During February–June 2024 we conducted four surveys among researchers regarding the likely existence of basic, complex, and intelligent extraterrestrial life. Our results offer a snapshot of community opinion and reveal a significant degree of consensus that extraterrestrial life is likely to exist.

In August 2024, the International Astronomical Union General Assembly was held for the first time on the African continent, as a fully hybrid and open-access conference. This opportunity to approach such a traditional and historical event from a new perspective encouraged a spirit of innovation enabled by emerging technologies.

The space agency that put humans on the Moon and plans to return them there this decade is mired in a funding crisis that jeopardizes its long-term future. With further political uncertainty on the horizon, NASA officials, scientists and other employees find themselves in an uneasy limbo.

The XXXII IAU General Assembly, held for the first time on the African continent from 6–15 August 2024, marked a historic milestone in the global astronomy community. Driven by a bold vision, the event highlighted Africa's growing scientific capacity, and embodied the African spirit of Ubuntu, emphasizing accessibility, impact, and sustainability.

Four years ago the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Hayabusa2 mission returned samples of an asteroid to Earth. The latest results in the analysis of the sample material are presented in this issue of Nature Astronomy.

Humans first reached Mars in 1971, initiating the record of human activity on the Red Planet. As planetary scientists plan for future planetary protection procedures for Mars, they should also consider the developing archaeological record on one of our nearest planets.

The sample numbers required to achieve a 95% confidence, with high precision, that Martian environments are lifeless can exceed many hundreds. This might not be achievable by sample return only and might require human explorers.

In October 2024, two spacecrafts were successfully launched towards different bodies: Europa, a prime astrobiological target, and Dimorphos, the first test of planetary defence. Joined in their exploration by other missions, they are perfect examples of intra-agency synergy to enhance our knowledge of the Solar System.

The Origin of Life Space Experiment, conducted on China’s Space Station Tiangong, aims to investigate the origin of genetic codes and its relation with gravity effects.

Is Mars exploration stalling? The unused 2022 and 2024 launch windows send some warning signs. A revitalized approach could orient a new phase of exploration and complement the long-awaited sample return process.