Manned spacecraft

Now witness the firepower of this fully armed and operational space junk removal system. Just maybe not this exact one.

Astronauts could soon be blasting space junk with lasers

Science

A recent proposal by Japanese researchers would equip the International Space Station with a laser beam that could blast pieces of orbiting debris away. The reason? Hundreds of thousands of pieces of space junk are circling the Earth at more than 17,000 miles per hour, posing a danger to the ISS and other space projects.

Former astronaut Mark Kelly, left, stands across from his brother, Scott Kelly, the current commander of the International Space Station.

A study of astronaut twins will give NASA some key genetic insight

Science
Sheriffs' deputies look at wreckage from the crash of Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo near Cantil, California November 2, 2014. A suborbital passenger spaceship being developed by Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic company crashed during a test flight on Fr

As businesses enter the space race, the need to make a buck leaves questions about safety

Business

NASA develops system to recycle space station waste into radiation-protecting tiles

Environment

Astronauts get Halloween treats delivered as research continues

Environment

SpaceX rocket launch marks the beginning of the private era in space

Environment

Tuesday’s launch of the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket marks the first commercial flight for a spacecraft bound to the International Space Station, perhaps the opening salvo of a new, private era of space exploration.

Russian company to launch hotel in space by 2016

Environment

Travelers will be shot into space on a Soyuz rocket and will orbit 217 miles above earth in a hotel with massive windows for expansive, intergalactic views.

Space shuttle Atlantis lands, ending NASA’s shuttle program

Environment

Astrophysicist Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson reflects on 30 years of the shuttle program.

The World

China’s Ambitious Space Program a Point of National Pride

Environment

China has launched its most ambitious space mission yet. The Shenzhou-9 blasted off with three astronauts on board, including for the first time, a woman.

Mae Jemison’s Quest to Take us All into Space

Many of us dream about one day traveling to space. But unless you’re willing to dedicate a lifetime to the rigors of becoming a NASA astronaut, how can you ever hope to get there? 100-Year Starship is an organization that hopes to answer that question. Its mission: To take civilians to outer space within the […]