The Rocket Go Up Company

Intuitive Machines, a company sister to X-energy, has secured funding to advance its in-space nuclear technology . This development builds upon a previous $9. 5 million award from the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). The company aims to overcome the limitations of solar power, which is currently the primary energy source for space missions. The harsh environments of space, such as the lunar night, pose significant challenges to solar power. Temperatures can drop to -129 degrees Celsius (-200 degrees Fahrenheit), making supplemental power systems necessary. These systems, including radioisotope thermoelectric generators or battery banks, add bulk, weight, and complexity to missions. Intuitive Machines is working on a Stirling-based power conversion system, which converts heat from a radioisotope source into electricity. The system has successfully completed a preliminary design review. With the new funding, the company will prepare the system for flight, marking a critical step...

Information column from Digital Trends: SpaceX has unveiled its ambitious plans for the Starship program, a crucial component in NASA's Artemis missions aimed at establishing a permanent human presence on the moon and beyond. In a detailed statement released on its website, the company responded to NASA's recent decision to reopen bids for the crewed Artemis III mission to the moon. This move by NASA was prompted by concerns over SpaceX's delayed development of its Starship rocket, which is slated to return astronauts to the moon in Artemis III, currently scheduled for 2027. The Starship, with its upper stage known as the Ship, is pivotal to NASA's Artemis program, according to SpaceX. The company asserts that the Starship will not only facilitate the Artemis missions but also pave the way for humanity's first steps on Mars. In an effort to retain its contract, SpaceX has proposed a simplified plan for the Artemis III mission, though details remain under wraps. ...

NASA's Artemis 3 mission, aimed at returning humans to the lunar surface, is facing a critical juncture. The agency is reassessing its lunar lander options due to significant delays plaguing SpaceX's Starship Human Landing System (HLS). Amidst this uncertainty, Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos, has emerged as a leading contender to provide a lander for the mission. Blue Origin's progress on its Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1) and Blue Moon Mark 2 (MK2) landers was recently highlighted by Jacqueline Cortese, the company's Senior Director of Civil Space, at the American Astronautical Society's 2025 von Braun Space Exploration Symposium. According to Cortese, Blue Origin is poised to launch an MK1 demonstration mission before the end of the year. This cargo lander is designed to ferry up to 3 tons of payload to the lunar surface and serves as a stepping stone to the MK2 crew lander. The MK2 lander could potentially replace SpaceX's Starship HLS as the Artemis 3 lander if ...

On a day when the skies seemed to hold promise, SpaceX embarked on its Starlink 10-37 mission, launching a Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 40 in Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on October 29. The liftoff occurred at 12:35 p. m., marking the 90th launch of the year from Florida, and bringing the state closer to shattering last year's record of 93 launches. The trajectory of the rocket was northeast, with the ultimate goal of deploying 28 Starlink internet satellites into orbit. According to reports from Niners Wire, the launch was contingent upon favorable sea conditions, which, unfortunately, were forecasted to be rough. Despite the challenges posed by the weather, the 45th Weather Squadron predicted a low risk for launch conditions at the Cape, but a moderate risk for booster recovery conditions. As a result, the booster was scheduled to land on a SpaceX drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean, thereby avoiding any sonic booms that might have disturbed residents in Brevard Coun...

Beneath the Atlantic Ocean's surface, a hidden world of ancient destruction lies shrouded in darkness. Researchers from Heriot-Watt University have unearthed striking images of a 5-mile wide asteroid impact crater, concealed deep beneath the ocean floor. This Nadir Crater, measuring approximately 9 km in diameter, was formed around 66 million years ago when an asteroid collided with Earth, marking the end of the Cretaceous period. The timing of this event coincides with the Chicxulub impact in Mexico, a colossal crater linked to the extinction of the dinosaurs. Scientists have meticulously reconstructed the aftermath of the Nadir impact: the crater initially formed as a deep bowl, molten rock surged upward from below, a vast zone of fractured rock spread outward for thousands of square kilometers, and an enormous tsunami, towering over 800 meters high, swept across the Atlantic. The discovery was made by Dr. Uisdean Nicholson of Heriot-Watt University, who first identified the ...

