New Frontier Magazine

Daron Krikorian

Editorial byline

Daron Krikorian is an editorial byline for New Frontier Magazine, with a focus on Space Exploration, Explainers. Biographical credentials and external profiles are published only after verification.

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Coverage Areas

Space Exploration
Explainers

Latest Articles

Editorial illustration for Two Paths to Quantum Fault Tolerance: Comparing Trapped-Ion and Neutral-Atom Architectures
Explainers

Two Paths to Quantum Fault Tolerance: Comparing Trapped-Ion and Neutral-Atom Architectures

Building fault-tolerant quantum computers requires overcoming qubit fragility through complex architectures. This article compares two leading approaches: trapped-ion and neutral-atom, detailing their distinct strategies for scaling and error correction.

Oct 6, 2026 · 4 min read

Editorial illustration for Comparing Critical Technologies for Long-Duration Human Mars Missions
Space Exploration

Comparing Critical Technologies for Long-Duration Human Mars Missions

This article analyzes critical technologies for long-duration human Mars missions, evaluating their readiness levels (TRL), resource demands, and impact on crew safety and mission feasibility. It highlights key areas like advanced propulsion, life support, ISRU, and power systems, guiding investment for future exploration.

Sep 30, 2026 · 5 min read

Editorial illustration for Starship Achieves Orbital Milestone Amidst Fiery End, Posing New Challenges for Artemis Lunar Program
Space Exploration

Starship Achieves Orbital Milestone Amidst Fiery End, Posing New Challenges for Artemis Lunar Program

SpaceX's Starship achieved its first orbital milestone, successfully reaching Earth orbit and deploying satellites. However, the test flight ended with a fiery explosion, raising concerns for its critical role in NASA's Artemis lunar program.

Sep 29, 2026 · 4 min read

The StarBurst satellite, a compact marvel of technology, actively detecting powerful gamma-ray bursts from a distant cosmic event in deep space.
Space Exploration

Essential Technologies for NASA's StarBurst Gamma-Ray Mission

Imagine a satellite weighing just 250 kg, yet boasting over 500% the effective gamma-ray detection area of its colossal predecessor, the Fermi Gamma-ray Burst Monitor.

Sep 18, 2026 · 5 min read

Advanced quantum processor with holographic qubit and error correction visualizations in a futuristic data center, representing IBM's breakthrough.
Quantum Computing

IBM advances quantum error correction for fault-tolerant computing

Researchers have dramatically increased logical qubit survival rates from below 90 percent to more than 96 percent per error-correction cycle, according to The Quantum Insider .

Sep 16, 2026 · 5 min read

Futuristic fusion reactor core with glowing plasma, intricate superconductor magnets, and an AI interface analyzing material structures.
Future of Energy

Superconductor magnets tested for 2026 fusion reactors

Existing superconductor magnets designed for fusion reactors, like those undergoing radiation tests in 2026, often become brittle in a reactor's intense high-radiation environment.

Sep 5, 2026 · 3 min read

A futuristic fusion power plant with MGE and Realta Fusion logos, representing a new era of clean energy in Wisconsin.
Future of Energy

MGE and Realta Fusion Partner on 200MW Wisconsin Fusion Plant

A Madison utility is directly investing in a nuclear fusion startup that recently powered a lightbulb with direct energy conversion, aiming to build a 200-megawatt plant capable of powering 150,000 ho

Sep 2, 2026 · 3 min read

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope positioned in orbit against a backdrop of a vibrant, star-filled galaxy, symbolizing its mission to discover exoplanets and study dark energy.
Space Exploration

NASA Roman Telescope to Spot Exoplanets, Probe Dark Energy

NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is projected to discover as many as 200,000 potential planets beyond the Solar System, a number that would multiply humanity's known exoplanet count by over 30

Aug 26, 2026 · 4 min read

Two towering, interconnected modular cryogenic systems, representing IBM's advancement in quantum computing infrastructure, are shown in a state-of-the-art research facility.
Quantum Computing

IBM Connects First Modular Cryogenic Systems for Quantum Computing

Standing over eight feet tall and wide, IBM's first two operational modular cryogenic systems were successfully joined and cooled to 4 Kelvin in under five days, marking a significant engineering feat

