Space

Advances in aerospace vehicles almost always follow advances in propulsion. And propulsion technology continues to advance, creating new opportunities. So what is in store for the future? Attending the AIAA Propulsion & Energy conference in Indianapolis, senior editor Guy Norris and technology editor Graham Warwick discuss possibilities ranging from nuclear rockets to electric aircraft.

WhiteKnightTwo performs simulated space launch flight profiles over New Mexico as Virgin Galactic gears up for tests and operations from Spaceport America.

Test schedules now look certain to push first SLS launch for the Artemis 1 mission from next year into 2021.

With updates and fixes in place, Boeing is targeting first Starliner flight within two months, while SpaceX aims for flight carrying crew to ISS by year-end.

NASA has issued a request for proposals from U.S. companies capable of carrying out up to $7 billion in re-supply missions to its planned lunar-orbiting, human-tended Gateway.

Virgin Galactic has declared its new base at Spaceport America operationally ready as the company sets its sights on the long-anticipated start of commercial sub-orbital space flights from the New Mexico facility in 2020.

New techniques reduce risk for SLS as NASA steps up test campaign for Europa Clipper cargo version.

Just having major operations within one state did not seem to tip the scale in PwC’s aerospace manufacturing attractiveness rankings. But one state has it all.

Flight data collection underway to assess first stage non-propulsive reentry option.

SpaceX’s first dedicated small sat rideshare mission provided dozens of startups the chance to test novel cubesat systems in LEO, but nine months after launch, owners of 12 spacecraft have yet to claim ownership of their birds.

USAF leader campaigns for space-based sensors; Japan lifts F-35 grounding; Protected satcom satellite to launch; Indonesia’s indigenous combat aircraft pod.

When Chris Hill walked out of SpaceX in late May, he knew life was about to change dramatically—and so was what he had known as a “day at the office.”

The company's ultimate plan is to capture returning boosters in mid-air by helicopter for refurbishment and reflight, with the goal of boosting Electron’s launch rate from monthly to weekly flights.

On Sept. 7, India’s second lunar explorer, Chandrayaan-2, is set to touchdown near the Moon's south pole. We take a deeper look at what the mission aims to achieve.

For the first time, a cubesat is controlled by using light pressure from the Sun.

The UAE is gearing up to put the first Emirati astronaut into space. Steve Nichols has been finding out more.

Bulgaria reverses F-16 veto; CH-53K scores funding increase; Israel pursues satellite swarm buy and Northrop to upgrade electronic attack pods.

Space Development Agency answers critics and questions in industry day event.

XTI picks Catalyst; Continental joins VerdeGo; Vision-assisted autoland; Archinaut makes in space; Sunlight powers LightSail 2

Feeling mounting threats against its space assets, French government launches dedicated defense effort.

“Space is a new front,” Florence Parly, French minister of armed forces, said while presenting the long-awaited plan.

Chris Kraft wrote the book on human spaceflight operations; few were better students than Bill Gerstenmaier.

Bulgarian F-16 deal vetoed; Colombia seeks fighter bids; Malaysia seeks navy helos and ULA delays milspace launches

Airbus UK’s Bird of Prey concept will never fly, but may inspire more unconventional approaches to future aircraft design.

India has launched its historic second lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-2.