🛰️ Science Recon Console

NASA and its international partners are set to receive scientific research samples and hardware as a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to depart the International Space Station on Tuesday, June 16, for its return to Earth. Watch NASA’s live undocking coverage beginning at 11:45 a.m. EDT on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and the agency’s YouTube channel. […]

This March 20, 2026, image of Messier 64, or the Black Eye Galaxy, is a composite view from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and James Webb Space Telescope. It shows Messier 64 captured at near- and mid-infrared wavelengths by Webb, while Hubble’s image shows the galaxy in ultraviolet, visible, and near-infrared light. Messier 64 is characterized […]

Looking somewhat like a swarm of bees returning to their hive, this NASA Hubble Space Telescope image features the galaxy cluster MACS0329-0211.

The city’s metro area has pushed westward since it last hosted World Cup matches in 1986, expanding across a landscape shaped by ancient volcanoes.

NASA is introducing a new funding opportunity to accelerate academic research and technology development. The Minority University Research and Education Project Space Technology Artemis Research (M‑STAR) application window opened Thursday and will remain open through 11:59 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, Aug. 11. The research funded through this award supports the agency’s priorities for exploring the […]

Using data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, astronomers may have found a supernova remnant in an intriguing neighborhood in the middle of our galaxy. A paper describing these new findings published in The Astrophysical Journal. Supernova remnants are the expanding remains of exploded stars and provide elements – like iron, oxygen, and silicon – that […]

Listen to this audio excerpt from Elkin Norena, resident management officer, NASA’s Space Launch System Program: NASA’s Elkin Norena has helped the agency launch more than a dozen space shuttle missions – that’s more than a dozen crews to low Earth orbit and more than a dozen historic missions. They were missions that helped build […]

A new type of gamma-ray sensor developed by NASA will take part in a robotic arm demonstration on the agency’s upcoming Fly Foundational Robots mission.

A soccer ball floats in microgravity in this March 2, 2026, picture from the International Space Station. The space station crew tested soccer balls to study how internal mass affects motion and stability in microgravity. The findings have improved understanding of how embedded technologies, including match-ball sensors, can influence performance during play. Through research aboard […]

At NASA, remaining a global leader in exploration and innovation includes having a skilledand dedicated workforce. Technicians play a critical role in advancing the agency’sresearch and missions, applying hands-on expertise across engineering, fabrication,electronics, and countless other technical fields. To help cultivate the next generation of technical talent, NASA’s Office of STEM Engagementhosted Career Technical Education […]

LEO-Optimized Centaur Upper Stage Mated to Vulcan //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla.
The first low Earth orbit (LEO)-optimized Centaur upper stage is now integrated atop the Vulcan rocket at ULA's Vertical Integration Facility (VIF-A) dedicated to Amazon missions.

Integrating the vehicle with the new LEO 85K Centaur upper stage allows the team to perform first time procedures, validate stage and ground support equipment interfaces with a planned Wet Dress Rehearsal to validate new technologies in advance of the first Vulcan Leo mission.

Learn more: https://blog.ulalaunch.com/blog/vulcan-new-centaur-v-version-readies-for-amazon-leo

VIF-A Achieves Initial Operating Capability //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla.
The first Vulcan booster is vertical in the new Vertical Integration Facility (VIF-A) dedicated to Amazon Leo missions. This milestone enables testing of first use technologies and validates systems supporting Amazon’s constellation.

VLP-A on Pad //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla.
The Amazon Vulcan launch platform (VLP-A) is positioned on the pad and undergoing its second phase of technical testing, marking a significant milestone as we advance toward the inaugural Amazon Leo launch.

OVI Structurally Complete //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla.
The Amazon Vertical Integration Facility (VIF-A) incorporates an offline vertical integration (OVI) cell allowing the team to process the Centaur V upperstage concurrently with the Vulcan booster prior to stacking. The OVI cell is structurally complete, and the team is installing hydrazine, pneumatic and electrical systems.