Aug 21, 2026 · 2 min read

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket upper stage impacting the Moon's far side, creating two distinct craters in the lunar regolith.
Space Exploration

SpaceX rocket impact creates new double crater on moon

On March 4, 2022, a discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage, initially thought to be a single piece of space junk, slammed into the Moon's far side, unexpectedly carving not one, but two distinct crater

Aug 19, 2026 · 5 min read

Abstract visualization of quantum superposition and entanglement, showing overlapping glowing spheres and interconnected lines against a starry, cosmic background.
Quantum Computing

Quantum Superposition & Entanglement in Quantum Computing

In a groundbreaking experiment, clusters containing over 7,000 atoms were observed to exist in multiple locations at once, their center-of-mass position delocalized by more than ten times their own di

Aug 14, 2026 · 5 min read

A NASA astronaut in a spacesuit stands on a desolate plain, gazing up at a Soyuz spacecraft descending through a colorful sunset sky, symbolizing a career's end.
Space Exploration

NASA astronaut Mike Fincke retires following medical evacuation

Just weeks after piloting a mission that returned in January, NASA astronaut Mike Fincke was medically evacuated from the International Space Station on January 7, 2025.

Aug 13, 2026 · 3 min read

A futuristic data center showcasing the integration of Oracle Cloud infrastructure with Quantinuum's Helios quantum computer, symbolizing advanced AI and quantum capabilities.
Quantum Computing

Oracle Cloud Integrates Quantinuum's Helios Quantum Computer

In a monumental leap bringing the future of computing into today's enterprise, Oracle will physically install Quantinuum's 98-physical-qubit Helios quantum computer directly inside a US Oracle Cloud I

Aug 12, 2026 · 5 min read

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage impacting the Moon's surface, creating a bright flash and a new crater.
Space Exploration

SpaceX rocket stage impacted the Moon

An 8,800-pound piece of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched years ago, slammed into the Moon on August 5, creating a new crater near the Einstein and Bell craters.

Aug 5, 2026 · 7 min read

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket stage on an unavoidable collision course with the Moon's surface, set against the backdrop of stars.
Space Exploration

SpaceX rocket stage nears predictable moon collision

On August 5, 2026, a discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 upper stage, hurtling at 5,400 mph, will smash into the Moon near Einstein Crater.

Aug 3, 2026 · 3 min read

Interior view of a futuristic fusion energy reactor with glowing blue plasma, showcasing advanced technology and scientific control.
Future of Energy

How Do Fusion Energy Reactor Designs Work for Future Power?

In February 2022, researchers at the Joint European Torus (JET) facility in England achieved 59 megajoules of heat energy from fusion over a five-second period, setting a new world record for sustaine

Jul 21, 2026 · 3 min read

Astronauts working near the Artemis lunar lander on the Moon's surface, with Earth in the background, symbolizing the challenges of a sustainable lunar presence.
Space Exploration

Top 3 NASA Artemis Challenges for Sustainable Moon Presence in 2026

Former NASA Administrator Mike Griffin has publicly called for the Artemis III mission and all subsequent missions to be canceled and restarted, citing deep-seated program issues.

Jul 19, 2026 · 5 min read

Scientists working in a futuristic quantum computing lab with glowing processors and holographic displays, symbolizing advanced research and discovery.
Quantum Computing

Top 9 Quantum Computing Research Institutions for 2026

By 2026, a single quantum computing breakthrough from one of the top institutions could render current cryptographic standards obsolete, fundamentally reshaping global data security.

Jul 17, 2026 · 5 min read

A detailed illustration of a quantum heat engine operating at the nanoscale, showing particle interactions and energy flow, representing a scientific breakthrough.
Quantum Computing

How Do Quantum Heat Engines Work? Reaching 0.7 Carnot Efficiency

Experimental quantum dot heat engines have already achieved an astonishing 70% of the theoretical maximum efficiency, a benchmark that challenges traditional thermodynamic limits.

Jul 14, 2026 · 4 min read

A glowing diamond with internal quantum structures, symbolizing diamond NV-centers in a futuristic quantum computing laboratory.
Quantum Computing

What Are Diamond NV-Centers in Quantum Computing?

A refrigerator-sized quantum computer prototype, operating at room temperature, is already being tested by the DLR QCI project.

Jul 11, 2026 · 5 min read