Next Steps for Astronauts: What Happens After Space Missions

Posted on April 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

If all goes according to plan, the Artemis II astronauts will embark on a three-day journey to the moon.

Their significant milestone is set for Monday, when they will fly around the moon. This historic maneuver will enable humans to travel farther from Earth than ever before, potentially breaking the distance record of 248,655 miles established by Apollo 13 astronauts in 1970.

During the flyby, the Artemis II crew will approach within 4,000 to 6,000 miles of the moon’s surface. According to NASA, from this vantage point, the moon will appear roughly the size of a basketball held at arm’s length.

As they orbit the moon, the astronauts will observe portions of the moon’s surface for the first time through human eyes, specifically the far side of the moon that is never visible from Earth.

Following the orbit, the astronauts will conclude their mission with a return flight to Earth, culminating in a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean near San Diego on April 10th.

The Artemis II mission is a crucial element of NASA’s plans to return astronauts to the moon and establish a sustainable human presence there, with future aspirations to construct a lunar base.

October 2025: Viewers witness a launch from Launch Facility 39B at Kennedy Space Center.
Image Credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

In 2024, NASA plans to launch the Artemis III mission, which will utilize a commercially built lunar lander to demonstrate technology in low Earth orbit. Companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin are developing landers to transport NASA astronauts from lunar orbit to the moon’s surface.

Following Artemis III, NASA intends to launch the Artemis IV mission with the goal of landing on the moon sometime in 2028.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Stunning Photos of NASA’s Giant Moon Rocket: Explore the Future of Space Exploration

Posted on March 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

The Orion spacecraft, designed with a distinctive gumdrop shape, has a capacity to carry up to four astronauts. With a width of 16.5 feet and a habitable volume of approximately 330 cubic feet, crew members have been rigorously trained to function effectively in confined spaces, including sleeping, eating, exercising, using the restroom, and communicating with ground control.

Inside the Orion capsule, you’ll find an advanced space toilet equipped with a privacy door. This facility utilizes a vacuum system to expel urine into space, while all other waste is securely stored for disposal upon mission completion.

Post-launch, astronauts have the flexibility to remove and stow two seats to create additional space until landing. Each day, astronauts engage in 30 minutes of training to maintain their physical fitness, as per the Canadian Space Agency. The capsule also features a specialized flywheel device that facilitates exercises like squats and deadlifts.

Looking ahead, NASA plans to reuse Orion components on its forthcoming Artemis III mission, set to launch in mid-2027. This flight will focus on demonstrating important docking and landing techniques in low Earth orbit, followed by the Artemis IV mission, which aims to achieve a lunar landing in 2028.

The Artemis II mission will be commanded by NASA’s Wiseman, with Grover as the pilot. Mission specialists include NASA’s Koch and Canada’s Hansen. The crew has already arrived at the Kennedy Space Center in preparation for the scheduled launch.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

How I Almost Drowned in Space: A Terrifying Moment with a Water-Filled Helmet

Posted on March 27, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Luca Parmitano during a spacewalk on July 9, 2013

ESA/NASA

Experiencing water splashing on my face during a spacewalk was surreal. It swiftly migrated from my nose to my nostrils, obstructing my sight and impeding my breathing. While we knew a return to the International Space Station was urgent, a pressing question lingered: how long until the water completely blocked my airway?

Venturing outside the ISS is akin to stepping into an otherworldly realm. Within the confines of the station, you’re enveloped in a familiar safety. However, outside, you’re engulfed by the cosmic void—an environment indifferent to your existence. Without my spacesuit, survival would be impossible within mere minutes.

The vast expanse of stars seen during a spacewalk is breathtaking. On one occasion, I was maneuvered across the station using a robotic arm, feeling disoriented as Earth vanished from view. In that moment, I grasped the three-dimensional nature of space—an epiphany sparked by my understanding of astrophysics—which allowed me to perceive a sponge-like structure adorned with bubbles amidst radiant light. Reliving that moment has become a constant pursuit, yet it remains elusive.

The disaster occurred on July 16, 2013, during Luca Parmitano’s second spacewalk.

NASA Johnson

Throughout our six extravehicular activities, a significant water leak emerged on July 16, 2013. Feeling the cold liquid seep into my helmet was unsettling, yet I adhered to protocol. I reported the situation, assuring ground control that I was fit to continue.

As I awaited guidance, concern grew about the source of the water. In the absence of gravity, water behaves unpredictably due to effective capillary action moving from one surface to another.

Many visualize spacesuits as depicted in films like Gravity or The Martian, with oversized helmets obscuring the astronaut’s face. In reality, a spacesuit helmet is compact, minimizing gaps that could let water penetrate. Unfortunately, this tiny space filled quickly. Once I felt water clogging my ears, hearing became increasingly challenging, and soon, communication with ground control began to falter.

As dusk fell during my orbit of Earth, I faced yet another challenge. With sunset occurring every 45 minutes, most EVAs happen at night. While my helmet light illuminated nearby objects underwater, distant visibility dwindled with the accumulating water.

At that moment, pinpointing the water’s origin was irrelevant. What mattered was a ticking timer reminding me to act decisively. Every moment counted—time was running out.

Before venturing into space, I was trained as a pilot, fighter pilot, and test pilot. The first lesson of emergency response was clear: maintain control, assess the situation, and take decisive action.

For me, this meant charting a course back to the airlock. I utilized handrails on the ISS to navigate my way, asking myself if I could see the next handle and how to reach it. Following the tether leading to the airlock, I began my journey back.

Luca Parmitano’s spacesuit began to fill with water again during tests after abandoning the spacewalk.

NASA

Navigating in a spacesuit is more challenging than it appears. The suit is pressurized, requiring significant muscle effort to move against that pressure. This lack of strength in fingers makes grasping objects, like handles, feel akin to squeezing a tennis ball.

The final leg of the spacewalk stretched on, feeling eternal. In reality, I spent just seven fleeting minutes in the airlock without communication with ground control. I later learned they were unaware of my ordeal, as my heart rate remained steady, illustrating my controlled reactions.

I can vividly relive that spacewalk; it exists in my memory, though it hasn’t fundamentally changed me. However, operationally, this experience transformed protocols. The culprit was identified as a blocked filter, prompting changes to pre-spacewalk procedures—such as checking the filter and adding a snorkel to my suit to allow breathing even in the event of flooding. This adjustment ensures this incident will never repeat.

I challenge anyone who deems astronauts’ tasks extraordinary. What we accomplish is indeed remarkable, but it should not elevate our status. We are ordinary individuals trained for extraordinary challenges.

As told by Colin Barras

Topics:

International Space Station/
Astronaut

Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Space Telescope Returns to the Famous Crab Nebula: A New Look at an Iconic Astronomical Marvel

Posted on March 24, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

By analyzing new observations from Hubble alongside images captured in 1999, astronomers have successfully tracked the continuing expansion of one of the sky’s most studied supernova remnants, the Crab Nebula. This expansion is fueled by a rapidly spinning pulsar at its core.

This captivating image of the Crab Nebula was taken by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope in 2024. Image credit: NASA/ESA/STScI/William Blair, JHU/Joseph DePasquale, STScI.

In 1054, astounded Chinese astronomers witnessed a remarkably bright nova, the second brightest object in the night sky after the moon, visible even during the daytime for a remarkable 23 days. Observations of this supernova were also documented by Japanese, Arabian, and Native American astronomers.

Today, the luminous Crab Nebula, also known as Messier 1, M1, NGC 1952, or Taurus A, occupies the position of that brilliant star, situated approximately 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus.

This nebula’s brightness makes it visible even through amateur telescopes, making it a popular object for stargazers.

Initially identified in 1731 by the English physicist and astronomer John Beavis, the Crab Nebula was later rediscovered in 1758 by French astronomer Charles Messier.

The name “Crab Nebula” derives from its resemblance in an 1844 painting by Irish astronomer Lord Rose.

At its center lies the remnant core of the original star, known as the Crab Pulsar (PSR B0531+21).

“We often perceive the sky as a static body,” remarked Dr. William Blair, an astronomer at Johns Hopkins University. “However, the enduring journey of the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has shown us that the Crab Nebula continues to evolve and expand from the explosion that occurred nearly 1,000 years ago.”

In the latest images, Hubble revealed the nebula’s intricate filament structure, demonstrating substantial outward movement over a 25-year period at an astonishing rate of 5.6 million kilometers per hour (3.4 million miles per hour).

“Hubble possesses the unique longevity and resolution necessary to capture these intricate changes,” the astronomers noted.

To facilitate comparisons with new images, Hubble’s 1999 image of the Crab Nebula has undergone reprocessing.

“The color variations observed in both Hubble images signal changes in the gas’s local temperature, density, and chemical composition.”

“Even after extensive work with Hubble, I’m continually amazed by the detailed structure and improved resolution revealed by Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) compared to 25 years ago,” Dr. Blair commented.

“WFC3 was installed in 2009, marking the last time Hubble’s instrument was upgraded by astronauts.”

“The filaments at the edges of the nebula seem to be moving more rapidly than those at the center and appear to be expanding outward instead of stretching over time.”

This phenomenon is attributed to the pulsar’s nature as a pulsar wind nebula, driven by synchrotron radiation generated from interactions between the pulsar’s magnetic field and the surrounding nebula material.

In contrast, other notable supernova remnants typically expand in a manner influenced by shock waves from the initial explosion, which erode the outer shell of gas ejected by the dying star.

The new high-resolution observations from Hubble also offer deeper insights into the Crab Nebula’s three-dimensional structure, challenging to assess from two-dimensional images.

In an intriguing observation, shadows of some filaments are reflected in the haze of synchrotron radiation within the nebula.

Interestingly, some bright filaments in the latest Hubble images do not display shadows, suggesting they are located behind the nebula.

“The true significance of Hubble’s observations of the Crab Nebula is yet to unfold,” the researchers asserted.

“Data from Hubble can be integrated with recent findings from other telescopes observing the Crab Nebula across varying wavelengths of light.”

“NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope is set to release infrared light observations of the Crab Nebula in 2024.”

Comparing Hubble’s images with modern multiwavelength observations will provide scientists with a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing aftermath of supernovae, continuing to intrigue astronomers long after new stars first appeared in the sky.

Find more findings published in January 2026. Astrophysical Journal.

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William P. Blair et al. 2026. Revisiting the Crab Nebula using HST/WFC3. APJ 997, 81; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae2adc

Source: www.sci.news

Inspiring Space Images: Captivating Visuals That Have Sparked Curiosity Through the Ages

Posted on March 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

James Webb Space Telescope Star Shade Prototype

Craig Cutler

Thames & Hudson

Space, the vast emptiness that captivates our imagination, has inspired an enduring fascination. In his compelling book, Space Journal: Art, Science, and Space Exploration, presenter Dallas Campbell curates iconic imagery that highlights the wonders of space exploration alongside intriguing details.

Among the most captivating visuals featured in Space Journal are recreations from a time when humanity’s understanding of the universe was limited, filled instead with imaginative guesses. A striking example includes a Belgian cover from H.G. Wells’ Space War from 1906, depicted below with a plundering tripod.

From H.G. Wells, La guerre des mondes (Brussels: L. Vandamme & Co., 1906)

However, astronomers began to expand their knowledge base shortly after. Around 1897, a pioneering telescope financed by industrialist Percival Lowell marked a significant breakthrough in observational astronomy, depicted below.

Percival Lowell Observing Through the Clark Telescope, Circa 1897

Courtesy of Lowell Observatory Archives, Flagstaff, Arizona.

Recently, the remarkable James Webb Space Telescope made headlines for its innovative design, which features intricate origami-style folding necessary for its launch—a prototype is displayed in the opening image.

Born just after NASA’s Apollo missions reshaped our understanding of the moon and space, Campbell embodying the impact of those journeys and the indelible marks astronauts left on the lunar surface.

“On Earth, footprints may fossilize in rock or wash away quickly. However, on the Moon, they remain for eternity,” Campbell reflects. “The Sea of Tranquility harbors no current to erase them — these are the remnants of humanity’s first migration from Earth to another celestial body.”

Astronomy and Culture Along the Silk Road: Uzbekistan

Embark on an enthralling journey through Uzbekistan’s astronomical heritage, where rich scientific contributions and breathtaking landscapes intersect. Discover how astronomy influenced cultural exchanges along the Silk Road, linking Eurasia and beyond.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Asteroid Ryugu Samples Indicate Possible Arrival of DNA Components from Space

Posted on March 17, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Samples retrieved from the C-type asteroid (162173) Ryugu by JAXA’s Hayabusa 2 mission reveal the presence of all five essential nucleobases: purines (adenine and guanine) and pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, and uracil). This finding suggests that fundamental aspects of life’s chemistry might have a cosmic origin.

Hayabusa2’s image of asteroid Ryugu taken from a distance of 6.9 miles, featuring a large crater at its center. Image credit: JAXA / University of Tokyo and partners.

Nucleobases are critical components of DNA and RNA, the molecules essential for life on Earth.

The detection of these compounds in pristine extraterrestrial materials enables scientists to explore how they form in non-biological contexts and how they traverse the solar system.

