The crew of NASA’s historic Artemis II mission honored the late Carol Wiseman, the wife of astronaut Reed Wiseman, by proposing to name a moon crater in her memory. This poignant moment was broadcast live on a NASA livestream.
Subscribe to read this story without ads
Get unlimited access to ad-free articles and exclusive content.
Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen informed mission control on Monday that his team aimed to “honor our mission by naming two craters on the moon.”
One of the craters is named after Carol Wiseman, the wife of Artemis II commander Reed Wiseman, who succumbed to cancer in 2020 at the age of 46.
“We lost a loved one. Her name was Carol, and she was the mother of Katie and Ellie, Reed’s daughters,” Hansen expressed.
He referred to the crater as a “bright spot on the moon.”
“We like to call it Carol,” Hansen noted.
NASA astronaut Reed Wiseman and his late wife Carol Taylor Wiseman. The moon’s craters as seen from the Orion spacecraft on Monday. Wiseman family via NASA. NASA
Following Hansen’s heartfelt eulogy, the crew linked arms and floated in zero gravity, with both Wiseman and NASA astronaut Christina Koch visibly emotional.
Carol Wiseman “dedicated her life to helping others as a registered nurse in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.” NASA reported.
“Despite his numerous professional accolades, Mr. Reed views his journey as a single parent as the greatest challenge and most rewarding period of his life,” according to Wiseman’s NASA biography.
Wiseman was named commander of the Artemis II mission in 2023. Prior to the launch, he voiced concerns about the time away from his family that the mission entailed.
“As a single father of two daughters,” he said, “it would be simpler to stay home and watch soccer on weekends, but we have four individuals capable of exploring unique opportunities in our civilization.”
The Artemis II crew also suggested naming the second crater “Integrity,” inspired by the name of their Orion spacecraft.
Following the mission, the naming proposal will be formally submitted to the International Astronomical Union, which will decide on the naming of the crater and its features.
The Artemis II team of four accomplished the mission’s lunar flight on Monday, reaching a record distance from Earth. At the mission’s peak, the astronauts were approximately 42,752 miles away, surpassing the record set by the Apollo 13 crew in 1970.
“By achieving the greatest distance ever traveled by humans from Earth, we pay tribute to the extraordinary efforts and achievements of our predecessors in space exploration,” Hansen communicated to mission control upon confirming the milestone.
“We will continue our journey further into space until Mother Earth brings us back to what we cherish most,” he stated. “But most importantly, we challenge this generation and the next to ensure this record does not last.”
Wiseman, Koch, Glover, and Hansen commenced their journey home, officially exiting the moon’s sphere of influence at 1:25 p.m. Tuesday, approximately 41,000 miles from the moon. NASA confirmed.
After 10 days in space, the crew is set to return to Earth on Friday, splashing down off the coast of San Diego.
Internet Explorer 11 is not supported. To enjoy the best experience, please access our site using a modern browser.
Currently Playing
NASA Astronaut Shares Details About Historic Medical Emergency from ISS
03:52
Next Up:
NASA Unveils $20 Billion Moon Base Plan
03:26
Meteor Crosses Over California and Texas
01:12
Harry Jackson Now
NASA astronaut Mike Finke discusses the medical issues that led to the historic evacuation from the International Space Station earlier this year. March 27, 2026
Currently Playing
NASA Astronaut Shares Details About Historic Medical Emergency from ISS
03:52
Next Up:
NASA Unveils $20 Billion Moon Base Plan
03:26
Meteor Crosses Over California and Texas
01:12
Night News
Night News
Harry Jackson Now
Night News
Night News
Play All
Notes:
SEO Optimization: Added alt tags to images for better search engine optimization, ensuring they are descriptive to enhance their visibility.
Clear Structure: Maintained a clear, structured hierarchy with headings to improve content readability and SEO performance.
Content Relevance: The text was mostly kept intact to retain factual integrity, ensuring that key topics such as NASA missions, images, and details are clearly highlighted.
A spectacular fireball was observed over southeast Texas on Saturday afternoon, confirmed by NASA as a meteor likely breaking apart over the Houston area.
Residents in the greater Houston area reported sightings, including video from a doorbell camera and dashcam footage taken during a Little League baseball game, showing flaming balls of light traversing a clear blue sky. The meteor event was first noticed at 4:40 p.m. local time in Stagecoach, northwest Houston, according to NASA.
NASA reported that “it moved southeast at 35,000 miles per hour and broke apart 47 miles above Bummel, just west of Cypress Station.” The agency noted in a post on X.
Initial estimates suggest that the meteorite was approximately 3 feet in diameter and weighed around 1 ton. As it entered Earth’s atmosphere, the pressure waves generated a sonic boom audible in parts of the area.
Houston resident Shelley James reported that debris from the meteorite may have crashed through her home on Saturday afternoon. She was in the bathroom when loud thuds resonated from her daughter’s room.
“I went in to check and found a hole; the floor was caved in,” she described.
Next to her daughter’s bed, James discovered what she called a “big black rock.”
“I thought, ‘What is this?'” she recalled. “I called my grandson and asked, ‘Is that a meteorite?’ It was pitch black, which was the first thought that came to mind.”
While the meteorite was roughly the size of a baseball, James noted it felt heavier than one. Fortunately, despite the dramatic event, her family members were unharmed when the rock struck their home.
“It just looked like a rock. Rocks falling from the sky don’t mean anything,” James remarked.
The American Meteor Society monitors bolide events globally, recording over 140 meteor reports that Saturday, across regions in South Central and Southeast Texas, including Houston, Katy, College Station, San Antonio, and Austin.
NASA indicated that Doppler weather radar suggests a meteorite might have impacted an area of Houston between Willowbrook and Northgate Crossing.
This meteor sighting occurred just four days after another fireball was reported in northeastern Ohio and Pennsylvania. Bill Cook, head of NASA’s Meteor Environment Office, shared with NBC News that the earlier fireball likely resulted from a small asteroid weighing 7 tons and measuring about 6 feet in diameter. As the meteorite disintegrated, it released energy equivalent to 250 tons of TNT.
Preliminary data showed this previous meteor was traveling at 45,000 miles per hour before breaking apart over Valley City, Ohio. Cook illustrated that the fireball likely created several meteorites around Medina County.
While large meteors that create bright fireballs are infrequent, they do occur. Countless smaller space rocks, dust, and remnants from rockets collide with Earth daily, according to NASA. However, the majority burn up harmlessly in the atmosphere.
This revision incorporates SEO-friendly language and maintains the original HTML structure.
NASA is set to return its colossal moon rocket to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday night, gearing up for the much-anticipated lunar journey with four astronauts aboard.
The impressive 322-foot-tall Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, carrying the Orion capsule, is on track for a launch that could initiate a 10-day mission as early as April 1. Before this, the rocket and spacecraft must conduct a meticulous four-mile trek from the hangar to the launch pad.
This journey is expected to commence at 8:00 PM ET and wrap up approximately 12 hours later.
This marks the second rollout for the 11-million-pound rocket. Initially rolled out to the launch pad in mid-January, it returned to the vehicle assembly building for necessary repairs after engineers identified a helium flow blockage a few weeks ago.
Utilizing a mobile platform known as a crawler transporter, the rocket will be moved back to its launch pad, progressing at a steady pace of about 1 mile per hour.
The upcoming mission, titled Artemis II, will mark the first time humans are launched aboard NASA’s Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft. This mission follows the 2022 unmanned Artemis I mission, which orbited the moon. The crew, including NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, could achieve unprecedented distances from Earth as they navigate around the moon.
NASA successfully resolved the helium flow issue while the rocket was in the hangar by replacing a crucial seal in the helium supply line. Engineers also changed batteries on both the rocket and Orion spacecraft, conducting rigorous tests to ensure readiness.
The helium issue came to light during extensive refueling tests and a launch-day rehearsal known as a wet dress rehearsal. This was the second rehearsal for the SLS, as the first had to be halted due to a hydrogen leak detected at the rocket’s rear end.
Last week, NASA officials conducted a comprehensive two-day Flight Readiness Review, bringing together mission managers, four astronauts, and key representatives to evaluate the upcoming flight, assess risks, and outline the necessary steps ahead. The agency confirmed its decision in April to proceed with launch preparations, officially certifying the rocket and spacecraft for their historic mission.
NASA has exciting news! On Thursday, the space agency announced its plans to launch four astronauts on a long-anticipated mission around the moon, aiming for a launch date as early as April 1.
Lori Glaze, the acting deputy administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, stated that the team is on schedule to return the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 19.
“Everything is progressing well,” Glaze declared during a news conference.
The mission, named Artemis II, marks a significant milestone, as it will be the first time NASA’s SLS rocket and Orion capsule will carry astronauts. It’s the first crewed lunar journey in over 50 years.
This 10-day mission will have a crew of NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who will orbit the moon farther from Earth than any humans have ever ventured.
The launch is targeted for April 1 at 6:24 p.m. ET; however, this date hinges on the completion of the rocket’s checkout in its hangar and further work on the launch pad.
NASA made the decision to proceed with the launch attempt shortly after mission managers and top officials gathered for a two-day flight readiness review, where they formally certify rockets and spacecraft for flight.
Glaze noted that Wiseman, Koch, Glover, and Hansen took part in the flight readiness review virtually, sharing their vital insights.
“Their participation reaffirmed the importance of having transparent discussions about our future steps and the risks involved,” she explained.
The astronauts are currently training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and will enter quarantine on-site starting Wednesday to minimize germ exposure before launch. If everything goes smoothly, they will travel to Kennedy Space Center on March 27, as noted by Sean Quinn, NASA’s Exploration Ground Systems Program Manager.
The impressive 322-foot-tall Space Launch System rocket has been undergoing repairs since its relocation from the launch pad on February 25.
This action followed a crucial refueling test on February 19, known as a “wet dress rehearsal,” where NASA simulated nearly every step of a launch countdown. Despite a successful rehearsal, engineers later identified a blockage in the helium flow to a section of the rocket’s upper stage, prompting the cancellation of the launch to make necessary repairs and missing out on a March launch window.
Quinn mentioned that engineers have recently replaced a faulty seal that was obstructing the helium flow. The team is also adding new batteries and conducting tests on the systems of the rocket and Orion spacecraft.
The February 19 wet dress rehearsal was NASA’s second attempt to fill a Space Launch System rocket with over 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant. The earlier attempt that month was cut short due to a hydrogen fuel leak discovered at the rear of the rocket, eliminating the opportunity for a February launch.
NASA is exploring a launch opportunity that includes April 2, which wasn’t initially considered, but was added after further analysis. If needed, there is also an opportunity on April 30.
The agency has opted not to speculate on any potential launch dates beyond April due to possible delays.
Thus far, the SLS rocket and Orion capsule’s only spaceflight was the unmanned lunar orbit during the 2022 Artemis I mission, which faced a six-month delay due to a hydrogen leak.
Recently, NASA announced significant revisions to its Artemis moon program. Following Artemis II, the agency has rescheduled the Artemis III mission to land astronauts on the moon to mid-2027 and will instead operate in low-Earth orbit to test technologies. These tests will involve rendezvous and docking with SpaceX’s and Blue Origin’s commercially developed lunar landers.
After that, Artemis IV is slated for a 2028 launch to safely land astronauts on the moon.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated these changes aim to enhance safety and minimize delays in fulfilling President Donald Trump’s objective of returning astronauts to the lunar surface and establishing a sustainable human presence there.
A decommissioned NASA satellite, **Van Allen Spacecraft A**, launched 14 years ago to study Earth’s radiation belts, is set to crash into Earth on Tuesday.
Weighing in at 1,323 pounds, the spacecraft is predicted to enter the atmosphere around 7:45 p.m. EDT, according to U.S. Space Force forecasts. This will be an uncontrolled re-entry, which means NASA cannot steer the spacecraft; however, they anticipate that most of the satellite will incinerate during its fiery descent through the atmosphere.
As NASA stated, “some components are expected to survive reentry.”
“The risk of harm to anyone on Earth is low, approximately 1 in 4,200,” according to NASA. “NASA and the Space Force will continue to monitor the reentry.” For the latest updates, visit this forecast.
Deactivated satellites, spent rocket stages, and space debris re-enter Earth’s atmosphere regularly. In fact, such objects make uncontrolled descents nearly every day, as reported by the European Space Agency.
Typically, hardware burns up harmlessly upon re-entry, but some parts may survive. Fortunately, with oceans covering approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface, the chances of space debris landing on populated areas are minimal.
Accurately predicting the time and location of an uncontrolled spacecraft’s re-entry is challenging due to various factors, including atmospheric dynamics, space weather, and the spacecraft’s descent trajectory. The Space Force projects a re-entry window for Van Allen A with a margin of error of plus or minus 24 hours.
Van Allen Spacecraft A was launched on August 30, 2012, alongside its twin, Van Allen Spacecraft B. Both probes were designed to investigate a ring of high-energy radiation particles trapped in Earth’s magnetic field, known as the Van Allen radiation belts.
Three donut-shaped radiation belts around Earth. NASA Goddard Space Flight Center/Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory
The Van Allen belts are crucial for protecting Earth from solar storms, cosmic radiation, and charged particles from the solar wind. Without these belts, satellites could be damaged, human health could be jeopardized, and power grids on Earth could face disruptions. However, astronauts must navigate through the Van Allen belts to reach space, exposing them to potentially harmful radiation.
