NASA’s Artemis II mission is gearing up for a mid-2026 launch, sending the Orion spacecraft and crew on a journey around the moon. Recent updates show the SLS rocket’s core stage being moved into an upright position for final preparations. Artemis II is a critical step towards Artemis III, aiming for a 2027 moon landing and marking the first time since 1972 that NASA astronauts will walk on the lunar surface.
New research challenges existing theories of planet formation. Observations of exoplanet PDS 70b reveal its atmosphere contains less carbon and oxygen than expected, based on its surrounding disk. Two hypotheses are proposed: PDS 70b incorporated solid materials containing carbon and oxygen; or the disk recently became carbon-enriched. Further research is needed to determine which is correct.
SpaceX launched three Falcon 9 missions in under 24 hours, bringing its 2024 launch total to 128. While falling short of its initial 144-launch goal, SpaceX aims for 30 more launches before year’s end, maintaining a rapid launch pace.
The world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, has been deployed from the ISS. Made from hinoki wood, it’s designed to disintegrate upon re-entry, reducing space junk. This eco-friendly satellite will gather data for six months, showcasing sustainable materials in space exploration.
SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft successfully completed a static fire test, firing three engines for eight seconds. This paves the way for the seventh orbital test flight, planned for January 11th (unconfirmed), which will involve engine ignitions in orbit and a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Starship is pivotal for NASA’s Artemis III Moon mission (delayed to 2027) and potential future Mars missions.
Maye Musk revealed an unexpected friendship between her son, Elon Musk, and Barron Trump, Donald Trump’s son, who bonded over space exploration during Thanksgiving dinner. Their shared interest in Mars colonization highlights an unlikely connection between the worlds of technology and politics, sparking public curiosity and interest in their shared vision for the future.
Elon Musk’s mother, Maye, reveals a growing bond between her son and President-elect Donald Trump. They share a mutual trust and a vision for America’s future, evident in their conversations about space exploration and Elon’s new role in government efficiency. This partnership is further cemented by their public appearances at various events.
Space One, a Japanese company, is attempting its second rocket launch this Saturday after a spectacular mid-air explosion in March. This time, carrying five satellites, success would mark a significant step towards establishing a competitive private satellite launch service in Japan.
SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced significant design improvements to Starship, the ambitious spacecraft aiming for lunar and Martian missions. The upgraded version, lighter and more heat-resistant, is preparing for its seventh test flight, potentially paving the way for hundreds of launches in the coming years.
SpaceX, led by Elon Musk, has achieved a remarkable $350 billion valuation, surpassing major corporations like McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. This surge, fueled by a secondary share sale and Musk’s growing political influence, highlights SpaceX’s dominance in the space industry and its ambitious projects like Starship and Starlink.
