satellites

Latest about satellites

ESA scientists simulated the burn-up during the atmospheric reentry of one of the bulkiest items aboard a typical satellite.

Plasma wind tunnel annihilates satellite model in atmospheric reentry test

By Mindy Weisberger published

Satellite parts that melt away during reentry reduce the risk of space debris impacts on Earth, a new video demonstrates.

Space Exploration
An illustration of space junk

How do tiny pieces of space junk cause incredible damage?

By Isobel Whitcomb published

Space junk moves at 10 times the speed of a bullet from an average gun.

Space
So-called superbolts are at least 100 times brighter than ordinary lighting, but can be more than 1,000 times brighter.

'Superbolts' are real, and they flash up to 1,000 times brighter than regular lightning

By Mindy Weisberger published

Scientists recently calculated the power of so-called superbolts — brighter-than-average lightning strikes.

Weather
A United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy rocket launches into space carrying the classified NROL-37 satellite from Cape Canaveral Air Force Base in Florida on June 11, 2016. That launch was also mission for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office.

Here's everything we know about the secretive spy satellite launching tonight

By Rafi Letzter published

The U.S. government is putting something big and secret in orbit tonight (Sept 30). Here's the little we can glean from public information.

Space Exploration
U.S. Space Command badge.

Russia just tested anti-satellite space weapon, US claims

By Rafi Letzter published

The U.S. government says Russia tested an anti-satellite space weapon July 15. Russia says it was an inspector satellite. Nothing was destroyed.

Space Exploration
Two CubeSats, part of a constellation built and operated by Planet Labs Inc. to take images of Earth, were launched from the International Space Station on May 17, 2016.

Hackers could shut down satellites — or turn them into weapons

By William Akoto published

Engineering
A conceptual image illustrating space debris orbiting Earth.

Satellite 'license plates' and re-igniting rocket fuel could head off space junk crashes

By Mindy Weisberger published

In low Earth orbit's growing "space junkyard," new technologies could reduce the risk of collisions.

Space
Mars's larger moon, Phobos, is a cratered, asteroid-like object.

What Does It Take to Be a Moon?

By Adam Mann published

When is a moon not a moon — and does it matter?

The Moon
A secret spy satellite snapped this high-resolution image of the aftermath of an Iranian missile disaster.

Sleuths Find the Top-Secret (and Classified) Satellite Behind Trump's Tweeted Photo

By Stephanie Pappas published

It was only a matter of time: Amateur sleuths think they've tracked down the satellite that took a high-resolution image of the aftermath of an Iranian missile disaster.

Tech
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Space Archaeology Is a Thing. And It Involves Lasers and Spy Satellites

By Mindy Weisberger published

High-orbiting satellites offer clues about what lies buried underground.

Archaeology
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