ESA chief calls for greater European space autonomy as trust in US partnership erodes
ESA chief calls for greater European space autonomy as trust in US partnership erodes

The cancellation of Gateway and Mars Sample Return exposed just how dependent Europe’s space ambitions are on U.S. decisions. ESA’s director general says that has to change.

‘Everybody wanted to be the first’: Apollo astronauts were more competitive, Artemis 2 pilot says
‘Everybody wanted to be the first’: Apollo astronauts were more competitive, Artemis 2 pilot says

NASA’s Artemis moon program differs from Apollo in many ways, including the attitudes of its astronauts.

What is Starfall? A look at SpaceX’s mysterious new return capsule
What is Starfall? A look at SpaceX’s mysterious new return capsule

SpaceX just launched its Starfall return capsule for the first time. What does the company plan to do with the new vehicle?

Space.com just launched an app! Get your inside scoop on space exploration

Our new Space.com app takes you out of this world, every day, for the latest space mission news, astronomical discoveries, night sky guides and more.

Rocket Lab launches US Space Force mission with less than 17 hours’ notice — a new record
Rocket Lab launches US Space Force mission with less than 17 hours’ notice — a new record

Rocket Lab launched the second satellite for the U.S. Space Force’s Victus Haze mission, setting a new launch readiness record in the process. Now, the mission’s two spacecraft are in a chase to rendezvous and perform “dynamic engagements with the other.”

China’s space plane appears to have released a mystery object in orbit
China’s space plane appears to have released a mystery object in orbit

China’s Shenlong space plane appears to have released a mystery object while in orbit, according to a private space surveillance firm.

NASA wants to dump the ISS in the sea. Experts say the plan ‘raises serious concerns for ocean health’
NASA wants to dump the ISS in the sea. Experts say the plan ‘raises serious concerns for ocean health’

NASA’s plan to deorbit the International Space Station in coming years has stirred up a wave of reaction by a leading ocean conservation organization.

SpaceX Dragon says goodbye to the ISS | Space photo of the day for June 23, 2026
SpaceX Dragon says goodbye to the ISS | Space photo of the day for June 23, 2026

The cargo spacecraft catches the sunlight as it departs its visit to the space station.

Searching for alien life: New model could help scientists home in on habitable exoplanets

A new exoplanet model screens rocky worlds by their ability to retain atmospheres over geologic timescales, helping narrow the search for potentially habitable planets beyond Earth.

SpaceX launches its 1st ‘Starfall’ reentry capsule in early morning Falcon 9 liftoff
SpaceX launches its 1st ‘Starfall’ reentry capsule in early morning Falcon 9 liftoff

SpaceX launched its first-ever Starfall spacecraft, demonstrating the new vehicle’s ability to operate in space and return safely back to Earth.