Scientists have discovered a heat-emitting mass of granite buried beneath the surface on the far side of the moon, which likely formed from a dormant volcano that last erupted over 3.5 billion years ago. In a study published on July 5 in the journal Nature, scientists reported the discovery of a 50-kilometers-wide batholith—a type of…
Saturn’s Icy Moon Enceladus Harbors Essential Elements for Life
High concentrations of phosphorus, an essential element for all biological processes on Earth, have been detected in ice crystals spewed from the interior ocean of Saturn’s moon Enceladus, adding to its potential to harbor life, researchers reported on Wednesday. The discovery was based on data collected by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, the first to orbit Saturn,…
When China Goes to the Moon, We Will Need Lunar Defense Systems
Commentary China’s program to put people on the moon is gathering momentum. Still, when they arrive, the United States and its 25 Artemis Accord partner nations may require novel missile defenses on the moon. Recent statements by Chinese space officials show increasing confidence that China can send people to the moon “before 2030.” On April…
Crash of Private Japanese Moon Lander Blamed on Software, Last-Minute Location Switch
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—A private Japanese moon lander went into free-fall while trying to land on the lunar surface last month, company officials said Friday, blaming a software issue and a last-minute switch in the touchdown location. The spacecraft belonging to the company ispace was originally supposed to land in a flat plain. But the target…
China’s ‘Shanghai Cooperation Organization’ for the Moon
Commentary A deepening cold war divide between China and the United States is about to be officially extended to the moon by China’s creation of a formal organization that will help extend the hegemony of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) from the Earth to the Earth-moon system. The impending formation of the International Lunar Research…
Tokyo Company Loses Contact With Moon Lander in Likely Crash
A Japanese company lost contact with its spacecraft moments before touchdown on the moon Wednesday, saying the mission had apparently failed. Communications ceased as the lander descended the final 33 feet (10 meters), traveling around 16 mph (25 kph). Flight controllers peered at their screens in Tokyo, expressionless, as minutes went by with no word…
UAE Spacecraft Takes Close-Up Photos of Mars’ Little Moon
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla.—A spacecraft around Mars has sent back the most detailed photos yet of the red planet’s little moon. The United Arab Emirates’ Amal spacecraft flew within 62 miles (100 kilometers) of Deimos last month and the close-up shots were released Monday. Amal—Arabic for Hope—got a two-for-one when Mars photobombed some of the images….
NASA’s Spending ‘Unsustainable’ If US Wants to Return to Moon, Mars: Watchdog
The inspector general for NASA told Congress that current spending levels are “unsustainable” if the United States hopes to achieve its goals of returning to the moon and sending astronauts to Mars. NASA Inspector General Paul K. Martin appeared before the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology on April 19 as part of a hearing…
China’s Dual-Use Moon Ambitions
Commentary It appears that a 2022 agreement between China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to have a 15-pound moon rover hitch a ride on the 2026 Chinese Chang-e-7 unmanned probe to the moon has reportedly been canceled following objections from the United States that it may violate U.S. International Traffic In Arms Regulations (ITAR)….
Canadian Astronaut Will Join Historic Mission to Moon
Jeremy Hansen is set to make history as the first Canadian astronaut to fly to the moon, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) has announced. Hansen will fly around the moon, joining NASA’s Artemis II 10-day mission, expected to take place in November 2024. The mission will make Canada the second country to ever send an…
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