Berlin, Germany (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Planetary-mass objects (PMOs) are celestial wanderers, freely drifting through space without being bound to any star. Weighing less than 13 times the mass of Jupiter, these objects have been observed in abundance within young star clusters like the Trapezium Cluster in Orion. While their origins have long puzzled scientists, prevailing theories have suggested they might be either failed stars or

East Lansing MI (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Astronomers have long grappled with the question, How do planets form? A new collaboration among Michigan State University, Arizona State University and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory will seek to answer this question with the help of a powerful telescope and high-performance computers. The team of researchers will use 154 hours on the James Webb Space Telescope, or JWST, to probe

Washington (AFP) Feb 27, 2025
Pop star Katy Perry is set to "shoot across the sky" this spring when she lifts off as part of a six-member, all-female crew on Blue Origin's next space flight, the company announced Thursday. As if answering the call of her hit song "E.T.," Perry will embark on a star-studded journey alongside journalist Lauren Sanchez, who is Blue Origin owner Jeff Bezos's fiancee, and CBS Mornings co-host

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB) has signed its second multi-launch agreement with the Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), significantly expanding their collaboration. This latest deal secures eight dedicated Electron launches for iQPS, reinforcing Rocket Lab's position as a leading provider of reliable satellite launch services. The agreement builds upon a previous mult

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (Nasdaq: RKLB), a leading provider of launch services and space systems, has announced 'Return On Investment,' a specialized ocean platform designed for Neutron rocket landings at sea. The platform, a 400-foot (122-meter) repurposed barge, will be outfitted with autonomous ground support systems to capture and secure the returning Neutron rocket. Other enhancements wil

Moffett Field CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
NASA engineers have successfully installed a high-performance heat shield on the first private spacecraft set to explore Venus, marking a significant milestone in commercial space exploration. The mission, led by Rocket Lab in partnership with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), represents the first privately funded venture to Venus.

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
NASA has chosen eight scientists to participate in its Lucy mission, an initiative aimed at studying the Jupiter Trojan asteroids. These celestial bodies, considered remnants from the early solar system, follow stable orbits linked to Jupiter but remain at significant distances from the planet. The Lucy mission's Participating Scientist Program for the L4 Trojans enables researchers to con

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
A recent analysis of lunar samples retrieved by China's Chang'e 6 mission has provided substantial evidence supporting the theory that the moon was once enveloped in a global molten "magma ocean" following its formation. This discovery is pivotal for deepening our understanding of the moon's origin and its evolutionary history. The study, conducted by a collaborative team under the China N

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Chinese scientists have successfully tested the world's first oblique detonation engine, powered by conventional aviation kerosene, a breakthrough that has generated significant interest. While some analysts view this as a military advancement, the technology's real potential lies in revolutionizing civilian aviation and space travel. According to research findings published in the Journal

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 28, 2025
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) frequently experience immune system disruptions, skin rashes, and inflammatory conditions. A recent study published on February 27 in the journal *Cell* suggests that these health concerns may stem from the highly sterile environment of spacecraft. The research reveals that the ISS harbors a significantly lower microbial diversity compared