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SpaceX is poised to launch its Starship for the 11th full-scale test flight, and the fifth of this year. The upcoming mission, slated for no earlier than October 13, marks a crucial milestone as the company aims to demonstrate the rocket's capabilities and repeat the successes of the previous test flight on August 26. The rocket's Super Heavy booster is set to splash down in the Gulf of Mexico, just offshore from SpaceX's launch site in South Texas. Meanwhile, Starship, the rocket's upper stage, will follow a suborbital arc before reentering the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean for a water landing northwest of Australia. During the flight, SpaceX will test the rocket's satellite deployer and reignite one of the ship's Raptor engines in space to adjust the vehicle's path for reentry. These demonstrations are pivotal in paving the way for future Starship flights into low-Earth orbit. Notably, all of the rocket's ascents to date have, by design, ended b...

However, the asteroid 's trajectory still suggests a potential impact on the moon, sparking concerns about the consequences of such an event. The researchers explored various strategies to prevent the asteroid's impact, including deflection techniques like NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), which has successfully altered the trajectory of asteroids in the past. Nevertheless, the team concluded that nuclear explosives would be a more effective option for handling larger asteroids and shorter warning times. According to Brent Barbee, one of the researchers behind the paper, nuclear explosives are capable of handling larger asteroids and → or shorter warning times than other methods. In an interview with Newsweek, Barbee explained that the team suggested deploying two nuclear explosive devices, each five to eight times stronger than the bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. These devices would be launched toward the asteroid in an attempt to disrupt it befo...

A new frontier of conflict is unfolding above the Earth, 22,000 miles up, where a struggle for dominance in space is intensifying. Britain, it seems, is unprepared for the battle ahead. Russian satellites, known as Luch or Olymp, have been tracking European spacecraft, sparking concerns about their intentions. Experts speculate that Russia is seeking to understand how to disrupt, intercept, or manipulate signals. Germany recently disclosed that its Intelsat satellites, utilized by its armed forces, had been targeted. This incident is part of a larger trend, with at least 10 spacecraft experiencing close encounters with Russian satellites. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has led to Russia's increasing isolation in space. The impending decommissioning of the International Space Station around 2030 may further sever ties between Moscow and international space agencies. The stakes are high, as control of space directly impacts terrestrial dominance. A hostile actor's destructio...

The robotics sector is experiencing a surge in activity and investments, driven by the need to accelerate industrial automation, digitalization, and sustainability. Andreas Bubenzer-Paim, Head of Technology Banking at BMO, oversees the delivery of financial services to U. S. technology companies, including those in the robotics industry. Sophisticated machines, from drones and humanoid robots to collaborative "cobots" designed to work alongside humans, are poised to revolutionize industries and daily ---s. When combined with artificial intelligence (AI), robots can replicate human manual dexterity and make independent decisions to achieve repeatable and accurate goals. Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot is a notable example of technological innovation that is set to disrupt traditional labor markets. However, it is only one part of broader trends reshaping the robotics landscape. The industry is developing robots specifically designed to support environmental goals, such...

A desolate wanderer, forged in the depths of an alien star system, now traverses the vast expanse of their solar system . The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has confirmed the presence of an interstellar object, a comet born from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. Designated 3I → ATLAS, this celestial ___ is only the third of its kind to be observed. Currently, the comet resides approximately 420 million miles away, its trajectory meticulously tracked by astronomers. For a fleeting moment, it will be visible to ground telescopes, a spectacle that will cease in September as the comet draws perilously close to the sun. In December, 3I → ATLAS is expected to reemerge on the opposite side of the sun, once again accessible to observation. The comet's passage poses no threat to Earth, maintaining a safe distance of at least 150 million miles. Researchers worldwide continue to investigate the comet's size and physical properties. This information was fir...

