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On This Day in Space: May 17, 1974: NASA launches 1st Synchronous Meteorological satellite
By Hanneke Weitering last updated
On May 17, 1974, NASA launched the first Synchronous Meteorological Satellite, SMS-1.
NASA's Mars sample return mission is in trouble. Could a single SLS megarocket be the answer?
By Andrew Jones published
A single launch of NASA’s Space Launch System megarocket could loft all the hardware needed to return Mars samples to Earth, according to a new Boeing proposal.
NASA's Juno probe captures fascinating high-resolution images of Jupiter's icy moon Europa
By Keith Cooper published
During a close flyby of Europa, the Juno spacecraft was at an altitude of just 330 kilometers (220 miles) above the moon's surface. It caught some awesome images, too.
Blue Origin will launch these 6 passengers May 19, on its 1st crewed mission since 2022
By Josh Dinner published
Blue Origin plans to launch six people — including the United States' first-ever black astronaut candidate — on a suborbital spaceflight this weekend.
SpaceX stacks Starship megarocket ahead of 4th test flight (video, photos)
By Mike Wall published
SpaceX stacked its giant Starship rocket ahead of the vehicle's fourth test flight, which could launch just a few weeks from now.
Lithuania becomes 40th nation to sign Artemis Accords for moon exploration
By Mike Wall published
Lithuania signed the Artemis Accords on Wednesday (May 15), bringing the number of nations in the moon-exploration pact to 40.
Doctor Who 'Space Babies': Why is The Doctor alone in the universe?
By Richard Edwards published
In season 1 premiere 'Space Babies', the Doctor tells Ruby and the cosmic infants that he's the last of the Time Lords. Here's what that means.
Japanese-European spacecraft bound for Mercury weakened by thruster glitch
By Robert Lea published
The thrusters of Mercury-bound spacecraft BepiColombo are operating at less than full capacity, and operators are racing to find a solution.
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