NASA’s Van Allen Probes A and B were instrumental in advancing our understanding of these radiation belts. The mission led to numerous discoveries about the radiation belts, including the identification of a temporary third radiation belt formed during intense solar activity.
These twin spacecraft continued their mission until 2019 when they exhausted their fuel. NASA subsequently concluded the mission, leaving the probes in orbit.
Initially, NASA projected that the spacecraft would re-enter Earth’s atmosphere in 2034. However, increased solar activity has recently intensified atmospheric drag on both probes, accelerating their descent. As solar activity rises, denser atmospheric layers can slow down satellites, complicating their orbits.
Van Allen Spacecraft B is anticipated to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere by 2030.
These re-entries shed light on the growing issue of space debris, especially as the frequency of launches rises. Tens of thousands of pieces of space junk, along with millions of tiny orbital debris, clutter low-Earth orbit, the zone where many telecommunications and GPS satellites operate.
Debris fragments can travel at speeds of up to 18,000 miles per hour, posing safety risks to functioning spacecraft and astronauts aboard the International Space Station.
Credit: Steve Gribben/Johns Hopkins University APL/NASA
For the first time in history, humanity successfully altered the orbit of an asteroid around the sun. This groundbreaking achievement was made possible by NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission conducted in 2022, with its effectiveness now being assessed.
DART targeted a small asteroid named Dimorphos, which orbits a larger asteroid called Didymos. The spacecraft was designed to collide with Dimorphos to test the kinetic impactor method, exploring whether this technique is a viable way to change an asteroid’s trajectory, particularly if one were to threaten Earth.
The mission proved to be a resounding success, reducing Dimorphos’ orbital period by 32 minutes. Astronomers have been monitoring the asteroid system closely since then, collecting approximately 6,000 observations. These efforts revealed a slowdown of about 11.7 micrometers per second in the overall orbit, equivalent to approximately 40 millimeters per hour. This change is projected to reduce the orbital radius by around 360 meters.
“While it may not sound significant, the concept of dynamic effects suggests that early impacts can lead to substantial changes over time,” says Rahil Makadia of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a member of the asteroid monitoring team. “Though this number seems small, its accumulation over decades can have a considerable impact.”
The observed slowdown resulted from two main factors: the initial impact of the spacecraft and a secondary thrust caused by debris ejected from Dimorphos’ surface. Makadia and his colleagues determined that these two effects were roughly equivalent, allowing for accurate calculations of the asteroid’s mass and density. Dimorphos is approximately half as dense as Didymos, supporting the hypothesis that it is a rubble pile formed from material ejected during Didymos’s rotation.
This groundbreaking data can be invaluable in future efforts to redirect potentially hazardous asteroids. “We now possess a solid foundation for predicting the outcomes of future dynamic collision missions,” states Makadia. Additionally, the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft, en route to Didymos and scheduled to arrive in November, is expected to provide even more precise measurements, enhancing our ability to safeguard Earth from incoming asteroid threats.
NASA officially announced a significant transformation of its Artemis moon program on Friday. This “course correction” aims to enhance mission frequency and include additional launches in preparation for the anticipated 2028 lunar landing.
According to NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, these adjustments will bolster safety, minimize delays, and ultimately facilitate President Donald Trump’s vision of returning astronauts to the moon while establishing a sustained presence there.
“Consensus indicates this is the only viable path forward,” Isaacman stated during a press conference on Friday. “I have had similar discussions with all Congressional stakeholders, and they are fully aligned with NASA’s approach. This is how NASA has historically transformed the world, and it’s how we’ll do it again.”
Mobile Launcher 1, equipped with the Artemis II Space Launch System (SLS) and Orion spacecraft, rolls back to the Vehicle Assembly Building from Launch Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center at dusk on February 25, 2026, in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Greg Newton/AFP – Getty Images
Isaacman revealed that the Artemis III mission, which was initially planned for a lunar landing in 2028, will now focus on technology demonstrations in low Earth orbit instead. The aim is to launch Artemis III by mid-2027 for essential rendezvous and docking tests with commercial lunar landers from both SpaceX and Blue Origin.
Subsequently, Artemis IV is slated for a moon landing in 2028.
This new direction could rejuvenate the nearly decade-old Artemis program, which has faced numerous challenges, including significant cost overruns and delays—most recently, a one-month postponement of the Artemis II mission intended to send astronauts on a 10-day lunar orbit.
Isaacman noted that insights gained from Artemis II led to the recognition that the progression from lunar orbit to landing in Artemis III was “too vast,” particularly given the SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft’s infrequent launches, currently no more than once every three years.
NASA’s Artemis II SLS rocket. NASA
“As crucial as rocket launches are, conducting them every three years is not a recipe for success,” he noted. “Frequent launches are essential, as extended intervals result in skill degradation and lost operational experience.”
Administrators highlighted similar issues with hydrogen and helium encountered during both Artemis I (an unmanned test flight launched around the moon in 2022) and Artemis II, stressing the difficulty of identifying root causes, likely exacerbated by extended mission gaps.
Two commercial space firms, SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, and Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, are competing to build lunar landers for the Artemis program. In a recent statement on X, SpaceX affirmed its shared goal with NASA: to return to the Moon safely and efficiently.
“Regular human exploration flights are key for establishing a sustainable human presence in space,” the company stated.
Blue Origin also expressed enthusiastic support for the revisions. “Let’s move forward! Everyone plays a role!” Companies discussing on X.
Among its mission revisions, NASA indicated it would standardize the manufacturing of Space Launch System rockets and strive for booster launches every 10 months, instead of the previous three-year interval.
While other rocket configurations were planned for later Artemis missions, NASA Deputy Administrator Amit Kshatriya noted that those configurations were deemed “unnecessarily complex.”
“Too much learning and testing potential has been left unexplored, leading to excessive risks in both development and production,” Kshatriya stated in a press release. “Our focus now is to continue testing as though we are in production.”
Isaacman concluded that while these changes represent a significant shift for NASA, they should not be unexpected to contractors or stakeholders within Congress and the Trump administration.
“President Trump is passionate about space and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Artemis program,” he remarked. “This initiative is a priority for his administration.”
This overhaul follows additional delays to the Artemis II mission. A hydrogen leak discovered during a critical refueling test prompted NASA to forfeit all possible launch opportunities this month. Though a subsequent refueling test proceeded smoothly, engineers later identified a blockage affecting helium flow to the booster’s upper stage, thwarting plans for a March launch.
NASA has since transported the rocket from its launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida back to its hangar for necessary repairs. Officials anticipate that if the repairs proceed as planned, Artemis II could launch as early as April.
Astronauts Finke, Cardman, Yui, and Platonov have been stationed on the International Space Station (ISS) since early August, with plans originally extending until late February.
However, following an incident, NASA executives and the agency’s medical director decided to bring the astronauts back to Earth one week early.
Finke stated, “After a thorough evaluation, NASA has concluded that the safest decision is to return Crew-11 early. It is not an emergency; rather, it is a crafted plan to utilize advanced medical imaging technology not accessible on the space station.”
The Crew-11 astronauts departed the ISS on January 14, undocking from the space station in the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that initially transported them. Following an 11-hour journey, the capsule landed in the Pacific Ocean off the San Diego coast during the early morning hours on January 15.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman remarked in a post-landing news conference that while there were “serious conditions” in orbit, the crew has remained safe and stable since the incident.
Finke expressed gratitude towards his Crew-11 teammates, including NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Kud Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev. He also acknowledged the instrumental support from the teams at NASA, SpaceX, and medical professionals at Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla.
“Their professionalism and commitment undoubtedly led to positive outcomes,” he added.
Finke concluded by sharing that he is “doing very well” and is engaging in standard post-flight repair work at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
“Spaceflight is an incredible privilege that humbles our humanity,” he said. “Thank you for your continued support.”
The **wet dress rehearsal** officially commenced on Tuesday evening and extended into Wednesday, with the team powering up both the rocket and spacecraft components while charging flight batteries. The crucial part of this test began on Thursday morning when mission managers approved the fueling of the **Space Launch System (SLS) rocket**.
At around **10:30 a.m. ET**, liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen were initiated into the rocket’s core stage. The booster housed over **700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant**, and mission managers executed a countdown leading up to a simulated launch time of **8:42 p.m. ET**.
The **refueling test** appeared to proceed smoothly, with NASA performing two walkthroughs during the last 10 minutes of the countdown. A pause occurred at approximately **T minus 1 minute and 30 seconds**, followed by a reset of the countdown clock to **T minus 10 minutes** near **T minus 33 seconds** for the final moments before liftoff.
These pauses were meticulously designed to demonstrate that the rocket’s systems were functioning as anticipated during critical countdown phases, when automated systems assume control of the booster. Additionally, these moments allowed mission managers to rehearse various scenarios, including resolving issues that necessitate investigation or aborting a launch due to technical difficulties or adverse weather conditions.
NASA announced significant findings on Thursday regarding a failed Boeing flight to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024, which left two astronauts stranded for months.
The investigation outcomes were critical of both Boeing and NASA, highlighting issues such as inadequate testing, communication breakdowns, and leadership failures.
The report categorized these incidents as a “Type A disaster,” which is NASA’s highest classification, reserved for accidents that pose severe risks, including significant economic loss and potential fatalities. This designation was previously applied to the tragic loss of Space Shuttle Columbia and its seven crew members in 2003.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who assumed office in December, stated at a press conference, “We brought our crew home safely, but the path we took did not reflect the best of NASA.” He noted that this incident has fostered a “culture of mistrust.”
The Starliner mission, designed to last approximately eight days, aimed to validate Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft for transporting NASA astronauts to and from the ISS. Launched in June 2024 with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams aboard, the mission quickly encountered issues.
Shortly after liftoff, mission managers identified a helium leak within the capsule’s propulsion system, leading to multiple thruster failures as the spacecraft attempted to dock with the ISS.
After extensive testing, NASA decided to return the Starliner capsule to Earth without crew. Consequently, Wilmore and Williams remained aboard the ISS for over nine months, awaiting an opportunity for recovery.
NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, before boarding Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner in 2024.Miguel J. Rodriguez Carrillo/AFP – Getty Images File
NASA’s comprehensive report illustrates the growing distrust between NASA and Boeing, citing a “chaotic meeting schedule” during the mission and a willingness among managers on both sides to overlook risks.
While the investigation highlighted Boeing’s shortcomings in producing and testing the Starliner spacecraft, Isaacman emphasized that NASA’s civilian crew program also bears responsibility.
“While Boeing constructed the Starliner, NASA permitted and launched two astronauts into space,” he clarified, stating that NASA “must acknowledge our mistakes to ensure they are not repeated.”
NASA Deputy Administrator Amit Kshatriya further emphasized that both NASA and Boeing’s actions compromised the safety of Wilmore and Williams.
“The authorities have failed them,” Kshatriya asserted at a news conference. “We must recognize our responsibility to them and all future crews.”
In response, Boeing expressed gratitude for NASA’s thorough investigation, noting that significant progress has been made in addressing the technical challenges and cultural changes within the team since the incident.
To safely return Williams and Wilmore, NASA enlisted SpaceX, which transported them in a Dragon capsule alongside NASA astronaut Nick Haig and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov, concluding their six-month mission on the ISS. They landed safely in March.
Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft successfully docks at the ISS on July 3, 2024.NASA (via AP)
Wilmore retired from NASA in August 2024 after 25 years, having spent 464 days in space. Williams announced her retirement last month after a remarkable 27-year career and 608 days in space.
In late 2024, NASA officials confirmed they were collaborating with Boeing to enhance the Starliner’s thrusters and that corrective actions would follow the investigation’s release.
Isaacman stated that NASA “will not allow new crew members aboard Starliner until the underlying technical problems are identified and resolved.”
Boeing developed the Starliner spacecraft as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, initiated in 2011 to ensure safe civilian transport following the retirement of NASA’s space shuttles. Competing company SpaceX has been regularly flying its Crew Dragon spacecraft to the ISS since 2020.
The recent report is the latest in a series of challenges faced by Boeing. Prior to the Starliner crisis in 2024, the company dealt with issues concerning its 737 Max 9 planes, which saw critical failures leading to accidents and extensive scrutiny.
Boeing’s Starliner program experienced a difficult start; its unmanned debut in 2019 was aborted due to a software error that prevented docking at the ISS. Following delays caused by fuel valve issues, Boeing eventually demonstrated successful docking and return to Earth in 2022.
NASA is set to launch four astronauts on the highly anticipated Artemis II mission, scheduled for March 6. This groundbreaking flight will take astronauts around the moon, marking a historic return to lunar exploration.
The launch date was confirmed after NASA successfully filled the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with over 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant and completed a comprehensive refueling test. This test simulated nearly every countdown step and launch-day procedures.
A successful wet dress rehearsal indicates that astronauts could be just two weeks away from visiting the moon for the first time in over half a century.
The Artemis II mission will be historic, as it will be the first time NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule carry humans. The mission is set to last 10 days, during which astronauts will journey farther from Earth than any humans have ever traveled.