Prior analyses of Ryugu samples identified the nucleobase uracil. In comparison, investigations of materials from meteorites and the near-Earth asteroid Bennu have uncovered a broader spectrum of nucleobases.

“To properly evaluate the nucleobases within extraterrestrial materials, it’s crucial to examine samples minimally impacted by terrestrial factors,” explained Dr. Toshiki Koga from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology and his team.

“In this scenario, raw asteroid samples that haven’t come into contact with Earth’s atmosphere hold significant scientific importance.”

Carbonate-rich particles found in the material samples from the near-Earth asteroid Ryugu. Image credit: Pilorget and colleagues, doi: 10.1038/s41550-021-01549-z.

The recent study involved analyzing two samples from Ryugu, collected by the Hayabusa 2 mission.

Both samples showed the presence of all five standard nucleobases: adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, and uracil.

The team compared their results with findings from the Murchison and Orgueil meteorites, as well as samples from the asteroid Bennu.

Significant differences in the relative quantities of nucleobases were observed.

Specifically, Ryugu exhibited roughly equal amounts of purine and pyrimidine nucleobases, whereas the Murchison meteorite showed a predominance of purines, while Bennu and Orgueil samples were richer in pyrimidines.

These variations reflect the distinct chemical, environmental, and evolutionary pathways of each parent body.

The identification of these nucleobases in asteroid and meteorite samples indicates their widespread presence across the solar system, despite chemical variations.

This discovery implies that carbonaceous asteroids may have played a role in shaping Earth’s early chemical landscape.

“Studying the original distribution and isotopic composition of nucleobases in other carbonaceous meteorites will yield key insights into the origins of these compounds and the astrochemical processes involving nitrogen-based molecules,” the researchers noted.

“The universal detection of all five standard nucleobases in Ryugu and Bennu samples underscores the potential for these extraterrestrial molecules to have contributed to the organic material that facilitated prebiotic molecular evolution, ultimately leading to the emergence of RNA and DNA on early Earth.”

Read the full study featured in this week’s issue of Nature Astronomy.

_____

Tetsuya Koga et al. A comprehensive set of standard nucleobases from the carbonaceous asteroid (162173) Ryugu. Nat Astron, published online March 16, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41550-026-02791-z

Source: www.sci.news

Unveiling the Mystery: The Brightest ‘Whippet’ Space Explosion Ever Discovered

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

“Whippet” as envisioned by *New Scientist* picture desk

Credit: NASA/Muratato/Shutterstock/Adobe Stock

Shutterstock Asset ID: 2498498799 - Supernova Explosion at the Center of the Galaxy — “Whippet” as envisioned by *New Scientist* picture desk

Credit: NASA/Muratato/Shutterstock/Adobe Stock

A mysterious burst of bright light in the night sky may indicate a black hole consuming an unusually sparse star.

In 2018, astronomers detected a new kind of cosmic explosion, designated AT2018cow, or “Cow.” This unique flash reached peak brightness in only a few days, significantly faster than typical supernovae.

Initially, the origins of these explosions were unclear. Since the discovery of Cow, several more similar events have been recorded, termed fast blue light transients (FBOTs), yet their origins remain enigmatic.

Recently, Liu Jialian and his research team at Tsinghua University in China propose that the latest cosmic flash, the brightest FBOT to date, results from an exotic star over 30 times the mass of the Sun shedding its outer hydrogen layer and becoming a meal for a black hole.

Named AT 2024wpp, or “Whippet,” this outburst was identified by the Zwicky Transitional Observatory in late 2024 and quickly outshone Cow by approximately tenfold. Liu’s team monitored the explosion using various telescopes, including the Swift X-ray Telescope, collecting data across different wavelengths.

The observed light spectrum indicates the explosion was over six times hotter than the Sun’s surface and expelled plasma at approximately one-fifth the speed of light. Approximately a month after the initial light burst, a previously unobserved X-ray outburst emerged, adding to the mystery of FBOTs.

Liu and his colleagues attribute these observations to a type of rare star known as a Wolf-Rayet star. This star features an exposed core devoid of gas. They argue that Whippet is a consequence of a Wolf-Rayet star being engulfed by a black hole approximately 15 solar masses.

The initial merger triggered the first light burst, while some remaining stellar material eventually spiraled towards the black hole, resulting in the second X-ray burst. As noted by Ashley Chrimes from the European Space Agency, “Of all the proposed explanations, this one is likely the least problematic.”

One of the most compelling elements supporting this theory is that the event appears to originate from young galaxies, where short-lived extreme stars like Wolf-Rayet stars are prevalent. Chrimes adds, “In this environment, such events would be expected, and we’re also observing this late-time bump, which could signal a significant post-merger response. This is indeed promising.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

How Star-Induced ‘Space Weather’ Could Obscure Radio Signals from Extraterrestrial Civilizations

Posted on March 10, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Stellar activity and plasma turbulence can significantly distort narrow radio signals before they exit their planetary systems. This phenomenon may help explain the prolonged silence observed in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (ETI).

Research by Vishal Gajjar and Grayce C. Brown introduces one of the first quantitative frameworks to assess how stellar environments affect the detectability of narrowband technosignatures. Image credit: Sci.News.

In our exploration of technosignatures, astronomers typically take into account the distortions that occur as radio waves traverse interstellar space.

Variations in plasma density from stellar winds and sporadic eruptive events like coronal mass ejections can severely distort radio waves near their source, effectively “smearing” the frequency and diminishing the peak intensity necessary for detection.

“SETI searches are usually optimized for very narrow signals,” stated Dr. Vishal Gajjar, an astronomer at the SETI Institute.

“If a signal is amplified by its stellar environment, it might drop below the detection threshold, potentially elucidating some of the radio silence encountered in the search for technosignatures.”

To quantify this effect, Dr. Gajjar and his colleague Dr. Grace Brown leveraged directly measurable data: radio transmissions from spacecraft within our solar system.

They utilized empirical data from solar system probes to calibrate how turbulent plasma disperses narrowband signals, extrapolating these findings across various stellar environments.

The outcome is a comprehensive framework for estimating the extent of signal broadening across different star types and observation frequencies, particularly under “space weather” conditions prevalent around active stars.

This groundbreaking study has significant implications for target selection and search design in SETI.

M-type dwarfs, which constitute approximately 75% of stars in the Milky Way, are particularly prone to having narrowband signals distorted before departing their systems.

Astronomers advocate for search strategies that maintain sensitivity, even when the detected signal is not purely ultrathin.

“By quantifying how stellar activity alters narrowband signals, we can create searches that more accurately reflect what actually arrives on Earth, not just what may be transmitted,” noted Dr. Brown.

The team’s research was published on March 5th in the Astrophysical Journal.

_____

Vishal Gajjar and Grace C. Brown. 2026. Exo-IPM scattering as a hidden gatekeeper of narrowband technology signatures. APJ 999, 201; doi: 10.3847/1538-4357/ae3d33

Source: www.sci.news

Why Space Weather Could Have Caused SETI to Overlook Alien Signals

Posted on March 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Solar flare captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory on October 2, 2014, showcasing solar material ejecting into space. — Is there anyone there?

NASA/SDO

Recent studies suggest that solar winds may have obstructed our ability to receive signals from intelligent extraterrestrial civilizations. Researchers from the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (SETI) Institute indicate that we might be searching for the wrong types of signals, leading to the potential oversight of crucial evidence of alien life. However, the silver lining is that future discoveries are becoming increasingly likely.

This nonprofit organization focuses on research aimed at validating the existence of extraterrestrial life, including monitoring unexplained extraterrestrial radio signals that don’t align with known natural cosmic phenomena.

Traditionally, signals from distant planets were anticipated to be sharp and clear radio transmissions within a narrow frequency range. New research, however, posits that these transmissions could become distorted, appearing less distinct due to interference from a star’s plasma winds.

SETI Institute researchers Vishal Gajjar and Grace Brown evaluated the effects of solar interference on radio signals emitted by spacecraft in our solar system and extrapolated their findings to other stellar environments. They found that a 100 megahertz signal could be diffused to a dramatically reduced threshold of 100 hertz, falling below conventional detection limits. Solar phenomena can exacerbate signal spread significantly.

According to Simon George at the SETI Institute, there is a growing consensus that the search for narrow bandwidth radio signals is becoming an obsolete strategy in the quest to detect life at vast distances. “The evolution of communication technology since the 1960s suggests that a sophisticated civilization would likely utilize broader spectrum technologies to transmit more information,” he explains.

“Viewing Earth as an exoplanet from an alien perspective has become a common analogy within SETI,” says George. “In the 1960s, Earth was a prominent narrowband source, but as our transmission techniques have shifted, it has become less prominent. This would change if an advanced civilization were intentionally broadcasting clear signals meant to convey ‘We are here,’ or other specific messages.”

Professor John Elliott from the University of St Andrews in the UK maintains an optimistic outlook regarding this revelation. While it’s possible that evidence may have been overlooked in previous searches, he believes that future endeavors are likely to yield better results.

“We have been engaged in this research for over 50 years, which is significant time in scientific terms,” Elliott states. He emphasizes that signal distortion hasn’t been the only obstacle in past investigations; outdated techniques for isolating signals from noise have also posed challenges. However, advancements in computing power and AI are paving the way for improved methodologies. “Until recently, we lacked the necessary equipment and computational capabilities to make substantial breakthroughs. We were metaphorically navigating in the dark,” he adds. “Looking ahead another millennium, it’s exciting to imagine the advancements in technology that await us.”

Eric Atwell from the University of Leeds, who contributed to SETI projects at the turn of the millennium, has quantified how this discovery raises the likelihood of detecting a possible alien signal from 0.0001% to 0.0002%.

“While these probabilities remain extremely low, we have not considered our efforts wasted,” he reflects. The SETI team continues to explore and experiment, gathering substantial evidence that existing strategies are not as fruitful as hoped.

“The objective is to detect unusual signals that can’t be explained by existing astronomical phenomena, though this methodology can be somewhat erratic when it comes to uncovering intelligent life,” Atwell comments.

He expresses skepticism regarding the notion of passively waiting for clear signals from extraterrestrial life. “If intelligent beings exist and wish to be discovered, they would likely send more distinct communications,” he asserts.

Alternative organizations, such as the Messaging Extraterrestrial Intelligence Institute (METI), are employing different methodologies to find alien life by actively broadcasting signals to other planets, enhancing the chance that extraterrestrial civilizations may recognize and respond to such communications.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Who Truly Was the First Cosmonaut? The Surprising Story Behind Yuri Gagarin’s Space Flight Rival

Posted on March 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Were they the first people to reach space?

Heritage Image Partnership Ltd /Alamy

Imagine launching from Earth on a clear day; the sky transforms from a bright blue to the deep black of outer space as you ascend. This transition, from vivid blue to the engulfing void, reveals an optical phenomenon caused by sunlight interacting with our atmosphere.

Despite our understanding today of this optical effect, the perception of space at the time was quite different. While Yuri Gagarin is celebrated as the first human in space, the question remains: was he truly the first to experience the vastness of outer space?

To explore this, we must consider the definitions of where the universe commences. The International Aeronautical Federation designates the Kármán Line at 100 kilometers above Earth, while the U.S. government sets it at 80 kilometers (50 miles). Yet these definitions are arbitrary, often tailored to align with specific technological capabilities and aerial standards.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, space is defined as the “physical universe… beyond the Earth’s atmosphere.” Interestingly, scientific understanding of our atmosphere’s extent has evolved, suggesting it extends even beyond 630,000 kilometers. Future NASA missions, like Artemis II, are set to venture beyond the Moon, yet they will still fall short of the more than 200,000 kilometers to reach the ultimate boundaries of space.

While it seems absurd to claim that Apollo astronauts didn’t reach space, we still seek deeper definitions based on historical and cultural perspectives. What truly exemplifies the essence of “space”?

Witnessing the Sky Disappear

One significant boundary marks the moment the atmosphere no longer refracts sunlight, revealing the stark blackness of space. Historically, many Europeans believed in a bright, blue universe, a misconception maintained until scientists corrected it in the 17th century. The first astronauts to witness this darkness shattered centuries of misunderstanding.

In the 1930s, high-altitude balloonists pushed the envelope. In 1935, the U.S. Explorer II, piloted by Albert Stevens and Orville Anderson, soared to 22.1 kilometers, where they experienced an atmospheric shift. Their descriptions of the horizon hinted at the transition Gagarin would later confirm. Nonetheless, they witnessed a “very deep blue” sky rather than a true black.

In 1956, Malcolm Ross and Lee Lewis ascended to 23.2 kilometers in their Stratolab I balloon, noting the sky appeared black, a milestone in the pursuit of understanding space. This insight continued with David Simmons in the Mann High II balloon, who at 22.9 kilometers witnessed a similarly dark sky.

While rocket-powered aircraft approached these altitudes, they lacked the prolonged visibility balloonists had. In 1951, William Bridgman reached 24.2 kilometers but could barely observe the sky due to the brevity of his flight. Conversely, in 1956, Iven Kincheloe flew higher in the Bell X-2, reporting once again on the intriguing color transformations of the sky.

