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Satellite coated in ultra-dark 'Vantablack' paint will launch into space next year to help combat major issue
By Harry Baker published
Researchers from the U.K. plan to launch a CubeSat covered with a newly formulated "hull-darkening" Vantablack paint into space next year. If successful, the coating could help mitigate light pollution from private satellite "megaconstellations."

First-ever image of China's mysterious 'quasi moon' probe revealed weeks after it secretly launched into space
By Harry Baker published
A new image released by China's space agency offers the first glimpse at the Tianwen 2 spacecraft, which is en route to collect samples from one of Earth's "quasi-moons". The photo shows some surprising similarities with a current NASA probe.

Japanese spacecraft goes dark during attempted moon landing, holding fate of European rover in question
By Harry Baker last updated
The private Japanese spacecraft "Resilience" has seemingly been destroyed in a "hard landing" on the moon on Thursday. The lander was carrying what would have been the first European-built rover to explore the moon.

Elon Musk threatens to decommission SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft after Trump feud. What does it mean for the US space industry?
By Pandora Dewan published
A war of words between SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump could lead to significant fallout for U.S.-led space exploration.

NASA plans to build a giant radio telescope on the 'dark side' of the moon. Here's why.
By Harry Baker published
A NASA-funded plan to build a large radio telescope on the moon's far side is nearing final approval and could become a reality by the 2030s, researchers say. The ambitious project will help safeguard astronomy from satellite "megaconstellations" — and help scientists unravel more of the radio spectrum.

How many satellites could fit in Earth orbit? And how many do we really need?
By Harry Baker published
The number of satellites orbiting Earth is rising fast, thanks to private companies such as SpaceX. But just how big will these "megaconstellations" become? And what problems might they cause?

'White streak' appears over US as China dumps experimental fuel in space
By Harry Baker published
A recent launch of China's Zhuque-2E rocket triggered a giant white streak of light to appear above at least seven U.S. states after deploying six satellites into low-Earth orbit. The light show, which was visible in at least seven states, was the result of a "fuel dump," experts say.

How many satellites orbit Earth?
By Harry Baker last updated
The number of satellites orbiting our planet is rising fast, thanks to private "megaconstellations" that pose various threats to space exploration and astronomy. But how big has the problem already become?

Doomed Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 could hit Earth tonight. Here's when.
By Brandon Specktor last updated
The failed Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 could crash to Earth overnight tonight after more than 50 years in the wrong orbit. Here are the latest predictions on the exact time of reentry, and where it could land.

Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 crashes back to Earth, disappearing into Indian Ocean after 53 years in orbit
By Ben Turner published
The failed Soviet spacecraft Kosmos 482 has finally returned to Earth after 53 years in orbit. It disappeared into the Indian Ocean early Saturday morning.
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