TEST FLIGHT

Why US flights stopped: Ageing systems, stranded passengers and a $50 billion fix

Why were flights grounded across the US? A nationwide FAA ground stop disrupted air travel after communications failures exposed the vulnerabilities of America's ageing air traffic control system. The disruption led to hundreds of flight diversions, cancellations and delays, stranded passengers and international travel disruptions. Here's what caused the US flight shutdown, how the FAA responded, the impact on airlines and passengers, and why the government is seeking billions of dollars to modernise its air traffic control infrastructure.

'Literally about to take off': Baywatch star Brooks Nader stranded on private jet after FAA grounds US flights

Brooks Nader was stranded on a private jet at a New York airport after the FAA ordered a rare nationwide ground stop on Friday. The Baywatch star was heading to Louisiana for an LSU football game when departing flights were halted. According to TMZ, she was safe but stuck on the tarmac.

US flight chaos hits 1.5 million passengers, 11,000 flights: What brought skies to a halt?

FAA flights grounded reason: A nationwide ground stop impacted thousands of flights across the United States due to overloaded air traffic control systems. Officials confirmed that over 3,000 flights landed safely during the event, affecting more than a million travelers. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy mentioned that it could happen again as the issues were mechanical. Limited flights resumed later, but full recovery will take days for airlines.

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.

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.

NASA fired an electron beam into Earth’s atmosphere in 1969; it created an artificial aurora

In January 1969, a rocket launched from Virginia carried an electron accelerator built to make artificial auroral rays in the upper atmosphere. Cameras on the ground recorded the light. The experiment gave scientists a controlled way to study how energetic electrons interact with atmospheric gases and Earth’s magnetic field.

Two PSLV failures, one modified rocket stage: How ISRO is trying to restore launch vehicle reliability

ISRO has tested a modified third-stage motor of its PSLV after two consecutive launch failures involving anomalies in the same stage. The changes cover the motor's nozzle, mechanical connections, sealing arrangements and quality-control procedures. The space agency will analyse the test data before deciding on further testing.

Karnataka Minister Patil blames Centre's UDAN policy for Shivamogga flight suspension, says aviation policy set for Cabinet nod

Karnataka is preparing to present a new civil aviation policy aimed at enhancing regional connectivity and airport management. The policy suggests financial help and viability gap funding to bolster state-operated airports. Minister MB Patil criticized the Centre for inadequate support related to flight operations. He held the Union government accountable for the ethanol production crisis affecting local sugar mills.

Two sunrises and two sunsets in 24 hours: Airbus A350 breaks 21-year flight record, covers 23,155 km nonstop

In a groundbreaking feat, the Airbus A350-1000ULR completed a non-stop flight of 12,503 nautical miles from Melbourne to Toulouse in an impressive 24 hours and 24 minutes in late July 2026. This historic endeavor broke a 21-year reign held by Boeing, while the flight's journey was followed by millions online.

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.

Who are Sassie Duggleby and Andrew Duggleby? Houston couple behind America's first rotating detonation rocket engine raised $91 million; what is their Mach 4 jet dream?

Venus Aerospace was founded in 2020 by husband-and-wife team Sassie Duggleby and Andrew Duggleby. They established the company with an ambitious idea. It was to develop a new propulsion system that could make extremely fast passenger aircraft commercially viable. They spent several years working on the technical challenge on making the engine withstand the extreme heat generated by rotating detonation.

Pralay missile test: How India's new weapon, twice as fast as BrahMos, could counter China-Pakistan threats and strengthen its upcoming Rocket Force

India's indigenous Pralay missile recently underwent a successful user evaluation trial, moving closer to deployment. With a range of 150 to 500 km, it is designed for precision strikes on military targets. The missile is expected to play a critical role in India's planned Rocket Force, enhancing conventional deterrence capabilities. Additionally, the Pralay missile will complement the BrahMos system, adding operational flexibility to the armed forces.

DRDO successfully tests indigenously developed Pralay missile off Odisha coast: Rajnath Singh

The Defence Research and Development Organisation executed a successful flight test of the Pralay missile. This test took place off the coast of Odisha at 11:10 am as part of user evaluation trials. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh confirmed that all objectives were met during the exercise. Data captured through various range instruments validated the success of the test.

DRDO conducts flight-test of ‘Pralay’, the indigenously developed quasi-ballistic missile

After freezer attacks and fake nuclear alerts, Europe hit by wave of bomb threats targeting flights: Which flights were affected and who's behind it?

In light of recent bomb threats troubling various European nations, numerous airlines including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Finnair were forced to reroute flights and implement military escorts. Authorities found that the threats were ultimately empty, but heightened vigilance remains with ongoing cyberattacks and drone activity demanding attention. Governments are now urging citizens to stockpile emergency supplies as a precautionary measure amidst these escalated security challenges.

Cosmoserve Space raises $6 million, sets up India's first space debris removal facility in Hyderabad

The facility comprises an orbital rendezvous and capture lab, a space robotics innovation lab, an ISO Class 8 satellite integration clean room and a mission simulation and control centre. It will enable the company to design, build and test robotic capture systems and develop capabilities for satellite servicing, including in-orbit repairs and refuelling.

US airlines may face fresh scrutiny as Democrats plan probes into pricing and passenger rights

Following a significant midterm election victory, Democrats intend to scrutinize airlines regarding personalized pricing practices and passenger protection rules. The Federal Trade Commission has requested information from major airlines about the influence of personal data on pricing. Congress plans to revive protections that were previously withdrawn, including compensation for travel disruptions. Legislators are also exploring requirements for transparency in ticket pricing and additional passenger rights.

Pakistan tests indigenous Fa'az air-to-air missile, says new weapon will boost air force capabilities

Fa'az is Pakistan's first locally developed air-to-air missile. It will improve the operational flexibility of its air force, the Pakistan Army said in a statement.