The field of exoplanetary science has undergone significant transformations since the discovery of the first exoplanet 30 years ago. Thousands of these celestial bodies, orbiting stars beyond the Sun, have been unveiled, showcasing an astonishing diversity. They range from extreme lava planets with vaporized rock atmospheres to ocean worlds, with some potentially resembling Earth. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), launched in 2021, has been instrumental in revolutionizing the understanding of exoplanetary atmospheres. By capturing unprecedented details of clouds and haze, scientists have gained new insights into the complex processes governing these distant worlds. Researchers are now studying the dynamics of winds and turbulence, which transport compounds on exoplanets, and observing chemical reactions that defy Earthly comparisons. As scientists continue to probe the atmospheres of these alien worlds, they are faced with a daunting challenge: interpreting the complex data g...

error code: 500 ← → Topic session: Astronomer Beatriz Villarroel, affiliated with the Nordic Institute for Theoretical Physics in Sweden, has recently published two peer-reviewed papers that have sparked curiosity and controversy regarding unidentified flying objects (UFOs). The papers, published in Scientific Reports (Villarroel et al., 2022) and the Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific (Villarroel et al., 2022), explore the possibility of artificial objects in space based on data collected from the Palomar Observatory in California between 1949 and 1958. The Palomar Observatory, located in San Diego County, California, is a renowned astronomical research facility that has been in operation since 1948. The observatory is home to the 200-inch Hale Telescope, one of the largest telescopes in the world, as well as the 1. 2-meter Palomar Schmidt telescope, later renamed the Samuel Oschin Telescope (Oschin, 1982). The Palomar Sky Survey, conducted from 1949 to 1958...

Amazon's plans for automation have sparked concerns among workers, as rumors suggest the company aims to replace 600,000 human employees with robots by 2033. This move is part of a broader effort to increase efficiency and reduce costs. According to a leaked report, Amazon's automation plan involves replacing a significant portion of its workforce with robots over the next eight years. The company's robotic workforce already plays a substantial role in its day-to-day operations, enhancing warehouse efficiency and safety. However, the prospect of widespread automation, coupled with the integration of AI technology, has raised concerns about the future of work and employment. As reported by The HR Digest, Amazon's automation plan is expected to result in the replacement of 600,000 workers with robots by 2033, automating 75% of its operations. This decision is driven by a desire for greater efficiency, with projections suggesting that it could save 30 cents on each ite...

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have identified three Earth-size exoplanets orbiting a binary star system, defying previous theories on planetary formation. Utilizing NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS), the scientists detected the planets, designated as TOI-2267, which revolve around twin stars in close proximity. This compact binary system challenges existing models that suggest such arrangements are hostile to complex planetary formations. The exoplanets, comparable in size to Earth, present a fascinating possibility - they may experience double sunsets, reminiscent of the iconic Tatooine landscape from the Star Wars universe. This phenomenon would occur as the two stars, in close orbit around each other, take turns setting behind the horizon. The discovery of TOI-2267 marks a significant milestone, as it is the first binary system known to host transiting planets around both of its stars. The system's unique configuration, characterized by grav...

In the arid expanse of the US desert, a mystifying spectacle has been unfolding, shrouded in secrecy. A YouTube investigator, Anders Otteson, has captured footage of an enigmatic, wing-shaped aircraft, eerily reminiscent of a UFO, undergoing testing at Lockheed Martin's Helendale facility. This clandestine site, nestled in a remote corner of the desert, is home to the infamous Skunk Works division, a hotbed of top-secret aerospace innovation. The grainy footage, shot from a safe distance, reveals a dark, wing-shaped object perched atop a white pillar, seemingly suspended in mid-air. As Otteson recounts, he spent hours camping on public land overlooking the facility, patiently waiting to capture this extraordinary sight. The Helendale radar-testing facility has long been a hub for classified projects, having played a pivotal role in the development of some of America's most revolutionary aircraft, including the U-2 spy plane and the SR-71 Blackbird. The Skunk Works division, ...

Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery, unveiling a super-Earth located a mere 20 light-years from Earth, situated in the habitable zone of its parent star. This remarkable find, known as Gliese 251 c, has sparked excitement among scientists and space enthusiasts alike. The discovery was made possible by the Habitable-Zone Planet Finder (HPF), a high-precision instrument attached to the Hobby-Eberly Telescope at the McDonald Observatory. The HPF is specifically designed to search for planets within the habitable zone, also referred to as the Goldilocks Zone, where conditions are suitable for liquid water to exist on a planet's surface. According to SYFY via Yahoo News, the Gliese 251 c signal was later confirmed using the NEID spectrometer at the Kitt Peak National Observatory. The results of this extraordinary find were published in The Astronomical Journal. Gliese 251 c orbits a cooler dwarf star, and its proximity to the star is much closer than Mercury's dista...

In a move that has stirred controversy, several National Guard units across six states have transferred their missions to the Space Force, marking a significant shift in the nation's military landscape. The 138th Electromagnetic Warfare Squadron, stationed at Peterson Space Force Base in Colorado, was among the units that made this transition earlier this month. This squadron, comprising approximately 100 personnel in May, had previously deployed to Niger during a coup in 2023, where its members utilized their civilian expertise to write code in the field, overcoming challenges on the battlefield. The transfer of missions, which took effect on October 1, encompasses electronic warfare, missile warning, satellite communications, and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. These responsibilities have been absorbed by existing Space Force units, with the federal government shutdown having a minimal impact on the process. However, the transfer of facilities and equipment has...

