Space Exploration
Latest about Space Exploration
![Telescopes have to contend with light pollution from satellites.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dBtCfz3ahFyxQRm5YiQB36-320-80.jpg)
An astronomer's lament: SpaceX 'megaconstellations' are ruining space exploration for everyone
By Samantha Lawler published
Private companies like SpaceX are crowding Earth's atmosphere with ever-increasing numbers of satellite 'megaconstellations'. For astronomers, the toll of these bright, ubiquitous objects is already painfully clear.
![Astronaut floating in space.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iKnF9ei3Xo4LMvuuoG7HBS-320-80.jpg)
What would happen to a dead body in space?
By Carrie Klein published
Space is a harsh place, with freezing temperatures, harmful radiation and a near-vacuum. So, what would happen to the body of an astronaut that was exposed to space's elements?
![A Soyuz rocket launches the Kosmos 2575 military satellite from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome on Feb. 9, 2024.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/RCDsoCen3C2fphrtFxMiQR-320-80.jpg)
Russia is developing a space-based nuclear weapon to target satellites, U.S. Congress reveals
By Brett Tingley published
On Feb. 14, the U.S. Congress learned that Russia is creating a mysterious space-based nuclear weapon to target satellites. The capability is still in development and the launch of such a weapon does "not appear imminent."
![Artist's render of a fueling station in space on an asteroid minimoon in Earth's orbit.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ko3b4BxG9sNkzycFPcaVGX-320-80.jpg)
Undiscovered extra moons may orbit Earth. Could they help us become an interplanetary species?
By Kiley Price published
Due to their proximity to Earth, minimoons are prime candidates for exploration. Now, some scientists want to use these tiny satellites to push humanity further into the cosmos.
![3D rendering of the asteroid passing near the Earth.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/SsAkebeMQNBokQSywXJAiS-320-80.jpg)
'Stepping stone to Mars': Minimoons may help us become an interplanetary species, says MIT astrophysicist Richard Binzel
By Kiley Price published
MIT researcher Richard Binzel has studied near-Earth asteroids for more than five decades and believes they could one day act as "space filling stations."
![Illustration of an Orbit Fab spacecraft grabbing space junk in orbit. The company also aims to refuel defunct satellites in space, giving them fresh life.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/cNrUSqEYvRqkCgMGthuvx9-320-80.jpg)
Can we refuel 'dead' satellites in space? Bold new missions aim to try.
By Ivan Paul published
When a satellite runs out of fuel, it becomes little more than space junk. Now, space agencies and private companies want to change that. Here's how scientists plan to refuel satellites — in orbit.
![This artist concept of NASA Voyager spacecraft with its antenna pointing to Earth.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FnRv6oisPq85GW7tUvvUvi-320-80.jpg)
NASA's Voyager 1 probe hasn't 'spoken' in 3 months and needs a 'miracle' to save it
By Joanna Thompson published
A communications glitch is preventing NASA's Voyager 1 probe — the farthest spacecraft from Earth in history — from sending home data, and mission scientists are growing concerned.
![Heart Nebula captured on an ASI2600mc-pro with a Triad Narrowband Filter.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/m87UfgLY8PT9PK2MLZSXDM-320-80.jpg)
5 beguiling heart-shaped objects found in space
By Brandon Specktor published
From a 'potentially hazardous' asteroid to a pair of galaxies unable to quell their attraction, here are five of the most beautiful heart-shaped objects seen in space.
Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now
Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.