Space HubSpaceflight News & Articles
Real-time coverage of space exploration, orbital launches, cosmic discoveries, and featured Indian space articles.
Swift Reboost Mission Encounters Setback
Katalyst Space’s efforts to reboost NASA’s Swift observatory has encountered a setback. The LINK on-orbit servicing spacecraft is in a multi-axis spin. LINK must attach itself to Swift and raise […]
Agnikul Cosmos Careers
At Agnikul, our culture is all about hard work and determination to push the boundaries of innovation. Our team is made up of passionate, driven individuals, supported by a group of experienced advisors from various fields. We constantly strive to combine experience with passion. Join us and be part of a journey that is shaping the future of space travel.
Actually, Starliner might fly into space this year
"We're feeling pretty good about that," Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg said.
Skyrocket Openings
We are redefining space exploration, making it more economical, sustainable, and equitable through technological disruption. If you see the status quo as an opportunity to innovate, accomplish the unprecedented, and push the boundaries of technology, then Skyroot is the space for you. Work with the best and shape a career that defies gravity; be part of the team building our precision-engineered launch vehicles. Join us on our mission of “Opening Space for All”
NASA Sets Coverage for August Northern Hemisphere Total Solar Eclipse
On Wednesday, Aug. 12, a total solar eclipse will be visible in parts of Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, the Atlantic Ocean, Spain, and a small corner of Portugal. NASA will stream the eclipse live with views across the path and interviews with subject matter experts through a variety of platforms. Learn where to watch online: […]
Skyroot Aerospace sends world's first lab-grown diamond jewel into space aboard Vikram-1
Skyroot Aerospace and Cosmos Diamonds sent the Cosmos Bloom Diamond into orbit aboard Vikram-1. The collaboration linked Indian space technology, lab-grown diamonds and lotus-inspired craftsmanship in a single mission.
NASA’s Curiosity Views a Sand-Capped Butte
Description NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover captured this sand-capped butte, nicknamed “Miraflores,” estimated to be about 20 feet (6 meters) tall, with its Mast Camera, or Mastcam, on June 11, 2026, the 4,923rd Martian day, or sol, of the mission. The butte was left behind as surrounding rock eroded away over time, deepening the broad valley […]
Can India replace a satellite in days? Vikram-1 opens a bigger space question
India’s space programme has traditionally been driven almost entirely by Isro. Private companies manufactured components, supplied technology and supported missions, but orbital launches remained the domain of the state. Vikram-1 changed that equation. For the first time, an Indian private company has demonstrated the ability to develop and operate an orbital launch vehicle.
NASA’s Curiosity Discovers a Field of Martian Polygons
Description NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover captured this 360-degree view of an expanse of terrain covered in surface features called polygons on June 19 and 20, 2026, the 4,930th and 4,931st Martian days, or sols, of the mission. The rover has found polygons several times in the past, but never so many in one place. Across […]
Inside high-powered task force entrusted with overhauling India's examination system
The high-powered task force brings together experts from technology, space, education, security and public administration.
NASA’s Curiosity Mars Rover Discovers Field of Honeycomb Textures
As NASA’s Curiosity rover recently began climbing up a Martian valley nicknamed “Valle Grande,” it sent back images that were a familiar sight to mission scientists: honeycomb-like textures called polygonal fractures, each one about 1.5 to 3 inches (4 to 8 centimeters) across. The mission has spotted small patches of these geometric shapes several times […]
Where Will Indian Spacetech’s Best Returns Come From? Speciale Invest’s Vishesh Rajaram Answers
Rockets grab headlines, but deeptech investor Vishesh Rajaram sees stronger risk-adjusted returns in downstream applications and satellite manufacturing.
APOD: 2026 July 29 – Psyche Receives Gravity Assist from Mars
A video of the Psyche spacecraft flying by Mars.