Thursday’s extensive refueling test signaled significant progress for NASA. This was the second attempt at a wet dress rehearsal; the first was halted on February 2 due to a hydrogen fuel leak detected in the rocket’s rear. This issue led mission managers to abandon all launch windows for February.
Lori Glaze, acting deputy administrator for NASA’s Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, emphasized that the March 6 launch depends on completing necessary work on the launch pad and the thorough evaluation of the wet dress rehearsal results.
The mission team plans to hold a flight readiness review next week, where NASA managers and executives will officially certify the rocket and spacecraft for flight.
“Everything is set in front of us,” Glaze stated at a press conference on Friday. “If we can get through these final preparations, we are in a strong position to target March 6.”
In the interim between the first and second wet dress rehearsals, engineers addressed earlier leaks by replacing two seals in the fuel supply line and conducting repairs and tests on the launch pad. Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson reported that the seals are now “rock solid” after the recent repairs.
“Overcoming this wet dress rehearsal milestone was crucial for our progress,” she noted.
The Artemis II crew consists of NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. While they did not participate in the wet dress rehearsal, several crew members were present at Kennedy Space Center, Florida, during the test.
“I had the opportunity to speak with Reid Wiseman, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen,” Glaze shared. “They are extremely enthusiastic about the possibility of a March launch.”
To ensure their health ahead of the mission, the astronauts will undergo quarantine in Houston starting Friday afternoon. They will arrive in Florida about five days before the launch and continue their pre-flight quarantine at Kennedy Space Center.
NASA’s Revolutionary Nuclear Reactor Plans for the Moon
NASA has revealed its groundbreaking plans to construct a nuclear reactor on the Moon. This ambitious project represents a significant leap forward, potentially providing power for future Moon bases and sustaining long-term missions. However, it also prompts several crucial questions.
What is the estimated cost? Will someone need to remain on-site to manage it? And for the pessimists, what if it malfunctions?
<
The History of Nuclear Power in Space
This isn’t the first instance of nuclear technology in space.
In the early 1950s, NASA pioneered the development of the uranium-fueled “SNAP” (Nuclear Auxiliary Power system), designed for space exploration.
In 1965, just four years prior to Neil Armstrong’s historic Moon landing, SNAP-10A became America’s inaugural nuclear-powered satellite, operating for 43 days in Earth orbit.
Nuclear devices have since powered various deep space missions, including Voyager and the Mars rover Curiosity.
Some, like the systems depicted in the movie The Martian, utilize low-power solutions known as radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs), which convert heat from radioactive decay into electricity.
Additionally, two Russian lunar missions have carried radioactive heaters for power generation.
In a quest to supply increased energy for its lunar initiatives, NASA is exploring small-scale nuclear fission systems that focus on splitting atoms.
In 2018, NASA successfully completed a test for a compact uranium-fueled nuclear reactor called Kilopower, roughly the size of a toilet paper roll, affirming its capability to power a lunar outpost with just four units.
While the concept of “moon reactors” may raise safety concerns, these reactors are designed with extensive safety measures including passive cooling and low-enriched uranium, minimizing the risk of catastrophic failure.
Nevertheless, the possibilities of a reactor mishap are intriguing to consider.
What If There’s an Explosion?
The reality of a nuclear meltdown on the Moon remains largely speculative. Current reactor designs suggest they won’t grow large enough to even be classified as a meltdown.
(A single Kilopower reactor can generate sufficient energy to power a handful of Earth homes for around ten years.)
SNAP-10A: The first nuclear power system to operate in space, launched in 1965 – Image credit: Atomics International/U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Contractor
However, the scale of the reactor isn’t the only factor influencing the consequences of an explosion; the lunar environment plays a critical role.
A nuclear reactor failure on the Moon would unfold quite differently than it would on Earth.
With no atmosphere or weather and only one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, scenarios involving explosions, mushroom clouds, and seismic aftershocks (triggered by atmospheric reactions on Earth) are less likely.
Instead, overheating could lead to a glowing pool of molten metal quietly cooling and solidifying without dramatic fallout.
Yet, this does raise substantial risks for personnel nearby due to radiation exposure.
Even with localized fallout being primarily contained, intense radiation surges still pose significant dangers.
A Close Call in Nuclear Space History
Fortunately, we lack detailed answers to this question, but an American scientist proposed a solution in the 1950s.
Project A119 was a covert initiative to detonate a hydrogen bomb on the Moon amidst the space race between the United States and the Soviet Union.
Thankfully, this concept remained in the planning stages and never materialized.
This article addresses the question posed by Worle’s David Martin: “What would a nuclear meltdown on the Moon look like?”
If you have any queries, feel free to reach out to us at:questions@sciencefocus.com or send us a messageFacebook,Twitter or InstagramPage (please include your name and location).
Explore our ultimatefun factsand discover more amazing science topics!
During the crucial refueling process, initiated at 12:30 PM ET on Monday, mission managers temporarily halted operations twice to investigate a hydrogen fuel leak emanating from the rear of the rocket.
Although testing of the Orion spacecraft atop the rocket resumed, the hydrogen leak reoccurred in the final moments of the mock launch countdown.
NASA reported that a built-in control system on the rocket, designed to manage the booster in the countdown’s critical final minutes, “automatically halted the countdown due to a sudden spike in liquid hydrogen leakage.”
Engineers are also looking into audio issues that affected communication channels for ground teams during the wet dress rehearsals.
The four astronauts set to embark on Artemis II — NASA’s Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen — were expected to arrive at Kennedy Space Center on Tuesday afternoon after being quarantined in Houston since January 21 to minimize exposure to bacteria before their mission.
However, NASA has confirmed that the astronauts will not proceed to Florida as anticipated and will be released from their quarantine.
Instead, they will undergo quarantine again approximately two weeks before the next targeted launch opportunity, according to agency officials.
Artemis II marks the second flight for NASA’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule, and it will be the first mission with humans on board.
This much-anticipated launch is set to advance NASA’s objectives of returning astronauts to the lunar surface.
The previous unmanned Artemis I lunar orbit mission in 2022 faced a six-month delay due to a hydrogen leak detected during the initial wet dress rehearsal.
The Artemis II flight carries significant importance, being the inaugural crewed mission aboard the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule.
“Our highest priority remains the safety of our astronauts, personnel, systems, and the public,” Isaacman stated on X, emphasizing that NASA will “proceed with the launch only when we are confident in our readiness for this historic mission.”
As NASA gears up for the highly anticipated Artemis II mission, the space agency is preparing for a crucial test that will determine the readiness of its powerful Moon rocket, the Space Launch System (SLS).
This essential “wet dress rehearsal” simulates a full launch day, allowing engineers to fill the SLS rocket with fuel and perform all launch operations up to 30 seconds before liftoff, mimicking real mission conditions.
The results of this rehearsal will be instrumental for engineers and mission managers to evaluate the booster’s performance and overall readiness for the Artemis II mission.
Set to launch by Sunday, Artemis II will embark on a groundbreaking 10-day mission, taking four astronauts farther from Earth than any humans have ventured before.
However, the actual launch date will heavily rely on the outcomes from the wet dress rehearsal.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will hold a press conference with the Artemis II crew on January 17th at Kennedy Space Center. Joe Radle/Getty Images
“We’ll take some time to review the data and prepare for launch,” stated Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell Thompson during last month’s press conference.
If the rehearsal proceeds without issues, NASA could announce a targeted launch date in a matter of days. Conversely, any problems could lead to mission delays.
Engineers and mission managers will execute a countdown to the mock launch scheduled for 9 PM ET on Monday. Over 700,000 gallons of cryogenic propellant will be loaded into the SLS in the hours leading up to the test, with NASA planning to livestream this crucial process. For more information, check out the Artemis Rocket 24/7 Live Stream at the launch pad.
As part of the rehearsal, mission managers will simulate the countdown several times during the final 10 minutes, which will provide essential data on the rocket’s systems, including an automated control that engages 30 seconds prior to launch.
Artemis II marks NASA’s second mission using the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule, with this being the inaugural crewed flight—a pivotal step toward NASA’s goal of returning astronauts to the lunar surface.
The Artemis II crew consists of NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Christina Koch, Victor Glover, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen, who have been in isolation at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to ensure they remain healthy prior to the mission.
On January 17, NASA successfully positioned the Space Launch System rocket carrying the Orion capsule at Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The agency initially planned a wet dress rehearsal for Saturday but rescheduled due to unexpected cold weather across the Southeast and mid-Atlantic.
NASA’s Artemis II at Kennedy Space Center on January 17th. Joe Radle/Getty Images
Due to the scheduling changes, NASA has eliminated the first two launch windows (Friday and Saturday) for this month, which ends on February 11th. If additional launch opportunities arise, slots may also be opened in March and April.
Ensuring a successful wet dress rehearsal is crucial for a smooth launch this month.
Should issues arise during testing, NASA may need to return the rocket to the vehicle assembly building, reminiscent of the six-month delay faced by Artemis I’s unmanned lunar orbit flight after a hydrogen leak was detected during its initial wet dress rehearsal.
NASA is set to roll out a massive 322-foot-tall rocket towards its launch pad this Saturday, a crucial milestone in the preparation for its highly anticipated Artemis II mission, which aims to send four astronauts around the moon.
The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket will transport the Orion capsule containing the astronauts, beginning its slow four-mile trek from NASA’s Vehicle Assembly Building to the launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 7 a.m. ET. Viewers can catch the event, known as the “rollout,” live on NASA’s YouTube channel.
This event marks the beginning of essential tests and rehearsals that will pave the way for the first manned flight to the moon in over 50 years. Artemis II is tentatively scheduled for launch between February 6 and 11, with additional windows available in March and April.
The rollout is a critical phase for mission managers as they assess the rocket’s health and safety prior to setting a formal launch date.
“These are the kind of days we are living in,” stated John Honeycutt, chairman of the Artemis II mission management team, during a recent press conference.
Artemis II will feature a crew of four, including NASA astronauts Reed Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. They are scheduled to spend 10 days in space, initially orbiting Earth before heading into lunar orbit.
The deployment process is expected to take up to 12 hours. The Crawler Transporter, a giant mobile platform, will carry the 11 million-pound Artemis II rocket to NASA’s historic launch pad 39B, previously used in the Apollo and Space Shuttle programs.
NASA has indicated that the stacked rocket will move forward at a cautious pace, approximately 1 mile per hour.
Upon reaching the launch pad, preparations will begin for the essential launch day walkthrough, known as a wet dress rehearsal. This procedure includes refueling the rocket and conducting all standard protocols leading up to the T-29 second mark on the countdown, as detailed by Artemis launch director Charlie Blackwell Thompson.
“Launch day will closely mirror a wet dress rehearsal,” she explained. “The two main differences are sending our team to the pads and proceeding past the 29-second mark.”
This wet dress rehearsal serves as an opportunity for mission managers to evaluate the rocket’s systems in a real-world context while allowing engineers to identify any potential fuel leaks or technical issues.
If any problems arise, the rocket will be returned to the Vehicle Assembly Building for necessary repairs. However, if everything proceeds smoothly, NASA may soon announce a target launch date.
The Artemis II mission will serve as the most rigorous test yet for the Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, marking the first time the system will carry a crew.
During their time in the Orion capsule, astronauts will test the spacecraft’s docking capabilities and life support systems while in orbit around both Earth and the Moon.
Success in this mission will establish a foundation for Artemis III, slated for 2027, aiming to land astronauts near the moon’s south pole.
Returning to the moon has emerged as a priority for the U.S. government, particularly amid a new space race with China, which aims to land its own astronauts on the Moon by 2030.
Four astronauts successfully returned to Earth early Thursday morning, concluding an eventful and extraordinary week in space. The crew made an early departure from the International Space Station as a result of medical issues that emerged during their mission.
NASA astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Finke, Japanese astronaut Kamiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov made a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego at 3:41 a.m. ET after an 11-hour journey.
“On behalf of SpaceX and NASA, welcome home, Crew-11,” mission controllers communicated to the astronauts shortly after the Dragon capsule’s touchdown.
This return marks a historic moment, being the first instance in the ISS’s 25-year history where a mission was terminated early due to medical complications.
On Thursday, SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endeavor spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego, California. NASA
Out of respect for medical privacy, NASA has not disclosed the identities of the crew members involved or specific details surrounding the medical incident. The situation remains stable and is not deemed an emergency.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated in a recent press conference that the early return decision was made with an emphasis on precaution.
The medical issue led to the cancellation of a planned spacewalk scheduled for January 8, during which Cardman and Finke were set to perform modifications outside the ISS.
The recovery team approaches the Dragon capsule. NASA
Prior to leaving the space station, Finke reassured that he and his colleagues were “stable, safe, and well cared for.”
“This decision was made to facilitate proper medical evaluation in a controlled environment with complete diagnostic capabilities,” Finke mentioned in a statement on LinkedIn. “While it’s bittersweet, it’s the right call.”
The astronauts returned in the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that had transported them to the ISS.
The return mission proceeded without incident, with air traffic controllers reporting favorable weather conditions at the landing site off the California coast. The capsule’s drogue and main parachutes deployed successfully just before landing, ensuring a safe splashdown.
