Space agencies will play a vital role in the developing space economy, especially in the beginning. But what will the part of the biggest of all space agencies be when considering how space resources, especially those on the Moon, are accessed? NASA has a plan for that as it does for so many other things – and this article will dig into a slideshow that describes that plan in detail.
Space News & Blog Articles
A chaotic star is inching toward a violent death as astronomers watch in real-time
Astronomers using the Keck Observatory have spotted a rare type of star evolving into a supernova right before their eyes.
Catch a glimpse of the half-lit moon in its third quarter phase today
The third quarter phase marks the halfway point between the full moon and the next new moon which will occur on June 18.
How do Mars rocks and riverbeds get their names? NASA explains (video)
A new NASA video explains why and how the features studied by the Perseverance and Curiosity Mars rovers are named.
China breaks its rideshare record with 26-satellite launch (video)
A Chinese Lijian-1 solid-fuel rocket launched on Wednesday (June 7), carrying 26 satellites to orbit — a rideshare record for the country.
NASA begins 60th round of space artifact awards for schools, museums
Fifteen years after NASA opened its space artifact archive to schools and museums, the program still has a lot to give. The agency is accepting applications for its 60th screening of space hardware.
Parker Solar Probe Flies Close Enough to the Sun to See the Source of the Fast Solar Wind
Where does the solar wind come from? That’s a question solar physicists have wanted an answer to for decades. Now, the Parker Solar Probe is showing them exactly where this stream of particles exits our star on a journey out through interplanetary space.
Has JWST Finally Found the First Stars in the Univese?
In astronomy, elements other than hydrogen and helium are called metals. While that might make your high-school chemistry teacher cringe, it makes sense for astronomers. The two lightest elements were the first to appear in the universe. They are the atomic remnants of the big bang and make up more than 99% of atoms in the universe. All the other elements, from carbon to iron to gold, were created through astrophysical processes. Things like nuclear fusion in stellar cores, supernova explosions, and collisions of white dwarfs and neutron stars.
If We Can Master Artificial Photosynthesis, We Can Thrive in Space
By 2030, multiple space agencies will have sent astronauts to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo Program ended over 50 years ago. These programs will create lasting infrastructure, like the Lunar Gateway, Artemis Base Camp, Moon Village, and the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS). In the ensuing decade, the first crewed missions to Mars are expected to occur, culminating with the creation of the first human outposts on another planet. Commercial ventures also want to establish habitats in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), enabling everything from asteroid mining to space tourism.
How Soon Will Betelgeuse Blow?
A new study making the rounds predicts that supergiant Betelgeuse will explode as a supernova sooner rather than later, but others are urging caution.
Geoengineering is Shockingly Inexpensive
Despite decades of warnings and international climate agreements, global carbon emissions are still rising. Carbon emissions seem like an unstoppable juggernaut as energy-hungry humans keep breeding and pursuing more affluent lifestyles. Reducing emissions won’t be enough to confront the climate crisis; we need additional solutions.
China wants to launch a moon-orbiting telescope array as soon as 2026
China wants to put a small constellation of satellites in orbit around the moon to create a radio telescope that would open a "new window" into the universe.
'Marvel Anatomy' takes you inside your favorite aliens and superheroes
A new collector's edition of 'Marvel Anatomy' is out with never-seen art prints revealing the innerworkings of your favorite aliens, metahumans and more.
NASA astronauts deploy 5th roll-out solar array on spacewalk outside space station (video)
NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Woody Hoburg deployed a new solar array outside the International Space Station during a spacewalk today (June 9).
SpaceX Starship problems likely to delay Artemis 3 moon mission to 2026, NASA says
NASA is worried that SpaceX's giant new Starship vehicle won't be ready to carry Artemis astronauts to the surface of the moon in late 2025, as currently planned.
If Black Holes Evaporate, Everything Evaporates
Hawking radiation is one of the most famous physical processes in astronomy. Through Hawking radiation, the mass, and energy of a black hole escape over time. It’s a brilliant theory, and it means that black holes have a finite lifetime. If Hawking radiation is true. Because as famous as it is, Hawking radiation is unproven. The theory is not even theoretically proven.
See new supernova shine bright in stunning Pinwheel Galaxy photo
The Gemini North telescope turned its gaze toward the Pinwheel Galaxy, offering a crystal-clear view of a new supernova discovered in May 2023.
See Mars like never before in this amazing new photo from a 20-year-old probe
A new mosaic image released to celebrate 20 years of the Mars Express spacecraft shows the Red Planet as never seen before, revealing a multitude of features across its worn and scarred surface.
Gemini North Returns to Service Just in Time to See a New Supernova
The 8-meter Gemini North telescope has been brought back online after seven months of repairs and refurbishment of its primary mirror. The timing couldn’t have been better, as the telescope was able to capture the brand-new supernova in the famous Pinwheel Galaxy. The bright supernova was first discovered on May 19th, and telescopes worldwide have been revealing its secrets.