Recent articles
September 2, 2026
Is Russia's rival to Starlink failing? Here's what we know.
At least three of the first 32 Rassvet satellites likely suffered outright failures, and more may be in trouble.
arstechnica.com
September 1, 2026
Without new landers or rovers, it's helicopters or bust for NASA's Mars program
NASA's cost estimate for SR-1 Freedom is $2.1 billion, but that doesn't include the helicopters.
arstechnica.com
August 31, 2026
NASA's next "great observatory" begins mission to widen our view of the Universe
"We would need over half a million 4K TVs to fully display the single Roman image from our largest survey."
arstechnica.com
August 25, 2026
The world's busiest spaceport is about to get a lot quieter, at least for now
SpaceX aims to launch Starship from Florida by the end of the year. 2027 seems more likely.
arstechnica.com
August 21, 2026
Trump's space transportation policy calls for new spaceport on federal land
"We probably need another site that's capable of heavy and super heavy launch capability."
arstechnica.com
August 21, 2026
Rocket Report: SpaceX makes its mark on the Moon; ULA names new boss
Taiwan's effort to develop its own satellite launcher hit a setback this week.
arstechnica.com
August 20, 2026
NASA calls off mission to rescue Swift gamma-ray observatory
Without a rescue, NASA's Swift Observatory is expected to reenter the atmosphere later this year.
arstechnica.com
August 19, 2026
The floodgates are open after another Chinese company lands a reusable rocket
"We will put the booster back into service for another flight as soon as possible."
arstechnica.com
August 18, 2026
Against all odds, SpaceX finally tugs Starship into port after 24 days at sea
"A team of SpaceX engineers is on their way to conduct additional analysis on the vehicle."
arstechnica.com
August 17, 2026
The Moon's shadow raced across the heart of Spain, and I was there to see it
Here's what it was like watching a total solar eclipse 90 minutes north of Madrid.
arstechnica.com
August 1, 2026
Here's how engineers plan to save the satellite sent to save NASA's Swift mission
"We believe that a capture of Swift, an attempted capture of Swift, is very much in the cards."
arstechnica.com
July 30, 2026
Space Force-backed mission does its best impression of Top Gun in orbit
"Dogfighting in space doesn’t quite have the drama of an aerial dogfight."
arstechnica.com
July 28, 2026
Reaction wheel failures leave Swift rescue mission spinning in orbit
"Preliminary investigation shows that two of Link's three reaction wheels currently are not operable."
arstechnica.com
July 25, 2026
SpaceX eyes tower catch for next Starship after auspicious end to 13th flight
SpaceX will likely attempt to catch Starship back at the launch pad on its next flight.
arstechnica.com
July 24, 2026
Wildfire forces evacuation of NASA's Deep Space Network complex in Spain
"Any potential damage will be assessed when it is safe to do so."
arstechnica.com
July 24, 2026
This is the world's most advanced robotic servicing satellite—that we know about
"These are things that tend to be really hard."
arstechnica.com
July 24, 2026
Rocket Report: Lightning strikes in China; Starship launch on deck
Relativity Space announced plans to build a second rocket factory near Cape Canaveral, Florida.
arstechnica.com
July 22, 2026
Next Space Force chief throws cold water on the idea of space privateers
It turns out some of Benjamin Franklin's opinions from 240 years ago are still relevant today.
arstechnica.com
July 20, 2026
The Space Force is now seeking to buy up to $30 billion in rocket launches
The Trump administration is asking the Space Force to do a lot. This will require more launches.
arstechnica.com
July 20, 2026
The Space Force is now seeking to buy up to $30 billion in rocket launches
The Trump administration is asking the Space Force to do a lot. This will require more launches.
arstechnica.com
July 19, 2026
India's first privately-developed rocket reaches orbit on dramatic debut launch
"On the first attempt, reaching orbit, I never thought it was possible."
arstechnica.com
July 17, 2026
The Pentagon's Space Development Agency hasn't moved as fast as anyone would like
"Missiles are being launched at the joint force every single day in [Operation] Epic Fury."
arstechnica.com
July 17, 2026
SpaceX scrubs Starship launch after some of its engines didn't start
"Now offloading propellant. Next launch attempt hopefully in a few days."
arstechnica.com
July 16, 2026
Could China and Russia really destroy Starlink? Only with a boomerang.
"We will likely have similar concerns and discussions when China fields its Starlink-like constellation."
arstechnica.com
July 14, 2026
SpaceX is gearing up for Starship's 13th test flight later this week
This flight will put Starship under higher pressure and test out new Starlink satellites in orbit.
arstechnica.com
July 10, 2026
China recovered its first reusable rocket and showed a new way to do it
"Clearly, they admire the work that's being done by SpaceX and are trying to replicate it."
arstechnica.com
July 9, 2026
Payloads used to dictate the terms of launch. That's finally changing.
"The Starship Pez dispenser demonstrates very smart industrial design and scale."
arstechnica.com
July 8, 2026
Miami-based City Labs achieves a first for commercial nuclear power in space
"The BOHR mission serves as a pathfinder for future nuclear-powered spacecraft."
arstechnica.com
July 7, 2026
ULA's last six Atlas Vs can't launch anything besides Boeing's Starliner
Amazon says it has enough satellites in orbit to begin initial broadband service at mid-latitudes later this year.
arstechnica.com
July 6, 2026
Katalyst's satellite rescue mission is now in pursuit of NASA's Swift
It will take several weeks for the Link spacecraft to rendezvous with NASA's Swift observatory.
arstechnica.com