Shenzhou XIX crew successfully tests pipeline inspection robot on space station
Sunday, 02 March 2025 10:55
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Mar 01, 2025
The crew of China's Shenzhou XIX mission has completed a pivotal in-orbit test of a pipeline inspection robot aboard the Tiangong space station, marking a major step forward in space station maintenance technology.
To evaluate the robot's capabilities, astronauts constructed a simulated pipeline system with an assortment of straight, curved, and conical pipes of varying diameters. Within t

GMV secures contract to provide Spanish Air and Space Force with advanced space operations simulator
Sunday, 02 March 2025 10:55
Madrid, Spain (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
The Spanish Air and Space Force's Logistics Support Command (MALOG), through its Directorate-General of Procurement (DAD), has awarded GMV a contract to develop and implement a cutting-edge simulator for training personnel in orbital mechanics and space operations. As part of the agreement, GMV will also provide ongoing maintenance and user training services.
Space operations have become i

Maxar Space Systems Ships First Tranche 1 Tracking Layer Spacecraft to L3Harris
Sunday, 02 March 2025 10:55
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Maxar Space Systems, a leader in satellite manufacturing and space technology solutions, has delivered the first of 16 spacecraft buses to L3Harris Technologies [NYSE: LHX] in support of the Space Development Agency (SDA)'s Tranche 1 Tracking Layer program. The spacecraft bus, built on the Maxar 300 platform, was designed to advance the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA). Manufact

Eyes in the Sky: Kanyini's First Images Mark Milestone for SA Satellite
Sunday, 02 March 2025 10:55
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
South Australia's pioneering satellite, Kanyini, has successfully transmitted its first images from space, marking a major milestone for the mission.
Launched aboard SpaceX's Transporter-11 mission last August, Kanyini has been orbiting Earth for 194 days. The satellite's operation is overseen by the mission control team at Inovor Technologies, headquartered in Adelaide's Lot Fourteen inno

Week in images: 24-28 February 2025
Friday, 28 February 2025 13:08
Week in images: 24-28 February 2025
Discover our week through the lens
SpaceX eyes Monday for eighth test of Starship from Texas
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
The eighth test flight of SpaceX's Starship is set to take off as early as Monday, March 3, marking another step in the company's continued development of its fully reusable launch system.
A live webcast of the mission will begin approximately 40 minutes before liftoff, accessible via SpaceX's official channels, including X (formerly Twitter) and the X TV app. The launch window is schedule

The International Space Station Could Benefit from a More Diverse Microbial Environment
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) frequently experience immune system disruptions, skin rashes, and inflammatory conditions. A recent study published on February 27 in the journal *Cell* suggests that these health concerns may stem from the highly sterile environment of spacecraft. The research reveals that the ISS harbors a significantly lower microbial diversity compared

Narrowing the gap between air and space travel
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Chinese scientists have successfully tested the world's first oblique detonation engine, powered by conventional aviation kerosene, a breakthrough that has generated significant interest. While some analysts view this as a military advancement, the technology's real potential lies in revolutionizing civilian aviation and space travel.
According to research findings published in the Journal

Chang'e 6 Samples Confirm Global Magma Ocean on Early Moon
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
A recent analysis of lunar samples retrieved by China's Chang'e 6 mission has provided substantial evidence supporting the theory that the moon was once enveloped in a global molten "magma ocean" following its formation. This discovery is pivotal for deepening our understanding of the moon's origin and its evolutionary history.
The study, conducted by a collaborative team under the China N

NASA Selects Scientists to Join Lucy Mission Studying Jupiter's Trojan Asteroids
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
NASA has chosen eight scientists to participate in its Lucy mission, an initiative aimed at studying the Jupiter Trojan asteroids. These celestial bodies, considered remnants from the early solar system, follow stable orbits linked to Jupiter but remain at significant distances from the planet.
The Lucy mission's Participating Scientist Program for the L4 Trojans enables researchers to con

NASA Installs Advanced Heat Shield on Rocket Lab's Venus Probe
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
Moffett Field CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
NASA engineers have successfully installed a high-performance heat shield on the first private spacecraft set to explore Venus, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration. The mission, led by Rocket Lab in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), represents the first privately funded venture to Venus.

Rocket Lab Unveils 'Return On Investment' Ocean Platform for Neutron Rocket Landings
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a leading provider of launch services and space systems, has announced 'Return On Investment,' a specialized ocean platform designed for Neutron rocket landings at sea.
The platform, a 400-foot (122-meter) repurposed barge, will be outfitted with autonomous ground support systems to capture and secure the returning Neutron rocket. Other enhancements wil

Rocket Lab Expands Multi-Launch Partnership with iQPS Securing Eight Electron Missions
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has signed its second multi-launch agreement with the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), significantly expanding their collaboration. This latest deal secures eight dedicated Electron launches for iQPS, reinforcing Rocket Lab's position as a leading provider of reliable satellite launch services.
The agreement builds upon a previous mult

Baby, you're a firework! Katy Perry to blast off into space
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
Washington (AFP) Feb 27, 2025
Pop star Katy Perry is set to "shoot across the sky" this spring when she lifts off as part of a six-member, all-female crew on Blue Origin's next space flight, the company announced Thursday.
As if answering the call of her hit song "E.T.," Perry will embark on a star-studded journey alongside journalist Lauren Sanchez, who is Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos's fiancee, and CBS Mornings co-host

MSU forges strategic partnership to solve the mystery of how planets are formed
Friday, 28 February 2025 12:29
East Lansing MI (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Astronomers have long grappled with the question, How do planets form? A new collaboration among Michigan State University, Arizona State University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will seek to answer this question with the help of a powerful telescope and high-performance computers.
The team of researchers will use 154 hours on the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, to probe
