Artificial satellites as a research area encompasses the scientific and engineering study of human-made objects intentionally placed into Earth or other celestial orbits for observation, communication, navigation, and experimentation. Research focuses on orbital dynamics and mission design, attitude determination and control, space environment interactions (radiation, plasma, micrometeoroids), and advanced materials and power systems for long-duration operation. It also includes development of miniaturized platforms (e.g., CubeSats), payload instrumentation for remote sensing and scientific measurements, formation flying and constellations, on-orbit servicing, autonomy and fault management, and the impacts of satellite proliferation on space traffic management and orbital debris mitigation.
Allen Schnibben's interest in space started when he was a child. "I picked up some books about the solar system when I was in elementary school. In middle school, I got a telescope and I started observing the night sky as ...
Astronomy
Oct 6, 2026
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Global positioning systems are a key feature in everyday life for much of the world's population. Whether it's ensuring a ship delivers its goods safely or helping you avoid a road closure on your commute home, GPS can help.
Space Exploration
Oct 6, 2026
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Four astronauts rocketed into orbit Thursday on a space station mission that will stretch until spring, among them a Canadian whose wife will give birth while he's away.
Space Exploration
Oct 1, 2026
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SpaceX sent its Starship super-rocket on its first orbital flight—a shorter-than-planned test mission that put operational Starlink satellites into orbit for the first time.
Space Exploration
Sep 29, 2026
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A commercial mission to boost NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory ended without raising the spacecraft's orbit, but the agency and Katalyst Space gained experience that will benefit future in-space servicing programs.
Space Exploration
Sep 29, 2026
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Spacecraft propulsion traditionally relies on volatile fuels and separate, bulky systems for different types of maneuvering in space. NASA is working to change that. Engineers at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, ...
Space Exploration
Sep 28, 2026
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SpaceX launched its enormous Starship into orbit for the first time Monday and successfully delivered the most advanced Starlink satellites yet, but cut the flight short to ensure safety.
Space Exploration
Sep 28, 2026
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Three years after its first test flight, SpaceX's Starship rocket will attempt Monday to enter Earth orbit, a key step in developing the massive launch vehicle for future missions to the moon and Mars.
Space Exploration
Sep 28, 2026
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The robotic spacecraft that failed to rescue an aging NASA telescope plunged back to Earth on Friday less than three months after launching on the bold mission.
Space Exploration
Sep 25, 2026
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Britain announced Wednesday that it will launch a new military space squadron to defend the country's satellites, the latest move as countries race to develop military space capabilities.
Space Exploration
Sep 23, 2026
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