Confronting the Hostile Sky

Over time, the insight balloonists gained about the transitions from blue to black became crucial. David Simmons, during his 1957 flight, marveled at the hazy horizon blending with the vast blackness of space. To him, the enclosed gondola was akin to a spacecraft floating amid the void.

Joseph Kittinger’s iconic 1960 parachute jump from 31.3 kilometers illustrated the black, uninviting expanse above. He notably remarked on the hostility of the sky above him, acknowledging the inherent challenges of conquering space—conclusions echoed by Gagarin years later.

Not all spaceflights occur during daylight, yet witnessing the transition from blue to black remains pivotal for astronauts. In 2021, actor William Shatner’s experience aboard Blue Origin reached 107 kilometers. He encapsulated the moment: “It’s fascinating to see blue color passing by you, then immediately facing blackness.”

While the Kármán line exists as a conceptual framework, the emotional impact of seeing the sky fade remains profound. Those early visionaries, witnessing this transition, forever altered our understanding of what it means to reach space, a claim equally valid for their experiences as it is for Gagarin’s historic flight.

Topics:

Space Flight/
Space Exploration

Source: www.newscientist.com

Unveiling Odd Weapons Being Launched into Space: What’s Next?

Posted on February 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

In February, Germany announced a substantial investment of billions of euros in new military capabilities, stirring interest not just due to the investment scale but also the candid discussions among officials regarding its implications.

This initiative includes plans for a network of encrypted communications satellites and the “Inspector” spacecraft, capable of maneuvering close to other satellites. Additional features encompass sensors, tracking devices, and even lasers designed to interfere with adversarial satellites.

Historically, space was perceived as a tranquil environment detached from terrestrial conflicts, primarily serving to support underground operations. However, that perception is rapidly changing. Germany now joins an expanding coalition of nations viewing space not merely as infrastructure but as a vital territory requiring active defense and control.

“Adopting a militaristic mindset about orbit can be perilous,” warns Dr. Michael Mulvihill, Vice-Chancellor Research Fellow in Astropolitics at Teesside University.

“Traditionally, space has been viewed as a collaborative domain; however, even in military contexts, its usages were typically confined to communications and reconnaissance.”

This landscape is evolving. From the United States and China to the United Kingdom, France, India, and Japan, multiple governments are investing heavily in military space systems. But what exactly are these nations planning to deploy, and what are the implications of this militarization?

A Misconception of Peace in Space

The notion that space was once a calm arena devoid of political conflict is largely a myth that serves governmental narratives.

The U.S. has utilized a broad interpretation of what constitutes peaceful operations, highlighting a significant misconception about the role of space.

“The overly simplified depiction of the space system as a ‘silent sentinel maintaining peace between superpowers’ has misled many,” states Aaron Bateman, Assistant Professor of History and International Affairs at George Washington University, and author of Space Weapon.

In reality, both the United States and the former Soviet Union have been testing weapons in orbit since the inception of the space age. For instance, the U.S. operated Program 437, a nuclear-capable anti-satellite system, until 1975, and Russia is believed to have equipped the Salyut 3 space station with a machine gun tested in space.

One of the most notorious examples of space combat capabilities occurred on July 9, 1962, when the U.S. detonated a nuclear warhead 400 km above the Pacific Ocean in the Starfish Prime experiment, creating an electromagnetic pulse that disabled several satellites and leading to the 1967 Outer Space Treaty banning mass destruction weapons in orbit.

Bateman emphasizes that the changes are more about scale, sophistication, and transparency rather than intent. “Currently, the U.S. government is signaling its military capabilities openly,” he notes.

A prime example is the X-37B, a military spacecraft that recently completed a covert multi-year mission in orbit, with the U.S. Air Force now publicly commemorating its launch—showing a marked shift from previous secrecy.

Read more:

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The End of Conventional Space Warfare?</h2>
<p>According to the <a href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FA8aLXiQeAEK1Z8mTpHFls_c27Ne50qa/view" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Secure World Foundation</a>'s 2025 <em>Global Counter Space Capability</em> report, four nations—China, the U.S., India, and Russia—have the ability to destroy satellites physically.</p>
<p>However, the era of explosive demonstrations may soon dwindle, as destroying satellites is becoming less viable.</p>
<p>"Using kinetic anti-satellite technologies, especially in low Earth orbit, could create significant debris," warns <a href="https://www.bis-space.com/team-members/stuart-eves/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stuart Eves</a>, a space consultant with nearly 40 years of experience, including work for the UK Ministry of Defence.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
    <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="800" src="https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2026/02/250307-X-F3227-1002.jpg?webp=1&amp;w=1200" alt="The X-37B landed at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California." class="wp-image-212396"/>
    <figcaption class="wp-element-caption">The U.S. Space Force's X-37B Orbital Test Vehicle remains enshrouded in mystery, with public updates on its missions - Photo Credit: VELOZ ALEXANDER/US Space Force</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Space debris poses a significant challenge for nations active in space. According to <a href="https://orbitaldebris.jsc.nasa.gov/faq/#:~:text=small%20particle%20impacts.-,Return%20to%20Top,number%20of%20orbital%20debris%20determined?" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>, there are about 500,000 debris objects in orbit ranging from 1 to 10 cm in size. The <a href="https://sdup.esoc.esa.int/discosweb/statistics/#:~:text=Here%20are%20some%20statistics%20on%20space%20debris:,*%20Rocket%20fragmentation%20debris%20*%20Rocket%20debris" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Space Agency</a> estimates that number exceeds 1 million.</p>
<p>At the speeds typical in low Earth orbit, a mere 1 cm object has the kinetic energy equivalent to a grenade, as noted by Eves, indicating significant reluctance among countries to escalate actions that cause further debris.</p>
<p>As satellite constellations grow, traditional kinetic attacks become increasingly illogical. Approximately 16,000 active objects can be tracked in orbit, with approximately 10,000 being part of Elon Musk's Starlink constellation.</p>
<p>"Utilizing classic anti-satellite weapons, like missiles, is unfeasible," states Bateman. "The high number of satellites allows for quick replenishment, which poses financial disincentives." </p>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Evolving Tactics in Space Warfare</h2>
<p>So, if direct destruction is off the table, what alternative methods are employed? Increased sophistication is key. Jamming, or flooding a satellite's signal with noise, has been a longstanding tactic, yet more refined techniques are emerging.</p>
<p>An illustrative instance is Russia's cyberattack on the Viasat network during its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, which disrupted government communications by sending deceptive commands across Europe.</p>
<p>Then there are lasers, a technology more nuanced than seen in Hollywood portrayals. Typically, these are directed at the optical sensors of reconnaissance satellites to obscure or blind them. "A laser aimed at the optics of observation satellites makes them effectively invisible," explains Mulvihill.</p>
<p>According to the SWF report, Russia's mobile ground-based laser system, Peresvet, is deployed to secure mobile nuclear missile systems, while China is believed to have at least five "directed energy" testing facilities.</p>
<p>Ground infrastructure also becomes a target. For instance, Bateman cites a 2022 incident where a fiber-optic cable connecting mainland Norway to a satellite ground station in Svalbard was severed.</p>
<p>"There's no need to destructively interfere with a satellite or ground station; interrupting the data link can be equally compelling in a conflict scenario," he states.</p>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large">
    <img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1200" height="799" src="https://c02.purpledshub.com/uploads/sites/41/2026/02/asat-attack.jpg?webp=1&amp;w=1200" alt="A depiction of a space conflict, featuring a missile targeted at an artificial satellite in orbit." class="wp-image-212397"/>
    <figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Only four nations have demonstrated capabilities for the physical destruction of satellites - Photo credit: Getty</figcaption>
</figure>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">China's Ascendance and Implications for Middle Powers</h2>
<p>If the Cold War was marked by a race between two dominant powers, today's landscape is far more intricate, yet two clear leaders remain: the United States and the rising power of China.</p>
<p>China has launched over 1,000 satellites in the past decade, with more than 510 reportedly equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities, as noted by the <a href="https://www.uscc.gov/annual-report/2025-annual-report-congress" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">U.S.-China Economic Security Review Commission</a>.</p>
<p>This backdrop raises questions about the role of middle powers, such as Germany. While its investments may seem late, they are strategically viable, Mulvihill asserts.</p>
<p>"NATO's reliance on the U.S. for space capabilities has become transactional, where states can opt-out of services they've previously relied on," he explains.</p>
<p>Germany’s investments in inspection satellites and electronic warfare capabilities are poised to operate under the NATO framework, potentially providing balance against U.S. constraints.</p>
<p>Cooperation among middle powers could yield significant benefits. Past collaborations, such as the France-Germany partnership in surveillance satellite access, exemplify how these nations can contribute positively.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Bateman expresses skepticism about the smooth adjustment to these dynamics. "Historical patterns suggest this transition will be challenging," he counters.</p>
<p>So, does a world with more space powers cultivate safety or sow danger? Likely both, with increasing unpredictability. "The situation is more chaotic," Mulvihill says. “Cooperative zones are fragmenting, with self-interest and transactional politics becoming paramount." </p>
<p>The reality reveals that space was never as peaceful as previously believed. The difference today is that, as more nations emerge, no one is pretending otherwise.</p>
<p><strong>Read more:</strong></p>

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

How Saturn’s Rings, Hyperion, and Titan Were Formed from the Collision of Two Protomoonsin Space

Posted on February 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

In a recently submitted research paper to be published in the Planetary Science Journal, scientists from the SETI Institute, Southwest Research Institute, California Institute of Technology, and Paris Observatory propose a revolutionary theory regarding Saturn’s moons. Titan and Hyperion, previously thought to be primordial bodies, are actually the result of a dramatic merging of two ancient moons. This groundbreaking discovery could redefine our understanding of Titan’s thick atmosphere and possibly shed light on the formation of Saturn’s iconic ring system.

This mosaic of Saturn and its largest moon Titan combines six images (two each with red, green, and blue spectral filters) to create a naturally colored view. The image was captured using Cassini’s wide-angle camera on May 6, 2012, from approximately 778,000 km (483,000 miles) away. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute.

In the upcoming paper, researchers including Matiya Chukku propose a new model describing the recent dynamical evolution of Saturn’s satellite system.

The scientists explain, “This phenomenon is driven by the youthful appearance of Saturn’s rings, the dynamic youth of its medium-sized moons, the rapid tidal migration of Titan, its changing tilt and eccentricity, and the recent escape from a postulated spin-orbit resonance with the planet.”

The study contends that Hyperion, a small, irregular moon in a 4:3 orbital resonance with Titan, is significantly younger than previously believed.

The moon’s current elongated orbit suggests Titan has migrated outward by approximately 4 to 5 percent since these two moons became gravitationally locked.

Researchers posit this gravitational resonance likely formed just 400 to 500 million years ago.

To explain Hyperion’s apparent youth, a scenario is proposed where an additional medium-sized moon, dubbed ProtoHyperion, once orbited between Titan and Iapetus.

As Titan’s orbit expanded, this system experienced instability, forcing Proto-Hyperion into a chaotic trajectory, ultimately leading to a collision with Titan.

This merging event disrupted the established spin-orbit resonance between Saturn and Titan, altering Saturn’s axial tilt.

Simultaneously, debris from this collision may have accumulated on modern-day Hyperion, whose low density and high porosity indicate it is likely a conglomerate of debris rather than a pristine structure.

Numerical simulations conducted by the research team indicated that such conditions would lead to frequent collisions between Titan and the hypothesized additional moon.

Throughout its evolution, Iapetus acquired orbital characteristics similar to those observed today, consistent with the gravitational disruptions during this dynamic instability.

These simulations further reveal that Titan’s orbit typically expanded during the merger, allowing ongoing tidal migration, potentially facilitated by resonant interactions within Saturn.

This instability may not have been confined solely to the outer regions of the Saturn system.

Scientists suggest that an eccentric Titan, influenced by this event, may have destabilized Saturn’s inner satellites through resonant interactions.

Collisions and re-accretion among these moons may have resulted in the material that constitutes Saturn’s current ring system.

Previous evidence has hinted at the relatively young age of Saturn’s rings, estimated to be hundreds of millions of years old, based on their mass, composition, and interactions with adjacent moons.

The new model aligns the timing of these events with the creation of Hyperion and the restructuring of Saturn’s external satellite system.

Cassini passed Hyperion on May 31, 2015, at a distance of approximately 21,000 miles (34,000 km). This image was captured during Cassini’s flyby on September 26, 2005, showcasing vivid details across Hyperion’s unique, rolling surface. Differences in color may indicate varying compositions of the surface material. Image credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / Space Science Institute.

“Hyperion, the smallest of Saturn’s major moons, has provided crucial insights into the history of the Saturnian system,” said Dr. Chukku.

“In simulations where additional satellites became unstable, Hyperion was frequently lost and survived only under rare conditions.”

“Our research concluded that the gravitational locking between Titan and Hyperion is relatively recent, dating back just a few hundred million years.”

“This timeframe aligns with the disappearance of the hypothesized additional moon.”

