NASA is preparing to send four astronauts to the International Space Station under its SpaceX Crew-12 mission, marking the 12th crew rotation flight under the Commercial Crew Programme. The mission will carry astronauts from the United States, Europe and Russia for an eight-month stay in orbit, focused on science, technology tests and station maintenance.The crew will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida.&nbsp;<h2>SpaceX Crew-12 mission</h2>Crew-12 is a long-duration mission to the International Space Station. The astronauts will join Expedition 74, living and working in space for around eight months.The mission will focus on research that supports future Moon and Mars missions and delivers benefits on Earth. This includes experiments on human health, plant growth, and new space technologies.The Dragon spacecraft used for Crew-12 has already flown multiple missions, including earlier NASA crew flights and private astronaut missions.&nbsp;<h2>Astronauts on Crew-12</h2>The mission brings together four crew members from different space agencies.NASA astronaut&nbsp;Jessica Meir is the mission commander. This will be her second spaceflight. She previously spent more than 200 days aboard the space station and took part in the first all-women spacewalks.NASA astronaut&nbsp;Jack Hathaway will serve as pilot. Crew-12 will be his first space mission. Hathaway is a US Navy commander with more than 2,500 flight hours.Joining them are&nbsp;Sophie Adenot from the European Space Agency and&nbsp;Andrey Fedyaev from Roscosmos, both serving as mission specialists. For Adenot, this will be her first spaceflight, while Fedyaev has already completed one long-duration mission aboard the ISS.&nbsp;<h2>What science Crew-12 will carry out in space</h2>During their stay, the astronauts will run a wide range of experiments. According to NASA, these include studies on pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve treatments, research on blood flow in microgravity, and tests to produce intravenous fluids on demand in space.The crew will also work on automated plant health monitoring and experiments involving plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes. These studies aim to improve food production for future deep-space missions.In addition, Crew-12 will help maintain the space station, support visiting cargo spacecraft and assist with crew handovers.&nbsp;<h2>How the launch and docking will happen</h2>After liftoff, the Falcon 9 rocket will push Dragon to speeds of about 17,500 miles per hour. The spacecraft will then perform a series of automated manoeuvres to dock with the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module.Although Dragon is designed to dock on its own, the crew can take manual control if needed. Once docked, the astronauts will be welcomed by the Expedition 74 crew already on board.&nbsp;<h2>Why Crew-12 matters for NASA’s future plans</h2>NASA says the International Space Station remains a key testbed for long-duration human spaceflight. Lessons from missions like Crew-12 help the agency prepare for the Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon and later send astronauts to Mars.As commercial companies handle routine trips to low Earth orbit, NASA is focusing more on deep-space exploration. Crew-12 is part of that transition, combining international cooperation, commercial spacecraft and long-term science in space.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 will send four astronauts to the International Space Station for an eight-month mission focused on science, station upkeep and preparing for Moon and Mars missions.

NASA is preparing to send four astronauts to the International Space Station under its SpaceX Crew-12 mission, marking the 12th crew rotation flight under the Commercial Crew Programme. The mission will carry astronauts from the United States, Europe and Russia for an eight-month stay in orbit, focused on science, technology tests and station maintenance. The crew will travel aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft named Freedom, launched on a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida. SpaceX Crew-12 mission Crew-12 is a long-duration mission to the International Space Station. The astronauts will join Expedition 74, living and working in space for around eight months. The mission will focus on research that supports future Moon and Mars missions and delivers benefits on Earth. This includes experiments on human health, plant growth, and new space technologies. The Dragon spacecraft used for Crew-12 has already flown multiple missions, including earlier NASA crew flights and private astronaut missions. Astronauts on Crew-12 The mission brings together four crew members from different space agencies. NASA astronaut Jessica Meir is the mission commander. This will be her second spaceflight. She previously spent more than 200 days aboard the space station and took part in the first all-women spacewalks. NASA astronaut Jack Hathaway will serve as pilot. Crew-12 will be his first space mission. Hathaway is a US Navy commander with more than 2,500 flight hours. Joining them are Sophie Adenot from the European Space Agency and Andrey Fedyaev from Roscosmos, both serving as mission specialists. For Adenot, this will be her first spaceflight, while Fedyaev has already completed one long-duration mission aboard the ISS. What science Crew-12 will carry out in space During their stay, the astronauts will run a wide range of experiments. According to NASA, these include studies on pneumonia-causing bacteria to improve treatments, research on blood flow in microgravity, and tests to produce intravenous fluids on demand in space. The crew will also work on automated plant health monitoring and experiments involving plants and nitrogen-fixing microbes. These studies aim to improve food production for future deep-space missions. In addition, Crew-12 will help maintain the space station, support visiting cargo spacecraft and assist with crew handovers. How the launch and docking will happen After liftoff, the Falcon 9 rocket will push Dragon to speeds of about 17,500 miles per hour. The spacecraft will then perform a series of automated manoeuvres to dock with the space-facing port of the station’s Harmony module. Although Dragon is designed to dock on its own, the crew can take manual control if needed. Once docked, the astronauts will be welcomed by the Expedition 74 crew already on board. Why Crew-12 matters for NASA’s future plans NASA says the International Space Station remains a key testbed for long-duration human spaceflight. Lessons from missions like Crew-12 help the agency prepare for the Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon and later send astronauts to Mars. As commercial companies handle routine trips to low Earth orbit, NASA is focusing more on deep-space exploration. Crew-12 is part of that transition, combining international cooperation, commercial spacecraft and long-term science in space.

NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 will send four astronauts to the International Space Station for an eight-month mission focused on science, station upkeep and preparing for Moon and Mars missions.

What is NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mission: Everything you should know

NASA is using artificial intelligence to speed up the search for planets beyond our solar system. The latest tool, called ExoMiner++, helps scientists study huge amounts of space data and identify possible new exoplanets more quickly and accurately.Developed by researchers at NASA’s Ames Research Center, ExoMiner++ builds on earlier AI work and uses data from two major space missions Kepler and TESS.<h2>What is ExoMiner++</h2>ExoMiner++ is an AI-based software tool designed to analyse transit photometry data. This data comes from tiny dips in a star’s brightness when a planet passes in front of it, known as a transit.According to NASA, the goal of the ExoMiner project is to automatically sort through hundreds of thousands of such signals and flag the ones that are most likely caused by planets. Many signals turn out to be noise or other space events, such as eclipsing binary stars.The original ExoMiner, created in 2021, helped confirm 370 new exoplanets using Kepler data. The new version, ExoMiner++, has been trained using both Kepler and TESS data, making it more flexible and powerful.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Meet our new AI-enabled planet hunting tool: ExoMiner++ Available here: <a href="https://t.co/dDS9j1wbh8">https://t.co/dDS9j1wbh8</a> It&#39;s NASA&#39;s open-source software that uses artificial intelligence to help find exoplanets in publicly available data from the Kepler and TESS missions. Learn more:… <a href="https://t.co/e0iIr1BMB2">pic.twitter.com/e0iIr1BMB2</a>&mdash; NASA Ames (@NASAAmes) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAAmes/status/2019460935400718651?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 5, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How ExoMiner++ uses AI to find planets</h2>ExoMiner++ uses machine learning to classify transit signals and decide whether they are likely to be planets. In an early test run using TESS data, the tool flagged around 7,000 targets as potential exoplanet candidates.NASA scientists explain that an exoplanet candidate is not a confirmed planet. These signals still need follow-up observations from other telescopes. However, AI helps narrow down the list, saving scientists years of manual work.Miguel Martinho, a co-investigator on the project at NASA Ames, said AI is ideal for this task because of the sheer volume of data involved. According to him, when there are hundreds of thousands of signals, deep learning tools become essential.<h2>Data from Kepler and TESS&nbsp;</h2>Kepler and TESS observe space in different ways. Kepler studied a small area of the sky in great detail, while TESS scans almost the entire sky, focusing on nearby stars.Despite these differences, NASA says the data from both missions is compatible. This allows ExoMiner++ to learn from both datasets and deliver more reliable results. Project lead Hamed Valizadegan noted that combining data from the two missions allows strong scientific returns with limited resources.<h2>What comes next</h2>ExoMiner++ is open-source and available on GitHub. This means researchers around the world can download it, test it, and use it on public space data.Kevin Murphy, NASA’s chief science data officer, said open-source tools help scientists reproduce results and explore data more deeply. He added that open data and shared code are key parts of modern scientific research.NASA researchers are already working on the next version of ExoMiner++. In the future, the tool may not just analyse transit signals but also detect them directly from raw telescope data.Jon Jenkins, an exoplanet scientist at NASA Ames, said NASA’s open science approach is improving both research and software. According to him, open-source science is one of the main reasons the field of exoplanet discovery is moving so fast.As more space data becomes available, tools like ExoMiner++ are expected to play a central role in finding new worlds beyond Earth.