NASA’s Crew 11 Endeavor spacecraft during recovery efforts. NASA
SpaceX recovery teams promptly arrived to assess the capsule and ensure it was safe to open the hatch. Dolphins were also spotted joyfully swimming in the vicinity.
The Crew-11 astronauts spent 165 days aboard the space station. For Cardman and Platonov, this represents their first spaceflight, while Yui has now completed her second journey. Finke has successfully finished four missions in total.
The astronauts were scheduled to stay on the ISS until late February but returned early, leaving only three crew members onboard: NASA’s Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev.
Inside the International Space Station’s Kibo Experiment Module: NASA astronaut Mike Finke, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, and JAXA astronaut Kamiya Yui. NASA/AP
The next crew rotation for the space station is expected to launch by February 15, but NASA is exploring options for an expedited flight. Nonetheless, Williams is likely to be the only NASA astronaut responsible for U.S. scientific experiments and operations at the station for several weeks to come.
Four astronauts are set to return from the International Space Station (ISS) on Wednesday night, departing weeks earlier than originally planned due to health concerns.
NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Finke, alongside Japanese cosmonaut Kamiya Yui and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, will make their journey back to Earth aboard the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that previously transported them to the ISS. This group, known as “Crew-11,” is expected to undock at around 5:05 p.m. ET.
This incident marks the first time in the ISS’s 25-year history that a mission has had to be cut short due to a medical issue while in orbit. Though NASA has not disclosed specifics regarding the affected crew members or the nature of their medical issues, citing privacy concerns, officials reassured the public that the situation is stable and does not warrant an emergency evacuation.
“First and foremost, we’re all okay,” Finke stated in a LinkedIn post over the weekend. “Everyone on board is stable, safe, and well cared for. This decision allows for a comprehensive medical evaluation on the ground where all diagnostic capabilities exist. This is the correct decision, even if it feels somewhat bittersweet.”
If undocking proceeds as scheduled, Crew-11 astronauts are anticipated to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off California’s coast around 3:41 a.m. ET on Thursday. The journey back will take approximately 11 hours, including a deorbit burn to slow the spacecraft before it re-enters Earth’s atmosphere, culminating in a parachute landing underwater.
Arriving at the ISS in August, Cardman, Finke, Yui, and Platonov were initially slated to remain until the end of February. However, a recent medical incident involving a crew member led NASA to cancel a planned spacewalk, which Cardman and Finke were set to conduct for station exterior renovations. Following this, the decision was made to expedite the crew’s return as a precautionary measure.
“After thorough consultation with Chief Medical Officer Dr. J.D. Polk and various agency leaders, we concluded that it is in the best interest of the astronauts to return Crew-11 ahead of the original schedule,” stated NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman on Thursday.
The astronauts are expected to land on Earth before the next space station crew takes off, but NASA confirms that Flight Engineer Chris Williams and two Russian cosmonauts will remain aboard. NASA officials are exploring options to expedite the next launch. The upcoming mission, known as Crew 12, is planned for a launch by February 15, but Williams will presumably be the sole NASA astronaut managing U.S. scientific experiments and operations on the ISS for several weeks.
During a “change of command” ceremony prior to departure on Monday, Finke officially handed over command of the space station to cosmonaut Sergei Kud-Sverchkov.
“Sergei, it is both an honor and a pleasure to hand over command to you,” Finke remarked.
He referred to the crew’s unexpectedly early departure as “an interesting time,” reminiscing positively about their experience in orbit.
“We come from diverse places around the globe and work collaboratively,” Finke concluded. “This is a fantastic representation of what humanity can achieve together.”
NASA has announced plans to return four astronauts from the International Space Station (ISS) earlier than initially scheduled due to a crew member’s health issue encountered in orbit.
According to a statement released by NASA late Friday, the undocking from the ISS is set to take place by 5 p.m. ET on Wednesday, weather permitting at the designated splashdown site off California’s coast.
This marks the first occasion in the 25-year history of the ISS that a mission has been interrupted due to a medical incident in space.
While NASA confirmed a medical issue arose earlier this week, specific details regarding the crew member’s condition or identity have not been disclosed, citing medical privacy regulations.
During a news conference on Thursday, agency officials reassured that the situation is stable, and the decision for early departure is a precautionary measure rather than an emergency evacuation.
NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated, “After consulting with Chief Medical Officer Dr. J.D. Polk and agency leaders, we concluded that it’s best for the astronauts to return Crew-11 ahead of schedule.”
The returning crew includes NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Finke, Japanese astronaut Kamiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. Crew-11 was initially slated to reach the ISS in early August and remain in the laboratory until late February.
The astronauts will return in the same SpaceX Dragon capsule that transported them to the ISS. If all goes as planned, undocking will occur Wednesday night, with an expected splashdown in the Pacific Ocean around 3:40 a.m. Thursday.
NASA and SpaceX will provide further updates on the precise landing time and location as it gets closer to the undocking.
Post Crew-11’s departure, NASA will maintain one astronaut aboard the ISS to oversee U.S. scientific experiments and operations. Flight engineer Chris Williams launched aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft on November 27th and will be joined by Russian cosmonauts Sergei Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev.
The next crew is scheduled to launch to the ISS in mid-February, with NASA considering enhancements to this mission, known as Crew-12.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-11 Team to the International Space Station
SpaceX
In a historic event, astronauts have been evacuated from the International Space Station (ISS) for medical reasons for the first time. The specific medical condition has not been disclosed to maintain privacy, and the astronaut affected remains unnamed. However, four of the seven crew members aboard the ISS returned to Earth ahead of schedule.
The returning astronauts are part of the Crew-11 mission, which launched on August 1 and was initially scheduled to conclude in late February. During a press conference on January 8, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman noted that nearly all mission objectives had been achieved, enabling an early return.
“This is not an emergency evacuation; the astronaut is stable,” stated NASA’s Chief Medical Officer James Polk. Isaacman further emphasized that while emergency medical evacuation was possible within hours, the actual crew evacuation would occur within days.
Although medical incidents aboard the ISS are not unprecedented, they have typically been manageable in orbit. “The ISS is equipped with robust medical facilities, but it lacks the comprehensive resources of an emergency department,” Polk explained. The severity of this recent incident necessitated that the crew return to Earth for complete medical assessment.
The four Crew-11 members (including two NASA astronauts, one Russian, and one Japanese astronaut) will return via the Dragon spacecraft that transported them to the ISS, despite only one experiencing a medical issue. Preparations are in place at Earth-based medical facilities to ensure affected crew members receive the necessary care. While the situation is without precedent, Isaacman assured that the return process aligns closely with regular protocols.
“Historical models over the last 25 years suggest medical evacuations should occur approximately every three years, yet this is the first such instance,” Polk remarked.
Following this evacuation, a NASA astronaut and two Russian cosmonauts will continue their research aboard the ISS until the Crew-12 mission arrives, originally planned for February 15, but potentially rescheduled due to this incident.
NASA has announced that four astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) will return to Earth over a month early due to medical issues. This unprecedented evacuation marks the first of its kind in the ISS’s 25-year history.
Due to medical privacy regulations, NASA refrained from disclosing specific details, including the identities of the affected astronauts and the nature of their medical conditions. However, officials confirmed that the overall situation remains stable.
Speaking at a recent news conference, NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman stated that the astronauts are expected to return home in the coming days. An exact timeline for undocking and landing has not yet been provided.
“After consulting with Medical Officer of Health Dr. J.D. Polk and leadership across the agency, we believe returning Crew-11 early is in the best interest of the astronauts,” Isaacman said in a statement.
Inside the International Space Station. NASA
Isaacman noted that further updates would be available within the next 48 hours.
The Crew-11 team evacuating the ISS consists of NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Finke, Japanese cosmonaut Kamiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. They had originally arrived in early August with plans to stay until late February.
Dr. Polk reassured the public that the situation is stable, clarifying that the decision to evacuate was made for the well-being of the astronauts, not due to an emergency.
“While the ISS is equipped with sophisticated medical technology, it cannot match the complete resources of a hospital emergency department for thorough patient evaluations,” Polk explained. “In this case, there were multiple medical events which necessitated a careful assessment of the astronauts’ health.”
NASA first made the medical concerns public on Wednesday, when it was revealed that Cardman and Finke were deferring a scheduled spacewalk.
Following the early return of Crew-11, NASA will operate with just one astronaut on the ISS, who will oversee ongoing U.S. scientific operations. Flight engineer Chris Williams launched aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft on November 27, accompanied by Russian cosmonauts Oleg Platonov, Sergei Kud-Sverchkov, and Sergei Mikayev.
The subsequent crew is slated to launch to the ISS in mid-February, but Isaacman indicated that NASA may evaluate enhancements for this upcoming mission, known as Crew-12.
This week’s developments present Isaacman’s first significant challenge since taking office on December 18.
For nearly a month, NASA has been striving to reestablish communication with the MAVEN probe, which unexpectedly went silent while orbiting Mars.
The space agency lost contact with the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft on December 6. Despite efforts to restore connectivity, mission controllers believe the spacecraft was spinning erratically based on data received that day.
NASA plans to make another attempt to revive MAVEN on January 16 due to Mars and Earth being positioned on opposite sides of the sun, which has caused significant communication delays.
Unfortunately, the prognosis is concerning for one of NASA’s flagship missions.
Since its entry into orbit around Mars in 2014, the MAVEN spacecraft has been instrumental in studying the Red Planet’s upper atmosphere, including the ionosphere, and understanding how Mars has lost its atmosphere over billions of years. MAVEN also facilitates communications among two rovers on the Martian surface, Curiosity and Perseverance, and Earth.
NASA has been unable to contact MAVEN since December 6, a day when the agency experienced a “loss of signal” while the spacecraft was behind Mars. This situation generally leads to routine communication interruptions, but MAVEN failed to reestablish contact when it emerged from behind the planet.
NASA announced it is investigating the situation. In a statement from December 9, few specifics were given, although mission controllers reported that all subsystems were functioning correctly before the spacecraft passed behind Mars.
After about a week, NASA updated that they had not received communications from MAVEN since December 4 but did retrieve a snippet of tracking data from December 6.
The findings were alarming. “Analysis of that signal suggests that the MAVEN spacecraft was rotating unexpectedly as it emerged from behind Mars,” NASA officials stated in a statement.
NASA employs a global network of radio antennas known as the Deep Space Network to issue commands to MAVEN and monitor incoming signals. On December 16 and 20, attempts were made to capture images of MAVEN in orbit using instruments aboard NASA’s Curiosity rover.
Meanwhile, mission controllers are diligently analyzing the last set of recovered tracking data. NASA reported on December 23 that they were trying to piece together a timeline to understand the issue. Additional details were not disclosed in a comment request, but the agency referred to the December 23 update.
Originally, the MAVEN mission was intended to last just two years, yet it has been operational for more than a decade. In 2024, NASA celebrated a decade since MAVEN began orbiting Mars.
By examining Mars’ atmospheric loss, MAVEN has provided insights into the planet’s past and present climate, illustrating its transformation from a potentially habitable environment with liquid water to the cold, desolate world it is today.
MAVEN is one of three NASA spacecraft currently orbiting Mars. The agency also operates the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, launched in 2005, and Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001.
According to NASA’s ambitious timeline, 2026 marks the exciting return of astronauts to the moon.
In just a few months, four astronauts will embark on a groundbreaking 10-day lunar mission. This will be the closest humans have ventured toward the moon in over half a century.
The historic flight, dubbed Artemis II, is slated to launch as early as February, signaling a much-anticipated revival of America’s lunar exploration efforts. This mission will serve as a critical test for NASA’s state-of-the-art Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft, both of which have faced numerous delays and budget challenges over the past decade.
Reestablishing a presence on the moon has been a key objective during President Trump’s first term, and the current administration is intensifying its focus on the escalating space race with China, which aims to land its astronauts on the moon by 2030.
Beyond its geopolitical significance, Artemis II represents a pivotal step in space exploration. The mission aims to lay the groundwork for a sustainable lunar base before advancing human exploration to Mars.
“In the next three years, we’ll land American astronauts on the moon again, but this time we’ll build the necessary infrastructure for their extended stay,” stated new NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman in a recent NBC News interview.
For many scientists, the excitement surrounding the moon’s return lies in the chance to uncover long-standing mysteries related to its formation and evolution—topics that were the focus of the Apollo missions in the 1960s and 1970s.
“Moon scientists have had a plethora of questions over the decades,” says Brett Denebi, a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland.
Addressing these questions may provide crucial insights into the processes that shaped Earth, according to Dennevy.
“Earth is, in some ways, a poor record keeper,” she notes. “Plate tectonics and weather have erased much of its ancient history. In contrast, the moon has preserved landforms that date back approximately 4.5 billion years, waiting for us to explore.”
Although Artemis II will not involve a moon landing, it will assess essential technologies. Docking procedures and life support systems, initially tested in Earth orbit and later in lunar orbit, are crucial for future lunar missions.
In 2022, NASA launched the Space Launch System rocket and Orion capsule on a successful uncrewed test flight around the moon, known as the Artemis I mission.