NTA terminates 47 officials in major overhaul after NEET paper leak row: Report
New Delhi: The National Testing Agency on Friday terminated 47 officials as part of a major internal overhaul following the controversy over the NEET-UG 2026 paper leak, according to a media report citing sources. Further action is expected against more officials as the agency restructures its operations, India TV reported. The action comes amid continuing protests in Delhi and other parts of the country over the handling of the medical entrance examination. The report said the NTA was also considering legal and criminal action against some of the officials. It added that more “reformative actions” would be taken and the agency’s outsourcing model would be revamped. However, the report did not disclose the names or designations of the terminated officials. It also did not specify whether they were permanent employees, officials on deputation or personnel engaged through contractual arrangements. No details were provided about the charges against individual officials or whether all 47 had been found responsible for lapses linked directly to the NEET paper leak. The report also did not cite a termination order or an official statement from the NTA or the Union Education Ministry. The figure of 47 terminations is, therefore, based on information attributed to unnamed sources. Outsourcing system may be reviewed The proposed changes to the outsourcing model could become an important part of the restructuring, although the report did not explain the nature or extent of the planned overhaul. The NTA uses a large network of examination centres, service providers and personnel to conduct national-level entrance and eligibility examinations involving lakhs of candidates. Questions over supervision, accountability and coordination with external agencies have repeatedly emerged whenever an examination faces security or logistical failures. The report did not say whether existing contracts would be cancelled, whether vendors would face fresh scrutiny or whether more examination-related functions would be brought directly under the agency’s control. It also gave no timeline for completing the review. Supreme Court seeks detailed reform plan The reported terminations came on a day the Supreme Court examined petitions seeking structural changes in the NTA following the NEET-UG 2026 controversy. A Bench of Justices P S Narasimha and Alok Aradhe asked the Centre and the NTA to file a fresh and comprehensive affidavit detailing the progress made on examination reforms. The court sought information about measures relating to transparency, digital infrastructure, security and institutional governance. It also indicated that it would closely monitor the reform process and stressed that examination security could not continue to depend on ad hoc responses after every controversy. The matter was adjourned to August 3. The Centre told the court that it was finalising measures that could go beyond the recommendations of the high-level committee headed by former Indian Space Research Organisation chairman K Radhakrishnan. The committee had been formed after the examination-related controversies of 2024 to recommend reforms in the NTA’s functioning, examination security, data protection and administrative structure. Recruitment under way for senior positions The agency has simultaneously begun a recruitment exercise for various positions on deputation. A vacancy notification is listed on the NTA’s official notice board. A separate report earlier this month said the NTA was seeking candidates for nine senior posts as part of an exercise described as an attempt to “build a new NTA” and restore public trust after the NEET controversy. The current restructuring builds on an exercise that began after the NEET-UG 2024 controversy. The Centre had approved the creation of 16 senior administrative positions in the agency in October 2024, but the latest paper leak again raised questions over whether the earlier reforms had been implemented effectively. NEET examination was cancelled and held again The NEET-UG 2026 examination was originally conducted on May 3 for more than 22 lakh medical aspirants. The NTA later cancelled the examination after concerns emerged over the integrity of the question paper and the circulation of material that allegedly contained questions appearing in the test. The Centre also ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation probe into the matter. The examination was subsequently conducted again on June 21 under heightened security arrangements. The measures included closer surveillance, biometric checks, stricter supervision of centres and enhanced monitoring of online claims relating to the examination. The NTA’s official archive also records notices concerning the re-examination, answer-key challenges, examination-fee refunds and measures introduced for the secure conduct of the test. Protests continue over accountability The controversy has led to protests by students, political parties and civil society groups. Demonstrators have demanded action against those responsible for the leak and wider reform of the national examination system. The Cockroach Janta Party-led protest at Jantar Mantar had entered its 26th day on Thursday. The campaign has demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and accountability for the repeated failures surrounding high-stakes examinations. The issue has also led to repeated confrontations between the government and Opposition parties inside and outside Parliament. In another administrative change, the Centre replaced Higher Education Secretary Vineet Joshi with Naresh Pal Gangwar amid the continuing controversy. Joshi had previously headed both the Central Board of Secondary Education and the NTA.
Understanding How Martian Auroras Are Made
This July 23, 2026, illustration depicts charged particles from a solar storm stripping away charged particles of Mars’ atmosphere, one of the processes of Martian atmosphere loss studied by NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) mission. NASA MAVEN mission scientists have found that certain types of auroras on Mars form in a similar way […]
Long gap in rocket launches by ISRO upsets scientists
ISRO Rocket Launch Delay: Scientists express concern over long gap in ISRO rocket launches following PSLV mission failures and exodus to private firms.