Launch Heads Installed //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. 
The new Vulcan Launch Platform (VLP) includes four launch heads that securely hold the Vulcan rocket prior to launch. Once the engines start, the launch heads release the rocket for liftoff. All four launch heads are installed.

SLC-3 Tank Installation //
Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. 
Modifications are actively underway at Space Launch Complex (SLC)-3 in Vandenberg to support Vulcan launches, and the pad is now more than 83% complete. Updates include new fuel tanks, expanded environmental control systems and a new fixed launch platform.

Roof Structurally Complete //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla.
To accommodate the height of the Vulcan rocket, the team is increasing the height of the VIF-A by raising the roof 45’. The structural portion of the new roof is now complete.

Onsite OVI Cell //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. 
Renovations to the Amazon Vertical Integration Facility (VIF-A) incorporate an offline vertical integration (OVI) cell. This onsite cell allows the team to process the Centaur V upperstage concurrently with the Vulcan booster prior to stacking. 

Launch Head Installation //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. 
The new Vulcan Launch Platform (VLP) includes four launch heads that securely hold the Vulcan rocket prior to launch. Once the engines start, the launch heads release the rocket for liftoff. This photo is of one of the launch heads during installation on the VLP.

SLC-3 Tank Installation //
Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif. 
New fuel support tanks have been installed at Space Launch Complex (SLC)-3 to support Vulcan modifications. In addition to the large tank for liquefied natural gas (LNG) propellant, the two smaller tanks are repurposed Atlas intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) tanks. One tank will be used for LNG thermal management and the other to control LNG bleed-off.

Both Vulcan Launch Platforms in VIF-A //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. 
The VIF-A includes a site designated for environmental protection of a launch platform awaiting processing for future missions. Storing the launch platform within the VIF-A until it’s ready for processing saves the team time by mitigating the risks of environmental exposure.  

VLP-A Logo Installed //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. 
Construction of the Amazon Vulcan Launch Platform (VLP-A) continues with the installation of the ULA logo. The VLP-A is a new launch platform tailored to support Amazon launches.

New Support Vans Arrive //
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Fla. 
Two new support vans have arrived at VIF-A. The payload support van (PVan) houses ground equipment such as the electrical and communication interfaces between the spacecraft systems and the launch pad throughout the countdown. The ground van (GVan) supports the launch vehicle with a dedicated set of control electronics. The two vans have been designed to support specific mission configurations and will be seen leading the convoy as the Vulcan rocket rolls from VIF-A to the launch pad.

ULA has launched the majority of Amazon Leo satellites on orbit

Precision launch reinforces ULA’s role in delivering commercial access to space

Atlas V precisely delivered 29 broadband satellites dedicated to connecting the world

Construction is nearly complete for the world's newest rocket-delivery vessel, United Launch Alliance's SpaceShip that will carry Atlas V and Vulcan rocket elements from the factory in Decatur, Alabama to launch sites in Florida and California. 

SpaceShip is larger and even more capable than RocketShip, which remains in service after a quarter-century of voyages. The addition of a second vessel meets ULA's needs as our launch rate increases.

Designed and built by Bollinger Shipyards in Lockport, Louisiana and Bristol Harbor Group, Inc. in Bristol, Rhode Island, SpaceShip is a 356-foot-long (109-m)  roll-on/roll-off vessel classed for both ocean-going and river service. It enables the transport of two complete Vulcan rockets -- booster stage, interstage, Centaur V and payload fairings -- in a single trip.

Both the SpaceShip and RocketShip are highly maneuverable, unique custom-built rocket transport ships and the only U.S. flagged ships with the versatility to navigate both rivers and open ocean. They feature living quarters and dining areas for the crews, a heli-pad on the top deck, a below-deck machine shop and sophisticated computers and navigational aids on the bridges.

The ships are ULA's primary method for moving launch vehicles from the factory in Decatur, Alabama to either Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, or Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. The trips to Cape Canaveral is approximately 1,700 miles one-way and Vandenberg, via the Panama Canal, is nearly 9,000 miles.

