars R2-D2 on a purple background with a 'Space.com deals' badge

'It was a miracle.' Amazing tales of dead spacecraft that came back to life

Space

February 13^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

Sometimes the end of the mission isn't really the end.

A collage of a cubesat, NASA NEOWISE and IMAGE satellites.

'Iridescent' clouds on Mars captured in Martian twilight in stunning NASA rover images (video)

Space

February 13^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

"I'll always remember the first time I saw those iridescent clouds and was sure at first it was some color artifact."

night shining clouds on mars glow in reds and other iridescent colors as seen by a nasa rover

Total lunar eclipse March 2025: Live updates

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

February 13^th 2025 at 2:56 pm

The next lunar eclipse will be overnight on March 13-14, 2025.

stages of the total lunar eclipse show the moon turn a progressively red colour.

Total lunar eclipse brings a Blood Moon to North America next month. Here's how to see it

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

February 13^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Earth will soon experience the first total lunar eclipse since November 2022.

gif animation showing the moon turn progressively red during a blood moon total lunar eclipse.

February's Full Snow Moon dazzles in a flurry of stunning photos from around the world

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

February 13^th 2025 at 1:10 pm

We've rounded up some of the best full moon photos below. So sit back, relax and enjoy the show.

full moon on the left shining next to an ornate roof of a building illuminated by lights.

NASA denies setting 'new bans' for employees amid reports of removing LGBTQI+ symbols from offices

Space

February 13^th 2025 at 6:06 am

NASA claims that there are "no new bans" on employees' personal items, amid reports of the agency purging workspaces of LGBTQI+ symbols.

The red NASA sign is in front of a building.

Tiny plasma jets on the sun drive the elusive solar wind, Europe's Solar Orbiter reveals

Space

February 13^th 2025 at 1:30 am

Solar scientists have found tiny, short-lived jets of energy on our sun to be the primary drivers of the solar wind, marking a step toward better understanding our sun's elusive behavior.

Solar Orbiter took this image of the sun during its close approach in March 2022. At that time, the spacecraft was closer to the star than the solar system's innermost planet Mercury.

Gamma rays create Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World, but how do they work in the real world?

Space

February 12^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

Captain America: Brave New World is about to hit cinemas, bringing with it the gamma-ray-powered Red Hulk. Here's what you need to know about that high-energy radiation.

Red Hulk in Captain America: Brave New World

Win a chance to see a SpaceX rocket launch thanks to Bethesda, creators of 'Starfield'

Space

February 12^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Xbox and Bethesda have teamed up with Lonestar to send one 'Starfield' fan to Florida to witness the launch of a historic space mission to the Moon.

Scientists detect highest-energy ghost particle ever seen — where did it come from?

Space

February 12^th 2025 at 7:33 pm

Scientists have detected the highest-energy ghost particle neutrino ever, but did it come from a supermassive black hole particle accelerator aiming its jet straight at Earth, or from a cosmic fossil?

An illustration shows a high-energy neutrino escaping a supermassive black hole then arriving at Earth after traversing vast cosmic distances

February's full moon shines bright tonight. Here's what to expect from the Snow Moon

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

February 12^th 2025 at 6:23 pm

February's Full Snow Moon will rise just as the sun sets.

full moon rising behind a snowcapped mountain.

Valentine's Day Aurora Alert: Geomagnetic storm could bring northern lights as far south as Michigan and Maine tonight and tomorrow

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

February 12^th 2025 at 6:20 pm

Strong solar winds could supercharge the northern lights just in time for Valentine's Day.

northern lights dance across sky in ribbons of green light while a heart made up of individual stones is laid out on the sandy beach below.

SpaceX rocket launch spawns dazzling 'space jellyfish' in evening sky (photos)

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

February 12^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

If you saw something strange in the evening sky over California on Feb. 10, we can explain.

A white conical vessel with round window near the top stands surrounded by white scaffolding under a dark blue evning sky. Above, a giant, jelly-fish like plume trails a rocket launching through the sky.

Save big on one of the best star projectors you can buy, the Pococo Galaxy Star Projector

Space

February 12^th 2025 at 4:51 pm

The Pococo Galaxy Star Projector is on sale and available for its lowest price this year, we've rated it as the best rechargeable model out there.

POCOCO Galaxy Projector on a purple background with a 'Space.com deals' badge.

Scientist image 3-million-light-year-long 'cosmic web' ensnaring 2 galaxies for 1st time

Space

February 12^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Astronomers have been able to image gas as it travels down a 3 million light-year-long cosmic highway between two growing galaxies ensnared in the cosmic web.

