<p>NASA's Psyche spacecraft has sent its final laser downlink signal from a distance of 350 million kilometres in space. This is a new milestone in the field of space communications. The infrared laser message was beamed in December 2024 from a distance of 494 million kilometres, a point which is more than twice the average distance between Earth and Mars. That's more than 1,285 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. Psyche is going to the asteroid belt to study one particular space rock. It has been tasked with exploring the metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche, a remnant of planetary formation, which can offer insights into the building blocks of terrestrial planet cores. The 65th message sent by Psyche was its last laser message before it started working on its mission. It is a big achievement for NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) technology test.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>From here on, Psyche will use more standard radio communications to downlink data back to Earth. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said, "NASA is setting America on the path to Mars, and advancing laser communications technologies brings us one step closer to streaming high-definition video and delivering valuable data from the Martian surface faster than ever before." The difference between the date the message was sent and when it was received comes down to Psyche's place in solar orbit. It is on a path which sometimes brings it closer to Earth and sometimes farther. Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/threat-to-earth-speed-age-and-more-all-your-questions-about-interstellar-comet-3i-atlas-answered-1759204932732"><strong>Threat to Earth, speed, age and more: All your questions about interstellar comet 3I/Atlas answered</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>NASA and future missions</strong></h2><p>Laser signals and radio transmissions are very different, and NASA has been working on effective communication techniques to further its plans in space and reach beyond the Moon and Mars. While radio communications are reliable, they are relatively slow. DSOC has successfully transferred 13.6 terabytes of data to Earth's ground terminals to date. It even beamed an ultra-high-definition video at 267 megabits per second from a distance of 30.5 million kilometres, a first for NASA.</p><p>Experts at the space agency say that the DSOC technology works and can send large amounts of data from the deepest points in space. NASA is hoping to use it in its future Mars mission. &nbsp;</p>

NASA's Psyche spacecraft, the was launched in 2023 to study a space rock in the asteroid belt in 2029, just sent its last laser message from deep space. The signal is a huge achievement for NASA and will help it in its future Moon and Mars missions.

NASA's Psyche spacecraft has sent its final laser downlink signal from a distance of 350 million kilometres in space. This is a new milestone in the field of space communications. The infrared laser message was beamed in December 2024 from a distance of 494 million kilometres, a point which is more than twice the average distance between Earth and Mars. That's more than 1,285 times the distance between Earth and the Moon. Psyche is going to the asteroid belt to study one particular space rock. It has been tasked with exploring the metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche, a remnant of planetary formation, which can offer insights into the building blocks of terrestrial planet cores. The 65th message sent by Psyche was its last laser message before it started working on its mission. It is a big achievement for NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) technology test. From here on, Psyche will use more standard radio communications to downlink data back to Earth. Acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said, "NASA is setting America on the path to Mars, and advancing laser communications technologies brings us one step closer to streaming high-definition video and delivering valuable data from the Martian surface faster than ever before." The difference between the date the message was sent and when it was received comes down to Psyche's place in solar orbit. It is on a path which sometimes brings it closer to Earth and sometimes farther. Also Read: Threat to Earth, speed, age and more: All your questions about interstellar comet 3I/Atlas answered NASA and future missions Laser signals and radio transmissions are very different, and NASA has been working on effective communication techniques to further its plans in space and reach beyond the Moon and Mars. While radio communications are reliable, they are relatively slow. DSOC has successfully transferred 13.6 terabytes of data to Earth's ground terminals to date. It even beamed an ultra-high-definition video at 267 megabits per second from a distance of 30.5 million kilometres, a first for NASA. Experts at the space agency say that the DSOC technology works and can send large amounts of data from the deepest points in space. NASA is hoping to use it in its future Mars mission.

<p>NASA's Psyche spacecraft, the was launched in 2023 to study a space rock in the asteroid belt in 2029, just sent its last laser message from deep space. The signal is a huge achievement for NASA and will help it in its future Moon and Mars missions.</p>

NASA's asteroid-bound spacecraft sends its last laser message from deep space. Here's why that matters

How to become a NASA astronaut? To go to space for the American space agency, there is a certain set of qualifications that candidates need to fulfil. Even then, the selection pool is quite wide and making the cut is extremely difficult.  

<p>How to become a NASA astronaut? To go to space for the American space agency, there is a certain set of qualifications that candidates need to fulfil. Even then, the selection pool is quite wide and making the cut is extremely difficult. &nbsp;</p>

How to become a NASA astronaut? Qualifications, professional experience, health and other requirements

<p>NASA has confirmed that an asteroid, 2025 FA22, is set to zip past Earth on September 18, 2025. The rare cosmic event is being tracked by NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and JPL. Discovered by the Pan-STARRS 2 Survey in Hawaii earlier this year, FA22 has attracted international and Indian public attention due to its impressive size, estimated to be between 120 and 280 meters.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>According to a report in India Today, asteroid 2025 FA22's size is estimated to be nearly twice the size of the famous Qutub Minar in Delhi, which rises approximately 73 meters. At its maximum estimated size, the asteroid would be nearly four times larger than the monument, making it an enormous object by cosmic standards.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The asteroid FA22 travels in a moderately elongated and slightly tilted orbit around the sun, completing one revolution in about 1.85 years. NASA has confirmed that this asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of roughly 8,42,000 kilometres on September 18, which is a little more than twice the distance to the moon.</p><h3>A low Torino Scale rating indicates no immediate threats</h3><p>While using radar and powerful optical telescopes, International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) groups decided to use this cosmic event to refine FA22’s orbit and study its composition. Amid rising concern over a potentially hazardous asteroid which has drawn attention, experts stress that FA22 poses no collision threat to Earth in the foreseeable future.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Earlier, the experts gave a low Torino Scale rating in terms of risk, but further data indicated no immediate threats for Earth in its close encounter, as it will be safely beyond the Moon’s orbit.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Asteroids of this scale and closeness approach Earth only once or twice in a decade, making FA22 a rare and valuable subject of study. The detailed observations during its flyby are expected to enhance future impact predictions and broaden knowledge about similar celestial bodies.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/5-most-dangerous-asteroids-that-threaten-earth-and-apophis-that-scared-us-all-1750245240903">5 asteroids that have a high chance of hitting Earth in future...and 1 that scared us all</a></p>

NASA indicated that asteroid 2025 FA22's size is estimated to be nearly twice the size of the famous Qutub Minar in Delhi, which rises approximately 73 meters. It will be nearly four times larger than the monument, making it an enormous object by cosmic standards.

