2025 has turned out to be a landmark year for everyone following the space industry. In a short span, the world of science and technology saw events that surprised not only experts, but also sparked heated debate among the public. The spotlight was on not just new discoveries, but also sharp political decisions poised to shape the future of space exploration.
This year, Donald Trump assumed office as President of the USA, and his administration immediately set in motion sweeping changes that impacted the country’s scientific community. At the same time, China, Russia, and India continued ramping up their space programs, while other nations actively staked their claim on the global stage. Earth’s orbit is becoming increasingly crowded, and competition between countries is sharper than ever.
Meanwhile, an unexpected visitor entered the Solar System—a rare interstellar comet—while the mysteries of black holes and neutron stars continue to challenge even the most seasoned astrophysicists. This year’s auroras amazed people across the globe, and the Perseverance rover on Mars made a discovery that could redefine our understanding of life on the Red Planet. Amid these events, science fiction once again became a source of inspiration for millions, especially as real-world disasters and political decisions pose threats to scientific progress.
High-profile investigations
One of the most talked-about topics was the scandal surrounding NASA’s leadership and the future of the Goddard Space Flight Center. Space.com journalists conducted their own investigation and found that recent management decisions have led to chaos and widespread discontent among employees. Many experts fear these changes could cause long-term damage to the agency’s scientific capabilities. The publication drew strong reactions not only from readers but also from members of the US Congress.
Equally astonishing was the story of Robert Hunt, who for years posed as a NASA astronaut despite having no ties to the agency. His exposure became a real sensation and served as a reminder of how even professionals can be easily deceived.
Historic discoveries
The Space.com editorial team also highlighted the little-known assistants of Edwin Hubble, whose work helped prove that the Milky Way is just one of many galaxies. This section also features a vibrant report on a Norwegian cruise, where participants observed the northern lights for several days in a row.
Another important issue was NASA’s budget cuts. The Trump administration’s decision to slash funding for scientific programs by nearly half sparked alarm among researchers. Many worry these measures will halt promising projects and slow progress in space exploration.
Unexpected findings
Among the year’s most mysterious events was the story of a ‘dead’ NASA satellite mistaken by astronomers for a powerful radio signal coming from the depths of the universe. This error sparked debate about how difficult it can be to distinguish manmade objects from genuine cosmic phenomena.
The atmosphere of fear that swept through scientific conferences also deserves mention, after representatives from NASA and the National Science Foundation stopped attending major astronomy forums. Many attendees note that the lack of support from leading agencies has amplified uncertainty and anxiety about the future of science.
The Edges of the Universe
This year, scientists came closer to unraveling one of astrophysics’ greatest mysteries—where the boundary lies between neutron stars and black holes. New data is offering fresh insight into the nature of these enigmatic objects and how they form.
A conflict has flared up in Chile over the construction of the world’s largest observatory on Cerro Paranal. Local authorities and environmentalists are opposing an industrial renewable energy project that could interfere with astronomical observations. The debate over preserving dark skies has become heated.
Mars and Beyond
The Perseverance rover is back in the spotlight after its instruments detected traces on the Martian surface that may indicate the existence of ancient life. These findings have sparked discussions among planetary scientists and given new momentum to the search for extraterrestrial life.
This year marks 30 years since the release of the iconic film Apollo 13. Space.com journalists put together a retrospective exploring how the movie was made and why it continues to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers.
There have also been sensational discoveries: new images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS prompted an extensive investigative report. The Space.com team detailed how they worked on the piece and why such stories are important for making science more accessible.
