President Donald Trump has unveiled a major new push to accelerate America’s commercial space ambitions, with the United States targeting more than 1,000 rocket launches and spacecraft re-entries from American soil every year by 2030.

The new policy directs US government agencies to examine federal land for additional launch and re-entry sites while encouraging greater private-sector participation in space transportation.

Trump’s plans extend beyond Earth orbit. NASA has been directed to support commercial transportation to and from the Moon, robotic missions to Mars and eventually commercial human transportation to the Red Planet.

The announcement comes as the US-China space race intensifies, with both countries pursuing ambitious lunar programs. The United States is aiming to return astronauts to the lunar surface before 2030 and establish a more sustained presence on the Moon.

Trump Unveils Major US Space Push | 1,000+ Rocket Launches by 2030 | Moon & Mars Missions Accelerate

#Gravitas Fourteen-year-old Kandula Jessie, a Class 10 student from Andhra Pradesh's East Godavari district, has been chosen for an all-girls lunar satellite mission. Jessie is among just 20 students selected from India, out of a total of 12,000 applicants across 108 countries, for Mission Shakhtisat.   


14-year-old Andhra Pradesh girl selected for world's first all-girls moon mission 

<p>In July 1969, as NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin famously took the "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," they almost got stuck on the lunar surface. What saved the Apollo landing from ending in a tragedy was a simple plastic pen, which has now been sold at an auction for over $850,000 (£630,000).</p><h2><strong>How did the pen save astronauts from certain death in space?</strong></h2><p>The dented silver plastic Duro Rocket pen was used by Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, to save Neil Armstrong and himself from being "struck on the moon for ever".</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/is-a-prison-for-fallen-angels-hidden-beneath-antarctica-why-the-book-of-enoch-theory-is-going-viral-1784085520567"><strong>Is a prison for fallen angels hidden beneath Antarctica? Why the Book of Enoch theory is going viral</strong></a></p><p>Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the surface of the moon back in July 1969 as part of the historic Apollo 11 mission. After the historic landing, the two astronauts were preparing to catch up on some ZZ's when they noticed that small black switch on the floor of the cabin, which turned out to be a vital piece of the circuit breaker that sends electrical power to the ascent engine.</p><p>In his 2009 autobiography 'Magnificent Desolation', Buzz Aldrin detailed the nerve-wrecking moment, “My heart jolted a bit … The broken switch had snapped off from the engine-arm circuit breaker, the one vital breaker needed to send electrical power to the ascent engine that would lift Neil and me off the moon.”</p>

The Broken Circuit Breaker Switch that Nearly Ended Apollo 11, and the Pen that Saved the Crew and the Mission

<p>Eventually, the astronaut came up with the ingenious plan of inserting the pen into the circuit thereby rerouting the power. The pen which was part of Aldrin's personal preference kit "did the trick;the circuit breaker held. We could return to Earth after all!," said Aldrin.</p><p><strong>Also read | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/built-to-outlive-us-all-earth-is-getting-an-indestructible-black-box-to-record-the-end-of-human-civilisation-1783747790087"><strong>Built to outlive us all: Earth is getting an indestructible ‘black box’ to record the end of human civilisation</strong></a></p><h2><strong>Auction and more</strong></h2><p>The felt tip pen was sold along with a letter of provenance in which Aldrin jokes: "I think Neil broke the switch off and Neil thinks that I broke the switch off."</p><p>"In the end, what mattered most was that we had to figure out how to solve the problem of the broken switch so that we could leave the lunar surface and get home to Earth."</p><p>Sotheby estimated the auction price for the pen to be between $800,000 and $1.2m. After being pursued by five bidders, the pen was eventually sold for $857,600.</p>

A plastic pen that Buzz Aldrin used to restore power to Apollo 11's lunar module after a critical circuit breaker broke, preventing the astronauts from being stranded on the Moon, has sold at auction for $857,600.

In July 1969, as NASA astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin famously took the "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," they almost got stuck on the lunar surface. What saved the Apollo landing from ending in a tragedy was a simple plastic pen, which has now been sold at an auction for over $850,000 (£630,000). How did the pen save astronauts from certain death in space? The dented silver plastic Duro Rocket pen was used by Buzz Aldrin, the second man on the moon, to save Neil Armstrong and himself from being "struck on the moon for ever". Also read | Is a prison for fallen angels hidden beneath Antarctica? Why the Book of Enoch theory is going viral Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the surface of the moon back in July 1969 as part of the historic Apollo 11 mission. After the historic landing, the two astronauts were preparing to catch up on some ZZ's when they noticed that small black switch on the floor of the cabin, which turned out to be a vital piece of the circuit breaker that sends electrical power to the ascent engine. In his 2009 autobiography 'Magnificent Desolation', Buzz Aldrin detailed the nerve-wrecking moment, “My heart jolted a bit … The broken switch had snapped off from the engine-arm circuit breaker, the one vital breaker needed to send electrical power to the ascent engine that would lift Neil and me off the moon.”

