Science news

Private astronauts are once again pushing the boundaries of exploration, satellites are helping detect wildfires, and scientists have uncovered intriguing organic molecules on Mars. This Week in Space.

Boeing faces another test flight, India’s Moon program gains momentum, galaxies are aging faster than scientists once thought.

The Dragon spacecraft Freedom splashed down as planned off the Florida coast, carrying two Starliner astronauts who were originally scheduled to spend just eight days aboard the International Space Station, but ended up remaining there for nine months.

Arctic sea ice is melting at a much faster rate than previously expected. A new study warns that within just two and a half years, the Arctic Ocean could experience its first nearly ice-free summer—a dramatic milestone in the unfolding climate crisis.

NASA is initiating layoffs as part of a cost-cutting plan. Meanwhile, a powerful new space telescope has launched, 128 new moons have been discovered orbiting Saturn, and the Voyager spacecraft are getting a life-extending strategy. This Week in Space.

In a groundbreaking treatment, insulin-producing cells sourced from a young woman’s own body were successfully implanted, effectively eliminating the need for daily injections.

The prestigious Israeli prize this year will honor groundbreaking achievements in physics, antiviral research, chemical catalysis, discoveries in plant immunity, and architectural innovation in China.

The private lunar lander overturned upon landing, Starship exploded in space, spacecraft went missing, and a European launch was successful. This Week in Space.

On its eighth test flight, SpaceX successfully landed the rocket on the launch tower but lost the spacecraft again shortly afterward, similar to the previous test

A private spacecraft and a NASA satellite are en route to the Moon, an asteroid impact risk has been ruled out, Starship is preparing for another test flight, and Katy Perry is set to journey to the edge of space. This Week in Space.

Firefly’s uncrewed lander has completed a soft landing and will primarily investigate the Moon’s geology and surface composition.

A new study suggests that the breakup of the ancient supercontinent Gondwana generated waves that slowly propagated beneath the continents for tens of millions of years, shaping their surface.

The risk of an asteroid impact has dropped, a private spacecraft is en route to the Moon, and titanium winds were discovered on an exoplanet. This Week in Space.

Asteroid impact risk is rising but not yet alarming. SpaceX expedites the return of stranded astronauts, a new New Glenn rocket is in development, and the debate over astronomical legacy. This Week in Space.

The Israeli company Creation-Space has raised $2.5 million for its accelerator program, which supports startups developing technologies for use in deep-space.

A groundbreaking chemical processing technique converts fabrics into reusable molecules, turning discarded garments into sustainable fashion opportunities.

The risk of an asteroid impact has risen, the head of Russia’s space was dismissed, an Israeli doctor making strides at NASA, and lunar gravity simulation is advancing. This Week in Space

Oxygen depletion in Earth’s freshwater and marine ecosystems is approaching alarming levels, threatening global stability. Scientists call for its recognition as a planetary boundary to spur urgent research and policy action.

Israel’s new national solar observatory, evidence of life’s building blocks on an asteroid, a lunar mission in collaboration with Italy, and Israeli technology for satellite refueling. This Week in Space

Scientists analyzing samples from the asteroid Bennu have identified thousands of organic molecules, including the building blocks of proteins and genetic material. “This increases the likelihood of finding life elsewhere,” researchers say.

The FAA is investigating recent SpaceX and Blue Origin accidents, UNASA is facing leadership changes under the new U.S. administration, China has demonstrated oxygen production in space, and discussions on preserving the Moon’s heritage. This Week in Space

An impressive success accompanied by a landing failure for Jeff Bezos’ New Glenn rocket, docking of Indian satellites in space, two lunar landers on their way to the Mook, and a remarkable observation satellite by the United Arab Emirates. This Week In Space

A new study reveals that regions of the human brain that underwent significant changes in the later stages of evolution are also the first to show signs of aging.

During the seventh test flight of Starship, the launch rocket successfully landed on the launch tower. However, the spacecraft itself exploded shortly afterward.