Field: Outer Space
Scientists may have found the hum of the universe
Scientists may have recorded the "hum" of the universe for the first time by measuring irregularities in gravitational waves.
The most anticipated space missions of 2021
The list of 2021's most exciting space missions includes several Mars orbiters, a couple of moon shots, and the launch of an asteroid-deflecting spacecraft.
5 awesome space exploration achievements of 2020
2020 was a big year for space news. Here are five achievements in space exploration that were particularly awesome.
See the Milky Way 1.6 million years from now
Using data from the Gaia spacecraft, ESA scientists predict where 40,000 stars in the Milky Way will be 1.6 million years from now.
What alien life could teach us about humanity
In partnership with John Templeton Foundation
As we continue to search for extraterrestrial life, we need to get creative by redefining the unique attributes of life itself.
Why do we care about moon rocks, anyway?
China’s Chang’e 5 is bringing the first new set of moon rocks and debris to Earth since the 70s. Why do scientists want these precious stones?
Bacteria could make space mining 400% more efficient
Using a bioreactor packed with bacteria could make space mining more efficient by speeding up the extraction of elements from rock.
The plan to convert space debris into labs for astronauts
Space services company Nanoracks plans to convert space debris into orbiting “Outposts” that could serve as hotels, research parks, and more.
Fusion-powered spaceships could take us into deep space
Fusion could make frequent trips into deep space possible.
NASA confirms existence of water on the moon
A study confirmed the existence of water on the moon the same day another provided evidence that the lunar surface could be rife with water reserves.
Two dozen “superhabitable” exoplanets may be better than Earth
Earth is successful at supporting life, but it may not be the most successful. These 24 “superhabitable” exoplanets may be even better.
The latest step in manufacturing in space
Made In Space is sending a 3D printer to the ISS in hopes of providing proof-of-concept that microgravity is the place to build precision parts.
Can we turn the moon into a gas station?
NASA is looking to buy moon rocks from private companies. This lunar marketplace will spur the development of new technologies that can extract resources from the moon.
Astronauts lose muscle in space. These mice could hold the solution
Without gravity, astronauts experience muscle and bone loss, limiting mission time. Mice that gain mass in orbit may hold the key to preventing that loss.
The dwarf planet Ceres may hide a subterranean sea
The largest body in the asteroid belt, the dwarf planet Ceres may hide a salty subterranean sea.
Preparing for the first human mission to Mars
Mars is going to be bombarded with visitors from planet Earth — the U.S., China, and UAE are all launching unmanned spacecraft to the red planet this month.
China Mars mission joins Emirates, with U.S. to follow
With each new Mars mission, the red planet renaissance heats up this July. China and newcomer the UAE are off-world, and NASA’s on deck.
The new space race has officially begun
The space race to the moon, a new “zombie” satellite discovery by an amateur astronomer, and more top stories in our weekly Progress Report.
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Guardians of the Apocalypse
NASA’s plan to stop an asteroid headed for Earth
In 2013, a small meteor exploded above Chelyabinsk, Russia that sent over 1,200 people to the hospital. Now, NASA has plans to detect Earth-bound asteroids and defend the planet from another large-scale catastrophe.
Closer to the Sun: NASA’s Parker Solar Probe
NASA is getting closer to the sun than ever before with the Parker Solar Probe, leaving researchers excited and bewildered by the data they saw.
Is anybody out there?
New breakthroughs in the technology used for exoplanet discovery mean we could find proof for the existence of extraterrestrials in our lifetime.
Tiny satellite “constellations” could bring the entire world online
SpaceX is out in front, but the race for global satellite internet is getting crowded.
The first private moonshot is ready to launch
The Israeli group's moon mission will be ride-sharing on a SpaceX rocket.
3 ways to think about the future
Why don’t we have a moon base? A cartoonist and a scientist explain.
Meet the amateur astronomer who found a lost NASA satellite
A $130 million satellite vanished. Over a decade later, a blogger/astronomer found it.
What we learned from a decade of commercial space travel
Businesses have gotten to space; now what?
This is the new space race
It’s been 44 years since a human stepped on the moon, and a new generation of entrepreneurs is laying the...
Why the U.S. government treated satellites and machine guns as the same for 15 years
Regulations forced companies that planned to sell satellites to other countries to register, in effect, as arms...
How do we respond to crimes in space?
As talk of space colonization heats up, is it time to have a serious conversation about conflict resolution in a...
Preparing the first space colonizers for life off of planet Earth
It’s only a matter of time until the average person can explore space. But, will the average person be ready?
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The New Space Race
Preparing for outer space
As the tech side of space travel advances, an annual gathering focuses on life off of planet earth.
The four weirdest things we've sent to space
We take a look at a few of the not-so-obviously-bizarre things we've launched beyond the earth's atmosphere.
Who owns the moon?
Throughout history, different organizations, governments, and even individuals have attempted to establish rules...
Can this startup give everyone access to the moon?
With advanced navigational technology, Astrobotic wants to provide a routine, affordable, and accurate delivery...
The market for tiny satellites is going to be huge
Fleets of small satellites can gather far more accurate and timely data than conventional satellites. And investors...
The startup that may be on the cusp of revolutionizing the satellite industry
Spire's satellites fit in the palm of your hand, cost a fraction of their predecessors, and transmit more data than...
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The New Space Race
Tiny satellites with a huge impact
Many satellites are nearing the end of their life. This is what could be next.
Here's what happens to the human body in outer space
As the idea of colonizing space becomes mainstream, it’s important to keep in mind that traveling in outer space...
What happens when stuff breaks in space?
Despite rigorous prep, astronauts often have to improvise when things go wrong in space. And a lot more duct tape...
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The New Space Race
Can we make it in space?
What if one day, everything in space was made in space? 3D printing may hold the answer.
Where did the commercial space sector come from?
Private companies have worked with NASA for decades. Can the next generation of space companies get by without the...
Can XCOR build the world's first airline for space?
Out of a small hangar in the Mojave Desert, XCOR is developing a rocket ship designed to fly to space four times a...
This week in ideas: Rockets in flight, poverty in decline, and explaining the unexplainable
A step forward for space tourism, extreme poverty could be on its way out, and illustrating advanced tech. These...
The new space race is here
Our new show will introduce you to the people and the technology that could make humans a multi-planetary species...
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The New Space Race
A delivery service for the moon
This startup wants to offer the world insanely accurate shipping to the moon.
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The New Space Race
New Space Race trailer
Meet the next generation of explorers taking us higher and farther than ever before.
Elon Musk explains the economics of getting to Mars
The SpaceX founder gave a rousing presentation on his company’s long-term plan for getting to Mars and establishing...