<p>A plastic pen that Buzz Aldrin used to restore power to Apollo 11's lunar module after a critical circuit breaker broke, preventing the astronauts from being stranded on the Moon, has sold at auction for $857,600.</p>

Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin almost died on the Moon. The plastic pen that saved them just sold for $857,600

Italian luxury fashion giant Prada has unveiled a specialized inner-layer garment designed for NASA astronauts heading to the Moon. Developed in collaboration with Axiom Space, the suit features advanced cooling and ventilation technology aimed at supporting astronauts during future lunar missions. The project marks a major step in Prada's ambitions beyond fashion, positioning the brand at the intersection of luxury, innovation, and space exploration. As commercial space travel and lunar missions gain momentum, luxury brands are increasingly looking beyond Earth for new opportunities.

Prada Unveils Moon Mission Garment For NASA Astronauts In Space Industry Push

NASA’s Orion spacecraft has successfully completed its mission as it splashed down in the Pacific Ocean, marking a safe return for the crew after the Artemis II flight. The landing signals a major milestone in deep-space exploration efforts led by NASA. Recovery teams quickly moved in to retrieve the capsule as the mission paves the way for future lunar and Mars exploration programs.


Artemis II Splashdown: NASA's Moon Mission Carrying Four Astronauts Return Home

Artemis II Splashdown: US President Trump Lauds Artemis II Crew, 'Could Not Be More Proud'

BREAKING: Artemis II Orion Capsule Splashes Down Safely In Pacific Ocean

The Artemis II astronauts conducted a historic lunar flyby, gathered invaluable data and took in unprecedented Moon views, but one of the most crucial moments of their 10-day mission is still to come: Fiery splashdown. The stakes are particularly high given concerns that arose during Artemis I, a 2022 uncrewed test flight to the Moon and back that saw the Orion heat shield erode in unexpected ways.


Moon Mission | The Artemis II Fiery Return

The NASA Artemis II crew is entering the most critical phase of its mission as astronauts prepare for the final leg of their journey around the Moon and back to Earth. Mission controllers are closely monitoring spacecraft systems, trajectory adjustments, and life-support conditions as the spacecraft approaches re-entry operations.


NASA Moon Mission: Artemis II Crew Returns After 10 Days of Travel Into Deep Space

The four astronauts of NASA's Artemis 2 mission just notched a major milestone: They're closer to the moon than they are to Earth. Jacki Mahaffey, a Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM) at Johnson Space Center in Houston, radioed the news to the quartet around midnight EDT (0400 GMT) on Saturday morning (April 4).

NASA: Artemis II Crew Now Closer to the Moon Than to Earth

NASA’s Orion spacecraft successfully completed a key separation milestone during the Artemis II mission sequence, marking another major step toward returning humans to the Moon. Artemis II is designed to test critical deep-space systems with astronauts onboard before future lunar landing missions under the Artemis program.


Artemis II Edges Closer To The Moon's Far Side

A new chapter in space exploration is unfolding as NASA prepares for the next big leap with Artemis II. The Orion spacecraft has successfully separated and is now orbiting Earth with astronauts onboard, marking a crucial step toward future lunar landings. With just days to go, the mission is reigniting global excitement about humanity’s return to the Moon.


Artemis II Countdown Begins: NASA’s Orion Sets Stage For Historic Return To The Moon 

NASA is preparing to test a crewed flight as a precursor to its upcoming Moon landing mission. The test aims to ensure safety, validate spacecraft systems, and prepare astronauts for lunar operations. This milestone is part of NASA’s broader Artemis program, which seeks to return humans to the Moon and advance long-term exploration of the lunar surface.

NASA To Test Crewed Flight Before Attempting Moon Landing

NASA chief Jared Isaacman on Saturday ruled out a March launch for Artemis II – the first crewed flyby mission to the moon in more than 50 years – citing technical issues.

Workers detected a problem with helium flow to the massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket that will "take the March launch window out of consideration," Issacman said in a post on X.


Artemis II Rocket Launch: NASA Rules Out March Launch of Moon Mission

A gripping breakdown of asteroid 2024 YR4, rising lunar impact odds, and NASA's bold, controversial nuclear proposal to save the moon from a city-killer rock hurtling through space.

Nasa May Use Nukes to Stop Moon-bound Asteroid

NASA is reportedly exploring a nuclear-powered plan to stabilize the Moon as fears grow about a potential lunar crash scenario that could endanger Earth’s satellite network.

NASA’s Nuclear Plan to Save the Moon & Protect Earth’s Satellites

NASA’s ambitious moon mission is encountering significant hurdles, including delays, doubts, and looming deadlines. These challenges threaten to push back timelines and raise questions about the future of lunar exploration.

NASA’s Moon Mission: Delays and Doubts Mount as NASA’s Moon Dream Encounters Obstacles | WION 

