Why 2026 could be a landmark year for space exploration

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0 February 2, 2026 05:10

Space exploration is gearing up for a landmark year, with missions to the Moon, asteroids and beyond set to capture global attention. NASA’s Artemis II mission is expected to send astronauts around the Moon for the first time since the Apollo era, while China’s Chang’e-7 aims to explore the lunar South Pole, where scientists believe ice could be located – vital for a long-term human presence.

Beyond the Moon, Europe’s HERA mission will study the aftermath of a deliberate asteroid impact to assess whether such techniques could one day help protect Earth from a real collision. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s SpaceX is aiming to capitalise on a narrow orbital window to attempt uncrewed missions to Mars. CNA’s Julie Yoo looks at the major space missions ahead.

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