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.
Quantum satellites currently beam entangled particles of light from space down to different ground stations for ultra-secure communications. New research shows it is also possible to send these signals upward, from Earth ...
Optics & Photonics
Nov 5, 2025
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86
Blue Origin's heavy lift New Glenn became the first commercial rocket to make it to orbit on its first try back in January. Jeff Bezos' company is looking to repeat the feat while also nailing a return landing of its booster, ...
Space Exploration
Nov 5, 2025
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59
As of 2027, new satellites for CO2 measurement (CO2M) will be launched into orbit. Originally, only two were planned—but simulations by Empa convinced the European Commission to have a third satellite built. This will significantly ...
Environment
Nov 4, 2025
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26
The International Space Station is one of the most remarkable achievements of the modern age. It is the largest, most complex, most expensive and most durable spacecraft ever built.
Space Exploration
Nov 3, 2025
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25
Threats from space aren't always obvious, but statistically, it's only a matter of time before one of them happens. One of the most concerning for many space experts is a massive solar storm, like the one that literally lit ...
Space Exploration
Oct 25, 2025
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41
No communication or navigation, faulty electronics and collision risk. At ESA's mission control in Darmstadt, teams faced a scenario unlike any before: a solar storm of extreme magnitude. Fortunately, this nightmare unfolded ...
Space Exploration
Oct 24, 2025
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91
Three leading European aerospace groups announced Thursday a plan to merge their satellite operations to create a powerhouse for competing in particular against Elon Musk's Starlink internet system.
Space Exploration
Oct 23, 2025
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67
Every year, we shoot several thousand satellites and other objects out into space. When satellites die, they become space trash that threatens aerospace safety.
Space Exploration
Oct 22, 2025
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80
Smarter decisions about real-world problems start with better data—and Earth observation can provide just that, thanks to European efforts to open up access to massive amounts of satellite data collected every day.
Space Exploration
Oct 9, 2025
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38
Duplicating expensive resources is expensive and wasteful, and most people would agree it's unnecessary. However, the planned increase in major satellite constellations is currently causing a massive duplication of resources ...
Space Exploration
Oct 8, 2025
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45
