In an unprecedented move, the United States Space Force has released a photograph taken by the secretive X-37B spaceplane, marking the first public glimpse inside the spacecraft since its debut mission in 2010. The image, captured by an onboard camera, offers a rare look at the highly classified vehicle as it conducts experiments in orbit.
China is exploring the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance the success of its ambitious mission to the outer boundaries of the solar system, according to a newly published research paper. The study highlights how AI could address the unique challenges of deep-space missions, including uncertain environments, complex mission dynamics, diverse scientific payloads, long detection distances, and prolonged communication delays with limited data transmission rates.
Elon Musk has stirred debate with calls to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) ahead of schedule, arguing it has "served its purpose." Posting on his social media platform, X, Musk stated that retiring the ISS sooner would allow a stronger focus on Mars exploration. However, this contradicts NASA and its international partners, who have agreed on a 2030 timeline for deorbiting the station.
German launch vehicle company Isar Aerospace has successfully completed testing of its first Spectrum rocket and is now awaiting regulatory approval for its maiden launch. The company announced on February 21 that it had conducted a static-fire test of the rocket’s first stage a week earlier, firing its nine engines for 30 seconds. A similar test of the upper stage was completed in the third quarter of 2024.
Rocket Lab (Nasdaq: RKLB) has successfully executed its second Electron rocket launch of the month, marking the 60th launch in the company’s history. The mission, aptly named ‘Fasten Your Space Belts,’ lifted off from Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, at 12:17 p.m. NZDT on February 19 (6:17 p.m. EST, 2317 UTC on February 18).
SpaceX has added another milestone to its long list of spaceflight records, completing the first-ever orbital mission featuring a liftoff from one country and a booster landing in another. The historic launch took place on Tuesday, February 18, with a Falcon 9 rocket lifting off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at precisely 6:21 p.m. EST (2321 UTC).
Washington, D.C. – Congressman Mike Haridopolos (R-FL), the newly appointed chair of the House Space Subcommittee, has reaffirmed his commitment to NASA’s current Moon-to-Mars strategy, emphasizing the necessity of lunar exploration as a stepping stone to future Mars missions. His stance aligns with long-standing congressional support for a return to the Moon, despite speculation that President Trump’s administration might prioritize a direct path to Mars due to the president’s connections with SpaceX CEO Elon Musk.
Cedar Park, Texas – Firefly Aerospace has been awarded a $21.8 million contract by the U.S. Space Force to launch a mission under the military’s quick-reaction space program. This marks the company’s third such award, further solidifying its role in supporting national security initiatives.
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost 1 lunar lander has successfully entered orbit around the Moon, marking a significant step toward its scheduled landing attempt in early March. The company confirmed that the spacecraft executed a 4-minute, 15-second burn of its reaction control thrusters at 8:51 p.m. Eastern, completing its Lunar Orbit Insertion maneuver.
Blue Origin is preparing for a second test flight of its New Glenn rocket in late spring, following an unsuccessful booster landing attempt on its debut flight last month. The company believes it has identified the cause of the issue and is confident modifications will be straightforward.
NASA has set a new launch date for the highly anticipated SpaceX Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), adjusting its plans after deciding to replace a brand-new Crew Dragon spacecraft with a previously flown capsule. The mission, now targeting liftoff no earlier than Wednesday, March 12, from Kennedy Space Center, marks yet another shift in the evolving schedule of the agency’s Commercial Crew Program.
Sierra Space, a leading commercial space and defense technology company, has announced the successful completion of the test campaign for its VR35K-A upper stage engine, marking a significant advancement in next-generation propulsion systems. The testing was conducted under contract with the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) Rocket Propulsion Division at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
