Hundreds of millions of people will witness next week’s total solar eclipse across North America, and solar physicists from around the globe are flocking to join them. Eclipses offer a brief glimpse of the Sun’s ghostly surrounding atmosphere – the solar corona – normally kept invisible by the Sun’s sheer glare. But the corona will soon be opened up for more sustained study: today in Belgium ESA has unveiled the pair of spacecraft making up its new Proba-3 mission, planned to produce orbital solar eclipse events on demand.

Image: Images from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission show a large dust storm originating from the Sahara Desert that has engulfed skies across the central Mediterranean Basin.

ESA gives new names to its key contributions to the lunar Gateway, which is set to become the first space station around the Moon.

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 02, 2024
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is embarking on a pioneering $25.5 million project under the Space Mobility and Logistics (SML) initiative, funded by the U.S. Space Force. This venture, in collaboration with Astroscale U.S. as the lead contractor, involves the construction, integration, and testing of a novel demonstration spacecraft dubbed the Astroscale Prototype Servicer for Refueling (AP

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 01, 2024
In a significant stride towards realizing the world's first space-based cellular broadband network, AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has announced the initiation of the tape-out phase for its highly anticipated Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), developed in partnership with TSMC, the premier global semiconductor foundry. This initiative is part of the company's BlueBird Block 2

London, UK (SPX) Apr 02, 2024
The Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) is broadening its academic landscape by incorporating Coleg Cambria, Institute of Physics, The Northern Space Consortium, and Space Wales into its network. SIG, an established entity in promoting satellite communications innovation for enhanced operational efficacy and reduced adverse impacts, seeks to nurture collaborations among industry stakeholders. T

London, UK (SPX) Apr 02, 2024
In an ambitious move to strengthen its position in the global space sector, the UK Space Agency announced the launch of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, outlined in the recent Spring Budget. The Chancellor has earmarked up to GBP 160 million to bolster UK expertise over the next four years, with the programme's first funding call making GBP 60 million available today.

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 02, 2024
A significant leap in Aerostar International LLC's quest for growth and innovation in the aerospace and defense industries was achieved with the recent acquisition of Near Space Corporation, a prominent player in high-altitude flight testing and aerospace engineering, based in Tillamook, Oregon. Founded in 1996, Near Space Corporation has distinguished itself through its contributions to c

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Apr 01, 2024
In a significant move to foster innovation and expertise in the small satellite sector, NASA, alongside the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, has announced the selection of eight university teams for the 2024 Mission Concept Program. This summer program, spanning from May through August, is designed to refine small satellite project proposals from university teams, enhancing their chances of