NASA plans to determine the next steps for its canceled VIPER lunar rover mission by early 2025. The rover, originally set to launch in 2025 on Astrobotic’s Griffin lander, was canceled in July due to concerns over cost overruns and delays. Following this, NASA issued a request for information (RFI) in August, receiving around 11 responses, some of which proposed using the rover’s components for … Continue reading NASA evaluating “next steps” for VIPER lunar rover mission

Chinese launch company Cosmoleap has raised over 100 million yuan ($14 million) to develop its Yueqian reusable rocket and a recovery system modeled after SpaceX’s technology. Founded in March 2024, Cosmoleap aims to create low-cost, reliable launch vehicles to support satellite Internet, particularly for China’s megaconstellation plans. The company plans its first test flight of the Yueqian rocket, a methane-fueled vehicle, by 2025 or 2026. … Continue reading Chinese launch startup Cosmoleap secures funding for rocket featuring chopstick recovery system

On November 6, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe will complete its seventh and final flyby of Venus, which will adjust its trajectory to bring it within 3.8 million miles of the Sun—closer than any human-made object has ever been. This milestone is a significant achievement, compared to the Apollo moon landing. Launched in 2018, the probe is studying the Sun’s mysteries, such as why its outer … Continue reading NASA’s Parker Solar Probe to glimpse Venus’ surface tomorrow before historic sun encounter

Astronomers predict that Earth’s gravitational pull during Apophis’ close approach in April 2029 could cause quakes and landslides on the asteroid’s surface. Apophis, a 1,100-foot-wide asteroid, will pass within 24,000 miles of Earth—much closer than the Moon. The event is expected to alter Apophis’ spin and surface, revealing insights into asteroid composition and solar system history. NASA’s OSIRIS-APEX mission is en route to study these … Continue reading Asteroid Apophis Will Endure Quakes and Surface Shifts During 2029 Earth Flyby

Japanese scientists are set to launch the first wooden satellite, LignoSat, on Nov. 5, in collaboration with American space agencies. Developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry, the small satellite, made from durable magnolia wood, will be tested from the ISS over six months to assess its resilience in space. Researchers, including astronaut Takao Doi, hope this experiment could pave the way for sustainable materials … Continue reading World’s first experimental wooden satellite set for launch

SpaceX launched its 31st resupply mission to the ISS, carrying 6,000 pounds of supplies, science experiments, and equipment. A Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, with the first stage successfully landing at Cape Canaveral shortly after. The uncrewed Cargo Dragon capsule is set to dock with the ISS on Tuesday morning, delivering experiments like the Coronal Diagnostic Experiment to study solar … Continue reading SpaceX launches 3 tons of cargo on 31st ISS resupply flight for NASA