(Left) An image of the sky in the direction of the cosmic web detection (Right) The image shows the diffuse gas (red) contained within the cosmic filament connecting two galaxies (yellow stars), extending across a vast distance of 3 million light-years.

Gravitational waves could turn colliding neutron stars into 'cosmic tuning forks'

Space

February 12^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Scientists have discovered that gravitational waves could turn neutron stars into cosmic tuning forks with characteristic reverberations that reveal their interiors.

An illustration shows two neutron stars colliding and merging

NASA moves up return date for Boeing Starliner astronauts after swapping SpaceX Dragon spacecraft

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 12^th 2025 at 4:23 am

NASA will return Starliner astronauts to Earth early along with their Crew-9 companions, after deciding to swap Crew-10 spacecraft to launch the SpaceX mission sooner.

two white spacecraft are seen docked at different orientations on a space station, floating above Earth.

Best sci-fi comedies of all time

Space

February 12^th 2025 at 2:30 am

Nobody in space can hear you scream… with laughter, but they might after you've watched these sci-fi comedies.

NASA picks SpaceX to launch Pandora exoplanet mission

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 12^th 2025 at 1:30 am

NASA's Pandora exoplanet-studying probe will launch atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket no earlier than this fall.

An artist’s concept of the Pandora mission, seen here without the thermal blanketing that will protect the spacecraft, observing a star and its transiting exoplanet.

SpaceX rocket launches 21 Starlink satellites into orbit, then lands at sea (video)

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

February 12^th 2025 at 12:35 am

The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 1:53 p.m. EST (1853 GMT), less than 24 hours after another Starlink flight from California.

A black and white SpaceX rocket launches with yellow flowers in the foreground.

NASA allegedly orders employees to purge workspaces of LGBTQI+ symbols: Report

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 11^th 2025 at 11:21 pm

Employees at NASA's Washington D.C. headquarters have reportedly been barred from displaying Pride symbols in their personal work areas.

a white nasa flag waves in front of a rainbow pride flag

How to watch 'Captain America: Brave New World': Catch it in theaters, and later stream on Disney Plus

Space

February 11^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

Anthony Mackie picks up the shield for the fourth Captain America film

Anthony Mackie in Captain America: Brave New World.

Mysterious cosmic lights turn out to be 2 undiscovered supernova remnants

Space

February 11^th 2025 at 9:03 pm

The European Space Agency's XMM-Newton X-ray observatory has identified what's causing mysterious lights in the outskirts of the Large Magellanic Cloud.

A starry sky with yellow, blue and red marking indicating different things. Huge glow in center.

There was nearly 1 rocket launch attempt every 34 hours in 2024 — this year will be even busier

Space

February 11^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

2024 set spaceflight records for the fourth consecutive year with 259 launches worldwide and one launch attempt roughly every 34 hours, according to a recent analysis of the global space economy.

in the dark of night, a rocket blasts fire from its engines, sending plumes of smoke jetting out as it climbs the launch tower out of frame. A SpaceX Falcon-9 rocket launches from LC-39A, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, in Floriday, carrying members of SpaceX's Crew-4 mission to the International Space Station, April 27, 2022.

Huge solar storm in May 2024 spawned 2 new radiation belts around Earth

Space

February 11^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The creation of the belts, and others like it in the future, are a potential new danger to astronauts and satellites headed to geostationary orbit and beyond.

Evan Boyce captured this stunning aurora above the coast of Northern Ireland.

Scientists alarmed as Rubin Observatory changes biography of astronomer Vera Rubin amid Trump's push to end DEI efforts

Space

February 11^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Astronomers are expressing disappointment and alarm as the federally-funded Rubin Observatory altered the biography of renowned astronomer Vera Rubin, for whom the facility is named, on its website.

A sepia image of a woman working on a telescope.

Hurtigruten Cruises: The trip of a lifetime for astronomy lovers

Space

February 11^th 2025 at 4:55 pm

Save up to 25% on Hurtigruten's astronomy cruises and experience the wonder of the Northern Lights along the Norwegian coast.

cruise ship next to snowy mountain underneath the northern lights

What would happen if the OSIRIS-REx asteroid Bennu smashed into Earth in 2182?

