Space & Physics
The Search for Life on Mars Is about to Get Weird
Astrobiologists ponder sending gene sequencers, weather stations, drilling rigs and more to the Red Planet
Stories by Leonard David
Space & Physics
Red Planet versus Dead Planet: Scientists Debate Next Destination for Astronauts in Space
Nearly a half-century after humans voyaged to the moon, NASA and private U.S. companies are once again setting their sights beyond low Earth orbit
Space & Physics
Ringo Is a Beatle, Hawaii Is a State—Why Isn’t Pluto a Planet?
After more than a decade of controversy, the debate over the icy world’s demotion to “dwarf planet” status shows no sign of stopping
Space & Physics
NASA’s Mars 2020 Rover: Stepping Stone to What?
After intense debate, planetary scientists have selected three finalist landing sites for an ambitious U.S. mission that will set the course for future Mars exploration
Space & Physics
NASA’s Next Rover Faces Steep Challenges on Path to Mars
A new report details problems that could push the Mars 2020 rover over-budget and behind schedule
Space & Physics
Private Space Station Coming Soon? Company Aiming for 2020 Launch
Work is underway to establish the world's first private, international commercial space station
Space & Physics
New White House Strategy Preps Earth for Asteroid Hit Scenarios
The Office of Science and Technology Policy has released a new plan for protecting Earth from hazardous space rocks
Space & Physics
China’s Big Year in Space Sparks Excitement and Speculation
The Chinese space agency launched a new space lab, sent up its longest crewed mission ever and tested out powerful new rockets
Space & Physics
Blue Planet/Red Planet Politics: Obama’s Giant Leap for Legacy
In the waning days of his administration, the president has been paying unusual attention to space, recently highlighting his accomplishments and further goals for exploration of the solar system...
Space & Physics
SpaceX Founder Set to Unveil Humans-to-Mars Plan in September
Challenges facing Elon Musk’s project include getting return-trip fuel from Martian resources
Space & Physics
NASA’s 2020 Rover Will Carry Microphones to Mars
For the first time, human beings will hear sounds from the Red Planet's surface
Space & Physics
When Will China’s “Heavenly Palace” Space Lab Fall Back to Earth?
Satellite trackers debate where and when eight-ton Tiangong-1 will come down
Space & Physics
What Does Mars Smell Like?
Trying to create a whiff of an alien atmosphere—sunbaked sulfur and chalk
Space & Physics
NASA's New Planetary Defense Office Gets to Work Protecting Earth
PDCO will synchronize U.S. efforts and coordinate with international agencies to deal with large asteroids and comets on a collision course with Earth
Space & Physics
Declassified: U.S. Military's Secret Cold War Space Project Revealed
Newly released documents describe the U.S. Air Force's secret cold war project known as the Manned Orbiting Laboratory
Space & Physics
Out-of-Control Russian Spaceship Falls Back to Earth
The cargo vessel burned up over the Pacific Ocean around 10 p.m. EDT on Thursday
Space & Physics
China Spacecraft Enters Orbit around the Moon
The service module from a past test flight around the moon arrived in orbit there this week
Space & Physics
NASA's Next Mars Lander Will Peer Deep into Planet's History
The InSight Mission will measure the planet's rotation, weather at the landing site and magnetic disturbances to reveal more about Mars' inner workings and early development
Space & Physics
Scientists Search Lunar Landscape for Lost Moon Probes
Science and history have motivated researchers to scour the moon's surface for missing mooncraft
Space & Physics
Robot Space Plane Settles into Mystery Mission
The X-37B, a prototype space drone operated by the U.S. Air Force, is entering the third month of a classified space mission