Researchers exploring the solar system’s history focus on a diverse range of comets and asteroids, particularly those classified as Near-Earth Objects (NEOs). These celestial bodies not only offer insights into the origins of water and organic materials but also continue to impact planets across the solar system, including Mars, Earth, Venus, and Mercury. Their close proximity to Earth facilitates detection and observation with smaller telescopes, increasing the potential for successful interceptions, potentially involving rovers and landers.
An international research team has recently classified and identified 39 new NEOs between February 2021 and September 2024, utilizing two advanced telescopes: Itaparica Observatory (OASI) in Brazil, along with the 2.15-meter Jorge Sahade telescope at Complejo Astronomico El Leoncito (CASLEO) in Argentina.
The research team used these telescopes to study variations in the brightness of NEOs over time. Since NEOs are essentially blocks of ice or rock that reflect sunlight rather than emit light, their visibility from Earth is influenced by the angle between Earth and the Sun along with their size, shape, and structure. By measuring the periodic changes in brightness, scientists calculated the rotation rates of these objects.
The diameters of the 39 NEOs varied from 0.1 to 10 kilometers (0.06 to 6 miles), with most ranging between 0.5 to 3 kilometers (0.3 to 2 miles). Their shapes ranged from nearly spherical to elongated, cigar-like forms. The team successfully determined the rotation periods for 26 of these NEOs, noting that the shortest rotation cycle was just over two hours while the longest approached 20 hours. Notably, 16 of these NEOs rotated in under 5 hours, suggesting that many are fast-rotating bodies.
The study established that a rotation period exceeding 2.2 hours is the upper limit for small NEOs known as rubble pile asteroids, which are loose formations held together by self-gravity. Beyond this threshold, centrifugal forces could destabilize them. Conversely, those NEOs under 250 meters (820 feet) tend to be more solid, dubbed monoliths. The findings indicated that smaller and medium-sized NEOs exhibit varied structures and formation histories.
Using advanced imaging techniques through telescope lenses that filter specific light wavelengths, the researchers analyzed the chemical composition of 34 NEOs. They employed 2 additional filters alongside 4 filters designed for green and red wavelengths, including near-infrared wavelengths. Their results revealed that 50% of the NEOs are silica-based, resembling many terrestrial rocks, with 23.5% comprising carbon-rich materials, approximately 9% metals, and around 6% basaltic elements. The remaining composition was a mixture of carbon and silicates as well as calcium and aluminum.
While the chemical analysis largely aligned with previous findings, the researchers found a lack of olivine—a mineral typically prevalent in smaller asteroids. This absence can be attributed to the fact that most sampled NEOs exceeded 200 meters (660 feet), surpassing the typical size for olivine-rich asteroids.
This research enriches our understanding of NEOs and their physical and chemical properties. The team advocates for an integrated research approach that leverages technology and multi-telescope observations to effectively characterize small celestial objects. Future studies should prioritize close monitoring of NEOs, especially those approaching their rotation threshold, and employ radar observations to confirm the existence of potential binary pairs. By analyzing reflected visible and near-infrared light, researchers can further unveil the chemical makeup of the asteroid surfaces.
Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur, was officially confirmed by the Senate as NASA’s new administrator on Wednesday, concluding a dramatic chapter that began over a year ago.
Initially nominated by then-President-elect Donald Trump in December 2024, Isaacman saw his nomination retracted just five months later following a comprehensive review of prior relations.
In an unexpected turn, President Trump renominated Isaacman in November, asserting that his enthusiasm and experience in the field of space make him “ideally suited to lead NASA into a new visionary era.”
This leadership transition occurs at a critical juncture for NASA, with ongoing concerns regarding the agency’s future funding and mission priorities. Similar to other governmental entities, NASA is recovering from significant budget cuts and workforce reductions implemented during the Trump administration.
The final vote for approval was 67-30.
The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee endorsed Isaacman’s nomination following a Dec. 3 hearing where he emphasized the urgency of returning NASA astronauts to the moon ahead of China.
Senator Ted Cruz, a Republican from Texas and committee chair, expressed hopes for Isaacman’s approval by year-end.
Isaacman, 42, is the founder and CEO of Shift4, a payment processing company, though he has not previously worked with NASA or in government. He will succeed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has been acting as NASA’s administrator since July.
During the Senate committee hearing, Isaacman articulated a commitment to lunar exploration and prevailing in a renewed space race with China. Both nations aspire to establish a permanent human presence on the moon, yet NASA’s Artemis program has encountered multiple delays and budget overruns, while China’s space efforts have made swift advancements.
NASA plans to send four astronauts around the moon next year in a vital test for its next-generation rockets and spacecraft. If successful, the agency aims to land a crew near the moon’s south pole by 2027. In parallel, China has announced plans to achieve its own lunar landing by 2030.
Beyond its lunar aspirations, NASA faces ambiguity regarding its funding and overarching purpose. Earlier this year, President Trump’s budget proposal suggested cutting over $6 billion, or roughly 24%, from NASA’s budget, but this met with considerable resistance in both the House and Senate.
Isaacman was subject to extensive questioning during his confirmation hearing regarding the leak of “Project Athena,” a document detailing his vision for NASA. The 62-page proposal, first reported by Politico, suggested significant alterations to NASA’s scientific agenda, such as prioritizing Mars missions, enhancing nuclear-electric propulsion, reforming certain NASA centers, and increasing commercial partnerships.
Isaacman stated in the hearing that Project Athena is a “draft document,” yet he affirmed support for its contents, asserting that they are “valid from all perspectives.”
The confirmation proceedings also spotlighted Isaacman’s ties with Elon Musk. Isaacman has made two space flights on commercial SpaceX missions, self-financed, without publicly disclosed costs. Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, previously aligned with Trump but supported Isaacman’s initial nomination.
The reversal of Isaacman’s nomination came during a public spat between Trump and Musk. Isaacman faced scrutiny regarding his connections with Musk, including how his business dealings relate to SpaceX.
Isaacman downplayed this connection, emphasizing that he chose SpaceX for his space travel due to its unique capability to transport astronauts to and from space.
He concluded, stating, “There are no photos of him at dinner, in a bar, on a plane, on a yacht, because they don’t exist.”
NASA unveiled new images of an interstellar comet on Wednesday, marking it as the third confirmed visitor from elsewhere in the galaxy. The visuals depict the comet as a luminous point encircled by a halo of gas and dust.
In the eagerly awaited photograph, the comet, designated 3I/ATLAS, mainly appears as an illuminated spot, though its tail can be seen as a faint elongated streak in some frames.
Interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS (highlighted in the center) as captured by NASA’s Lucy spacecraft. This image was formed by combining multiple photos taken on September 16, as the comet approached Mars. NASA / Goddard / SwRI / JHU-APL
First identified in July, comet 3I/ATLAS has generated significant excitement among scientists and astronomy enthusiasts. The fascination arises from the unique chance to observe interstellar objects at such proximity.
The latest images were captured by an array of NASA spacecraft while the enigmatic comet circled through the inner solar system from late September to mid-October. The release was delayed due to a government shutdown that interrupted operations at NASA and other federal institutions.
The NASA missions responsible for these new images include the PUNCH satellite, which observes the Sun, the Solar Heliosphere Observatory, the MAVEN mission studying Mars’ atmosphere, and the Perseverance rover, currently on Mars’ surface.
Traveling at 130,000 miles per hour, the comet 3I/ATLAS was depicted in a series of colorized stacked visuals from September 11 to 25 using the STEREO-A (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory) visible-light camera. NASA / Lowell Observatory / Zhang Qicheng
Prior to 3I/ATLAS, the only confirmed interstellar objects to have entered our solar system were the cigar-shaped ‘Oumuamua in 2017 and comet 2I/Borisov in 2019.
The arrival of 3I/ATLAS in our cosmic vicinity has sparked wild speculations about the possibility of it being extraterrestrial technology or an alien spacecraft, although no scientific backing supports these ideas. NASA officials stated in a press conference on Wednesday that all current observations align with known comet characteristics.
“We certainly haven’t detected any technosignatures or anything that would suggest it is anything but a comet,” remarked Nicki Fox, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.
Nonetheless, the comet’s interstellar roots indicate it possesses intriguing attributes that could yield new insights regarding star systems beyond our own, according to Fox.
“That difference is particularly fascinating to us,” she stated. “It may have existed before our solar system was formed. That’s pretty exciting.”
In the forthcoming weeks, scientists will have enhanced opportunities to study 3I/ATLAS and further analyze its appearance, speed, chemical makeup, and potential origins.
“This is a new scientific chance and an opportunity to delve into the composition and history of other solar systems,” expressed Tom Statler, NASA’s lead scientist for small solar system bodies. “We’re just beginning to understand these types of objects and determining the right questions to pose about them.”
Comet 3I/ATLAS was documented by the PUNCH satellite in low Earth orbit from September 28 to October 10, when it was between 231 to 235 million miles away. NASA/Southwest Research Institute
However, tracing the comet’s origin remains challenging, Statler noted.
3I/ATLAS came closest to the Sun at the end of October and is currently continuing its path through the inner solar system. It has been so near to the Sun that it has not been visible to terrestrial telescopes recently, but NASA anticipates it will become visible again post-December.
On December 19, 3I/ATLAS is expected to make a close pass by Earth. Although it poses no threat, NASA states that the comet will remain about 170 million miles away during this encounter.
Statler indicated that the James Webb Space Telescope will observe the comet in December, while ground-based telescopes like the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii are also scheduled to capture images of the comet in the future.
An image depicting interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it approached Mars, captured by the European Space Agency’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter. European Space Agency
The photos released by NASA on Wednesday join a growing collection acquired by various spacecraft across the solar system. In early October, the European Space Agency shared 3I/ATLAS images taken by the ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, which showed a bright point moving through the vastness of space.
This spacecraft, co-managed by the ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, detected a comet approaching near Mars at that time, about 18.6 million miles away according to ESA.
NASA continues to analyze additional data gathered by the fleet of spacecraft since early October.
“There’s much more to come,” Statler remarked. “Not all data has been transmitted through NASA’s Deep Space Network yet, and there are numerous observations still planned.”
Feedback is New Scientist A popular figure who keeps up with the latest in science and technology. To provide feedback on topics you think may interest our readers, please reach out via email at feedback@newscientist.com.
NASA Surveillance
Some stories elude my interest in feedback. With over 8 billion people on the planet, many hold on to misguided beliefs, and countless individuals have internet access, phones, and mailboxes. I simply cannot engage with the flood of unrefined ideas that arise. Feedback— I refuse to become the person depicted in the XKCD comic who loses sleep over the phrase, “someone on the internet is wrong.”
Recently, it barely grazed the news that Kim Kardashian seems to think NASA staged the moon landing in 1969. She mentioned the same on her reality TV show The Kardashian Family, which features her mother and sisters.
Kardashian allegedly misinterpreted her chat with Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon. At one point, Aldrin remarked: “That never happened.” He meant there was no frightening incident during the mission, but Kardashian seemed to conclude that it implied the entire mission was faked. This is a quite audacious assertion, especially given Aldrin’s previous criticisms of moon landing conspiracy theories.
Instead of spouting mockery at the Kardashians’ misunderstanding, let’s focus on what lies ahead. According to the BBC, NASA’s Acting Administrator Sean Duffy has “invited Ms. Kardashian to the Kennedy Space Center for the Artemis moon mission launch.”
Duffy might soon wish he hadn’t set that precedent—publicizing nonsensical conspiracy theories through mainstream media appears to yield exclusive tours of NASA. Feedback has desired to visit Mission Control for ages, and we think we could propose better theories than “faking the moon landing.”
Do you know why it took 9 years for the New Horizons spacecraft to reach Pluto? Because NASA was secretly moving the planet further away from Earth to make it seem smaller, enabling the downgrade from planet status to dwarf planet.
Similarly, have you pondered the realism of Martian? Deep NASA (akin to the Deep State, but more effective) would have you believe it’s due to author Andy Weir’s research. In truth, they clandestinely left astronauts stranded on Mars during the ’90s. The premise is based on a video diary he recorded before being terminated by a robot with a heat ray.
We eagerly await the invitation from NASA.
Middle of Saturday
Previously, we delved into the concept of Scunthorpe problems. Harmless words may encompass strings that seemingly offend automated moderation systems lacking context (October 11). We thought we had concluded this matter, but Peter Lloyd has informed us about an earlier iteration of this issue.
On a Saturday afternoon in the ’70s, he recounts: Grandstand begins. ” For younger audiences and those outside the UK, Grandstand was a sports show aired every Saturday afternoon. Depending on your stance on televised sports, it was either a delight or a nuisance in an era with limited television options.
“Suddenly, one word flashed across the screen,” Peter recalls. “I was taken aback! Why would the BBC display TURD on my television? After a brief delay, the image zoomed out to reveal ‘SATURDAY ON BBC1’.”
Just Imagine!
If you haven’t heard yet, submit your work for the upcoming issue by Friday, December 5th. Check out the Imagination Research Journal.
Feedback was previously unaware of this publication, but we’ve taken some time to discover its essence. “We publish imaginary research abstracts, which are short fictive pieces that mimic the format of traditional academic work,” the editors express. An abstract serves as a synopsis of scholarly articles, offering a brief overview of prior research.