“If this additional moon merged with Titan, it could have created debris in Titan’s vicinity, which aligns with where Hyperion eventually formed.”

The authors also evaluate Rhea’s history, noting that its rapid outward migration suggests crossing a so-called valgus resonance with the Sun in recent geological time.

Such dynamic indicators are more consistent with systems that have recently experienced large-scale transformations rather than those unchanged for billions of years.

“Although these events occurred hundreds of millions of years ago and are challenging to confirm directly, recent observations consistently challenge previous models and unveil new dynamical pathways,” the researchers concluded.

“Our hypothesis predicts a dynamically active and relatively young Saturn system, shaped by recent dramatic events.”

“Future orbital, geophysical, and geological data, especially from missions targeting Saturn’s moons, will be crucial in validating this scenario.”

_____

Matiya Chukku et al. 2026. Origin of Hyperion and Saturn’s rings in the Two-Stage Saturn System Instability. Planetary Science Journal in press. arXiv: 2602.09281

Source: www.sci.news

Revolutionary Metal Extraction Techniques from Fungi on the International Space Station

Posted on February 22, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

As human space exploration delves deeper into the cosmos, the urgency for sustainable methods to harvest local resources grows, rendering frequent resupply missions increasingly impractical. Asteroids, particularly those abundant in valuable metals like platinum group elements, have become key targets. Recently, scientists conducted a groundbreaking experiment aboard the International Space Station (ISS), utilizing bacteria and fungi to extract 44 elements from asteroid materials in microgravity.

NASA astronaut Michael Scott Hopkins conducts microgravity experiments on the International Space Station. Image credit: NASA.

In this innovative project, known as BioAsteroid, Professor Charles Cockell and his team at the University of Edinburgh utilized the bacterial species Sphingomonas desicabilis and the fungus Penicillium simplicissimum to explore which elements could be extracted from L-chondrite asteroid materials.

Understanding microbial interactions with rocks in microgravity is equally essential.

“This is likely the first experiment of its nature using a meteorite on the International Space Station,” states Dr. Rosa Santomartino, a researcher at Cornell University and the University of Edinburgh.

“Our aim was to customize our methodology while ensuring it remained broadly applicable for enhanced efficacy.”

“These two species behave uniquely and extract varied elements.”

“Given the limited knowledge on microbial behavior in space, we aimed to keep our results universally applicable.”

These microorganisms present promising solutions for resource extraction, as they generate carboxylic acids—carbon molecules that bind to minerals and promote their release through complex formation.

Nonetheless, many questions linger regarding this mechanism, leading researchers to conduct a metabolomic analysis. This analysis involved examining liquid cultures from completed experimental samples, focusing on the presence of biomolecules, particularly secondary metabolites.

NASA astronaut Michael Scott Hopkins conducted experiments aboard the ISS to examine microgravity’s effects, while researchers performed controlled experiments on Earth for comparative data.

Substantial data analysis yielded insights into 44 different elements, 18 of which were biologically derived.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of L-chondrite fragments under two gravity conditions. Image credit: Santomartino others., doi: 10.1038/s41526-026-00567-3.

“We drilled down to a single-element analysis and began to question whether extraction processes differ in space versus Earth,” notes Dr. Alessandro Stilpe from Cornell University and the University of Edinburgh.

“Do more elements get extracted in the presence of bacteria, fungi, or both?”

“Is this merely noise? Or do we observe coherent patterns? Differential outcomes were modest but intriguing.”

The analysis highlighted significant metabolic changes in microorganisms, particularly fungi, in space, leading to increased production of carboxylic acids and promoting the release of elements like palladium and platinum.

For several elements, abiotic leaching proved less effective in microgravity compared to Earth, while microorganisms demonstrated consistent extraction results across both environments.

“Microorganisms do not enhance extraction rates directly but maintain extraction levels regardless of gravity,” explains Dr. Santomartino.

“This finding is applicable to not just palladium but many metals, though not all.”

“Interestingly, extraction rates varied significantly by metal type, influenced by microbial and gravitational conditions.”

For detailed insights, refer to the results published in npj microgravity.

_____

R. Santomartino others. Microbial biomining from asteroid material on the International Space Station. npj microgravity published online on January 30, 2026. doi: 10.1038/s41526-026-00567-3

Source: www.sci.news

Four Astronauts Arrive at Space Station Following Early Departure of Previous Crew

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Four new crew members, including two from the United States, received a warm welcome upon their arrival at the International Space Station (ISS) on Saturday.

The spacecraft, transporting NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway, European Space Agency astronaut Sophie Adenot, and Russian cosmonaut Andrei Fezyaev, docked with the ISS at 3:16 p.m. ET.

“Everyone arrived safely. We have been looking forward to this moment for a long time,” commented Sergei Kud Sverchkov, a current member of the Russian Federation’s Roscosmos crew on board.

The Dragon spacecraft was propelled into orbit by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket early Friday morning.

“We’re thrilled to be here and ready to get to work,” Meir said after meeting the ISS crew. “We made it. We’re here. We love you.”

Later, Adenot mentioned how much she enjoyed the journey.

“It was quite a ride, but it was a lot of fun,” she remarked. “Seeing the Earth from above is mesmerizing; you can’t distinguish any lines or boundaries.”

They arrived at an unusually quiet orbital laboratory.

Originally, the four crew members were expected to overlap in space with the departing team on Mission Crew 11. However, that group had to return to Earth early due to medical issues. (NASA has maintained privacy regarding the identities of the affected astronauts.)

The Crew-11 astronauts departed on January 14, leaving behind NASA astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Kudo Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev on the ISS.

The four new arrivals will be designated Crew 12, increasing the ISS’s occupancy to seven astronauts.

“Floating in zero gravity is an incredible experience,” Hathaway said after greeting fellow passengers. “The journey was fantastic, shared with great friends from Crew 12.”

A time-exposure shot of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch from Pad 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Friday.
John Rau/AP

The crew launched from SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket at 5:15 a.m. ET from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

NASA delayed the launch by two days due to high winds affecting the flight path earlier in the week. The agency continuously monitors weather conditions for safe ascent and emergency scenarios.

Recently, a Falcon 9 incident during an unmanned mission to deploy SpaceX’s Starlink satellites prompted NASA to review safety findings before this launch.

Following the Feb. 2 incident, SpaceX paused launches for an investigation with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA later permitted SpaceX to resume operations, successfully deploying Starlink satellites thereafter.

NASA officials confirmed in a recent press conference that there have been no significant issues while the ISS has been understaffed, allowing a relaxed timeline for the arrival of new crew members.

“We anticipate additional support soon, but will launch when ready,” stated Dina Contera, NASA’s deputy director of ISS programs at the Johnson Space Center.

Crew-12 members, from left, Andrei Fezyaev, Jack Hathaway, Jessica Meir, and Sophie Adenot during a press conference at NASA.
NASA

The Crew-12 mission members are slated to stay at the ISS for approximately eight months, where they will conduct scientific research including food production in space, examine how microgravity impacts blood flow, and study bacteria linked to pneumonia. NASA states these endeavors will enhance research for future missions to the Moon and Mars and will provide benefits for humanity on Earth.

This mission marks Hathaway and Adenot’s first spaceflight, while Fezyaev is on his second journey. Meir has previously spent 205 days aboard the ISS starting in July 2019 and made history with fellow astronaut Christina Koch during NASA’s first all-female spacewalk. They are also part of the Artemis II lunar orbit mission set to launch in March.

On Saturday, Meir expressed her surprise at the collaborative spirit that has turned the ISS into a beacon of human achievement.

“This represents a commitment from five nations, underpinned by trust, collaboration, and powered by science, innovation, and curiosity that has been upheld for decades,” she stated before entering the ISS. “Looking back at Earth from these windows, we are reminded that cooperation is not just possible, but essential. There are no borders in space, and hope transcends all.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

NASA Report Reveals Alarming Details of Boeing Accident That Stranded Astronauts in Space

Posted on February 21, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Explore the Cosmos: A Captivating New Art Exhibition Focused on Space

Posted on February 20, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Janet Kerr PPRWA Hon. RSA, 20 Solargraphs from the SolarGraphics Project 2020-24 Formless 2024-25 (18 months exposure time) showcases the beauty of long exposure photography.

Royal West of England Academy

Both artists and astronomers play a crucial role in transforming our observations of the universe into compelling narratives. The exhibit Cosmos: The Art of Observing the Universe at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol, UK, explores this fascinating process.

“We recalibrate our perceptions through prolonged gazing,” says the exhibition curator, artist Ione Parkin. This exhibition, running until April 19, invites visitors to dive into their own observational journey, merging art and science in unique insights.

The image above illustrates how Janet Kerr collaborated with communities in Iceland, Greenland, the Shetland Islands, and Somerset to create stunning solar graphs that capture the sun over months of exposure.

This work by Alex Hartley intricately intertwines solar panels with photographs of Neolithic standing stones, illustrating the continuity of solar technology from ancient to contemporary times.

Parkin’s vibrant paintings swirl in red, orange, and bright white, evoking the dynamic nature of superheated plasma from the sun’s surface.

Finally, Michael Porter’s Impossible Landscape explores the realms beyond empirical knowledge, blending familiar geological textures with otherworldly aesthetics, prompting viewers to dream beyond the observable universe.

Source: www.newscientist.com

Exploring the Environmental Impact of Space Debris: Air Pollution Concerns on the Rise

Posted on February 19, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

An incredible 30-second exposure captures the Falcon 9 upper stage re-entering the atmosphere over Berlin, Germany, on February 19, 2025.

Photo by Gerd Baumgarten

Falcon 9 Upper Stage Re-entry — An incredible 30-second exposure captures the Falcon 9 upper stage re-entering the atmosphere over Berlin, Germany, on February 19, 2025.

Photo by Gerd Baumgarten

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket ignited a plume of vaporized metal as it re-entered the atmosphere, raising concerns about atmospheric pollution across Europe. This type of contamination is expected to surge as the number of spacecraft and satellites continues to grow.

The Falcon 9’s upper stage, intended for recovery in the Pacific Ocean, suffered an engine failure that led to its uncontrolled descent over the North Atlantic on February 19, 2025.

Witnesses throughout Europe observed fiery debris streaking across the sky, with some fragments landing behind warehouses in Poland. Researchers from Germany’s Leibniz Institute for Atmospheric Physics employed lidar technology to monitor the atmosphere. They noted a tenfold increase in lithium concentration— a significant component of the rocket’s structure— twenty hours after the re-entry event.

Using atmospheric models, researchers concluded that the lithium plume drifted approximately 1,600 kilometers from the re-entry site. This investigation represents the first instance of tracking high-altitude contamination resulting from a specific spacecraft re-entry.

According to Wing, small metal particles could catalyze ozone depletion, create clouds in the stratosphere and mesosphere, and interfere with sunlight’s passage through the atmosphere. “However, this field remains largely underexplored.”

As commercial space launches surge and companies expand their satellite constellations, such as SpaceX’s Starlink and Amazon’s Kuiper, concerns regarding contamination are becoming more pronounced. Currently, around 14,500 satellites orbit Earth, and SpaceX recently applied to deploy an additional 1 million satellites to support Elon Musk’s vision of creating orbiting data centers for artificial intelligence.

To mitigate a potential cycle of collisions that could generate more space debris, satellites are often permitted to deorbit and burn up at the end of their operational lives. Experts warn that space debris could increase by fiftyfold over the next decade, potentially contributing to more than 40% of the mass currently entering the atmosphere from meteorites.

There is a common misconception that space debris simply burns up and disappears in the atmosphere. According to Daniel Cizzo of Purdue University, who did not partake in this study, “We need to be cautious and thoroughly analyze the potential impacts of this material.”

The Falcon 9’s plume is estimated to contain around 30 kilograms of lithium. However, given the alloy composition of the rocket’s hull, it likely contained significantly more aluminum.

When evaporated aluminum interacts with atmospheric oxygen, it forms aluminum oxide particles, which serve as surfaces for chlorine compounds to decompose more easily. The chlorine radicals generated through this process react with and deplete ozone molecules in the stratosphere.

Researchers estimate that the burnout of spacecraft releases approximately 1,000 tons of aluminum oxide into the atmosphere annually, a figure that continues to rise. This exacerbation could extend the ozone hole in the Southern Hemisphere, which has been shrinking as nations phase out ozone-depleting gases. The loss of ozone allows more harmful ultraviolet rays to penetrate, increasing the risk of skin cancer.

“In terms of metals, we are entering a new paradigm where anthropogenic pollution increasingly influences the upper atmosphere, overshadowing natural sources,” says Eloise Marais from University College London. “Space debris risks reversing the progress made in healing the ozone hole.”

Metal oxide particles also function as nuclei for water vapor to coalesce into droplets, potentially leading to the formation of cirrus clouds that trap heat in the upper troposphere.

Scientists have detected particles from a burned-out spacecraft within cirrus clouds. While the effect on global warming is currently considered minor compared to greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, it could still pose increased risks.

