Explore context
Aerospace
Explore the latest strategic trends, research and analysis
Global Issue
Industry
Economy
4th Industrial Revolution
Global Issue
Industry
Economy
4th Industrial Revolution
Aerospace
Explore context
Space
The size and shape of the world's rockets from 1957 - now
This piece explores the history of space rockets, from their origins in the form of ballistic missiles to commercially-developed technology seen today.
Drones
Drones in India: a model for cooperative federalism?
The potential of drones to transform legacy systems and industries is challenged by policy and governance issues, economics and a lack of common knowledge.
Space
From space squid to saliva: what's inside NASA's cargo missions and why
A recent SpaceX cargo mission has brought 7,300lbs of equipment and experiments to the International Space Station. Here's what you need to know.
Space
Who owns our orbit: Just how many satellites are there in space?
Satellites are a vital part of our infrastructure, helping us to use GPS, access the internet and support studies of the Earth. There were 2,666 operational satellites in April 2020.
Future of Mobility
The next big disruption is coming. How cities can prepare for 'flying cars'
Flying cars could create new, flexible and safe ways to move people and cargo. Here's what cities need to do to ensure they shape the disruption to come.
Space
This is how you can be NASA's newest space explorer
The space agency has opened applications for new recruits. Could you be the next man – or first woman – on the moon?
Aerospace
Meet Alice, the battery-powered plane that could herald the age of electric air travel
Could this electric plane, unveiled at this year’s Paris Air Show, help cut costs and reduce aviation’s environmental impact?
Space
This gorgeous map shows what the night sky looked like on New Year’s Day in 2000
One Reddit user mapped all the stars and celestial bodies that could be seen by the naked eye on Near Year’s Day 2000.
Space
NASA has released new photos of the Apollo 11 moon landing
To mark the 50th anniversary of the first time a human set foot on the moon, NASA has published some new pictures of the Apollo 11 mission.
Space
Europe is designing satellites that 'surf' their way past space debris
A team in Milan is designing ways to help satellites 'surf' into and out of orbit, saving fuel and avoiding damaging and costly collisions
Climate Change
Flying cars could cut emissions, replace planes, and free up roads – but not soon enough
According to a new study, flying cars could eventually be greener than even electric road cars, but gaps in technology and practical uncertainties mean that they may not arrive in time to...
United States
The world's largest plane has made its first flight
With a wingspan the length of an American Football field, the plane, named Roc, took to the skies for the first time.
Space
Why NASA is offering $2.6 billion to companies who can get the US back to the moon
Almost half a century after the last moon landing, NASA is funding commercial lunar missions to uncover more of the moon's secrets.
Africa
Why NASA chose Senegal to find out more about an asteroid in outerspace
NASA sent 21 teams to Senegal to collect data in preparation for the flyby of an asteroid called Ultima Thule on January 2019.
Aviation, Travel and Tourism
What to expect on an ultra-long-haul flight
As aircraft technology improves, airlines are racing to provide ultra-long-haul services. Here’s a look at how record-breaking flights are becoming possible, and what travelling on one mi...