LatConnect 60 Accelerates SWIRSAT Constellation Growth Anchored in Western Australia with Expansion into Malaysia and UAE
PERTH, Western Australia — LatConnect 60 (LC60) is executing on a multi-geography industrial plan to accelerate its SWIRSAT constellation, anchoring core technology development and payload manufacturing in Western Australia while […]
Viasat calls for PPP to drive India’s Satcom future
The global satellite communications leader emphasised the critical role of effective regulation and collaboration between government and industry to unlock the country’s Satcom potential
MaiaSpace Ditches Suborbital Test Flight Plans
MaiaSpace has scrapped plans to conduct a suborbital test flight of its Maia rocket, opting instead to proceed straight to a full orbital launch attempt for the vehicle’s inaugural flight in the second half of 2027. Under its initial development roadmap, the ArianeGroup subsidiary would have flown a full two-stage Maia vehicle with a reduced […]
Sanjana Tripurmallu's diamonds reaches orbit with Vikram-1
Sanjana Tripurmallu: The entrepreneur whose lab-grown diamond reached orbit with India's first privately developed rocket
NASA Webb Explores Family Tree of Newly Discovered Distant Objects
Since their discovery by NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope in 2022, little red dots (LRDs) have been the subject of great interest to astronomers. Understanding the nature of these extremely distant, compact red sources has been a puzzling scientific endeavor. One popular theory is that little red dots are supermassive black holes known as active […]
A talent race ISRO can’t lose
The real challenge before India’s space programme is not launching more rockets. It is keeping the people who know how to make them fly.
Contractor to Civil Servant: NASA Welcomes Ray Williams
Ray Williams’ progression at NASA’s Stennis Space Center near Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, has uniquely prepared him for his new role. As part of NASA’s plan to restore core competencies by converting contractors to civil service, the New Orleans native and Grambling State University graduate now works as a supervisor for test operations support at […]
Why are scientists leaving India’s national space agency - and will tighter exit rules keep them there?
As India’s private spacetech sector takes off, competition for its most experienced scientists is raising questions about how the country can build a thriving commercial space industry without hollowing out the institution that helped make it possible.
Fortastra and Hadrian join forces to streamline satellite production
SAN FRANCISCO – Fortastra, a Los Angeles startup focused on defending on-orbit infrastructure, is working with manufacturing specialist Hadrian to explore ways to apply precision machining and additive manufacturing to […]
Can India’s national space agency keep its top scientists on board as the private spacetech sector booms?
As India’s private spacetech sector takes off, competition for its most experienced scientists is raising questions about how the country can build a thriving commercial space industry without hollowing out the institution that helped make it possible.
H3 to launch next ispace lunar lander mission
Japanese lunar lander developer ispace has selected the H3 rocket to launch its next mission in 2028, creating what the companies called Japan’s first private lunar transportation system.
Skyroot Makes History with India's First Private Orbital Rocket
Pawan Chandana and Naga Bharath Daka: Former ISRO Engineers who put India's first privately developed rocket, Vikram-1, in orbit
Earth and Proba-3’s Coronagraph play hide and seek
From the ESA Blogs.
India’s space dream needs more than rockets
As over 100 scientists leave ISRO and Skyroot's Vikram-1 launches, India faces fresh questions over retaining talent for Gaganyaan and future missions.
Sizing Up the Sargassum Belt
Seaweed composing the Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt hit near-record levels in June 2026, with the Caribbean Sea and Gulf of America both reaching all-time highs.
Meet Pawan Kumar Chandana, ex-ISRO scientist behind India's 1st privately developed orbital rocket Vikram-1
Trending News: Pawan Kumar Chandana is a former ISRO scientist who left a government job to build one of India's leading private space startups, Skyroot Aerospace.
DOT Issues Proposed Rule to Waive Environmental Regulations for Space Launches
The Department of Transportation wants to loosen environmental regulations for space launches and reentries. A proposed rule released today would allow DOT to waive “unnecessary environmental laws and regulations” to […]
'We'll Be Getting Into Commercial Flights,' Says Skyroot CEO Pawan Chandana After Vikram-1 Success
Skyroot Aerospace co-founder and CEO Pawan Kumar Chandana
Boeing still working with NASA to schedule next Starliner flight
Boeing is still working with NASA to determine when to fly its CST-100 Starliner commercial crew vehicle on a cargo mission to the International Space Station.
Telangana: ISRO, IN-SPACe Hail Skyroot's Vikram-1 Launch As Milestone For India's Private Space Sector
"This is a proud day, not just for Skyroot but for the whole country. Only a handful of nations can reach space on their own, and today a private Indian company joined that exclusive club": Reports
Chinese startup raises funds for space situational awareness constellation, joining commercial SSA rush
SINGAPORE — A Beijing-based startup has secured around $14 million to build a satellite constellation for tracking orbital objects, adding to China’s growing SSA sector. Xingchen Daohe, also known as […]
ISRO Resignation Wave: ‘Many Have Gone, Many Have Come,’ Says Science Minister
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, has sought to alleviate worries regarding the recent resignation of approximately 100 top scientists from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). He stated on Thursday that these departures are part of an administrative process and do not reflect any significant problem within the agency. [...]