If we understand this correctly, the aim is to craft short fiction that is formatted as a mock summary of a research paper. We reviewed the ten most recent volumes. Some of the summaries/stories are quite amusing and effectively parody academic literature.
We particularly enjoyed Edward Loveman’s piece, “Being In-Between: A Sensory Autoethnography of Otherworldly Life,” which recounts “scholars capable of traversing dimensions (hyperdimensionality).” Unfortunately, Loveman notes, “Such research is often met with skepticism, cruelty, and disdain within both academia and the wider public.”
However, he argues that it symbolizes a “unique, ever-evolving, fluid connection to existence that surpasses temporality.”
Similarly, Soyoung Park’s submission queries: “Can research succeed without a research question?” in which a “group of doctoral students” engages in “an intensive coffee session,” disclosing that “their challenge was not the questions themselves, but the essence of questioning, a process that fundamentally implies and necessitates an answer.”
Feedback suspects that Imagination Research Journal could become a staple feature here. It’s a pity it’s only published once a year.
Have a story for Feedback?
You can submit your article to Feedback at feedback@newscientist.com. Please include your home address. This week’s and past feedback can be found on our website.
On Tuesday, President Donald Trump revealed his intention to renominate billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman to head NASA, just months after abruptly removing Isaacman’s name from consideration in May.
“Jared’s enthusiasm for space, his astronaut experience, and his commitment to advancing exploration and unlocking the secrets of space make him the perfect candidate to guide NASA into a new and daring era,” stated President Trump. View on Truth Social.
Should he be confirmed, Isaacman would succeed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who has been serving as interim administrator of the space agency since July.
At 42, Isaacman is considered somewhat of an outsider for leading the space agency. As the founder and CEO of payment processing company Shift4, he has never held a position with NASA or the federal government.
Nonetheless, he has completed two spaceflights on commercial SpaceX missions, having personally financed both endeavors for undisclosed amounts.
Trump initially nominated Isaacman in December 2024 but retracted his nomination five months later, citing a “thorough review of our existing relationship.” Details were scarce, although some Republicans expressed concern over Isaacman’s past contributions to Democratic campaigns.
If confirmed, Isaacman would take charge of NASA during a time of significant turmoil for the agency. Like other federal departments, NASA has seen major cuts in funding and personnel as part of the Trump administration’s downsizing strategies.
Since Trump’s return to office, NASA has reduced its workforce by about 20%, including over 2,000 senior positions. Last month, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory announced a reduction of 550 jobs, approximately 10% of its workforce.
Additionally, space agencies are bracing for potential budget cuts, as President Trump’s proposed budget indicates a reduction of more than $6 billion (roughly 24%) in NASA funding. With the ongoing government shutdown, many uncertainties surrounding NASA’s future remain.
The situation is complicated by a renewed space race between the U.S. and China, both vying to establish a sustained human presence on the moon. NASA aims to land astronauts by 2027, although delays are likely. Conversely, China has set its sights on landing its astronauts on the moon by 2030.
Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX and once an ally of Trump, had shown support for Isaacman’s initial nomination. Trump’s choice to withdraw Isaacman’s nomination coincided with a public dispute between Musk and the president.
Trump’s announcement of Isaacman’s renomination comes just weeks after Musk criticized Duffy on the social media platform X, which he owns.
The interim administrator of NASA revealed plans to open SpaceX’s current lunar lander contract to bids from competitors, sparking Musk’s frustration.
In 2021, SpaceX secured a $2.9 billion contract to use its Starship rocket system for NASA’s Artemis III mission, scheduled for 2027. However, Duffy indicated that SpaceX is falling behind and the government aims to foster competition.
Musk expressed his dissatisfaction with Duffy’s remarks, referring to him as a “Sean dummy” and accusing the acting administrator of undermining NASA.
SpaceX’s operations are closely linked to NASA, as the agency depends on Musk’s company for the transportation of astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station, along with upcoming lunar missions.
NASA’s Acting Administrator Sean Duffy seems to have drawn the ire of Elon Musk.
Elon Musk, founder and CEO of SpaceX, took to social media on Tuesday to criticize Mr. Duffy’s intelligence and recent actions as the leader of the space agency.
“Sean Dummy is trying to destroy NASA!” Musk stated on X, using a derogatory nickname for the acting administrator. In another post, he remarked: “There’s no way the leader of America’s space program can have a double-digit IQ.”
On Monday, Duffy announced that NASA is considering utilizing a lunar lander from a SpaceX competitor to help return astronauts to the moon before China establishes its presence there.
NASA initially planned to use SpaceX’s next-generation Starship rocket system for the lunar landing.
Musk conducted a poll on Tuesday asking his followers on X: “Should someone whose greatest achievement is climbing trees lead America’s space program?” One option was, “Yes, chimpanzees are good at it!” while the other suggested, “No, he needs More Brains!”
By Tuesday afternoon, the poll had garnered around 110,000 votes.
In 2021, SpaceX secured a $2.9 billion contract to use its Starship rocket to land two astronauts on the moon during NASA’s Artemis III mission, aimed for a 2027 launch.
However, Musk’s company has faced delays in the testing and development of Starship, which experienced several explosions this year.
Meanwhile, political pressure is mounting as the competition with China escalates; the nation is targeting a moon landing by 2030 and has already dispatched two robotic probes and tested a new rocket for manned lunar missions.
Duffy appeared on Fox News and CNBC on Monday, stating that NASA would expand the Artemis III contract, inviting proposals from rival space companies to maintain U.S. competitiveness against China.
“We are not going to wait for a single company,” Duffy reiterated in an appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box.” on Monday. “We are focused on moving forward and winning the second space race against China.”
Duffy mentioned his and President Donald Trump’s goal to return astronauts to the moon during Trump’s second term.
He cited Blue Origin, the space launch company founded by Jeff Bezos, as a potential competitor capable of providing unique technology.
This statement appeared to antagonize Musk.
In a subsequent post, Musk questioned the ability of other commercial space firms to meet such stringent deadlines.
“In comparison to other space industries, SpaceX is advancing at remarkable speed,” he asserted. “Moreover, Starship will ultimately execute the full lunar mission. Mark my words.”
In reality, SpaceX is so ahead of its rivals that it is already conducting regular NASA missions to transport astronauts and cargo to the International Space Station.
Reacting to Musk’s remarks, Duffy replied on X: “Love the enthusiasm. The race to the moon is on. Great companies should welcome challenges. Competition among innovators benefits America!”
However, Musk’s tirade on Tuesday took a personal turn, questioning Duffy’s competence to lead NASA. Duffy is temporarily in charge of the agency; a Wall Street Journal report suggested he is positioning himself to continue in that role alongside his responsibilities as transportation secretary.
The report indicated that Duffy is contending against billionaire Jared Isaacman, who may reemerge as a candidate for the NASA leadership position. Trump had retracted Isaacman’s nomination in May, just ahead of an anticipated confirmation vote.This withdrawal followed what the president described as a “thorough review of prior connections.” (Trump did not elaborate, but some Republicans had expressed reservations that Isaacman previously donated to Democrats.)
Musk has shown support for Isaacman, who has made two orbital flights on commercial SpaceX missions.
NASA spokesperson Bethany Stevens informed NBC News that President Trump has asked Duffy to consult with potential administrators, and that the interim administrator “will be glad to assist by evaluating candidates and providing honest feedback.”
“Sean is thankful to the president for this opportunity to lead NASA,” Stevens stated. “At the president’s direction, Sean is committed to ensuring America returns to the moon before China. He has indicated that NASA’s integration into the Cabinet, possibly even the Department of Transportation, might be beneficial, though he has never claimed he wishes to continue in this role.”
The White House did not respond to inquiries for comment.
The timing of Isaacman’s controversy in May coincided with a public feud between Trump and Musk, which escalated before the SpaceX CEO departed the White House on a special public service assignment. Musk’s departure was fraught with tension as he criticized President Trump’s “One Big Beautiful Bill,” labeling it a “huge, outrageous, pig-filled Congressional spending plan” and a “distasteful, ugly bill” that would exacerbate the budget deficit.
The unusual “leopard spot” markings on Mars’ rocks might finally indicate that alien microbes could have existed on the Red Planet.
A comprehensive analysis of these rocks has shown that the intricate patterns are “the clearest signs ever found on Mars,” as stated by Sean Duffy, a NASA representative.
These rocks, estimated to be about 3.5 billion years old, were discovered in July 2024 by NASA’s Perseverance rover. Since then, planetary scientists have been exploring various hypotheses to explain these markings.
Recent information from a Nature paper suggests that while the patterns may have a geological origin, the prevailing theory now points toward ancient Martian microbes as the likely culprits.
Perseverance collected rock samples, hoping to yield a more definitive answer. If all goes well, these samples will eventually return to Earth for a thorough examination of potential signs of past life.
Leopard Spots on Bright Angel
Currently, Mars is a barren, lifeless world, but this hasn’t always been the case. Until around 3 billion years ago, Mars’ surface was rich with flowing rivers and expansive lakes.
Wherever there is water on Earth, signs of life typically follow. For two decades, NASA’s rovers have been scouring Mars for evidence suggesting that the Red Planet could have once supported life.
The Perseverance rover is exploring a site known as Jezero Crater, which was a lake in Mars’ ancient history. Similar environments on Earth often serve as habitats for microorganisms.
Within rock formations referred to as the Bright Angel formation, Perseverance uncovered stunning patterns resembling leopard spots.
“We conducted extensive observations of the entire rock formation at Bright Angel,” said Professor Joel Hurowitz of Stony Brook University in the US, in an interview with BBC Science Focus.
While Perseverance’s cameras captured detailed images of the patterns, a spectrometer analyzed the mineral composition. The rover even utilized radar to map the structure of the subsurface outcrop.
“Essentially, we used every tool available on these rocks except for the kitchen sink,” Hurowitz remarked.
The analysis indicated that the patterns were formed by iron-rich minerals called vivianite and greygite. On Earth, these minerals typically arise from “redox reactions,” a process in which microorganisms exchange electrons with their environment.
“On Earth, these reactions are often facilitated by microorganisms residing in sediments, which derive energy from them for metabolic activity,” Hurowitz explained. The residuals from these processes create distinctive patterns in sedimentary rocks.
However, this doesn’t mean we should rush to celebrate the discovery of alien life just yet. There are other mechanisms that could account for the leopard spot patterns without any biological influence.
For instance, heat could have driven reactions between mud and organic matter, resulting in new minerals.
Yet, the research team did not find evidence indicating that the rocks were subjected to heat. Additionally, other methods they investigated also did not seem viable. Nonetheless, Hurowitz cautioned, “We cannot dismiss these entirely.”
One of the most surprising findings is the relatively young age of these rocks. At only 3.5 billion years old, the patterns formed while Mars was already entering a phase of decline, suggesting that the planet may have been habitable for much longer than previously assumed.
Unfortunately, Perseverance has an entire planet to explore and we continue our quest to find life beyond Earth.
Perseverance drilling and photographing rock samples – Credit: NASA/JPL -CALTECH/MSSS
“If I could revisit Jezero in the future, I would have follow-up questions that I would like to address using the rover’s instruments,” Hurowitz remarked.
“However, these follow-up analyses may not necessarily provide a more conclusive answer regarding whether these features were shaped by life.”
“Ultimately, determining whether life was involved will necessitate laboratory analysis back on Earth.”
Bringing Mars to Earth
Fortunately, Perseverance is part of the initial phase of Mars’ sample return mission. Not only is it studying the rocks on Mars, but it’s also preparing to bring samples back to Earth.
Before departing from Bright Angel, the rover collected and stored samples from the rocks along with numerous similar fragments obtained during its mission on Mars.
NASA aims to collaborate with the European Space Agency on follow-up missions to retrieve these samples and return them to Earth where they can be analyzed in top-tier laboratories.
After 3.5 billion years, finding definitive evidence is challenging. Instead, researchers will seek additional signs that microbes may have left behind.
“The first logical step is to analyze the isotopic composition of iron, sulfur, and carbon in the various mineral and organic components of the rock,” Hurowitz stated.
Isotopes can be thought of as different variants of the same element. Microorganisms tend to retain particular isotopes more than their non-biological counterparts, enabling researchers to narrow down their search for evidence of life.
“These variations in isotopic composition are essential tools for investigating biological signals in ancient rocks on Earth, and we aim to apply similar methods to this Martian sample,” Hurowitz noted.
The return mission is tentatively scheduled for the 2030s, although there is a risk of cancellation due to cuts to NASA’s planetary exploration budget during the Trump administration.
“NASA is examining strategies for retrieving these samples and others,” a NASA spokesperson told BBC Science Focus. “Having explored Mars for 60 years, we will continue to look into budgetary and timing considerations for a quick and cost-effective return of these samples.”
“We hope these findings will further motivate the sample return mission,” Hurowitz added. “This will allow us to scrutinize the sample with the detail necessary to determine its historical record of life on Mars.”
“If it’s indeed life, that would suggest our planet is not the only one where life has evolved,” Frowitz concluded. “If life originated twice, how many other places might it have occurred?”
About Our Experts
Joel Hurowitz is an associate professor in the Department of Geoscience at Stony Brook University in New York, USA. He investigates the early history of Mars through measurements taken from planetary studies and Earth’s similar topographies.