“Substantial evidence indicates that this substance may adversely affect the atmosphere. It is now our responsibility as scientists to assess whether these effects are occurring and the degree of their negativity,” Cizzo stated.

Potential solutions include constructing satellites from wood-like materials—though these may emit black carbon soot upon re-entry—or relocating satellites to high-altitude “graveyard orbits.”

“You must take a moment to consider your intentions before proceeding,” Wing advises. “This rapid growth in satellite launches poses questions that remain unanswered.”

Topic:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Space Telescope Discovers Stunning Lenticular Galaxy NGC 7722

Posted on February 3, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured stunning new images of the lenticular galaxy NGC 7722.

This captivating Hubble image showcases NGC 7722, a lenticular galaxy located approximately 187 million light-years from Earth in the constellation Pegasus. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / RJ Foley, UC Santa Cruz / Dark Energy Survey / DOE / FNAL / DECam / CTIO / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA / Mehmet Yüksek.

NGC 7722, also known by its alternate names IRAS 23361+1540, LEDA 71993, and UGC 12718, was first discovered on August 12, 1864, by German astronomer Heinrich Louis d’Arest.

This intriguing lenticular galaxy is part of the NGC 7711 group, which comprises seven prominent galaxies.

“Lenticular galaxies represent a unique classification that exists between the well-known spiral and elliptical galaxies,” Hubble astronomers stated.

“These galaxies are less common as their ambiguous morphology makes it challenging to classify them definitively as spiral, elliptical, or a hybrid of both.”

“Many known lenticular galaxies, including NGC 7722, exhibit features of both spiral and elliptical types.”

“Although NGC 7722 lacks the prominent arms characteristic of spiral galaxies, it showcases a magnificent glowing halo and a bright central bulge reminiscent of elliptical galaxies,” the researchers explained.

“Unlike elliptical galaxies, NGC 7722 possesses a visible disk featuring concentric rings swirling around a luminous core.”

“One of its most remarkable attributes is the long lanes of dark red dust that elegantly curl around the outer disk and halo.”

Recent images of NGC 7722 taken with Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) bring the galaxy’s striking dust lanes into sharp focus.

“Dust bands are common among lenticular galaxies and create a stunning contrast against the smooth, luminous halo typically surrounding such galaxies,” the astronomers added.

“The distinctive dust lane of NGC 7722, like many other lenticular galaxies, is believed to result from a past merger with another galaxy.”

“While the exact formation processes of lenticular galaxies remain elusive, mergers and gravitational interactions are thought to play a critical role in altering their shapes and influencing their gaseous and dusty content.”

Source: www.sci.news

Explore the Rare Space Lineup: A Deep Dive into Hubble 3I/ATLAS Insights

Posted on January 28, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

On January 22, 2026, the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope captured stunning images of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, showing it in near-perfect alignment with the Sun-Earth axis. This observation unveiled an unprecedented jet structure and an elongated tail.

This image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was captured by Hubble’s WFC3 instrument on January 22, 2026, at 13:10 UTC. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / Man Tu Hui, Shanghai Observatory.

According to researchers Professor Abraham Loeb from Harvard University and Dr. Mauro Barbieri from the INAF Padua Observatory, interstellar objects like 3I/ATLAS provide a rare opportunity to study materials from distant star systems. They detailed their findings in recent papers published in American Astronomical Society Research Notes.

Previous interstellar visitors such as 1I/Oumuamua lacked evidence of gas or dust, while 2I/Borisov was only observed at angles greater than 16 degrees from the Sun-Earth alignment, missing the chance for detailed study.

On January 22, 2026, comet 3I/ATLAS was positioned at an astonishingly small angle of just 0.69 degrees relative to the Earth-Sun axis, allowing for an optimal view as our planet passed nearly directly between the Sun and the comet.

This rare alignment caused a significant brightness spike, influenced by the composition and structure of the particles emitted from the 3I/ATLAS jet, as noted by Professor Loeb in the statement.

This image of interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS was taken by Hubble’s WFC3 instrument on January 22, 2026, at 13:40 UTC. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / Man Tu Hui, Shanghai Observatory.

Astrophysicist Mang To Hui from the Shanghai Observatory utilized Hubble’s capabilities to observe 3I/ATLAS during conditions that may not occur again for decades.

The interstellar object images were gathered using Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) instrument, providing valuable data for ongoing research.

Professor Loeb elaborated on the findings, stating, “When the Hubble images from the January 22, 2026, alignment were processed by my collaborator Toni Scarmato, they revealed a system of four jets, including a prominent tail directed toward the Sun and Earth, along with three smaller ‘minijets.’”

“These minijets are spaced evenly apart at 120-degree angles, with one possibly hidden from view due to its unfavorable orientation relative to Earth, rendering it dark.”

Source: www.sci.news

NASA Astronaut Exits Space Station Early Over Health Concerns, Resulting in Droplets Falling

Posted on January 15, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Nasa Astronaut Set to Depart Space Station for Medical Reasons

Posted on January 14, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

How Microgravity on the International Space Station Influences Bacteriophage and Host Coevolution

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Microbiologists from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and Rhodium Scientific have unveiled a groundbreaking discovery aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Their latest experiment reveals that the unique near-weightless environment of space significantly alters the interactions between bacteriophages (viruses that target bacteria) and their hosts.

The International Space Station, with Earth in the background. Image credit: NASA.

In this detailed study focused on bacteriophage-host dynamics in microgravity, University of Wisconsin-Madison researcher Phil Huss and his team analyzed the interaction of T7 phages with Escherichia coli bacteria cultivated in an orbiting laboratory.

The experiments highlighted that while microgravity slows the infection rate of viruses, it does not permanently inhibit their ability to infect.

Under normal Earth conditions, T7 phages typically infect and lyse Escherichia coli within 20 to 30 minutes.

However, in the microgravity setting, no measurable growth of the bacteriophages was observed during the initial hours of culture.

After 23 days, the bacteriophage started to grow normally, effectively reducing the bacterial count. This suggests that bacteriophage activity eventually overcame the initial delays caused by the microgravity environment.

Factors unique to microgravity, such as disrupted fluid convection and changes in bacterial physiology, appear to influence how bacteriophage particles encounter and infect bacterial hosts.

In the absence of gravity, the natural mixing of fluids that typically facilitates virus-bacteria contact may be hindered, thereby slowing down the initial infection stages.

To delve deeper into the evolutionary and molecular consequences of these altered interactions, researchers sequenced the genomes of both bacteriophages and bacteria post long-term culture.

The analysis revealed numerous emerging mutations in the genomes of both organisms, indicating adaptation to their unique conditions.

Intriguingly, different mutation patterns were identified in microgravity compared to those evolving under Earth’s gravity, highlighting that the space environment exerts distinct selective pressures on both bacteriophages and their bacterial hosts.

Further scrutiny focused on the bacteriophage’s receptor-binding proteins, essential for recognizing and infecting bacterial cells effectively.

Through a deep mutational scan, significant differences in the mutational profiles of these proteins were observed between microgravity and ground-based experiments, reflecting fundamental changes in adaptive capabilities.

In a remarkable find, the researchers utilized a library of receptor-binding protein variants selected in microgravity to create bacteriophage variants that are more efficient at infecting specific drug-resistant strains of Escherichia coli on Earth. This underscores the potential of space-based research to inform biotechnology.

“Our study provides initial insights into how microgravity influences phage-host interactions,” the researchers concluded.

“Investigating phage activity in non-terrestrial settings unveils new genetic determinants of fitness, paving the way for innovative phage engineering on Earth.”

“The success of this research will establish a foundation for future phage investigations aboard the ISS.”

For more details, refer to the study published in the online journal PLoS Biology.

_____

P. Hass et al. 2026. Microgravity reshapes bacteriophage-host coevolution on the International Space Station. PLoS Biol 24 (1): e3003568; doi: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3003568

Source: www.sci.news

Study Reveals How Space Travel Alters Astronauts’ Brain Shape and Position

Posted on January 13, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

A groundbreaking study reveals that astronauts’ brains can experience changes in shape and position during their time in space, presenting significant implications for NASA’s objectives of long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Published on Monday in the Journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, the research indicates that astronauts’ brains tilted upward after spaceflight, deviating from their normal Earth position and shifting within their skulls. The study identified that areas associated with sensory functions, motion sickness, disorientation, and balance were notably affected.

This research contributes to the evolving field of aerospace medicine, which investigates the physical toll spaceflight and microgravity exert on the human body. Such insights are crucial for planning NASA’s ambitious projects to establish a base on the Moon and conduct crewed missions deeper into the solar system.

“Understanding these changes and their implications is vital for ensuring astronauts’ safety and health, as well as ensuring their longevity in space,” stated Rachel Seidler, a professor at the University of Florida and co-author of the study.

Seidler and her team examined MRI scans of 26 astronauts taken before and after their missions in orbit. The duration of spaceflight varied from a few weeks (for Space Shuttle missions) to about six months (the typical length for International Space Station missions). Some astronauts even spent a year aboard the station.

“Those who spent a year in space exhibited the most significant changes,” Seidler revealed. “We observed noticeable alterations even in astronauts who were in space for just two weeks, indicating that duration is a key factor.”

She added that among astronauts who remained in microgravity for over six months, the upward movement of their brains was “quite widespread,” particularly within the upper brain structures.

“The movement is in the range of a few millimeters. While this might not seem significant, in terms of brain dynamics, it truly is,” she noted.

Seidler pointed out that the observed brain changes often lead to “sensory conflicts” while astronauts are in space, resulting in temporary disorientation and motion sickness. Upon returning to Earth, such changes may also contribute to balance issues as astronauts readjust to the planet’s gravity. However, the study did not report any severe symptoms, like headaches or cognitive impairment, either during or after spaceflight.

“That was a surprise to me,” Seidler remarked.

For a comparative analysis, the research team also examined brain scans of 24 civilian participants who underwent bed rest for up to 60 days with their heads positioned at a 6-degree angle downward, mimicking microgravity conditions. Similar changes in brain position and shape were observed, yet astronauts’ brains displayed a more pronounced upward shift.

Dr. Mark Rosenberg, assistant professor of neurology and director of the Aerospace and Performance Neurology Program at the Medical University of South Carolina, emphasized that while the effects of spaceflight on the brain have been recognized, Seidler’s study is pioneering in documenting how these upward shifts impact astronauts both in space and upon their return to Earth.

“While we knew the brain shifted upward, we needed to explore any operational consequences,” said Rosenberg, who did not participate in the study. “This work helps clarify those relationships.”

The findings prompt additional questions for future studies, including whether brain changes differ between male and female astronauts and whether the age of crew members influences these changes. However, gathering a comprehensive dataset is challenged by the limited number of astronauts launched to the International Space Station each year, a demographic that has predominantly been male.

Further research is essential to establish whether the observed brain changes have long-term repercussions.

Currently, these changes do not appear to be permanent, similar to various physiological changes astronauts experience post-mission, such as bone density loss, muscle atrophy, and fluid redistribution. Once the body readjusts to Earth’s gravity, conditions largely normalize, Rosenberg explained.

However, it remains uncertain whether different gravitational environments might introduce new complications.

“If an astronaut were on Mars, which has one-third of Earth’s gravity, or on the Moon, with one-sixth of Earth’s gravity, how much longer would it take to return to normal?” Rosenberg queried.

Both he and Seidler assert that the current findings shouldn’t deter humans from spending extended periods in space. It is crucial, however, to comprehend any potential long-lasting damage and identify strategies to mitigate it.

“Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are destined to become a spacefaring species,” Rosenberg concluded. “It’s merely a matter of time. These are just some of the essential questions we need to address.”

Source: www.nbcnews.com

NASA Executes Unprecedented Medical Evacuation from the International Space Station (ISS)

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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.

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

NASA to Return Space Station Astronauts Early Due to Medical Concerns

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

First Commercial Space Station Set to Orbit Earth by 2026

Posted on January 6, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Digital Rendering of Vast’s Haven-1 Space Station

Credit: Vast

Digital rendering of Vast’s Haven-1 space station — Digital Rendering of Vast’s Haven-1 Space Station

Credit: Vast

The space station industry is experiencing significant growth. For years, the only option for sending astronauts and experiments into orbit was the International Space Station (ISS). However, as NASA plans to deorbit the ISS by the end of the decade, a new commercially owned space station is set to emerge.

Mary Guenther, director of space policy at the Progressive Policy Institute in Washington, DC, states, “These developments have been in progress for years, primarily alongside NASA, with hardware expected to begin operations in 2026.” While privately developed modules have been attached to the ISS, never before has there been a fully independent commercial space station.

Without the ISS, a commercial space station will be essential. Guenther emphasizes, “It’s time for NASA to advance into uncharted territory and leave the operation of a low Earth orbit space station to commercial entities.”

In 2026, two companies, including the startup Vast, are poised to launch operations in the U.S. Vast plans to deploy the Haven-1 station aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket as early as May. This station is smaller and simpler than the ISS and will use SpaceX’s Crew Dragon capsule for certain life support systems, marking a historic milestone as the first commercial space station.

