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The Hubble tension: How magnetic fields could help solve one of the universe’s biggest...
Two ways of measuring how fast the universe is expanding disagree, a puzzle known as the Hubble tension. Tiny magnetic fields from the Big Bang may offer a solution.
Living in space can change where your brain sits in your skull – new...
These changes aren’t permanent – the brain goes gradually back to normal after coming back to Earth. Understanding the physical effects of spaceflight helps plan space missions.
Google’s proposed data center in orbit will face issues with space debris in an...
Google’s Project Suncatcher would need sophisticated collision avoidance capabilities to navigate a junk-filled landscape.
How will the universe end?
Will the universe keep existing forever? An astrophysicist explains how scientists aren’t entirely sure, but they can make predictions.
Lower-cost space missions like NASA’s ESCAPADE are starting to deliver exciting science – but...
What’s better – many small space missions, or a few large, sweeping ones? Space scientists are asking this question as they face budget uncertainties.
From lunar nights to Martian dust storms: why batteries struggle in space
As plans for Moon bases gather pace across the globe, battery science may decide whether humans can live beyond Earth.
Are there thunderstorms on Mars? A planetary scientist explains the red planet’s dry, dusty...
A rover recently captured sounds of lightning crackling on Mars, over a decade after scientists uncovered the first evidence for electric discharges on the planet.
We ate space mushrooms and survived to tell the tale
The mushrooms lived in space for over a month – and could be key to the health of astronauts in the future.
UK Rocket Maker Orbex Enters Administration Following Failed Acquisition
Scottish aerospace company Orbex has formally filed a notice of intention to appoint administrators, marking a significant setback for the United Kingdom’s domestic space launch ambitions. The decision initiates insolvency proceedings and places approximately 150 UK-based jobs at risk, following the collapse of important acquisition and funding talks.
A new comet was just discovered. Will it be visible in broad daylight?
Comet MAPS has the potential to be one of the ‘Great Comets’ of this century.
How do scientists hunt for dark matter? A physicist explains why the mysterious substance...
Dark matter doesn’t seem to interact with the matter we can see and touch, so scientists look for it in unusual places, like faraway galaxies and underground detectors.
The Economics and Impact of Reusable Rocket Technology
The landscape of space exploration has changed rapidly as the industry moves away from a disposable hardware model. For decades, the standard practice involved building a multi-million dollar machine, flying it once, and allowing it to burn up in the atmosphere or sink to the bottom of the ocean. Today, companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have shifted the narrative toward reusability. This shift is not just a technical milestone; it represents a fundamental change in how humanity accesses the stars. While the benefits of this approach are often highlighted in the media, the transition has introduced a variety of debates that touch on everything from global economics to the health of the planet's atmosphere.
NASA’s Artemis II plans to send a crew around the Moon to test equipment...
Several robotic spacecraft orbiting the Moon can take detailed pictures of its surface, so why send people around the Moon? A planetary geologist explains the benefits.
UK Space Agency Funds Groundbreaking Studies for In-Orbit Manufacturing of Advanced Materials
In a bold move to harness the unique conditions of space for earthly benefits, the UK Space Agency has awarded nearly £850,000 in contracts to three innovative British companies. Announced on February 9, 2026, this initiative focuses on exploring the production of advanced materials in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), where microgravity, natural vacuum, and extreme temperatures enable the creation of products that are challenging or impossible to manufacture on Earth. The studies align with the UK’s strategic emphasis on in-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (ISAM), identified as a priority for national leadership, economic growth, and security. By leveraging these space-based advantages, the projects aim to deliver tangible benefits like life-saving medicines, superior optical fibers, and high-performance semiconductors, potentially transforming healthcare, telecommunications, and technology sectors across the UK and beyond.
The Economics and Logistics of Starship Operations: 2026 Status and Future Outlook
The aerospace industry has long operated under a paradigm where the launch vehicle is the most expensive component of access to space. Traditional rockets are expendable, meaning the hardware is discarded after a single use. This approach is akin to building a Boeing 747, flying it from New York to London, and scrapping the aircraft upon arrival. The Starship system, developed by SpaceX, represents a fundamental departure from this model. By designing both the Super Heavy booster and the upper stage Ship for full and rapid reusability, the program seeks to reduce the cost of delivering payloads to orbit by orders of magnitude.