<div class="x_elementToProof" data-olk-copy-source="MessageBody">Space agency officials from India and Japan met for the third time at the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, discussing technical details of the future joint Lunar Polar Exploration(LUPEX) Mission, which India refers to as Chandrayaan-5.&nbsp;</div>
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<div class="x_elementToProof">This third Technical Interface Meeting (TIM-3) held at the ISRO Headquarters was attended by senior officials, project executives, and technical team members from the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA), and the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Japan.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><strong>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/italian-open-jasmine-paolini-delights-home-crowd-by-reaching-dream-final-9073286">Italian Open: Jasmine Paolini delights home crowd by reaching 'dream' final</a></strong></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX&nbsp; mission will be the fifth mission in India's Chandrayaan series of lunar missions, and the first in collaboration with Japan's JAXA. The Indian Government approved Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX mission on March 10th, 2025, in the form of financial sanction.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">The mission is meant to explore the lunar volatile materials, including lunar water, in the vicinity of a Permanently Shadowed Region (PSR) in the less-explored and resource-rich lunar South pole.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><strong>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/explained-how-india-and-japan-will-execute-chandrayaan-5lupex-moon-mission-8897124">Explained: How India and Japan will execute Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX Moon mission</a></strong></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">The mission will be launched by JAXA onboard its H3-24L launch vehicle, carrying the ISRO-made lunar lander, which will carry the MHI, Japan-made lunar rover. The scientific instruments for this mission would be contributed by ISRO, JAXA, European Space Agency(ESA) and the American National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA), all thematically connected with the exploration and in-situ analysis of the volatiles reserved in the lunar polar region.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">During the meeting, Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO congratulated both teams for the technical achievements so far, and emphasized on the importance of the collaborative endeavor for the scientific and technical aspects of the mission. Dr. Tirtha Pratim Das, Director, Science Programme Office, ISRO HQ, briefed about the major milestones achieved in terms of the landing site selection, payload optimization, mission design, as well as the ground segment and communication aspects. Ravi Chandra Babu, study team leader of Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX, briefed about the technical configurations arrived at. He emphasized on the need for the clear definition of the milestones, timeline and deliverables of the project.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><strong>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-tech/plans-for-nuclear-power-station-on-moon-shape-up-as-china-and-russia-sign-deal-9066655">Will NASA lose because of Trump as China-Russia sign deal for nuclear power station on moon?</a></strong></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Dai-Asoh, JAXA, during his opening address, briefed about the technical progress made towards the development of the rover and the related interfaces. Further, the officials deliberated on the various technical interfaces, joint mission implementation plan, as well as the potential landing sites for the mission.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Earlier this year, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan had told WION's Sidharth.M.P, that this joint mission<span>&nbsp;</span><span>will feature a 350kg lunar rover from Japan, which is 10times heavier than the 25kg 'Pragyan' rover that was deployed as part of India's homegrown Chandrayaan-3 mission in the year 2023.</span></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><b>H3- The rocket that will launch Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX</b></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><b>&nbsp;</b></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">According to JAXA, the H3 Launch Vehicle is Japan's new mainstay rocket. The three-stage vehicle stands 63meters tall and weighs 574tons. The rocket is powered by solid-fuels and cryogenic fuels (Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen). The H3 is built to reduce launch price by utilizing&nbsp; commercial-off-the-shelf products of other domestic industries such as the automobile industry rather than products exclusive to space use. Instead of following the build-to-order production approach, the industries follow&nbsp;something similar to the line production system which is used for general industrial products.&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><strong>Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/web-stories/science-technology/moong-dal-halwa-isro-packs-ghar-ka-khana-for-shubhanshu-shuklas-14-day-space-trip-9045088">'Moong Dal Halwa': ISRO packs 'ghar Ka khaana' for Shubhanshu Shukla&rsquo;s 14-day space trip</a></strong></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">The H3 rocket carrying the&nbsp;LUPEX&nbsp;mission will be launched from the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), the largest rocket-launch complex in Japan with a total area of about 9,700,000 square meters. The facility is&nbsp; located in the south of Kagoshima Prefecture, along the southeast coast of Tanegashima, it is widely regarded as the most beautiful rocket-launch complex in the world.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><b>LUPEX&nbsp;and its specifications</b></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><b>&nbsp;</b></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">LUPEX&rsquo;s objective is to collect data on the quantity and quality of water resources and its concentration principles in order to determine the extent lunar water resources can be used for future sustainable space exploration activities. The overall&nbsp;LUPEX&nbsp;craft would weigh 6,500kg approximately, and this includes a 350kg rover that measures 2.0m long, 1.8 wide and 3.3 tall. The rover being developed by JAXA will drive on its own to search for areas where water is likely to be present and sample the soil by digging into the ground with a drill. The plan is to acquire data by analyzing the collected samples in detail with observation equipment mounted on the rover. The mission is expected to live a little over 100days after the lunar landing, and it could live for a maximum of one year, as per JAXA.</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"><b>Why is there a lot of interest in water on the moon ?</b></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>
<div class="x_elementToProof">Water can be electrolyzed(split) to produce rocket fuel (oxygen and hydrogen). If there is enough water, it will be an important resource for future crewed space activities because it will eliminate the need to transport large quantities of fuel from the earth. For this reason, not only Japan but also space agencies around the world are now planning to investigate water (ice)resources in the polar regions of the Moon.&nbsp;LUPEX&nbsp;will land in an area where past remote sensing observations indicate the high possibility of existence of water (ice) .&nbsp;LUPEX&nbsp;rover will directly measure the water content by in-situ observation. In addition, by observing the distribution and existence of water resources and quantifying its amount,&nbsp;LUPEX&nbsp;will collect the basic data on the potential use of water resources and contribute to the Artemis Program, a proposed US-led effort to return astronauts to the moon and enable their long-term presence.&nbsp;&nbsp;</div>
<div class="x_elementToProof"></div>

Space agency officials from India and Japan met for the third time at the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, discussing technical details of the future joint Lunar Polar Exploration(LUPEX) Mission, which India refers to as Chandrayaan-5.