RocketShip, formerly the Delta Mariner, began transporting Delta IV cores to both sites 25 years ago, started carrying Atlas V stages in 2011 and has served all Vulcan deliveries to date. Vulcan stages are too large for air or road shipment, making SpaceShip a welcome addition to the fleet.

USSF-87 mission precisely delivered directly to challenging geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO)

Space is the new battlefield high ground, and the upcoming United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket flight will help to protect U.S. national security orbital assets by launching a “neighborhood watch” surveillance system directly into geosynchronous orbit. 

The USSF-87 multi-manifested mission for the U.S. Space Force’s Space Systems Command will launch aboard a Vulcan VC4S rocket on Feb. 12 from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.  

The rocket will use four side-mounted solid rocket boosters (SRBs) and a dual-engine Centaur V upper stage to deliver the heavy payload more than 22,000 miles (35,000 km) above the Earth. Vulcan’s versatility and purpose-built, high-energy rocket architecture is designed to meet all of the demanding national security requirements of our nation’s space launch needs.  

Atlas V has precisely delivered more than 100 operational satellites for
Amazon Leo internet network 

From Boston to Moscow and across the U.S., Harriet Latham Robinson SM ’61, PhD ’65 has balanced an exciting career at the forefront of molecular biology with family, friends, and adventure.

The fellowships in applied sciences, engineering, and mathematics recognize doctoral students who are pursuing solutions to the most pressing challenges in science and technology.

A new study shows people expect reciprocal generosity only in interactions with friends or others of equal social status.

Biology PhD student Giselle Valdes studies stem cell regeneration while encouraging aspiring students and researchers.

Heiman, who studies neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington’s and Parkinson’s, will lead the institute beginning July 1.

The MIT physicist shares the honor with two others for foundational research establishing the field of twistronics.

Faculty member Shu-Heng Shao, in addition to four MIT alumni, are honored by the Breakthrough Prize Foundation.

When the universe was just 850 million years old, this voracious black hole was already surprisingly mature, a new study finds.

The MIT Ethics of Computing Research Symposium brought together experts and researchers working at the heart of ethical and social impact in technology.

IAIFI enters its second phase with increased funding, broader ambitions, and a growing community at the frontier of AI and fundamental physics.

Have you been keeping up to date with physics news? Try our short quiz to find out

The post Quiz of the week: the last major galactic merger of the Milky Way created what feature? appeared first on Physics World.

'Mirror Moon' has been created by the British artist Luke Jerram

The post Stunning Moon sculpture unveiled at Royal Observatory Greenwich appeared first on Physics World.

Dark matter may alter the dynamics of colliding black holes and leave a signature in their gravitational-wave emission.

The post Novel gravitational-wave model sheds light on dark matter appeared first on Physics World.

Join the audience for a live webinar at 3 p.m. BST/10 a.m. EDT on 15 July 2026

High durability and oxygen diffusivity of mesoporous carbon support of CNovel® MH-18 used for PEFCs

The post The discovery of mesoporous carbon support with characteristic porosity and the art of mastering its use appeared first on Physics World.

Laureate Amina Helmi and Per Barth Lilje of the prize committee are our guests

The post ‘Galactic archaeologists’ share the 2026 Kavli Prize in Astrophysics appeared first on Physics World.

"Proximity effect" appears in models of semiconductor/altermagnet bilayer structures

The post Altermagnets can turn neighbouring materials altermagnetic, too appeared first on Physics World.

The new technique offers a new way to tackle art fraud

The post Fractal maths helps distinguish genuine artworks from forgeries appeared first on Physics World.

Kick off the 2026 FIFA World Cup by testing your knowledge of the physics of football

The post It’s all kicking off: how much do you know about the science of football? appeared first on Physics World.

SolarMiner maps abandoned mining areas and reveals their huge potential for low‑cost solar energy

The post Solar power from abandoned mines appeared first on Physics World.

New STM measurements show that shear strain decisively shapes flat-band structure across multiple magic angle regimes

The post Shear strain reshapes magic angle graphene appeared first on Physics World.

