Special Report

Future of Space Exploration

From groundbreaking launches of new telescopes to missions to the sun and other planets, Smithsonian Magazine details upcoming efforts to understand the universe.

An artist's concept of the ESA's Solar Orbiter and NASA's Parker Solar Probe as they undertake missions to explore the sun

Solar Orbiter: ESA / ATG medialab; Parker Solar Probe: NASA / Johns Hopkins APL

Why the Tibetan Plateau Might Be the Ideal Spot for the Telescope of the Future

The Five Big Ways the James Webb Telescope Will Help Astronomers Understand the Universe

With Two New Missions, NASA Announces Return to Venus by 2030

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

From Floating Cities to Biodegradable Burial Pods and Flying Cars, the Smithsonian Envisions a Multitude of Futures

Space Travel

NASA's Curiosity Rover Accidentally Discovers Sulfur Crystals on Mars

How 'Fly Me to the Moon' Pokes Fun at Moon Landing Conspiracy Theories

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Here’s What We’ve Learned About Saturn Since Cassini Entered Its Orbit 20 Years Ago

Aaron Boorstein

NASA Will Pay SpaceX Up to $843 Million to Destroy the International Space Station

Christian Thorsberg

AT THE SMITHSONIAN

Could a Robin and a Bluebird Have Babies? And More Questions From Our Readers

Smithsonian magazine