Space news

Are you passionate about space and looking to build a long-term career in the European space sector? Do you have less than three years of professional experience and a Master’s degree? The European Space Agency is offering a unique opportunity through its Junior Professional Programme (JPP), designed to cultivate the next generation of space professionals. If you dream of contributing to cutting-edge space missions and working in an international, dynamic environment, this programme is your gateway to an exciting future at ESA. Apply now to join us as a Junior Professional! 

This image released on June 26, 2026, features the globular cluster NGC 6723, sometimes called the Chandelier Cluster. Like its namesake, it sparkles with countless lights. However, each ‘lightbulb’ in this chandelier is an individual star 27,000 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius (the Archer). Globular clusters like NGC 6723 contain some of the oldest […]

ArianeGroup subsidiary MaiaSpace is examining the possibility of doubling the performance of all variants of its Maia rocket “if market response for such a configuration is favorable.” According to the company, this upgrade would involve the addition of a fourth Prometheus rocket engine powering its first stage and would not increase the average cost per […] The post MaiaSpace Plans to Double Its Rocket’s Performance with One Extra Engine appeared first on European Spaceflight.

Commercial space station developer Vast named the former president and chief executive of The Aerospace Corp. as an adviser while the company awaits the next phase of a NASA program. The post Vast names Isakowitz as a senior adviser appeared first on SpaceNews.

After 12 years of exceptional service, the pioneering Copernicus Sentinel-1A radar satellite has reached the end of its mission. Originally designed for a seven-year life in orbit, the satellite has exceeded expectations, not only by its longevity, but through the extraordinary impact of its data, which have deepened our understanding of our changing planet and supported a wide range of operational services and laid the foundation for scientific discoveries.

NASA astronauts Chris Williams and Jessica Meir began a spacewalk at 8:20 a.m. EDT today to replace a wrist joint that malfunctioned during normal Canadarm2 operations on May 27.

HELSINKI — SSC Space and Firefly have set a 2028 target for the first orbital launch from Esrange, with key infrastructure and regulatory pieces falling into place. The companies announced […] The post SSC Space, Firefly set 2028 target for first orbital launch from Sweden’s Esrange appeared first on SpaceNews.

Five-month-old startup Orbital has asked the Federal Communications Commission for permission to deploy up to 100,000 data center satellites, aiming to bring 10 gigawatts of computing power from space to meet rising artificial intelligence demand. The post Orbital files plans for 100,000 orbital data centers appeared first on SpaceNews.

Live coverage is underway as two NASA astronauts prepare for a spacewalk outside the International Space Station. The spacewalk is scheduled to begin at about 8:35 a.m. EDT and last roughly six and a half hours.

Happy Asteroid Day! Today is the annual UN-recognised global event to promote public education on asteroids and planetary defence. But why today, of all days? Read on to find out – and find out the other key dates in our current golden age of asteroids!

NASA Ames Science Stars of the Month: July 2026 The NASA Ames Science Directorate recognizes the outstanding contributions of (pictured left to right) Sungshin Choi, Yi-Chun Chen, Emma Yates, Eduardo Bendek. Their commitment to the NASA mission represents the entrepreneurial spirit, technical expertise, and collaborative disposition needed to explore this world and beyond. Space Biosciences […]

As SpaceX and others pursue the development of very large launch vehicles, a new study suggests that there may be such a thing as a rocket that is too large. The post Study argues bigger launch vehicles may not always be better appeared first on SpaceNews.

In its first mission since 2021, a Northrop Grumman Pegasus XL rocket is scheduled to… The post Pegasus XL set to air launch Swift Boost Mission to save NASA space telescope appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.