TechCrunch has followed SpaceX's start, struggles, and successes from the early days. And we're here for what happens next too. This package of SpaceX IPO coverage includes who stands to win (and maybe some who won't), pre-IPO deals, and what's tucked inside its S-1 registration document.

A new report suggests the unit, which employs 6,500 people, is on the verge of revolt.

The tech giant said a group called "Outsider Enterprise" used AI to scam hundreds of thousands of victims, sending 2.5 million text messages over a span of two weeks.

The company made its heavily anticipated debut on Friday, trading higher than its initial $135 IPO price.

A SpaceX-Tesla merger seems inevitable.

The funding round would value the company at around €20 billion (about $23.15 billion), nearly double its Series C valuation of €11.7 billion.

The trading platform says some customers experienced intermittent disruptions, but those issues have resolved.

The IPO market is back, and it’s not the same companies leading the charge. FAANG had a good run, but a new acronym is taking over: MANGOS — Meta (or Microsoft, depending on who you ask), Anthropic, Nvidia, Google, OpenAI, and SpaceX. Half of that bunch is heading to public markets in the same window, and it’s a stress test for investors, for valuations, and for […]

The SpaceX IPO has boosted Musk's paper wealth to more than $1,000,000,000,000 at a time when he is more hated -- and powerful -- than ever.

The spy law known as Section 702, which authorizes the NSA and FBI's warrantless surveillance, will all but certainly expire on Friday for the first time.

A powerful wind in the early Universe may explain why some massive galaxies lived fast and died young by stopping forming stars far sooner than expected.

New orbital mapping suggests Rosalind Franklin’s Oxia Planum landing site is part of a clay-rich region hundreds of kilometres wide, raising the possibility that it records a much larger watery episode in Mars’s early history.

The Moon may preserve a record of the raw ingredients that helped life begin on Earth. New analysis of lunar samples returned by China’s Chang’e missions has revealed a diverse suite of organic compounds embedded within the soil.

Astronomers may not need to see the same dark matter signal everywhere in the Universe to confirm its existence. A new theoretical study suggests that dark matter could consist of more than one type of particle, potentially resolving a long-standing observational puzzle.

ORLANDO, FLORIDA. I’m a space-crazed Canadian who has somehow seen 11 launches across four different rockets since 2009. I’ve witnessed missions with astronauts, interplanetary spacecraft and (inevitably) Starlink, across two continents. But Artemis II took me by surprise yesterday (April 1). The Space Launch System was so bright it was almost painful to look at. The arc of its plume across the sky made noise and noise and NOISE minutes after launch. And the grizzled photographers surrounding me on the press-site lawn at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida were screaming: “TO THE MOON!” And cheering. And yelling the phrase again. It’s literally 16 hours after launch as I type this. I’m in Orlando airport trying to look relaxed, as much as one can on three cups of coffee and five hours of sleep. It feels ridiculous thinking about suitcases and flight arrangements. I’ve been asking myself, “What is normal? Can this be normal?” Fellow Canadian Jeremy Hansen is on his way to the Moon, with NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch. I’ve been wanting to see any Moon mission with astronauts for 30 years; now there’s someone up there from my own country, and while

A machine learning pipeline developed in the UK has validated over 100 exoplanets in NASA’s TESS data, revealing rare planetary systems and sharpening estimates of how common close orbiting worlds really are.

Strange X-rays from the naked eye star gamma-Cas have been confirmed to come from matter falling onto a hidden white dwarf companion, resolving a fifty-year astronomical mystery.

Observations of the nearby exoplanet L 98-59 d suggest it belongs to a previously unrecognised class of planet that features vast magma oceans and sulphur-rich atmospheres. The discovery hints that many more exotic planetary types may be waiting to be found.

A total lunar eclipse is centred on the mid-Pacific 3 March, visible to observers in New Zealand and sweeping eastern Australia and western USA, with a large partial eclipse extending further east and west.

Here’s some crystal-clear advice for you Valentine’s Day travellers this February. Head for the outer Solar System, where it is a jewellery-lover’s delight with a steady downpour of solid diamonds forecast across all four gas giant planets.