In a cosmic odyssey that traverses the vastness of our solar system, recent breakthroughs in space exploration have unfolded, revealing awe-inspiring wonders from the Sun to the mysterious landscapes of Mars Recent Advances in Space Exploration: Solar Orbiter, Mars Rovers, and SpaceX’s Record-Breaking Feat The Solar Orbiter is approaching the Sun. Studying the Sun’s behavior…
Moon landings, rocket launches, and asteroid missions dominated 2023 space exploration. 2023: Lunar Missions, SpaceX Setbacks, and Upcoming Rocket Launches Shape Space Exploration Russia and a Japanese corporation failed to land on the moon, but India did. US astronauts were scheduled to fly around the moon in 2024. Both launches of SpaceX’s Starship, the most…
NASA is preparing for its Certification-1 flight test on January 8, 2024, using ULA’s Vulcan rocket. NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) effort aims to launch the first Astrobotic Peregrine commercial lunar lander to a highly elliptical orbit 220,000 miles above Earth to intercept the Moon. Five instruments contribute to lunar science in the cargo….
Astronomical discoveries and expeditions that illuminate the universe. Recent Space Discoveries: Globular Cluster’s Journey and Clues to Alien Life Globular Cluster’s Track to Milky Way Center: Stars linked by gravity form globular clusters in the Milky Way. One globular cluster traveling toward the galactic center was discovered recently. These clusters in the galaxy’s outer regions…
Keith Cowing of NASA Watch reported a National Space Council event in Washington, D.C., on December 20, 2023. The party was held in a large space with flags, lighting, and Kinko’s posters. Despite the beautiful setting, the author noticed that the event had little news. International Crew for Lunar Mission: Concerns Raised Over NASA’s Transparency…
Moon, asteroids, and new rockets dominated 2023 space. Milestones and Setbacks in 2023 Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship, the largest rocket ever, has successful and unsuccessful test flights. India outperformed Russia, which crashed, in the moon landing. NASA made news by retrieving asteroid samples. Russia, India, and a Japanese business attempted moon landings. Winner India became…
With a tiny pinhole thruster ready for manufacturing, ESA has enhanced rocket propulsion technology. ESA’s ATHENA: Palm-Sized Thruster for Efficient In-Space Propulsion ATHENA (Adaptable, THruster based on Electrospray powered NAnotechnology) is a palm-sized system that maneuvers and propels cubesats and tiny spacecraft in space. ATHENA emphasizes effective in-space propulsion over huge launch rockets. The Saturn…
As the Vulcan rocket prepares for its first of two certification missions, Elon Musk is exonerated for a joke bet. Musk promised to “eat his hat with a side of mustard” if ULA’s Vulcan rocket launched a national security mission before 2023. Musk made this prediction in 2018, and ULA’s certification missions have made him…
An impressive artwork north of London’s King’s Cross train station honors the Apollo missions and the twelve men who walked on the moon. On Lower Stable Street, over 50 lightboxes display stunning photographs, including Apollo 8 astronauts’ close-ups of the lunar surface and Gene Cernan’s portraits on Apollo 17’s “moon buggy.” Andy Saunders’ outstanding book…
NASA’s OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return and India’s Chandrayaan-3 lunar south pole exploration were notable space projects in 2023. The anticipation for further interesting space exploration continues in 2024. NASA’s Ambitious Lunar and Martian Missions: A Glimpse into the Exciting 2024 Space Exploration NASA’s Artemis and Commercial Lunar Payload Services missions will target the Moon. If…