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 powerful rocket ever, failed.
United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan, Blue Origin’s New Glenn, and Europe’s improved Ariane 6 will launch in 2024.
The Psyche spacecraft cruised to a metal-rich asteroid for six years, while NASA’s Osiris-Rex spacecraft brought Bennu trash. Lucy passed its first asteroid and found a small moon with two fused orbs. Virgin Galactic and SpaceX began offering short space rides and private missions to the International Space Station.
2023: Telescopic Triumphs, Cosmic Discoveries, and Celestial Spectacles in Space Exploration
James Webb Space Telescope acquired a stunning image of Earth’s closest star-forming zone and discovered the oldest black hole. Hubble continued to provide spectacular photos. In October, a “ring of fire” eclipse occurred, and a total solar eclipse is projected in April 2024.
Space exploration had its ups and downs in 2023, from moon landings to rocket explosions and asteroid trips. In addition to space tourism, powerful telescopes made amazing discoveries. The year’s cosmic highlights included eclipses, setting the scene for future space travel.
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