Space

February 11^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Scientists simulated what would happen if a medium-size asteroid were to strike Earth. One of those space rocks, asteroid Bennu, has a 1-in-2,700 chance of hitting Earth in the year 2182.

a ball of grey boulders and rocks seen against the blackness of space

Save a massive 63% on a year of Peacock TV now $29.99

Space

By: paul.brett@futurenet.com (Paul Brett)

February 11^th 2025 at 2:06 pm

Save $50 on a huge selection of fantastic documentaries, movies, and entertainment at Peacock.

A smartphone with a peacock logo on it being swiped with a Space.com deals icon

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 jet breaks sound barrier 3 times on final test flight (video, photos)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 11^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 pathfinder vehicle went out in style on Monday (Feb. 10), breaking the sound barrier three times on its 13th and final test flight.

Boom Supersonic's XB-1 demonstrator vehicle conducts its 13th and final test flight on Feb. 10, 2025. The jet broke the sound barrier three times during the flight.

SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites to orbit from California (video, photos)

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 11^th 2025 at 7:53 am

A new batch of SpaceX Starlink satellites are now in orbit after a successful launch from California on Monday (Feb. 10).

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 23 Starlink satellites from California on Feb. 10, 2025.

Risks with current Artemis 3 moon landing plan 'may be too high,' NASA safety group says

Space

February 11^th 2025 at 2:30 am

An annual safety report to NASA has both praise and also underscores a number of cautionary woes, including the space agency's Artemis undertaking to return astronauts to the moon.

a massive silver-and-white rocket lands on the grey, dusty surface of the moon

What was the mysterious space signal scientists discovered in 2024? Here are some possibilities

Space

February 11^th 2025 at 1:30 am

Scientists found a new kind of cosmic signal in 2024, and still aren't quite sure what's causing it.

A wonderous swirl of pink and orange gases in space.

Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander leaves Earth orbit to head for the moon

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 11^th 2025 at 12:30 am

Firefly Aerospace's Blue Ghost lunar lander is now headed for the moon after firing its engines to send it out of Earth orbit.

How to watch NASA's 1st Twitch stream from the ISS this week

Space

February 10^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

NASA's first-ever Twitch stream premieres at 11:45 a.m. EST on Wednesday, Feb. 12 on NASA's Twitch channel.

a man with rosy cheeks and a black ball cap with a nasa logo wears a tan polo shirt in a windowed room, with Earth floating above.

AI can now replicate itself — a milestone that has experts terrified

Space

February 10^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Scientists say AI has crossed a critical 'red line' after demonstrating how two popular large language models could clone themselves.

Digital Image of two faces looking towards each other.

Did Covid lockdowns really cause temperatures on the moon to drop?

Space

February 10^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Scientists have been arguing about a curious topic recently: Did temperatures on the moon dip due to the world's Covid-19 lockdown?

This view shows the thin crescent Moon setting over ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile. As well as the bright crescent the rest of the disc of the Moon can be faintly seen. This phenomenon is called earthshine. It is due to sunlight reflecting off the Earth and illuminating the lunar surface. By observing earthshine astronomers can study the properties of light reflected from Earth as if it were an exoplanet and search for signs of life. This picture was taken on 27 October 2011 and also records the planets Mercury and Venus.

Scientists 'dust for fingerprints' around a young star as it births exoplanets

Space

February 10^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

How do you dust a star for prints? Scientists have the answer to this strange question: by reconstructing the magnetic field of an infant star from the planet-forming disk of gas and dust around it.

ALMA observations of the protoplanetary disk around HD 142527. The white bars show the directions of the magnetic field revealed by the orientation of the dust grains.

Euclid 'dark universe' telescope discovers stunning Einstein ring in warped space-time (image)

Space

February 10^th 2025 at 6:53 pm

The "dark universe detective" space telescope Euclid has discovered its first Einstein ring in the process, learning about dark matter at the heart of a distant galaxy.

a view of thousands of sparkling galaxies in different shapes and colors, with an inset image of a bright white orb surrounded by a white ring

Students' contest-winning pen, paint and poetry works shown aboard International Space Station

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 10^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

A worldwide contest has again redefined the concept of "high art" by briefly converting the International Space Station into a gallery for the winners' works.

printed copies of paintings, drawings and poetry are hung on window panes aboard a space station

Live-action 'Gundam' movie enters full production as Bandai drops Netflix to partner with Legendary Pictures

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 10^th 2025 at 3:30 pm

This live-action version of the mecha anime franchise is powering into production after seven years stuck in the hangar.

Split image showing the Gundam anime on the left, and an early render of the live-action movie on the right.

Who is Janet Petro, Trump's pick for acting NASA administrator?

