Space Exploration
Latest about Space Exploration
![Satellite bounces a laser beam off a second satellite toward earth in outerspace.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/EGDCQ2X7Sy8RcvQE7CDeB8-320-80.jpg)
NASA's 1st successful 2-way laser experiment is a giant leap for moon and Mars communications
By Andrew Jones published
NASA has successfully transmitted data between Earth and two spacecraft using lasers, completing a groundbreaking experiment that could aid in future missions to other worlds.
![A notional rendering of China's reusable Shenlong space plane.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uQgJfSHJNGhxopPfSQAeVL-320-80.jpg)
China's secret space plane deploys 6 unknown objects in orbit, and some are emitting signals
By Brett Tingley published
Four days after launching on its third-ever mission, China's mysterious Shenlong robotic space plane has deployed 6 unknown objects into orbit. Some of them appear to be emitting signals.
![Expedition 70 Commander Andreas Mogensen of the European Space Agency posted this photo of giant icebergs floating in the South Atlantic on X on Dec. 3, 2023.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hncboM3hpAaKM2rmHFJjge-320-80.jpg)
ISS astronaut captures constellation of icebergs in amazing space photos
By Samantha Mathewson published
European Space Agency astronaut Andreas Mogensen shared a series of lovely photos showing Earth's fleeting icebergs as seen from the International Space Station.
![Two small tomatoes lost on the International Space Station in 2022 were found again, NASA revealed in December 2023.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UqxQKC2NLWfErpfAaFHBVe-320-80.jpg)
NASA reveals first image of 'space tomatoes' that went missing on the ISS for 8 months, and they're gross
By Elizabeth Howell published
Astronaut Frank Rubio is officially off the hook in the case of the disappearing space tomatoes, now that ISS astronauts have finally found the bag of produce that went missing 8 months ago.
![A notional rendering of China's reusable Shenlong space plane.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Dh7ZsH8wjqJgLZ4ABAiK4Y-320-80.jpg)
Secret Chinese space plane launches on 3rd-ever mission
By Brett Tingley published
Little is known about China's experimental Shenlong space plane or its objectives. The spacecraft just launched on its 3rd-ever mission.
![NASA's Orion capsule captured this footage of its reentry to Earth's atmosphere on Dec. 11, 2022, at the end of the Artemis 1 moon mission.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mTLUweUjRBjkpwrYYZdWb6-320-80.jpg)
NASA shares incredible footage of Artemis I capsule hurtling through Earth's atmosphere after historic moon voyage
By Mike Wall published
Watch NASA's Orion crew capsule make the fiery descent through Earth's atmosphere in this epic new spacecraft footage.
![A view of the outside of the OSIRIS-REx sample collector. Sample material from asteroid Bennu can be seen on the middle right. Scientists have found evidence of both carbon and water in initial analysis of this material. The bulk of the sample is located inside.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/mMxyi9Adfo6ErcNyaTqd78-320-80.jpg)
'What is that material?': Potentially hazardous asteroid Bennu stumps scientists with its odd makeup
By Sharmila Kuthunur published
Scientists found signs of organic molecules in the first samples of potentially hazardous asteroid Bennu, as well as a 'head scratching' material that has yet to be identified.
![X-37B space plane encapsulated ahead of its sixth mission.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/GwG9K73FD8T9E4vtnmCt6h-320-80.jpg)
Secretive X-37B space plane to launch aboard SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket tonight after delays
By Josh Dinner published
Liftoff of the military's elusive X-37B space plane is scheduled for 8:14 p.m. ET on Monday (Dec. 11).
![NASA astronaut Frank Rubio (right), pictured with dwarf tomatoes on the International Space Station, lost hold of a dwarf tomato shortly after the harvest on March 29, 2023. The tomato's remains were finally retrieved by another ISS crew, who announced the feat on Dec. 6, 2023.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9u4ZXz7GzAxsLtZSmG7Nee-320-80.jpg)
NASA astronauts finally find 1-inch tomato that was 'lost in space' for 8 months
By Elizabeth Howell published
NASA astronaut Frank Rubio spent hours looking for a tomato that floated away on the International Space Station. Eight months later, his colleagues finally found it.
![The space junk appears as many small white points surrounding Earth, which has bright blue oceans and green and brown continents. The space junk is thick enough to form a cloud that obscures most of the black background when viewed from the edges around Earth.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/24qzajZXLghf7gw9b43yTS-320-80.jpg)
'Lightning-like energy bursts' could be used to track the 99% of space junk that can't be seen from Earth
By Stephanie Pappas published
Current methods of tracking space junk in Earth's orbit only follow objects bigger than a softball. A new technique could trace the 99% of junk that's smaller.
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