The Haven-1 is designed to accommodate a crew of four for space tourism, featuring a photography dome and Wi-Fi, in addition to hosting smaller-scale microgravity experiments. It is envisioned as a precursor to the larger Haven-2, which Vast executive teams aim to position as a successor to the ISS.

“Everyone, including Vast, is preparing for 2030,” says Colin Smith from Vast. “With the ISS scheduled to deorbit at the end of 2030, there’s a growing urgency as we near 2025.”

Sierra Space is another player with plans for a 2026 space station, currently developing the Dream Chaser spaceplane. This company intends to launch a prototype of its expandable space station module called the Large Scale Integrated Flexible Environment in 2026, which will be part of the collaborative Orbital Reef project led by Blue Origin and Sierra Space.

The era of commercial space stations promises to differ significantly from that of the ISS, given the broader array of industry participants. “Numerous commercial space station models are emerging to cater to various markets,” Guenther notes. “I am eager to see how these companies distinguish themselves in order to attract clientele, and how competition can spur innovation.”

Many anticipate that private space stations will considerably lower the cost of operating in orbit, similarly to how private launch providers have made space access more economical.

“The ISS is the most expensive structure humanity has ever constructed, costing about $150 billion to support just seven individuals. Without changes, there will be no future for space commerce, manufacturing, or habitation,” Smith comments. “Our vision is to empower millions to thrive in space, and the steps we take now will pave the way for that future.”

Nonetheless, it remains uncertain whether market demand will support a flourishing space economy. The prospect of establishing multiple specialized space stations in orbit is thrilling, yet it necessitates clients beyond NASA and other national space organizations. As new stations commence operations this year, their sustainability will soon become apparent.

“There exist promising industries poised to expand into space, such as pharmaceuticals and materials,” Guenther remarks. “It will be fascinating to see which of these sectors flourish and grow.”

Topics:

Source: www.newscientist.com

Stunning Space Photos of 2025: From Supernovae to Moon Landings

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Exploring Supernova Remnant SNR 0509-67.5 with the VLT

Credit: ESO/P. Das et al. Background stars (Hubble): K. Noll et al.

Supernova remnant SNR 0509-67.5 — Exploring Supernova Remnant SNR 0509-67.5 with the VLT

Credit: ESO/P. Das et al. Background stars (Hubble): K. Noll et al.

Researchers captured a stunning two-tone sphere, evidence of a rare double-massive explosion, using the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope in Chile.

Astronomers from the University of New South Wales in Australia theorize that this magnificent gas and dust formation emerged when a white dwarf star, once akin to our sun, absorbed helium from a companion star and detonated. The initial explosion transpired approximately 300 years ago, potentially dazzling the Southern Hemisphere night sky, if not for the Sun’s obstruction from Earth.

Dramatic Explosion of SpaceX’s Starship

Photo by: James Temple

This year has been pivotal for SpaceX as CEO Elon Musk aims to send astronauts to Mars with the company’s Starship, the world’s largest and most powerful rocket. After a successful orbital test flight in August, three previous launches ended in catastrophic explosions, referred to by SpaceX as “unplanned rapid disintegration.” James Temple captured the spectacular display of flames during Starship’s seventh unsuccessful attempt in January.

SpaceX’s Dragon Spacecraft After Splashdown

Credit: NASA/Keegan Barber

Aside from its Starship endeavors, SpaceX made strides this year by successfully ferrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station (ISS), stepping in for NASA’s unready rockets. The stunning photograph captures the moment when SpaceX’s Dragon capsule splashed down near a pod of dolphins, carrying two astronauts who had spent nine months aboard the ISS after the Boeing Starliner spacecraft was rendered unsafe for return.

Historic Lunar Photos by Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Lander

Credit: Firefly Aerospace

In March, Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lander made history as the second commercial spacecraft to successfully land on the moon and the first to do so in an upright position, after previously tipping over. After a 45-day journey, it settled in the smooth volcanic terrain of Mare Crisium, capturing a selfie of its shadow against the sunlight, with Earth appearing as a distant dot.

Spectacular View of the Trifid and Lagoon Nebulae

Credit: NSF-DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory

The newly operational Vera C. Rubin Observatory, one of the most advanced telescopes in the world, will conduct daily scans of the night sky for the next decade. One of its early images depicts the Trifid Nebula, a stellar nursery located about 5,000 light-years away, visible as a pink and blue cloud in the upper right corner, contrasted by the Lagoon Nebula—another stellar formation situated 4,000 light-years from Earth. This breathtaking image was compiled from 678 individual snapshots taken during a seven-hour session.

Stunning Composite of September’s Lunar Eclipse Over Tokyo

Credit: Kyodo News (via Getty Images)

The astronomical community eagerly anticipated September’s lunar eclipse, where the moon traverses through the Earth’s shadow, adopting a distinctive red hue similar to sunsets. This striking composite visual captures the moon’s transition as it soared across the Tokyo skyline.

Topics of Interest:

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Stunning Close-Up of Arp 4 Captured by Hubble Space Telescope

Posted on December 23, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Discover the latest stunning image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, showcasing Arp 4, an intriguing visual pair of galaxies located in the constellation Cetus.

The Hubble image captures the galaxy pair Arp 4. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / J. Dalcanton, Dark Energy Survey / DOE / FNAL / DECam / CTIO / NOIRLab / NSF / AURA.

For more details, explore Arp 4, which features the bright spiral galaxy MCG-02-05-050a alongside the larger spiral galaxy MCG-02-05-050.

Located within the constellation Cetus, this galaxy pair was first discovered by Dutch-Canadian astronomer Sidney van den Bergh in 1959.

Arp 4 stands as the fourth entry in Halton Arp’s Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies and belongs to the section focusing on “Galaxies with Low Surface Brightness.”

“The term ‘Arp 4’ derives from the Atlas of Peculiar Galaxies compiled by astronomer Halton Arp during the 1960s,” Hubble astronomers explained.

“These ‘unusual galaxies’ were chosen for photography to illustrate their distinct and non-standard shapes, providing insights into galaxy evolution.”

Hubble’s mission has transformed our understanding of galaxies, revealing captivating examples from Arp’s Atlas, including Arp 4.

The initial galaxies in this catalog, including Arp 4, exhibit low surface brightness, rendering them faint and challenging to observe.

“The larger galaxy, cataloged as MCG-02-05-050, features fragmented arms and a dim disk, perfectly fitting this description,” the astronomers noted.

“In contrast, its smaller counterpart, MCG-02-05-050a, is considerably brighter and more dynamic as a spiral galaxy.”

“Crucially, these galaxies are not in close proximity,” the researchers emphasized.

“The prominent blue galaxy, MCG-02-05-050, lies 65 million light-years from Earth.”

“Meanwhile, the brighter, smaller galaxy MCG-02-05-050a is positioned at an impressive 675 million light-years, over ten times farther away.”

This positioning likely suggests that MCG-02-05-050a is the more substantial of the two, while MCG-02-05-050 is relatively smaller.

“This visual pairing is simply an unlikely coincidence,” the astronomers added.

“Despite the absence of a physical connection, we can enjoy the unique sight of Arp 4 as an enthralling duo adorning our night sky.”

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Space Telescope Revisits NGC 4388

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope has captured breathtaking new images of the intriguingly tilted spiral galaxy NGC 4388.

This Hubble image showcases spiral galaxy NGC 4388, located about 59 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / S. Veilleux / J. Wang / J. Greene.

NGC 4388 is situated roughly 59 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo.

This galaxy was first identified by British astronomer Sir Wilhelm Herschel on April 17, 1784.

Also referred to as LEDA 40581 and IRAS 12232+1256, it has a diameter of 120,000 light-years.

NGC 4388 is among the brightest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, which comprises over 2,000 galaxies.

Classified as an active galaxy, NGC 4388 features a bright and energetic core.

“NGC 4388 is tilted at a steep angle relative to our viewpoint, appearing almost face-on,” Hubble astronomers mentioned in a statement.

“This angle allows us to observe intriguing features that were not visible in earlier Hubble images of the galaxy released in 2016. A gas plume is seen emanating from the galaxy’s core, extending outward from the galaxy’s disk towards the bottom right corner of the image.”

“But where did this outflow originate? What causes it to shine?”

“The answer seems to lie in the vast spaces that separate the galaxies within the Virgo Cluster.”

“Though it may seem like the void between galaxies is empty, this area is actually filled with clusters of hot gas known as the intracluster medium.”

“As NGC 4388 traverses the intracluster medium, it punches through this gas.”

“The pressure from the hot intracluster gas forces material out of NGC 4388’s disk, trailing it as the galaxy moves.”

“The origin of the energy that ionizes this gas cloud and produces its glow remains uncertain,” the researchers observed.

“We suspect that some energy may originate from the galaxy’s center, where a supermassive black hole accelerates the surrounding gas to create a superheated disk.”

“The intense radiation emitted from this disk could ionize the gas nearest to the galaxy, while shock waves could cause filaments of gas farther out to become ionized.”

Source: www.sci.news

Hubble Space Telescope Focuses on Markarian 178

Posted on December 9, 2025 by

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured breathtaking new images of the blue, compact dwarf galaxy Markarian 178.

This Hubble image showcases the blue compact dwarf galaxy Markarian 178. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / F. Annibali / S. Hon.

Markarian 178 is situated roughly 13 million light years away in the constellation Ursa Major.

This galaxy, commonly referred to as Mrk 178, LEDA 35684, and UGC 6541, spans a diameter of 5,700 light years.

“MRK 178 is one of over 1,500 Markarian galaxies,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“These galaxies are named after Benjamin Markarian, an Armenian astrophysicist who compiled a catalog of galaxies that exhibit unusual brightness in ultraviolet light.”

“While most galaxies appear blue due to a plethora of young, hot stars and minimal dust, Mrk 178 presents a reddish hue. This concentration of massive stars is particularly abundant in the brightest, reddish areas near the galaxy’s edge.”

“This azure nebula houses numerous unique entities known as Wolf Rayet stars.”

“A Wolf-Rayet star is a massive star whose atmosphere is expelled by intense stellar winds,” the astronomers clarified.

“Mrk 178 features such an abundance of Wolf-Rayet stars that vivid emission lines from the hot stellar winds of these stars are inscribed into the galaxy’s spectrum.”

“In this image, captured using some of Hubble’s specialized optical filters, ionized hydrogen and oxygen are notably represented as red in Mrk 178.”

“Massive stars transition into the Wolf-Rayet stage immediately before collapsing into a black hole or neutron star.”

“We understand that some event must have instigated Mrk 178’s recent surge in star formation, as Wolf-Rayet stars have lifespans of merely a few million years.”

“At first glance, it remains uncertain what is instigating this phenomenon. Mrk 178 does not appear to have any neighboring galaxies that could disrupt its gas and promote new star formation.”

“Instead, we hypothesize that either a gas cloud collided with Mrk 178, or that the gas was affected as the galaxy traversed through the intergalactic medium, energizing this small galaxy with waves of brilliant new stars.”

Source: www.sci.news

Upcoming Satellite Launch May Distort Hubble Space Telescope Images

Posted on December 4, 2025 by

Simulated representation of satellite trails contaminating images from future space telescopes

NASA/Boruff, Markham, Howell

Should space companies proceed with plans to deploy hundreds of thousands of satellites, up to a third of the images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope may be compromised.

In the last five years alone, over 75% of the approximate 14,000 satellites now orbiting Earth have been launched, many as part of megaconstellations, notably Elon Musk’s Starlink. Proposals indicate that we could see the deployment of as many as 500,000 satellites by the end of the 2030s, according to submissions to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Astronomers have long raised concerns regarding the potential impact of these satellites on ground-based telescopes. However, research by Alejandro Borlaf and his team at NASA’s Ames Research Center indicates that space telescopes are at risk as well.

“A telescope in space benefits from an unblemished environment; there’s no atmosphere or city lights,” Borlaf explains. “For the first time, we’re facing the issue of a man-made object contaminating our observations. This discovery was startling.”

By analyzing filings from the FCC and the International Telecommunication Union, Borlaf’s team estimated the anticipated number of satellites and their orbits over the next decade. They simulated the effect of these satellites blocking observations from four space observatories, including Hubble and China’s Shuntian telescope, as well as the Arrakis dark matter telescope set to launch in 2030, and the already launched SPHEREx galaxy telescope.

The researchers found that if 560,000 satellites are launched as projected, Hubble photos may capture an average of two satellite orbits, while Xuntian images could have approximately 90 satellite orbits due to a broader field of view and orbital altitude.

They validated their simulations by demonstrating that with the existing number of satellites, 4% of Hubble’s images would be influenced by the trajectories of these satellites, consistent with analyses of actual images.

These predictions could materialize if satellite launches proceed as planned. According to John Valentine from Dark Sky Consulting, a Tucson-based firm, it’s uncertain how many satellites will ultimately launch. “Many experts believe that over the next 15 years, the number of operational satellites could stabilize between 50,000 and 100,000.”