Space agency officials from India and Japan met for the third time at the southern Indian city of Bengaluru, discussing technical details of the future joint Lunar Polar Exploration(LUPEX) Mission, which India refers to as Chandrayaan-5. This third Technical Interface Meeting (TIM-3) held at the ISRO Headquarters was attended by senior officials, project executives, and technical team members from the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA), and the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), Japan. Read More | Italian Open: Jasmine Paolini delights home crowd by reaching 'dream' final Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX mission will be the fifth mission in India's Chandrayaan series of lunar missions, and the first in collaboration with Japan's JAXA. The Indian Government approved Chandrayaan-5 / LUPEX mission on March 10th, 2025, in the form of financial sanction. The mission is meant to explore the lunar volatile materials, including lunar water, in the vicinity of a Permanently Shadowed Region (PSR) in the less-explored and resource-rich lunar South pole. Read More | Explained: How India and Japan will execute Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX Moon mission The mission will be launched by JAXA onboard its H3-24L launch vehicle, carrying the ISRO-made lunar lander, which will carry the MHI, Japan-made lunar rover. The scientific instruments for this mission would be contributed by ISRO, JAXA, European Space Agency(ESA) and the American National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA), all thematically connected with the exploration and in-situ analysis of the volatiles reserved in the lunar polar region. During the meeting, Ganesh Pillai, Scientific Secretary, ISRO congratulated both teams for the technical achievements so far, and emphasized on the importance of the collaborative endeavor for the scientific and technical aspects of the mission. Dr. Tirtha Pratim Das, Director, Science Programme Office, ISRO HQ, briefed about the major milestones achieved in terms of the landing site selection, payload optimization, mission design, as well as the ground segment and communication aspects. Ravi Chandra Babu, study team leader of Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX, briefed about the technical configurations arrived at. He emphasized on the need for the clear definition of the milestones, timeline and deliverables of the project. Read More | Will NASA lose because of Trump as China-Russia sign deal for nuclear power station on moon? Dai-Asoh, JAXA, during his opening address, briefed about the technical progress made towards the development of the rover and the related interfaces. Further, the officials deliberated on the various technical interfaces, joint mission implementation plan, as well as the potential landing sites for the mission. Earlier this year, ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan had told WION's Sidharth.M.P, that this joint mission will feature a 350kg lunar rover from Japan, which is 10times heavier than the 25kg 'Pragyan' rover that was deployed as part of India's homegrown Chandrayaan-3 mission in the year 2023. H3- The rocket that will launch Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX According to JAXA, the H3 Launch Vehicle is Japan's new mainstay rocket. The three-stage vehicle stands 63meters tall and weighs 574tons. The rocket is powered by solid-fuels and cryogenic fuels (Liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen). The H3 is built to reduce launch price by utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf products of other domestic industries such as the automobile industry rather than products exclusive to space use. Instead of following the build-to-order production approach, the industries follow something similar to the line production system which is used for general industrial products. Read More | 'Moong Dal Halwa': ISRO packs 'ghar Ka khaana' for Shubhanshu Shukla’s 14-day space trip The H3 rocket carrying the LUPEX mission will be launched from the Tanegashima Space Center (TNSC), the largest rocket-launch complex in Japan with a total area of about 9,700,000 square meters. The facility is located in the south of Kagoshima Prefecture, along the southeast coast of Tanegashima, it is widely regarded as the most beautiful rocket-launch complex in the world. LUPEX and its specifications LUPEX’s objective is to collect data on the quantity and quality of water resources and its concentration principles in order to determine the extent lunar water resources can be used for future sustainable space exploration activities. The overall LUPEX craft would weigh 6,500kg approximately, and this includes a 350kg rover that measures 2.0m long, 1.8 wide and 3.3 tall. The rover being developed by JAXA will drive on its own to search for areas where water is likely to be present and sample the soil by digging into the ground with a drill. The plan is to acquire data by analyzing the collected samples in detail with observation equipment mounted on the rover. The mission is expected to live a little over 100days after the lunar landing, and it could live for a maximum of one year, as per JAXA. Why is there a lot of interest in water on the moon ? Water can be electrolyzed(split) to produce rocket fuel (oxygen and hydrogen). If there is enough water, it will be an important resource for future crewed space activities because it will eliminate the need to transport large quantities of fuel from the earth. For this reason, not only Japan but also space agencies around the world are now planning to investigate water (ice)resources in the polar regions of the Moon. LUPEX will land in an area where past remote sensing observations indicate the high possibility of existence of water (ice) . LUPEX rover will directly measure the water content by in-situ observation. In addition, by observing the distribution and existence of water resources and quantifying its amount, LUPEX will collect the basic data on the potential use of water resources and contribute to the Artemis Program, a proposed US-led effort to return astronauts to the moon and enable their long-term presence.

India and Japan discuss progress of Chandrayaan-5-LUPEX moon landing mission

After becoming the first country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon's south pole region, India plans to launch a fifth lunar probe carrying a 25-kilogram rover, in collaboration with Japan's JAXA.

