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.
Cranfield University spin-out company Frontier Space has sent a fully automated laboratory into orbit as part of a European Space Agency project to assess the viability of creating lab-grown food in microgravity.
Space Exploration
Apr 25, 2025
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On March 15 at 8:15 p.m. Beijing time (March 14 at 8:42 p.m. EDT; 5:42 p.m. PDT), China launched two satellites atop a Yuanzheng-1S mounted on a Long March-2C rocket. While the first and second stages were successful, a technical ...
Space Exploration
Apr 23, 2025
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In 1957, the Soviet Union launched Sputnik. Several months later, the U.S. sent Explorer I into space. With two small objects, the space race began.
Space Exploration
Apr 18, 2025
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In February, NASA's ER-2 science aircraft flew instruments designed to improve satellite data products and Earth science observations. From data collection to processing, satellite systems continue to advance, and NASA is ...
Planetary Sciences
Apr 17, 2025
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The widespread use of low Earth orbit (LEO), especially by thousands of CubeSats, has opened up many opportunities in research and business applications. One particular field that has benefited from the data that CubeSats ...
Planetary Sciences
Apr 10, 2025
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Data received from NASA's Juno mission indicates the solar-powered spacecraft went into safe mode twice on April 4 while the spacecraft was flying by Jupiter. Safe mode is a precautionary status that a spacecraft enters when ...
Space Exploration
Apr 10, 2025
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When satellite technology meets environmental innovation, the possibilities are boundless. QL Space exemplifies this synergy by providing customized Earth observation solutions that combine satellite imagery with cutting-edge ...
Environment
Apr 10, 2025
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From the mountains of Turin to the deserts of Arizona, a core element of Gateway, humanity's first lunar space station, is now one step closer to the moon. As seen in this April 1, 2025, photo, HALO (Habitation and Logistics ...
Space Exploration
Apr 7, 2025
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For decades, satellites have played a crucial role in our understanding of the remote polar regions. The ongoing loss of Antarctic ice, due to the climate crisis, is, sadly, no longer surprising. However, satellites do more ...
Earth Sciences
Apr 3, 2025
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SpaceX is set to launch the first human spaceflight directly over Earth's polar regions on Monday—a days-long, privately funded orbital mission involving four astronauts.
Space Exploration
Mar 31, 2025
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