Space exploration

Ever since Neil Armstrong became the first man to walk on the Moon, space exploration has captivated the minds of both the scientific world and the general public. To this day there have been hundreds of manned space flights from all around the globe and even more probes sent to explore our Solar System. With the dawn of private space flight through companies such as SpaceX and the continued desire to find another inhabitable planet, the incentive to probe the edges of the Solar System only grows.

Solar system planets in order: A complete guide

The best facts about all the planets closest to Earth.
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How can we still talk to Voyager 2, even though it’s billions of miles away?

In 2018, Voyager 2 became only the second human-made object to enter the space between the stars.
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If you farted hard enough in space, could you move yourself around?

You can eat as many beans as you like in space, apparently.
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Could we terraform Mars?

Dune is set on a desert planet in a distant star system, where science has enabled humans to live and breathe. Could we use the same technology to terraform Mars?
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The 4 biggest questions about alien life, answered by an astrobiologist

Scientists are becoming increasingly optimistic that extraterrestrial life is out there. Could we finally be on the brink of finding it?
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5 very very strange objects aboard the US Moon probe landing today

The US is preparing for its first return to the Moon in 50 years. But there are some things you might not expect on the IM-1 mission.
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Has the Moon entered a new epoch?

Here's how humans could have changed the lunar surface forever.
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The new hunt for alien worlds: Here’s how NASA plans to find life off Earth

The next generation of space observatories have life on other planets firmly in their sights.
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The biggest science breakthroughs to look out for in 2024

Science in 2024 will see cutting-edge advances in everything from AI to health and space exploration. Here's what we have in our diary.
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The 21 best (and strangest) science discoveries of 2023

You can always count on science to deliver the goods in times of trouble. From the heart-warming to the downright weird, here's the best of 2023.
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How human space junk could force a ‘new epoch’ on the Moon

Humans have made serious impacts on the Moon – so has the Moon entered a new epoch? We spoke to a space archaeologist to find out.
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Interstellar Eye of Sauron: The 10 best James Webb Space Telescope discoveries of 2023

Featuring glowing planetary rings, space crabs and a question mark buried in the cosmos.
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Photosynthesis without plants is now a reality. And it could make life on Mars possible

A team of researchers have designed a breakthrough process which creates light-driven energy – allowing us to live and breathe in space.
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Earth’s first space gynaecologist explains how humans will reproduce in future

The next giant leap in space research, explained.
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NASA’s new AI map tool can forecast exactly how climate change will transform your street

A new tool could help you make important life decisions in the face of climate change.
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NASA tool bag tonight: How to see the dropped space box floating across the sky

On 1 November, two astronauts misplaced a toolbox which floated away during routine checks. Now, the lost property will be visible above several places in the UK and North America – here’s everything you need to know.
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Comets may reveal the secrets to finding alien life, study finds

Out for delivery: Your package Building blocks of life – Prebiotics including vitamin B3, large amounts of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is three planets away right now.
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This hidden Scottish spaceport is set to launch an explosive new satellite race (if the sheep stay away)

Errant sheep, ancient relics, and space puns define this new spaceport in an unlikely rural setting.
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Space junk could soon spark a chain of catastrophic collisions above Earth. Here’s what could stop it

Earth is blanketed by a swarm of human-made debris hurtling around at speeds of up to 8km per second – about five times the speed of a bullet.
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Scientists plan to melt moondust to make lunar roads

Astronauts may have to do more moon-driving than moon-walking during future missions.
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