Search articles by title, topic or section.
Khabre desk
Recent reporting, analysis and explainers from the spacecraft desk.
technology
NASA says Sierra Lobo will provide the closed Brayton cycle system that converts heat from SR-1 Freedom’s fission reactor into electricity. The spacecraft is planned to carry a three-helicopter science mission to Mars, launching in late 2028.
technology
AMD is sampling the Versal AI Core XQRVC1902 in an enhanced space-grade package with early-access customers. Class Y qualification testing is underway, and flight-qualified units are expected in the second half of 2027.
technology
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has tested a lightweight, fabric-based Vivaldi antenna for the SkyFall Mars helicopters’ ground-penetrating radar. The prototype survived simulated temperature swings and 200 Mars landings without losing signal performance, but it still needs further testing before flight qualification.
technology
ESA has awarded The Exploration Company a Phase 2 service contract worth up to €760 million to complete and demonstrate its Nyx cargo capsule, including an autonomous docking mission to the ISS.