Invisible to our eyes, X-rays emitted by the hot gas that fills much of the Universe can shed light on many cosmic mysteries. The 'first light' observations of this gas by JAXA’s X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) are now ready. They demonstrate that the mission will play a big role in unveiling the evolution of the Universe and the structure of spacetime.

Image: So near, or so far?

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As 2024 kicks into gear, we invite you to look ahead with ESA and see what awaits us in the coming 12 months.

After Ariane 5’s retirement in 2023, Europe’s new and versatile heavy-duty launcher Ariane 6 will continue the Ariane legacy of excellence and reliability. After years of development and construction,Ariane 6 will be ready for its first flight from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou.  

In 2024, we’ll see a return-to-flight for Vega-C. Vega-C will continue to provide Europe with its own affordable lightweight launcher. Together both projects guarantee Europe’s independent access to space.

We also continue to collaborate internationally with NASA on the Artemis lunar programme. This

Washington DC (USNI) Jan 03, 2024
For the United States and its allies and partners, using space to obtain an information advantage is a key aspect of joint operations. The joint force uses space operations to understand the battlespace, exercise command and control (C2), and conduct joint integrated fires. For decades, the United States has enjoyed a significant operational advantage in space, but China is challenging that.

Washington DC (UPI) Jan 3, 2024
The annual Quadrantids meteor shower is expected to peak early Thursday, dazzling viewers where cloud cover allows across the United States. The Quadrantids is one of the best and most active meteor showers with up to 120 meteors every hour, NASA says. The meteors travel at a velocity of 25.5 miles per second and are most active from Dec. 26 through Jan. 18. The peak this year is

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 03, 2024
In a landmark event for space exploration and communications technology, SpaceX has successfully launched the Ovzon 3 mission to geosynchronous transfer orbit. The launch, conducted from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, took place on Wednesday, January 3, with a precisely timed 10-minute launch window that opened at 6:04 p.m. ET. A backup opportu

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Jan 04, 2024
The field of extragalactic astronomy has witnessed a significant advancement with the FAST All Sky HI survey (FASHI), a project designed to utilize the unique capabilities of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). This ambitious survey, spanning an impressive 22000 square degrees of the sky, aims to revolutionize our understanding of the universe's HI content and its l

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 04, 2024
In a significant advancement for lunar exploration, Astrobotic is set to embark on one of the first Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) deliveries to the Moon, utilizing Ansys' (NASDAQ: ANSS) sophisticated simulation solutions. The Peregrine lunar lander, scheduled for a January launch and February landing, will transport 20 payloads from seven countries, aiding NASA's Artemis program in pr

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 04, 2024
In a significant leap for mobile connectivity, SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket has successfully launched the first set of Starlink satellites equipped with Direct to Cell capabilities, as reported by T-Mobile. This launch, part of the livestreamed event last night, marks a pivotal step in the Coverage Above and Beyond initiative, a joint venture between T-Mobile and SpaceX. This ambitious project aims

Pasadena CA (JPL) Jan 04, 2024
Earth planning date: Tuesday, January 2, 2024: Curiosity was busy over the holiday break, working independently through 11 pre-planned sols. As Earth transitioned into a new year, dawn broke once again on Mars, and Curiosity awaited a call in the form of a fresh set of instructions. The return to planning for Curiosity's science team today was not immune to plot twists and suspense. While