ScientistPankaj: 💥First images of direct star collision revealed | 🛰️ Starlink satellite is tumbling toward Earth

Friday, December 19, 2025

💥First images of direct star collision revealed | 🛰️ Starlink satellite is tumbling toward Earth | ☄️How did 3I/ATLAS become so viral?

Trump signs sweeping 'space superiority' bill | How 'Avatar' became a mega-franchise

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December 19, 2025

Something amazing every day

The Launchpad

SpaceX Starlink satellite had partial breakup in orbit

One of SpaceX's Starlink broadband internet satellites suffered an anomaly in orbit on Wednesday (Dec. 17) and is now plunging toward Earth. We have the full story on our website.

Other headlines for today include South Korean startup Innospace will attempt its first orbital launch today (which you can watch), a deep dive into how interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS became so viral and an exploration into how 'Avatar' became an unlikely mega-franchise.

It's also Friday so as we head into the weekend we have your weekly staff recommendations of "what we're reading/playing/watching." You'll find those suggestions from our team at the bottom of your newsletter.

We have all that and more for your daily read.
Keep looking up,
Kenna
Content Manager, Space.com

Starlink satellite falling after orbital breakup

An anomaly led to loss of contact with the satellite and "the release of a small number of trackable low relative velocity objects."

Experts capture 1st direct images of colliding stars

"It's like looking back in time in a sense, to that violent period of our solar system when it was less than a billion years old."

Space quiz! When did the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs happen?

Click here for the answer!

Space deal of the day

Best streaming devices to watch sci-fi shows in 2025

Convert your TV into a smart TV with a streaming stick and watch all your favorite sci-fi shows and movies in one place, to access your streaming service of choice.

Spaceflight

Trump signs order to boost U.S. space superiority

The president wants the U.S. to start setting up a permanent moon base by 2030, among other goals.

South Korea's Innospace attempts 1st orbital launch

Liftoff of Innospace's Spaceward mission is scheduled for 1:45 p.m. ET today (Dec. 19

Science & Astronomy

Comet 3I/ATLAS: From initial discovery to viral fame

For one, it came down to timing.

'Crash Clock' flags quicker satellite collision risk

"2.8 days is the average expectation value for time to the first collision.

Entertainment

Why 'Avatar' became an unlikely mega-franchise

They're not part of a vast, Marvel-style universe, and neither is a classic. So why are the "Avatar" movies so successful?

Best Lego Avatar sets of 2025

If you're a Pandora-loving moviegoer who can't get enough of the Na'vi culture, keep an eye on these stunning Lego Avatar sets.

Today in Space

On this day: Dec. 19, 1961: France creates space agency

On Dec. 19, 1961, France's space agency was born!

Photo of day: Geminid meteors streak under green sky

Astrophotographer Josh Dury has captured the beauty of the Geminids in this stunning timelapse exposure.

Editor's Note

What we're reading/playing/watching

Whether you're looking to unwind with a mind-bending sci-fi series or lose yourself in a video game during the coming weekend, we've got you covered. Here's what the Space.com team is enjoying at the moment:

Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Content Manager: "I'm currently reading 'Grimm's Fairy Tales' (the original version) because they're easy to pick up and put down and have influenced so much of our culture."

Brett Tingley, Managing Editor: "I'm finally diving into the final season of Stranger Things. Wild to think that this show has been out almost ten years now. What an influence it has had on popular culture and television!"