NASA has developed ExoMiner++, an AI tool that speeds up the search for exoplanets by analysing massive datasets from Kepler and TESS. The system helps scientists quickly identify promising planets.

NASA is using artificial intelligence to speed up the search for planets beyond our solar system. The latest tool, called ExoMiner++, helps scientists study huge amounts of space data and identify possible new exoplanets more quickly and accurately. Developed by researchers at NASA’s Ames Research Center, ExoMiner++ builds on earlier AI work and uses data from two major space missions Kepler and TESS. What is ExoMiner++ ExoMiner++ is an AI-based software tool designed to analyse transit photometry data. This data comes from tiny dips in a star’s brightness when a planet passes in front of it, known as a transit. According to NASA, the goal of the ExoMiner project is to automatically sort through hundreds of thousands of such signals and flag the ones that are most likely caused by planets. Many signals turn out to be noise or other space events, such as eclipsing binary stars. The original ExoMiner, created in 2021, helped confirm 370 new exoplanets using Kepler data. The new version, ExoMiner++, has been trained using both Kepler and TESS data, making it more flexible and powerful.

NASA has developed ExoMiner++, an AI tool that speeds up the search for exoplanets by analysing massive datasets from Kepler and TESS. The system helps scientists quickly identify promising planets.

What is NASA’s ExoMiner++? How AI is scanning space data and helping to find new planets

NASA has delayed its Moon mission once again after a fuel leak and communication issues emerged during a launch rehearsal. The problems were detected during pre-launch checks, forcing teams to halt proceedings and assess technical concerns before moving ahead.


NASA: NASA Moon Mission Delayed Again After Fuel Leak, Communication Issues During Rehearsa

Why did humans stop going to the Moon after the Apollo missions ended? NASA did the unthinkable by putting not one, but 12 men on the Moon. However, in 1972, it ended the mission, and it was never revived until the Artemis mission. Why?

Why did humans stop going to the Moon after the Apollo missions ended? NASA did the unthinkable by putting not one, but 12 men on the Moon. However, in 1972, it ended the mission, and it was never revived until the Artemis mission. Why?

Lost tech or lost interest? The truth behind why humans haven't returned to the Moon

NASA fuelled up the Artemis 2 mission's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on Monday (February 2) as part of a crucial test before Orion lifts off for the Moon. The space agency mission loaded the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with more than 700,000 gallons (2.65 million litres) of cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. Artemis 2 is scheduled to lift off not before February 8. However, the test showed a leak. Can this push the launch date forward? The good news is that even though the teams had to stop loading LH2 into the SLS core stage twice to deal with leaks, they were able to fix the problem immediately. The fuelling test ran over two days, starting January 31 and ending with the fuelling of the rocket. The wet dress rehearsal won't be over till 1 am EST, as all the loaded-up fuel will then be drained out. NASA hasn't officially called the test a success, as the test is still going on. It will hold a press conference at 12 pm EST on Tuesday (February 3) and reveal the details of the fuelling test.<h2>What were the leaks in Artemis 2 SLS?</h2>NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Canada's Jeremy Hansen are set to go on a 10-day trip around the moon. The initial plan was to take off on February 6. But since the wet rehearsal was moved forward by two days because of bad weather, the actual launch date was also pushed ahead to February 8. The leaks weren't unexpected, as Artemis 1 had faced similar leaks, given how LH2 can seep out of even the tiniest of places. Artemis 1 was supposed to launch in the spring of 2022, but it finally lifted off in November. The mission successfully sent an uncrewed Orion capsule to lunar orbit and back to Earth. The mission forms the basis for Artemis 2 as it showed that the spacecraft and other hardware could handle the rigours of deep space.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/artemis-2-wet-launch-begins-nasa-kennedy-space-center-1769928410232">Artemis 2 wet launch begins at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center: Launch date, astronauts and other details</a><h2>Why Artemis 2 mission matters?</h2>Artemis 2 will take humans out of Earth's orbit for the first time in over 50 years. The mission is crucial as NASA aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface once again after a long gap. The Apollo missions proved to be a huge step for humanity as Neil Armstrong and others touched down on the Moon in 1969. The fuel test precedes the final launch as it offers a chance to check all systems. Cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) has extremely tiny molecules which can leak from the smallest nook. The fuel test revealed that this could happen on the main day as well, and NASA engineers could troubleshoot it timely.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-american-flag-that-has-waited-56-years-to-go-to-space-finally-gets-its-chance-with-artemis-2-1769173675138">An American flag that has waited 56 years to go to space finally gets its chance with Artemis 2</a><h2>Why have humans never returned to the Moon after Apollo missions?</h2>However, ever since the Apollo mission ended, no one had ever returned to the Moon. This has been attributed to the loss of technology over the years, leading NASA to once again work on a robust mission. However, experts say the moon was never again on the radar. The political ambitions were fulfilled, a lot of lunar samples were collected, and NASA shifted its focus elsewhere. Besides, the Apollo mission cost billions of dollars. This Artemis 2 mission matters because humans are not only trying to build a colony on the Moon, but also use it as a base to launch towards Mars. A nuclear power reactor and a space station orbiting the Moon are in the plans, and will catapult humans towards exploring deep space like never before.

