Featured Space Programs
A space program is an organized effort, typically led by a government agency, private company, or international organization, aimed at exploring, utilizing, or conducting research in space. Discover the fascinating world of space programs, from historic milestones to cutting-edge missions, and explore the objectives, achievements, and future plans of space agencies worldwide. See All Space Programs >
Space Stations
As humanity’s reach into space grows, we have established the first permanent celestial outposts—space stations where astronauts live, work, and conduct experiments in microgravity. These stations promote international collaboration and advance our understanding of space, orbiting Earth with a precision that is both routine and remarkably awe-inspiring. Not sure where to start? Try the ISS, which has been active since the 1980s, or Skylab, the USA’s first space station.
International Space Station
Explore the International Space Station, humanity’s orbiting laboratory in space. Learn about its missions, research, and collaboration.
Salyut 1
Learn about Salyut 1, the first space station in history, launched by the Soviet Union in 1971. Explore its design and mission objectives.
Skylab
Explore Skylab, America’s first space station, launched by NASA in 1973. Learn about its design, mission objectives, and contributions.
Mir
Discover Mir, the iconic Soviet/Russian space station that hosted continuous human presence in orbit for over 15 years.
Tiangong Space Station
Explore the Tiangong Space Station, China’s ambitious endeavor in space exploration. Learn about its design and mission objectives.
Lunar Gateway (Planned)
Learn about the Lunar Gateway, NASA’s space station in lunar orbit, enabling sustained human presence around the Moon.
Latest Articles
Explore the fascinating world of space and spacecraft through a series of articles covering historic and modern missions, the wonders of planets and other celestial bodies, intriguing space anecdotes, and a wealth of insights into the technology and discoveries that continue to expand our understanding of the cosmos. See All Articles >
Understanding The Different Types of Rocket Fuel & Propellants
Different rocket propellants balance thrust, efficiency, cost and safety for space exploration. Here’s a guide to understand them.
Artificial Gravity Wheels: Why Haven’t We Built One Yet?
Despite being such a popular idea, nobody has yet built an artificial gravity wheel. Here are their engineering headaches, cost, and physics.
10 of the Best Space-Themed Movies and Their Scientific Accuracy
If you love space exploration, here’s a list of 10 of the best space-themed movies, mixing realism, adventure, and science fiction.
Main Types of Earth Orbits and Their Spacecraft
Learn about the most commonly recognized Earth orbits based on altitude and inclination, including LEO, MEO, GSO, SSO, and more.
Why Did The Soviets Call Their Satellites Kosmos?
The name Kosmos started in 1962, and it was used for satellites that either malfunctioned or were designed to orbit Earth but not go further!
Rockets
Rockets have been a cornerstone of space exploration for many countries, each developing technology suited to their goals and resources. In the United States, rockets like the Saturn V and Falcon series emphasize heavy-lift capability and reusable design while Russia, inheriting the Soviet legacy, developed robust rockets such as the R-7 Semyorka and Soyuz family, known for reliability and longevity. But there’s much more!
SpaceX Falcon 9
Explore the SpaceX Falcon 9, a pioneering reusable launch vehicle that has reshaped space access. Learn about its design and missions.
Soyuz Rocket Family
Discover the legendary Soyuz rocket family, a cornerstone of human space exploration for over 50 years., and learn about its missions.
Ariane Rocket Family
Explore the Ariane rocket family, Europe’s reliable and versatile launch vehicles, renowned for their role in deploying crafts into orbit.
H-IIA Rocket
Explore the H-IIA rocket, a cornerstone of Japan’s space program known for its reliability and versatility. Learn about its design and missions.
Saturn V Rocket
Discover the legacy of the Saturn V, the iconic rocket that enabled crewed lunar exploration during the Apollo program.
Long March 3 Rocket
This variant specializes in high-energy missions such as geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite launches and interplanetary exploration.
Satellites & Orbiters
Explore the universe’s secrets with artificial moons orbiting Earth, enabling communication, navigation, and scientific observation from above. Have you heard, for example, of the Sputnik satellites? How about the Voyager probes?
Sputnik 1
Explore Sputnik 1, the world’s first artificial satellite that ignited the space age. Learn about its historic mission, design, and impact.
Sputnik 2
Explore Sputnik 2, the historic spacecraft that carried the first living creature into space, and learn about its mission and design.
Astérix Satellite
Explore Astérix, France’s first independent satellite launched into Earth’s orbit, including its historic mission, design, and contributions.
CubeSat
Discover CubeSats, miniature satellites revolutionizing space exploration with their versatility and affordability.
Explorer 1
Explore Explorer 1, America’s first satellite in Earth’s orbit. Learn about its historic mission, design, and groundbreaking discoveries.
Voyager 1
Discover Voyager 1, the iconic spacecraft exploring the depths of interstellar space. Learn about its historic mission and discoveries.