Get ready for an exciting start to 2025 in the world of space exploration! From new leadership at NASA to upcoming missions from SpaceX, NASA, China, Firefly Aerospace, and ispace, there’s a lot to look forward to in January.

First up, SpaceX is gearing up for its seventh Starship test on January 11. This test will involve a controlled landing of the rocket’s upper-stage capsule in the Indian Ocean and retrieving its Super Heavy booster in Texas.

Next, NASA’s Lunar Trailblazer mission aims to enhance our understanding of lunar water resources by orbiting the moon and mapping out water abundance, form, and location.

China is also making headlines with the maiden flight of its Long March 8A rocket, developed for medium- and low-Earth orbit missions. The rocket will take off from China’s Wenchang Space Launch Site.

Firefly Aerospace from Texas is gearing up for its lunar mission “Ghost Riders in the Sky,” where its Blue Ghost lander will conduct research in the moon’s Mare Crisium basin.

Lastly, ispace will be attempting its second moon landing near Mare Frigoris, carrying out tasks like collecting soil samples and studying radiation in collaboration with NASA.

With so much happening in the realm of space exploration, stay tuned for more exciting developments beyond our atmosphere in the new year!