NASA Artemis 2 launch test: The wet rehearsal was carried out over two days, and the SLS rocket was loaded with fuel on the final day. It was a humongous task, which highlighted some problems with the rocket. Will Artemis 2 take off on February 8?

NASA fuelled up the Artemis 2 mission's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket on Monday (February 2) as part of a crucial test before Orion lifts off for the Moon. The space agency mission loaded the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket with more than 700,000 gallons (2.65 million litres) of cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) and liquid oxygen (LOX) on Pad 39B at Kennedy Space Center (KSC) in Florida. Artemis 2 is scheduled to lift off not before February 8. However, the test showed a leak. Can this push the launch date forward? The good news is that even though the teams had to stop loading LH2 into the SLS core stage twice to deal with leaks, they were able to fix the problem immediately. The fuelling test ran over two days, starting January 31 and ending with the fuelling of the rocket. The wet dress rehearsal won't be over till 1 am EST, as all the loaded-up fuel will then be drained out. NASA hasn't officially called the test a success, as the test is still going on. It will hold a press conference at 12 pm EST on Tuesday (February 3) and reveal the details of the fuelling test. What were the leaks in Artemis 2 SLS? NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch and Canada's Jeremy Hansen are set to go on a 10-day trip around the moon. The initial plan was to take off on February 6. But since the wet rehearsal was moved forward by two days because of bad weather, the actual launch date was also pushed ahead to February 8. The leaks weren't unexpected, as Artemis 1 had faced similar leaks, given how LH2 can seep out of even the tiniest of places. Artemis 1 was supposed to launch in the spring of 2022, but it finally lifted off in November. The mission successfully sent an uncrewed Orion capsule to lunar orbit and back to Earth. The mission forms the basis for Artemis 2 as it showed that the spacecraft and other hardware could handle the rigours of deep space. Also Read: Artemis 2 wet launch begins at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center: Launch date, astronauts and other details Why Artemis 2 mission matters? Artemis 2 will take humans out of Earth's orbit for the first time in over 50 years. The mission is crucial as NASA aims to land astronauts on the lunar surface once again after a long gap. The Apollo missions proved to be a huge step for humanity as Neil Armstrong and others touched down on the Moon in 1969. The fuel test precedes the final launch as it offers a chance to check all systems. Cryogenic liquid hydrogen (LH2) has extremely tiny molecules which can leak from the smallest nook. The fuel test revealed that this could happen on the main day as well, and NASA engineers could troubleshoot it timely. Also Read: An American flag that has waited 56 years to go to space finally gets its chance with Artemis 2 Why have humans never returned to the Moon after Apollo missions? However, ever since the Apollo mission ended, no one had ever returned to the Moon. This has been attributed to the loss of technology over the years, leading NASA to once again work on a robust mission. However, experts say the moon was never again on the radar. The political ambitions were fulfilled, a lot of lunar samples were collected, and NASA shifted its focus elsewhere. Besides, the Apollo mission cost billions of dollars. This Artemis 2 mission matters because humans are not only trying to build a colony on the Moon, but also use it as a base to launch towards Mars. A nuclear power reactor and a space station orbiting the Moon are in the plans, and will catapult humans towards exploring deep space like never before.

NASA Artemis 2 launch test: The wet rehearsal was carried out over two days, and the SLS rocket was loaded with fuel on the final day. It was a humongous task, which highlighted some problems with the rocket. Will Artemis 2 take off on February 8?

