Big Rockets, a Big Telescope and Big Changes in Space Await in 2025

1 month ago 19

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Here are some key events to look forward to in space and astronomy in the year ahead.

The Dream Chaser, built by Sierra Space, undergoing testing at NASA’s Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Sandusky, Ohio. The company hopes it will carry cargo to the International Space Station for the first time this year.Credit...Jef Janis/NASA

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Jeff Bezos enters the arena

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The New Glenn vehicle was rolled out at Cape Canaveral, Fla., in February to undergo a series of tanking and mechanical system tests.Credit...Blue Origin

Through SpaceX, Elon Musk has dominated spaceflight around the planet in recent years. But the extraplanetary ambitions of the Amazon founder Jeff Bezos could present a challenge to Mr. Musk soon.

The space company started by Mr. Bezos, Blue Origin, has a powerful rocket called New Glenn that may at last get off the ground in 2025. Like SpaceX’s Falcon 9, the booster stage is designed to be fully reusable so it can fly again and again and reduce the cost of launches. The rocket could launch national security satellites for the U.S. military and spacecraft for NASA, including orbiters to Mars and moon landers.