In the vast expanse of space, a rogue planet orbits, untethered to a star, its atmosphere a puzzle waiting to be solved. Meet SIMP-0136, a behemoth 12. 7 times the mass of Jupiter, its radius 1. 2 times that of the gas giant, floating 20 light-years from Earth. An international team of researchers, led by Dr. Evert Nasedkin, a Postdoctoral Fellow at Trinity College Dublin, has made a groundbreaking discovery about this enigmatic world using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. As the team peered into SIMP-0136's atmosphere, they were met with a surprise: thermal inversion, a phenomenon where the temperature grows hotter with altitude, defying the expected trend. The atmospheric temperature near the surface is colder, while it increases as the altitude rises. This unusual characteristic sets SIMP-0136 apart from other planets. Further investigation revealed that the clouds of SIMP-0136 are composed of silicate grains, akin to beach sand, rather than water droplets or ice crysta...

The phenomenon of unidentified flying objects continues to captivate the imagination of people around the world. Recently, a video surfaced online, showcasing a peculiar sighting in Tulcingo de Valle, Puebla, Mexico. On September 17, journalist and researcher Jaime Maussan captured footage of three V-shaped lights forming a triangle in the distance, which eventually merged with a fourth light. The lights, described as huge and seemingly emanating from nothing, left eyewitnesses shaken. As the objects moved, they aligned in a nearly straight formation, prompting speculation about their origin and purpose. Some believe the UFOs were headed towards or coming from the nearby Popoatepetl volcano, which some consider an alien base, approximately 90 miles away. While some speculate that the lights could have been drones or lanterns, the footage ___ unexplained. This incident is not an isolated event, as similar triangular formations have been reported worldwide. The variety of UFO sightings...

Featured in SpaceNews: In the evolving landscape of space diplomacy, a paradigm shift is underway. The focus is no longer solely on abstract agreements, but on tangible outcomes that benefit people on the ground. The humanitarian use of space, particularly in providing health and emergency services, is a critical area where this shift is taking place. To safeguard this use of space, responsibility must be shared among national governments, international organizations, and industry players. Governments should take the lead in protecting satellites that provide vital services from counter-space threats. The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and multilateral coalitions like the International Charter or CEOS can coordinate rapid access to commercial satellites during crises. Industry coalitions can help keep Earth observation data open, interoperable, and act...

The Artemis II mission, slated for February of next year, has brought together a diverse crew of four astronauts, each with a unique perspective on the importance of collaboration in space exploration. Jeremy Hansen, a Canadian astronaut, emphasized the need for global cooperation, stating that "collaboration needs to be the ultimate goal if eight billion of us are going to have a bright future on this planet." His sentiments were echoed by his fellow crew members, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, who shared their vision of a world where nations work together to achieve greatness. During a recent news conference at NASA's Johnson Space Center, the crew of Artemis II spoke of their mission to travel around the moon and back to Earth, highlighting the significance of this endeavor as a symbol of what can be accomplished through international cooperation. Hansen noted that as they journey around the far side of the moon, he hopes that humanity will pause ...

Blue Origin was set to expand its presence in Titusville with a new light manufacturing facility near Space Coast Regional Airport. The company's plans included developing the site, previously home to Eckler's warehouse and distribution hub, into a 372,000-square-foot facility, with an initial 180,000-square-foot space being utilized. The project was expected to bring significant economic benefits to the community, including the creation of approximately 100 new jobs. Brian Winters, a senior director at Blue Origin, emphasized that these jobs would support local families and contribute to the area's economic vitality. The Titusville City Council unanimously approved Blue Origin's conditional-use permit with minimal discussion. Community Development Director Brad Parrish noted that no concerns were raised regarding potential nuisances, leading to a recommendation for approval. The new facility would occupy less than 10% of the 67. 3-acre property, with the closest si...

