HONG KONG—Nestled in 3.82 pounds of moon soil is what China hopes could be the answer to fueling its future. Chinese nuclear scientists are studying samples carried back by China’s Chang’e 5 late last year in the first mission to return with lunar material since the Soviet Union’s in 1976. One of those under the … Read more
Sian Proctor’s journey to space began in 1970, when she was born to a father who worked at a NASA tracking station during the Apollo program. She grew up in a home filled with NASA memorabilia and dreamed of becoming a fighter pilot so she could later be an astronaut. That dream was derailed a … Read more
President John F. Kennedy implores the nation to commit itself to landing a man on the moon in Washington, May 25, 1981. Photo: /Associated Press The U.S. president has a responsibility to inspire and lead all Americans, and to set the example on the world stage. To comprehend that responsibility fully, he (or she) should … Read more
Elon Musk didn’t specify the size of his personal bitcoin holding or that of SpaceX. Photo: Samuel Corum/Bloomberg News Tesla Inc. TSLA -0.96% Chief Executive Elon Musk said Wednesday that he and his rocket company, SpaceX, hold bitcoin, a cryptocurrency he generally supports despite having concerns about its environmental impacts. Tesla disclosed a $1.5 billion … Read more
The New Shepard rocket and capsule that will carry Mr. Bezos and three others was developed by his Blue Origin company, named for the belief that this blue planet is just the starting point for humankind’s future. Why all the fuss about Jeff Bezos going to space? Mr. Bezos is putting himself to the test … Read more
Jeff Bezos ’ plans for space go far beyond the short trip he is slated to take there Tuesday. The Amazon.com Inc. AMZN -1.59% founder has poured billions into his Blue Origin LLC space venture over more than two decades, believing humanity must ultimately establish outposts across the solar system. More immediately, Mr. Bezos’ company … Read more
A venture to launch small satellites using a rocket fired from a converted jumbo jet deployed 10 tiny ones into orbit for the first time Sunday, providing a big boost for the startup founded by entrepreneur Richard Branson. The successful demonstration flight by Southern-California-based Virgin Orbit, nearly eight months after a botched test, lifts the … Read more
By The Editorial Board Close The Editorial Board Dec. 21, 2020 6:46 pm ET A SpaceX Falcon 9 lifts off from Pad 39-A at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Fla., May 30. Photo: John Raoux/Associated Press We don’t have to remind readers of the ways that 2020 has been dispiriting, but there’s been … Read more
Elon Musk’s SpaceX launched its third crewed rocket for NASA, sending four more astronauts to the space station and marking the first time the company achieved the takeoff with both a pre-used capsule and rocket. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off at 5:49 a.m. ET Friday—with a low rumble and leaving behind a trail of … Read more
NASA’s latest Mars rover is done with its testing and has embarked on its first scientific mission. After landing on the planet in February, the Perseverance rover has been busy trying out its many instruments—converting atmospheric carbon dioxide into oxygen that would be needed for manned missions, flying a helicopter and taking photos. SHARE YOUR … Read more