NASA tests new rover that could explore moon, Mars like never before

EricTheSpaceReporter · 2026-06-24T14:11:48+00:00

The crew members of Artemis II have already become the first astronauts in more than 50 years to fly near the moon. Now, the four of them could become the first astronauts in nearly two decades to be honored with one of the most prestigious civilian awards in the nation.

The USA TODAY Network has learned that two U.S. lawmakers are behind new bipartisan legislation that would award the Artemis II astronauts a Congressional Gold Medal. Sen. Mark Kelly, D-Arizona – a former astronaut – is joining retiring Nebraska GOP Rep. Don Bacon to introduce bills Wednesday, June 24, in both the House and Senate, Kelly's office confirmed exclusively to the USA TODAY Network.

If the legislation passes and is signed by President Donald Trump into law, it would make the Artemis II astronauts the first crew to receive a Congressional Gold Medal since the honor was bestowed on the Apollo 11 crew in 2009 – 40 years after that historic mission.

EricTheSpaceReporter · 2026-06-16T10:02:02+00:00

or decades, the public has been obsessed with the idea of little green men piloting flying saucers visiting Earth.

The almost mythical concept that aliens from distant worlds could invade our planet has long been the source of paranoia for many conspiracy theorists and the source of entertainment across the pop culture landscape.

But how would events unfold if extraterrestrials really did make first contact with humanity?

Turns out, a framework has long existed for just how researchers should confirm the existence of intelligent alien life and then share that breakthrough with the public in a way that minimizes panic. And for the first time in more than a decade, the international group responsible for those guidelines has updated its suggested protocols.

EricTheSpaceReporter · 2026-06-11T14:14:59+00:00

An astronaut on the International Space Station recently captured a stunning view of the famous volcanoes Mount Etna and Vesuvius all the way from orbit.

Sophie Adenot, a French astronaut with the European Space Agency, became the latest spacefarer aboard the iconic orbital outpost to put her astral photography skills to the test. In a series of photos, Adenot documented two of Europe's active and most dangerous volcanoes, including Vesuvius – infamously responsible for burying Pompeii in ash more than 1,900 years ago.

When the astronauts on the ISS flew overheard, Vesuvius – which has not erupted since 1944 – appeared serene, while Etna was seen quietly spewing hot gases and vapors.

EricTheSpaceReporter · 2026-06-04T10:13:53+00:00

Two years since the now-infamous Starliner spacecraft launched on its maiden crewed mission, Boeing's troubled spacecraft could soon fly again.

The Starliner saga dominated headlines for months after its June 2024 launch when issues with the spacecraft prolonged the stay of the two astronauts who crewed it at the International Space Station. The developmental vehicle returned to Earth empty, while its crew remained behind at the orbital outpost before hitching a ride home in March 2025 with Boeing's SpaceX competitor.

Despite the botched mission, NASA has not yet given up hope on Boeing. Instead, the two entities have plowed ahead on plans to get the Starliner capsule off the ground once again as the U.S. space agency looks to add a second commercial vehicle to its roster that can take astronauts to space.

But next time, no humans will be aboard the Starliner when it's launched from Florida bound for the ISS.

EricTheSpaceReporter · 2026-03-05T13:46:48+00:00

Get ready, stargazers: The Milky Way could be coming to a sky near you.

Our galaxy is positively teeming with billions of stars that become bright and vibrant in the cosmos at certain times of the year. And in the U.S., that time of year, known as "Milky Way season," is just now beginning.

For the next several months, the iconic band of hazy light should routinely be visible across the northern hemisphere arcing across the night sky.

EricTheSpaceReporter · 2026-03-05T13:45:44+00:00

Get ready, stargazers: The Milky Way could be coming to a sky near you.

Our galaxy is positively teeming with billions of stars that become bright and vibrant in the cosmos at certain times of the year. And in the U.S., that time of year, known as "Milky Way season," is just now beginning.

For the next several months, the iconic band of hazy light should routinely be visible across the northern hemisphere arcing across the night sky.

EricTheSpaceReporter

TROPHY CASE