Image Credits: NASA On September 23, 2026, NASA announced that PRIMA (PRobe far-Infrared Mission for Astrophysics) is advancing to Phase B of development. It is the first mission in a new class of NASA astrophysics missions called Probe Explorers, and it is the first major far-infrared space telescope since the European Space Agency’s Herschel Space […]
tag: Space Park Leicester Cover image credits: SPL Representatives of HMS Daring have visited Space Park Leicester as the Royal Navy ship continues to strengthen its ties with Leicester and the wider county. The delegation included HMS Daring’s Commanding Officer, Commander Andrew Platt RN, and Weapon Engineer Officer, Lieutenant Commander Adam Thompson RN. They
Starship Flight 14 has put the world’s largest rocket into orbit for the first time. All 13 previous flights followed suborbital paths, so this is a genuine turning point for the program. Starship Flight 14 at a glance Launch: 7:48 a.m. CT from Starbase, Texas Vehicles: Super Heavy Booster 21 and Ship 41 Payload: 26
Starship Goes Orbital – How Flight 14 is going Read More »
BepiColombo separates from its Mercury Transfer Module today, 3 September 2026, at 14:00 CEST (12:00 UTC). ESA’s live coverage from the European Space Operations Centre in Darmstadt begins at 13:45 CEST. Here is the full timeline, where to watch, and what to expect during the long wait that follows. Today’s schedule All times CEST (UTC+2).
BepiColombo Separates From Its Transfer Module Today Read More »
After eight years and nine planetary flybys, ESA–JAXA’s BepiColombo mission is about to reach a critical turning point. On 3 September 2026 at 14:00 CEST (12:00 UTC), the spacecraft will deliberately separate from the engine module that has carried it across the inner Solar System, an operation that might sound like something has gone wrong.
BepiColombo Sheds Its Transfer Module as the Mercury Arrival Begins Read More »
On August 5, a long-anticipated event will unfold nearly 385,000 kilometers from Earth. A discarded upper stage from a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket is expected to slam into the lunar surface after spending more than a year drifting through cislunar space.
A SpaceX Rocket Stage Is About to Crash into the Moon. Here’s Why Scientists Are Excited Read More »
For the first time, scientists have been able to use microwave observations to investigate Io’s shallow subsurface temperature structure. The data provide a new perspective on how tidal energy travels from the interior toward the surface and may help explain why this small moon is so extraordinarily active.
Juno Peers Beneath Io’s Surface and Finds Heat Rising From Within Read More »
The findings, published in Nature Astronomy, provide valuable insights for planetary defense efforts and suggest that other objects currently catalogued as asteroids may actually be dormant or weakly active comets.
The gravity assist was far more than a navigational maneuver. It also provided mission scientists with a rare opportunity to test every major scientific instrument under realistic operating conditions before the spacecraft reaches its final destination.
Psyche’s Close Encounter with Mars Gives NASA a Crucial Dress Rehearsal Read More »
Beyond the successful deployment of Amazon’s satellites, the mission showcased a significant performance upgrade that will strengthen Europe’s launch capabilities for years to come.
Ariane 6 Sets a New European Record with Upgraded Boosters Read More »
