Satellites

Latest about Satellites

clouds of grey, white, and purple swirl over a black background

Coating satellites with super-black paint Vantablack could help fight light pollution crisis

By Tereza Pultarova published

Light streaks caused by passing satellites mar images taken by the world's most expensive telescopes. The problem is set to get worse.

Satellites
rows of starlink satellites in the lower left portion of the image with Earth in the background and a slither of black space in the lower right side of the image.

Starlink satellites: Facts, tracking and impact on astronomy

By Tereza Pultarova last updated

Reference Starlink satellites have been developed by SpaceX to provide internet to remote locations. Here we explore the controversial megaconstellation in more detail.

Reference

Starlink satellite train: how to see and track it in the night sky

By Daisy Dobrijevic last updated

Reference Starlink satellites are visible from Earth, you just need to know when and where to look.

Reference
a Y-shaped spacecraft in orbit above earth

Satellites are polluting Earth's atmosphere with heavy metals. Could refueling them in orbit help?

By Tereza Pultarova published

In-orbit servicing and refueling could help curb the environmental harm done by the space industry. But will operators subscribe to the greener business model? The jury is out.

Satellites
a cube-shaped spacecraft with two wing-like solar panels falls from space to earth, leaving a trail of fire behind it

Scientists worry Trump's budget cuts will halt satellite air pollution studies: 'It's incredibly short-sighted'

By Tereza Pultarova published

Research into the impacts of rocket and satellite air pollution is being cut by the Trump administration. Experts say the cuts come at the worst time.

Satellites
men in suits speak to reporters around a large wooden desk

U.S. Space Force general to lead Trump's $175 billion Golden Dome space defense program

By Brett Tingley published

U.S. President Donald Trump unveiled a plan for his ambitious "Golden Dome" missile defense shield this week, stating it will cost $175 billion and take some three years to develop.

Satellites
Illustration showing the highly elliptical orbit of Europe’s two Proba-3 satellites, which as an apogee (or top of orbit) of around 60,000 kilometers and perigee of 600 km. Coronagraph observation based on forming an artificial eclipse between the two satellites as well as active formation flying experiments taking place toward apogee, with passive formation flying taking place as the satellites circle closer to Earth.

Europe's Proba-3 satellites ace landmark formation-flying test (video)

By Andrew Jones published

Europe's Proba-3 satellites have demonstrated ultra-precise formation flying in orbit for the first time, a milestone with big implications for both science and future space missions.

Satellites
a bright blue-white ring of light on a black background, with a plume of bright white gas ejecting from a nozzle in its center

US Space Force test fires thrusters for moon surveillance spacecraft

By Brett Tingley published

The U.S. Space Force tested a new propulsion system designed for satellites that will keep tabs on spacecraft and other objects near the moon.

Satellites

Satellites show 28 US cities are sinking, including NYC and Chicago: 'Infrastructure can be silently compromised'

By Stefanie Waldek published

"Even slight downward shifts in land can significantly compromise the structural integrity of buildings, roads, bridges, and railways over time."

Satellites
Illustration of ESA's Salsa Cluster satellite burning up during reentry.

Scientists chased a falling spacecraft with a plane to understand satellite air pollution

By Tereza Pultarova published

A dramatic aircraft chase of a falling spacecraft has provided new insights into the fiery processes that accompany the atmospheric demise of retired satellites.

Satellites
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