Space News Roundup: Etna Eruption, ISS Time-Lapse, and New Space missions
January 11, 2026 – This week brings exciting updates from Earth observation, the International Space Station (ISS), and the progress of new space exploration technologies.
Etna Eruption Captured by Sentinel-2
Mount Etna, Europe’s most active volcano, recently experienced an eruption, vividly captured by the Sentinel-2 satellite. The images provide valuable data for monitoring volcanic activity and assessing potential hazards. [See image sources for visuals of the eruption].
ISS Astronaut Shares Stunning Time-Lapse
Japanese astronaut kimia Yui, a member of Crew-11 aboard the International Space Station as August 2025, continues to share captivating visuals from orbit. Yui recently posted a breathtaking time-lapse video showcasing a flight path from the united States across the Atlantic Ocean to the Gulf of Aden. The video is praised for its extraordinary image quality.
Good morning everyone!
Today I’m going to show you a time-lapse of the path from the United States to the Atlantic Ocean, Europe, and the Middle East.
I hope this video cheers you up!
Let’s do our best today too! pic.twitter.com/023q15lT82– Kimiya.Yui (@Astro_Kimiya) January 8, 2026
NASA’s Pandora Mission to Explore Exoplanets
NASA is developing the Pandora mission, utilizing small satellite technology (cubesats) to study exoplanets. Pandora will analyze the atmospheres of exoplanets to search for biosignatures – indicators of potential life. The mission aims to expand our understanding of planetary systems beyond our own. [See image sources for artist concepts of the Pandora mission].
DCubed Introduces Araqys: Advanced Power Solutions for Space
DCubed, a space technology company, has unveiled Araqys, a new power solution designed for space applications. Araqys offers high-performance, reliable power for satellites and other spacecraft, addressing a critical need for advanced power systems in the growing space industry. [See image sources for visuals of the Araqys system].
Sources:
* https://dcubed.space/dcubed-powers-ahead-introducing-araqys-the-power-solution-for-space/
* [Image sources](https://dcubed.space/wp-content/uploads/2025-11-18_Araqys-D3-Pic-e1763450980149-1024×680.png