Aerospace
Did the Pentagon Shoot Down a Harmless Ham Radio Balloon?
Surging numbers of small research balloons increase the odds of airborne mistaken identity—and harsher regulations
Stories by Leonard David
Extraterrestrial Life
Scientists Try to Get Serious about Studying UFOs. Good Luck with That
New dedicated observatories and crowdsourced smartphone apps will study strange sightings in the sky. But questionable data quality and a lack of shared research standards remain key challenges...
Space Exploration
Is Space-Based Solar Power Ready for Its Moment in the Sun?
Around the world, researchers are betting that beamed power from space could be the next big thing for clean energy on Earth
Space Exploration
Don’t Fear China’s Falling Rocket—Fear the Future It Foretells
Long considered trivial, the effects of rocket launches and reentering space debris on global warming and ozone loss could soon become too large to ignore
Planetary Science
Controversy Grows Over whether Mars Samples Endanger Earth
Planetary scientists are eager to bring Red Planet rocks, soil and even air to Earth, but critics fear the risk of contaminating our world’s biosphere
Space Exploration
Europe Cancels Joint Moon Missions with Russia
Russia will move forward with lunar exploration without its European partners
Space Exploration
Russia’s War in Ukraine Threatens Joint Missions to Mars, Venus and the Moon
Interplanetary voyages are among several space science collaborations delayed or doomed by the ongoing conflict
Space Exploration
Mars on the Cheap: Scientists Are Working to Revolutionize Access to the Red Planet
The concepts include souped-up Mars helicopters and inexpensive orbiters and landers
Space Exploration
Can the U.S. and China Cooperate in Space?
China’s meteoric rise in space science and exploration—along with its new partnership with Russia—is spurring U.S. experts to reconsider a long-standing prohibition on bilateral collaborations...
Space & Physics
Experts Weigh In on Pentagon UFO Report
The vast majority of examined incidents were not caused by U.S. advanced technology programs, the forthcoming report concludes. So what’s going on?
Space & Physics
Falling Uncontrolled from Space, Giant Chinese Rocket Highlights Risk of Orbital Debris
The Long March 5B rocket’s core stage could plummet to Earth as early as May 9
Space & Physics
Space Junk Removal Is Not Going Smoothly
Despite promising technology demonstrations, there is no one-size-fits-all solution for the growing problem of taking out the orbital trash
Space & Physics
As Perseverance Approaches Mars, Scientists Debate Its Sampling Strategy
The car-sized rover is the first step in an ambitious effort to bring pieces of the Red Planet back to Earth, but some crucial details remain undecided
Space & Physics
Arecibo Observatory to Close Its Giant Eye on the Sky
After suffering severe damage from broken cables that cannot be readily repaired, the observatory’s enormous radio telescope is now slated for “controlled decommissioning”...
Environment
An Underappreciated Danger of the New Space Age: Global Air Pollution
As private launches increase dramatically, so will emissions of CO2, particulates and other noxious substances
Space & Physics
Water Found in Sunlight and Shadow on the Moon
Observations by NASA’s SOFIA telescope and Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter reveal signs of water in sun-baked lunar soil, as well as in small, dark craters
Space & Physics
Is There Life on Venus? These Missions Could Find It
Following a tantalizing discovery, these spacecraft could be headed to Earth’s twisted twin in search of the truth
Space & Physics
Luna-25 Lander Renews Russian Moon Rush
The former front-runner in the lunar space race aims to rekindle its exploration after nearly half a century
Space & Physics
NASA’s Hunt for Lunar Water Intensifies
The space agency’s plans for sustainable lunar outposts could hinge on finding—and using—what may be the moon’s most precious resource
Space & Physics
NASA Proposes New Rules for Moon-Focused Space Race
The Artemis Accords could ensure a peaceful and prosperous future for lunar exploration—if everyone agrees to them