Indian govt gives nod to Chandrayaan-5 moon mission

India approves Chandrayaan-5 moon mission

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<p>There have been major delays in NASA’s Artemis program which have caused setbacks for astronauts flying to the Moon as a part of that mission. This comes as Artemis II, which is intended to carry four astronauts into a lunar orbit, was moved to April 2026.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the initial plan of sending the astronauts around the Moon and not landing there will take place in September 2025. This date was already postponed once, from November of this year. The follow-up mission, Artemis III, scheduled for the following year, aims at the mid-2027 lunar landing.<br />
<br />
<strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/was-mini-moon-asteroid-once-part-of-our-moon-nasa-will-try-to-find-out-when-it-returns-779866">Was 'mini-moon' asteroid once part of our Moon? NASA will try to find out when it returns</a></strong></p>

<h2 dir="ltr"><b>Why is the mission being delayed?</b></h2>

<p>NASA Administrator Bill Nelson attributed these delays to problems with the Orion crew capsule's heat shield.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a test flight in 2022, when the capsule flew without astronauts, the heat shield was damaged. It developed cracks and erosion as it re-entered Earth's atmosphere, raising concerns about its safety for future missions with crew onboard.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To fix this, NASA has decided to change the capsule’s return path for the upcoming Artemis II mission, while keeping the current heat shield design to avoid further delays that would come from redesigning it completely.</p>

<p dir="ltr">The Artemis program was launched during former United States President Donald Trump’s first term and aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, with plans to build lunar bases for future Mars missions. However, the program has faced issues like rising costs and technical difficulties. By 2025, the estimated cost of Artemis is around $93 billion, and each launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) costs about $2 billion.<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch:&nbsp;Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines?</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>NASA's commitment to Artemis</strong></h2>

<p>Nelson also highlighted the importance of sticking to the new deadlines to keep the US as a leader in space, especially with China planning to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030. He said the US still aims to land astronauts on the Moon before China, showing how competitive space exploration has become.</p>

<p>Under Nelson’s leadership, the Artemis program has been the American space agency’s top priority. Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, appointed by Trump, played a key role in launching the Artemis program and securing funding from Congress.</p>

<p>Notably, India is&nbsp;a signatory to the Artemis Accords, a framework for international cooperation in lunar exploration.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


There have been major delays in NASA’s Artemis program which have caused setbacks for astronauts flying to the Moon as a part of that mission. This comes as Artemis II, which is intended to carry four astronauts into a lunar orbit, was moved to April 2026.

There have been major delays in NASA’s Artemis program which have caused setbacks for astronauts flying to the Moon as a part of that mission. This comes as Artemis II, which is intended to carry four astronauts into a lunar orbit, was moved to April 2026. Meanwhile, the initial plan of sending the astronauts around the Moon and not landing there will take place in September 2025. This date was already postponed once, from November of this year. The follow-up mission, Artemis III, scheduled for the following year, aims at the mid-2027 lunar landing. Also read: Was 'mini-moon' asteroid once part of our Moon? NASA will try to find out when it returns Why is the mission being delayed? NASA Administrator Bill Nelson attributed these delays to problems with the Orion crew capsule's heat shield. During a test flight in 2022, when the capsule flew without astronauts, the heat shield was damaged. It developed cracks and erosion as it re-entered Earth's atmosphere, raising concerns about its safety for future missions with crew onboard. To fix this, NASA has decided to change the capsule’s return path for the upcoming Artemis II mission, while keeping the current heat shield design to avoid further delays that would come from redesigning it completely. The Artemis program was launched during former United States President Donald Trump’s first term and aims to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon, with plans to build lunar bases for future Mars missions. However, the program has faced issues like rising costs and technical difficulties. By 2025, the estimated cost of Artemis is around $93 billion, and each launch of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) costs about $2 billion. Watch: Why is NASA pushing back Moon mission timelines? × NASA's commitment to Artemis Nelson also highlighted the importance of sticking to the new deadlines to keep the US as a leader in space, especially with China planning to send astronauts to the Moon by 2030. He said the US still aims to land astronauts on the Moon before China, showing how competitive space exploration has become. Under Nelson’s leadership, the Artemis program has been the American space agency’s top priority. Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, appointed by Trump, played a key role in launching the Artemis program and securing funding from Congress. Notably, India is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, a framework for international cooperation in lunar exploration. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Artemis Moon Mission delayed, new schedule set for 2026 and 2027

<p>Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly.</p>

<p>The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments. It is supposed to act as a springboard to reach further into space, especially Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, NASA is faced with the dilemma of building these structures since it might not be possible to send bricks and steel to the Moon, and even if it can, whether or not they can sustain the lunar environment is an altogether different question. Besides, sending just one pound of material to the moon costs a whopping million dollars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is where fungus comes into the picture, as per fresh plans to settle humans there, which is expected to prove cost-effective as well as resilient.</p>

<p>Al Jazeera reported that NASA is planning to use mycotecture, a method that uses fungal spores and algae, to not build, but grow structures in space.</p>

<p>NASA is collaborating with others to make it a reality. Chris Maurer, founder of the architecture firm Redhouse, a company partnering with the space agency, told Al Jazeera, "You can’t take boards or bricks. So what are you going to build with?"</p>

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<p>The answer lies in the lunar soil, water and mould, which will be sent to the Moon in sealed and inflatable form. The fungal spores, when combined with algae and water, will literally start growing into habitable structures which will provide the perfect place for humans to stay.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts say these mushroom buildings will protect astronauts from dangerous space events, such as the widespread harmful radiation and micrometeorites.</p>

<p>Radiation, Maurer says, is the primary reason why man has never returned to the Moon since the epic Apollo missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He says fungus-based structures will prove to be a game-changer in man's quest to go back to the moon, and further into space. Just eight centimetres of the material can block over 99 per cent of radiation. The magnum of this plan can be gauged by the fact that in contrast 10 feet of lunar dust does the same job.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the first step, NASA will test small-scale models on the moon by 2028.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA wants to build bases on the Moon which astronauts will use as stepping stones to travel towards their next destination - Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similar mushroom structures will be used to build&nbsp;on Mars as well in which humans will be able to dwell safely.&nbsp;</p>


Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly. The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments.

