Tokyo, Japan (SPX) May 28, 2025
In response to the sharp rise in satellite deployments-now exceeding 9,850 globally-scientists are racing to protect these valuable assets from ground-based detection, particularly in the infrared spectrum. While visible and microwave detection have constraints, infrared sensors exploit low background radiation, making satellites highly vulnerable. Addressing this issue, researchers led by

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 28, 2025
In the remote edges of planetary systems, far beyond the range of traditional planet-forming regions, astronomers have long grappled with the mystery of wide-orbit planets. These gas giants and planetary-mass bodies orbit hundreds to thousands of astronomical units (AU) from their stars, raising fundamental questions about their origins. A new study led by Rice University and the Planetary Scien

Milan, Italy (SPX) May 28, 2025
Politecnico di Milano is gearing up for a return to deep space as part of the European Space Agency's 2028 RAMSES mission, which will study the near-Earth asteroid Apophis during its exceptionally close approach on 13 April 2029. Apophis, a 350-meter-wide asteroid, will pass within 31,000 kilometers of Earth-closer than many satellites in geostationary orbit. ESA has selected Politecnico's

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 28, 2025
The Czech Republic has taken a significant step toward launching a national astronaut into space by submitting a Letter of Intent (LOI) to Axiom Space. Signed by Minister of Transport Martin Kupka, the LOI signals the country's commitment to participating in a future human spaceflight mission with the commercial spaceflight company. The move builds upon an earlier Memorandum of Understandi

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2025 marks a landmark year for Europe’s ‘bridge between Earth and space’. The European Space Agency’s Estrack satellite tracking network turns 50.

Since its inception in 1975, Estrack – ESA’s global network of ground stations – has formed the vital communication bridge between satellites in orbit and mission control at the European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany.

Now comprising six stations spanning six countries, Estrack has grown into a strategic asset for Europe, enabling communication with spacecraft, transmitting commands and receiving scientific data.

The network keeps an eye on satellites no matter their location:

The next time astronauts land on the Moon, we will watch it in high-definition. The transmission will be in colour, digital and at up to 60 frames per second.

Washington (AFP) May 24, 2025
Social media platform X was hit by a two-hour outage Saturday, prompting owner Elon Musk to say he needs to spend more time focusing on his companies. His statement echoed comments earlier this month suggesting he would reduce his role in US President Donald Trump's administration. The world's richest person has an extraordinarily full plate as owner/CEO of X, xAI (developer of the AI-po

South Padre Island, United States (AFP) May 28, 2025
SpaceX's prototype Starship exploded over the Indian Ocean on Tuesday, capping another bumpy test flight for the rocket central to billionaire Elon Musk's dream of colonizing Mars. The biggest and most powerful launch vehicle ever built lifted off around 6:36 pm (2336 GMT) from the company's Starbase facility, near a southern Texas village that earlier this month voted to become a city - al