Artemis 2 wet rehearsal faces leaks: NASA loads 2.65mn litres fuel on rocket. Why the fuel test matters?

A high school student discovered more than 1.5 million unidentified space objects scanning data on a retired telescope, doing the unthinkable. The 18-year-old published his findings in 2024 in&nbsp;The Astronomical Journal, and his work has now been peer reviewed. It started as a project for the Caltech Planet Finder Academy. Under the program, students are able to work on and experience real-world astronomy challenges. Matteo Paz was given archival data from NASA's NEOWISE (Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) telescope. He had access to over 200 billion rows of spreadsheets, but could not humanly study and analyse all of them. He had the choice to restrict his research to a small subset of data.<h2>Algorithm scanned NEOWISE data and revealed millions of objects</h2>However, he took it up a notch and built an algorithm to scan and process the archive. Paz developed a machine-learning pipeline in six weeks that automated ML training and deployments. His algorithm could accurately detect light sources that were too faint and changed so subtly that they could have never been picked up by the naked eye.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/monk-eilmer-of-malmesbury-saw-halley-comet-first-1769586208160">'You source of tears...': A monk saw the 76-year comet TWICE 600 years before Edmond Halley did</a>&nbsp;Paz's algorithm was so good that it started detecting the tiniest of flickering and pulsing. There were objects that were fading and then returning. These included binary stars (quasars). It ended up finding 1.5 million such cosmic objects that had never been seen before. His work was not only published, but he was also awarded $250K in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Now scientists are wondering whether Paz's algorithm can be used to find such goldmines in the data of other telescopes that are no longer functioning. Kepler is one such telescope that was retired in the last decade, but contains a treasure trove of information, a lot of which remains to be scanned and studied.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-star-vanished-in-andromeda-galaxy-now-a-strange-red-source-is-puzzling-astronomers-1769174134762">A star vanished in Andromeda galaxy. Now a strange red source is puzzling astronomers</a><h2>NASA and telescope to detect asteroids</h2>NASA's NEOWISE telescope contains data spanning more than a decade. It was designed to find and measure asteroids and comets, and find anomalous objects in the solar system. The space telescope was launched in 2009 and discovered over 3,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs). It went momentarily out of service in 2011, before being revived in 2013 to identify hazardous asteroids. It was retired in August 2024. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help identify many more cosmic objects, and the technology is already being applied to NASA's James Webb Space Telescope. &nbsp;

NASA telescopes have so much data that a huge amount of it remains to be analysed. A high school student found 1.5 million objects in the universe on just one telescope designed to find asteroids. His findings earned him $250K.

A high school student discovered more than 1.5 million unidentified space objects scanning data on a retired telescope, doing the unthinkable. The 18-year-old published his findings in 2024 in The Astronomical Journal, and his work has now been peer reviewed. It started as a project for the Caltech Planet Finder Academy. Under the program, students are able to work on and experience real-world astronomy challenges. Matteo Paz was given archival data from NASA's NEOWISE (Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer) telescope. He had access to over 200 billion rows of spreadsheets, but could not humanly study and analyse all of them. He had the choice to restrict his research to a small subset of data. Algorithm scanned NEOWISE data and revealed millions of objects However, he took it up a notch and built an algorithm to scan and process the archive. Paz developed a machine-learning pipeline in six weeks that automated ML training and deployments. His algorithm could accurately detect light sources that were too faint and changed so subtly that they could have never been picked up by the naked eye. Also Read: 'You source of tears...': A monk saw the 76-year comet TWICE 600 years before Edmond Halley did Paz's algorithm was so good that it started detecting the tiniest of flickering and pulsing. There were objects that were fading and then returning. These included binary stars (quasars). It ended up finding 1.5 million such cosmic objects that had never been seen before. His work was not only published, but he was also awarded $250K in the Regeneron Science Talent Search. Now scientists are wondering whether Paz's algorithm can be used to find such goldmines in the data of other telescopes that are no longer functioning. Kepler is one such telescope that was retired in the last decade, but contains a treasure trove of information, a lot of which remains to be scanned and studied. Also Read: A star vanished in Andromeda galaxy. Now a strange red source is puzzling astronomers NASA and telescope to detect asteroids NASA's NEOWISE telescope contains data spanning more than a decade. It was designed to find and measure asteroids and comets, and find anomalous objects in the solar system. The space telescope was launched in 2009 and discovered over 3,000 near-Earth objects (NEOs). It went momentarily out of service in 2011, before being revived in 2013 to identify hazardous asteroids. It was retired in August 2024. Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help identify many more cosmic objects, and the technology is already being applied to NASA's James Webb Space Telescope.

