Some of our best hopes for mitigating the threat of space debris

In 60 years of space exploration, we've placed almost 7,000 satellites in orbit. Less than a third still function. The rest is dangerous junk - and their number is growing. Here's how we might mitigate the threat.

SpaceX ties its record for most launches in a year

With Thursday's launch, SpaceX has now flown 18 mission this year, tying its record set in 2017. The company could fly as many as four more rockets this year.

Galileo satellites now in orbit for improved EU satellite navigation

Once complete and with a record precision of 20cm, Galileo will be the most precise satellite navigation system in the world.

Upgraded SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched

SpaceX successfully launched its first "block 5" Falcon 9 rocket, carrying a satellite for Bangladesh. Then the rocket's first stage made a safe landing on an offshore droneship -- the 25th such recovery for SpaceX so far.

Falcon 9’s nose crashes, yet deployed 10 satellites successfully

It was the fifth set of 10 satellites that SpaceX has launched for Iridium, whose $3 billion projects is expected to include a total of 81 satellites – with 75 launched by SpaceX.

Air-Breathing Thruster Aims to Power Satellites Almost Indefinitely

The novel European Space Agency technology would scoop up atmospheric nitrogen and oxygen during near-Earth orbits and turn it into fuel.

SpaceX Successfully Launches the First of Two Falcon 9 Rockets in Three Days

This is the first of two launches for this week, the first being a ten satellite payload for the new Iridium NEXT constellation and the second is for the SES-11/EchoStar 105 satellite.

Chinese astronomy satellite placed into orbit by Long March rocket

China’s first X-ray astronomy satellite launched Thursday on a mission to survey the Milky Way galaxy for black holes and pulsars.

18-Year-Old Kid Builds World’s Lightest Satellite

An Indian teenager makes the lightest satellite to be launched by NASA next month.

New NOAA satellite imaging allows unprecedented tracking of lightning strikes

The satellite's new capabilities from the Geostationary Lightning Mapper (GLM) mean forecasters can predict severe weather more accurately. in this in turn could help disaster preparedness and response to tornadoes and hurricanes.

Space junk is a problem but don't blame it on ISRO

The ISRO sent 104 satellites into orbit on Wednesday and the wild applause was soon followed by growing mutterings about India's space agency adding to space junk.

NASA Just Created a Stunning New 3-D View of CO2

Using satellites and supercomputers, NASA scientists have recreated a year in the life of CO2.

Recycling Space Junk for Missions to Mars

The growing space debris problem may have a flip side: What if we could recycle the junk for components of a mission to the Red Planet?

New, Space-Based View of Human-Made Carbon Dioxide

Scientists have produced the first global maps of human emissions of carbon dioxide ever made solely from satellite observations, using data from NASA

Europe's cutting-edge wind satellite should launch in 2017

Humanity is about to deepen its understanding of Earth's winds. The European Space Agency has secured a rocket launch deal for its wind-tracking Aeolus satellite, which is now expected to enter orbit before the end of 2017.