Space Exploration

Latest about Space Exploration

This photomontage shows each of the sample tubes deposited by NASA's Perseverance Mars rover at the Three Forks sample depot, as viewed by the WATSON camera on the end of the rover's robotic arm.

NASA won't decide on Mars Sample Return plan until mid-2026

By Mike Wall published

NASA is considering two ways to get its precious Mars samples back to Earth but won't pick a winner for another 18 months or so.

Missions

What is DARPA?

By Julian Dossett last updated

Reference Everything you need to know about the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA)

Reference
a black and white triangular aircraft is docked to a large T-shaped space station covered in rectangular solar panels, some of which extend outward like arms

How NASA and Sierra Space are preparing for Dream Chaser space plane's 1st flight to ISS

By Leonard David published

Sierra Space and NASA's Johnson Space Center are conducting simulations to prepare for the Dream Chaser space plane's first flight to the International Space Station.

Launches & Spacecraft
a cube-shaped spacecraft covered in gold foil sits on a dolly in a white cleanroom

SpaceX launch of private Blue Ghost moon lander set for Jan. 15

By Brett Tingley published

SpaceX and NASA are targeting Jan. 15 for the launch of the private Blue Ghost moon lander from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Launches & Spacecraft
a triple-core rocket blasts off under a sunny, partly cloudy blue sky. smoke expands below next to an obscured launch tower, near a long white hanger with SPACEX written on the side. To the left, a bird flies away.

Rocket launch today: Is there a rocket launch and what time?

By Tariq Malik last updated

Follow Space.com's rocket launch blog for the latest on when the next rocket launch will be and how to follow it live.

Launches & Spacecraft
NASA astronaut Don Pettit posted this view of the northern lights, as seen by the International Space Station, on X on Jan. 5, 2025.

ISS astronaut captures green auroras dancing over city lights (video)

By Mike Wall published

NASA astronaut Don Pettit continues to give us great views of Earth from the ISS, this time beaming home video of green auroras shimmering over bright city lights.

International Space Station
a spacesuited astronaut gives thumbs up while a white rocket is lit by spotlights on its launch pad

The 'original' John Glenn gave his 'go' for Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket

By Robert Z. Pearlman published

John Glenn's last correspondence before his death was to approve the use of his name for Blue Origin's first orbital-class rocket. Glenn hailed the booster for what it could enable for spaceflight.

Launches & Spacecraft
An artist's depiction of a Mars sample-return mission.

NASA will announce update to Mars sample return plans today. Here's how to listen in

By Tariq Malik last updated

NASA's beleaguered Mars Sample Return program currently faces extreme costs of up to $11 billion and a timeline that could reach 2040.

Missions
an endless darkness filled with curved dots and specks of light shining into foreverness.

James Webb Space Telescope spots record-breaking collection of stars in far-flung galaxy

By Sharmila Kuthunur published

The James Webb Space Telescope captured images of 44 individual stars in a gorgeous portrait of a distant galaxy.

James Webb Space Telescope
Galileo was an Italian philosopher, mathematician, physicist and astronomer

On this day in space! Jan. 7, 1610: Galileo discovers 3 moons of Jupiter

By Hanneke Weitering last updated

On Jan. 7, 1610, the Italian astronomer Galileo Galilei discovered three of Jupiter's moons: Callisto, Europa and Io.

Space Shuttle
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