Top 7 must-read space technology stories of 2025

The article highlights seven groundbreaking space technology stories from 2025, emphasizing a shift from merely reaching space destinations to mastering the journey itself. A major breakthrough came from Russian scientists unveiling a plasma electric rocket engine prototype capable of reducing Mars travel time from nine months to just 30–60 days by providing continuous thrust via magnetic plasma acceleration. This advancement promises to lessen astronauts’ exposure to cosmic radiation and other hazards of long-duration spaceflight. Another innovative development addresses the growing problem of orbital debris: researchers at Tohoku University created a “contact-free” cleanup system using bidirectional plasma ejection thrusters that slow down space junk remotely, allowing it to burn up safely in Earth’s atmosphere without risking collisions. Further advancements include Ohio State University engineers’ design of a liquid uranium nuclear thermal rocket, the Centrifugal Nuclear Thermal Rocket (CNTR), which is projected to be four times more efficient than chemical rockets and capable of using various fuels like ammonia or methane, enabling refueling from asteroids or icy bodies