Science
Stories about the wondrous world of space science.
Frontier Preps Next Mission After Mixed Results On ATMOS
Frontier is preparing to fly a second (slightly pared-down) SpaceLab next year aboard Orbital Paradigm’s new reentry platform.
The Planetary Society Calls to Save NASA Science
The Planetary Society brought together 20 space organizations on Capitol Hill in support of funding NASA science programs.
Axiom Launches Global Space Research Alliance
Axiom Space is establishing a group of space researchers to push for scientific priorities in orbit, to collaborate on shared goals, and to help the microgravity research industry navigate the transition from the government-led ISS to commercial space stations.
Study Finds Space Solar Power Could Make Europe Net-Zero
Space could play a key role in helping the European Union reach its goal of net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, according to a study released this week.
SmallSats Could Have Big Role in Solar Exploration, Too
Small sats have historically mainly made their homes in LEO, but more and more operators are shrinking the size of the platforms they send to GEO and beyond.
Will NASA’s Next Mars Mission Be A Fleet of Helicopters?
The success of the Ingenuity helicopter has teed up a more ambitious vision of aerial exploration on the Red Planet.
NASA’s TRACERS Mission Eyes Space Weather’s Bottom-Line Risks
TRACERS, will investigate magnetic reconnection, one of the driving forces behind geomagnetic storms that can disturb Earth’s upper atmosphere, and pose hazards to satellites.
NanoAvionics to Build Korea’s First Venus Observing Sat
The satellites—part of IBS’ CLOVE project—will carry UV and NIR observation instruments developed by IBS to monitor Venus’ cloud structures and atmospheric chemical makeup.
IonQ Buys Capella Space For Quantum Comms Gambit
The all-stock deal valued Capella at $311M, according to SEC filings and yesterday’s $IONQ closing price.
Frontier Flies its Lab-in-a-Box on ATMOS’ Reentry Mission
Frontier Space’s first mission is designed to test key components of its lab-in-a-box bioreactor, which will give future space travelers the ability to grow things like food and medicine in space.
DARPA Eyes Orbital Mission to Map Lunar Water Ice
The program—Lunar Assay via Small Satellite Orbiter (LASSO)—seeks to design, test, build and deliver a spacecraft that can identify regions that are at least 90% probable to have at least 5% water.
Leaked NASA Budget Spotlights Isaacman’s Challenge
President Donald Trump reportedly wants to cut NASA’s budget by $5B, or 20%. The Planetary Society said the cuts would “plunge NASA into a dark age.”
