Space Exploration

The more scientists try to understand dark energy, the more its mysteries seem to grow. NASA’s newest space telescope is custom-built to crack the case

The search for frozen water is crucial to both China’s and NASA’s plans to establish permanent moon bases

The country’s latest mission, Chang’e 7, will be the first ever to land directly at the moon’s south pole. Whatever it finds there could radically reshape a new space race

The space agency’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which studied cataclysmic cosmic explosions, is expected to burn up in Earth’s atmosphere later this year

Five common microorganisms found on Earth could survive at the lunar south pole, a new study finds, presenting a contamination risk for future human missions

Two new missions are revealing how robotic repair and assembly could become routine on the final frontier

SpaceX and other companies want to put millions of satellites into space. Could orbit run out of room?

Scientists analyze an accidental SpaceX impact on the moon as cyberattacks target U.S. water systems and a new mRNA flu vaccine is approved by the FDA

If humans are to spend more time in space, scientists need to understand how life in microgravity affects eating and drinking

After 49 years in space, NASA’s Voyagers are running low on power—but an audacious move should extend the tenures of the two spacecraft

Folding a piece of paper makes it thicker. How many folds would it take to reach the moon—and beyond?

Lakes of liquid methane on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, could offer exhilarating—and terrifying—opportunities for otherworldly surfing