Space exploration

Astronomer and author Brendan Owens examines the challenges of sending humans to Mars - and what the future holds for our study of the Red Planet

Professor Chris Lintott, author, astrophysicist and presenter of the BBC's 'Sky at Night’ programme, discusses the incredible astronomical discoveries made by accident or through unplanned detours

Discover 15 incredible astronomy facts that might just change how you see the Universe

Royal Observatory astronomer Julienne Hisole looks back on what we’ve learnt from the pioneering space telescope’s first 12 months of observing

Competition between the USA, China and Russia will have consequences for all of us here on Earth. But how is this 21st century space race different to the last one?

How habitable are Jupiter's icy moons? Why is the Solar System's largest moon so unique? How did Jupiter, and other gas giant planets, form? Find out how the European Space Agency's groundbreaking JUICE mission will answer these questions and more.

NASA's Artemis missions aim to land the first woman and person of colour on the Moon, create a lunar base, and lay the groundwork for a future trip to Mars!

What are the main differences between Hubble and the new James Webb Space Telescope?

From spectacular meteor showers to bold new space missions, Royal Observatory astronomers pick their night sky highlights.

Find out about the biggest space missions and rocket launches scheduled for this year, with details of upcoming missions from NASA, the European Space Agency, SpaceX and more