From a new flagship space telescope to lunar exploration, global cooperation – and competition – will make 2026 an exciting year for space

In 2026, astronauts will travel around the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era, powerful new space telescopes will ...
Space.com

China lands Chang'e 6 sample-return probe on far side of the moon, a lunar success (video)

China has now landed two missions on the moon's mysterious far side. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. China has landed on the moon ...
Space.com

NASA won't decide on overhaul for Mars Sample Return mission until mid-2026

The agency is considering two possible MSR strategies but won't pick a winner for another 18 months or so. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how ...
Smithsonian Magazine

NMNH in Review: How an Asteroid Sample Traveled From Outer Space to the Museum’s Mineral Hall

After a 500 million mile journey, a piece of the asteroid Bennu is now on display at the Smithsonian. But how did it get here? Ellyn Lapointe The Smithsonian is the first institution to display a ...
Astronomy

Rocket Lab takes jab at NASA with release of Mars sample return plan

In what appears to be a jab at NASA, Rocket Lab this week unveiled its own plan to return rock and dust samples the space agency has been collecting from Mars’ Jezero Crater since 2021. NASA earlier ...
Gizmodo

It’s Been 2 Months. Why Can’t NASA Open the Asteroid Sample Container?

In September, fragments of a near-Earth asteroid were carefully dropped off in the Utah desert. The space rocks hold clues to the origin of the solar system and can possibly answer crucial questions ...