Introduction In the realm of space exploration, propulsion technologies play an essential role in enabling human and robotic access to distant celestial bodies. With the goal of enhancing the capacity and safety of future missions to Mars and beyond, innovative propulsion systems are increasingly crucial. The latest development in this

Tidal Streams of Interstellar Objects May Flow Through the Milky Way Like Braided Rivers Interstellar objects (ISOs) are fascinating entities that travel through our solar system, yet thus far, scientists have confirmed only two such visitors – ‘Oumuamua and comet Borisov. These ISOs typically draw attention because their orbits differ significantly

In a significant development in extraterrestrial exploration, NASA has conducted its very first aircraft accident investigation on another planet. This investigation centers around the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, which encountered a catastrophic failure during its operations on Mars. As engineers from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California

The Geminids meteor shower is known for its brilliance and high meteor count, making it one of the most anticipated astronomical events of the year. This meteor shower is unique not only for its intensity but also for its unusual origin—coming from an asteroid rather than a comet. This

In a groundbreaking discovery utilizing NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), an international team of astronomers has detected a new exoplanet, designated TOI-4994 b, orbiting a distant G-type star. This newly identified alien world is warm and slightly smaller than Saturn, representing a significant addition to the rapidly

China's Ambitious Space Initiative: Launching the Guowang Megaconstellation HELSINKI — On December 11, 2024, China is poised to launch its first satellites for the much-anticipated Guowang megaconstellation using the Long March 5B rocket from the Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan Island. Overview of the Guowang Megaconstellation The efforts

In recent years, the ever-evolving landscape of astronomy has opened new avenues for understanding the formation and dynamics of our Solar System. One particularly intriguing hypothesis presented in contemporary research is the effect of interstellar visitors on the planetary orbits within our celestial neighborhood. This comprehensive exploration delves into the

NASA eyes launching SPHEREx sky-mapping mission in early 2025 by Calla Cofield, NASA NASA and SpaceX are targeting late February 2025 for the launch of the agency's next astrophysics observatory, SPHEREx. Short for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer, SPHEREx will

A Commercial Tie-Up Bring High-Energy Nuclear Electric Propulsion Closer to Reality Propulsion technologies are key to exploring the outer solar system, and many organizations have been working on novel ones. One with a long track record is the Ad Astra Rocket Company, which has been developing its Variable Specific Impulse