Latest Space launches News

Japan's space agency delays launch of upgraded observation satellite on new H3 rocket due to weather

Jun. 28, 2024 06:20 AM EDT

TOKYO (AP) — Japan’s space agency said Friday its planned launch this weekend of a satellite on its new flagship H3 rocket will be postponed until Monday due to expected bad weather. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, said it is postponing the launch because of rain...

NASA taps Elon Musk's SpaceX to bring International Space Station out of orbit in a few more years

Jun. 26, 2024 20:33 PM EDT

WASHINGTON (AP) — NASA has awarded SpaceX an $843 million contract to build the vehicle that will bring the International Space Station out of its longtime orbit of Earth when its operating lifespan ends in a few more years. SpaceX, a privately held company controlled by technology...

Why NASA astronauts are delayed at the space station after Boeing Starliner launch

Jun. 26, 2024 15:00 PM EDT

NEW YORK (AP) — When two veteran NASA astronauts blasted off on a test drive of Boeing's new capsule, they expected to head home from the International Space Station in a week or so. It's now three weeks and counting for Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams as NASA and Boeing...

Today in History: June 13, Johnson nominates Marshall to become first Black Supreme Court justice

Jun. 13, 2024 00:01 AM EDT

Today in History Today is Thursday, June 13, the 165th day of 2024. There are 201 days left in the year. Today’s Highlight in History: On June 13, 1967, President Lyndon B. Johnson nominated Solicitor-General Thurgood Marshall to become the first...

New research explores how a short trip to space affects the human body

Jun. 11, 2024 18:40 PM EDT

DALLAS (AP) — Space tourists experience some of the same body changes as astronauts who spend months in orbit, according to new studies published Tuesday. Those shifts mostly returned to normal once the amateurs returned to Earth, researchers reported. Research on...

SpaceX's mega rocket completes its fourth test flight from Texas without exploding

Jun. 06, 2024 15:35 PM EDT

SpaceX’s mega Starship rocket completed its first full test flight Thursday, returning to Earth without exploding after blasting off from Texas. It was the fourth launch of the world’s biggest and most powerful rocket, standing nearly 400 feet (121 meters) tall. The three...

Boeing launches NASA astronauts for the first time after years of delays

Jun. 05, 2024 15:59 PM EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Boeing launched astronauts for the first time Wednesday, belatedly joining SpaceX as a second taxi service for NASA. A pair of NASA test pilots blasted off aboard Boeing’s Starliner capsule for the International Space Station, the first to fly the new...

What to know about Boeing's first spaceflight carrying NASA astronauts

Jun. 05, 2024 14:35 PM EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — After years of stumbles and delays, Boeing has finally launched astronauts to the International Space Station for NASA. It’s the first flight of Boeing’s Starliner capsule with a crew on board, a pair of NASA pilots who will check out the spacecraft...

Boeing's first astronaut flight called off at the last minute in latest setback

Jun. 01, 2024 22:21 PM EDT

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (AP) — Last-minute computer trouble nixed Saturday’s launch attempt for Boeing’s first astronaut flight, the latest in a string of delays over the years. Two NASA astronauts were strapped in the company’s Starliner capsule when the countdown automatically...

North Korea flies trash balloons over the South as leader Kim doubles down on satellite ambitions

May. 29, 2024 08:12 AM EDT

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea flew hundreds of balloons carrying trash and manure toward South Korea in one of its most bizarre provocations against its rival in years, prompting the South’s military to mobilize chemical and explosive response teams to recover objects and debris in...