NASA has confirmed that an asteroid, 2025 FA22, is set to zip past Earth on September 18, 2025. The rare cosmic event is being tracked by NASA’s Centre for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and JPL. Discovered by the Pan-STARRS 2 Survey in Hawaii earlier this year, FA22 has attracted international and Indian public attention due to its impressive size, estimated to be between 120 and 280 meters. According to a report in India Today, asteroid 2025 FA22's size is estimated to be nearly twice the size of the famous Qutub Minar in Delhi, which rises approximately 73 meters. At its maximum estimated size, the asteroid would be nearly four times larger than the monument, making it an enormous object by cosmic standards. The asteroid FA22 travels in a moderately elongated and slightly tilted orbit around the sun, completing one revolution in about 1.85 years. NASA has confirmed that this asteroid will pass Earth at a distance of roughly 8,42,000 kilometres on September 18, which is a little more than twice the distance to the moon. A low Torino Scale rating indicates no immediate threats While using radar and powerful optical telescopes, International Asteroid Warning Network (IAWN) groups decided to use this cosmic event to refine FA22’s orbit and study its composition. Amid rising concern over a potentially hazardous asteroid which has drawn attention, experts stress that FA22 poses no collision threat to Earth in the foreseeable future. Earlier, the experts gave a low Torino Scale rating in terms of risk, but further data indicated no immediate threats for Earth in its close encounter, as it will be safely beyond the Moon’s orbit. Asteroids of this scale and closeness approach Earth only once or twice in a decade, making FA22 a rare and valuable subject of study. The detailed observations during its flyby are expected to enhance future impact predictions and broaden knowledge about similar celestial bodies. Also read: 5 asteroids that have a high chance of hitting Earth in future...and 1 that scared us all

<p>NASA indicated that asteroid 2025 FA22's size is estimated to be nearly twice the size of the famous Qutub Minar in Delhi, which rises approximately 73 meters. It will be nearly four times larger than the monument, making it an enormous object by cosmic standards.</p>

Asteroid to hit Earth? NASA says space rock bigger than 'Qutub Minar' is moving toward Earth

<p>NASA has restricted Chinese nationals from accessing the US space agency's facilities, data systems, and meetings. This move stems from national security concerns and increasing technological competition between the US and China. Here is what you should know.</p><h2>What did NASA say about restrictions on Chinese nationals?</h2><p>Chinese contractors and researchers who had access to NASA systems and facilities &nbsp;found themselves barred starting September 5.&nbsp;</p><p>This abrupt cutoff signals a firm stance to protect sensitive technology and information from potential security breaches.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-no-way-not-going-to-happen-acting-nasa-chief-duffy-says-china-will-not-beat-us-to-the-moon-1757520784597">'No way, not going to happen': Acting NASA chief Duffy says China will not beat US to the Moon</a></p><p>Confirming the development, Bethany Stevens, NASA's press secretary, said the agency took "internal action pertaining to Chinese nationals—including restricting physical and cybersecurity access to our facilities."</p><h2>NASA stopped collaborating with China over a decade ago</h2><p>The enforcement of access restrictions on Chinese nationals working with NASA is a reinforcement of a long-standing policy, reflective of heightened vigilance over security risks.</p><p>The US law has prohibited NASA from collaborating with China or Chinese nationals on space programme since 2011.&nbsp;</p><p>This was over concerns about spying and theft of intellectual property.&nbsp;</p><p>The new ban this month is an extension of such efforts, in order to prevent NASA from sharing sensitive data with China.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-president-loves-space-he-asked-me-us-will-reach-the-moon-under-trump-asserts-nasa-chief-1757566924166">'President loves space. He asked me...' — NASA has enough budget to reach the Moon, asserts acting chief</a></p><h2>US vs China in space: Suspicion and visa challenges</h2><p>The restrictions come amid the space race between the US and China, in lunar exploration and beyond.&nbsp;</p><p>NASA's acting administrator Sean Duffy said China aims to return to the moon before the US, and Washington sees this as a critical geopolitical competition.</p><p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-seismometer-exposes-red-planet-s-cannibal-history-1757237723828/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-seismometer-exposes-red-planet-s-cannibal-history-1757237723828/embed</a></p><p>Control over lunar resources like rare earth minerals, metals, and helium is a strategic priority for both nations.</p><p>There has been a growing distrust between the two countries, leading to tighter visa controls for Chinese students and researchers in the science and technology fields. Recent cases of alleged espionage involving Chinese nationals in the US have intensified scrutiny.&nbsp;</p><p>This has led to restrictions in space programmes as well as in broader scientific collaboration.</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/-most-compelling-evidence-to-date-nasa-s-perseverance-may-have-found-traces-of-life-on-the-red-planet-1757520653568">'Most compelling evidence to date...': NASA's Perseverance may have found traces of life on the red planet</a></p><p>US lawmakers such as Senator Ted Cruz have publicly urged NASA to secure American leadership in space exploration before China can gain a dominant position.&nbsp;</p>

NASA has restricted Chinese nationals' access to its facilities and data amid the US vs China space race. The move aligns with long-standing US laws barring collaboration with China in space



NASA has restricted Chinese nationals from accessing the US space agency's facilities, data systems, and meetings. This move stems from national security concerns and increasing technological competition between the US and China. Here is what you should know. What did NASA say about restrictions on Chinese nationals? Chinese contractors and researchers who had access to NASA systems and facilities found themselves barred starting September 5. This abrupt cutoff signals a firm stance to protect sensitive technology and information from potential security breaches. Also read: 'No way, not going to happen': Acting NASA chief Duffy says China will not beat US to the Moon Confirming the development, Bethany Stevens, NASA's press secretary, said the agency took "internal action pertaining to Chinese nationals—including restricting physical and cybersecurity access to our facilities." NASA stopped collaborating with China over a decade ago The enforcement of access restrictions on Chinese nationals working with NASA is a reinforcement of a long-standing policy, reflective of heightened vigilance over security risks. The US law has prohibited NASA from collaborating with China or Chinese nationals on space programme since 2011. This was over concerns about spying and theft of intellectual property. The new ban this month is an extension of such efforts, in order to prevent NASA from sharing sensitive data with China. Also read: 'President loves space. He asked me...' — NASA has enough budget to reach the Moon, asserts acting chief US vs China in space: Suspicion and visa challenges The restrictions come amid the space race between the US and China, in lunar exploration and beyond. NASA's acting administrator Sean Duffy said China aims to return to the moon before the US, and Washington sees this as a critical geopolitical competition. https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-seismometer-exposes-red-planet-s-cannibal-history-1757237723828/embed Control over lunar resources like rare earth minerals, metals, and helium is a strategic priority for both nations. There has been a growing distrust between the two countries, leading to tighter visa controls for Chinese students and researchers in the science and technology fields. Recent cases of alleged espionage involving Chinese nationals in the US have intensified scrutiny. This has led to restrictions in space programmes as well as in broader scientific collaboration. Also read: 'Most compelling evidence to date...': NASA's Perseverance may have found traces of life on the red planet US lawmakers such as Senator Ted Cruz have publicly urged NASA to secure American leadership in space exploration before China can gain a dominant position.

<p>NASA has restricted Chinese nationals' access to its facilities and data amid the US vs China space race. The move aligns with long-standing US laws barring collaboration with China in space</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

NASA has BANNED CHINESE nationals from working on its space programmes. Here is why

Voyager 1’s data still yield surprises, including the discovery of a thin, highly energetic layer near the heliopause, often referred to as a ‘wall’ of superheated plasma with temperatures estimated between 30,000 and 50,000 K. 

<p>Voyager 1’s data still yield surprises, including the discovery of a thin, highly energetic layer near the heliopause, often referred to as a ‘wall’ of superheated plasma with temperatures estimated between 30,000 and 50,000 K.&nbsp;</p>

‘Icy moons, space volcanos and more’: 7 most incredible discoveries of NASA’s Voyager-1 during its cosmic journey

Modern aerospace companies like Boom Supersonic and defence giant Lockheed Martin (in partnership with NASA) are now developing “quiet” supersonic jets. 

