Space Exploration

Space junk cleanup tech that could 'shepherd' debris into Earth's atmosphere gets US patent

By Andrew Jones published 16 April 26

Astroscale's 2027 ISSA-J mission will mark the first attempt to inspect multiple spacecraft across different orbits in a single flight.

A new Earthrise: An Apollo historian experiences Artemis 2

By Andrew Chaikin published 16 April 26

As Artemis 2 approached, my anticipation was mixed with uncertainty. Would this new Moon mission spark the wonder and excitement I'd felt during Apollo? Those doubts didn't last long.

SpaceX fires up next-gen 'Version 3' Starship ahead of landmark May test flight (photos)

By Mike Wall published 15 April 26

SpaceX just conducted the first full-duration static fire test with the upper stage of its 'V3' Starship, clearing a big hurdle on its path to launch, which is expected next month.

Space combat was 'critical to mission success' in US war in Iran, Space Force chief says

By Brett Tingley published 15 April 26

The head of the U.S. Space Force said the United States' ongoing war in Iran shows the service has become a fully "combat credible" force.

NASA astronauts joke around with an optical illusion on the ISS | Space photo of the day for April 15, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd published 15 April 26

Two NASA astronauts had some fun during the ISS' capture of a robotic cargo spacecraft on April 13, pretending to hold onto it from into the station.

SpaceX launches two Starlink satellite groups 19 hours apart

By Robert Z. Pearlman published 15 April 26

SpaceX launched two Falcon 9 rockets 19 hours apart, both carrying batches of Starlink satellites. The liftoffs took place from Florida and California on Tuesday, April 14, 2026 (by local time zone).

NASA's Artemis 2 moonshot was just the 'opening act' for America's return to the moon, space agency chief says

By Elizabeth Howell published 14 April 26

Artemis 2 kicks off a lunar "relay race" that will lead the NASA and its international partners to a moon base and, eventually, Mars, NASA chief Jared Isaacman says.

This Artemis 2 astronaut really loves Rise | Space photo of the day for April 14, 2026

By Chelsea Gohd published 14 April 26

"Rise Wiseman" might be the most beloved mission mascot in history.

Artemis 2 calling ISS! Watch the farthest-ever astronaut call from the moon to Earth (video)

By Elizabeth Howell published 14 April 26

Astronauts aboard Artemis 2 and the ISS connected across a record-breaking Earth–moon distance in the farthest crew call ever made in space.

Northrop Grumman Cygnus cargo craft arrives at space station

By Robert Z. Pearlman published 13 April 26

The uncrewed Northrop Grumman Cygnus XL spacecraft, the S.S. Steven R. Nagel, arrived at the International Space Station on Monday (April 13), bringing with it about 11,000 pounds of supplies.