Blue Origin's fate hangs precariously in the balance as the company prepares for the crucial November flight of its New Glenn launch vehicle. According to NextBigFuture. com, this upcoming flight will determine whether Blue Origin can achieve its ambitious goal of four flights in 2026 or even eight. The success of this mission hinges on the ability to cleanly fly and land the booster stage, a prerequisite for reusing the booster every six months. The stakes are high, with any flight problems triggering an FAA investigation that could delay the third launch by three to six months. The New Glenn launch vehicle is a complex machine, powered by seven BE-4 engines in its booster stage, each delivering approximately 550,000 pounds of sea-level thrust. The upper stage is equipped with two BE-3U engines, vacuum-optimized variants of the BE-3, producing 175,000 pounds of vacuum thrust. A critical aspect of the New Glenn program is the production rate of its engines. Any issues with landi...

Published by USA TODAY: NASA's technological innovations have permeated everyday ---, often in unexpected ways. The camera in a cellphone, for instance, owes its existence to research conducted at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in the early 1990s. A team at JPL developed sensors to enable smaller and more efficient cameras for spacecraft, which eventually found their way into smartphones and consumer digital cameras. Today, virtually every photo and video taken is made possible by technology that originated in the space program, according to Tom Cwik, NASA JPL Chief Technologist. Cellphone GPS software, initially developed by NASA to determine satellite orbits with centimeter-level accuracy, is now used in numerous phone location apps. NASA's influence extends to the cosmetics industry as well. A bacterium discovered by NASA JPL, used for sanitizing Mars-bound spacecraft, was licensed by a company to develop an ingredient that boosts SPF in sunscreen and anti-ag...

Background Document: SpaceX's Starship Program and Kennedy Launch Facility ### Introduction SpaceX, a private aerospace manufacturer and space transport services company founded by Elon Musk in 2002, has been making significant strides in the space industry with its ambitious Starship program. The program aims to develop a reusable spacecraft capable of taking both people and cargo to the Moon, Mars, and other destinations in the solar system. ### Starship Program Overview The Starship program has been rapidly advancing, with the gargantuan Starship rocket completing its 11th flight test earlier this month, marking the final launch for the second version of the vehicle (Digital Trends, 2024). The team is now preparing for the launch of the third version of the Starship, which will be more powerful, slightly taller, and feature design changes. According to a report by Digital Trends, a reliable source for tech and space news, the 12th launch of the Starship is expected to take p...

In a nod to his tireless contributions to the field of physics, a recently discovered asteroid has been named in honor of David Meisel, a longtime physics professor at SUNY Geneseo. The asteroid, previously known as (5965) 1990 SV15, now bears the designation (5965) Meisel. Meisel's legacy extends far beyond the realm of academia. His influence has had a profound impact on the scientific community, fostering environments that continue to flourish today. As Carl Hergenrother, executive director of the American Meteor Society, astutely observed, "His leadership built communities that continue to thrive today. His research left a lasting mark." The asteroid, a small but significant entity in the vast expanse of space, serves as a testament to Meisel's enduring impact. Colleagues and admirers alike have come together to celebrate this tribute, recognizing the profound effect Meisel has had on the world of physics. SUNY Geneseo physics professors Aaron Steinhauer and D...

Review by uml.edu: In a groundbreaking move, UMass Lowell and Space Centre Australia LLC have formalized a landmark agreement, establishing the AeroLabs Science Consortium. This international partnership aims to advance global airborne and low-Earth orbit research, fostering collaboration among universities and research institutions. The signing ceremony, held at UMass Lowell, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of cutting-edge aerospace research and education. At the heart of this initiative is a dedicated C-130J-30 Super Hercules Research Aircraft, operated by Space Centre Australia LLC from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. Designated as SCA01, this aircraft will serve as a National-Class Airborne Science and Horizontal Launch Platform, supporting multidisciplinary missions in environmental monitoring, atmospheric science , and sub-orbital flight experimentation. James Palmer, president and chief executive officer of Space Centre Australia LLC, emphasized ...

First seen in BostonGlobe.com: In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have confirmed the existence of a tiny asteroid, dubbed 2025 PN7, which has been shadowing Earth and its moon for decades. This quasi-moon, also referred to as a moonlet or sister moon, has been traveling closely to our planet, keeping pace with Earth and appearing to orbit the sun in a similar trajectory and timeframe of about a year. According to John Gianforte, director of the University of New Hampshire Observatory, quasi-moons like PN7 are a group of celestial tag-alongs to Earth that are too small to pose a threat. "They're actually not orbiting the Earth, but they hang relatively close to us," Gianforte explained. "So it's kind of drifting in and out of our orbit. It's constantly shifting." PN7's orbit is influenced mostly by the sun's gravity, and it is not truly captured by Earth's gravity. Instead, it appears to have a synchronized dance with planet Earth ...