If the final number turns out to be only a fraction of the proposed figures, Valentine suggests, the impact on space telescopes would be notably reduced. “The number of trajectories per image would increase only slightly for ARRACHIS and Xuntian, while remaining relatively unchanged for SPHEREx and HST.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Space Telescope Reveals Stunning New Image of NGC 1792

Posted on December 2, 2025 by

Located in the southern part of the constellation Columba, NGC 1792 is a tempestuous and highly energetic spiral galaxy.

This Hubble image highlights the active spiral galaxy NGC 1792. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / D. Thilker / F. Belfiore / J. Lee / PHANGS-HST Team.

NGC 1792 is approximately 36.4 million light-years away from Earth, positioned to the south of the constellation Columba, bordering Caelum.

This galaxy, also known as AGC 24019 or LEDA 16709, was identified by Scottish astronomer James Dunlop on October 4, 1826.

The chaotic appearance of NGC 1792 features dust interspersed throughout its disk.

This galaxy is abundant in neutral hydrogen gas, leading to a high rate of new star formation.

“Astronomers find NGC 1792 intriguing, as its tumultuous appearance implies,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“Classified as a starburst galaxy, it serves as a dynamic site for star formation, with spiral arms rich in star-forming regions.”

“Surprisingly, it is quite luminous for its mass,” they added.

“This galaxy is approaching its larger neighbor, NGC 1808. The intense gravitational interaction between the two is believed to have stirred the gas reserves of the galaxy.”

“Consequently, star formation is more concentrated on the side where the gravitational pull is stronger.”

“This makes NGC 1792 an ideal subject for astronomers aiming to comprehend the intricate interactions among gas, star clusters, and supernovae within galaxies.”

In 2020, astronomers utilized Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) to observe NGC 1792.

The recent images incorporate additional WFC3 data collected in 2025, enriching our understanding of the turbulent astrophysical activity in the galaxy.

“The red light radiating in the arms signals H-alpha emission from a dense cloud of hydrogen molecules,” remarked the astronomers.

“Stars are born within these clouds and emit strong ultraviolet light.”

“This process ionizes the surrounding gas, causing it to emit light at a distinctive red wavelength, a clear indicator of a new star.”

Source: www.sci.news

New Experiment Reveals Moss Can Endure Long-Term Exposure to Space Elements

Posted on November 26, 2025 by

A group of Japanese scientists conducted experiments on the model moss species protenema (larval mosses), brood cells (specialized stem cells activated under stress), and sporophytes (protected spores). They investigated Physcomitrium patent to identify the most resilient spores under simulated space conditions, which were then sent to the external environment of the International Space Station (ISS). After nine months in space, over 80% of the spores survived and maintained their capacity to germinate. These findings highlight the potential of land plants like Physcomitrium patent to endure extreme environments when studied in space.

Physcomitrium patent spores demonstrate remarkable resilience to simulated space conditions. Image credit: Meng et al., doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113827.

With the recent rapid changes in the global environment, exploring new avenues for the survival of life beyond Earth has become essential.

Understanding how Earth-origin organisms adapt to extreme and unfamiliar conditions, such as those found in space, is crucial for expanding human habitats on the Moon and Mars.

Researching the survival limits of organisms in both terrestrial and extraterrestrial conditions enhances our comprehension of their adaptability and prepares us for the challenges of ecosystem maintenance.

“Most living organisms, including humans, cannot endure even a brief exposure to the vacuum of space,” explains Dr. Tomomichi Fujita, a researcher at Hokkaido University.

“Yet, the moss spores maintained their vitality even after nine months of direct exposure.”

“This offers astonishing evidence that life forms evolved on Earth possess unique cellular mechanisms to withstand the challenges of space.”

In this study, Dr. Fujita and colleagues examined Physcomitrium patent, a well-studied moss commonly referred to as spread earth moss, under simulated space conditions, which included high levels of ultraviolet radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, and vacuum settings.

They assessed three structures: Physcomitrium patent — protenema, brood cell, and sporophyte — to determine which is best suited for survival in space.

“We anticipated that the combination of space-related stressors, like vacuum, cosmic radiation, extreme temperature changes, and microgravity, would result in greater damage than any isolated stressor,” remarked Dr. Fujita.

The research revealed that UV light posed the greatest threat to survival, with sporophytes exhibiting the highest resilience among the three moss structures.

Young moss could not tolerate elevated UV levels or extreme temperatures.

Although brood cell viability was significant, the encased spores demonstrated a resistance to UV light that was 1,000 times greater.

These spores survived and germinated after enduring temperatures as low as -196 degrees Celsius for over a week and withstanding heat up to 55 degrees Celsius for a month.

The scientists proposed that the protective structures surrounding the spores may absorb UV light while physically and chemically shielding the spores inside from damage.

This resilience is likely the result of evolutionary adaptations. Moss plants, which evolved from aquatic to terrestrial species approximately 500 million years ago, have survived multiple mass extinctions.

In March 2022, the researchers sent hundreds of sporophytes aboard the Cygnus NG-17 spacecraft to the ISS.

Upon arrival, astronauts affixed the sporophyte samples to the ISS’s exterior, exposing them to space for a total of 283 days.

The spores made their return trip to Earth aboard SpaceX CRS-16, which was returned to the laboratory for analysis in January 2023.

“We had anticipated the survival rate to be nearly zero, but the results were the opposite: the majority of spores survived,” said Dr. Fujita.

“We were truly astounded by the remarkable durability of these tiny plant cells.”

Over 80% of the spores successfully completed the intergalactic journey, with nearly all of them—except for 11%—able to germinate upon returning to the lab.

The research team measured chlorophyll levels in the spores, discovering that all types exhibited normal levels, apart from a 20% reduction in chlorophyll a. Though chlorophyll a is sensitive to changes in light, this decrease did not appear to hinder the spores’ health.

“This study exemplifies the incredible resilience of life that has developed on Earth,” said Dr. Fujita.

Curious about the duration spores could survive in space, the researchers utilized pre- and post-expedition data to formulate a mathematical model.

They projected that the encased spores could endure up to 5,600 days, or around 15 years, under space conditions.

However, they emphasize that this estimate requires further validation through larger datasets to more accurately assess how long moss can thrive in space.

“Ultimately, we hope that this research paves the way for developing ecosystems in extraterrestrial environments like the Moon and Mars,” Dr. Fujita concluded.

“We desire that our moss research can serve as a foundation.”

For further details, refer to the published paper in iscience.

_____

Meng Chang Hyun et al. The extreme environmental resistance and space survivability of moss, Physcomitrium patent. iscience, published online on November 20, 2025. doi: 10.1016/j.isci.2025.113827

Source: www.sci.news

Research Shows Moss Can Endure 9 Months in Space

Posted on November 21, 2025 by

Mosses are believed to have evolved from ancestral plants that transitioned from aquatic environments to terrestrial habitats approximately 450 million years ago.

This organism is known for its remarkable hardiness, thriving in diverse locations, from the frigid Antarctic tundra to the lofty peaks of the Himalayas, as well as in volcanic lava fields and various aquatic settings.

Fujita expressed his admiration for its extraordinary resilience.

“It got me thinking: Could this resilient little plant endure the harsh conditions of space?” he remarked.

His research team focused on a specific type of moss known as Physcomitrium patent. They conducted experiments in a laboratory simulating a space environment, exposing the moss to extreme temperatures, vacuum conditions, and elevated levels of ultraviolet radiation.

They concluded that the moss’ sporophyte, which contains the encapsulated spores that act as reproductive structures, stands the best chance of survival in space due to its ability to endure high levels of ultraviolet light. The spores were able to germinate after enduring scorching conditions of 131 degrees Fahrenheit for a month and frigid temperatures of minus 320 degrees Fahrenheit for over a week.

In March 2022, researchers dispatched hundreds of moss sporophytes to the International Space Station using a cargo spacecraft from Northrop Grumman. Astronauts attached the sporophyte samples to the station’s exterior and left them exposed for 283 days.

The moss samples were subsequently returned to Earth on a SpaceX cargo mission in January 2023.

The team discovered that over 80% of the spores survived their nine-month journey outside the space station, with nearly 90% successfully re-germinating in their Earth-based laboratory.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

Moss Spores Thrive and Germinate After 283 Days in Space Exposure

Posted on November 20, 2025 by

This moss sprouted from spores that were exposed to space for nine months

Tomomichi Fujita

On March 4, 2022, astronauts placed 20,000 moss spores outside the International Space Station, where they endured extreme space conditions for 283 days. Following their retrieval, the spores were brought back to Earth in a SpaceX capsule for scientists to attempt germination. Remarkably, these attempts proved successful.

Mosses, one of the oldest land plants, are renowned for thriving in some of the planet’s harshest environments, such as Antarctica, volcanic terrains, and arid deserts. Tomomichi Fujita was part of the research team from Hokkaido University in Japan that conducted this groundbreaking experiment.

“We were curious whether these spores could withstand conditions in one of the most extreme environments imaginable: outer space,” he remarks.

Numerous studies have simulated the survival of various mosses and plants under extraterrestrial conditions, particularly those anticipated on Mars. However, this marks the first instance where researchers examined whether a specific type of moss can endure the actual conditions of space. The spores originated from the species Physcomitrium Patent.

A control group of spores that remained on Earth exhibited a 97 percent germination rate, comparable to another group of spores that were shielded from the damaging ultraviolet rays while still in space.

Astoundingly, over 80 percent of the spores that faced the totality of space—its vacuum, extreme temperatures, microgravity, ultraviolet light, and cosmic radiation—survived and grew into healthy plants. Researchers predict that some spores could remain viable in space for as long as 15 years based on these experimental results.

“Opening the sample felt akin to unlocking a biological time capsule: life that has endured the void of space and returned to full functionality,” Fujita expresses.

Prior to the experiment, the researchers had already assessed other living components of the moss, such as its filaments, under simulated conditions. They discovered that other life stages of this moss succumb to environmental factors like UV radiation, extreme temperature fluctuations, high salinity, and dehydration within days to weeks.

However, the spores appeared to withstand all these adversities. This is particularly impressive given that the spores outside the space station faced simultaneous attacks, while the Earth-based tests evaluated only one stressor at a time.

Fujita noted that the multilayered spore wall encasing the reproductive tissue acts as a “passive shield against harsh spatial conditions.”

He likens the spores to residing within their own spaceship, suggesting this might be an adaptive feature they developed to deal with the extreme environmental pressures present during the early stages of terrestrial life, hundreds of millions of years ago.

“Spores are, in essence, compact life capsules that lie dormant but are ready to reactivate when conditions are favorable,” he states. “It feels like evolution has given them their own survival pods designed to travel across time and space.”

Fujita cautioned that this research does not confirm the presence of extraterrestrial life, but it does bolster the concept that once life appears, it can be incredibly resilient. “The ability of terrestrial life to thrive under space-like conditions suggests that the fundamental building blocks of life might be more abundant and persistent than we typically assume.”

David Eldridge and fellow researchers from the University of New South Wales in Sydney emphasize that the ultimate test is not merely whether the spores can germinate on Earth, but if they can thrive in space.

“The critical point is to evaluate the growth rates of these taxa in space and determine if they can reproduce,” he concludes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Space Telescope Unveils Stunning New Image of NGC 4535

Posted on November 17, 2025 by

Astronomers utilizing the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope have captured astonishing new images of the barred spiral galaxy NGC 4535.

This Hubble image depicts spiral galaxy NGC 4535, situated approximately 52.6 million light-years away in the constellation Virgo. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / F. Belfiore / J. Lee / PHANGS-HST team.

NGC4535 is located in the Virgo constellation, roughly 52.6 million light-years distant.

This galaxy, also referred to as LEDA 41812 and UGC 7727, spans about 115,000 light-years.

First observed by German-British astronomer William Herschel on December 28, 1785.

When viewed through smaller telescopes, NGC 4535 appears hazy and ethereal, prompting prominent amateur astronomer Leland S. Copeland to name it the “Lost Galaxy” in the 1950s.

“This galaxy is so faint when seen through small telescopes that it has been nicknamed the ‘Lost Galaxy,'” noted Hubble astronomers.

“With its 2.4-meter-diameter mirror, Hubble is ideally equipped to observe faint galaxies like NGC 4535 and reveal features such as its magnificent spiral arms and central bar of stars.”

NGC 4535 ranks among the largest galaxies in the Virgo Cluster, a massive assembly of 2,000 galaxies located near the prominent elliptical galaxy Messier 87.

The nearly circular shape of the galaxy suggests that we are viewing it almost face-on.

Its center features a distinct bar structure with a dust lane that sharply curves before branching into the spiral arm.

“The young star clusters of NGC 4535 are vividly visible in the Hubble images, scattered throughout the galaxy’s spiral arms,” the astronomers stated.

“Many clusters of bright blue stars are enveloped by glowing pink clouds.”

“These clouds, known as H II regions, indicate that this galaxy is home to particularly young, hot, and massive stars emitting high-energy radiation.”

“Massive stars significantly impact their environment by heating the clouds they are born from, producing powerful stellar winds, and ultimately exploding as supernovae.”

The new Hubble images include data from an observational program cataloging around 50,000 H II regions in nearby star-forming galaxies.

