European Space Agency
European Space Agency business and news from across the web.
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A Falcon 9 stage gouged a 60-foot crater into the Moon — and ULA finally has a new chief
A spent Falcon 9 upper stage created a 60-foot crater on the Moon, captured by NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. In leadership news, Mark Peller has become the new CEO of United Launch Alliance, taking over from Tory Bruno. The article also covers recent developments in rocket launches and failures from various companies including SpaceX, Innospace, and China's LandSpace, alongside updates on European and Chinese space programs.
Kyoto researchers turn 1,200 Starlink satellites into an upper-atmosphere imaging array
Researchers at Kyoto University have developed a novel method to image Earth's upper atmosphere by using approximately 1,200 Starlink satellites as an array. This technique analyzes the drag experienced by the satellites to create a two-dimensional map of thermospheric density, a region previously difficult to observe directly. The findings, consistent with data from the European Space Agency's SWARM satellites, could improve space weather forecasting and collision avoidance for satellites and debris.
ESA will livestream the Aug. 12 total solar eclipse from a Spanish mountaintop — totality runs just 81 seconds
The European Space Agency will livestream the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, from Javalambre, Spain. The event, which will feature 81 seconds of totality, will be broadcast on ESA Web TV and YouTube starting at 1:30 p.m. EDT. The broadcast will include multiple camera feeds from different locations along the path of totality and feature commentary from scientists and space communicators.
European Space Agency's Euclid captures the star-filled center of the Milky Way
The European Space Agency's Euclid telescope has captured a detailed image of the star-filled center of the Milky Way galaxy. NASA is also planning a mission to map the galactic bulge, set to begin later this summer.
Alien Disclosure: The U.S releasing the UAP files ties into gaming tropes rather nicely
The recent declassification of UAP (Unidentified Aerial Phenomena) files by the U.S. Department of War, FBI, and NASA has sparked discussions about their connection to gaming tropes. While no definitive proof of alien life was revealed, the release of reports from military personnel and astronauts, including transcripts from Apollo missions and sightings near military bases, highlights a growing seriousness in addressing these events. This influx of real-world mystery provides a rich source of inspiration for science fiction games exploring themes of space exploration, alien encounters, and humanity's place in the cosmos, as seen in titles like The Outer Wilds, Aphelion, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, Exodus, and Kerbal Space Program.
DON’T NOD Releases Aphelion Today on PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5
DON'T NOD has released its cinematic sci-fi adventure game, Aphelion, on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. The game is available in Standard, Deluxe, and Day One Editions, with a special Pioneer Edition for PlayStation 5 releasing on July 2nd. Aphelion puts players in the role of ESA astronauts exploring the planet Persephone.
Aphelion Review | TheXboxHub
Aphelion is a cinematic space odyssey from DON'T NOD that excels in its visuals and storytelling, featuring two astronauts on a mission to save humanity. While the game's narrative and atmosphere are strong, the gameplay mechanics, including parkouring and checkpointing, are noted as areas that let the experience down. The European Space Agency collaborated on the title, which is available on Xbox.
This week's standout PC game is an astronaut epic from Life is Strange and Vampyr creators Don't Nod, made in partnership with the European Space Agency
This week's PC game releases include the sci-fi astronaut epic Aphelion from Don't Nod, in partnership with the European Space Agency. Other notable launches include the roguelite Deified, the sandbox s&box, the shooter Far Far West, and the strategy RPG Heroes of Might and Magic: Olden Era. Several games are launching in early access, offering players a chance to experience them before full release.
Game Pass Gets Busy Again – Aphelion Leads A Week Of New Drops As Big Titles Exit
Xbox Game Pass is seeing a significant influx of new titles, including Day One releases like Aphelion and Trepang2, alongside strategy and sandbox games. This update coincides with a price adjustment for the subscription service. However, several popular games are also being removed from the service on April 30th, prompting players to decide what to finish before they disappear.
Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Kiln, Aphelion, Final Fantasy V, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles in late April and early May, including Little Rocket Lab, Vampire Crawlers, Kiln, Aphelion, Trepang2, Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, Sledding Game, TerraTech Legion, and Final Fantasy V. Several games are also leaving the service on April 30.
NASA restarts work to support Europe's uncrewed trip to Mars after years of setbacks
NASA has resumed work to support the European Space Agency's Rosalind Franklin rover mission to Mars, with a planned launch no earlier than 2028 via a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This partnership involves NASA providing launch assistance and specific hardware, while ESA supplies the rover and lander. The mission, aimed at searching for signs of ancient life, has faced numerous delays since its conception in 2001 due to budget constraints, technical issues, and geopolitical events.
Aphelion Launches April 28 on PC, PS5, and Xbox; New Persephone Trailer Debuts
Don't Nod announced that its sci-fi action-adventure game Aphelion will launch on April 28, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. The game will be available day one on Xbox Game Pass and features a Pioneer Edition for PlayStation 5 releasing July 2, 2026. Players will explore the alien planet Persephone as ESA astronauts.
