SPACECRAFT
'Still feels like science fiction': Google CEO Sundar Pichai hails SpaceX's Starship as it completes first-ever mid-air catch on return from orbit
SpaceX achieved a historic milestone by successfully catching its Starship spacecraft upright after a return from orbit. The spacecraft launched from Starbase in Texas and completed a mission that included deploying satellites. After reaching orbit, the Starship re-entered Earth's atmosphere and performed a controlled descent. It landed in the mechanical arms of its launch tower, named Mechazilla, completing the unprecedented maneuver.
SpaceX's Starship returns from orbit and is captured by launch pad arms in a dramatic first
SpaceX's Starship made a significant return to Earth after completing its mission in space. The spacecraft was caught midair by mechanical arms, marking a historic achievement for the team. Despite this success, the first-stage booster experienced an explosion shortly after liftoff from Texas. SpaceX is preparing for future Starship launches from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA plans to utilize Starship for upcoming Artemis missions, focusing on lunar exploration.
Humanity’s farthest spacecraft Voyager 1 nears one light-day from Earth: Its 26 billion km journey equals 650,000 trips around Earth
NASA's Voyager 1 was launched in September 1977 and is approaching one light-day away from Earth. This distance translates to approximately 26 billion kilometers, revealing the vastness of space. In practical terms, a message sent to Voyager 1 will take a full day to arrive. Voyager 1 is currently traveling at about 38,000 miles per hour through interstellar space.
SpaceX launches 15th Starship flight with hopes of achieving first round trip
SpaceX successfully launched its Starship spacecraft on a mission that aimed for both orbit and return. Unfortunately, the lower-stage Super Heavy booster rocket failed to complete its return flight. Starship's upper-stage vessel reached orbit and deployed 26 satellites into space. This launch marks SpaceX's 15th Starship test flight, contributing to their satellite connectivity business. The company hopes to achieve a fully reusable rocket system for future missions.
NASA is hiring astronauts for future Moon missions: Who can apply, what tests must you pass and how to get selected?
NASA is recruiting its next class of astronauts, with selected candidates potentially preparing for future Moon missions and living at a lunar base. The agency is accepting applications from qualified US citizens, including candidates with master's-level nursing degrees. Here's a look at the eligibility criteria, experience requirements, $164,395 starting salary and application deadline.
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SpaceX to attempt first Starship spacecraft recovery on land in 15th flight
SpaceX plans to launch its Starship rocket for the 15th time to test spacecraft recovery. The mission will attempt to catch the spacecraft at the Texas launch site rather than discarding it at sea. Elon Musk envisions regular Starship launches to expand the Starlink satellite network and future AI capabilities. NASA has provided significant funding for the Starship project under the Artemis moon program.
Why SpaceX needs just two successful catches to change the future of rocket launches
SpaceX is preparing for its Starship Flight 15 mission which aims to recover both rocket stages after launch. This mission will test the reusability of rockets and the efficiency of SpaceX's recovery systems. Starship is set to deploy 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites into low Earth orbit during this flight. Successfully catching both stages could lead to reduced launch costs and increased satellite deployment.
SpaceX launch today: Elon Musk’s Starship Flight 15 double catch attempt - launch time, how to watch and why it matters
SpaceX launch: SpaceX is preparing for Starship Flight 15 on November 13, with Elon Musk’s company attempting to catch both the Super Heavy booster and Ship using mechanical arms at its Texas launch site for the first time. The test could move SpaceX closer to fully reusable rockets and support NASA’s future Moon mission plans.
Who is Maruthi S. Akella? IISc award winner whose research helped guide first US Moon landing in 50 years, asteroid named after him
Maruthi S. Akella, a University of Texas professor and IISc alumnus, is among eight scientists and engineers selected for IISc's annual alumni honours. His research group contributed to the onboard guidance algorithm for the Intuitive Machines IM-1 mission, which achieved the first US Moon landing in more than 50 years. An asteroid has also been named after him.
NASA job applications: $164,395 salary for astronaut posts as selected candidates can live on Moon and Mars; check direct link, eligibility and deadline
NASA astronaut applications: NASA has opened applications for its next astronaut class, with selected candidates potentially getting the opportunity to live and work on a future Moon base and participate in missions to Mars. Here's a look at the $164,395 annual salary, eligibility criteria, application requirements and December 3 deadline.
Pakistani astronaut to join China space station's Shenzhou-24 mission
A Pakistani astronaut is set to join the Shenzhou-24 mission as part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative. This mission marks a significant milestone, being the first joint spaceflight involving foreign astronauts. While the astronaut's identity has not been disclosed, training took place in Beijing. After a brief in-orbit flight, the astronaut will return aboard the Shenzhou-23 spacecraft. This collaboration highlights China's expanding presence in space diplomacy.
US proposes space launch rule changes in potential boost for SpaceX
The FAA said it was proposing changes to definitions of when a flight abort is not mandatory and to clarify requirements and thresholds for when an abort - the early end of a launch or mission because of a problem - must occur. The FAA is proposing to revise rules for spacecraft breaking up as they fall to Earth and how space companies calculate the risks of falling space debris from those vehicles hitting people on the ground.
Laika became the first dog to orbit Earth 69 years ago. Decades later, a scientist revealed what really happened hust hours after launch
Laika became the first animal to orbit Earth when the Soviet Union launched Sputnik 2 in November 1957. While the mission made history, the stray dog died just hours after liftoff. A Russian scientist revealed the actual circumstances of her death in 2002, challenging the Soviet Union's earlier account of the mission.