In summary, no. However, last year, NASA’s diligent rover uncovered indications in ancient rocks that may suggest life existed on the Red Planet billions of years ago. Now, new evidence points to the unique structure of certain clay-rich minerals that might indicate biological origins.
Despite the excitement surrounding these findings, caution is essential: Astrobiologists Trust in detecting life employs strict criteria to evaluate evidence quality. Even the previous discoveries combined with today’s findings remain at initial stages.
What Did NASA Actually Discover?
Perseverance explored a lakebed known as Bright Angel in Jezero Crater last year when it encountered a rock displaying unusual markings referred to as “leopard spots” and “poppy seeds.” On Earth, these patterns are indicative of ancient microbial activity. Leopard spots are small, round dark marks, while poppy seeds are even tinier, darker particles.
Both types of markings are found in a rock named Chayaba Falls, after the Grand Canyon Falls, sandwiched between white layers of calcium sulfate—a mineral typically formed in the presence of water, crucial for life.
Today, NASA announced further intriguing discoveries. Clay-rich samples were found at two locations (one named Sapphire Canyon) along with those previously identified in Bright Angel, including small green spots of chemically reduced iron phosphate and iron sulfide minerals.
Map of Perseverance’s Course on Mars
NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona
How Are These Findings Related to Life?
On Earth, both leopard spots and poppy seeds are linked to signs of microbial activity. These redox reactions that produce energy during life processes leave colored deposits of iron and sulfur in their “reduced forms,” effectively indicating electron acquisition.
The markings found at Chayaba Falls may have resulted from either microbial actions or high-temperature reactions unrelated to life. Yet, the onboard instrument aboard Perseverance was used earlier this year to analyze the chemical composition of these markings, revealing that they contain a reduced form of mineral, suggesting a higher likelihood of biological activity.
Additionally, the newly identified rocks featuring green spots of chemically reduced materials, akin to earlier samples, may signal the presence of life. Their heterogeneous distribution is also directly related to organic compound concentrations, bolstering the hypothesis that they were produced by living organisms.
Joel Hurowitz from Stony Brook University, along with collaborators, commented in a newly published paper in the journal Nature: “The Bright Angel formation encompasses textures and chemical properties alongside organic signatures that warrant consideration as ‘potential biosignatures.’ However, definitive proof of life on Mars remains unestablished.”
How Can I View the Results?
Analyzing Chayaba Falls and the current samples on Mars is challenging. The best way to gain insight is by returning them to Earth for thorough examination.
Perseverance is tasked with storing these intriguing samples to be handed over to future missions that will physically return them to Earth, but this plan has faced setbacks. Proposals to reduce NASA’s budget during the Trump administration raised concerns about the fate of the Mars sample return mission, leaving collected samples on the Martian surface.
Team member Sanjeev Gupta from Imperial College, London stated that the new findings strengthen the case for funding the sample return mission. He added, “This is the first time we’ve observed evidence suggesting a biological process, and that fuels the excitement surrounding these samples, which we need to bring back.”
“Ultimately, retrieving samples from Mars, including those from Sapphire Canyon collected near Bright Angel formations, will offer the best opportunity to understand the processes that formed these unique features,” the team remarked.
Is There Anything I Can Explore on Mars?
When life emerged on Earth, it proliferated rapidly. Thus, a viable approach without a sample return mission is to look for similar formations. Can we find additional rocks with analogous characteristics?
“We are currently investigating ancient rocks outside Jezero Crater to see if they exhibit similar processes and characteristics. There’s always a chance we could revisit the same site to explore further,” Gupta explained. “However, realistically, we aim to return the sample to Earth for analysis in our laboratories, which remains our primary objective.”
NASA is moving full steam ahead, at least according to Sean Duffy, the agency’s agent manager.
During an internal employee town hall on Thursday, Duffy cautioned that he could “make safety an adversary of progress” in the quest for a new space race, as reported in meeting notes acquired by NBC News.
“We must prioritize safety, collaborating with FAA and DOT, yet sometimes that same safety focus can obstruct our progress,” said Duffy, who is also the Secretary of Transport.
“We need to embrace some risks and encourage innovation to carry out this mission. There’s always a balance, but we cannot hold back due to fear of risk.”
A spokesperson from NASA stated the agency remains committed to safety.
Duffy’s remarks arise amidst ongoing turmoil at NASA, where questions about the agency’s budget and priorities have persisted for years. Since the Trump administration began, NASA and other agencies have experienced significant funding and personnel cuts in an effort to downsize the federal workforce.
At a Senate hearing this week, Duffy expressed his frustration about the “shadows cast on everything happening at NASA.”
Image of the moon, captured on February 15, 2025, by Lunar Lander, resilience of Ispace from an altitude of 14,439 km. iSpace via business wire via AP file
“If that’s the narrative we crafted, I’ll be in trouble,” Duffy remarked. “We beat the Chinese to the moon. We’ll ensure it’s done safely, quickly, and accurately.”
Facing a Time Crunch
He emphasized that time is not in NASA’s favor.
“We are under pressure to perform effectively, rapidly, and safely,” Duffy stated.
NASA’s Artemis program plays a critical role in American efforts to return astronauts to the moon, aiming for regular lunar missions before eventually heading to Mars.
The U.S. previously dominated the Moonshot era during the Apollo program from the 1960s to 1970s, yet its long-standing advantages are now at risk. Competitors like China, Russia, India, and Japan are also aspiring for lunar missions, igniting a new space race.
China, in particular, is swiftly advancing its human spaceflight initiatives. Recently, they tested new lunar mission equipment and rockets, a key step towards realizing their ambitions.
China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, and has announced plans to potentially build a nuclear power plant on the moon in collaboration with Russia to provide electricity.
In the U.S., President Trump’s budget proposal suggested cutting NASA’s funding by over $6 billion.
Despite a proposed budget reduction of about 24%, Duffy maintained that the Artemis program will proceed, although “cost-cutting is vital.”
Around 4,000 NASA employees have taken a voluntary retirement plan as part of the Trump administration’s initiative to decrease the federal workforce.
In July, Reuters reported that over 2,000 senior employees from NASA are expected to exit due to the recent cuts.
Currently, Duffy believes NASA possesses the necessary resources and talent to accomplish its missions in the near future.
“If we fall short, I assure the President 100% that I will approach OMB, the House, and Senate to request additional funding,” Duffy declared.
“More funding doesn’t guarantee success, but I will seek it if needed,” he added.
Duffy stated that he plans to lead initiatives in government space exploration “in the near future.”
Solar flares pose risks to GPS systems and communication satellites
NASA/SDO/AIA
AI models developed with NASA satellite imagery are now capable of forecasting the sun’s appearance hours ahead.
“I envision this model as an AI telescope that enables us to observe the sun and grasp its ‘mood,'” states Juan Bernabe Moreno from IBM Research Europe.
The sun’s state is crucial because bursts of solar activity can bombard Earth with high-energy particles, X-rays, and extreme ultraviolet radiation. These events have the potential to disrupt GPS systems and communication satellites, as well as endanger astronauts and commercial flights. Solar flares may also be accompanied by coronal mass ejections, which can severely impact Earth’s magnetic field, leading to geomagnetic storms that could incapacitate power grids.
Bernabé-Moreno and his team at IBM and NASA created an AI model named Surya, derived from the Sanskrit word for ‘sun,’ by utilizing nine years of data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory. This satellite captures ultra-high-resolution images of the sun across 13 wavelength channels. The AI models have learned to recognize patterns in this visual data and create forecasts of how the sun will appear from future observational stations.
When tested against historical solar flare data, the Surya model demonstrated a 16% improvement in accuracy for predicting flare occurrences within the next day compared to traditional machine learning models. There is also a possibility that the model could generate visualizations of flares observable for up to two hours in advance.
“The strength of AI lies in its capacity to comprehend physics in unconventional ways. It enhances our intuition regarding physical processes,” remarks Lisa Upton at the Southwest Research Institute in Colorado.
Upton is especially eager to explore if the Surya model can aid in predicting solar activity across the sun and at its poles—areas where NASA instruments cannot directly observe. While Surya does not explicitly aim to model the far side of the sun, it has shown promise in forecasting what the sun will resemble for several hours ahead as sections rotate into view, according to Bernabe Moreno.
However, it remains uncertain whether AI models can overcome existing obstacles in accurately predicting how solar activity will influence Earth. Bernard Jackson from the University of California, San Diego, points out that there is currently no means to directly observe the magnetic field composition between the Sun and Earth, a crucial factor determining the direction of high-energy particles emanating from the star.
As stated by Bernabé-Moreno, this model is intended for scientific use now, but future collaborations with other AI systems that could leverage Surya’s capabilities may allow it to support power grid operators and satellite constellation owners as part of early warning frameworks.
The head of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center announced her resignation on Monday.
Makenzie Lystrup, who has been at the helm of the Maryland facility since April 2023, will depart the agency on August 1st. As indicated in a statement from NASA, Goddard is responsible for many major missions, including the Hubble Space Telescope, the Solar Dynamics Observatory, and the Osiris Rex mission that retrieved samples from asteroids.
Lystrup’s resignation comes shortly after Laurie Leshin stepped down as the director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Institute in Pasadena, California.
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Director, McKenzie Lystrup, at a panel discussion during the 2024 Artemis Suppliers Conference in Washington, DC Joel Kovsky / NASA
These departures come as NASA and other federal agencies face significant funding challenges and personnel reductions as part of a larger effort to streamline the federal workforce. Inside NASA, there are rising concerns on Capitol Hill regarding how space agencies can manage their duties with a reduced staffing structure and the rationale for implementing cuts before Congressional budget approval.
At the same time, more than 2,000 senior-level staff members are expected to exit NASA as part of workforce reduction initiatives. First reported by Politico, this group includes senior management and specialists, raising concerns about a “brain drain” within the agency.
NASA staff will need to make decisions on accepting “deferred resignation,” voluntary departures, or early retirement by the end of the week.
President Donald Trump’s proposed 2026 budget aims to cut approximately 25% from NASA’s budget, totaling over $6 billion. The most substantial reductions will impact the Space Science, Earth Science, and Mission Support divisions. As per budget outlines.
If passed by Congress, this budget could lead to the discontinuation of NASA’s space launch system rockets and the Orion spacecraft.
In reaction to the budget proposal, over 280 current and former NASA employees have signed a letter addressed to NASA’s interim administrator Sean Duffy, expressing that recent policies from the Trump administration “endanger public resources, compromise human safety, weaken national security, and undermine NASA’s essential mission.”
The letter, known as the Voyager declaration, states that these changes have had “devastating impacts” on the agency’s personnel and prioritize political goals over human safety, scientific progress, and the prudent use of public funds.
An internal communication obtained by NBC News indicates that before Duffy replaced Janet Petro, the former NASA deputy manager, she was compelled to justify how budget cutbacks and restructuring were in the agency’s best interests.
It remains unclear if the resignations of Lystrup and Leshin are connected to the ongoing turmoil at NASA and other federal institutions. NASA’s announcement about Leshin’s resignation stated her departure was “for personal reasons.”
NASA did not disclose any specifics regarding Lystrup’s resignation. In an internal message obtained by NBC News, Lystrup expressed confidence in Goddard’s leadership team and the future direction of the center.
“I feel privileged to have been part of this remarkable journey with you,” she mentioned in an email. “That was an honor.”
NASA announced on Monday that Cynthia Simmons, the assistant director, will step in as the acting director of Goddard starting in August.
The streaming giant announced on Monday that it will stream a live launch to subscribers’ homes later this summer, declaring, “we can partner with NASA to bring space a little closer to home.”
This initiative further propels Netflix into the realm of live streaming content, which has already seen success. On Christmas Day, millions tuned in for live coverage of NFL games and a halftime concert featuring Beyoncé. Despite some video quality challenges, November’s boxing match between Mike Tyson and Jake Paul reached 60 million households on Netflix. The platform also ventured into talk show territory this year with “Live with John Mulaney.”
Netflix asserts, “The next giant leap for humanity might just begin with pressing play,” according to its editorial site, Tudum.
NASA+ was launched in 2023 to make space content more accessible to the public; however, much of it is already available for free on the NASA app at NASA.GOV. The space agency hopes to leverage Netflix’s extensive subscriber base of over 700 million to boost interest in space exploration.
“Viewers will soon have another option to stream rocket launches, astronaut missions, and stunning live views of Earth from the International Space Station,” the agency stated in a news release.
The aim, as per a NASA announcement, is to “immerse people in the excitement of discovery, innovation, and space exploration, no matter where they are.”
“The 1958 National Aeronautics and Space Act mandates sharing stories of space exploration with the broadest audience possible,” said Rebecca Silmons, general manager of NASA+ at the agency’s Washington D.C. headquarters. “Together, we are dedicated to inspiring a new generation—ushering in a golden age of innovation and exploration, all from the comfort of home and the convenience of a smartphone.”
Netflix is capitalizing on the growing interest in space. According to NBC News, 2025 has been a landmark year for space exploration already. In April, pop artist Katy Perry and five other celebrities embarked on a short journey into space aboard Blue Origin’s new Shepherd Rocket.
Per Tudum, NASA+ Live Feeds will be featured as part of the series on the Netflix platform, with a detailed schedule anticipated to be released as the launch date approaches.