<p>Modern aerospace companies like Boom Supersonic and defence giant Lockheed Martin (in partnership with NASA) are now developing “quiet” supersonic jets.&nbsp;</p>

'New York to LA in 3 hours’: NASA’s X-59 is helping revive supersonic passenger flights! Here’s how

<p>Four crew members who travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) in March 2025 to take over from two astronauts who were left stranded by a beleaguered space capsule returned to Earth on Saturday. The NASA astronauts, including Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with Takuya Onishi of Japan and Kirill Peskov of Russia, landed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California at 11:33 a.m. ET aboard a SpaceX capsule.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This mission was NASA's first Pacific splashdown in 50 years and SpaceX's third with people on board. The last time NASA astronauts landed in the Pacific Ocean was in 1975 during the Apollo-Soyuz mission, which was the first joint spaceflight between the United States and the Soviet Union.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Splashdown! Crew-10 is back on Earth from the International Space Station, marking the completion of another successful flight,” said NASA acting administrator Sean Duffy. “Our crew missions are the building blocks for long-duration, human exploration, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. NASA is leading the way by setting a bold vision for exploration where we have a thriving space industry supporting private space stations in low Earth orbit, as well as humans exploring the Moon and Mars.”</p><h3>What is NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission?</h3><p>SpaceX Crew-10 is NASA's 10th crew rotation mission under the Commercial Crew Program and its 11th flight with astronauts, including the Demo-2 test flight to the International Space Station. During the mission, four crew members were included and were launched from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 24, 2025.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The 5-month mission of Crew-10 conducted over 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations ranging from material flammability tests and lunar navigation trials to monitoring the physiological effects of spaceflight.</p><h3>Where did SpaceX splash down?</h3><p>NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 landed off the coast of San Diego, California, on Saturday at 11:33 a.m. EDT, carrying NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The SpaceX Crew-10 mission of NASA was its first Pacific splashdown in 50 years and SpaceX's third with people on board. The last time NASA astronauts splashed down in the Pacific Ocean was during the Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975.

Four crew members who travelled to the International Space Station (ISS) in March 2025 to take over from two astronauts who were left stranded by a beleaguered space capsule returned to Earth on Saturday. The NASA astronauts, including Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, along with Takuya Onishi of Japan and Kirill Peskov of Russia, landed in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Southern California at 11:33 a.m. ET aboard a SpaceX capsule. This mission was NASA's first Pacific splashdown in 50 years and SpaceX's third with people on board. The last time NASA astronauts landed in the Pacific Ocean was in 1975 during the Apollo-Soyuz mission, which was the first joint spaceflight between the United States and the Soviet Union. “Splashdown! Crew-10 is back on Earth from the International Space Station, marking the completion of another successful flight,” said NASA acting administrator Sean Duffy. “Our crew missions are the building blocks for long-duration, human exploration, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. NASA is leading the way by setting a bold vision for exploration where we have a thriving space industry supporting private space stations in low Earth orbit, as well as humans exploring the Moon and Mars.” What is NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission? SpaceX Crew-10 is NASA's 10th crew rotation mission under the Commercial Crew Program and its 11th flight with astronauts, including the Demo-2 test flight to the International Space Station. During the mission, four crew members were included and were launched from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on March 24, 2025. The 5-month mission of Crew-10 conducted over 200 scientific experiments and technology demonstrations ranging from material flammability tests and lunar navigation trials to monitoring the physiological effects of spaceflight. Where did SpaceX splash down? NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 landed off the coast of San Diego, California, on Saturday at 11:33 a.m. EDT, carrying NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov.

<p>The SpaceX Crew-10 mission of NASA was its first Pacific splashdown in 50 years and SpaceX's third with people on board. The last time NASA astronauts splashed down in the Pacific Ocean was during the Apollo-Soyuz mission in 1975.</p>

What is NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission? Four Astronauts splash down in Pacific after 5-month ISS mission

NASA’s Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (Nicer) telescope, a $67 million X-ray instrument aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has halted science operations due to a sudden hardware malfunction.

<p>NASA’s Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (Nicer) telescope, a $67 million X-ray instrument aboard the International Space Station (ISS), has halted science operations due to a sudden hardware malfunction.</p>

'$67 million project': NASA’s NICER Telescope faces glitch in space, scientific missions paused

<p>The scientists who precisely measure the position of Earth are in a bit of trouble after the rise of wifi, mobile phones, and satellite internet. The development unfolded after it began blocking the specific frequency lanes on the radio spectrum highway that track black holes. They use radio telescopes to detect the radio waves coming from the black holes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The measurement is done by using the science of geodesy, based on tracking the locations of black holes in distant galaxies. It plays a significant role in the satellites being used by the scientists for navigation, communication, and Earth observation every day, according to a report by Space.com.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>They suggest that radio waves pass cleanly through the atmosphere, which helps in receiving during day and night and in all weather conditions for study and measurement. Radio waves are also utilised for communication on Earth, which includes wifi and mobile phones.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The use of varied radio frequencies along with different lanes on the radio highway, is closely regulated, out of which a few narrow lanes are reserved for radio astronomy for study and other astronomical projects</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>However, the scientists have claimed that there was little traffic on the radio highway in previous decades. Scientists commonly ventured beyond traditional radio astronomy lanes to receive the signals from the black hole. Achieving the extreme precision required in modern geodesy now depends on accessing frequencies beyond those strictly set aside for astronomy.</p><h3>Radio traffic on the rise</h3><p>In the recent past, with the advancement of technology, human-made electromagnetic pollution has exponentially increased. Following the emergence of wifi and mobile phone services, scientists had to move to higher frequencies. But now they began running out of lanes.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Five to six generations of mobile phones (each occupying a new lane) are crowding the spectrum of radio frequency, along with internet connections now directly beaming from a fleet of thousands of satellites.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The multitude of powerful signals is often too strong for geodetic observatories to detect the very weak signals emitted by black holes. This potentially jeopardises key satellite-based services.</p>

The science of geodesy plays a significant role in measuring the positions of Earth after tracking the locations of the black holes in distant galaxies. It is done for navigation, communication, and Earth observation every day.

The scientists who precisely measure the position of Earth are in a bit of trouble after the rise of wifi, mobile phones, and satellite internet. The development unfolded after it began blocking the specific frequency lanes on the radio spectrum highway that track black holes. They use radio telescopes to detect the radio waves coming from the black holes. The measurement is done by using the science of geodesy, based on tracking the locations of black holes in distant galaxies. It plays a significant role in the satellites being used by the scientists for navigation, communication, and Earth observation every day, according to a report by Space.com. They suggest that radio waves pass cleanly through the atmosphere, which helps in receiving during day and night and in all weather conditions for study and measurement. Radio waves are also utilised for communication on Earth, which includes wifi and mobile phones. The use of varied radio frequencies along with different lanes on the radio highway, is closely regulated, out of which a few narrow lanes are reserved for radio astronomy for study and other astronomical projects However, the scientists have claimed that there was little traffic on the radio highway in previous decades. Scientists commonly ventured beyond traditional radio astronomy lanes to receive the signals from the black hole. Achieving the extreme precision required in modern geodesy now depends on accessing frequencies beyond those strictly set aside for astronomy. Radio traffic on the rise In the recent past, with the advancement of technology, human-made electromagnetic pollution has exponentially increased. Following the emergence of wifi and mobile phone services, scientists had to move to higher frequencies. But now they began running out of lanes. Five to six generations of mobile phones (each occupying a new lane) are crowding the spectrum of radio frequency, along with internet connections now directly beaming from a fleet of thousands of satellites. The multitude of powerful signals is often too strong for geodetic observatories to detect the very weak signals emitted by black holes. This potentially jeopardises key satellite-based services.

