spaceflight News & Analysis
2 articles
Market Mood
Artemis II astronauts return home after 694,392 miles journey
NASA's Artemis II mission culminated with the Orion spacecraft splashing down in the Pacific Ocean on April 10, 2026, after a 10-day journey covering 694,392 miles (1,117,515 km). This mission marked the first human spaceflight to the moon's vicinity in over 50 years, including a lunar flyby about 252,000 miles away. The successful splashdown demonstrated the Orion spacecraft's ability to withstand re-entry stresses, reaching temperatures of approximately 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit (2,760 degrees Celsius). This accomplishment is a crucial step toward planned lunar landings starting in 2028, potentially influencing future NASA missions and funding.
Read More
Virgin Galactic (SPCE) Reopens Spaceflight Tickets at $750,000 Each
Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc (NYSE:SPCE) shares increased by 16% to approximately $2.90 following the announcement of resuming ticket sales for space flights at $750,000 per seat, up from $600,000. This move signals underlying demand for their 'Spaceflight Expeditions' and a strengthened outlook for future revenue. The company is also progressing on its next-generation SpaceShips, with assembly nearly complete and ground testing scheduled for April 2026. The second SpaceShip is expected to enter service between late 2026 and early 2027, aimed at increasing flight frequency and capacity.
Read More