Infographics

In August 2016, astronomers announced that a potentially Earth-like planet orbits Proxima Centauri, the closest star to the sun. Learn about the exciting discovery in this infographic.

On May 9, 2016, Mercury crosses the face of the sun in a solar transit. See how Mercury transits work in our full infographic here.

Paul Allen's Stratolaunch Systems plans to build a giant carrier vehicle in order to air-launch rockets to Earth orbit.

Postage-stamp-sized space probes could make a flyby of planets around Alpha Centauri within 20 years after launch.

Learn all about the X-ray astronomy satellite Hitomi, a satellite built by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency that launched in February 2016 and fell silent just over a month later.

Bigelow Aerospace's BEAM expandable module will enhance the living area of the International Space Station.

Moon Astronomy Lesson: See the moon phases, and the difference between a waxing and waning crescent or gibbous moon, in this Space.com infographic about the lunar cycle each month.

The European Space Agency's ExoMars project involves an orbiter, lander and rover, launched on two separate Proton rockets.