This Week in Space \u2013 December 7-13, 2025<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Read more<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Read more<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Read more<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Read more<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Read more<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Read more<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Read more<\/a><\/p>\n NASA’s Image of the Day captures the Bassac River surrounding C\u00f9 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.<\/p>\n Read more<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n\ud83c\udf8a Year in Review<\/h2>\n
ESA Highlights 2025: A Landmark Year for European Space<\/a><\/h3>\n
\u2604\ufe0f Interstellar Visitor<\/h2>\n
XRISM Sees Comet 3I\/ATLAS in X-ray Light<\/a><\/h3>\n
\ud83c\udf0d Climate Monitoring<\/h2>\n
ESA: Methane from Landfill Sites<\/a><\/h3>\n
Satellites Help Tackle Landfill Methane Leaks<\/a><\/h3>\n
\ud83d\ude80 Launch Updates<\/h2>\n
Watch Live: Galileo Launch on Ariane 6<\/a><\/h3>\n
Japan’s MICHIBIKI No. 5 Launch Rescheduled<\/a><\/h3>\n
\ud83c\udf0a Earth From Space<\/h2>\n
Bassac River, Southern Vietnam<\/a><\/h3>\n
The Calabash Clash<\/a><\/h3>\n