NASA telescopes have so much data that a huge amount of it remains to be analysed. A high school student found 1.5 million objects in the universe on just one telescope designed to find asteroids. His findings earned him $250K.

1.5mn cosmic objects detected on retired telescope using AI by high schooler. Why it matters

NASA has started preparations for the Artemis 2 mission, with a "wet rehearsal" scheduled for February 2. The space agency will conduct a mission countdown simulation, during which it will perform a critical fueling test for the Space Launch System rocket ahead of the actual launch. While the actual fuelling test takes place on Monday, work began at approximately 8 pm ET on January 31. This is because launch flight controllers and pad engineers are required to take control of their stations 49 hours before the T-0 "launch" time scheduled for 9 pm ET on Monday. The wet dress rehearsal was earlier scheduled to start on the night of January 29, but was delayed because of cold weather. This is the last major test SLS has to pass before a crew of four astronauts takes off for the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. However, the two-day delay in the simulation has also led to the actual launch being pushed forward by two days. Instead of the original date of February 6, the rocket will now be launched no earlier than February 8.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-artemis-ii-launch-date-announced-humanity-returns-to-the-moon-after-53-years-1768364901950">Artemis II launch date announced: Humanity returns to the Moon after 53 years</a><h2>Artemis 2 launch window and astronauts</h2>The first launch window for Artemis 2 starts February 8 and will last until February 11. The Artemis 2 fueling test is being conducted at Launch Pad 39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The actual launch will happen from Launch Pad 39B at the same centre. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen will leave Earth's orbit for 10 days. They will board the Orion spacecraft and conduct a close flyby of the Moon to evaluate whether all equipment is working fine. Orion will then use the Moon's gravity to slingshot towards Earth.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/an-american-flag-that-has-waited-56-years-to-go-to-space-finally-gets-its-chance-with-artemis-2-1769173675138">An American flag that has waited 56 years to go to space finally gets its chance with Artemis 2</a><h2>Artemis 3 launch: Mission might not land humans on the Moon</h2>Artemis III is the actual planned landing mission that will be launched no earlier than mid-2027. However, NASA might have to alter its plans and may not land astronauts on the Moon. This is because of the heat shield issues on Orion and development delays in Starship. Due to valve problems in the spacecraft's life support system, Artemis III might turn into a crewed visit to the Lunar Gateway - a planned space station to be assembled in orbit around the Moon as part of the Artemis mission. The Gateway will serve as a communications hub, science laboratory, and habitation module for crews exploring the lunar surface. &nbsp;

Artemis 2 wet launch started on January 31 night,  with the countdown clock beginning at 8:13 pm EST, or L-48 hours. A simulated launch window opens at 9 pm on Monday, February 2. Artemis 2 will take off not before February 8.

NASA has started preparations for the Artemis 2 mission, with a "wet rehearsal" scheduled for February 2. The space agency will conduct a mission countdown simulation, during which it will perform a critical fueling test for the Space Launch System rocket ahead of the actual launch. While the actual fuelling test takes place on Monday, work began at approximately 8 pm ET on January 31. This is because launch flight controllers and pad engineers are required to take control of their stations 49 hours before the T-0 "launch" time scheduled for 9 pm ET on Monday. The wet dress rehearsal was earlier scheduled to start on the night of January 29, but was delayed because of cold weather. This is the last major test SLS has to pass before a crew of four astronauts takes off for the Moon for the first time in over 50 years. However, the two-day delay in the simulation has also led to the actual launch being pushed forward by two days. Instead of the original date of February 6, the rocket will now be launched no earlier than February 8. Also Read: Artemis II launch date announced: Humanity returns to the Moon after 53 years Artemis 2 launch window and astronauts The first launch window for Artemis 2 starts February 8 and will last until February 11. The Artemis 2 fueling test is being conducted at Launch Pad 39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The actual launch will happen from Launch Pad 39B at the same centre. NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen will leave Earth's orbit for 10 days. They will board the Orion spacecraft and conduct a close flyby of the Moon to evaluate whether all equipment is working fine. Orion will then use the Moon's gravity to slingshot towards Earth. Also Read: An American flag that has waited 56 years to go to space finally gets its chance with Artemis 2 Artemis 3 launch: Mission might not land humans on the Moon Artemis III is the actual planned landing mission that will be launched no earlier than mid-2027. However, NASA might have to alter its plans and may not land astronauts on the Moon. This is because of the heat shield issues on Orion and development delays in Starship. Due to valve problems in the spacecraft's life support system, Artemis III might turn into a crewed visit to the Lunar Gateway - a planned space station to be assembled in orbit around the Moon as part of the Artemis mission. The Gateway will serve as a communications hub, science laboratory, and habitation module for crews exploring the lunar surface.