Humans might live in mushroom colonies, built using fungus, algae and water on the Moon in the coming years. This is if NASA's new plan is executed perfectly. The space agency plans to conquer the Moon and build colonies where humans can live and conduct more experiments. It is supposed to act as a springboard to reach further into space, especially Mars. However, NASA is faced with the dilemma of building these structures since it might not be possible to send bricks and steel to the Moon, and even if it can, whether or not they can sustain the lunar environment is an altogether different question. Besides, sending just one pound of material to the moon costs a whopping million dollars. This is where fungus comes into the picture, as per fresh plans to settle humans there, which is expected to prove cost-effective as well as resilient. Al Jazeera reported that NASA is planning to use mycotecture, a method that uses fungal spores and algae, to not build, but grow structures in space. NASA is collaborating with others to make it a reality. Chris Maurer, founder of the architecture firm Redhouse, a company partnering with the space agency, told Al Jazeera, "You can’t take boards or bricks. So what are you going to build with?" Also Read: Scientists are on a mission to find 1.5-million-year-old ice, oldest in the world The answer lies in the lunar soil, water and mould, which will be sent to the Moon in sealed and inflatable form. The fungal spores, when combined with algae and water, will literally start growing into habitable structures which will provide the perfect place for humans to stay. Experts say these mushroom buildings will protect astronauts from dangerous space events, such as the widespread harmful radiation and micrometeorites. Radiation, Maurer says, is the primary reason why man has never returned to the Moon since the epic Apollo missions. He says fungus-based structures will prove to be a game-changer in man's quest to go back to the moon, and further into space. Just eight centimetres of the material can block over 99 per cent of radiation. The magnum of this plan can be gauged by the fact that in contrast 10 feet of lunar dust does the same job. As the first step, NASA will test small-scale models on the moon by 2028. NASA wants to build bases on the Moon which astronauts will use as stepping stones to travel towards their next destination - Mars. Similar mushroom structures will be used to build on Mars as well in which humans will be able to dwell safely.

NASA wants to 'grow' fungus and algae houses on Moon for astronauts

Researchers have newly found an underground cave system on the moon, that could be established as the lunar base for the astronauts visiting the moon during future missions. Watch in for more details!

How caves could revolutionise Moon missions?

<p>Chang'e-6, China's latest mission to the Moon, seems to be carrying a secret rover.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the successful launch of the spacecraft on Friday (May 3), the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) released new photos of the lander, and internet sleuths were quick to spot a small grey object with wheels strapped to the side. The object looks like a mini rover. Its purpose?&nbsp;Unknown.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/warren-buffett-likens-ai-to-nuclear-weapons-warns-genie-part-way-out-of-the-bottle-718910">Warren Buffett likens AI to nuclear weapons, warns 'genie part way out of the bottle'</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>'Previously undisclosed mini rover'</strong></h2>

<p>Taking to X, previously Twitter, Andrew Jones, a journalist closely tracking China's space programme, wrote in a post, "Yeah, okay. That looks like a previously undisclosed mini rover on the side of the Chang'e-6 lander".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Yeah, okay. That looks like a previously undisclosed mini rover on the side of the Chang'e-6 lander lol. Via CAST: <a href="https://t.co/gS0Jy5L9hw">https://t.co/gS0Jy5L9hw</a> <a href="https://t.co/9vvTnribpl">pic.twitter.com/9vvTnribpl</a></p>
— Andrew Jones (@AJ_FI) <a href="https://twitter.com/AJ_FI/status/1786353438806217036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>What will the mini rover do? No one knows yet.</p>

<p>As per a Live Science report, a translated statement from the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics revealed that the small robot has an infrared imaging spectrometer. Its purpose, however, remains unclear. But, given its small size and the conditions it will face on the Moon, SpaceNews predicts that whatever the mission, it will fall short.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-fossil-shows-birds-are-officially-dinosaurs-718968">Ancient fossil shows birds are officially dinosaurs</a></strong></p>

<p>"Given the diminutive size of the vehicle and short lifetime of the mission lander, it is likely the rover will have limited operational time and objectives."</p>

<h2><strong>Previous sneaky space missions by China</strong></h2>

<p>According to SpaceNews, this is not the first time China has sneaked undisclosed payloads onto its spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Previously, in 2021, during China's Tianwen-1 mission to Mars, the nation's spacecraft ejected a disposable spacecraft that took pictures of Tianwen-1 on its way to the red planet.</p>

<p>The Tianwen-1 orbiter was also equipped with another detachable camera that took selfies while in orbit around Mars.</p>

<p>Further, the Zhurong rover, that was&nbsp;part of the Tianwen-1 mission, also dropped a camera on&nbsp;the red planet.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chang'e-6, China's latest mission to the Moon, seems to be carrying a secret rover. After the successful launch of the spacecraft on Friday (May 3), the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) released new photos of the lander, and internet sleuths were quick to spot a small grey object with wheels strapped to the side.