Article from PCMAG: Amazon's robotic ambitions cast a long shadow over its human workforce. The e-commerce giant is reportedly eyeing a significant reduction in human hires, with plans to employ approximately 600,000 fewer workers in the coming years. This move would be facilitated by an increased reliance on automation, as the company seeks to double its product shipments by 2033 without a corresponding surge in human labor. Currently, Amazon's workforce stands at over 1. 2 million, with more than 721,000 employees engaged in shipping and delivery operations. However, the company aims to maintain a stable human workforce, letting machines take over tasks currently performed by humans. According to internal documents and interviews cited by The New York Times, Amazon's automation team predicts that it can avoid hiring an additional 160,000 people in the US by 2027. Amazon has pushed back against these claims, with a spokesperson dismissing the reports as "incomplete...

As the celestial ballet continues to unfold, a rare and enigmatic visitor from the vast expanse of interstellar space is poised to make its closest approach to the sun. The object, designated 3I → ATLAS, has stirred considerable excitement among planetary scientists, who eagerly await the opportunity to study this interloper from another solar system . Darryl Seligman, a professor of physics and astronomy at Michigan State University, described the discovery as "hugely exciting," his enthusiasm underscored by the object's status as only the third interstellar comet ever discovered. The scarcity of such finds has piqued the interest of scientists, who see 3I → ATLAS as a unique chance to gain insight into the composition and characteristics of comets in other solar systems. Jason Wright, a professor of astronomy and astrophysics at Pennsylvania State University, noted that planetary scientists are "super excited to learn about what comets in other solar systems are...

The lukewarm reception of Starfield, Bethesda's latest foray into the realm of science fiction, has sparked a heated debate among gamers and industry insiders alike. According to Bruce Nesmith, a former Bethesda designer who worked on the game until a year before its release, the title's reliance on procedurally generated content, or procgen, has contributed to its underwhelming impact. Nesmith, who was a systems designer on Starfield, expressed his pride in the work he did on the game, describing it as "good" but ultimately falling short of the standards set by its predecessors, Fallout and Skyrim. In an interview with FRVR, he candidly shared his disappointment with the game's combat mechanics, specifically the lack of varied and engaging enemies. "I was also disappointed when, pretty much, the only serious enemy you fought were people," he said. "There's lots of cool alien creatures, but they're like the wolves in Skyrim. They're ...

Featured in International Business Times: Background Document: The 3I → ATLAS Object, Quasi-Moons, and the Search for Extraterrestrial ___ The recent warnings from Harvard astrophysicist Dr. Avi Loeb about an extraordinary event in space have sparked widespread interest and concern. Dr. Loeb, a renowned expert in astrophysics and the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI), has made significant contributions to our understanding of the universe. He is the founder of the Galileo Project, an initiative aimed at systematically studying and cataloging unidentified aerial phenomena (UAPs) (Loeb, 2021). ### The 3I → ATLAS Object The object at the center of this commotion is 3I → ATLAS, an interstellar object discovered in 2019 by the ATLAS telescope at Haleakalā Observatory, Hawaii (Klein et al., 2020). Initially thought to be a comet, further observations revealed it to be a unique, elongated object with a high eccentricity orbit. NASA has been tracking 3I → ATLAS, assuring the p...

Published by Lowell Sun: In a ceremony held at University Crossing, the Lowell Center for Space Science and Technology (LoCSST) at UMass Lowell and Space Centre Australia formalized a research agreement. The five-year AeroLabs Science Consortium Agreement fosters collaboration on airborne science, low-Earth orbit research, and horizontal launch innovation. UML Chancellor Julie Chen characterized the partnership as "another exciting element of the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor." She emphasized that space exploration offers numerous opportunities, inspiring new possibilities. Chen highlighted the agreement's potential to engage students and faculty in environmental monitoring, low-Earth observation, and suborbital flights. The consortium's centerpiece is a repurposed C-130J-30 Super Hercules aircraft, designated SCA01. This National-Class Airborne Science and Horizontal Launch Platform will support multidisciplinary missions in environmental monitoring, atmosphe...

