Deep Space
Deep space and planetary missions: Mars, the asteroids, the outer planets and the science telescopes — launches, arrivals and mission results.
BepiColombo reaches a key step on its way to Mercury
Juice's first ever lunar-Earth flyby dated 2026-09-28
Verified facts pair Juice with a first ever lunar-Earth flyby, a 2023-04 launch, a navigation campaign, and several status entries.
Juice completes second Earth flyby
ESA’s Juice spacecraft swung by Earth, adjusting its trajectory and speed while testing optical navigation techniques.
BepiColombo Transfer Module Separation Announced for September 2026
ESA has confirmed the MTM separation milestone for the BepiColombo mission. The two science orbiters will then enter Mercury orbit in November 2026, and scientific observations are set to begin in April 2027. Italian instruments and industrial partners play a central role.
BepiColombo's 2018 launch and Mercury approach
Background
Curiosity reaches 1 kilometer elevation above crater floor
SIMBIO-SYS reaches first light and first image
Three optical channels were activated in their final configuration, with telemetry indicating correct operation.
Juice 2024 lunar-Earth gravity assist was third instrument test opportunity
ESA to brief media on BepiColombo’s Mercury arrival phase
A press briefing on 31 August 2026 will detail the mission’s upcoming milestones, including orbit insertion and orbiter separation.
Italian LISA GRS enters hardware phase after design review
ESA has declared the Gravitational Reference System's Preliminary Design Review successful, and Italy has delivered initial non-functional hardware models.
NASA and L3Harris Advance LISA Telescope Development
An all-glass telescope effort for the ESA-led LISA mission is moving toward flight hardware.
Perseverance finds light-toned rock field beyond Jezero rim
Perseverance discovered light-toned rocks in Lac de Charmes, with data indicating gabbro and possible breccia beyond Jezero crater's western rim.
Perseverance resumes exploration at Lac de Charmes and is sent to Idubi
Perseverance resumes at Lac de Charmes, moves to Idubi, and plans a Gardenia abrasion attempt.
Curiosity rover drills Basque Lakes target in Cache Creek quad
Drilling, contact checks, and instrument observations are recorded in a recently entered quadrangle.
ESA created ExoMars; Mars orbiter studies atmosphere, rover plans surface work
Verified facts cover ESA’s ExoMars, a Mars orbiter’s atmospheric science, and planned Rosalind Franklin rover surface work.
Curiosity marks 14 years on Mars and 5000 sols of operations
NASA’s Curiosity rover has reached 14 years on Mars and 5000 sols while continuing work at Mount Sharp, with recent imaging, contact science and a short drive near the Chocolatal area.
NASA Invites Public to Send Names to Titan on Dragonfly
Names will fly on a microchip aboard the APL-led Dragonfly rotorcraft mission, with submissions due at 23:59 EST on Jan. 15, 2027.
Webb image shows star-forming region N159 in Large Magellanic Cloud
A released NASA/ESA Webb image shows N159 in the Large Magellanic Cloud.
Media teleconference set on JAXA MMX mission
A 16:00 EDT media teleconference will cover JAXA's MMX mission and NASA's contributions, including instruments, sampler hardware and Deep Space Network support.
BepiColombo Enters Mercury Arrival Phase, Separation Set for December 2026
The ESA/JAXA mission has started the critical steps that will deliver two orbiters to Mercury, with the official arrival marked by spacecraft separation on 9th/10th December 2026.
Rosetta's 2015 stereo view of Comet 67P
Background
Treble Clef radio waves likely tied to black hole outburst and cluster merger
Curiosity Plans Drill After Observing Disc-Shaped Lumps
Curiosity moves up Valle Grande and examines bedrock
Curiosity Mars rover parked at Chocolatal
Curiosity is parked at Chocolatal in the lower foothills of Mount Sharp, with the mission at the 5003rd Martian day.
ESA contributes to NASA-led Roman mission
ESA missions use gravity assists planned by ESOC
Curiosity advances Basque Lakes sample analysis on Mars
Imaging, chemistry, and environmental monitoring continued on 2026-10-01.