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 10^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Janet Petro became the first woman to lead NASA on Jan. 20. Here's what we know about U.S. President Donald Trump's pick for head of the space agency.

A woman with light hair is wearing a red shirt, blue hat and sunglasses, facing right, speaking into a microphone.

Crater-diving hopper 'Gracie' will launch to the moon aboard private Athena lander this month

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 10^th 2025 at 1:30 pm

Intuitive Machines' second lunar lander will carry four mobile robots, including a hopper named Gracie, toward the moon when it launches late this month.

Illustration of Intuitive Machine's first Micro-Nova hopper, named Grace, on the surface of the moon.

Auction offers Neil Armstrong's reply to NASA engineer's Apollo 11 mission patch ideas

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 9^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

Neil Armstrong was appreciative, but it was too late. The Apollo 11 crew had a design for the first moon landing. Armstrong's note and the patch idea that inspired it are now up for auction.

a blue and yellow gumdrop-shaped emblem and a handwritten note on a white lined piece of notebook paper

World's fastest supercomputer 'El Capitan' goes online — it will be used to secure the US nuclear stockpile and in other classified research

Space

February 9^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The world's fastest supercomputer 'El Capitan' can reach a peak performance of 2.746 exaFLOPS, making it the planet's third exascale computer.

NASA and General Atomics test nuclear fuel for future moon and Mars missions

Space

February 9^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

General Atomics and NASA achieved an important milestone on the road to using nuclear-powered rockets by testing a new fuel and finding it can withstand extreme conditions.

a silver cylindrical spacecraft with two wing-like solar arrays above a reddish-orange planet

Space weather scales are outdated and confusing. Here's what NOAA scientists are doing about it

Space

February 9^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

After receiving feedback from nearly 500 people about revising NOAA's Space Weather Scales, scientists continue to assess what changes need to be front and center.

An illustration shows magnetic fields seen in cyan trapping electrons that can be freed by lightning

See Mars next to a nearly full moon in the sky Feb. 9

Space

By: brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley)

February 9^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

The moon makes for an excellent guide to see Mars in the night sky on the evening of Sunday, Feb. 9.

NASA will beam Super Bowl LIX to orbit for astronauts aboard the International Space Station

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 8^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

The Super Bowl is one of the most-watched sporting events across the world (for Americans), and there's a chance for astronauts living aboard the International Space Station to catch the big game.

the international space station hovers above an american football field. They are the same size.

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 147 — Not As They Seem

Space

By: info@space.com (Space.com Staff)

February 8^th 2025 at 6:44 pm

On Episode 147 of This Week In Space, Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik speak with Mick West, a passionate conspiracy debunker.

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 147 — Not As They Seem

Croatia's 1st satellite captures its first views of home (photo)

Space

By: tereza.pultarova@futurenet.com (Tereza Pultarova)

February 8^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

Croatia's first ever satellite has just beamed to Earth the first image of its homeland.

Exploring Venus may require exotic tech like balloons and 'aerobots'

Space

February 8^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

Scientists are proposing ways to explore Venus in the next decade and beyond by way of a host of advanced technologies, from balloons to long-lived landers.

silver balloons float in a yellow-grey sky above black-and-yellow mountains

Eclipse at sea: Best cruises for the total solar eclipse 2026

Space

By: daisy.dobrijevic@space.com (Daisy Dobrijevic)

February 8^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

From Arctic frontiers to Mediterranean shores: The greatest 2026 total solar eclipses to give you the best view of totality.

total solar eclipse over the waters of Lac Brome, Quebec, Canada on April 8, 2024.

Vast Space now aims for 2026 launch of Haven-1 space station after key milestone (photos)

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 8^th 2025 at 2:30 am

With primary structure qualification tests complete on its pathfinder module, Vast Space has updated the timeline for the launch of its Haven-1 commercial space station.

a white cylindrical vessel with conical top is mounted to stand on a test area, surrounded by railed scaffolding.

1st supernovas may have flooded the early universe with water — making life possible just 100 million years after the Big Bang

Space

February 8^th 2025 at 1:34 am

Black holes that have been obscured by clouds of dust still emit infrared light, enabling astronomers to spot them for the very first time

An artist's impression of an ancient supernova

'Marsquakes' may solve 50-year-old mystery about the Red Planet

Space

February 8^th 2025 at 1:34 am

Scientists say AI has crossed a critical 'red line' after demonstrating how two popular large language models could clone themselves.