NASA's Artemis II rocket punched 3,100-mile-long holes in Earth's atmosphere, disrupted GPS signals: Study
NASA's Artemis II mission created large disturbances in the ionosphere that disrupted GPS signals across the United States. These disturbances were significantly more intense than those from prior rocket launches, causing potential issues for technologies reliant on precise positioning. Researchers noted that even minor positioning errors could impact autonomous vehicles, which rely on GPS data. The mission set new records for human distance from Earth during a lunar flyby.
NASA space telescope plunges to Earth after two decades studying cosmic explosions
NASA's Swift Observatory has reentered Earth's atmosphere after more than two decades of effective research. Its mission, which began in 2004, far exceeded initial expectations by lasting 11 times longer than planned. A recent attempt to boost its orbit failed due to complications with a private rescue mission. Meanwhile, NASA is exploring options to save the Hubble Space Telescope, set to fall in the mid-2030s.
Voyager 1 lost? Where is NASA's spacecraft right now, and how long will it last?
As NASA's Voyager 1 and Voyager 2 traverse the vast reaches of interstellar space, they confront various power and communication obstacles. Recently, Voyager 1 encountered a setback, losing contact momentarily when its fault protection system triggered due to inactive thrusters. Thankfully, engineers swiftly restored communication and introduced power-saving strategies to prolong the mission.
NASA invites people to send their names to Saturn’s moon Titan aboard Dragonfly spacecraft: Check deadline date and how to register
NASA is inviting people around the world to send their names to Saturn’s largest moon, Titan, aboard its upcoming Dragonfly spacecraft. As part of the initiative, names will be stored on a microchip carried by the rotorcraft, with participants receiving personalised digital boarding passes. With the mission scheduled to launch in 2028 and reach Titan in 2034, here is how people can register, what the deadline is and what NASA hopes to discover on the distant moon.
Europe space chief heads to Gulf as bloc looks beyond US
The head of the European Space Agency will visit the United Arab Emirates to discuss collaboration. This meeting aims to reduce Europe's dependence on the United States for space exploration. The ESA hopes to establish a framework agreement with the UAE to strengthen its exploration initiatives. Additionally, discussions may include potential investments and participation in upcoming programs. European governments must first ensure adequate funding before pursuing international cooperation.
An asteroid contains sugars used by living things. How did it get there and can it determine extraterrestrial life?
Sugar is a normal grocery until scientists find it inside material collected from an asteroid. Samples from asteroid Bennu contain molecules connected to some of life’s essential processes.
Crew from NASA's simulated Mars mission emerges after 378 days in isolation
Four crew members completed a 378-day isolation mission to simulate conditions for a future Mars expedition. They grew crops and engaged in tasks while experiencing simulated communications delays. This experience is aimed at preparing astronauts for long-duration missions beyond Earth. NASA will analyze the insights gained from this mission for upcoming lunar and Mars missions. The mission was conducted at the Johnson Space Center in Houston.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS has 13 times more deuterium than a famous Solar System comet, hinting at its 7-billion-year-old origins before Sun was born
Interstellar object 3I/ATLAS may have formed more than 7 billion years before our Sun was born. A new study using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has uncovered unusual chemical clues that could reveal the comet's ancient origins and the conditions in which it formed. Its deuterium-to-hydrogen ratio was also 13 times higher than that of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.
To overcome technical hurdles, ISRO flew NVS-03 satellite with pyro valves open: Narayanan
The Indian Space Research Organisation successfully placed the NVS-03 satellite into orbit on Saturday. ISRO implemented a new technique involving three open pyro valves to enhance mission reliability. This launch aims to bolster India's navigation satellite system, restoring operational capabilities. The organisation plans to launch additional satellites in the upcoming months to expand this network.
Elon Musk’s SpaceX loses $400 billion in market value in weeks: What’s driving SPCX stock down?
SpaceX market value crash: SpaceX has lost more than $400 billion in market value since October 6, with shares falling below $2 trillion in valuation. The sell-off follows the expiration of a major share lockup and comes amid concerns over Intel’s weak forecast, Starlink scrutiny and potential regulatory hurdles for a reported SpaceX-Tesla merger.
China's secret reusable spaceship spotted in US intelligence report: What we know about this mysterious plane and its mission
A recently declassified US intelligence report has revealed a satellite image that confirms China's reusable spaceplane is currently orbiting. This significant development has sparked concerns about China's expanding capabilities in space and the potential military implications. The spacecraft is noted for its ability to interact with smaller objects during missions, amplifying worries about the competitive landscape of space exploration, as tensions between nations continue to rise.
US releases rare photo of China's secretive Shenlong space plane: What does it reveal?
China's Shenlong space plane was recently photographed in orbit, showing its design and structure. The Defense Intelligence Agency included the photograph in a report assessing threats in space. This image revealed the spacecraft's delta-shaped wings and open payload bay doors while docked with another satellite. Shenlong's history includes missions in which it has released and interacted with objects in orbit.
China's secretive Shenlong spaceplane: What the US report reveals
A newly released report by the US Defense Intelligence Agency showcases an intriguing image of China's Shenlong spaceplane operating in orbit. Notably, a second spacecraft is docked to Shenlong, prompting speculation about the spaceplane's mission and technological abilities. Concerns have been raised over China's advancing space technologies and counterspace capabilities, with whispers of potential developments in space-based weaponry that could jeopardize international satellite safety.
NASA sent two wooden capsules to the Moon in 1962, but they missed and may still be orbiting the Sun today
NASA’s Ranger 3 and Ranger 5 carried seismometer capsules inside 65-centimetre balsa-wood spheres meant to survive a Moon impact. Both missed the Moon in 1962 and entered solar orbit. The missions reveal an unusual piece of early space race engineering, and show how failed spacecraft can still return useful scientific data.
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