ION-X achieves 1st firing in space of a European Ionic Liquid Propulsion System – SatNews
Original Publication Date: 2025-06-20 00:00
ION-X has successfully performed the first-ever in-orbit firing of a European-developed ionic liquid electrospray thruster. This milestone marks only the second global demonstration of this advanced propulsion technology in space. The second flight of the company’s thruster shall be publicly announced in the coming weeks, for a launch expected by mid-2026.
Hubble Studies Small but Mighty Galaxy
Original Publication Date: 2025-06-20 07:00
NGC 4449 is situated just 12.5 million light-years away in the constellation Canes Venatici (the Hunting Dogs) It is a member of the M94 galaxy group, which is near the Local Group of galaxies that the Milky Way is part of. NGC 4449 is a dwarf galaxy, which means that it is far smaller and contains fewer stars than the Milky Way.
NASA’s LRO Views ispace HAKUTO-R Mission 2 Moon Lander Impact Site
Original Publication Date: 2025-06-20 13:10
On June 11, NASA’s LRO (Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter) captured photos of the site where the ispace Mission 2 SMBC x HAKUTO-R Venture Moon (RESILIENCE) lunar lander experienced a hard landing on June 5, 2025, UTC. The lander created a dark smudge surrounded by a subtle bright halo.
Ship 36 experiences anomaly during engine testing, next steps unclear
Original Publication Date: 2025-06-19 21:43
SpaceX's Ship 36 suffered two explosions during a static fire test on June 18. The anomaly resulted in the loss of Ship 36 and significant damage to the test facility. Ship 36 was intended to fly on the 10th test flight of Starship and Super Heavy, which was expected to occur as soon as the end of next week. No personnel were injured and all members of the relevant teams were accounted for.