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration confirmed an interstellar object is traversing the solar system. This object, a comet, originates from the direction of the constellation Sagittarius. It is only the third of its kind ever observed. The comet, officially designated 3I → ATLAS, is approximately 420 million miles away. According to NASA, it will be visible to ground telescopes until September. As it approaches the sun, it will become too close to observe. In December, the comet is expected to reappear on the other side of the sun, becoming visible again. NASA assured that the comet poses no threat to Earth, maintaining a minimum distance of 150 million miles. The comet's size and physical properties are still under investigation worldwide, as reported by NASA. This information was sourced from Masslive. com. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration has confirmed an interstellar object is passing through our solar system. O...

United Airlines has made significant strides in enhancing its in-flight internet capabilities. The airline recently obtained clearance from the Federal Aviation Administration to integrate SpaceX's Starlink satellite internet system into its Boeing 737-800 aircraft. This development marks a substantial expansion of Starlink's presence across United's fleet, particularly among its larger planes. The Boeing 737-800 model, capable of accommodating between 219 and 318 passengers, represents a crucial segment of United's operations. The first of these aircraft, equipped with Starlink, is scheduled to take off from Newark → New York on October 15. United Airlines has already made notable progress with Starlink, having installed the technology on more than half of its regional fleet. The introduction of Starlink on Embraer 175 regional jets in May initially encountered a technical hurdle due to static interference. However, the issue was successfully resolved by reposition...

A potentially catastrophic asteroid , designated 2024 YR4, has captured the attention of astronomers worldwide due to its possible collision course with the Moon in 2032. Initially, concerns were raised about a potential impact on Earth, but further analysis has ruled out that possibility. Nevertheless, a 4% chance of the asteroid smashing into the Moon ___, prompting scientists to explore strategies for mitigating the potential consequences. Researchers from NASA and other US institutions have conducted a study, submitted to the Journal of the Astronautical Sciences, to assess options for deflecting or destroying the asteroid. Their findings suggest that detonating the asteroid may be the most effective approach, despite it not being the preferred strategy. Deflection would require precise calculations and execution, which is challenging given the limited knowledge about the asteroid's composition and the short timeframe available. The asteroid's size has been estimated to ...

As the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket soared into the sky, it carried with it NASA's Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe, or IMAP, a mission aimed at unraveling the mysteries of the heliosphere. This vast, magnetic bubble, generated by the Sun, shields the solar system from the unforgiving vastness of space. IMAP's primary objective is to develop a deeper understanding of space weather, which can have far-reaching consequences for our technological infrastructure. Equipped with cutting-edge sensors and detectors, IMAP will embark on a journey to sample, analyze, and map particles streaming toward Earth from the edges of the solar system and beyond. The data collected will be instrumental in enhancing space weather predictions, thanks in part to the IMAP Active Link for Real-Time system. This innovative system, supported by data from some of the spacecraft's instruments, will broadcast frequent and reliable information, providing critical insights into the dynamic nature ...

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, unveiling a tiny asteroid that has been orbiting the Sun in tandem with Earth for decades. Meet 2025 PN7, a minuscule space rock measuring just 19 meters across, which has been quietly accompanying our planet since 1957. This quasi-moon, as it's aptly named, doesn't truly orbit Earth, but rather the Sun, in a path eerily similar to our own. From our vantage point, 2025 PN7 appears to loop around Earth, but its orbit is slightly askew, causing it to occasionally lag behind or lead our planet. This celestial waltz will continue for approximately 60 more years, making it a fascinating companion in our cosmic neighborhood. The discovery of 2025 PN7 is all the more remarkable given its diminutive size, which made it a challenging target to detect. Astronomers revealed that its "visibility windows" are extremely narrow, requiring large telescopes and precise timing to spot. The Pan-STARRS1 telescope in Hawaii finally capt...

