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2014’s launch tally highest in two decades
There were more successful space launches in 2014 than in any year since 1992, with Russia, the United States and China responsible for more than 80 percent of global launch activity.
Rain and clouds in the forecast for Tuesday’s SpaceX launch
Forecasters predict mostly cloudy conditions and a chance of light rain for Tuesday morning's scheduled takeoff of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with a space station-bound supply ship, with a 40 percent chance weather could prevent liftoff during an instantaneous predawn launch opportunity.
Video2014’s top stories in spaceflight
The year ended with a deluge of big news, reminding us of the risks of spaceflight and the thin margins between success and failure on the final frontier. 2014 was also a year of breakthroughs in the exploration of the solar system and the future of human spaceflight.
SpaceX selected for launch of Qatari satellite
A communications satellite owned by the Qatari government will launch from Cape Canaveral on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in late 2016, according to Qatar's state-owned satellite company.
Ratchet wrench ’emailed’ to space station
A future where mission control can digitally dispatch tools, spare parts and other vital materials to far-flung space crews took one giant leap toward reality when a 3D printer aboard the International Space Station produced a ratchet wrench on demand.
Planet-hunting telescope to launch on Falcon 9 rocket
NASA's decision to launch a satellite to search for planets around other stars on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in 2017 will allow officials to cancel plans to order a solid-fueled kick motor to send the telescope into a unique high-altitude orbit, the mission's top scientist said.
Falcon 9 completes full-duration static fire
SpaceX fueled up a Falcon 9 rocket, ran through a mock countdown and fired the booster's nine Merlin main engines Friday in a successful preflight static fire test officials hope will clear the way for liftoff Jan. 6 on a space station resupply mission.
Kelly, Kornienko eager for launch on one-year mission
NASA astronaut Scott Kelly and Russian cosmonaut Mikhail Kornienko are gearing up for launch March 27 to kick off a record one-year stay aboard the International Space Station, an orbital marathon both men say is crucial for planning future flights beyond Earth orbit and, eventually, to Mars.
Launch of SpaceX supply ship delayed to January
Blaming a technical glitch encountered during a preflight test, officials said Thursday the launch of SpaceX's next Dragon cargo capsule to the International Space Station has been delayed to early January.
SpaceX expected to set new Falcon 9 launch date
Officials will likely set a new launch date Thursday for a SpaceX-owned commercial cargo craft that was expected to take off Friday heading for the International Space Station, according to sources familiar with launch preparations.