The goal of deep-space exploration is driving many technological benefits, including a high-efficiency iodine-fueled RF ion microthruster

"You should see my view, right now," teased European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst

One of the almost three dozen symposia scheduled during the International Astronautical Congress dealt with issues of Earth observation from space.

Penny-pinching politicians and those who reject the evidence that human activity is changing Earth’s climate are making it hard for scientists to continue providing the data from space needed to monitor and try to manage the effects of inaction

If signed, the deal with an undisclosed customer would allow UrtheCast to develop two sensors, a high-resolution, dual-mode optical/video camera and a high-resolution dual-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) that will be capable of imaging simultaneously in L and X bands.

Ten years ago the world’s first privately built spaceship was flown to sub-orbit high over California, clinching the $10 million Ansari X-Prize and marking the start of the new frontier of affordable space access.

Frank Morring took these photos on the floor of this year's IAC in Toronto.

It is time for the U.S. and Russia to bring China inside the space tent.