A topographical map showing the two halves of Mars

Supernova 'rains' could give rise to mysteriously magnetic dead stars

Space

February 7^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

New research indicates that matter ejected during the supernova death of a star can fall back to neutrons stars, giving rise to mysterious "low-field magnetars."

An illustration shows a neutron star surrounded by green magnetic field lines in the fiery shell of supernova wreckage from its birth

Tiny spacecraft could travel across interstellar space with this 'trampoline' lightsail

Space

By: John.Loeffler@futurenet.com (John Loeffler)

February 7^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Scientists at the California Institute of Technology have taken a major step toward developing lightsails that could one day carry tiny spacecraft to distant star systems.

Four semi-transparent silver triangles form a square in the black sky of space, hovering above bright blue Earth.

Black holes could 'bend it like Beckham' to reveal hidden asymmetries of the universe

Space

February 7^th 2025 at 9:19 pm

Black holes and soccer balls don't have much in common, but if black holes are curved when kicked, it might say something deep about the cosmos.

An illustration shows a black hole merger and its mirror image

SpaceX launches 21 Starlink satellites from Florida (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 7^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched 21 more of the company's Starlink internet satellites to orbit from Florida's Space Coast on Saturday (Feb. 8).

a black and white rocket launches from into a blue sky

The DJI Mini 4k, one of the best beginner drones, is 20% off

Space

February 7^th 2025 at 7:02 pm

We rated the DJI Mini 4K five stars in our review, and you can now save a massive $60 on this beginner-friendly, lightweight drone.

DJI Mini 4K on a purple background with a 'Space Deals' logo

Scientists say 2 asteroids may actually be fragments of destroyed planets from our early solar system

Space

February 7^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

New findings offer clues about the ancient origins of asteroids and their potential role in the formation of terrestrial planets, helping scientists piece together the chaotic history of our solar system.

an orange red hue is emitted from a far away star, radiated light outward to silhouette many foreground asteroids.

Odds of an asteroid impact in 2032 just went up. Here's why experts say you shouldn't worry

Space

February 7^th 2025 at 5:32 pm

The chances of the asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth in 2032 appear to have doubled, but an asteroid hunter explains to Space.com why this isn't cause for concern.

An illustration shows the asteroid 2024 YR4 looming over Earth

Hopping robot will hunt for moon water on China's Chang'e 7 lunar mission in 2026

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 7^th 2025 at 4:30 pm

China is preparing to launch a pioneering mission to the moon next year to search for definitive evidence of water at the lunar south pole.

China's Yutu 2 rover, as seen by the Chang'e 4 lander, on the far side of the moon.

'Every episode this season feels like it could be a season finale' boasts 'Invincible' creator as Season 3 debuts (interview)

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 7^th 2025 at 3:40 pm

"Invincible" Creator Robert Kirkman and Writer Simon Racioppa talk about taking Mark Grayson to 'dark places' in the third season of Prime Video's adult animated series.

Three cartoon superheroes ready for battle

New fast radio burst detector could sift through 'a whole beach of sand' to solve big cosmic mystery

Space

By: John.Loeffler@futurenet.com (John Loeffler)

February 7^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

The CRACO radio telescope system processes a massive amount of data in real-time, so it can detect fast radio bursts and sporadic neutron stars with very high efficiency.

CSIRO’s ASKAP radio telescope is made up of 36 dishes spread out across 6km on Wajarri Country - four satellite dishes, three on the left, and one on the right, point upward toward a starry night sky.

Putin axes Yuri Borisov, head of Russia's space agency

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 7^th 2025 at 2:30 am

Vladimir Putin has dismissed Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov, who led the Russian space agency for a turbulent 2.5-year stretch.

a grey-haired man in a short-sleeved white collared shirt talks into a microphone at a long table

What brand of golf ball did Alan Shepard hit off the moon? The world may never know

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 7^th 2025 at 12:30 am

Carlos Villagomez owns a golf ball that he believes was flown to the moon. If indeed it was, he may also hold the answer to a bit of trivia that otherwise may be forever lost to time.

a film still showing a blurry image of an astronaut in a white spacesuit swinging a golf club on the moon and a photo of an autograph golf ball

Perseverance Mars rover finds 'one-of-a-kind treasure' on Red Planet's Silver Mountain

Space

By: brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley)

February 6^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

NASA's Perseverance Mars rover found a 'one-of-a-kind treasure' on the rim of Jezero Crater, a rock that could help reveal the ancient history of the Red Planet.

