Space Exploration

Latest about Space Exploration

During its high-speed return from the moon, the thermal protection system of Orion's crew module must endure blistering temperatures to keep crew members safe. Measuring 16.5 feet (5 meters) in diameter, Orion's heat shield is the largest of its kind developed for missions carrying astronauts.

The Artemis 1 moon mission had a heat shield issue. Here’s why NASA doesn’t think it will happen again on Artemis 2

By Leonard David published

The Orion capsule's heat shield had issues during the uncrewed Artemis 1 moon mission in late 2022. Here are the steps NASA has taken to prevent them from recurring on Artemis 2.

Artemis
Side-by-side photos of white and black rockets lifting off into the dark of night and their engine plumes lighting the surrounding area of their launch pads

Double delivery: SpaceX sends Starlink satellites into orbit on launches from California and Florida

By Robert Z. Pearlman published

SpaceX Falcon 9 rockets carrying Starlink satellites launched on Feb. 14 and Feb. 16, 2026 from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California and Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, respectively.

Launches & Spacecraft
The International Space Station.

'Fully unlocking the orbital economy': This California company will fly astronauts to the space station in 2027

By Mike Wall published

NASA has selected the California startup Vast to operate the sixth private astronaut mission to the International Space Station. Liftoff is targeted for summer 2027.

Human Spaceflight
an astronaut in a white space suit hangs on to a metal bar on the outside of a large white structure. the blackness of space fills the background

From Soyuz to the stars: A Roscosmos trivia quiz

By Kenna Hughes-Castleberry published

Test your knowledge of Russia's storied space agency — from its Soviet‑era roots to its modern‑day missions — with a quiz that's equal parts history, hardware, and high‑stakes exploration.

Launches & Spacecraft
a space capsule is seen docking to a space station in a close-up of its nose section

SpaceX Dragon astronauts make Valentine's Day docking at space station to boost skeleton crew (video)

By Mike Wall last updated

SpaceX's Crew-12 astronaut mission docked with the short-staffed International Space Station on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.

Launches & Spacecraft
SpaceX Crew-12 Dragon flies free over the Earth during a sunrise

SpaceX Crew-12 mission latest news: It's docking day for Dragon astronauts

By Tariq Malik last updated

Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026: Updates on SpaceX and NASA's Crew-12 astronaut mission to the International Space Station.

International Space Station
A white and black rocket is shown at a launch pad next to its launch tower and supports during the day, with a second large orange rocket with a white top and boosters pictured in the background.

Artemis 2 rocket photobombs SpaceX Crew-12 | Space photo of the day for Feb. 13, 2026

By Anthony Wood published

One to orbit, one to the moon.

Launches & Spacecraft
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launches from Florida Crew 12

SpaceX launches Crew-12 astronauts to short-staffed International Space Station. 'We have left the Earth, but the Earth has not left us.'

By Josh Dinner published

SpaceX launched NASA's Crew-12 mission with a quartet of astronauts aboard Crew Dragon Freedom today (Feb. 13), bound for an eight-month stint on the International Space Station.

Launches & Spacecraft
streaks of light crisscross a dark blue sky above a blurry earth below

Satellite megaconstellations continue to grow. Could their debris fall on us?

By Leonard David published

As more satellite megaconstellations continue to be launched, researchers are exploring the odds people could be struck by falling debris from reentering spacecraft.

Satellites
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the company’s Dragon spacecraft on top stands vertical on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, ahead of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 launch.

Watch SpaceX launch Crew-12 astronaut mission to the International Space Station this morning

By Mike Wall published

SpaceX will launch the latest batch of astronauts to the International Space Station early Friday morning (Feb. 13), and you can watch the action live.

Launches & Spacecraft
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