<p>The science of geodesy plays a significant role in measuring the positions of Earth after tracking the locations of the black holes in distant galaxies. It is done for navigation, communication, and Earth observation every day.</p>

Where are we in Universe? Scientists turn to Black Holes to locate Earth, but phones and Wi-Fi block signals

<p>Nearly one in five NASA employees have applied to leave the premier space research agency in a development that is sending ripples through the organisation's structure. About 3,870 employees, more than 20 per cent, have applied to leave NASA through the Trump administration's deferred resignation programme. At the centre of this is the sweeping reform initiated by Elon Musk's brainchild, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).</p><p>These resignations will shrink the workforce of NASA from 18000 to nearly 14,000, including the 500 left by normal attrition.&nbsp;</p><h2>DOGE’s Role: Central &amp; Controversial</h2><p>The deferred resignation programme was a buyout programme launched by the White House's Department of Government Efficiency. Established in January 2025 under the oversight of a billionaire and a close confidant of the US President Donald Trump to slash federal waste, modernise bureaucracy, and eliminate redundancies.</p><p>In mid-February, DOGE audited NASA, its contracts and budgeting system. As a result, about 900 employees left the organisation in the first round, and 3000 more followed second round under the deferred resignation programme. A budget proposal issued in May by the White House saw NASA's funding cut by 25 per cent from $24 billion to $18 billion for the FY 25-26.&nbsp;</p><p>Notably among the departing are 2,000 senior-level employees, including scientists, engineers, and managers, many essential to the ongoing missions. One Caltech research scientist, Dr. Jessie Christiansen, warned about “deep knowledge and expertise holes across all NASA centres,”</p><p>“Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organisation and work to ensure we remain fully capable of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration and innovation, including to the Moon and Mars,” said NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner.</p><p>There is a crisis with NASA's top leadership; earlier, it was supposed to be the billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, a friend of Elon Musk. But his nomination was cancelled just ahead of the Senate confirmation, and public fallout followed between Elon Musk and Trump. Now, Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, is temporarily leading the premier research agency.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

Nearly 3870 employees, including scientists, engineers, and managers, decided to leave the premier space research agency under the deferred resignation programme as part of the reform initiated by Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).

Nearly one in five NASA employees have applied to leave the premier space research agency in a development that is sending ripples through the organisation's structure. About 3,870 employees, more than 20 per cent, have applied to leave NASA through the Trump administration's deferred resignation programme. At the centre of this is the sweeping reform initiated by Elon Musk's brainchild, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). These resignations will shrink the workforce of NASA from 18000 to nearly 14,000, including the 500 left by normal attrition. DOGE’s Role: Central & Controversial The deferred resignation programme was a buyout programme launched by the White House's Department of Government Efficiency. Established in January 2025 under the oversight of a billionaire and a close confidant of the US President Donald Trump to slash federal waste, modernise bureaucracy, and eliminate redundancies. In mid-February, DOGE audited NASA, its contracts and budgeting system. As a result, about 900 employees left the organisation in the first round, and 3000 more followed second round under the deferred resignation programme. A budget proposal issued in May by the White House saw NASA's funding cut by 25 per cent from $24 billion to $18 billion for the FY 25-26. Notably among the departing are 2,000 senior-level employees, including scientists, engineers, and managers, many essential to the ongoing missions. One Caltech research scientist, Dr. Jessie Christiansen, warned about “deep knowledge and expertise holes across all NASA centres,” “Safety remains a top priority for our agency as we balance the need to become a more streamlined and more efficient organisation and work to ensure we remain fully capable of pursuing a Golden Era of exploration and innovation, including to the Moon and Mars,” said NASA spokesperson Cheryl Warner. There is a crisis with NASA's top leadership; earlier, it was supposed to be the billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, a friend of Elon Musk. But his nomination was cancelled just ahead of the Senate confirmation, and public fallout followed between Elon Musk and Trump. Now, Sean Duffy, the Transportation Secretary, is temporarily leading the premier research agency.

<p>Nearly 3870 employees, including scientists, engineers, and managers, decided to leave the premier space research agency under the deferred resignation programme as part of the reform initiated by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).</p>

Devastating legacy of Musk led DOGE: More than 20% NASA employees quit

<p>NASA is bracing for the departure of approximately 3,870 employees, or nearly 20 per cent of its current workforce, under a voluntary resignation program launched as part of US President Donald Trump’s broader effort to shrink the federal government. The move marks the most significant staffing reduction at the US space agency in decades, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers, experts, and current and former employees. On July 25, the space agency confirmed that it expects its civil servant headcount to fall to around 14,000 following two rounds of deferred resignation offerings in 2025, along with natural attrition. While the final tally may shift based on ongoing application reviews and employee withdrawals, officials say the scale of the exodus is clear.</p><h2><strong>Deferred resignations aim to avoid layoffs</strong></h2><p>NASA’s first resignation program began earlier this year and resulted in about 870 employees, 4.8 per cent of the workforce, leaving their posts. The second round, which opened in June and closed on July 25, drew nearly 3,000 more participants, or 16.4 per cent of staff. Agency executives have defended the program as a way to meet administration targets without imposing involuntary layoffs. “The reason we are doing this is to minimise any involuntary workforce reductions in the future,” former acting NASA administrator Janet Petro told employees during a June town hall.</p><p>The initiative was reportedly developed in coordination with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), now led by Elon Musk, and reflects a broader White House effort to cut down on federal spending and bureaucracy.</p><h2><strong>Industry warns of brain drain, safety risks</strong></h2><p>The sweeping cuts have sparked growing concern among NASA veterans and the wider space community. In a letter dubbed <i>The Voyager Declaration</i>, hundreds of current and former agency staff warned interim administrator Sean Duffy, who also leads the Department of Transportation, that losing so many experienced professionals could jeopardise future missions. “Thousands of NASA civil servant employees have already been terminated, resigned, or retired early, taking with them highly specialised, irreplaceable knowledge crucial to carrying out NASA’s mission,” the letter stated.</p><p>Protests have also erupted. On July 20, about 100 demonstrators, including agency staff and contractors, gathered outside the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Organised by the grassroots group “NASA Needs Help,” the rally marked the anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing and sought to pressure Congress to intervene.</p><h2><strong>Congress pushes back as budget battle looms</strong></h2><p>The US House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology accused NASA leadership of acting “outside its legal authority” by enacting cuts ahead of budget approval. In a strongly worded letter, lawmakers warned that slashing NASA’s workforce and budget could turn the agency into a “hollow shell.”</p><p>The 2026 White House budget proposal seeks to cut NASA’s funding by 25 per cent and reduce its workforce by 5,000 more positions. If passed, it would be the agency’s leanest budget since the 1960s, potentially altering its ability to meet goals such as Moon and Mars exploration.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>(<i>With inputs from news agencies</i>)</p>

The move marks the most significant staffing reduction at the US space agency in decades, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers, experts, and current and former employees.