Chang'e-6, China's latest mission to the Moon, seems to be carrying a secret rover. After the successful launch of the spacecraft on Friday (May 3), the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) released new photos of the lander, and internet sleuths were quick to spot a small grey object with wheels strapped to the side. The object looks like a mini rover. Its purpose? Unknown. Also read | Warren Buffett likens AI to nuclear weapons, warns 'genie part way out of the bottle' 'Previously undisclosed mini rover' Taking to X, previously Twitter, Andrew Jones, a journalist closely tracking China's space programme, wrote in a post, "Yeah, okay. That looks like a previously undisclosed mini rover on the side of the Chang'e-6 lander". Yeah, okay. That looks like a previously undisclosed mini rover on the side of the Chang'e-6 lander lol. Via CAST: https://t.co/gS0Jy5L9hw pic.twitter.com/9vvTnribpl — Andrew Jones (@AJ_FI) May 3, 2024 × What will the mini rover do? No one knows yet. As per a Live Science report, a translated statement from the Shanghai Institute of Ceramics revealed that the small robot has an infrared imaging spectrometer. Its purpose, however, remains unclear. But, given its small size and the conditions it will face on the Moon, SpaceNews predicts that whatever the mission, it will fall short. Also read | Ancient fossil shows birds are officially dinosaurs "Given the diminutive size of the vehicle and short lifetime of the mission lander, it is likely the rover will have limited operational time and objectives." Previous sneaky space missions by China According to SpaceNews, this is not the first time China has sneaked undisclosed payloads onto its spacecraft. Previously, in 2021, during China's Tianwen-1 mission to Mars, the nation's spacecraft ejected a disposable spacecraft that took pictures of Tianwen-1 on its way to the red planet. The Tianwen-1 orbiter was also equipped with another detachable camera that took selfies while in orbit around Mars. Further, the Zhurong rover, that was part of the Tianwen-1 mission, also dropped a camera on the red planet. (With inputs from agencies)

Has China sent a secret rover to Moon? Internet sleuths spot small device piggybacking Chang'e-6

China will send a robotic spacecraft in coming days on a round trip to the moon's far side in the first of three technically demanding missions that will pave the way for an inaugural Chinese crewed landing and a base on the lunar south pole.

China set to launch high-stakes mission to moon's 'hidden' side

The chief of US space agency NASA has told lawmakers in Washington that China is using civilian programmes to hide military objectives in space. Watch to know more.

NASA Chief Bill Nelson warns of China`s space militarisation, Urges accelerated moon mission

<p>Odysseus, an American lunar lander that had a doomed, wonky descent on the moon, sent its final image&nbsp;on Thursday&nbsp;before its power banks depleted, said Intuitive Machines (IM), the private company behind the project that saw America reach the Moon after over 50 years.</p>

<h2><strong>The final image</strong></h2>

<p>The photograph "showcases the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity's presence in the universe," said IM. As per the company, the image was actually captured more than a week back on February 22, the day Odysseus touched down near the Moon's south pole. However, it was only received on Thursday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/quite-the-photographer-us-lunar-spacecraft-odysseus-shares-new-pictures-it-is-expected-to-go-dark-soon-694602">'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures</a></strong></p>

<p>"Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you again," said the company to the spaceship that achieved America's first lunar touchdown since the manned Apollo 17 mission in 1972.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Before its power was depleted, Odysseus completed a fitting farewell transmission. Received today, this image from February 22nd showcases the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity’s presence in the universe.<br />
<br />
Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you… <a href="https://t.co/RwOWsH1TSz">pic.twitter.com/RwOWsH1TSz</a></p>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1763336637432385813?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Is Odysseus out of commission forever?</strong></h2>

<p>With the onset of the long lunar night, flight controllers cannot attempt to awaken the lander for another two or three weeks. However, nothing is certain. Recently, Japan's SLIM spaceship, which in January had landed upside down, was successfully resurrected.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/odysseus-moon-landing-historic-mission-reaches-lunar-surface-692967/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Toppled over craft</strong></h2>

<p>Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-spaceship-odysseus-may-have-tipped-over-on-moon-surface-likely-fractured-landing-equipment-693303">US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment</a></strong></p>

<p>On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries.</p>

<p>As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Odysseus, an American lunar lander that had a doomed, wonky descent on the moon, sent its final image on Thursday before its power banks depleted, said Intuitive Machines (IM), the private company behind the project that saw America reach the Moon after over 50 years.

Odysseus, an American lunar lander that had a doomed, wonky descent on the moon, sent its final image on Thursday before its power banks depleted, said Intuitive Machines (IM), the private company behind the project that saw America reach the Moon after over 50 years. The final image The photograph "showcases the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity's presence in the universe," said IM. As per the company, the image was actually captured more than a week back on February 22, the day Odysseus touched down near the Moon's south pole. However, it was only received on Thursday. Also read | 'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures "Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you again," said the company to the spaceship that achieved America's first lunar touchdown since the manned Apollo 17 mission in 1972. Before its power was depleted, Odysseus completed a fitting farewell transmission. Received today, this image from February 22nd showcases the crescent Earth in the backdrop, a subtle reminder of humanity’s presence in the universe. Goodnight, Odie. We hope to hear from you… pic.twitter.com/RwOWsH1TSz — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 29, 2024 × Is Odysseus out of commission forever? With the onset of the long lunar night, flight controllers cannot attempt to awaken the lander for another two or three weeks. However, nothing is certain. Recently, Japan's SLIM spaceship, which in January had landed upside down, was successfully resurrected. Watch: Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface Toppled over craft Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability. Watch | US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries. As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error. (With inputs from agencies)

'Goodnight Odie': Wonky US Moon lander Odysseus goes dark with power banks depleted

Malayalam actress Lena recently revealed that she is married to Captain Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair who was named as one of the astronauts in the first manned Indian space mission Gaganyaan. Lena revealed that she married the Air Force officer on January 17, this year in a traditional ceremony.