Swift reboost mission encounters attitude control problems
A spacecraft launched nearly a month ago in a high-risk bid to boost the orbit of a NASA astrophysics satellite is suffering attitude control problems that could jeopardize its mission.
Mission Aagaman: India’s first private rocket Vikram-1 developed by Skyroot Aerospace to be launched on 18th July
India is going to achieve a major milestone in space technology, as the country’s first private rocket launch has been scheduled for Saturday. Hyderabad-based Skyroot Aerospace has officially confirmed that its Vikram-1 rocket will lift off on July 18, 2026, at 11:30 am IST from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre [...]
ESA opens call to repurpose Gateway communications module
JOHANNESBURG — The European Space Agency is moving ahead with plans to examine the feasibility of repurposing Lunar Link, a communications system developed for NASA’s now-paused Gateway space station, as […]
India's First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 Is All Set To Launch On July 18
On July 18, Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1, carrying four technology payloads, will attempt to launch from Sriharikota as the first private orbital rocket in India.
Ship 40’s flawless flight promotes next mission catch potential
SpaceX’s Starship Flight 13 demonstrated that the Ship can complete its mission and return intact,…
India's First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 Set For Launch On July 18
India's First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 Set For Launch On July 18
APOD: 2026 July 28 – Barnards Loop over Twin Volcanoes
APOD Science APOD APOD: 2026 July 28 –… Today’s APOD Archive Submissions Index Search Calendar RSS Education About Discuss APOD Astronomy Picture of the Day Discover the cosmos! Each day a different image or photograph of our fascinating universe is featured, along with a brief explanation written by a professional astronomer. OriginalAnnotated Barnards Loop […]
India’s First Private Orbital Rocket Vikram-1 Set For Launch On July 18
Show Quick Read Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom Mission will carry technology demonstration payloads to 450km orbit. Hyderabad: Skyroot Aerospace’s maiden test flight of Vikram-1 is scheduled to lift off from the first launch pad at SDSC-SHAR on July 18 at 11.30 AM. This will be the first time an orbital-class rocket, ...
Germany Considers Dedicated Launch Facility for its Armed Forces
Germany is considering building a dedicated launch facility for its armed forces to ensure military satellites can be deployed without having to compete for capacity with commercial payloads. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced that the government was considering the proposal during a 23 July visit to Isar Aerospace’s facilities near Munich. Pistorius said that […]
ISRO Mobile Apps: Bhuvan, MOSDAC, and Beyond
Discover how ISRO translates complex space data into practical tools for citizens and scientists through accessible mobile and web apps.
How Sentinel-1 measured movement of Venezuela quakes
More than one month on from the catastrophic twin earthquakes in northern Venezuela on 24 June 2026, satellite data show the ground displacement was greater than first estimated.
ISRO Satellites List: Active Spacecraft Fleet
A clean inventory of ISRO's primary active satellite systems, highlighting their orbits, weights, and communication utilities.
NASA selects successor to CAPSTONE lunar mission
NASA has selected Advanced Space to fly a successor to a cislunar smallsat mission that will test rendezvous and proximity operations around the moon.
Bellatrix Aerospace: Green Propellants & Electric Thrusters
Explore Bellatrix Aerospace's innovations in eco-friendly chemical fuels and high-efficiency electric propulsion systems for modern satellites.
Vertical liftoff as Ariane 6 takes flight for the first time
From the ESA Blogs.
Pixxel Space: Hyper-Spectral Earth Observation Constellations
An overview of Pixxel, an Indian space startup launching hyper-spectral micro-satellites to revolutionize global agriculture, forestry, and mining audits.
Liftoff as Ariane 6 takes flight for the first time
From the ESA Blogs.
Agnikul Cosmos: Pioneers of 3D-Printed Rocket Engines
How Agnikul Cosmos successfully built and launched Agnibaan, utilizing fully 3D-printed single-piece engines and mobile launchpads.
Smoke Blankets Oregon
Lightning storms have ignited dozens of fires in central and eastern Oregon.
Skyroot Aerospace: Launching the Vikram Private Rocket Fleet
Explore the achievements of Skyroot Aerospace, the creator of Vikram-S, India's first privately launched rocket.
Launch Preview: Falcon 9 and Chang Zheng rockets set to launch this week
Five orbital launches are scheduled worldwide for this week. In China, a Chang Zheng 6A…
The Indian Private Space Ecosystem: Startups and Innovations
A panoramic view of the booming private space ecosystem in India. Learn about IN-SPACe, NewSpace India Limited, and the rise of private launcher and satellite startups.