Mars
NASA ceases efforts to deploy Mars InSight heat flow probe
After nearly two years of struggles, NASA has abandoned efforts to deploy a heat flow probe on its InSight lander into the surface of Mars.
NASA moves Mars Sample Return program into next phase of development
NASA is moving ahead with work on a pair of Mars sample return missions, although some in the planetary science community worry how the cost of that effort will affect other projects.
NASA considering commercial Mars data relay satellites
A constellation of commercial satellites could serve as a communications relay system for future NASA missions, such as an orbiter later this decade to search for subsurface ice there.
Op-ed | No, Mars is not a free planet, no matter what SpaceX says
Taken literally, Starlink users must agree with SpaceX that Mars is a “free planet” and that disputes concerning Starlink services provided on Mars or while en route to the red planet via a SpaceX Starship will be settled through self-regulation. But is this clause valid?
Foust Forward | The most expensive rocks in the solar system
Can there be too much of a good thing? Perhaps, when it comes to asteroid samples. That’s what NASA discovered in October when its OSIRIS-REx spacecraft swooped down to collect material from the surface of the asteroid Bennu on a “touch-and-go” maneuver.
Op-ed | Materials that could bring life to Mars
With the right materials, a future for humanity on the Red Planet isn't just science fiction.
Report sees ways Artemis supports sustainable human Mars exploration
NASA’s Artemis program of human lunar exploration can help pave the way for human Mars missions, according to a new report, although some tweaks to those plans may be required.
Peace of the Worlds
While humans have found a shared imperative in the fight against the coronavirus, we need something more than a common enemy to combat the isolation and loss that have come to define this pandemic.
MarCO shows interplanetary cubesats possible but not easy
NASA’s MarCO mission showed that interplanetary cubesat missions, while possible, are anything but easy.
Tianwen-1 launches for Mars, marking dawn of Chinese interplanetary exploration
China’s Tianwen-1 Mars mission launched successfully Thursday, initiating a phase of deep space and interplanetary exploration.
China raises the stakes with second Mars attempt
China’s first attempt to reach Mars never left Earth orbit. It’s finally ready to try again, this time with bigger goals.
Long March 5 rolled out for July 23 launch of China’s Tianwen-1 Mars mission
China is preparing to launch its Tianwen-1 Mars orbiter and rover next week with the rollout of the mission’s Long March 5 launch vehicle.
The UAE’s hope for success at Mars, and at home
A Mars mission is all the more difficult for a country with little spaceflight experience. Yet, the United Arab Emirates is willing to try.
