Space

Space and exploration: launchers and rockets, manned and robotic space missions, satellites and constellations, telescopes and observations, astronomy and discoveries, space agencies and industry.

Space NASA activates DSS-23, a giant antenna for its Deep Space Network NASA has just commissioned DSS-23, a 34-meter antenna in Goldstone (California), to bolster its Deep Space Network. This critical network, essential for communicating with probes and rovers, is preparing for lunar and interplanetary exploration in the coming decades. August 31, 2026

SpaceX to phase out Falcon 9 by 2028 as Starship ramps up

SpaceX confirms the planned end of Falcon 9: once Starship is operational at high frequency, the historic launcher will be gradually phased out. The transition is already underway, with flight bookings halted after 2028. August 29, 2026

1965: US nuclear reactor still orbiting Earth after 60 years

In 1965, the US placed a nuclear reactor in orbit. Sixty years later, it’s still circling Earth, and its radioactive debris will take 2,000 years to disappear. No plan exists to retrieve it. August 28, 2026

SpaceX rocket hits the Moon: dust cloud visible from Earth?

On August 5, 2026, a Falcon 9 upper stage from SpaceX crashed into the Moon at 8,700 km/h. The resulting dust plume may have been visible from Earth, particularly from South America. August 22, 2026

China lands rocket stage on ground for the first time

China successfully landed the first stage of its Zhuque-3 rocket on the ground on Tuesday, August 19, 2026, a first for the country after a sea recovery in July. This milestone, achieved by private company LandSpace, confirms the acceleration of China’s space sector in reusable launchers. August 21, 2026

NASA abandons Swift observatory rescue mission

NASA has given up on saving its 22-year-old Swift space observatory, set to burn up in Earth's atmosphere by late 2026. The rescue mission, led by startup Katalyst Space, failed due to attitude control issues on the LINK spacecraft, launched in July. August 20, 2026

NASA’s Boeing 777 Gets New Livery Ahead of 2027 Service Entry

NASA’s Boeing 777-200ER, acquired to replace the retired DC-8 in 2024, has received a new agency-themed livery. This flying lab, operational from 2027, will expand NASA’s Earth science research capabilities. August 20, 2026

NASA captures crater from SpaceX Falcon 9 stage on the Moon

A SpaceX rocket upper stage hit the Moon on August 5, 2026, creating an 18-meter-wide, less than 3-meter-deep crater. NASA’s LRO probe captured the first detailed images between August 11 and 12. August 20, 2026

Solar eclipse on August 12, 2026: which glasses to choose for safe viewing?

To safely observe the solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, certified glasses meeting the ISO 12312-2:2015 standard are essential. They filter 99.99% of sunlight and block UV and infrared rays. Without them, even a partial eclipse can cause irreversible eye damage. August 11, 2026

Starship’s 13th test flight deploys Starlink V3 satellites but remains partial

Starship’s 13th test flight on July 24, 2026, marks a first: SpaceX’s mega-rocket carried and deployed 20 operational Starlink V3 satellites. However, the satellites did not reach orbit, and the flight remains a suborbital test, far from full validation. August 3, 2026