Key advances in space exploration

Expected in 2026, this Chinese observatory is a significant advance in space astronomy. With a 2-meter mirror and a much wider field of view than Hubble, it will allow China to conduct systematic sky surveys and join the elite of space observation.

This mission is fundamental to understanding Venus's atmosphere, its evolution, and the planet's water history. Its launch in 2026 marks a significant return of NASA to Venusian exploration after decades.

Complementary to DAVINCI+, VERITAS will focus on Venus's surface and interior, using radar to create 3D maps and measure the gravitational field. This is essential for confirming the planet's geological activity and internal structure.

With its launch planned for September 2026, this infrared telescope promises to revolutionize the search for exoplanets and the study of dark energy. Its wide field of view is 100 times larger than Hubble's, offering an unprecedented perspective of the cosmos.

This ESA telescope, launching in December 2026, is specifically designed to discover and characterize exoplanets, especially Earth-sized ones. Its data will be vital for identifying the most promising candidates for future studies.

Launched on April 1, 2026, this mission is the first crewed flight beyond low Earth orbit since 1972. It is a crucial step to test the Orion capsule and SLS rocket systems, paving the way for human return to the Moon.

Scheduled for 2026, this Chinese robotic mission to the Moon's south pole is vital for the search for water ice deposits. These resources are essential for establishing future lunar bases and for long-term space exploration.

Launching in 2026, this Japanese mission is pioneering by attempting to bring back samples from Phobos, Mars's largest moon. It will provide crucial information on the formation of the Martian system and the origin of its moons, including the European Idefix rover.

The Miura 5, with its launch planned for 2026, represents a key advance for the Spanish and European space industry. It is the first 100% Spanish private orbital rocket, demonstrating the private sector's growing capacity in access to space.

Scheduled for 2026, ESA's Hera mission is crucial for planetary defense. It will study the asteroid Dimorphos, previously impacted by NASA's DART mission, to assess the effectiveness of asteroid deflection and develop strategies for Earth protection.

BepiColombo's Mercury orbit insertion in 2026 is a key advance for the exploration of the least explored planet in the inner solar system. Its two orbiters will begin collecting vital data on Mercury's magnetic environment, core, and surface.

This collaboration between Europe and China, launching in March or April 2026, is a crucial advance for understanding space weather. It will study Earth's magnetosphere and the interaction between solar wind and Earth's magnetic field, improving our ability to predict solar events.

Scheduled for 2026, this lunar lander marks Blue Origin's entry into the lunar landing race. Its development is a significant advance in private space exploration infrastructure, contributing to the capacity for access to the lunar surface.

This lunar landing mission, scheduled for 2026, is an important advance by landing on the far side of the Moon. It will carry the UAE's Rashid rover, exploring a little-known region and demonstrating complex landing capabilities.