Malayalam actor Lena makes surprising revelation

<p>Odysseus, the toppled US Spacecraft at the end of its fifth day (Tuesday, Feb 28) on the lunar surface, was still operational, reported Texas-based Intuitive Machines (IM). However, as per their estimates, the spacecraft was in its final hours before it was expected to go dark.</p>

<h2><strong>Day five update</strong></h2>

<p>Intuitive Machines in an update posted on Tuesday said that Flight Controllers from its control centre in Houston remained in contact with the lander which has "efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the company's mission objectives."</p>

<p>"Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may continue up to an additional 10-20 hours," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ill-fated-odysseus-lander-sends-grainy-images-from-moon-hours-before-going-dark-694156">Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark</a></strong></p>

<p>Posting pictures captured by Odysseus on X, it said: "The images included here are the closest observations of any spaceflight mission to the south pole region of the Moon."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Flight Controllers continue to communicate with Odysseus. This morning, Odysseus efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the Company’s mission objectives. Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may… <a href="https://t.co/EbZ1NNOrvO">pic.twitter.com/EbZ1NNOrvO</a></p>
— Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) <a href="https://twitter.com/Int_Machines/status/1762490074048958522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Odysseus is quite the photographer, capturing this image approximately 30 meters above the lunar surface, while his main engine throttled down more than 24,000 mph. Another day of exploration on the south pole region of the Moon," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/odysseus-moon-landing-historic-mission-reaches-lunar-surface-692967/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Toppled over craft</strong></h2>

<p>Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability.</p>

<p>On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-spaceship-odysseus-may-have-tipped-over-on-moon-surface-likely-fractured-landing-equipment-693303">US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment</a></strong></p>

<p>As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error.</p>

<p>The mission, which was intended to operate on the lunar surface for about seven to 10 days, is expected to go dark soon. On Tuesday morning, IM said that it expects to lose contact with Odysseus, however, as per the latest update, it may continue to operate for "up to an additional 10-20 hours."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Odysseus, the toppled US Spacecraft at the end of its fifth day (Tuesday, Feb 28) on the lunar surface, was still operational, reported Texas-based Intuitive Machines (IM).

Odysseus, the toppled US Spacecraft at the end of its fifth day (Tuesday, Feb 28) on the lunar surface, was still operational, reported Texas-based Intuitive Machines (IM). However, as per their estimates, the spacecraft was in its final hours before it was expected to go dark. Day five update Intuitive Machines in an update posted on Tuesday said that Flight Controllers from its control centre in Houston remained in contact with the lander which has "efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the company's mission objectives." "Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may continue up to an additional 10-20 hours," it added. Also read | Ill-fated Odysseus lander sends grainy images from Moon hours before going dark Posting pictures captured by Odysseus on X, it said: "The images included here are the closest observations of any spaceflight mission to the south pole region of the Moon." Flight Controllers continue to communicate with Odysseus. This morning, Odysseus efficiently sent payload science data and imagery in furtherance of the Company’s mission objectives. Flight controllers are working on final determination of battery life on the lander, which may… pic.twitter.com/EbZ1NNOrvO — Intuitive Machines (@Int_Machines) February 27, 2024 × "Odysseus is quite the photographer, capturing this image approximately 30 meters above the lunar surface, while his main engine throttled down more than 24,000 mph. Another day of exploration on the south pole region of the Moon," it added. Watch: Odysseus moon landing: Historic mission reaches lunar surface Toppled over craft Odysseus reached the Moon last Thursday (Feb 22) after an 11th-hour navigational glitch and white-knuckle descent that ended with it landing in a sideways or sharply tilted position. This toppled position has impeded the spacecraft's communications and solar-charging capability. On Friday, Intuitive Machines said that two of the spacecraft's communication antennae were pointed the wrong way and thus were knocked out of commission. Likewise, Odysseus' solar panels were facing the wrong direction, thereby limiting the vehicle's ability to recharge its batteries. Watch | US spaceship Odysseus may have 'tipped over' on Moon surface, likely 'fractured' landing equipment As per the company, the navigational issues were due to human error. The mission, which was intended to operate on the lunar surface for about seven to 10 days, is expected to go dark soon. On Tuesday morning, IM said that it expects to lose contact with Odysseus, however, as per the latest update, it may continue to operate for "up to an additional 10-20 hours." (With inputs from agencies)

'Quite the photographer': US lunar spacecraft Odysseus shares new pictures

Japan made history on Friday by becoming only the the fifth nation to land a spacecraft on the Moon. The director of the Japanese space agency, Jaxa, said the landing itself was deemed successful “as the spacecraft sent telemetry data, meaning most equipment on board was operating”.

Japan's 'Moon Sniper' achieves historic lunar landing

Japan's 'Moon Sniper' craft makes successful lunar landing

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