The UAE presented a locally built probe for a mission planned to launch in 2028. After passing six asteroids, the spacecraft is expected to reach Justitia, where the probe will descend toward the surface and strike it.
NASA has selected the PRIMA far-infrared telescope mission for its next development phase. The planned observatory could launch in 2033 and study cold, distant parts of the universe.
China has delayed its Chang’e-7 lunar mission because it did not meet launch conditions for this year’s planned window. The mission includes LunaHcam, a Bahraini-Egyptian camera that will study materials on the Moon’s surface.
Saudi researchers have published a review of microgravity and space-medicine research. It describes Saudi genetic and space-science programmes while noting that the field remains early and that long-term medical benefits still need evidence.
The Perseid meteor shower peaks overnight from August 12 to August 13, 2026. A new Moon should give viewers in clear, dark locations across much of the Arab region better conditions for seeing meteors.
A partial solar eclipse was visible across much of Algeria on August 12, 2026. In Algiers, the Moon was expected to cover 98.6 percent of the Sun shortly before sunset.
A discarded Falcon 9 upper stage struck the Moon on August 5, 2026. South Korea’s Danuri orbiter photographed the impact area and showed a small new crater.
Astronomers found strong evidence of a supermassive black hole more than 30,000 light-years from the center of a distant galaxy. The normally hidden object became visible when its gravity tore apart a passing star.
A robotic spacecraft and three propulsion modules launched from Florida on a yearlong journey to geosynchronous orbit. The vehicle will install the modules on satellites running low on fuel and can also perform inspections, repairs, and relocation tasks.