“Previous images of NGC 4535 were released in 2021,” the researchers mentioned.

“Both the 2021 images and the latest ones include observations from around the globe. The PHANGS program aims to understand the relationship between young stars and cold gas.”

“Today’s images provide a new perspective on NGC 4535 by highlighting the bright red glow of the nebula surrounding the massive star during its initial few million years of existence.”

Source: www.sci.news

Slow Gods Review: An Unforgettable Deep Space Sci-Fi Adventure That’s Both Fun and Thought-Provoking

Posted on November 6, 2025 by

Tragic fate awaits the inhabitants of Ajmir, destined for obliteration.

Detlef van Ravensway/Science Photo Library

slow gods
Claire North, Orbit

Claire North is a well-established author, known for writing under multiple names, but this is their inaugural foray into traditional science fiction that includes spaceships. I found the title slow gods intriguing, and the cover art appealing. I entered the narrative with elevated expectations.

It kicks off with: “My name is Maukana na Vdnadze, I am a very poor copy of myself.” A fantastic beginning.

However, I felt a bit lost after about 60 pages. While the story is crafted in a grand space opera style filled with timelines, cultures, and names—typical of the genre—I hadn’t formed a connection with the protagonist yet. The main character is an exceptional deep space pilot but struggles with a troubling history of causing fatalities. Perhaps my mood affected my reading experience. I persisted a little longer, and when the main character, Mau, encountered another figure named Gebre, I started to feel more engaged.

I’m inclined to take a leap here: please read this book. If science fiction is your thing, you’ll likely appreciate it. If you’re unsure initially, as I was, feel free to move on.

I actually have some space to elaborate on my thoughts. It’s been ages since I’ve enjoyed a science fiction piece so thoroughly. Yet, it’s more than just amusement; it’s also deeply emotional and impactful—well articulated.

North shines in creating characters with depth, along with intricate world-building and expansive plots that span galaxies. There’s humor woven throughout, and in the tradition of Ian M. Banks, there are delightful AI entities and drones that contribute to the comedic elements.

“
slow gods presents formidable villains with malicious intent and lethal weapons, including the “Black Ships” that raze cities.
“

Maw is a remarkable protagonist. As a reader, it’s refreshing to have no clear idea of what the protagonist might be capable of, contemplating that it could be quite dramatic. In a pivotal moment during his first mission as a pilot, Maw dies and continues to resurrect multiple times, provided that no one witnesses or mourns his remains. It raises questions about whether Maw retains humanity or has transformed into something different.

Returning to the encounter with Gebre… Maw accepts the mission to pilot a vessel to Ajmir, a planet poised for destruction due to the impending collapse of its binary star system, LK-08091881.

A mysterious, god-like machine known as Slow had been issuing warnings about the imminent collapse of the star system, with shockwaves traveling at light speed, endangering all life within an 83 light-year radius. Unfortunately, the affected populace’s reactions were inconsistent at best. By the time Mau landed on Ajmir on its final day, countless individuals remained, hoping to win a lottery for a chance at escape.

Upon his arrival, Mau meets Gebre Netyu Chatitymska Bajwala. Currently, Gebre is somewhat “innumerable,” yet they focus less on that and more on preserving significant artifacts for future generations to understand Ajmir’s true history.

Gebre is an intriguing character, and Maw finds himself attracted to them. What steps can he take to protect Gebre? Or will he seek revenge? The groundwork has been laid.

It’s pertinent to mention that “Shines” exist as formidable villains with hostile dispositions and lethal weaponry, including “black ships” and super soldiers capable of nearly invisible city destruction.

In summary, read this book.

I also suggest Emily…

Consider Phlebas
Ian M. Banks, Orbit

Slow Gods often reminded me of Banks’ culture series, making it a natural “also recommended” option. I typically recommend The Player of Games to newcomers to the culture series, as it serves as an accessible starting point, being the first of Banks’ works in this universe. It follows a character named Horza, who possesses the ability to transform into perfect replicas of others. What else is there to wish for?

Emily H. Wilson is a former editor of New Scientist and the author of the Sumerian trilogy, set in ancient Mesopotamia. The concluding novel, Ninshubar, has been released. You can find her at emilywilson.com, on X @emilyhwilson, and on Instagram @emilyhwilson1

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Hubble Space Telescope Reveals Stunning New Image of NGC 4102

Posted on November 4, 2025 by

The Hubble Space Telescope, operated by NASA and ESA, unveils the radiant galactic core and stunning spiral arms in this fresh perspective of NGC 4102.

This Hubble image illustrates NGC 4102, an intermediate spiral galaxy located 55.4 million light-years away in the constellation Ursa Major. Image credit: NASA / ESA / Hubble / G. Fabbiano.

NGC 4102 is positioned to the north of Ursa Major, approximately 55.4 million light-years distant.

This intermediate spiral galaxy was discovered on April 12, 1789, by the German-British astronomer William Herschel.

Also known as UGC 7096, NGC 4102 features an active galactic nucleus.

“Active galactic nuclei are luminous centers within galaxies, powered by supermassive black holes with masses millions to billions of times greater than that of the Sun,” stated Hubble astronomers.

“When these black holes attract surrounding gas, the intense gravitational forces cause the gas to heat up and emit light across various wavelengths, from X-rays to radio,” they added.

“NGC 4102 stands as a prime candidate for examining the interaction between active galactic nuclei and their host galaxies,” noted the researchers.

“These active galactic nuclei range from very powerful variants that consume significant amounts of matter and produce jets of charged particles to more subdued types that gently draw in gas and emit less intense light.”

“NGC 4102 is likely categorized among the latter; it falls within the Compton-thickness classification, indicating a dense gas environment surrounding its nucleus, and is identified as a low-ionization nuclear emission line region (LINER).”

“LINER galaxies are recognized by emission lines from weakly ionized elements and may be sustained by supermassive black holes gradually accumulating gas from their vicinity.”

Previous imaging of NGC 4102, derived from observations with Hubble’s Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 (WFPC2), was released in 2014.

“The latest imaging offers an enhanced view of the galaxy, utilizing data from Hubble’s Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3), which replaced WFPC2 in 2009, providing improved resolution and a larger field of view,” according to the researchers.

“These new observations are part of a program that integrates visible-light imagery from Hubble with X-ray data from the Chandra X-ray Observatory, aimed at exploring NGC 4102 and its relationship with active galactic nuclei.”

Source: www.sci.news

The Outer Worlds 2 Review: A Fun-Filled Sequel with Enhanced Space Travel

Posted on November 3, 2025 by

TThe Outer Worlds 2 was first revealed in June for £70/$80, becoming the priciest game on Xbox at that point. However, this status was short-lived, as Microsoft quickly reverted to the typical £60/$70 price point after just a month. Although The Outer Worlds 2 is larger than its 2019 predecessor, the decision was indeed prudent. This game does not warrant a £70 price tag.

Nonetheless, it offers a delightful experience that can easily consume your time, enhancing the original game significantly. With improved combat and more intricate role-playing elements, The Outer Worlds 2 smartly expands its scope without overextending its narrative, even if the storyline doesn’t quite deliver the same level of satisfaction.

You don’t need to have played the first game to grasp the sequel’s premise. You take on the role of an agent for the slow-moving, “benevolent” space police known as the Earth Directorate, with a mission to impose order on the galaxy known as Arcadia. Much like Halcyon in the original, Arcadia is in disarray due to the rampant spread of capitalism. Players wield significant power to form new alliances and mend old ones amidst various groups of conflicting ideologies.

Frequent conflict between factions is a given, but there are more pressing issues than the divide among them. You soon discover that a rift in the universe poses a serious threat. This concept is introduced early in the game, where you investigate these rifts caused by the Protectorate, an authoritarian group that is altering the universe’s fabric. Upon your arrival, betrayal from trusted allies leads to a decade spent in suspended animation.

Colorful vendors…The Outer Worlds 2. Photo courtesy of Obsidian Entertainment

Upon waking ten years later, you’ll find that Arcadia has undergone significant changes, with the rift expanding uncontrollably. To save the galaxy, you’ll need to assemble a new crew.

Unfortunately, the narrative peak experienced at the beginning of The Outer Worlds 2 is not echoed throughout the game. A lingering sense of disappointment follows me as I spend about 30 hours journeying through the plot. I hoped for unexpected character developments or story twists, but instead found myself predictably nodding through most scenes. There are intriguing characters present, such as psychopathic cultists and spies, yet I struggled to bond with this team, similar to my experience in the first installment.

Despite the presence of three major factions vying for attention and favor, The Outer Worlds 2 offers limited impactful choices. Awkward dialogues with narrow-minded capitalists compel you to reflect on your involvement in the actual economic system, but the simplistic portrayals of characters provide more insight than substantial moments.

If your “speech” skills are sufficiently high, you can often navigate most situations with ease. This can feel jarring, especially when a blind follower of the Protectorate changes her stance drastically after a specific dialogue choice, yet is content to monologue as you exit a boss fight. In almost every significant conflict, it feels as though your actions carried minimal weight—at least, that’s how it seems.

Attribute firepower…Outer World 2. Photo courtesy of Obsidian Entertainment

This aspect made it difficult for me to engage fully with the storyline. While the characters around me may have strong opinions, they rarely seem to exhibit genuine anger, even when I disregard their beliefs. The Outer Worlds 2 lacks a certain persuasiveness, which is disappointing because its clever humor often brings joy but seldom serves to deliver a biting ideological critique.

The game features impressive depth in its combat and role-playing systems, significantly refining what was introduced previously. While gunfights can sometimes drag and frustrate, the diverse range of weaponry and their varying effects add excitement to each encounter. Elemental damage influences enemies in different ways, each requiring distinct ammunition. Running low on energy during a tough skirmish forces creativity, and I’ve often found myself trying weapons I hadn’t used before out of sheer necessity, which turned out to be quite enjoyable.

Character development is more intricate than in the original game, featuring a “flaws” system that tracks your actions and may even prompt you to adopt traits that bear both negative and positive consequences. For instance, depending on item crafting can lead to acquiring the “Hermit” flaw, which doubles vendor prices, while dismantling junk can yield opportunities for additional items. This became particularly helpful during crafty moments but posed challenges when I had limited resources and needed vendors. This filled my experience with fun dilemmas, prompting me to rethink my approach.

https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/yfDkRgghzG4?wmode=opaque&feature=oembed" title="The Outer Worlds 2 – Official Early Access Launch Trailer" height="480" width="854" allowfullscreen="

Developer Obsidian has had a stellar year, launching the fantasy adventure Avowed alongside the insect-filled survival game Grounded 2. All three titles showcase the studio’s remarkable ability to craft diverse worlds that adapt to player choices.

While The Outer Worlds 2 may not consistently amaze, it does offer significant value as an engaging role-playing experience that can keep you entertained for hours. The focus isn’t necessarily on reinventing the wheel but rather on enhancing its framework. In essence, it’s a gratifying, reliable experience—satisfying yet rarely surprising—capable of delivering joy quite regularly.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Hubble Space Telescope Reveals an Unexpected New Perspective of NGC 4571

Posted on October 28, 2025 by

This image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope offers a fresh and detailed view of the star-filled spiral galaxy NGC 4571.

This Hubble image highlights NGC 4571, a spiral galaxy located about 60 million light-years away in the constellation Coma. Image credits: NASA / ESA / Hubble / F. Belfiore / J. Lee / PHANGS-HST team.

NGC 4571 is positioned 60 million light-years away in the constellation Taurus.

This galaxy was discovered by German-British astronomer William Herschel on January 14, 1787.

Also referred to as IC 3588, LEDA 42100, and UGC 7788, NGC 4571 is classified as a spiral galaxy with low surface brightness.

It belongs to the Virgo Cluster, which comprises over 1,000 galaxies.

This cluster is part of the more extensive Virgo supercluster, which encompasses a local group that includes our very own Milky Way galaxy.

“NGC 4571 captivates with its feather-like spiral structure and vibrant star clusters,” remarked Hubble astronomers regarding this new image.

“The galaxy’s dusty spiral arms are sprinkled with bright pink nebulae that contain massive young stars.”

“The star-forming clouds in this image are heated to about 10,000 K due to intense ultraviolet light from young stars at their centers, although stars form in much cooler conditions.”

“Stars emerge from giant molecular clouds that can span tens to hundreds of light-years, with temperatures only slightly above absolute zero.”

“The remarkable change from a frigid gas cloud to a blazing young star is driven by the immense gravitational force that compacts the gas into dense clumps within star-forming clouds.”

“As these clumps yield to gravity and collapse inward, they eventually reach sufficient heat and density to initiate nuclear fusion at their cores and begin to shine.”

“The luminous clouds depicted in this image enclose particularly massive stars that are hot enough to ionize the gas within their stellar nurseries.”

In 2022, the Hubble team captured intricate images of NGC 4571 as part of an observational initiative incorporating data from major observatories, including Hubble, NASA/ESA/CSA’s James Webb Space Telescope, and the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array.

“The newly released images today add data from a program aimed at understanding the impact of dust on observations of young stars obscured within their natal clouds,” the astronomers noted.

Source: www.sci.news