A multifunctional frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) LiDAR capable of high-precision ranging and multi-parameter sensing is proposed for the first time. By detecting the echo signals from both free space and optical fiber, 3D imaging and the measurements of diverse physical parameters, including environmental temperature, gas concentrations and liquid density can be measured simultaneously. The proposed multifunctional LiDAR exhibits significant application potential in fields such as new energy vehicles and spacecraft.

SAN ANTONIO — September 1, 2026 — New Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) modeling, conducted in collaboration with scientists at the University of Arizona, shows fundamental differences in how the Moon may have formed from the giant impact that created the Earth-Moon system. The new results used state-of-the-art computational techniques that factor in the material strength of the two colliding planets. These impact simulations could change how researchers understand Moon formation and may help constrain the timing of the event. This research was published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

A team of researchers led by University of Central Florida Planetary Scientist Charles Schambeau captured an extraordinary glimpse of an ancient icy object that may be transforming into an active comet. The findings could help scientists better understand how primitive objects from the outer solar system transition over time, offering new clues about the origins and evolution of comets. As America’s Space University, UCF continues to advance planetary science by leading research that uncovers the history and evolution of our solar systems through observations from the world’s most powerful telescopes. 

Astronomers from The University of Manchester and the University of the Western Cape have directly detected an extremely faint radio signal from hydrogen gas billions of light years away, opening up a powerful new way to map the large-scale structure of the Universe.

The Europlanet Science Congress (EPSC) 2026 will be held in hybrid format at the Amare arts venue in The Hague, Netherlands, and online, from 6–11 September 2026. EPSC2026 covers the full spectrum of planetary research and technology across over 125 scientific sessions, keynotes, debates and community events. Around 1200 planetary scientists from over 40 countries in Europe and around the world are expected to attend the conference.

SAN ANTONIO — August 31, 2026 — A Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) study of data from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Solar Orbiter gives the most detailed view of the heliospheric current sheet (HCS) to date. The HCS is a sprawling undulating surface emanating from the Sun to beyond the solar system, which serves as the boundary between the Sun’s north and south magnetic field hemispheres.