NASA is bracing for the departure of approximately 3,870 employees, or nearly 20 per cent of its current workforce, under a voluntary resignation program launched as part of US President Donald Trump’s broader effort to shrink the federal government. The move marks the most significant staffing reduction at the US space agency in decades, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers, experts, and current and former employees. On July 25, the space agency confirmed that it expects its civil servant headcount to fall to around 14,000 following two rounds of deferred resignation offerings in 2025, along with natural attrition. While the final tally may shift based on ongoing application reviews and employee withdrawals, officials say the scale of the exodus is clear. Deferred resignations aim to avoid layoffs NASA’s first resignation program began earlier this year and resulted in about 870 employees, 4.8 per cent of the workforce, leaving their posts. The second round, which opened in June and closed on July 25, drew nearly 3,000 more participants, or 16.4 per cent of staff. Agency executives have defended the program as a way to meet administration targets without imposing involuntary layoffs. “The reason we are doing this is to minimise any involuntary workforce reductions in the future,” former acting NASA administrator Janet Petro told employees during a June town hall. The initiative was reportedly developed in coordination with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), now led by Elon Musk, and reflects a broader White House effort to cut down on federal spending and bureaucracy. Industry warns of brain drain, safety risks The sweeping cuts have sparked growing concern among NASA veterans and the wider space community. In a letter dubbed The Voyager Declaration, hundreds of current and former agency staff warned interim administrator Sean Duffy, who also leads the Department of Transportation, that losing so many experienced professionals could jeopardise future missions. “Thousands of NASA civil servant employees have already been terminated, resigned, or retired early, taking with them highly specialised, irreplaceable knowledge crucial to carrying out NASA’s mission,” the letter stated. Protests have also erupted. On July 20, about 100 demonstrators, including agency staff and contractors, gathered outside the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Organised by the grassroots group “NASA Needs Help,” the rally marked the anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing and sought to pressure Congress to intervene. Congress pushes back as budget battle looms The US House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology accused NASA leadership of acting “outside its legal authority” by enacting cuts ahead of budget approval. In a strongly worded letter, lawmakers warned that slashing NASA’s workforce and budget could turn the agency into a “hollow shell.” The 2026 White House budget proposal seeks to cut NASA’s funding by 25 per cent and reduce its workforce by 5,000 more positions. If passed, it would be the agency’s leanest budget since the 1960s, potentially altering its ability to meet goals such as Moon and Mars exploration. (With inputs from news agencies)

<p>The move marks the most significant staffing reduction at the US space agency in decades, drawing sharp criticism from lawmakers, experts, and current and former employees.</p>

NASA faces major workforce shake-up as nearly 4,000 employees set to exit

The X‑59 “son of Concorde”, NASA’s experimental plane, recently achieved a major milestone when it successfully performed its first low‑speed taxi under its own power. NASA is trying to cut down on travel times considerably with the plane without the noise of a supersonic aircraft.

<p>The X‑59 “son of Concorde”, NASA’s experimental plane, recently achieved a major milestone when it successfully performed its first low‑speed taxi under its own power. NASA is trying to cut down on travel times considerably with the plane without the noise of a supersonic aircraft.</p>

NASA's X‑59 'son of Concorde' achieves major milestone before the jet's maiden flight

Ever since the Soviet Union successfully launched an artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, into space on 4 October 1957, it has fascinated the other most powerful nations on Earth too. It has promoted financing expensive missions costing billions of dollars to unearth life beyond earth.

<p>Ever since the Soviet Union successfully launched an artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, into space on 4 October 1957, it has fascinated the other most powerful nations on Earth too, resulting in financing expensive missions costing billions of dollars to unearth life beyond Earth.</p>

From NASA to ISRO: Look at the 6 most expensive space missions ever

Breaking all records, NASA's Parker Solar Probe is now diving deeper into the sun's inferno than any human-made object. The spacecraft, designed to withstand temperatures of 1,400°C and endure radiation levels that would destroy any ordinary spacecraft in seconds, is attempting to get closer to the sun. Our next story takes a look at the fascinating journey and the answers the mission is trying to find. Watch in for more details!



Parker Solar Probe: Humanity's First Touch Of The Sun

Breaking all records, NASA's Parker Solar Probe is now diving deeper into the sun's inferno than any human-made object. The spacecraft, designed to withstand temperatures of 1,400°C and endure radiation levels that would destroy any ordinary spacecraft in seconds, is attempting to get closer to the sun. Our next story takes a look at the fascinating journey and the answers the mission is trying to find. Watch in for more details!

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidJLrx93GZ6eWF" /></p>

<p>A family in the United States&nbsp;is claiming more than $80,000 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) after&nbsp;a small piece of debris fell from&nbsp;space&nbsp;and smashed through the roof of their home in Florida, the news agency AFP reported on Friday (June 21).</p>

<p>According to&nbsp;law firm Cranfill Sumner, the incident occurred on March 8 when the debris weighing&nbsp;700 grams hit Alejandro Otero's home in Naples, Florida, making a hole in the roof. There were no injuries reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nearly-a-trillion-earth-like-planets-exist-in-universe-nasa-on-hunt-to-find-if-we-are-not-alone-731671">Are we alone in the cosmos? NASA chief says a trillion Earth-like planets are out there</a></strong></p>

<p>Cranfill Sumner pointed out that the problem of space trash has risen due&nbsp;to increased spatial traffic, and&nbsp;NASA's response could set a precedent for how future claims are handled.</p>

<h2><strong>'There could've been injury or fatality'</strong></h2>

<p>Cranfill Sumner said&nbsp;Otero's son was at the house at the moment of impact. Mica Nguyen Worthy, the family's lawyer, said, "My clients are seeking adequate compensation to account for the stress and impact that this event had on their lives."</p>

<p>"They are grateful that no one sustained physical injuries from this incident, but a ‘near miss’ situation such as this could have been catastrophic," Worthy said.</p>

<p>"There could have been serious injury or a fatality," the lawyer added.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the debris</strong></h2>

<p>NASA confirmed that the debris&nbsp;was part of a cargo pallet of used batteries that was released from the International&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Station as waste in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead of fully disintegrating before falling to Earth, a section remained intact when it reentered the atmosphere, the US&nbsp;space&nbsp;agency added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A family in the United States is claiming more than $80,000 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) after a small piece of debris fell from space and smashed through the roof of their home in Florida, the news agency AFP reported on Friday (June 21).

A family in the United States is claiming more than $80,000 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) after a small piece of debris fell from space and smashed through the roof of their home in Florida, the news agency AFP reported on Friday (June 21). According to law firm Cranfill Sumner, the incident occurred on March 8 when the debris weighing 700 grams hit Alejandro Otero's home in Naples, Florida, making a hole in the roof. There were no injuries reported. Also read | Are we alone in the cosmos? NASA chief says a trillion Earth-like planets are out there Cranfill Sumner pointed out that the problem of space trash has risen due to increased spatial traffic, and NASA's response could set a precedent for how future claims are handled. 'There could've been injury or fatality' Cranfill Sumner said Otero's son was at the house at the moment of impact. Mica Nguyen Worthy, the family's lawyer, said, "My clients are seeking adequate compensation to account for the stress and impact that this event had on their lives." "They are grateful that no one sustained physical injuries from this incident, but a ‘near miss’ situation such as this could have been catastrophic," Worthy said. "There could have been serious injury or a fatality," the lawyer added. A look at the debris NASA confirmed that the debris was part of a cargo pallet of used batteries that was released from the International Space Station as waste in 2021. Instead of fully disintegrating before falling to Earth, a section remained intact when it reentered the atmosphere, the US space agency added. (With inputs from agencies)

US family claims over $80,000 from NASA after space debris hit their home

Nasa selects awardees to receive 2024 NIAC phase i grants for innovative concept studies. The American space agency chooses 13 recipients who will get a combined maximum award of $175,000 to operationalise their ideas.

