Andrew Jones
Andrew is a freelance space journalist with a focus on reporting on China's rapidly growing space sector. He began writing for Space.com in 2019 and writes for SpaceNews, IEEE Spectrum, National Geographic, Sky & Telescope, New Scientist and others. Andrew first caught the space bug when, as a youngster, he saw Voyager images of other worlds in our solar system for the first time. Away from space, Andrew enjoys trail running in the forests of Finland. You can follow him on Twitter @AJ_FI.
Latest articles by Andrew Jones
Rocket Lab signs 1st customer for its powerful new Neutron rocket. But who is it?
By Andrew Jones published
Rocket Lab is targeting mid-2025 for the debut of its partially reusable Neutron rocket, with commercial launches to start in 2026.
Rocket startup ABL Space Systems ends orbital launch plans, pivots to missile defense
By Andrew Jones published
ABL Space Systems, founded in 2017, will pivot from orbital launch sector to U.S. missile defense programs.
Europe's Hera asteroid probe heads for Mars after engine burn
By Andrew Jones published
Europe's Hera asteroid probe will use the Red Planet for a gravity assist on its way to scope out the space rock crash site of NASA's DART impactor.
China launches Tianzhou 8 cargo mission to Tiangong space station (video)
By Andrew Jones last updated
A Long March 7 rocket launched the Tianzhou 8 cargo spacecraft toward China's Tiangong space station on Friday (Nov. 15).
Humanoid robot may fly on China's Chang'e 8 moon mission in 2028
By Andrew Jones published
China's Chang'e 8 mission to test resource technologies at the moon's south pole is taking shape — and may even include a humanoid form.
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket to launch AST SpaceMobile's huge BlueBird smartphone satellites
By Andrew Jones published
AST SpaceMobile, a startup with plans for a direct-to-cellphone satellite service constellation, has chosen Blue Origin's powerful New Glenn rocket to launch some of its next-gen satellites.
China reveals reusable cargo shuttle design for Tiangong space station (video)
By Andrew Jones published
China has unveiled the design of a reusable winged shuttle to take cargo to and from the country's Tiangong space station.
China's space agency brought the 1st lunar far side samples to Earth this year — here's what's next
By Andrew Jones published
China has opened up the first round of applications for researchers who wish to use some of the Chang'e 6 lunar far side samples for research.
Russia sends 53 satellites to orbit on record-breaking launch (video)
By Andrew Jones published
Russia launched 53 small satellites into orbit on Monday (Nov. 4), including two for Iran. The 51 Russian payloads were a single-launch record for the country.
Sharp 'lobster vision:' China's Einstein Probe space telescope already making discoveries during commissioning phase
By Andrew Jones published
China's Einstein Probe, an X-ray telescope in Earth orbit, has already made several discoveries during its initial commissioning phase.
China's Shenzhou 18 astronauts return to Earth after 6 months in space (video)
By Andrew Jones last updated
China's Shenzhou 18 crew have returned home after more than six months in space.
China's Shenzhou 19 astronauts take the reins of Tiangong space station (video)
By Andrew Jones published
China's three-person Shenzhou 18 crew have passed the keys to the Tiangong space station to its new occupants.
China launches 3 astronauts to Tiangong space station on Shenzhou 19 mission (video)
By Andrew Jones published
China launched the Shenzhou 19 mission to orbit today (Oct. 29), sending three astronauts toward the nation's Tiangong space station for a six-month stay.
Watch China launch Shenzhou-19 astronauts to Tiangong space station today (video)
By Andrew Jones published
The crew were revealed less than a day ahead of launch.
NASA chief says talks between Elon Musk, Vladimir Putin would be 'concerning'
By Andrew Jones published
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson has expressed concerns over reports that SpaceX chief executive Elon Musk has been in regular contact with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
NASA generated $76 billion for US economy in 2023, report says
By Andrew Jones published
NASA's efforts in science, exploration and beyond are helping drive significant economic growth across America, according to an agency study.
Europe's bold 'Explore 2040' campaign aims to get astronauts to the moon and Mars
By Andrew Jones published
ESA's 'Explore 2040' strategy sets its sights on low Earth orbit, the moon and Mars, demanding greater innovation and increased European presence in space.
China wants to make its Tiangong space station bigger and better
By Andrew Jones published
China has been operating its completed Tiangong space station for almost two years and is now looking to expand its capabilities with new modules and spacecraft.
Here's what China launched to orbit on its retrievable satellite last month (video)
By Andrew Jones published
China has revealed the payloads it sent to Earth orbit last month on the two-week-long Shijian-19 retrievable satellite mission.
China launches new set of classified Yaogan spy satellites (video)
By Andrew Jones published
A Long March 2C rocket launched three Yaogan-43 spy satellites to orbit from southwestern China on Oct. 22, marking the third liftoff of the mysterious satellite series.
Fighting space junk: More than 100 partners sign Europe's 'Zero Debris Charter'
By Andrew Jones published
More than 100 partners have signed Europe's Zero Debris Charter, a push to help get Earth's space junk problem under control.
How moon-landing teams are learning from each other to make the next lunar leap
By Andrew Jones published
Moon landing attempts are becoming so frequent that the players involved — private companies and government agencies alike — are learning from each other's efforts.
China rolls out rocket for Shenzhou-19 astronaut launch (video)
By Andrew Jones published
China rolled out the rocket and crew capsule for the Shenzhou-19 mission, the nation's next astronaut launch to the Tiangong space station.
Europe makes moves to rendezvous with asteroid Apophis in 2029
By Andrew Jones published
The European Space Agency has taken the first big steps toward rendezvousing with the infamous asteroid Apophis during its close approach to Earth in 2029.
Europe launches ambitious 'Moonlight' program to support lunar exploration
By Andrew Jones published
Europe has officially launched the Moonlight program, which aims to provide services for the more than 400 moon missions planned by space agencies and private companies over the next two decades.
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