Space enthusiasts can expect significant updates and advancements in space exploration and astronomy in 2025, including new rockets, satellites, and spacecraft.
Several private companies are making strides in space technology this year, with Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin poised to launch its powerful rocket booster, New Glenn. This reusable rocket could significantly reduce the cost of launches and has the potential to disrupt the space industry.
Meanwhile, astronomers are eagerly awaiting the first views from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, set to capture images of the night sky as early as July 4. The observatory’s massive digital camera will help scientists study dark matter and understand its role in the universe.
NASA is also planning several robotic missions to the moon, including a pair of landers that will launch on the same SpaceX rocket in mid-January. These missions aim to explore the lunar surface and gather valuable data for future space missions.
The Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft, which have been exploring the outer solar system since their launch in 1977, are showing signs of age and have become increasingly difficult to communicate with. However, NASA is not giving up on them yet and plans to preserve these historic spacecraft for future generations.
India’s space program is also making progress, with a member of its astronaut corps set to spend up to 14 days aboard the International Space Station in spring 2025. The country aims to launch its first crewed mission as early as 2026.
Other new rockets and spacecraft, such as SpaceX’s Starship and Rocket Lab’s Neutron, are expected to take flight this year, marking significant milestones in space exploration and development.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/01/science/space-astronomy-nasa.html