Nasa names 2024 innovative concept studies

<p>The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is searching for its missing Voyager 2 spacecraft after its flight controllers on Earth accidentally sent out a wrong command more than a week ago.</p>

<p>The command prompted the Voyager to shift its communication signal a mere 2 per cent, which ended up cutting off the communications.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A series of planned commands sent to NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft on July 21 inadvertently caused the antenna to point 2 degrees away from Earth. As a result, Voyager 2 is currently unable to receive commands or transmit data back to Earth," Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NASA's lab that operates the spacecraft, said in a statement Friday (July 28).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-practicing-on-rum-rocks-ahead-of-mars-space-mission-620767"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;NASA practising on Rum rocks ahead of Mars space mission</strong></a></p>

<p>NASA said Monday its huge antenna in Canberra was actively searching for any stray signals that might come from Voyager 2. The Guardian reported that it takes more than 18 hours for a signal to travel from Voyager 2 to Earth, given it is located more than 19bn km away from our home planet.</p>

<h2><strong>What is NASA doing to recover the lost signals?</strong></h2>

<p>The US space agency has said it will bombard Voyager 2’s vicinity with the correct command so that it hits the mark if the signal manages to reach the spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The signals will be sent from Canberra’s antenna in the coming weeks, said Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).</p>

<h2><strong>NASA is hopeful.&nbsp;Here is why</strong></h2>

<p>JPL reports that despite a temporary communication setback, Voyager 2 has a design that allows it to reset its orientation multiple times a year to realign its antenna with Earth. The next reset on October 15 is expected to restore communication.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA launches uncrewed Roscosmos Soyuz spacecraft&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-launches-uncrewed-roscosmos-soyuz-spacecraft-565556/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“The mission team expects Voyager 2 to remain on its planned trajectory during the quiet period,” the statement from JPL added.</p>

<h2><strong>More about Voyager 2</strong></h2>

<p>Launched on August 20, 1977, Voyager 2 is currently positioned more than 19.9 billion kilometres from Earth, residing in interstellar space—the area between our Sun's heliosphere and the astrospheres of other stars.</p>

<p>NASA's Voyager 2 holds the distinction of being the second spacecraft to venture into space between stars. It achieved this feat on December 10, 2018, joining its twin, Voyager 1, as the only human-made objects to explore the space between stars.</p>

<p>Remarkably, Voyager 1, located nearly 24bn km away from Earth, continues to operate flawlessly without any issues.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is searching for its missing Voyager 2 spacecraft after its flight controllers on Earth accidentally sent out a wrong command more than a week ago.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is searching for its missing Voyager 2 spacecraft after its flight controllers on Earth accidentally sent out a wrong command more than a week ago. The command prompted the Voyager to shift its communication signal a mere 2 per cent, which ended up cutting off the communications. "A series of planned commands sent to NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft on July 21 inadvertently caused the antenna to point 2 degrees away from Earth. As a result, Voyager 2 is currently unable to receive commands or transmit data back to Earth," Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), NASA's lab that operates the spacecraft, said in a statement Friday (July 28). Also read: NASA practising on Rum rocks ahead of Mars space mission NASA said Monday its huge antenna in Canberra was actively searching for any stray signals that might come from Voyager 2. The Guardian reported that it takes more than 18 hours for a signal to travel from Voyager 2 to Earth, given it is located more than 19bn km away from our home planet. What is NASA doing to recover the lost signals? The US space agency has said it will bombard Voyager 2’s vicinity with the correct command so that it hits the mark if the signal manages to reach the spacecraft. The signals will be sent from Canberra’s antenna in the coming weeks, said Nasa’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). NASA is hopeful. Here is why JPL reports that despite a temporary communication setback, Voyager 2 has a design that allows it to reset its orientation multiple times a year to realign its antenna with Earth. The next reset on October 15 is expected to restore communication. Watch: NASA launches uncrewed Roscosmos Soyuz spacecraft × “The mission team expects Voyager 2 to remain on its planned trajectory during the quiet period,” the statement from JPL added. More about Voyager 2 Launched on August 20, 1977, Voyager 2 is currently positioned more than 19.9 billion kilometres from Earth, residing in interstellar space—the area between our Sun's heliosphere and the astrospheres of other stars. NASA's Voyager 2 holds the distinction of being the second spacecraft to venture into space between stars. It achieved this feat on December 10, 2018, joining its twin, Voyager 1, as the only human-made objects to explore the space between stars. Remarkably, Voyager 1, located nearly 24bn km away from Earth, continues to operate flawlessly without any issues. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

One wrong command and NASA's Voyager 2 goes dark in interstellar space

<p>NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has spotted a peculiarly-shaped cloud hovering over the largest inland body of water on the planet, the Caspian Sea.</p>

<p>In sharp contrast with the typical diffused and dispersed cloud cover, this particular cloud had well-defined edges resembling something from a cartoon or something painted onto the scenery.</p>

<p>The cloud, which resembles what can be called a white smudge of paint, is a small stratocumulus cloud according to Bastiaan van Diedenhoven, who is an atmospheric scientist at SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If you zoom in on this imagery, which was captured via the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GOESEast?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GOESEast</a> 🛰️, the clouds seem to form the word "GO." 😃 <a href="https://t.co/JkfdzvckwP">pic.twitter.com/JkfdzvckwP</a></p>
— NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) <a href="https://twitter.com/NOAASatellites/status/1522592762318794755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 6, 2022</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Usually found during good weather conditions, cumulus clouds are detached “heaps” of “cauliflower-shaped” clouds and form at low altitudes, generally between 600 and 2,000 metres.</p>

<p>Spanning a layer about 100 kilometres, the stratocumulus cloud in the picture is hovering at an altitude of about 1,500 metres.</p>

<p>The image of the cloud, which has gone viral on social media, has garnered hundreds of likes and has been shared multiple times.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nasa-is-launching-a-probe-into-ufo-sightings-487052/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>While a Twitter user commented “Google, the eye in the sky," another wrote “Zoom in more it spells GOD."&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Sharp edges are often formed when dry, warm air coming from land collides with colder moist air over the ocean, and the cloud forms at that boundary. You often see this off the west coast of Africa but at much larger scales," said Diedenhoven.</p>

<p>He believes that the cloud drifted to the coast of Makhachkala from the Caspian Sea during the afternoon and dissipated when it reached land.</p>

<p>It comes after there were reports that cosmic cannibalism is taking place in space as a dead star is ripping apart its planetary system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Using the archival data from the Hubble Space Telescope, NASA scientists have found that a White Dwarf star called G238-44 is responsible for the phenomenon which is happening for the first time.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>Watch WION's live TV here:</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1&lt;/div">&amp;times;</iframe></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div>


NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has spotted a peculiarly-shaped cloud hovering over the largest inland body of water on the planet, the Caspian Sea.