In the vast expanse of space, a new era of exploration has begun, marked by a fervent competition to return humans to the Moon. The United States and China have emerged as the primary adversaries in this modern space race, with private enterprises SpaceX and Blue Origin vying for dominance alongside their government counterparts. China's ambitious lunar program is rapidly gaining momentum, with a crewed lunar landing slated for 2029-2030. To achieve this goal, the Chinese are developing a trio of critical components: the Long March 10A super heavy lift rocket, capable of carrying 70 tons into space; the Mengzhou crew capsule; and the Lanyue lander. Although early engine tests are underway, the program has yet to reach the stage of full system integration or unmanned tests. In contrast, China has already established a proven track record with two human-rated systems: the Shenzhou capsule and the Long March rocket, which has been in operation since 1999. The Chinese have demonstr...

In a recent turn of events, Cards Against Humanity, the creator of the infamous party game, has reached a settlement with Elon Musk's SpaceX over allegations of trespassing on the company's land in Texas. According to Texas court records, the two parties came to an agreement just weeks before a jury trial was set to begin. The lawsuit, filed by Cards Against Humanity, claimed that SpaceX had been using the company's property in Cameron County, located in far south Texas, without permission. The game maker alleged that SpaceX had placed construction materials, such as gravel, and other debris on the land for at least six months. A spokesperson for Cards Against Humanity expressed relief that SpaceX had removed their construction equipment from the land, allowing the company to restore it to its natural state. As reported by ABC News, the terms of the settlement remain undisclosed. The incident highlights the complexities that can arise when large corporations and smaller...

In a groundbreaking discovery, researchers have unearthed a mysterious variety of natural glass, known as tektites, scattered across parts of South Australia. These rare, ancient glasses hold secrets to a long-forgotten event in Earth's history - a colossal asteroid impact that left an indelible mark on the planet. The tektites, formed when a meteorite struck Earth with immense force, melted the surface and flung molten material across vast distances. According to Professor Fred Jourdan from Curtin's School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, these tiny pieces of glass are like "little time capsules from deep in our planet's history." The discovery, led by PhD student Anna Musolino from Aix-Marseille University, reveals that these tektites boast an unusual chemistry and an age of approximately 11 million years, setting them apart from all previously known tektites. What's even more astonishing is that despite the impact's enormous magnitude, scientists ha...

Astronomers say the water that fills Earth's oceans ⁘ and the stuff you use to brew your morning cup of coffee or tea ⁘ may be older than the sun itself. A team of researchers used a giant Chilean telescope, the Atacama Large Millimeter Array, to make an unprecedented detection of a rare form of so-called "heavy water" in a young star system about 1,300 light-years away in space . It is the first direct evidence of water remaining intact through an interstellar journey , from molecular clouds to the materials that form planets. This discovery suggests that much of the water in our own solar system could have come from billions-of-years-old ices, the researchers said. "Our detection indisputably demonstrates that the water seen in this planet-forming disk must be older than the central star and formed at the earliest stages of star and planet formation," said Margot Leemker, lead author of the research at the University of Milan, in a statement . "Thi...

In a development that has sparked both fascination and trepidation, Tesla, the pioneering electric vehicle manufacturer, has made a significant foray into the realm of robotics. The company's ambitious endeavor, spearheaded by its visionary CEO, Elon Musk, involves the creation of humanoid robots , dubbed Optimus, which are poised to revolutionize various industries. Musk has emphasized the crucial role these robots will play in Tesla's future, with a stated goal of producing at least 5,000 units this year. However, recent reports suggest that the company is currently falling short of this projection, according to The Information. The introduction of these robots has raised concerns about the potential displacement of human workers, as Musk's vision for a robot-driven future begins to take shape. While the benefits of increased efficiency and reduced costs are evident, the human cost of such a transition cannot be ignored. Despite a tumultuous first half of 2025, marked...

In a groundbreaking discovery, astronomers have for the first time witnessed the birth of a new solar system . The observation, made possible by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and Atacama Large Millimeter → submillimeter Array (ALMA), has provided unprecedented insight into the early stages of planet formation. The young star at the center of this phenomenon is HOPS-315, located approximately 1,300 light years away. Surrounded by a vast cloud of gas and dust, this star is in the process of giving rise to new worlds. By pinpointing the location of hot minerals as they begin to solidify near the star, researchers have captured the earliest observable moment of planet formation. The signals detected by the JWST and ALMA reveal the presence of simple minerals that are beginning to harden near HOPS-315. This marks the first steps toward building planets, a stage that has been theorized for decades but never directly observed so close to the star. Typically, astronomers observe pla...