NASA's Europa Clipper snaps its 1st starry image en route to Jupiter's icy moon

Space

February 6^th 2025 at 10:30 pm

See the stars captured by Europa Clipper's star trackers, NASA's spacecraft currently on its way to Jupiter's icy moon.

a nearly all black image, with a half dozen faint points of light scattered about

Europe signs contract for its 1st moon lander, Argonaut

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 6^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

The Argonaut moon lander one way the European Space Agency is getting involved in international lunar exploration endeavors.

an octagonal probe landed on the moon with earth in the distance in the black sky.

NASA satellites catch Earth's magnetic field making music

Space

February 6^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Scientists measured a chorus wave emerging from an unexpected place, and confirmed a key piece of a theory about how these strange waves form.

a black circle in black space, surrounded by countless looping blue lines.

Scientists discover largest black hole jet ever seen in the early universe — its twice as long as our galaxy

Space

February 6^th 2025 at 8:16 pm

Using the Gemini North telescope, astronomers have detected the largest black hole jet ever seen in the early universe. It's twice as long as the Milky Way.

An illustration of the largest radio jet ever seen in the early universe twice as long as the Milky Way

Save 44% on a Disney Plus and Hulu duo subscription

Space

February 6^th 2025 at 6:52 pm

Get a massive 44% off the standard price of Disney Plus and Hulu: two of the best streaming services out there and home to Star Wars, Marvel, Alien and more.

The Disney Plus and Hulu logos on a purple background with a Space Black Friday deals badge.

James Webb Space Telescope images bacteria-size dust grains — they'll likely turn into exoplanets

Space

February 6^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

The James Webb Space Telescope's new image spotlights dust grains in a distant protoplanetary disk, allowing astronomers to study how planets are formed in intricate detail.

Two glowing blue disks sandwich an orange disk and there's a pink jet flowing vertically through the entire thing.

Private FLIP moon rover replaces NASA's cancelled VIPER on 2025 lunar south pole mission

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 6^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Astrolab's FLIP moon rover has replaced NASA's VIPER vehicle on the first-ever mission of Astrobotic's Griffin lunar lander, which is scheduled to launch in late 2025.

Artist's illustration of Astrobotic's Griffin lunar lander and Astrolab's FLIP rover on the moon.

Temperamental stars could be ruining our view of thousands of exoplanets, Hubble Telescope finds

Space

February 6^th 2025 at 4:34 pm

Using 20 years of data from the Hubble Space Telescope astronomers have discovered that turbulent stars could be corrupting observations of some exoplanets.

An illustration shows exoplanets and stars impacted by the variability of their stars

The moon will be unusually high in the sky tonight. Here's why

Space

February 6^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Even to a casual viewer, the waxing gibbous moon of Feb. 7 will appear quite unusual, climbing so very high in the sky.

'This idea that it takes like 250 years for Pluto to orbit the sun, I think that's just bizarre.' Star Trek scion Adam Nimoy talks our favorite (dwarf) planet for 'I Heart Pluto' festival

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 6^th 2025 at 2:30 am

Filmmaker Adam Nimoy helps celebrate the 95th anniversary of Pluto's discovery this month at the 6th annual 'I Heart Pluto' festival from Feb. 13-17.

a somewhat heart-shaped white splotch on an otherwise dark planet

'No one really knows that the Emperor is evil': 'Star Wars: The Mask of Fear' author on the early days of the Empire and the birth of the Rebellion (Interview)

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 6^th 2025 at 12:30 am

Acclaimed "Star Wars" author Alexander Freed discusses his new "Star Wars: The Mask of Fear" novel

Giant planet or 'failed star?' Newfound mystery world blurs the lines

Space

February 6^th 2025 at 12:30 am

By tracing the corkscrew wobble of two stars as they move through the sky, the Gaia space mission has discovered one new giant "planet," plus a new brown dwarf.

An artist's impression of Gaia-4b orbiting its star, tracing the shape of its orbit.

Astronomers unsure what caused 'weird explosion' seen by Einstein Probe's X-ray eye

Space

February 5^th 2025 at 11:30 pm

Was a powerful cosmic explosion seen by the Einstein Probe launched by a supermassive black hole snacking on a star, by a gamma-ray burst, or by something entirely new?

An illustration shows the Einstein Probe and two possible explanations for a powerful cosmic explosion it witnessed

NASA just gave these 9 companies $24 million to dream up Artemis moon mission tech

Space

February 5^th 2025 at 10:46 pm

A bevy of space companies will lend a hand to NASA's moon goals under new contracts centered around the agency's upcoming Artemis missions.

an astronaut in the foreground on the right looks at a clipboard checklist as her underlings in the background maneuver turquoise machinery to move supplies around the lunar surface. A starry sky and the Earth hang above a horizon that rolls over a moon hangar.