How AI is Revolutionizing Surgery The transformation of surgery is underway, with artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics redefining the way procedures are performed. According to Dr. Mark Slack, co-founder and chief medical officer of CMR Surgical, the impact of AI on surgery is being felt in operating theaters worldwide. Forbes reports that Dr. Slack's insights highlight the significant role AI is playing in reshaping the future of surgical technology. Two years ago, Dr. Slack would have been skeptical about the possibility of autonomous surgery, but now he believes it's a feasible reality. One of the most immediate benefits of AI in surgery is in vision enhancement. Traditional keyhole surgery poses significant challenges, including smoke-obscured surgical fields, two-dimensional images that make depth perception difficult, and critical anatomical structures that can be hard to distinguish from surrounding tissue. However, AI-enhanced systems are already making a tangib...

Today, a Falcon 9 rocket pierced the morning sky, lifting off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7:30 a. m. EDT. The mission was to deploy three probes into space, each with its own objectives, yet collectively striving to unravel the mysteries of space weather and its profound impact on Earth. These probes are destined for the sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1, a gravitationally stable location approximately 930,000 miles from Earth, in the direction of the sun. At the forefront of this mission is the Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP), the primary payload of today's launch. This sophisticated spacecraft, valued at roughly $600 million, is equipped with 10 distinct science instruments. These instruments will enable IMAP to monitor solar activity, study interstellar dust, and analyze the solar wind – a continuous stream of charged particles emanating from the sun. The data collected by IMAP will be instrumental in mapping the outer boundary of the helios...

The conventional notion of planetary formation has long been one of serene, orderly progression. However, recent observations from astronomers utilizing the Atacama Large Millimeter → submillimeter Array (ALMA) have revealed a far more complex and chaotic reality. According to a report on Earth. com, protoplanetary disks, the birthplaces of planets, are often warped and irregular, challenging the traditional view of planetary growth. A team of researchers, comprising a large international collaboration, has been studying the gas motions within nearby protoplanetary disk systems. Their findings indicate that these disks are characterized by small, orderly tilts that span the gas. These warps are linked to the movement of material through the disk and the rate at which the central star is feeding. By leveraging ALMA's high-precision radio maps of carbon monoxide, the team was able to track the motions of gas within the disks surrounding young planets. The instrument's ability ...

The perennial fascination with extraterrestrial --- and unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) has long been a staple of human curiosity. Scientists, often regarded as bastions of empirical evidence, are not immune to this intrigue. In fact, researchers have taken a meta approach to understanding their own interests, conducting surveys to gauge their colleagues' thoughts on the matter. A 2023 study from the University of Virginia shed light on this topic, querying scientists with tenure or on the tenure track at top research universities about their personal experiences with UAPs. The survey, which allowed respondents to remain anonymous, asked whether they or someone close to them had encountered "anything of unknown origin to you that might fit the U. S. government's definition of a UAP." The results, while not definitive, offer a glimpse into the scientific community's perspectives on this enigmatic topic. It is worth noting that the survey's findings shou...

Article from SpaceNews: General Chance Saltzman, the Chief of Space Operations, is urging a paradigm shift in the way the U. S. Space Force procures technology . He advocates for speed over perfection, emphasizing that imperfect solutions can still provide crucial support to troops today. This bold stance is a response to the rapidly advancing space warfare programs of adversaries like China. At the Air, Space & Cyber conference, Saltzman outlined his vision for acquisition reform, stressing the imperative to accelerate capability delivery. He views acquisitions and sustainment not just as support functions, but as a war-fighting imperative. The Space Force, established in 2019 as the military's youngest branch, is at a crossroads, with a unique opportunity to revolutionize how it develops and delivers space systems. The Pentagon is increasingly concerned about keeping pace with rival nations' space technology development. China and Russia are building capabilities desi...

NASA's VIPER Moon Mission Revived: A New Lease on Lunar Exploration In a surprising turn of events, NASA's Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) mission, previously scrapped due to escalating costs, has been given a second chance. The space agency has announced that Blue Origin, the spaceflight company founded by Amazon's Jeff Bezos, will take the reins in devising a new VIPER mission plan under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program. The VIPER mission, initially slated for cancellation last July, had been years in the making, with significant investment and development already underway. The rover's primary objective is to explore the lunar South Pole's extreme environment, venturing into small, permanently shadowed regions to gather crucial insights into the moon's environment. These findings will inform future landing sites for astronauts and contribute to a deeper understanding of the lunar terrain, essential for sust...

