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.
The first dual-satellite mission to another planet, NASA's ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers), is scheduled for launch no earlier than Sunday, Nov. 9, from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The two identical ...
Space Exploration
Nov 6, 2025
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The Copernicus Sentinel-1D satellite has joined the Sentinel-1 mission in orbit. Launch took place on 4 November 2025 at 22:03 CET (18:03 local time) on board an Ariane 6 rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana.
Space Exploration
Nov 5, 2025
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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