The Fantastic Four meets Saturn V: 'First Steps' trailer launched at rocket center

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 5^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Disney's Marvel Studios launched its first look at "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" by broadcasting from the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Alabama.

a crowd gathers under the museum display of a large black and white rocket alongside a sign promoting the release of a movie trailer

NASA's launching a new sun mission this month: 'PUNCH is going to see a total solar eclipse'

Space

February 5^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

Scheduled to launch on Feb. 27, NASA's PUNCH mission could revolutionize space weather forecasts, unify the solar corona and the heliosphere, and help improve astronomy techniques.

four statellites float above earth staring at the sun spewing out long solar rays.

Save $300 on the VIVE XR Elite, one of the best VR headsets on the market

Space

February 5^th 2025 at 8:06 pm

In this unmissable VR deal, the VIVE XR Elite can be yours for just $800, a $300 saving on its $1100 MSRP.

HTC Vive XR Elite headset on a purple background with a 'Space Deals' badge

Comet G3 (ATLAS) looks breathtaking above future home of world's largest telescope (photos)

Space

By: brett.tingley@futurenet.com (Brett Tingley)

February 5^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

Stunning photos show bright comet lighting up the dark skies above ESO'sParanal Observatory, future home of the world's largest telescope.

a fuzzy streak of light close to the horizon below a sky full of stars

German company Atmos launching 1st cargo-return capsule on upcoming SpaceX mission

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 5^th 2025 at 6:31 pm

Atmos Space Cargo will fly its first Phoenix cargo-return capsule on SpaceX's Bandwagon 3 rideshare mission, which is scheduled to launch this spring.

Artist's illustration of Atmos Space Cargo's hardware in Earth orbit.

See the moon and Jupiter grab 'the Bull' by the horns this week

Space

February 5^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

Jupiter will also be accompanied by two naked-eye star clusters: the Pleiades and Hyades.

Astronauts on the ISS experience vision changes — should Mars travelers be worried?

Space

February 5^th 2025 at 2:30 pm

Scientists are trying to find a solution to microgravity-induced vision changes to ensure future long-duration space travelers remain in healthy condition.

NASA astronaut Karen Nyberg images her eye with a fundoscope (an instrument used to examine the inner eye) aboard the International Space Station during the Expedition 37 mission in 2013.

Hubble Space Telescope spots a spectacular Bullseye in deep space (image)

Space

February 5^th 2025 at 2:30 am

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope spotted a cosmic Bullseye galaxy, revealing evidence of a rare kind of galactic collision.

A gorgeous image of a multi-ring galaxy with an almost chalky finish.

SpaceX to launch water-hunting moon probe 'Lunar Trailblazer' on Feb. 26

Space

February 5^th 2025 at 12:30 am

NASA's Lunar Trailblazer probe has made it to Florida's Cape Canaveral to prep for its launch to the moon, which could occur as soon as Feb. 26.

a gold-foil-covered cube-shaped satellite with a white panel and dual three-paneled solar panels floats in black space high above the grey rocky curve of the moon.

SpaceX launches 2 Maxar Earth-observing satellites to orbit (video, photos)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 4^th 2025 at 10:31 pm

SpaceX launched two Earth-imaging satellites today (Feb. 4), further building out Maxar Technologies' sharp-eyed WorldView Legion constellation.

The first stage of a Falcon 9 rocket heads back to Earth for a landing on Feb. 4, 2025 (left), while the upper stage (right) carries Maxar Technologies' WorldView Legion 5 and 6 satellites to orbit.

Sci-fi thriller 'Ash' gets terrifying 1st trailer that's dripping with Lovecraftian cosmic horror vibes

Space

By: stingrayghost@gmail.com (Jeff Spry)

February 4^th 2025 at 9:30 pm

Aaron Paul and Eiza González star in the new trailer for 'Ash,' an upcoming sci-fi film about astronauts fighting for survival on a hostile planet.

