As we ring in the new year on January 3, 2026, the past week – from December 28, 2025, to today – has been a whirlwind of cosmic developments, bridging reflections on 2025’s achievements with anticipation for the milestones ahead. From groundbreaking astronomical discoveries to policy shifts and commercial advancements, space news this week underscores humanity’s accelerating push toward the stars. Here’s a comprehensive roundup of the top stories.
Astronomical Discoveries and Celestial Wonders
The week kicked off with reflections on 2025’s top astronomy breakthroughs, setting the stage for what’s to come in 2026. Highlights included insights into interstellar visitors like comet 3I/ATLAS, which continues to captivate observers. This rare interstellar comet, discovered in July 2025, reached its closest approach to Earth on December 19 and perihelion on October 29. As of early January 2026, it’s visible at magnitude +15.6, best suited for imaging with small telescopes near Regulus in Leo. NASA released new images confirming it behaves like a typical comet, not an alien artifact.
In a major leap forward, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected the most distant supernova ever observed, a star explosion at cosmic dawn triggered by a gamma-ray burst in March 2025. This event offers clues about early universe star formation and was first spotted by the SVOM telescope. Meanwhile, astronomers captured a stellar nursery blowing massive bubbles of gas, a 650-light-year outflow from a Milky Way star cluster, using NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope data.
Looking ahead, the first full moon of 2026 – the supermoon Wolf Moon – rises tonight, January 3, offering a spectacular view. Skywatchers can also anticipate the Quadrantid meteor shower peaking this weekend, though a full moon may hinder visibility. For 2026 highlights, 15 must-see events include a total solar eclipse on August 12 crossing Greenland, Iceland, and Spain.
Missions and Launches: Eyes on the Moon and Beyond
2026 is poised to be a banner year for spaceflight, with NASA’s Artemis II mission leading the charge. This crewed lunar flyby, set for early February, will send astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen around the moon – the first such journey since Apollo. The crew recently rehearsed launch procedures, and the Orion spacecraft has been named “Integrity.” This mission paves the way for Artemis III’s lunar landing, potentially in 2027.
Other lunar ambitions abound: China’s Chang’e 7 explores the south pole in late 2026, while commercial efforts like Firefly’s Blue Ghost Mission 2 and Intuitive Machines’ IM-3 aim for landings. Blue Origin’s Blue Moon could deliver NASA’s VIPER rover. Beyond the moon, Europe’s BepiColombo reaches Mercury, and NASA’s ESCAPADE probes Mars’ atmosphere.
This week saw SpaceX kick off 2026 with its first launch: a Falcon 9 from Vandenberg carrying Italy’s COSMO-SkyMed Second Generation satellite on January 2. The company also announced Starlink’s orbit reconfiguration to 480 km for safety. Starship testing continues, with Flight 12 expected soon.
NASA previewed January spacewalks on the International Space Station (ISS) to install solar arrays and noted astronaut retirements, including Brig. Gen. Nick Hague. Boeing’s Starliner remains grounded but is slated for an uncrewed ISS test in April. Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser eyes its orbital debut late in the year.
Policy and Commercial Shifts
Under the Trump administration, space policy is evolving rapidly. A new executive order emphasizes U.S. space superiority, with Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator prioritizing American leadership. Isaacman’s confirmation signals deeper public-private ties, especially with SpaceX and Blue Origin. Tory Bruno, ex-ULA CEO, joined Blue Origin for national security projects.
Space debris concerns persist, with 2025’s orbital emergencies prompting calls for change. Commercial highlights include Space Forge’s orbital plasma generation on ForgeStar-1, advancing in-space manufacturing. Vast Space’s Haven-1, the first private space station, launches in May.
In global news, Iran launched satellites via Russia, and Africa saw Airtel partner with SpaceX for connectivity. China’s ZQ-3 and CZ-12A rockets advanced reusability.
Emerging Technologies and Future Horizons
Nuclear propulsion gained traction, with atomic rockets potentially slashing Mars travel time. AI applications in space are accelerating. Lunar dust studies reveal sticky behaviors, aiding future missions.
Congress reconvenes next week, with NASA’s budget and programs under scrutiny. The American Astronomical Society’s winter meeting in Phoenix starts January 4.
This week’s news reflects a dynamic space sector, blending discovery with ambition. As 2026 unfolds, expect more headlines on humanity’s cosmic frontiers. Stay tuned!
