Rockets
The Final Vega Rocket Blasts Off
The European Space Agency (ESA) launched its final Vega rocket this week, lofting a Sentinel-2C Earth observation satellite into orbit.…
A NASA Rocket Has Finally Found Earth’s Global Electric Field
Scientists have discovered that Earth has a third field. We all know about the Earth's magnetic field. And we all…
Next Generation Satellites Might Skim the Atmosphere, Using Air as a Propellant
Satellites in orbit use rocket propulsion to maintain their altitude. These engines require fuel to power their chemical or ion…
ESA Sets the Launch Date for Ariane 6: July 9th
The European Space Agency has retired its Ariane 5 rocket, and all eyes are on its next generation, Ariane 6.…
NASA’s New Solar Sail Has Launched and Will Soon Deploy
Solar Sails are an enigmatic and majestic way to travel across the gulf of space. Drawing an analogy to the…
Thermal Modeling of a Pulsed Plasma Rocket Shows It Should Be Possible To Create One
We've reported on a technology called pulsed plasma rockets (PPRs) here at UT a few times. Several research groups have…
China Tests an All-Solid Rocket
China has a rich history in rocketry. It’s even found its place into Chinese legends with the wonderful tale of…
A Self-Eating Engine Could Make Rockets More Efficient
There can’t be many ideas that beat the crazy yet ingenious idea of a rocket engine that uses part of…
ESA Gives Us a Glimpse of its Future Space Exploration Plans with a Cool New Video
The European Space Agency (ESA) has made incredible contributions to space exploration and space-based science. Last year, the agency launched…
Photonic Crystals Could Be Exactly What Breakthrough Starshot is Looking For
Light sail technology is a fascinating concept and a step change in rocket propulsion. It may not be big and…