What do you do when you encounter a strange astronomical event, a collection of data from planets thousands of light-years away, and models that can't quite explain what you're seeing? For one astronomer at Northern Arizona University's Department of Astronomy and Planetary Science, the answer is simple: start building better models. With funding from the National Science Foundation and collaboration with co-investigators at Indiana University Bloomington, he is leading a three-year study on the origins of eccentric warm Jupiters -- gas giants outside our solar system that follow unusually stretched orbits. By the time the research concludes in 2028, the team aims to develop a deeper theoretical understanding of how these unusual planets formed, and whether the same forces could have shaped our own solar system. ⁘The variability of extrasolar planets is just enormous,⁘ Mu⁘oz said. ⁘Extrasolar systems can look like our solar system, but in some cases, they look enti...

The documentary "The Age of Disclosure" is set to premiere on Prime Video on November 21, following a limited theatrical run in New York, Los Angeles, and Washington, D. C. The film, which explores the topic of Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs), features interviews with high-ranking officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, South Dakota Sen. Mike Rounds, and General Jim Clapper. Director Farah aimed to create a documentary that would shed light on the UAP topic, which has been shrouded in secrecy. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Farah explained that her goal was to only interview people who had direct knowledge of the UAP topic as a result of their work for the U. S. government, and who would share what they can legally disclose. The film has reserved attention from prominent figures, including Joe Rogan, who has been a vocal supporter of the project. Rogan has praised the documentary, calling it "amazing...

In the vast expanse of the American West, a new frontier is emerging, one that promises to revolutionize the aerospace industry. Fenix Space Inc., a San Bernardino-based company, is pioneering reusable tow-launch and hypersonic aerospace technologies, and has just secured a significant investment to propel its endeavors. Alaska Capital LLC, an Alaska-based investment and development company, has signed a letter of intent to invest $30 million in Fenix Space's Series A financing. This substantial infusion of capital will not only provide Fenix Space with the necessary resources to advance its innovative technologies but also grant Alaska Capital a seat at the table, with the intention of appointing one member to Fenix Space's board of directors. The partnership between Alaska Capital and Fenix Space is poised to have far-reaching implications, extending beyond the realm of finance. Alaska Capital aims to leverage its expertise in corporate governance, compliance, and strateg...

In the realm of satellite manufacturing, a new player is making waves with an ambitious plan. K2 Space, a California-based startup, has announced its intention to launch a three-spacecraft mission, dubbed Trinity, in 2027. This endeavor will see two spacecraft deployed in low and medium Earth orbits, while a third will head to geostationary transfer orbit, all on a dedicated SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Karan Kunjur, co-founder and CEO of K2 Space, emphasized the significance of this mission, stating that the company is building a true multi-orbit bus that can proliferate in LEO, MEO, and out to GEO. By deploying into all three orbital regimes on one rocket launch, K2 Space aims to prove the versatility of its satellite platform. This approach diverges from the industry norm, where satellite platforms are typically purpose-built for specific orbits, each with its own design trade-offs and customizations. K2 Space's strategy is to create a flexible platform that can adapt to various or...

Blue Origin's ambitious expansion plans across Florida's Space Coast continue to unfold, with the company set to construct a cutting-edge vertical refurbishment facility near its New Glenn rocket launch pad at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Dubbed Project Alpha, this industrial undertaking will span 30 acres off Armory Road, adjacent to Blue Origin's Launch Complex 36. The facility's primary purpose will be to meticulously repair, rebuild, and reuse both large and small rocket components, a crucial step in streamlining the company's launch operations. This strategic move is not without precedent, as rival SpaceX has successfully implemented a similar refurbishment facility, Hangar X, at NASA's Kennedy Space Center. Within this hangar, SpaceX crews meticulously refurbish soot-stained Falcon 9 rocket stages and repurpose used payload fairings for future missions. The New Glenn rocket, standing at an impressive 320 feet tall, is designed to undertake at le...

As NASA prepares to bid farewell to the International Space Station in 2030, a remarkable era of cooperation and scientific discovery is coming to a close. For over two decades, the station has served as a beacon of international collaboration, with the United States, Europe, Canada, Japan, and Russia working together to advance humanity's understanding of the universe. The station's legacy is a testament to the power of global cooperation in space exploration. Since its inception in 1998, the International Space Station has been a hub of groundbreaking research, spanning materials science, biotechnology, astronomy, astrophysics, Earth science, combustion, and more. The unique environment of spaceflight, characterized by low gravity, a vacuum, extreme temperature cycles, and radiation, has allowed scientists to study complex physical, chemical, and biological processes in ways not possible on Earth. The station's decommissioning will mark the end of an era, but not the ...

