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
Stories by Leonard David
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
Policy
Mars Needs Money: White House Budget Could Prompt Retreat from Red Planet
Proposed cuts could end decades of U.S. leadership in exploring that world
Space & Physics
Astronomers Battle Space Explorers for Access to Moon’s Far Side
Without protection from radio interference, a giant observatory on the moon’s hidden hemisphere could prove unworkable
Space & Physics
Reduce Red Tape for the Red Planet, Report Says
Regulations governing the responsible exploration of Mars and other worlds require regular, frequent updates, according to a new NASA review
Space & Physics
Will Future Lunar Bases Be Underground?
Lava tubes on the moon could be crucial sites for human outposts
