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Space Force beats recruiting goals, aims higher in 2025

The small, highly selective service, Space Force, is known for plucking the smartest recruits and turning down more people than it lets in.

With commercial spacewalk, Polaris Dawn makes history

Polaris Dawn astronauts exit their SpaceX capsule on Sept. 12. Credit: Polaris Program

September’s five-day Polaris Dawn mission included an altitude record and the first spacewalk by private citizens, showing a vision for the future for commercial human spaceflight.

New missions, better warnings aim to mitigate solar storms

Solar flares peaking during the May 10 solar storm. Credit: NASA

The strongest solar storm in two decades struck the planet in May, disrupting satellites and spreading a brilliant array of northern lights across the skies.

Commercial space stations trekking new paths to orbit

A rendering of the fully built-out Orbital Reef station, designed by Blue Origin and Sierra Space. The first segment of the station is planned for launch in 2027. Credit: Blue Origin

As NASA prepares to deorbit the International Space Station, four commercial space stations are planned to succeed it.

Nation in Review: Norway

Artist’s rendering of the European Space Agency’s Arctic Weather Satellite deploying its solar panels. The satellite, launched in August, will provide accurate weather forecasts for Norway. Credit: ESA/Mlabspace

Norway’s history of collaboration with international organizations and industry gives the nation a strong position in the space industry. The Norwegian Space Agency estimates that the country’s space activity totals US$1.1 billion annually.

Europa Clipper begins journey to search for life

NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft awaits the installation of its solar array at Kennedy Space Center on Aug. 1, 2024. This mission is the ninth to launch to Jupiter and could confirm the potential for life in Europa’s extreme environment. Credit: NASA/Frank Michaux

The Europa Clipper mission launched in October to study the possibility of life on one of Jupiter’s largest moons.

Quilty Space 2024 Q3 quarterly transactional update

The Core Satellite and Space Index posted a robust gain of 19% while our Frontier Index of early-stage public space companies underperformed while still gaining 4%.

The big idea: FCC hikes most satellite fees, low Earth orbit gets big bump

Almost all satellite operators will see much bigger bills this fall from a federal agency that regulates the use of radio frequencies.

3D printing with recycled plastics is designed to aid sustainable space

A re:3D printer can recycle packaging foam in space to create new items and tools for astronauts. Credit: re:3D

Concerns over increasing orbital debris and a focus on in-situ resource utilization have carved a niche for one American company focusing on sustainability in space.

SNAPSHOT: Space Force improves detection for hypersonic missiles

Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive Anti-surface Warfare (HALO)

As the United States develops hypersonic capabilities, the Space Force is working to better detect enemy weapons, which combine maneuverability, speed, and stealth to hit targets with little warning.