World's Largest Plane Drops a Hypersonic Aircraft

Watch as World’s Largest Plane Releases Hypersonic Vehicle for Its First Powered Test Flight

The TA-1 hypersonic vehicle being released from the aircraft Roc (video is twice the normal speed). Gif: Stratolaunch/Gizmodo

California startup Stratolaunch completed the first powered flight of its Talon-A hypersonic vehicle as it works to develop a reusable version that’s capable of carrying science payloads and flying them at five times the speed of sound. – Passant Rabie Read More

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NASA's Orion spacecraft splashes down, concluding the Artemis 2 mission on April 10, 2026

Picture Perfect: Artemis 2 Returns Home After a Stellar 10 Days in Space

Integrity has splashed down off the coast of San Diego, bringing the Artemis 2 astronauts home.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Apr 10

Artemis 2 Day 10: Follow the Mission With Our Live Updates 🔴

Gizmodo will be covering NASA's Artemis 2 mission all the way through to splashdown. Follow along with us here.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe and George Dvorsky Apr 10

An artistic rendering of NASA's Orion spacecraft returning to Earth

Artemis 2 Is Coming in Hot Today—Here Are the 4 Critical Phases to Watch

Each step of the Orion spacecraft’s atmospheric reentry is essential to crew safety.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Apr 10

During its lunar flyby, the Artemis 2 crew captured cratered terrain, revealing the Moon’s rugged, collision-scarred surface.

Gizmodo’s Favorite Photos From NASA’s Artemis 2 Mission

The Artemis 2 crew has beamed tons of incredible photos back to Earth. Here's a look at our favorite shots.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Apr 9

The Orion spacecraft, the Moon, and Earth

With Artemis 2 Flying Home, NASA Is Already Teasing Artemis 3

The agency is already formulating the next Artemis mission, which will test integrated operations between the Orion spacecraft and one or both of NASA’s Moon landers.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Apr 9

Artist's conception of Orion returning to Earth.

Watch Live as NASA’s Artemis 2 Returns to Earth at a Blazing 25,000 MPH

Watch the epic conclusion of NASA's Moon mission live right here.

Space & Spaceflight Ellyn Lapointe Apr 8