VIPER back from the dead? NASA asks US companies to partner on ice-hunting moon rover

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 4^th 2025 at 8:30 pm

NASA is asking U.S. companies for proposals to move forward with the ice-hunting VIPER moon rover, a $450 million project the agency canceled last summer.

a four-wheeled robot in a cleanroom under UV lights

Blue Origin mimics moon gravity on 1st-of-its-kind New Shepard research rocket launch (video)

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 4^th 2025 at 8:04 pm

Jeff Bezos' spaceflight company Blue Origin simulated lunar gravity conditions today (Feb. 4) during the 29th launch of its New Shepard suborbital vehicle.

a squat white rocket with a domed top lifts off from the desert floor

Bullet-fast moon rocks carved 2 lunar gorges deeper than the Grand Canyon

Space

By: cqchoi@sciwriter.us (Charles Q. Choi)

February 4^th 2025 at 7:30 pm

The lunar canyons Vallis Schrödinger and Vallis Planck are extraordinarily deep, and scientists now know the valleys were carved by bullet-fast moon rocks.

a rough and cratered landscape high above the moon.

Scientists discover black holes spinning unexpectedly fast: 'You’re essentially looking at its fossil record'

Space

February 4^th 2025 at 6:30 pm

A new form of black hole archeology, linking spin to gas and dust, has revealed that these cosmic titans spin faster than expected.

An illustration shows a rotating supermassive black hole

The moon will cover the Seven Sisters of the Pleiades this week. Here's how to see it

Space

February 4^th 2025 at 5:30 pm

On the night of Feb. 5, a waxing gibbous moon will once again cover up the "Seven Sisters" of the famous Pleiades star cluster.

'The Fantastic Four: First Steps' takes off with 1st awe-inspiring trailer

Space

February 4^th 2025 at 5:17 pm

Marvel Studios' most-anticipated 2025 theatrical release is the long-in-the-works reboot of the Fantastic Four, and its first trailer doesn't disappoint.

New record coming? 5 rockets scheduled to launch in next 24 hours

Space

By: jdinner@space.com (Josh Dinner)

February 4^th 2025 at 8:31 am

If all five of today's (Feb. 4) planned space missions get off the ground on time, it will break the record for most rockets launched in a 24-hour period.

five rockets compiled side by side all launching

Blue Origin to launch New Shepard moon-gravity mission on Feb. 4 after glitch

Space

By: mwall@space.com (Mike Wall)

February 4^th 2025 at 1:30 am

Blue Origin is targeting Feb. 4 for the 29th launch of its New Shepard suborbital rocket, which was postponed from Jan. 28 due to weather and technical issues.

Blue Origin's New Shepard suborbital vehicle stands on the launch pad at the company's West Texas site on Jan. 28, 2025. A liftoff planned for that day was scrubbed due to weather and an avionics issue.

Newly-launched Indian satellite left stranded by propulsion problem

Space

By: andrew.w.jones@protonmail.com (Andrew Jones)

February 4^th 2025 at 12:30 am

An Indian navigation satellite has suffered a problem with its propulsion systems just four days after launch, preventing it from reaching its intended orbit.

An Indian GLSV rocket launches the NVS-02 navigation satellite to orbit on Jan. 28, 2025.

'Roasting marshmallow' exoplanet is so hot, it rains metal. How did it form?

Space

February 3^rd 2025 at 11:30 pm

WASP-121b is like nothing in the solar system, raining liquid metal and being puffy like a marshmallow. The origins of these "toasted marshmallow" planets could be more complicated than thought.

An illustration shows a star "roasting" a close puffy "marshmellow" planet

Is the moon still geologically active? Evidence says it's possible

Space

February 3^rd 2025 at 10:30 pm

Wrinkle ridges that formed in the past 160 million years suggest recent geological activity on the moon.

close up image of the moon showing the lunar surface covered in craters from many impacts of the moon's lifetime.

NASA pauses work by key space science groups amid Trump executive orders

Space

By: tmalik@space.com (Tariq Malik)

February 3^rd 2025 at 10:17 pm

The space agency's planetary science analysis groups must pause while NASA checks if they comply with Trump's orders.

mars appears dusty red with white patch at the bottom.

Trump administration removes Apollo moon rock from White House Oval Office

Space

By: robert@collectspace.com (Robert Z. Pearlman)

February 3^rd 2025 at 7:30 pm

Whether President Donald Trump still supports returning astronauts to the lunar surface remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: the moon no longer has a place in his White House.

the oval office in the white house with the president at his desk and press photographers across from him with insets showing where a moon rock had once been and an urn has taken its place

A red moon: Will the next 'Sputnik Moment' be made in China?

Space

February 3^rd 2025 at 5:30 pm

The next Sputnik Moment will take place against the backdrop of great power competition, as it did in the 1950s. This time, the top contenders are the U.S. and China.

Reading view