Space Exploration
New Engine Could Let Spacecraft Do More with Less Fuel
One of the main problems with spacecraft is the cost to get them into orbit. For every kilogram you can…
Gardening for the Moon
When astronauts return to the Moon and visit Mars in the coming decades, they'll want to bring as little as…
NASA Invests in SpaceX and Rocketplane Kistler
NASA has announced a $500 million investment in two aerospace companies: SpaceX and Rocketplane-Kistler to help develop vehicles capable of…
Test Firing for Vega’s Second Stage
ESA's new Vega launcher completed another milestone this week with the test firing of its Zefiro 23 second stage solid…
Main Engine Tests for New European Rocket
Development of Europe's new Vega launcher is ready for a series of important tests. This new launcher is designed to…
Prospecting the Moon and Mars for Supplies
Artist illustration of a robotic ice miner. Image credit: NASA/John Frassanito & Associates. Click to enlarge NASA's new vision for…
Defending Against Radiation
The sun is a major source of radiation for life on Earth. Image credit: NASA/ESA/SOHO. Click to enlarge Space travel…
Surgery in Space
If humans are going to be spending longer periods in space, on the Moon, or even on Mars, it's just…
Self-Repairing Spacecraft
After launch, spacecraft are on their own. They have no way to repair damage from the tiny micrometeorites that inevitably…
Plasma Engine Could Open Up Space Exploration
The European Space Agency is developing a new thruster based on the same physics that power the northern and southern…