Space.com
• Robert Lea
The JUICE spacecraft made a brief return to Earth on Sept. 28, using the planet’s gravity to accelerate by roughly 8,000 mph. The maneuver provides a critical boost for the spacecraft’s continuing voyage to Jupiter and supports its science mission.
Space Exploration & Science Missions
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The JUICE spacecraft made a brief return to Earth on Sept. 28, using the planet’s gravity to accelerate by roughly 8,000 mph. The maneuver provides a critical boost for the spacecraft’s continuing voyage to Jupiter and supports its science mission.
The ESA-JAXA planetary defense mission is advancing ahead of a rare astronomical opportunity expected in roughly three years. Space agencies are accelerating preparations to ensure they can take advantage of the event, which could provide an important opportunity for planetary-defense research and mission operations.
The European Space Agency’s JUICE spacecraft is using Earth flybys as it continues its journey toward the outer solar system. The mission will investigate conditions on Jupiter’s moons, where environments may be capable of supporting life, after completing two additional passes of Earth.
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James Webb Space Telescope observations indicate that galaxies were producing and dispersing heavy elements just 500 million years after the Big Bang. Separately, NASA selected PRIMA, a far-infrared mission concept using spare Webb hardware, for further development toward a potential 2033 launch.
A private robotic spacecraft launched in July to raise the orbit of NASA’s aging Swift astrophysics observatory has re-entered Earth’s atmosphere, ending a mission that failed to extend the telescope’s life. Swift is expected to follow with its own re-entry in the coming weeks, while NASA and the company assess the mission’s lessons.
Rocket Lab is challenging NASA’s decision on a Mars mission contract while emphasizing that the agency represents a limited share of its broader business. The dispute highlights the company’s effort to balance government space work with a more diversified commercial strategy.
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NASA has selected PRIMA as the inaugural mission in its new Probe Explorers class, advancing development of a far-infrared space telescope. The mission is planned for launch in 2033, establishing the first operational path for the agency’s new class of space science probes.
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NASA has announced four crew members from three space agencies for SpaceX’s Crew-14 mission to the International Space Station, targeted for no earlier than spring 2027. The long-duration expedition will conduct scientific research and support ongoing station operations, following the current crew’s work and preparations for new arrivals.
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