Science & Space
Latest Stories
These Google-Backed Satellites Could Detect Wildfires Early
The Earth Fire Alliance estimates that the constellation could save more than $1 billion in fire damage costs in the US annually once complete and protect 3,500 homes and properties.
AST SpaceMobile Delays Service Launch to 2027, Eyes 'Acquisitions'
The Starlink Mobile rival signals it's pursuing partnerships or acquisitions to bolster its satellite launch capabilities, following the Blue Origin mishap.
SpaceX to Briefly Test V3 Starlink Satellites on Next Starship Flight
The V3 satellites promise to upgrade Starlink with gigabit speeds. But for this launch, the satellites will only operate for a few minutes before they burn up in the atmosphere.
FCC Approves Reflect Orbital's Space Mirror Satellite That Astronomers Hate
The FCC says the most controversial aspect of Reflect Orbital's Earendil-1 satellite, its giant mirror, falls outside its authority since the regulator mainly focuses on radio spectrum.
Environmental Groups Urge FCC to Hit Pause on Orbiting Data Center Approvals
A coalition of groups petition the FCC to conduct an environmental review of the potential impact of space-based data centers as a growing number of companies move to build them.
Starlink 'Gen 3' to Span 100K Satellites, for Gigabit Broadband But Also AI
The Gen 3 Starlink system is designed to supply satellite internet capacity for both consumers and AI-powered devices, SpaceX tells the FCC. Expect 'ultra low-latency' and multi-gigabit speeds too.
NASA Launches Mission to Save Falling Telescope
The Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has been sinking lower and lower into Earth's orbit in recent years due to solar activity. A $30 million spacecraft is now on a mission to rescue it.
260 Starlink Satellites Burn Up in Earth's Atmosphere As More Head for Fiery Ends
The rate of Starlink satellite disposals between December 2025 and May 2026 increased slightly from the previous six months, according to a SpaceX report submitted to the FCC.
Amazon: Our Starlink Rival Has Enough Satellites to Kick Off Service
That said, initial coverage from Amazon Leo will likely be limited to certain areas and may be spotty until more satellites are launched into orbit, according to industry watchers.
FCC Moves to Speed Up Approvals for Next-Gen Satellite Broadband Launches
The goal of this 'licensing assembly line' approach is to help unleash new satellite systems at a faster pace, even amid concerns about orbital congestion.
Blue Origin: Here's How We'll Return New Glenn to Flight Faster Than Expected
Following May's launchpad explosion, Blue Origin plans a simpler launch infrastructure, but it will still require the company to work at an unprecedented pace if it wants to fly again in 2026.
SpaceX's Orbiting Data Centers Will Use Liquid Cooling, But Don't Expect Water
Since space is a vacuum that experiences extreme temperature swings, the AI satellites will likely use ammonia, rather than water, for cooling, an expert says.
FCC Gives Amazon Leo a Reprieve on Satellite Launch Deadline, With One Condition
The FCC was not swayed by complaints from SpaceX, which said Amazon was asking for 'special treatment' to miss a July deadline to launch half of a 3,232-satellite constellation.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Explodes Spectacularly During Ground Test
What the space company called an 'anomaly' sets back multiple programs: Amazon Leo, AST SpaceMobile, and Blue Moon.
This Orbital Data Center Startup Is Integrating Starlink Lasers
Starcloud plans to use the Starlink Mini Laser system across 25 orbiting data center satellites to transmit data to clients on the ground.
SpaceX Starship Hits Some Targets, Misses Others on Latest Test Flight
One missed mission goal suggests that reaching orbit is at least two test launches away.
Can Photonics Make the AI Data Center Boom More Palatable?
After decades of underdelivery, the notion of replacing electronic links with photonic ones looks less vaporous. At NTT's Upgrade conference in San Jose, execs make their pitch.
Viasat's F2 Satellite 'Blooms,' Targets 100+ Mbps in Push Against Starlink
After the F1 satellite suffered a malfunction with its reflector, the deployment of the F2 reflector is good news for Viasat as it competes with Starlink.
xAI Becomes SpaceXAI As Elon Musk's Company Files for Trademarks
SpaceXAI is clunky, but Musk says it's meant to highlight 'AI products from SpaceX.'
Calif. Agency Apologizes for Citing Musk's Politics When Rejecting Rocket Launches
The settlement could hamper the California Coastal Commission's efforts to address environmental concerns about Starlink-related launches from Vandenberg Space Force Base.
