Copernical Team
New open-source Python-based software boosts space-weather modeling
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Artemis II astronauts praise their moonship's performance, especially the heat shield
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Back on Earth, Artemis II crew still finding their footing
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Human space research gets a boost from retired NASA centrifuge
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The moon might be more prone to fires
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Week in images: 13-17 April 2026
Week in images: 13-17 April 2026
Discover our week through the lens
Earth from Space: Land of rainforests
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This image from the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission captures the coast of Gabon in striking colours. Three ESA-built satellites on show in France
Three Earth observation satellites, developed by the European Space Agency (ESA) with European partners, and due to launch later this year, have completed their functional and environmental tests and are ready to travel to the European spaceport in French Guiana. But first, journalists were invited to have one last look.
Just opened: five tonnes of science and supplies
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ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and NASA astronauts Jack Hathaway, Jessica Meir and Chris Williams take a moment to capture the occasion as they first open the Cygnus NG‑24 cargo spacecraft after its installation on the International Space Station.
“I love these moments when the whole crew comes together around an event like this. Welcoming a cargo vehicle is such a special experience: you know you’ll be receiving care packages from teams and families, along with a wealth of scientific experiments – and maybe even some fresh fruit too,” says Sophie Adenot.
Cygnus NG‑24 is delivering around five metric tonnes of scientific experiments, spare parts and supplies to the Station,
Antarctica’s vanishing sea ice transforms marine life
Shrinking ice is arguably one of the most visible indicators of climate change – particularly in the Arctic. However, a European Space Agency-funded study used information from satellites to show that Antarctica is now experiencing similar dramatic changes, with profound consequences for key plankton species that underpin the region’s marine food web.