New optical sensing system will improve space domain awareness
MIT Lincoln Laboratory developed the system, launched recently aboard the QZSS-HP satellite, for a collaborative effort between the US Space Force and Japan.
Why are some rocks on the moon highly magnetic? MIT scientists may have an answer
A large impact could have briefly amplified the moon’s weak magnetic field, creating a momentary spike that was recorded in some lunar rocks.
New research, data advance understanding of early planetary formation
Led by Assistant Professor Richard Teague, a team of international astronomers has released a collection of papers and public data furthering our understanding of planet formation.
Deploying a practical solution to space debris
Researchers share the design and implementation of an incentive-based Space Sustainability Rating.
The MIT-Portugal Program enters Phase 4
New phase will support continued exploration of ideas and solutions in fields ranging from AI to nanotech to climate — with emphasis on educational exchanges and entrepreneurship.
Luna: A moon on Earth
MIT students and faculty designed and fabricated a control room for a unique lunar landing mission — an achievement in design and engineering.
Astronomers discover a planet that’s rapidly disintegrating, producing a comet-like tail
The small and rocky lava world sheds an amount of material equivalent to the mass of Mount Everest every 30.5 hours.
Bridging Earth and space, and art and science, with global voices
Professor Craig Carter’s precision design for a student-led project now on the moon encodes messages from around the world on a silicon wafer.
3Q: MIT’s Lonnie Petersen on the first medical X-ray taken in space
Performed in microgravity, 200 miles above the Earth’s surface, the imaging procedure could help keep astronauts safe and healthy on long-term missions.
MIT welcomes 2025 Heising-Simons Foundation 51 Pegasi b Fellow Jess Speedie
The fellowship supports research contributing to the field of planetary science and astronomy.
Study: Climate change will reduce the number of satellites that can safely orbit in space
Increasing greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the atmosphere’s ability to burn up old space junk, MIT scientists report.
MIT engineers prepare to send three payloads to the moon
Data from the devices will help future astronauts navigate the moon’s south polar region and search for frozen water.
Study reveals the Phoenix galaxy cluster in the act of extreme cooling
Observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope help to explain the cluster’s mysterious starburst, usually only seen in younger galaxies.
MIT engineers develop a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine
Ideal for propelling tiny satellites, the lightweight devices could be produced on board a spacecraft and cost much less than traditional thrusters.
Rare and mysterious cosmic explosion: Gamma-ray burst or jetted tidal disruption event?
Researchers characterize the peculiar Einstein Probe transient EP240408a.