Space
Chinese space rocket’s accidental take-off results in fiery conclusion
Falling rocket debris in China after launches is not unheard of, but it is very rare for part of a rocket under development to make an unplanned flight.
Latest
Russian satellite breaks up in space, forcing ISS astronauts to shelter in capsules
Astronomers said they didn’t believe the Russians would have blown up their own satellite. However one remarked, “but, with the Russians these days, who knows.”
- by Joey Roulette
An eight-day trip to space has gone wrong. Two astronauts are stuck indefinitely
Boeing and NASA warned that because this was a test flight to and from the International Space Station, everything might not go perfectly. It hasn’t gone perfectly.
- by Christian Davenport
Boeing faults leave two NASA astronauts stuck in space
Two US astronauts will be left on the International Space Station for much longer than planned because of faults with the Boeing spacecraft designed to return them to Earth.
- by James Titcomb
Apollo 8 astronaut William Anders, who took iconic Earthrise photo, dies in plane crash
William Anders’ plane plummeted into the water off San Juan Islands in Washington state.
World of photos, June 7, 2024
The best photos from the international wire agencies as chosen by our picture editors.
Analysis
Research
The race to stop people destroying evidence of alien life
Looting and scientific vandalism on Earth has scientists worried we could destroy evidence of extraterrestrial life before we even find it.
- by Angus Dalton
China lands probe on moon, NASA space launch fails on second attempt
China landed an uncrewed spacecraft on the far side of the moon, elevates China’s space power the same weekend that a US test flight failed to launch.
- by Joey Roulette and Steve Gorman
Why Victorians should keep looking to the night sky to be dazzled
After the aurora australis phenomenon painted our skies pink and green, a new celestial delight is headed our way (but it could be more fickle).
- by Benjamin Preiss
Former NASA boss arrives to boost Australian space race
Lt Gen Larry James has moved to Australia to increase our teaching and research capability.
- by Stephen Brook
Aurora australis stuns Australian stargazers – and you can still watch it
Don’t fret if you missed out on seeing the southern lights that dazzled Australians on Saturday night – you’ll have another chance tonight.
- by Ashleigh McMillan