NASA's Swift telescope rescue mission launches, Vera Rubin Observatory begins cosmic survey, and synthetic life advances with lab-made cells as space exploration and scientific breakthroughs accelerate.

NASA launches a refrigerator-sized spacecraft to rescue the Swift telescope by nudging it to a higher orbit, enabling continued observation of powerful cosmic explosions and extending the mission's lifespan.

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory begins the widest and deepest survey yet of the southern sky, promising unprecedented discoveries about our cosmos and celestial objects.

Scientists create synthetic life by engineering lab-made DNA into cell-like structures called 'beautiful blobs' that can grow, feed, divide and compete, advancing the field of synthetic biology and raising questions about the definition of life.

NASA considers sending a spare Mars rover test version and a soccer ball to the Moon as part of plans to establish a lunar base, repurposing existing technology for lunar exploration.

A martian rock discovered by rovers contains significant carbon deposits with unclear origins, prompting investigation into potential geological or biological explanations for the unexpected composition.

Indian startup approaches its first rocket launch milestone while SpaceX achieves a significant numerical achievement in space missions, marking progress in commercial space exploration.

Scientists identify a new fossil species of axolotl (Ambystoma quetzalcoatli) in Mexico, revealing that these salamanders have inhabited the region for millions of years.

Research on turtles provides evidence that these shelled reptiles share a common ancestor with crocodiles and birds, offering insights into prehistoric evolutionary relationships and reptilian origins.

NASA's official space photo collection archives decades of incredible images of stars, planets, moons, and galaxies, with most images freely available for public use and sharing.