Topic
spaceexploration
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Science & TechNASA's Mars sample return program paused as China plans 2031 mission
NASA's Mars Sample Return program is on hold due to cost and complexity, while China aims to retrieve its own samples in 2031. A rock called Sapphire Canyon, collected by the Perseverance rover, is considered a potential biosignature, but its return to Earth is uncertain.
4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 70 · Hype 40
Science & Tech · ChinaTwo Pakistani pilots train for China's Tiangong space station mission
Two Pakistani pilots are undergoing intensive training in China for a potential mission to the Tiangong space station. The selection of one astronaut is expected in late 2026, marking a significant step in Pakistan's space exploration efforts and broader cooperation with Beijing.
China3 min readTrust 76 · Craft 95 · Hype 15
Science & TechMicrobes Could Survive in Enceladus Ocean, Study Finds
Researchers have demonstrated that certain microorganisms can survive in simulated conditions of Enceladus's subsurface ocean. The study, published in 'Science Advances', recreated the moon's ocean floor chemistry in a lab, using archaea that consume hydrogen and produce methane, suggesting Enceladus's geochemistry may be more favourable for life than previously thought.
3 min readTrust 42 · Craft 45 · Hype 41
Science & TechMercury Shrinkage May Be 30% Greater Than Previously Thought
Scientists estimate Mercury's diameter may have shrunk by up to 14 miles (23 kilometers), a figure 30% greater than earlier projections. The planet's hot iron core cooling and contracting is believed to be the cause, tightening its surface.
2 min readTrust 42 · Craft 57 · Hype 41
Science & TechNASA's Roman Space Telescope Launches on Mission to Study Universe
NASA's Roman Space Telescope has successfully launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. The observatory is designed to study dark matter, dark energy, and exoplanets, collecting vast amounts of data to deepen our understanding of the universe.
4 min readTrust 60 · Craft 65 · Hype 20
Politics · United StatesTrump Signs Order for US Space Academy, Honors Artemis II Crew
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to establish the United States Space Academy. He also presented the Congressional Space Medal of Honor to the Artemis II astronauts during a visit to NASA's Mission Control in Houston.
United States3 min readTrust 78 · Craft 95 · Hype 35
Science & TechCanadian astronaut Joshua Kutryk assigned to NASA SpaceX Crew 13
Joshua Kutryk, a Canadian astronaut, has been assigned to NASA's SpaceX Crew 13 mission, set to launch after Artemis II. The crew will spend six months at the International Space Station conducting experiments and maintenance. Coverage varied across outlets, with no right-rated reports on the story.
3 min read