Pasadena CA (JPL) Sep 17, 2025
An unusual cosmic object is helping scientists better understand the chemistry hidden deep in Jupiter and Saturn's atmospheres - and potentially those of exoplanets. Why has silicon, one of the most common elements in the universe, gone largely undetected in the atmospheres of Jupiter, Saturn, and gas planets like them orbiting other stars? A new study using observations from NASA's James Webb S

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
Planetary scientists report progress in predicting when the Martian night sky will glow with green aurora, building on new visible-light images captured by NASA's Perseverance rover. The rover first recorded a ground-level aurora in 2024. Now, at the Europlanet Science Congress - Division of Planetary Science meeting in Helsinki, Dr Elise Wright Knutsen of the University of Oslo has shared

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
While the ancient Martian climate is still debated, new research indicates that volcanic emissions of sulfur gases could have created a warmer atmosphere capable of sustaining life. The study, published in Science Advances, was led by scientists at The University of Texas at Austin. Analyzing Martian meteorite data, the team ran over 40 simulations testing how carbon, nitrogen, and sulfur

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
Joint Meeting of the Europlanet Science Congress and the American Astronomical Society's Division for Planetary Science (EPSC-DPS2025) Press Release - The Rosalind Franklin rover's search for ancient life on Mars could be aided by natural processes that deliver organic-rich material directly to its landing zone, according to two new studies presented this week in Helsinki. Scheduled for la

Columbus OH (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
New developments in nuclear thermal propulsion technologies may soon enable advanced space missions to the farthest reaches of the solar system. Leading these advances are researchers at The Ohio State University: Engineers are developing a nuclear propulsion system that uses liquid uranium to directly heat rocket propellant as an alternative to solid fuel elements used by traditional nucl

London, UK (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
The Space Data Association has chosen GMV to develop its next generation Space Safety Portal, a safety of flight system designed to support mission critical operations. The new platform will extend SDA's role as an integration hub for global space traffic coordination by enabling agile capabilities and deeper collaboration with operators and SSA agencies. The SSP will draw on sixteen years

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
Impulse Space, a leading provider of in-space mobility solutions, has signed a multi-launch agreement with France-based in-orbit services company Infinite Orbits. The agreement, beginning in 2027, will use Impulse's Caravan rideshare program to deliver multiple Infinite Orbits spacecraft directly to geostationary orbit (GEO). Initial flights will deploy several satellite servicers for orbi

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
CAS Space, a subsidiary of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, is completing development of its new Kinetica 2 rocket and aims to launch it before the end of 2025. The company confirmed that the first vehicle has been assembled and is undergoing integrated testing ahead of its debut flight in the fourth quarter. That mission will also introduce a new robotic cargo ship named Qingzhou, or Light Ship

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
China has successfully launched the Yaogan 45 remote-sensing satellite into orbit aboard a Long March 7A carrier rocket, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. reported. The rocket lifted off at 10 am Tuesday from the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province and delivered its payload to the designated orbit. Developed by the Shanghai Academy of Spaceflight Technology, Yaog

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Sep 17, 2025
Space Pioneer, a Beijing-based private launch firm, has completed a major ignition test of its TL 3 carrier rocket, establishing a national record for thrust produced by any Chinese privately developed launch vehicle. The test took place Monday on an offshore platform in Haiyang, Shandong province. Nine TH-12 liquid oxygen-kerosene engines fired for 30 seconds, generating around 840 metric