January 4, 2026

Astronomers Detect Rare 'Free Floating' Exoplanet 10,000 Light-Years From Earth (Source: Space.com)
Rogue planets — worlds that drift through space alone without a star — largely remain a mystery to scientists. Now, astronomers have for the first time confirmed the existence of one of these starless worlds by pinpointing its distance and mass — a rogue planet roughly the size of Saturn nearly 10,000 light-years from Earth. (1/2)

Europe Enters Busy 2026 Launch Schedule (Source: European Spaceflight)
Here's a breakdown of launches planned by European rocket makers and agencies in 2026. (1/2)

Future Astronauts May Say ‘Boston, We Have a Problem’ (Source: Boston Globe)
This summer I joined a Microsoft Teams call with an astronaut in space. Jonny Kim was hurtling at five miles per second, floating upside down, holding an iPad. He pulled his way through modules of the ISS, introducing colleagues whose hair drifted as though underwater. Then he turned the iPad to show the view out his window. There we were: Earth, a huge blue sphere marbled with clouds on a canvas of black. Around me, people gasped and whooped.

Two hundred fifty miles below, I sat beside Dr. Erik Antonsen in a conference room at Massachusetts General Hospital. With us were doctors whom Antonsen is training to provide care in a surprising place — the final frontier. Kim described for them the medical issues common in orbit. In microgravity, objects are always wafting into astronauts’ eyes. Onboard lights simulate night and day, but sleep can be challenging. He showed a portable ultrasound machine, one of the few diagnostic tools a crew has. “What are the things that can kill an astronaut in space?” an expert said later. “It’s a long list.” (1/1)

Launches Boost Aerospace-Themed Tourism in Hainan's Wenchang (Source: People's Daily)
The Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site located in Wenchang in the northeastern part of Hainan Island is China's first independently designed and constructed green, eco-friendly and modern spaceport. It currently operates two all-weather, multi-directional launch pads, capable of handling heavy payloads. Wenchang is also home to China's first commercial aerospace launch site, which has sent more than 90 satellites into their planned orbits since its maiden launch in November 2024.

Highly frequent rocket launches have driven the aerospace-themed tourist services in the city. The rocket-viewing platform there attracts lots of spectators for each launch. Tourists flock here to witness the grand scene of rocket launches, and enjoy the breathtaking scenic view of during their visits to homestays, restaurants and cafes. (1/4)

Brian Hughes Exits NASA, Teases ‘New Chapter’ (Source: Florida Politics)
A familiar figure in Florida politics may be returning to the statewide political scene sooner than later. Brian Hughes, who most recently has served as Chief of Staff at NASA, says he’s exiting that role and preparing for his next move. Hughes noted in the post that he joined the Trump campaign after leaving his position as Jacksonville’s Chief Administrative Officer.

“I was honored to help provide steady leadership and then work closely with Jared Isaacman through his Senate confirmation and first days at the helm. NASA is entering an exciting new era under Jared and President Trump,” he wrote. (1/3)

Space Force Begins Base Network Overhaul as Cybersecurity Demands Grow (Source: Space News)
The U.S. Space Force is moving to modernize the computer networks that underpin its operations, awarding new work under a $12.5 billion Air Force-led contract vehicle designed to overhaul aging military infrastructure. Defense contractor CACI International said in a news release Dec. 31 it was awarded a five-year task order valued at up to $212 million to upgrade network infrastructure at U.S. Space Force bases. The award was made under the Base Infrastructure Modernization, or BIM, contract. (1/4)