Featured in phys.org: In a groundbreaking move, NASA has entrusted Blue Origin with the mission to transport the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, or VIPER, to the lunar surface. This development comes after the space agency had previously canceled the project due to exorbitant costs and scheduling issues. VIPER, a cutting-edge rover designed to map resources and collect vital data, was initially slated to ride on Astrobotic's Griffin lander with a launch date in 2023. However, the project's costs skyrocketed to nearly $800 million, prompting NASA to reassess its plans. Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, has been awarded a task order worth up to $190 million under NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. The company will utilize its Blue Moon Mark 1 robotic lander to ferry VIPER to the moon's south pole, where it will embark on a mission to actively map resources, including ice, and gather crucial science data. The VIPER rover is poised to be ...

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration, or NASA, has announced the selection of 10 new astronauts, a diverse group of individuals who will be part of the agency's ambitious plans to return humans to the moon and eventually send them to Mars. According to a report on nytimes. com, this latest class of astronauts brings a unique set of skills and experiences to the table, with backgrounds ranging from engineering and medicine to military service and professional sports. Among the selectees is Ms. Menon, an engineer at SpaceX, who has already had the distinction of flying to low-Earth orbit as part of the private Polaris Dawn mission last year. Notably, she and her crew mate Sarah Gillis hold the record for the highest altitude reached by any female astronaut. Interestingly, Ms. Menon's husband, Anil, was also selected as an astronaut in the 2021 class, making them a remarkable example of a couple pushing the boundaries of space exploration. The new astronauts were i...

The United States' quest to return to the moon is faltering, critics argue, as SpaceX, the private aerospace manufacturer led by Elon Musk, struggles to deliver on its promises. According to reporting by The New York Times, specifically an article available at nytimes. com, the SpaceX Starship rocket has exploded during three of its four recent tests, casting doubt on the company's ability to meet its commitments. The current version of the Starship can carry only a fraction of its promised payload into orbit, a significant setback for the lunar lander project. This project is a crucial component of NASA's moon mission, which has been plagued by delays and cost overruns. Despite these challenges, other parts of the NASA mission are nearing completion and are slated for a full-scale flight around the moon with astronauts next year. However, SpaceX's lunar lander project is so far behind schedule that concerns are growing about the United States' ability to beat Ch...

Background Document: FRIPON → Vigie-Ciel Network and Asteroid Tracking Efforts** The FRIPON → Vigie-Ciel network, established around a decade ago, is a collaborative effort between professional and amateur astronomers in France. The network's primary mission is to detect and collect meteorites, which are fragments of asteroids that survive their passage through the Earth's atmosphere and land on the planet's surface. This initiative has significantly contributed to our understanding of asteroids, their composition, and their interaction with the Earth's atmosphere. One notable achievement of the FRIPON → Vigie-Ciel network was its role in tracking asteroid 2023 CX1, which disintegrated over northwestern France on February 13, 2023. The asteroid, weighing approximately 650 kilograms and measuring less than a meter in diameter, was first spotted by a Hungarian astronomer just seven hours before its descent. The network's swift mobilization, combined with data from...

As the clock ticks down to the start of the new fiscal year, NASA finds itself in a precarious position. The White House's proposed budget for 2026 had slashed funding for the agency, but the House and Senate have since put forth their own plans. With no final budget in place, the threat of a government shutdown looms large. In a bid to mitigate the damage, interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy has instructed the agency to operate under the budget guidelines set forth by the House Appropriations Committee. While this doesn't provide the full funding NASA's science portfolio requires, it's a more palatable option than the severe cuts proposed by the White House. Earlier this summer, the White House had directed NASA's science mission leaders to prepare for the worst, drafting "closeout plans" for nearly two dozen spacecraft. However, Duffy's directive offers a glimmer of hope, allowing NASA to continue its work, albeit with limitations. The House Ap...