The Northwest Earth and Space Science Pathways (NESSP) project recently concluded its 2025–2026 ROADS (Rover Observation And Discoveries in Space) from Earth to Venus National Challenge, a NASA Science Activation program student challenge that engaged more than 500 students on 120 teams from eight states in authentic science and engineering experiences inspired by Venus exploration. […]

NASA and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) launched the SBIC-NASA Initiative on Monday to increase investment in American manufacturers of industrial components and providers of technologies critical to space exploration to support a sustained presence on the Moon and Mars.  Under the Memorandum of Agreement, NASA will identify technology priorities and connect businesses to funding opportunities […]

For more than 100 years, wind tunnels at NASA’s Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia, have helped shape the future of flight.   Now, two of NASA’s longest-serving facilities — the 12-Foot Low-Speed Tunnel and the 20-Foot Vertical Spin Tunnel — will pass the torch to the Flight Dynamics Research Facility (FDRF), the first major NASA wind tunnel built in more than 40 years.   “The FDRF […]

The Expedition 74 astronauts are ready for a spacewalk on Tuesday following the completion of spacesuit configurations and procedure reviews on Monday. The International Space Station’s three cosmonauts kept busy throughout the day servicing Roscosmos scientific, electronics, and life support systems.

Under budget and ahead of schedule, the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has crossed another milestone in its journey to the stars.

"We believe this will be one of the most transformative deals in the space industry."

MILAN — The European Space Agency will rely on external lunar topographic data during the design phase of its Argonaut lunar lander, and possibly for its first mission, while working […] The post ESA to seek lunar mapping capability for Argonaut lander appeared first on SpaceNews.

Rocket Lab’s chief executive says the company’s acquisition of Iridium was the “logical next step” in his ambitions to tap into the lucrative space services market. The post Beck: Iridium acquisition the “logical next step” for Rocket Lab appeared first on SpaceNews.

Flight engineer Sophie Adenot of ESA (European Space Agency) helps flight engineer Chris Williams of NASA as he tries on his spacesuit on June 23, 2026, testing its comfort and mobility as well as its communications and life support systems inside the International Space Station’s Quest airlock. Williams will go on a spacewalk on June […]

NASA’s Earth-observing satellites track an enormous range of phenomena: how aerosols move through the atmosphere, how moisture descends through soil, how land-cover shifts over decades. It’s some of the most consequential data NASA produces, informing science, policy, agriculture, and climate research around the world. As NASA’s Earth Science Division (ESD) manages this vast portfolio, they […]

NASA issued a draft BAA under NextSTEP‑3, Appendix A, on June 29, 2026, to advance concepts that accelerate the technological readiness of critical systems for lunar surface and cislunar architecture.  This solicitation seeks to close key technology gaps and mature capabilities in vertical solar arrays, ISRU oxygen production systems, Stirling radioisotope generators, in‑space manufacturing, and […]

Long-term lunar exploration requires technology, infrastructure, and operations that function together cohesively on the surface of the Moon. To accelerate the development of key lunar surface systems and reduce risk, NASA and industry must work together in the design, development, testing, and evaluation of innovative solutions that support U.S. space priorities.  NASA is seeking feedback on a draft solicitation for the Lunar […]

From observing distant galaxies to exploring exoplanets and their atmospheres, BAE Systems enables cutting-edge technology to expand our knowledge of the universe. As a major partner in each of NASA’s […] The post Discovering the Universe – Astrophysics Flagship Space Observatories Offer Insights to Key Questions appeared first on SpaceNews.

What did space have in store for Europe this month? This June, ESA astronaut Luca Parmitano was named pilot of NASA's Artemis III mission, Ariane 6 set a new European launch record, Proba-3 returned to operations, ESA satellites detected early signs of El Niño, Euclid unveiled its most detailed view yet of the Milky Way's galactic centre, and Sophie Adenot reached the halfway point of her εpsilon mission aboard the International Space Station.

From the ESA Blogs.

Quantum computing is advancing fast, and nations are racing to field the first machines powerful enough to break modern encryption. This race has direct consequences for the commercial space industry, […] The post Quantum computing is about to become a national security problem in orbit appeared first on SpaceNews.

Rocket Lab is acquiring satellite telecommunications company Iridium for $8 billion as part of its effort to become an end-to-end space company. The post Rocket Lab to acquire Iridium appeared first on SpaceNews.

British thermal imaging startup SatVu announced the start of commercial services June 29 for HotSat-2, marking a return to revenue-generating operations after its debut satellite failed in low Earth orbit in 2023. The post SatVu restarts commercial operations with HotSat-2 appeared first on SpaceNews.

