WeeklyTrailESA outlined FLEX and Sentinel-3C launch preparations in September
A 14 September 2026 ESA update described the two satellites under their Vega-C fairing, with a shared launch planned for the following day.
Science
Andromeda Galaxy captured over New South Wales in southern spring
NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for October 23, 2026 shows the Andromeda Galaxy rising above hills in New South Wales, Australia, in a composite taken October 10/11.
ESA's week in images: Krakatau plume, launch preparations and industry forum
A weekly image roundup from ESA covers a volcanic plume seen by Copernicus Sentinel-3, launch preparations for FLEX and Sentinel-3C, and an industry forum held in Paris on 3 September 2026.
GOMX-5 CubeSat prepared for October 2026 launch
The ESA-supported GOMX-5 CubeSat, developed by GomSpace, has been integrated into its deployer ahead of a launch scheduled for October 2026, ESA said in a 10 September 2026 update.
Orion Nebula featured in NASA astronomy image
The Orion Nebula, a nearby starbirth region about 1500 light-years away, was highlighted in NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day for October 26, 2026, in a deep image credited to Roberto Palaia.
Vega-C carries FLEX and Sentinel-3C in first dual launch
ESA's FLEX Earth Explorer and the Copernicus Sentinel-3C satellite lifted off together from French Guiana on 15 September 2026, the first dual launch for the Vega-C rocket.
Tara Polaris I begins Arctic drift with ESA-backed isolation study
A dozen people will live aboard the Tara Polaris I drifting polar station for eight months, including a 120-day polar night, while ESA studies how crews cope with isolation and confinement.
Perseverance Measures Fine Mars Dust on Spacesuit Samples
NASA's Perseverance rover measured fine and ultrafine dust particles clinging to spacesuit material samples over more than 1,645 Martian days, findings that could inform suit design, dust removal and crew health standards.
NASA's Oct. 26 report outlined preparations for a planned station spacewalk
NASA's Oct. 26, 2026, report described preparations for a spacewalk planned for the following Thursday, with Anil Menon and Joshua Kutryk assigned to install a roll-out solar array.
NASA and USDA Sign Agreement on Earth Science and Agricultural Data
NASA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Oct. 24 to expand cooperation in Earth observation, geospatial analytics and data technologies supporting USDA's data modernization plan.
Mars Express image shows purple-hued ice cliffs near south pole
A European Space Agency image from the Mars Express orbiter shows an ice cliff called Thyles Rupes near Mars's south pole in unusual purple, pink and red tones, colored by frost, dust and morning light.
ESA honours three space firms for excellence and innovation
At its Industry Space Days 2026 event, ESA recognised Surrey Satellite Technology Limited, Sener and CompPair Technologies for delivery performance and a self-healing composite material.