He suggests that the rise of intelligent robots will far exceed the human population, with each person potentially having their own personal robot. Musk's solution to the impending job displacement is not a universal basic income, but rather a universal high income. He envisions a future where "everyone will have the best medical care, food, home, transport and everything else," as he tweeted. This sustainable abundance, made possible by technological advancements, would ensure that everyone's fundamental needs are met. According to Yahoo Finance, this concept of universal high income has been a long-held idea of Musk's, one that he believes will be necessary to support a society where robots and AI have assumed many traditional roles. While some may view this as a utopian dream, Musk's assertions are rooted in his understanding of the rapid progress being made in AI and robotics. As the conversation around AI and job displacement continues, Musk's wor...

In the vast expanse of the solar system , a recent discovery has shed new light on the mysterious realm that lies beyond Neptune. A team of astronomers, led by Ying-Tung Chen of the Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, Academia Sinica (ASIAA) in Taiwan, has identified a dwarf planet, officially designated 2023 KQ14, which has been aptly named Ammonite. This distant world, residing in the outer reaches of the solar system, has been found to possess a unique characteristic that sets it apart from other small bodies in the region. Unlike most small bodies that are influenced by Neptune's gravitational pull, Ammonite belongs to a rare group of objects whose paths remain largely untouched for eons. Its orbit, which follows a wide, stable loop, has been simulated to remain steady over an astonishing 4. 5 billion years. This stability makes Ammonite an invaluable record keeper for understanding the formation and evolution of the outer solar system. Ammonite joins an exclusive group...

The universe, in its vast expanse, has yielded a secret: the existence of thousands of exoplanets. This revelation has been unfolding since 1992, when astronomers first detected planets beyond our solar system. The milestone of 6,000 confirmed exoplanets has been reached, with 18 new additions, mostly rocky worlds between the size of Earth and Neptune. These discoveries have been facilitated by a combination of ground telescopes, NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), and archival data from the Kepler space telescope. Jessie Christiansen, chief scientist of the NASA Exoplanets Institute, remarks on the ubiquity of planets, stating that "everywhere we look, we find planets." This phenomenon is both astonishing and reassuring, suggesting that our solar system is not an anomaly. The sheer number of exoplanets discovered has enabled researchers to transition from a "stamp-collecting" phase to a more physics-driven approach. Christiansen envisions a ...

Tennessee Congressman Tim Burchett has reignited the debate about underwater alien bases, asserting that the US government possesses knowledge about these purported sites. According to Burchett, there are allegedly "entities" inhabiting five or six deep-water locations on Earth. His claims have sparked intense curiosity, particularly given accounts from naval personnel about high-speed underwater craft. These craft reportedly reach velocities of hundreds of miles per hour, far surpassing the capabilities of current naval technology, which tops out at approximately 40 miles per hour. Burchett's concerns are rooted in the significant disparity between the advanced capabilities of these mysterious craft and the relatively slow speeds of naval vessels. When questioned about the potential involvement of military contractors in concealing the Pentagon's secrets, Burchett's stance remained unclear. This is not Burchett's first foray into the realm of extraordinary...

A recent report, "Redshift," co-authored by Jonathan Roll, a research analyst at Arizona State University, paints a sobering picture of China's rapidly advancing space program. According to Roll, who has been studying China's space ambitions for years, the country's progress has been nothing short of remarkable. In an interview with Ars Technica, Roll noted that his research had revealed significant strides in China's space endeavors, with the nation seemingly intent on challenging the United States' long-held dominance in the field. The report, sponsored by the US-based Commercial Space Federation, highlights China's swift deregulation and innovative approaches to space exploration. A pivotal decision made by the Chinese government in 2014, known as "Document 60," has been instrumental in this progress. By allowing native companies to license government technology and utilize private capital for civilian space infrastructure, China has ...

