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Small BodiesStories, updates, insights, and original analysis from The Planetary Society.
LightSail update: Three steps forward, one step back
The LightSail team has found potential workarounds to solve the spacecraft’s boom deployment problems, but more analysis lies ahead.
Is Mainstream Space News Adrift?
The Houston Chronicle has a new, interactive web series on America’s space program. Why don’t we see more space coverage in this format?
LightSail Update: Boom Deployment Diagnosis Continues
The LightSail team continues to investigate problems with the spacecraft’s boom deployment system that postponed a flight system test earlier this month.
After decades of silence, a vintage spacecraft says hello to Earth
The ISEE-3 Reboot Project has established two-way communication with a 36-year-old spacecraft, but more challenges lie ahead.
LightSail update: Flight system test delayed
LightSail's flight system test has been delayed pending resolution of problems that cropped up during deployment of the spacecraft’s solar sail booms.
LightSail is happening, and I'll be your new guide
Today, I'm joining The Planetary Society full-time as a media producer. My first task is to become an embedded reporter for LightSail, the Society's solar sailing spacecraft.
Bringing Orion Home: How the U.S. Navy will pluck our future astronauts from the sea
When our future astronauts splash down into the Pacific Ocean aboard an Orion capsule, Mike Generale, NASA, and the U.S. Navy will be waiting for them.
The Mars Exploration Family Portrait is expanding, and I need your help
The Mars Exploration Family Portrait is expanding to cover the entire solar system! But before we proceed, I'm asking for feedback.
How to get a satellite to geostationary orbit
Mike Loucks helps provide a beginner's walk-through of the orbital mechanics behind geosynchronous and geostationary satellites.
Shaping the Search for Life
A short film on the Giant Magellan Telescope, which could revolutionize exoplanet research and shape the search for life in the Universe.
International Space Station gets warranty extension to 2024
The White House and NASA have approved a 2024 lifespan extension for the International Space Station.
India keeps up the momentum, returning troubled GSLV to flight
India returned its troubled GSLV to flight Sunday, marking the first successful outing of the country's Cryogenic Upper Stage.
An Updated Mars Exploration Family Portrait
The Mars Exploration Family Portrait shows every dedicated spacecraft mission to Mars, and now includes India's Mars Orbiter Mission and NASA's MAVEN.
SpaceX’s Upgraded Falcon Delivers Satellite to Geostationary Orbit
SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket delivered a communications satellite to geostationary orbit, marking an important milestone for the private spaceflight company.
An early look at Comet ISON
Comet ISON is brightening as it approaches the Sun, and can now be seen from many ground-based telescopes.
Gaia Prepares for Ultimate Galactic Census
The European Space Agency's Gaia spacecraft is set to embark on a five-year, billion-star census next month.
A Big Day for Commercial Spaceflight
On Sunday, Orbital Sciences Corporation's Cygnus resupply spacecraft was berthed to the ISS, while SpaceX's upgraded Falcon 9 lifted off from the California coast.
A Russian Guide to Wednesday's Союз Старт (Soyuz Launch)
Follow along with Roscosmos during the launch of Soyuz TMA-10M using this list of common Russian flight terms.
Cygnus Aborts Station Approach, Will Retry Tuesday
The private spacecraft Cygnus was forced to abort its first attempt to berth with the International Space Station Sunday morning due to a software glitch.
Antares and Cygnus blast off to International Space Station
Orbital Sciences Corporation's Antares rocket lifted off from the Virginia coast this morning, successfully carrying the first operational Cygnus resupply spacecraft into orbit.