Launches & Spacecraft
Latest about Launches & Spacecraft
![a space plane in orbit above Earth](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cGtCuNH7okM3obeutT7Dhk-320-80.jpg)
China's space plane releases another mystery object into orbit
By Samantha Mathewson published
China's reusable space plane has released another unknown object into Earth's orbit during its third mission.
![An Atlas V rocket and white Starliner capsule on the launch pad as its crew access arm moves clear](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SP3z95pvFxQWiwQej5Qc6Y-320-80.png)
Boeing's 1st Starliner astronaut launch aborted minutes before liftoff (video)
By Josh Dinner last updated
The first crewed launch of Boeing's Starliner spacecraft has been delayed yet again, this time due to an automatic abort just minutes before liftoff today (June 1).
![A collage of 11 people selected to fly to the moon on the dearMoon mission](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4T4MHqL7sLiBsCQWEMDLXG-320-80.jpg)
Japanese billionaire cancels private flight around the moon on SpaceX's giant Starship
By Tariq Malik published
Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa won't shoot for the moon on SpaceX's Starship after all.
![A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches 23 Starlink internet satellites into orbit from Florida on May 31, 2024.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/PBVwc4BJGMWa4UfpV8h5Qa-320-80.jpg)
SpaceX launches 23 Starlink satellites into orbit from Florida in late-night liftoff (video)
By Mike Wall last updated
SpaceX launch another batch of its Starlink broadband satellites from Florida tonight (May 31), adding to a very busy stretch in spaceflight.
![A space capsule atop a rocket ship rests against a launch tower.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BucK77PC7LuzF95GnF9bJB-320-80.jpg)
The ISS has a urine pump problem. Boeing's Starliner astronaut launch will flush it out.
By Josh Dinner published
Boeing's Starliner capsule is moving toward a June 1 launch, with some last-minute additions to replace some vital equipment aboard the ISS.
![A yellow-colored spacecraft is upside down on the moon. There's a digital artifact in the center of the image.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SAG4onnMkZgJwBqanap2Ba-320-80.png)
The cold lunar night may have finally swallowed Japan's SLIM moon lander
By Samantha Mathewson published
Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) mission failed to respond to a signal sent Monday — but all hope is not lost.
![an animation of a cube-shaped spacecraft with two rectangular wing-like solar panels passing in front of the sun](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fTWduXsvvfzif5t9jALtAU-320-80.gif)
How NASA's OSIRIS-APEX asteroid probe survived its 1st close encounter with the sun
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
OSIRIS-APEX emerged unscathed from its first of six close brushes with the sun, thanks to some clever engineering.
![The Progress 88 freighter launches on its journey to the International Space Station on Thursday (May 30)](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZhZ6BkWpikKuRkzfChUKXD-320-80.png)
Russian Soyuz rocket launches tons of supplies to ISS on Progress 88 cargo ship (video)
By Mike Wall last updated
Russia launched the robotic Progress 88 freighter toward the International Space Station early on Thursday (May 30).
Get the Space.com Newsletter
Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!