In the vast expanse of the solar system, a recent discovery has piqued the interest of astronomers and celestial enthusiasts alike. A potential satellite has been detected orbiting the distant dwarf planet Quaoar, a frozen Kuiper Belt object situated beyond the orbit of Neptune. This enigmatic world, previously known to harbor two planetary rings and a single satellite, has yielded another secret to the keen eyes of researchers. Quaoar's remote location and icy composition render it an intriguing subject for study. The dwarf planet's elliptical orbit takes it far beyond the reaches of the solar system's major planets, into the realm of the Kuiper Belt, a region teeming with small, icy bodies. The latest findings, published in the American Astronomical Society Research Briefs, suggest that a MIRA occultation event – a phenomenon in which the light from a distant star is temporarily blocked by an intervening object – may be attributed to a new satellite orbiting Quaoar. Ac...

In the realm of lunar exploration, a pivotal development has emerged: NASA's S Mega Moon Rocket is slated to receive crucial upgrades in preparation for the forthcoming Artemis II mission. Scheduled for early next year, this crewed mission will utilize the agency's next-generation SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft. According to Digital Trends, the four-person crew will embark on a 10-day journey, venturing as close as 4,000 miles to the lunar surface before executing a lunar flyby and returning to Earth. A key focus of NASA's recent update is the enhancements made to the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft since the Artemis I mission in 2022. Notably, the maiden flight of the SLS rocket experienced turbulent airflow, resulting in elevated vibrations near the solid rocket booster attachment points. To mitigate this issue, NASA has incorporated a pair of six-foot-long aerodynamic surfaces, designed to facilitate a smoother ascent. The rocket's navigation system has undergon...

Blue Origin's New Shepard Capsule, RSS H. G. Wells, has reached the end of its operational ---, according to a report by SpaceNews. After a storied career spanning nearly eight years and a dozen uncrewed missions, the capsule has been retired. Launched on September 19 from Blue Origin's Launch Site One in West Texas, the NS-35 mission successfully carried dozens of research payloads to a peak altitude of 105 kilometers, a typical profile for the vehicle. The mission, which was initially scheduled for August 23 but delayed due to avionics issues, marked Blue Origin's seventh suborbital flight of the year. RSS H. G. Wells first took to the skies in December 2017, debuting as "Crew Capsule 2. 0" with upgraded features such as larger windows, intended for future crewed flights. Over its ---time, the capsule flew 12 missions, exclusively carrying cargo. The capsule's final mission was a microcosm of its contributions to scientific research, carrying over 40 payl...

In the rugged expanse of Colorado's wilderness, a group of astronauts are embarking on a most unconventional training regimen. The NASA Artemis 2 crew, poised to make history with their lunar flyby mission in 2026, has been immersing themselves in the unforgiving terrain of the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training Site. This remote outpost, operated by the Colorado Army National Guard, has been certified by NASA as a premier training ground for simulating the moon's treacherous landscape. Here, amidst the rocky outcroppings and undulating hills, astronauts Matthew Dominick and Mark Vande Hei recently participated in a grueling two-week certification run. Alongside seasoned instructor pilots from the Army National Guard, they took turns navigating a helicopter through disorienting slopes, shadows, and uneven surfaces - conditions eerily reminiscent of the moon's alien topography. The Artemis program, a bold endeavor aimed at returning humans to the lunar sur...

PARIS — SpaceX expects to begin testing direct-to-device services using newly acquired spectrum from EchoStar as soon as the end of next year. SpaceX President Gwynne Shotwell said at the World Space Business Week conference Sept. 16 that the company is now working with a wide range of technology and telecom partners to use S-band spectrum SpaceX purchased for $17 billion in cash and stock last week . "We hope to be launching our next-generation direct-to-device satellites in two years, and hopefully maybe have some tests on phones late next year," she said. The EchoStar spectrum requires SpaceX to deploy a new generation of satellites with payloads compatible with that spectrum. The company also needs partnerships with other firms so that devices can use it. She argued that effort will be more efficient than the "clunky" approach of negotiating with individual operators for spectrum rights. "When we cross a border into another country, we now need t...

