This Week in Space – December 7-13, 2025
🛰️ Mission Critical
MAVEN Tracking Data Show Unexpected Rotation Before Loss of Contact
NASA’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) orbiter went behind Mars on December 4 and experienced unexpected rotation before losing contact with mission control. Tracking data analysis is underway to understand the anomaly and restore communications with the critical Mars atmospheric research spacecraft.
🎊 Year in Review
ESA Highlights 2025: A Landmark Year for European Space
2025 was a landmark year for Europe in space, celebrating 50 years of ESA while achieving major milestones in exploration, Earth observation, and space technology. The comprehensive year-end review showcases European leadership in advancing space science and innovation.
☄️ Interstellar Visitor
XRISM Sees Comet 3I/ATLAS in X-ray Light
The X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) observed the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS for 17 hours between November 26-28, capturing unprecedented X-ray data from this rare visitor from beyond our solar system and providing new insights into interstellar material composition.
🌍 Climate Monitoring
ESA: Methane from Landfill Sites
Satellites are emerging as a powerful new tool in the fight to curb emissions of methane. ESA’s Earth observation technology is now detecting methane leaks from landfill sites, providing crucial data for environmental protection and climate change mitigation efforts.
Satellites Help Tackle Landfill Methane Leaks
Advanced satellite technology is revolutionizing how we detect and address methane emissions from landfills worldwide. These space-based monitoring systems provide unprecedented accuracy in identifying emission sources and measuring their impact on climate change.
🚀 Launch Updates
Watch Live: Galileo Launch on Ariane 6
On December 17, two Galileo satellites will launch aboard an Ariane 6 rocket. This milestone mission continues building Europe’s independent global navigation satellite system, with over 1,179 views already registered for the live broadcast of this crucial infrastructure deployment.
Japan’s MICHIBIKI No. 5 Launch Rescheduled
The launch time and window for MICHIBIKI No. 5, part of Japan’s Quasi-Zenith Satellite System (QZS-5), aboard the 8th H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F8) has been rescheduled. This positioning satellite will enhance navigation services across the Asia-Oceania region.
🌊 Earth From Space
Bassac River, Southern Vietnam
NASA’s Image of the Day captures the Bassac River surrounding Cù Lao Dung, a river islet district in southern Vietnam, before emptying into the sea. The stunning satellite imagery showcases the intricate river delta system and agricultural landscape of the Mekong region.
The Calabash Clash
NASA’s featured image highlights the spectacular Calabash Nebula, showcasing the dramatic stellar phenomena occurring in this unique astronomical object and demonstrating the power of modern space telescopes to reveal cosmic beauty.
Next Week Preview
Stay tuned for the Galileo satellite launch on Ariane 6, updates on MAVEN mission recovery efforts, continued year-end space achievement reviews, and holiday observing opportunities as we approach the winter solstice.