Illustration of NASA’s Relay 1 satellite, in front of Relay 2
NASA
A long-dormant satellite unexpectedly emitted a powerful radio pulse, momentarily surpassing all other celestial signals. Astronomers speculate that this flash may have resulted from a rare micrometeoroid impact or a spontaneous discharge.
NASA’s Relay 2 satellite was among the earliest operational satellites, launched as an experimental communications tool in 1964. Its use was discontinued the following year, and by 1967, the satellite’s electronic components had ceased functioning, leaving its metal frame orbiting indefinitely.
So Clancy James from Curtin University in Australia and his team were puzzled nearly 60 years later when they detected a burst of short, intense radio waves emanating from the satellite’s suspected location.
Utilizing the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), an array of 36 telescopes in Western Australia, James and his colleagues were searching the sky for signs of a mysterious radiation pulse from other galaxies.
On June 13th, they received a signal that seemed to originate from within our galaxy. “If it’s in close proximity, studying it through an optical telescope becomes quite feasible, so I was thrilled at the prospect of discovering a new pulsar or some other object,” Clancy remarks.
However, upon closer examination, the signal appeared to be quite close to Earth, which meant that ASKAP couldn’t focus on everything simultaneously. This indicated the source was likely within 20,000 kilometers of our planet, according to Clancy. The signal was notably short-lived, lasting less than 30 nanoseconds. “It was an exceptionally potent radio pulse that briefly outshone everything else in the sky,” Clancy explains.
When they traced the signal back to its source and compared it to known satellite positions, they concluded the only plausible explanation was Relay 2. Since that satellite is inoperative, Clancy and his team suspect that the signals may result from external events such as electrostatic discharges or micrometeoroids striking the satellite, creating clouds of charged plasma.
“It’s quite challenging to differentiate between these two scenarios,” says Karen Aplin from the University of Bristol in the UK. This difficulty arises because the radio emissions from both phenomena appear comparable. Yet, monitoring future electrostatic discharges from satellites could prove beneficial, she adds. “In an environment filled with space debris and numerous smaller, cost-effective satellites that lack sufficient protection from electrostatic discharges, this radio detection could ultimately lead to innovative technologies for assessing such discharges in space,” she concludes.
In my view, the Stern-Gerlach experiment was a pivotal moment that introduced the findings of quantum mechanics to the scientific community. Proposed by Otto Stern and carried out by Walther Gerlach in 1922, this experiment demonstrated that atoms possess quantum properties. It revealed that electrons must adhere to quantum principles. The Stern-Gerlach experiments underscore the unusual aspects of the quantum realm, suggesting that observers seem to influence the properties that particles exhibit. Measuring the quantum characteristic known as spin appears to alter the possible spin values particles can possess subsequently. Essentially, the act of observation influences the future states of a particle.
In physics, we are conditioned to perceive ourselves as separate from the physical systems we study. This experiment challenges that separation. My experience shows that students often accept this premise as an undeniable truth. However, after contemplating it multiple times, they find it at odds with their intuitive understanding of reality. Coming to terms with these outcomes is a surreal journey—wonderful and extraordinary.
When I reflect on how to articulate witnessing the decline of American science in real-time, “surreal” is the best descriptor. It does not resemble the surrealism of the Stern-Gerlach experiment; instead, it feels like a reawakening to a tangible reality. I recognize that I once harbored an illusion about the world, but the emerging reality is intriguing and exhilarating.
Our current political climate resembles a reckoning with a previously held false sense of security. It seems that although the US government might support science today, there won’t be a transformative reality waiting for us tomorrow. Instead, the government continues to squander taxpayer-funded culture, casting it into oblivion. This metaphor carries weight: when an object crosses a black hole’s event horizon, it reaches a point of no return. The object is lost forever.
We find ourselves in a similar predicament. The universe remains to be explored, but the impairments to our research capabilities are enduring, altering the trajectory permanently. The number of master’s and doctoral programs has already diminished the availability of opportunities. Aspiring professors are not receiving the same level of training, which will affect not only future scientists but also science communicators.
The US government discards publicly funded culture, casting it into voids of neglect.
The entirety of our future appears discarded. While Donald Trump has suggested cuts to NASA’s astrophysics budget and the National Science Foundation’s physics funding, these reductions in mathematics and astronomy will not prevent global hindrances to science, and will lead to far-reaching repercussions. The US plays a crucial role as a global investor in particle physics, cosmology, and investigations into fundamental truths.
While attending the 2025 Natural Philosophy Symposium at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland, we were alerted to devastating budget cuts to NASA’s funding. The event started with an engaging talk by philosopher and cognitive scientist David Chalmers, followed by insights from philosopher Sandra Mitchell on human reasoning, and a discussion with theoretical physicist Nima Arkani-Hamed.
We discussed questions that have captivated humanity for millennia. What is reality, and how can one engage in researching that reality? Such events emphasize the potential outcomes when provided with the necessary time, space, and resources to explore ideas.
During this gathering, NASA’s Astrophysics department appeared to be on the brink of obliteration. The repercussions of this shift will echo for decades. In 1922, Germany stood at the forefront of scientific understanding. However, after the Nazis subverted German science for their propaganda, the field never fully recovered.
This narrative may seem like a dramatic tale about a specific group of individuals. Yet, it’s essential to remember that these discussions lead to real publications. I benefited from Government Pell Grants for economically disadvantaged undergraduates and the National Science Foundation’s Graduate Research Fellowship. The research discussed in this article has been financed through several federal agencies.
This disconcerting moment affects not only scientists in the US but resonates worldwide. Much of the science we engage with originates from American institutions, making this issue pertinent to all of us.
Chanda’s Week
What I’m reading
I’m currently delving into Ricky Fein’s intriguing debut novel. The devil has three times.
What I’m watching
I’ve enjoyed Mission: Impossible, and I’ve seen all of the films at least once in the past two weeks.
What I’m working on
I’ve drafted my third book, The Universe is a Black Aesthetic (Coming soon from Duke University Press).
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein serves as an associate professor of physics and astronomy, as well as a core faculty member of women’s studies at the University of New Hampshire. Her latest book is The Disturbed Cosmos: A Journey to Dark Matter, Space, and Dreams.
Under President Trump’s proposed budget, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration aims to become the nation’s focal point for lunar and Martian exploration, sending astronauts to these celestial bodies.
The Trump administration has suggested an $18.8 billion budget for NASA, a reduction of 24% from the current fiscal year’s funding of $24.8 billion. This plan is part of Trump’s commitment to “plant the flag” on Mars, a promise made during his Congress address last March.
This budget shift aligns with the vision of Elon Musk, who founded SpaceX two decades ago with aspirations to transport settlers to Mars someday.
However, the proposal does not outline how the $1 billion allocation will be utilized or the timeline for sending astronauts to Mars. Musk has indicated that SpaceX intends to launch a new, large spacecraft toward Mars by the latter half of 2026, though it’s still under development.
Janet Petro, NASA administrator, stated, “The proposal includes investments focused on crucial scientific and technological research while advancing exploration of the Moon and Mars.”
The budget cuts will mainly affect NASA’s Robotics and Space Science Mission, including the proposed cancellation of a mission to retrieve Martian rock samples and a climate observation satellite. The Orion crew capsules are set to return astronauts to the Moon post-Artemis III, the first mission to land near the Moon’s South Pole. Additionally, the Gateway, a planned orbital space station around the Moon, will be scrapped.
Casey Drier, director of space policy at the Planetary Association, noted, “The exploration of space is a nonprofit advocating for space exploration. This budget reflects America’s standing as a leader in space, yet we are becoming more introspective.”
The budget plan also suggests an increase in operations at the International Space Station, while proposing the elimination of NASA’s educational initiatives, labeling them as “awakening.” Previous attempts by both President Trump and President Obama to terminate NASA’s educational funding were countered by Congress reinstating the funds.
In aviation, the proposed budget cuts research aimed at minimizing greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft.
The budget further suggests reducing “mission support” by over $1 billion, aiming to save costs through employee workforce cuts, maintenance reduction, construction decreases, and “environmental compliance activities.”
NASA’s Anne McClain ventured out from the International Space Station alongside Nichole Ayers. Both are military officers and pilots who returned instead of going to the Orbit Lab in March with two other astronauts. Now, I’m back home.
Just before floating out, McClain spotted a loose string on the index finger of her right glove. Mission Control briefly postponed the launch to ensure her glove was secure.
During the mission, the duo prepared the space station for a new solar panel and adjusted the antenna at the 260-mile-high complex.
On Wednesday evening, the space station needed to be elevated slightly to avoid debris: remnants of a 20-year-old Chinese rocket.
McClain, an army colonel and helicopter pilot, was originally set to participate in the first all-female spacewalk in 2019, but the medium-sized suit was insufficient. The historic mission was accomplished by Christina Koch and Jessica Meir. This latest outing marks the fifth time a woman has gone outside the spacecraft in a 60-year history.
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-10 astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers prepare for launch at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 14. Craig Bailey / USA Today Network
Koch is set to become the first woman to fly to the moon. Along with three male astronauts, she will orbit the moon without landing next year as part of NASA’s Artemis program, the successor to Apollo.
Currently, men continue to outnumber women in NASA’s astronaut corps.
Out of NASA’s 47 active astronauts, 20 are women. Among the seven astronauts now aboard the space station, McClain and Ayers are the only females. This marks Ayers’ first mission, while McClain is on her third.
The office situated on the ambiguous corner of the federal government, where NASA relies on to safely land astronauts on the moon, is facing pressure to cut at least 20% of the close team of experts for Mars’ robotic probes, according to two individuals familiar with the directive.
Staff reductions have reportedly already commenced at the Astro Geography Science Center in Flagstaff, Arizona, with more employees expected to be terminated following a recent call for early retirement and resignations on April 4th. The office, which is part of the US Geological Survey under the Department of the Home Office, is the target of cost-cutting efforts initiated in January with a substantial email sent to the federal government by Musk’s team.
Representatives from the Department of Home Affairs, USGS, and the Astro Geography Center did not respond to requests for comment regarding the staff reductions or potential impacts.
The cuts could potentially impact the mission of sending a crew to Mars in the future, a significant objective for Musk, who is the founder of SpaceX. He envisions a company that can make human life multiplanetary.
Matthew Golombek, a geophysicist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, has been involved in selecting multiple probe landing sites on Mars and described the precise mapping at the Astro Geographic Science Center as the “gold standard used by essentially everyone in the community.”
At the beginning of this year, the office had 53 employees, with eight already set to depart and more encouraged to consider the latest offers.
Dr. Golombek emphasized the importance of the center’s experts for mapping excellence and site selection for almost every landing. He expressed concern about losing the highly experienced and knowledgeable executives from the center.
The repercussions of reducing the team of interplanetary mapmakers in the office are significant, as Jared Isaacman, the NASA-backed presidential candidate under President Trump, proposed a “parallel” effort to send astronauts to Mars during a Senate committee meeting.
One researcher at the Flagstaff Office voiced concerns that amid shifting budget priorities, personnel cuts could be detrimental to mapping and critical projects in planetary science, crucial for human exploration.
“I can’t fathom randomly cutting 40% of the remaining staff without canceling the entire project,” the researcher stated.
The researchers added that even the departure of just five workers could significantly impact the office, depending on seniority and field of expertise.
Two employees, who requested anonymity to protect their government careers, were aware of the recent call for volunteers for the “deferred resignation/retirement program” at a recent staff meeting. Essential layoffs known in the federal government if insufficient employees volunteer.
The field of astronomy is interdisciplinary, with experts in terrestrial fields like mineralogy, volcanology, and geography that are valuable for space exploration. The USGS Astrogeology Center, though part of an internal division, closely collaborates with NASA and is largely funded by the agency.
For decades, the Center’s experts have been pivotal in creating detailed topographic maps of various celestial bodies, strategic planning, and scientific goals for NASA missions.
The scientist also provided lunar geology crash courses to Apollo astronauts like Buzz Aldrin and Neil Armstrong, which enhanced their knowledge of rock sample collection. This training has been revived for NASA’s Artemis program, aiming to return astronauts to the moon’s surface in 2027.
Office geology experts played a crucial role in finding new landing sites for historic Viking Mars landers after the original site was deemed unsafe in 1976. In 2021, a rover safely landed on Mars and was guided autonomously using maps and software from the Center.
Companies in the commercial space sector also rely on the expertise of the Astro Geographic Science Center.
“SpaceX has consulted the USGS in the past, and the USGS team was enthusiastic,” said David SF Portree, a former archivist and public relations manager at the Astrology Science Center, a semi-self-historist and science writer in Arizona.
SpaceX did not respond to requests for comments regarding their work at the Astrogeology Center or the impact on their Mars program.
Mr. Porterie expressed concerns about the long-term effects of NASA’s 50-year plan for the crew’s mission to Mars and the executive order for a government-wide employment freeze, which affected student contractors at the office.
Dr. Edwards from Northern Arizona raised concerns about the mass recruitment of probationary workers, stating that it could lead to the dismissal of subject experts.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining experienced staff to ensure the continuity of specialized expertise in the field.
This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Strictly Necessary Cookies
Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.
