Space probes as a research area encompasses the design, deployment, and scientific utilization of uncrewed spacecraft sent beyond Earth orbit to investigate planetary bodies, small Solar System objects, and the heliosphere, and increasingly to perform astrophysical observations from deep space. Research focuses on mission architecture, autonomous navigation and operations, radiation-hardened avionics, long-duration power systems (e.g., RTGs, advanced solar arrays), high-gain communications, and in situ and remote-sensing payloads optimized for extreme environments. The field integrates planetary science, space plasma physics, and instrumentation, emphasizing data acquisition strategies, sample return capabilities, and technology maturation for future interplanetary and interstellar exploration.
A SpaceX mission set to lift off overnight marks a first for Firefly Aerospace under NASA's plans to build up American companies to support its lunar goals.
Space Exploration
Jan 15, 2025
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One rocket, two missions: lunar landers built by US and Japanese companies launched their "rideshare" to the moon on Wednesday, showcasing the private sector's growing role in space exploration.
Space Exploration
Jan 15, 2025
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One rocket, two missions: Lunar landers built by US and Japanese companies are poised to "rideshare" to the moon, showcasing the private sector's growing role in space exploration.
Space Exploration
Jan 14, 2025
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Universe Today reported before about a NIAC-funded project known as the Lofted Environment and Atmospheric Venues Sensors (LEAVES) mission to study Venus' atmosphere. While the technology behind the idea is still under development, ...
Space Exploration
Jan 9, 2025
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A spacecraft has beamed back some of the best close-up photos yet of Mercury's north pole.
Space Exploration
Jan 9, 2025
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Perseverance's past year operating on the surface of Mars was filled with some of the mission's highest highs, but also some of its greatest challenges. True to its name and its reputation as a mission that overcomes challenges, ...
Space Exploration
Jan 9, 2025
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To maximize chances of successfully bringing the first Martian rock and sediment samples to Earth for the benefit of humanity, NASA announced Tuesday a new approach to its Mars Sample Return Program. The agency will simultaneously ...
Space Exploration
Jan 8, 2025
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NASA announced Tuesday it may turn to Elon Musk's SpaceX or Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin to help reduce the soaring costs of returning Martian rocks collected by the Perseverance rover to Earth.
Space Exploration
Jan 8, 2025
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US company Firefly Aerospace said Tuesday it is aiming to launch a lander to the moon next week under an experimental NASA program that partners with the commercial sector to reduce costs.
Space Exploration
Jan 8, 2025
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Getting a spacecraft to another star is a monumental challenge. However, that doesn't stop people from working on it. The most visible groups currently doing so are Breakthrough Starshot and the Tau Zero Foundation, both ...
Space Exploration
Jan 6, 2025
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