NASA’s Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) has spotted a peculiarly-shaped cloud hovering over the largest inland body of water on the planet, the Caspian Sea. In sharp contrast with the typical diffused and dispersed cloud cover, this particular cloud had well-defined edges resembling something from a cartoon or something painted onto the scenery. The cloud, which resembles what can be called a white smudge of paint, is a small stratocumulus cloud according to Bastiaan van Diedenhoven, who is an atmospheric scientist at SRON Netherlands Institute for Space Research. If you zoom in on this imagery, which was captured via the #GOESEast 🛰️, the clouds seem to form the word "GO." 😃 pic.twitter.com/JkfdzvckwP — NOAA Satellites (@NOAASatellites) May 6, 2022 × Usually found during good weather conditions, cumulus clouds are detached “heaps” of “cauliflower-shaped” clouds and form at low altitudes, generally between 600 and 2,000 metres. Spanning a layer about 100 kilometres, the stratocumulus cloud in the picture is hovering at an altitude of about 1,500 metres. The image of the cloud, which has gone viral on social media, has garnered hundreds of likes and has been shared multiple times. × While a Twitter user commented “Google, the eye in the sky," another wrote “Zoom in more it spells GOD." “Sharp edges are often formed when dry, warm air coming from land collides with colder moist air over the ocean, and the cloud forms at that boundary. You often see this off the west coast of Africa but at much larger scales," said Diedenhoven. He believes that the cloud drifted to the coast of Makhachkala from the Caspian Sea during the afternoon and dissipated when it reached land. It comes after there were reports that cosmic cannibalism is taking place in space as a dead star is ripping apart its planetary system. Using the archival data from the Hubble Space Telescope, NASA scientists have found that a White Dwarf star called G238-44 is responsible for the phenomenon which is happening for the first time. (With inputs from agencies) Watch WION's live TV here:

'Zoom in more it spells GOD': NASA spots peculiar cloud hovering over Caspian Sea

<p>American spcae agency NASA has shared a video depicting the explosion of a gigantic star which is 70 million light years away from the Earth.</p>

<p>The thermonuclear explosion was captured by the <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/feature/goddard/2020/hubble-watches-exploding-star-fade-into-oblivion/?utm_source=TWITTER&amp;utm_medium=NASAHubble&amp;utm_campaign=NASASocial&amp;linkId=100924096">Hubble Space Telescope</a> which is jointly run by NASA and the Euoropean Sapce Agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The type of supernova seen in this sequence originated from a burned-out star,&nbsp;a white dwarf located in a close binary system, that is accreting material from its companion star.</p>

<p>When the white dwarf reaches a critical mass, its core becomes hot enough to ignite nuclear fusion, turning it into a giant atomic bomb. This thermonuclear runaway process tears the dwarf apart. The opulence is short-lived as the fireball fades away.</p>

<p>According to the introduction of the video it zooms into the barred spiral galaxy NGC 2525, located 70 million light-years away in the southern constellation Puppis.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GQ13j55P3sE" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Roughly half the diameter of our Milky Way, it was discovered by British astronomer William Herschel in 1791 as a "spiral nebula."</p>

<p>In the time-lapse sequence, spanning nearly a year, the supernova first appears as a blazing star located on the galaxy's outer edge. It initially outshines the brightest stars in the galaxy before fading out of sight.</p>

<p>Nobel laureate Adam Riess, of the Space Telescope Science Institute and Johns Hopkins University&nbsp;in Baltimore,&nbsp;leader of the&nbsp;High-z Supernova Search Team, said&nbsp;"No Earthly fireworks display can compete with this supernova, captured in its fading glory by the Hubble Space Telescope.</p>

<p>Knowing the actual brightness of the supernova and observing its brightness in the sky, astronomers can calculate the distances of their host galaxies. This allows astronomers to measure the expansion rate of the universe.</p>

<p>Hubble didn't record the initial blast in January 2018, but for nearly one year took consecutive photos, from 2018 to 2019, that have been assembled into a time-lapse sequence. At its peak, the exploding star was as bright as 5 billion Suns.</p>


American spcae agency NASA has shared a video depicting the explosion of a gigantic star which is 70 million light years away from the Earth. The thermonuclear explosion was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope which is jointly run by NASA and the Euoropean Sapce Agency.

American spcae agency NASA has shared a video depicting the explosion of a gigantic star which is 70 million light years away from the Earth. The thermonuclear explosion was captured by the Hubble Space Telescope which is jointly run by NASA and the Euoropean Sapce Agency. The type of supernova seen in this sequence originated from a burned-out star, a white dwarf located in a close binary system, that is accreting material from its companion star. When the white dwarf reaches a critical mass, its core becomes hot enough to ignite nuclear fusion, turning it into a giant atomic bomb. This thermonuclear runaway process tears the dwarf apart. The opulence is short-lived as the fireball fades away. According to the introduction of the video it zooms into the barred spiral galaxy NGC 2525, located 70 million light-years away in the southern constellation Puppis. Roughly half the diameter of our Milky Way, it was discovered by British astronomer William Herschel in 1791 as a "spiral nebula." In the time-lapse sequence, spanning nearly a year, the supernova first appears as a blazing star located on the galaxy's outer edge. It initially outshines the brightest stars in the galaxy before fading out of sight. Nobel laureate Adam Riess, of the Space Telescope Science Institute and Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, leader of the High-z Supernova Search Team, said "No Earthly fireworks display can compete with this supernova, captured in its fading glory by the Hubble Space Telescope. Knowing the actual brightness of the supernova and observing its brightness in the sky, astronomers can calculate the distances of their host galaxies. This allows astronomers to measure the expansion rate of the universe. Hubble didn't record the initial blast in January 2018, but for nearly one year took consecutive photos, from 2018 to 2019, that have been assembled into a time-lapse sequence. At its peak, the exploding star was as bright as 5 billion Suns.

NASA's new stunning time lapse video shows a gigantic star exploding

<p>NASA&nbsp;on Thursday launched an effort to pay companies to mine resources on the moon, announcing it would buy from them rocks, dirt and other lunar materials as the US&nbsp;space agency seeks to spur private extraction of coveted off-world resources for its use.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">✨ We're looking for the next class of NASA flight directors, and today is the last day to apply.<br />
<br />
Be part of the team leading astronauts on missions to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artemis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Artemis</a> missions to the Moon: <a href="https://t.co/6fRdqmQF6J">https://t.co/6fRdqmQF6J</a> <a href="https://t.co/MUITVVaRl1">pic.twitter.com/MUITVVaRl1</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1304096801109180422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>NASA&nbsp;Administrator Jim Bridenstine wrote in a blog post accompanying the announcement that the plans would not violate a 1967 treaty that holds that celestial bodies and space are exempt from national claims of ownership.</p>

<p><img alt="NASA" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="3ca9a100-dd8b-43bf-8033-dd7910bb450a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2852%29_4.jpg" /></p>

<p><em><strong>FILE PHOTO:&nbsp;NASA&nbsp;Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks about the upcoming year's budget during an address to the workers at&nbsp;NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US&nbsp;March 11, 2019/REUTERS</strong></em></p>

<p>The initiative, targeting companies that plan to send robots to mine lunar resources, is part of&nbsp;NASA's goal of setting what Bridenstine called "norms of behavior" in space and allowing private mining on the moon in ways&nbsp;that could help&nbsp;sustain future astronaut missions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA&nbsp;said it views the mined resources as the property of the company, and the materials would become "the sole property of&nbsp;NASA" after purchase.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bezoss-blue-origin-and-musks-spacex-to-collaborate-in-building-nasas-lunar-lander-296099">Bezos's Blue Origin and Musk's SpaceX to collaborate in building NASA's lunar lander</a></strong></p>

