News

On this day in space! June 17, 1985: First Arab and Muslim in Space

By Hanneke Weitering last updated 17 June 26

On June 17, 1985, the space shuttle Discovery launched payload specialist Sultan Salman Abdelize Al Saud as the first Arab and first Muslim in space.

'Best. Mars. Mission. Ever.' Scientists hail MAVEN's legacy as NASA retires Red Planet orbiter

By Sharmila Kuthunur published 17 June 26

NASA's MAVEN Mars mission ended after 11 years, having revealed how the planet lost its atmosphere and served as a key communications relay for surface missions.

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By Chris McMullen published 17 June 26

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The crescent moon joins 3 planets in a beautiful sunset sky show tonight

By Anthony Wood last updated 17 June 26

The crescent moon will shine alongside Jupiter, Venus and Mercury as it passes through the Beehive open star cluster on June 17.

Look up! The moon and Venus will stage a rare daytime disappearing act today

By Jules-Pierre Malartre last updated 17 June 26

The moon will briefly hide Venus during a rare daytime occultation on June 17, visible from parts of North America.

SpaceX launches 3 huge BlueBird direct-to-cell satellites from Florida

By Mike Wall last updated 17 June 26

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched three of AST SpaceMobile's giant BlueBird direct-to-cell satellites early Wednesday morning (June 17).

NASA discussing bold mission to boost Swift space telescope today: Listen live

By Mike Wall published 17 June 26

NASA will discuss an ambitious mission to boost the orbit of its Swift space telescope during a press conference today (June 17), and you can listen to it live.

NASA X-ray spacecraft catches jet erupting from 1st supermassive black hole imaged by humanity

By Robert Lea published 16 June 26

"We could already see changes in the jet, but never with this level of detail in X-rays."

Watch European rocket launch record-breaking mission for Amazon on June 17

By Mike Wall published 16 June 26

An Ariane 6 heavy-lift rocket will launch a record-breaking load to orbit early on Wednesday morning (June 17), and you can watch the action live.

SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule undocks from ISS, heads home to Earth

By Mike Wall last updated 16 June 26

A SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft departed the International Space Station today (June 16), beginning its 20-hour journey back to Earth.