Q&A with Andrew Driesman, project manager for Parker Solar Probe (members only)

The 60 satellites SpaceX is set to launch Wednesday night, beginning the build-out of a broadband network of orbiting spacecraft that could eventually number thousands, are based on a new flat-panel design, with krypton-fueled plasma thrusters, high-power antennas, and a capability to autonomously steer away from other objects in space.

A senior NASA official said Monday the agency could select two new robotic planetary science missions next year for launch in the early 2020s, and the five finalists favor Venus and asteroid research.

Watch NASA’s news conference to preview three spacewalks outside the International Space Station planned for late March and early April to prepare for the future arrival of U.S. commercial crew spacecraft and upgrade station hardware.