<p>Under&nbsp;NASA's Artemis program, President Donald Trump's administration envisions a return of American astronauts to the moon by 2024.&nbsp;NASA&nbsp;has cast such as mission as a precursor to a future first human voyage to Mars.</p>

<p>"The bottom line is we are going to buy some lunar soil for the purpose of it demonstrating that it can be done," Bridenstine said during an event hosted by the Secure World Foundation, a space policy organization.</p>

<p>Bridenstine said&nbsp;NASA&nbsp;eventually&nbsp;would buy more types of resources such as ice and other materials that may be discovered on the moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA&nbsp;in May set the stage for a global debate over the basic principles governing how people will live and work on the moon, releasing the main tenets of what it hopes will become an international pact for moon exploration called the Artemis Accords. This would permit companies to own the lunar resources they mine, a crucial element in allowing&nbsp;NASA&nbsp;contractors to convert the moon's water ice for rocket fuel or mine lunar minerals to construct landing pads.</p>

<p>Under the initiative disclosed on Thursday,&nbsp;NASA&nbsp;offered to purchase limited amounts of lunar resources and asked companies to offer proposals. Under contracts whose terms would vary,&nbsp;a company mining on the moon would collect lunar rocks or dirt to sell to&nbsp;NASA&nbsp;without having to bring the resources back to Earth.</p>

<p>&nbsp; "This is one small step for space resources, but a giant leap for policy and precedent," said&nbsp;Mike Gold,&nbsp;NASA's chief of international relations.</p>

<p>"They are paying the company to sell them a rock that the company owns. That's the product," Joanne Gabrynowicz, former&nbsp;editor-in-chief of the Journal of Space Law, said in an interview. "A company has to decide for itself if it's worth taking the financial and technological risk to do this to sell a rock."</p>


NASA on Thursday launched an effort to pay companies to mine resources on the moon, announcing it would buy from them rocks, dirt and other lunar materials as the US space agency seeks to spur private extraction of coveted off-world resources for its use.

NASA on Thursday launched an effort to pay companies to mine resources on the moon, announcing it would buy from them rocks, dirt and other lunar materials as the US space agency seeks to spur private extraction of coveted off-world resources for its use. ✨ We're looking for the next class of NASA flight directors, and today is the last day to apply. Be part of the team leading astronauts on missions to the @Space_Station and #Artemis missions to the Moon: https://t.co/6fRdqmQF6J pic.twitter.com/MUITVVaRl1 — NASA (@NASA) September 10, 2020 × NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine wrote in a blog post accompanying the announcement that the plans would not violate a 1967 treaty that holds that celestial bodies and space are exempt from national claims of ownership. FILE PHOTO: NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine speaks about the upcoming year's budget during an address to the workers at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, US March 11, 2019/REUTERS The initiative, targeting companies that plan to send robots to mine lunar resources, is part of NASA's goal of setting what Bridenstine called "norms of behavior" in space and allowing private mining on the moon in ways that could help sustain future astronaut missions. NASA said it views the mined resources as the property of the company, and the materials would become "the sole property of NASA" after purchase. Also read: Bezos's Blue Origin and Musk's SpaceX to collaborate in building NASA's lunar lander Under NASA's Artemis program, President Donald Trump's administration envisions a return of American astronauts to the moon by 2024. NASA has cast such as mission as a precursor to a future first human voyage to Mars. "The bottom line is we are going to buy some lunar soil for the purpose of it demonstrating that it can be done," Bridenstine said during an event hosted by the Secure World Foundation, a space policy organization. Bridenstine said NASA eventually would buy more types of resources such as ice and other materials that may be discovered on the moon. NASA in May set the stage for a global debate over the basic principles governing how people will live and work on the moon, releasing the main tenets of what it hopes will become an international pact for moon exploration called the Artemis Accords. This would permit companies to own the lunar resources they mine, a crucial element in allowing NASA contractors to convert the moon's water ice for rocket fuel or mine lunar minerals to construct landing pads. Under the initiative disclosed on Thursday, NASA offered to purchase limited amounts of lunar resources and asked companies to offer proposals. Under contracts whose terms would vary, a company mining on the moon would collect lunar rocks or dirt to sell to NASA without having to bring the resources back to Earth. "This is one small step for space resources, but a giant leap for policy and precedent," said Mike Gold, NASA's chief of international relations. "They are paying the company to sell them a rock that the company owns. That's the product," Joanne Gabrynowicz, former editor-in-chief of the Journal of Space Law, said in an interview. "A company has to decide for itself if it's worth taking the financial and technological risk to do this to sell a rock."

NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome

NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover lifted off successfully on July 30 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The rover will take about seven months to travel to Mars and will search for signs of life, explore the planet's geology, and much more.

WION Dispatch: NASA's Helicopter to fly to Mars, NASA Mars Rover 2020

NASA sends a helicopter along with the rover to Mars

How NASA's Ingenuity helicopter will help Perseverance rover in Mars

A new probe built by NASA and the European Space Agency set off on a blazing hot journey to the sun on Sunday (February 9) to take the first close-up look at the star's polar regions, a mission expected to yield insight into how solar radiant energy affects Earth.

Solar probe embarks on unprecedented mission to map sun's polar regions

nasa-news

Nasa News, News on Nasa News, stories on Nasa News, articles on Nasa News, Nasa News stories at Wion, Nasa News news, Nasa News latest news

nasa news

NASA's asteroid-bound spacecraft sends its last laser message from deep space. Here's why that matters

How to become a NASA astronaut? All requirements listed

NASA confirms space rock bigger than 'Qutub Minar' is moving toward Earth

NASA BANNED CHINESE nationals from working on its space programmes. Why?

‘Icy moons, space volcanos and more’: 7 most incredible discoveries of Voyager-1

NASA’s X-59 is helping revive supersonic passenger flights! Here’s how

What is NASA's SpaceX Crew-10 mission? 4 Astronauts splash down in Pacific Ocean

'$67 million project': NASA’s NICER Telescope faces glitch in space

Where are we in Universe? Scientists turn to Black Holes to locate Earth, but...

Devastating legacy of Musk led DOGE: More than 20% NASA employees quit

NASA faces major workforce shake-up as nearly 4,000 employees set to exit

NASA's X‑59 'son of Concorde' achieves major milestone before its maiden flight

From NASA to ISRO: Look at the 6 most expensive space missions ever

Parker Solar Probe: Humanity's First Touch Of The Sun

Parker Solar Probe: Humanity's First Touch Of The Sun

US family claims over $80,000 from NASA after space debris hit their home

Nasa names 2024 innovative concept studies

One wrong command and NASA's Voyager 2 goes dark in interstellar space

'Zoom in more it spells GOD': NASA spots peculiar cloud hovering over Caspian Sea

NASA's new stunning time lapse video shows a gigantic star exploding

NASA seeking explorers for mining on the moon, all nationalities welcome

WION Dispatch: NASA's Helicopter to fly to Mars, NASA Mars Rover 2020

NASA sends a helicopter along with the rover to Mars

How NASA's Ingenuity helicopter will help Perseverance rover in Mars

Solar probe embarks on unprecedented mission to map sun's polar regions