space
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Latest about space
![Commercial imaging company HEO Robotics captured images of the European Space Agency's ERS-2 satellite as it falls towards Earth's atmosphere on Feb. 14, 2024.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2wyfwp2H7K33XXaAakt3MK-320-80.jpg)
Big, doomed 'TIE fighter' satellite seen from space just days before crashing back to Earth
By Brett Tingley published
The European Space Agency's ERS-2 Earth observation satellite was spotted in space as it prepares to make a fiery reentry into Earth's atmosphere on Feb. 21.
![This image shows Gemini North, one half of the International Gemini Observatory,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Byy36eWpjuCc4UkCHnd8To-320-80.jpg)
Space photo of the week: Astronomers make an 'artificial star' over Hawaii
By Jamie Carter published
Twinkling stars can throw off telescope observations. To correct that, observatories like the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii create 'artificial stars' with lasers to hone their equipment.
![A galaxy cluster colorized to show invisible dark matter (blue) alongside regular, visible matter (red, green, and orange).](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/qN7No4utcM8F9gSFHtPGDC-320-80.jpg)
There may be a 'dark mirror' universe within ours where atoms failed to form, new study suggests
By Paul Sutter published
The invisible substance called dark matter remains one of the biggest mysteries in cosmology. Perhaps, a new study suggests, this strange substance arises from a 'dark mirror universe' that's been linked to ours since the dawn of time.
![An illustration of China's Chang'e 3 lunar lander on the moon's surface.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/D9wPq3rmc5SY7bsAuR9FrR-320-80.jpg)
China eyes May 2024 launch for 1st-ever lunar sample-return mission to far side of the moon
By Andrew Jones published
China's Chang'e-6 mission is expected to launch in May 2024 and touch down on the moon's far side to collect samples of lunar material to be returned to Earth for study.
![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.
![This artist's concept depicts the 140-mile-wide (226-kilometer-wide) asteroid Psyche, which lies in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/eRAzDHuSvy2RyCSGEPfuuk-320-80.jpg)
There's an asteroid out there worth $100,000 quadrillion. Why haven't we mined it?
By Isobel Whitcomb published
While asteroids are rich sources of precious and valuable materials, scientists still haven't fully committed to mining them.
![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.
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