A potentially hazardous asteroid spanning the length of the Washington Monument will make a safe, close approach to Earth on Sept. 18 and you can watch the flyby live online courtesy of the Virtual Telescope Project. 2025 FA22's next flyby of Earth will occur at 3:42 a.m. EDT (0742 GMT) on Sept. 18, when the asteroid will pass 523,206 miles (842018 kilometers) from our planet — the equivalent to around 2.2 lunar distances — posing zero risk to us, or the moon . Stargazers can tune in to the Virtual Telescope Project's YouTube stream beginning at 11 p.m. EDT on Sept. 17 (3:00 GMT Sept. 18) to see live views from the organization's robotic telescopes located in Italy as the asteroid approaches its minimum distance to Earth. ⁘While, we repeat, this is a safe approach, it is still remarkable: a similar close encounter, involving an object of that size coming that close, happens one time every ten years on average, accordingly to JPL Center for NEO Studies,⁘ wrote Virtual...

T hrough the James Webb Space Telescope and the Hubble Telescope , it has been possible to confirm the expansion of the universe. You might also find this intersting: Visit website

A quasi-satellite is a kind of orbital trick. The object circles the Sun almost in lockstep with Earth, so from our point of view it seems to orbit ... Looking to read more like this: See here

Figure AI, a startup based in San Jose, California, has drawn attention in recent months for its sleek, humanlike black-and-gray robots doing basic ... Looking to read more like this: Check here

3I/ATLAS is a fast, ancient interstellar object. Its odd features fuel both scientific study and speculation. Find some other details related to this article: See here

NASA has responded to growing speculation that mysterious interstellar object 3I/ATLAS is actually an alien starship preparing to invade Earth. You can find out even more here: Visit website

That sense of transition captures more than the astronaut experience; it reflects a wider shift underway in the space economy. You can find out even more here: See here

Scientists have found what they believe to be a second moon circling Quaoar, a far-off dwarf planet. You might also find this intersting: Check here

Launch recap: Scroll down to read updates from the NG-23 mission, which launched 6:11 p.m. Sept. 14 from Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space ... Looking to read more like this: Check here

In "Rocket Dreams," Christian Davenport revels in the struggle between the billionaire moguls Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos to leave the Earth behind. You can find out even more here: See here

WASHINGTON — The chief executive of commercial space station developer Vast says he supports NASA's revised approach to supporting development of ... Here's one of the sources for this article: See here

W ith two-thirds of the satellites currently in low-Earth orbit, SpaceX has become the king of the heavens, overseeing a growing broadband internet ... You might also find this intersting: Visit website

Around 35 million years ago, a small asteroid traveling at 40,000 miles per hour (64,373 kilometers per hour) You can find out even more here: Visit website

Seven $1 coin s that once traveled to space sold today in an online auction. The sale prices ranged from $120,000 up to $550,000. Other references and insights: See here

In a recent breakthrough, astronomers have discovered a new "quasi-moon" that has been orbiting Earth after decades of being unnoticed. You might also find this intersting: See here

Researchers continue to analyze the sample brought back to Earth from the asteroid Bennu — and among the things they've found is that Bennu's parent... Other references and insights: Visit website

Some planets may be soot-rich rather than water-based. Atmosphere studies will be key to understanding their true nature. Here's one of the sources for this article: See here

WASHINGTON — A startup has raised an initial round of funding to commercialize a technology that could create large structures in orbit. You can find out even more here: Check here

But after thorough analysis of one of these worlds, Trappist-1e, astronomers have not been able to rule out the presence of a nitrogen-gas-rich ... Other references and insights: Check here

WASHINGTON — The inclusion of a 30-day demonstration mission in revised plans by NASA to support development of commercial space stations does not ... Looking to read more like this: Visit website