(Glasgow, UK) Glasgow-based space engineering company Craft Prospect has been selected for inclusion in the inaugural edition of The Sunday Times Scotland Fast 50, a new annual list recognising some […] The post Craft Prospect selected for The Sunday Times Scotland Fast 50 appeared first on SpaceNews.

HELSINKI — China has established a national very low Earth orbit industry alliance, as multiple satellites demonstrate sustained operations below 300 kilometers and propulsion startups attract investment. China established a […] The post China establishes VLEO industry alliance as satellites demonstrate sustained low-orbit operations appeared first on SpaceNews.

The Exploration Company has published some of its first dedicated job openings for the development of a future crewed variant of its Nyx spacecraft. All three of these initial positions will be based in Houston, Texas. When asked why it’s recruiting for these positions in Houston, the company cited “a deep pool of human spaceflight […] The post The Exploration Company is Recruiting for Its Nyx Crew Team in Houston appeared first on European Spaceflight.

Two hundred years ago, a battle in the port city of Baltimore inspired the writing of America’s national anthem.

The European Space Agency (ESA) recently released a new picture of the center of the… The post Euclid studies Milky Way center, supports future Roman observations appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.

Here is SpacePolicyOnline.com’s list of space policy events for the week of June 28-July 4, 2026 and any insight we can offer about them. The House is in session for […]

The SXM-11 satellite was built by Intuitive Machines and is more than 230-feet-tall. Liftoff on SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled during a window that opens at 10:25 p.m. EDT (0225 UTC).

The Starlink 17-40 mission will add another 24 broadband internet satellites to SpaceX’s low Earth orbit constellation. Liftoff from pad 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base is scheduled at 7:36 a.m. PDT (10:36 a.m. EDT / 1436 UTC).

Rocket Lab launched a radar-imaging satellite for Japanese company Synspective on June 26, a flight delayed by a responsive space mission. The post Rocket Lab launches 10th Synspective satellite appeared first on SpaceNews.

On May 26, NASA selected two lunar terrain vehicle providers to create iterative versions of their prior LTV designs that can deploy to the Moon in more timely and cost-effective manner.

Spanish startup FOSSA Systems has raised about $10.5 million to expand its connectivity constellation in a funding round that included a technology investment vehicle backed by Spain’s government. The post Spain-backed fund joins FOSSA’s sovereign satellite communications push appeared first on SpaceNews.

NASA has announced the top student-developed solutions for environmental control and life support systems in future crewed lunar landers from participants in the 2026 Human Lander Challenge. The announcement marks the culmination of months of research by university teams working to advance technologies supporting the agency’s Artemis program that will return American astronauts to the […]

SpaceX rolled out Ship 40 for engine testing, but after completing only a single engine… The post Ship 40 completes single-engine static fire; Booster 20 and Pad 2 see new work appeared first on NASASpaceFlight.com.

For NASA’s next generation of deep space exploration missions, spacecraft may need to refuel in Earth orbit before pushing farther into the solar system. Similar to how a gas pump needs a nozzle to fit your fuel tank, future spacecraft could require a special device in order to fill up prior to departure, known as […]

Four Expedition 74 crew members enjoyed an off-duty day on Friday relaxing ahead of a robotics repair spacewalk planned for next week. The rest of the crew focused on artificial intelligence and virtual reality studies aboard the International Space Station at the end of the week.

A mission to raise the orbit of NASA’s Swift observatory is poised for launch June 30.

Join us on the livestream at 1 pm ET and ask questions about the aftermath of New Glenn

NASA selected 41 proposals from 37 companies to advance technologies in support of the agency’s goals to establish a long-term presence on the Moon and enable human exploration of Mars. These American companies, picked from NASA’s 2025 Announcement of Collaboration Opportunity (ACO), will mature technologies creating solutions for space transportation, planetary surface operations, and lunar […]

Euclid, an ESA (European Space Agency) mission with NASA contributions, took a new look at the heart of our Milky Way galaxy, seen in this image released on June 24, 2026. This observation overlaps with a region scientists will observe with NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, launching later this summer. This sneak peek gives […]