First seen in Space: A recently discovered asteroid , designated 2025 TP5, safely flew by Earth on Wednesday, October 15, at a remarkably close distance of approximately 60,328 miles (97,089 km), which is about a quarter of the average distance to the moon. This asteroid was detected just two days prior, on Tuesday, October 13, around 4:07 a. m. EDT (0807 UTC), by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) at a facility in Mauna Kea, Hawaii. According to data from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the asteroid passed by Earth at 4:09 p. m. EDT (2009 UTC). For comparison, the average distance to the moon is 238,855 miles (384,400 kilometers). After its close encounter with Earth, 2025 TP5 is expected to make a close flyby of the moon on Thursday, October 16, at a distance of approximately 74,616 miles (120,084 km) from the lunar surface. The asteroid is estimated to be moderately sized, with a diameter of around 54 feet (16 meters), similar in scale to the six-stor...

Staff inbox at Tracking solar winds to spy the Sun? NASA's PUNCH Space Mission head explains: NASA's PUNCH Space Mission: Unveiling the Secrets of Solar Winds The NASA PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) Space Mission has made a groundbreaking achievement in tracking solar winds, which are crucial in understanding the sun's impact on Earth. On May 31, 2025, a massive solar wind burst forth from the sun's atmosphere, traveling at over a million miles per hour and reaching Earth within a day (DeForest, 2025). This phenomenon was tracked by the PUNCH Mission, a constellation of four small satellites launched into low Earth orbit on March 11, 2025 (NASA, 2025). ### The Principal Investigator: Craig DeForest Craig DeForest, the principal investigator of the PUNCH Mission, explained the significance of this event during a public lecture in Thiruvananthapuram on October 15, 2025. According to DeForest, the sun ejected enormous clouded materials that cros...

Scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery, capturing the first-ever image of two black holes orbiting each other. This remarkable achievement confirms a long-held suspicion in the scientific community: black hole pairs are, in fact, real. The image, obtained using a powerful radio telescope, shows the two black holes circling each other in a distant quasar called OJ 287. Located at the center of a distant galaxy, OJ 287 is one of the universe's most luminous objects, emitting vast quantities of energy due to the accretion of surrounding gas and dust by a supermassive black hole. What makes OJ 287 particularly notable is its erratic behavior, exhibiting periodic changes in brightness that led scientists to hypothesize the presence of two black holes orbiting each other. The confirmation of this hypothesis marks a significant milestone in astrophysics, providing new insights into the nature of black holes and their interactions. As scientists continue to study this phenomenon...

According to eweek. com, a reliable source for tech news, the conversation revolves around the emergence of new AI models. At the forefront of this discussion is the O3 model, a cutting-edge AI system that's generating significant interest. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize various industries, from healthcare to finance. As reported by eweek. com, experts are weighing in on the implications of this new model, exploring its capabilities and potential applications. One of the key aspects of this AI model is its ability to process and analyze vast amounts of data. This capacity enables it to learn and adapt at an unprecedented pace, making it an attractive solution for businesses and organizations seeking to harness the power of AI. As the tech community continues to dissect the O3 model's features and potential uses, it's clear that this development marks a significant milestone in the AI landscape. The intersection of technology and innovation ...

The solar system 's plasma processes are multifaceted, involving various types of waves, including chorus waves and electron cyclotron harmonic waves. These interactions manifest in diverse settings, such as auroras and the Van Allen belts. They occur in the distant reaches of the solar system, as observed by the Voyager satellites. Jaynes' research underscores the significance of integrating scientific findings into a broader context. By doing so, she aims to spark enthusiasm for this field of study, secure funding, and garner public support. Her overview paper, part of the Papers from the 65th Annual Meeting of the APS Division of Plasma Physics Collection, provides a comprehensive examination of plasma processes. The American Institute of Physics (AIP) provides valuable resources for understanding these complex phenomena. For further information, visit aip. org. Jaynes' work demonstrates that the plasma processes happening across the solar system are interconnected, ...

According to BGR via Yahoo News: Astronomers have made a groundbreaking discovery that challenges current understanding of planet formation. A team of researchers, utilizing the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), has uncovered a young star, XUE 10, located in a massive star cluster over 5,500 light-years away. This star is bombarded by ultraviolet radiation thousands of times stronger than what the sun emits. The findings, published in the Astronomy & Astrophysics journal, reveal that intense radiation from neighboring massive stars can dramatically reshape the building blocks of planets. The team's observations, facilitated by JWST's MIRI instrument, detected faint infrared light and uncovered the chemical fingerprints of water and carbon dioxide in the star's disk. A high-quality spectrum, created by processing the data through JWST's science pipeline, revealed heated dust and complex carbon molecules called PAHs that appeared at multiple wavelengths, mingling ...

