Space Debris

Astronomers using the international Gemini Observatory, on Hawaii's Maunakea, have imaged a very small object in orbit around the Earth, thought to be only a few meters across. According to Grigori Fedorets, the lead astronomer for the observations, the object could be a rare natural rocky object, or it could…

SpaceLogistics LLC has achieved a first: it’s docked it’s maintenance satellite, called MEV-1, with another satellite in order to extend the life of the satellite. The docked pair will perform some check-ups, and if all goes well, MEV-1 will boost the client satellite to a higher orbit, extending its operational…

The docking took place in geosynchronous orbit. Northrop Grumman US defence firm Northrop Grumman says it has successfully docked a private spacecraft with another in orbit for the first time, heralding a new milestone in how we look after satellites in space. The firm said its Mission Extension Vehicle-1 (MEV-1)…

So what exactly is this thing?Astronomers don’t know everything yet—it’s been less than two weeks!—but they’ve identified some traits. The object is about the size of a compact car and traces a rambling loop around Earth about every four months or so. As the object passed by Earth on its…

Home News Science & Astronomy Tumbling through Earth's increasingly crowded orbit are about 5,000 satellites, half a million pieces of human-made debris and only one confirmed natural object: the moon. Now, astronomers working out of the University of Arizona's Steward Observatory think they may have discovered a second natural satellite…

An image captured by Northrop Grumman’s MEV-1 satellite shows the Intelsat 901 satellite at a distance of about 80 meters, with Earth in the background. (Northrop Grumman / SpaceLogistics Photo)For the first time, one commercial satellite has docked with another satellite in geosynchronous orbit, demonstrating a technology that will be…

It’s mind-boggling to think about anything in terms of infinity.Space spans all directions and has been expanding since the dawn of the universe. However, even though it’s boundless, space as a resource is not as infinite as it’s been made out to be.Near-Earth space is becoming cluttered with objects, whether…

View Slideshow Nike has launched a new, exploratory collection, aptly named Space Hippie, to highlight the NASA-inspired concept of in-situ resource utilization — the idea of using space-based resources during deep space exploration. By taking the company’s own “space junk” from the floors of its manufacturing warehouses, Nike is turning…

Solar coronal loops, such as those observed by NASA's Transition Region And Coronal Explorer (TRACE)... satellite here in 2005, follow the path of the magnetic field on the Sun. When these loops 'break' in just the right way, they can emit coronal mass ejections, which have the potential to impact…

Home News Spaceflight An artist's concept of the orbital debris field around Earth, based on real data from the NASA Orbital Debris Program Office. (Image: © NASA Goddard Space Flight Center) The ever-growing number of satellites and orbital debris in space prompted calls for change at a House hearing, although…