First seen in BroBible: In Midlothian, Virginia, a motorist captured footage of a metallic-looking UFO hovering in the sky. The witness, who wishes to remain anonymous, submitted a report to the National UFO Reporting Center (NUFORC) after spotting the object on a clear and sunny day at 10:38 a. m. From her vantage point, about a half-mile away, she estimated the UFO was roughly the size of a car. The motorist described the object as shiny and spherical, moving eastbound in an unusual manner that did not resemble any common airborne objects, such as commercial aircraft, military jets, or drones. She quickly pulled over and took two brief videos of the object using her camera, which was pointing directly north. Upon reviewing her Flightradar24 app, she did not detect any transponding aircraft in the area where the sphere was flying. UFO expert Scott Waring shared the videos on YouTube, zooming in on the object and analyzing its movement. He noted that the object was flying low and r...

In a groundbreaking development, Space Ocean, a Texas-based company, has signed a Letter of Intent with Space Nuclear Power, also known as SpaceNukes, to test a 10-kilowatt nuclear reactor in space. The reactor, which will be aboard Space Ocean's ALV-N satellite, marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of reliable and sustainable energy sources for long-duration space missions. The partnership between Space Ocean and SpaceNukes aims to push the boundaries of space exploration by harnessing the power of nuclear energy. SpaceNukes, which is commercializing Kilopower space fission reactor technology under license from Los Alamos National Laboratory, believes that small, scalable, and extremely reliable nuclear power is essential for missions that venture far beyond Earth's orbit. According to Andrew Phelps, CEO of SpaceNukes, the company's vision aligns with Space Ocean's, and together, they are laying the groundwork for a future where spacecraft can generate, man...

As World Space Week 2023 came to a close, a significant announcement was made: Tory Bruno, president and CEO of United Launch Alliance (ULA), will serve as the Honorary Chair of World Space Week 2026. This declaration was made by the World Space Week Association, recognizing Bruno's leadership in the space industry, particularly in serving as the custodian of America's national security space missions. Under Bruno's guidance, ULA has successfully launched payloads into the most challenging and exotic orbits required by the nation, boasting the most accurate payload insertions globally. The association's choice is fitting, given that the theme for World Space Week 2026 will be "The Rocket Revolution." This theme will highlight the transformative impact of rockets on access to space, making it more frequent and affordable. World Space Week, declared by the United Nations, is an annual celebration observed from October 4-10 in over 90 nations. The event is ma...

On a typical Wednesday morning, a peculiar event unfolded in West Texas. The NS-36 mission, Blue Origin's 15th crewed mission, launched at 9:40 a. m. ET from Launch Site One. This mission was initially scheduled for 9 a. m. ET, but experienced a delay, first to 9:30 a. m. ET, with no explanation provided for the postponement. The NS-36 mission carried six space explorers, including a mysterious sixth rider who remained anonymous until after the flight. Blue Origin's press release only referred to this individual as "an undisclosed sixth crew member who asked to remain anonymous until after the flight." The six individuals boarded the R. S. S. First Step spacecraft, where they experienced zero gravity for a couple of minutes after stage separation, before returning to Earth via three deployed parachutes. Their journey took them beyond the Kármán line, the internationally recognized edge of space, at 62 miles → 100 kilometers above Earth's surface. The New Shepar...

NASA's recent launch of a UMass Lowell-designed telescope marked a significant milestone in the quest to discover new planets and celestial objects. The Lowell Sun reported on this development, providing insight into the mission. The telescope, dubbed "PICTURE-D," was launched from the NASA Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Fort Sumner, New Mexico, on October 1. It was tethered to a massive helium balloon, approximately 39 million cubic feet in size, equivalent to a football field. At 11:40 a. m. ET, the balloon lifted the 1,500-pound, 14-feet-long, and 4-feet-wide device to the edge of the atmosphere, about 120,000 feet high. There, it collected images of the cosmos for researchers at UMass Lowell's Lowell Center for Space Science and Technology (LoCCST) to analyze. The PICTURE-D instrument features a specialized imaging and optical control system, built by a research team from LoCCST and the NASA Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. This system enables the ...

On a Monday evening, October 13th, SpaceX is set to launch its Starship megarocket for the 11th time, as part of a continuous testing phase. The launch window opens at 7:15 p. m. EDT and will take place at the Starbase site in South Texas. This event can be watched --- on Space. com, courtesy of SpaceX. The Starship, comprising a first-stage Super Heavy booster and an upper-stage Starship spacecraft, is a marvel of engineering, designed for full reusability. According to SpaceX, this unique combination of power and reusability is a crucial step towards humanity settling on Mars, a long-term goal of Elon Musk, the company's founder and CEO. The upcoming launch, Flight 11, is expected to mirror the events of Flight 10, which occurred on August 26th. During that launch, Super Heavy successfully splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico, while the Starship spacecraft landed in the Indian Ocean. The spacecraft demonstrated its ability to relight one of its Raptor engines in space and depl...