Artemis 2 wet launch started on January 31 night, &nbsp;with the countdown clock beginning at 8:13 pm EST, or L-48 hours. A simulated launch window opens at 9 pm on Monday, February 2. Artemis 2 will take off not before February 8.

Artemis 2 wet launch begins at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center: Launch date, astronauts and other details

NASA has delayed the Artemis II crewed lunar flyby mission due to extreme cold weather at Kennedy Space Center, pushing the earliest launch from early February to no earlier than February 8, 2026.


Weather Wrecks Moon Plans: NASA Reschedules Artemis Liftoff

NASA has handed over its new 'Athena' system to the Chief Science Data Officer. This hybrid supercomputer-cloud platform reads massive datasets to simulate planetary dynamics, allowing NASA to design the ideal spacecraft before launch. 

NASA has handed over its new 'Athena' system to the Chief Science Data Officer. This hybrid supercomputer-cloud platform reads massive datasets to simulate planetary dynamics, allowing NASA to design the ideal spacecraft before launch.&nbsp;

Why NASA’s latest supercomputer could be as crucial as rockets for future spaceflight

Astronomers confirm a 4 percent chance that asteroid 2024 YR4, which is a 60 metre space rock, that could strike the Moon on 22 Dec 2032. An impact would blast debris into space and could send meteors toward Earth, threaten satellites and create a dazzling meteor show. 

NASA Tracks Asteroid Heading for Direct Lunar Impact, Countdown to Rare Lunar Collision Event

Cold Earth candidate HD 137010 b is similar to our planet in size. It orbits around its star in 355 days, meaning it is almost the same distance from its star as Earth is from the Sun. However, it is colder than Mars because its star is colder than the Sun. 

Cold Earth candidate HD 137010 b is similar to our planet in size. It orbits around its star in 355 days, meaning it is almost the same distance from its star as Earth is from the Sun. However, it is colder than Mars because its star is colder than the Sun.&nbsp;

Retired Kepler Telescope was hiding a 'cold Earth' candidate 146 light-years away. Here is why it matters

NASA's James Webb Telescope reveals the sharpest-ever map of dark matter, confirming its role as the universe's "invisible scaffolding." Discover how dark matter's gravity shaped galaxies and paved the way for life on Earth.

NASA's James Webb Telescope reveals the sharpest-ever map of dark matter, confirming its role as the universe's "invisible scaffolding." Discover how dark matter's gravity shaped galaxies and paved the way for life on Earth.

How dark matter acts like the universe's web: NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope sees 800,000 galaxies

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired after a remarkable 27-year career marked by three space missions, 608 days in orbit, nine spacewalks and record-setting achievements aboard the International Space Station. In this video we look back at her milestones, leadership, contributions to future exploration, and lasting legacy inspiring generations of space explorer.

NASA Astronaut Sunita Williams Retires: Looking Back At Her Legacy 

The James Webb Space Telescope has taken a closer look at the Eye of Sauron or Eye of God. Layers of gas shed by a dying star can be seen in new images of the Helix nebula, with a white dwarf, the remnant of the core of a dead star, clearly visible. This white dwarf is shedding a ton of hot material that is crashing into the cold shell of gas and dust. Everything that this dead star is releasing will become the source for the formation of new planets and stars. This is exactly what will happen to our Sun also one day, billions of years from now, when it will die. Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) got a good look at a tiny portion of the nebula to reveal knots in it that appear like comets, along with gas and stellar winds. Inside an expanding shell of gas are cloudy pillars that look like flames. The nebula's unique shape comes from how the hot gas interacts with the cold shell.&nbsp;Fast-moving fiery gas collides with the slower, colder shells of gas and dust that were shed by the star way back. Deep inside the heart of this nebula lies the white dwarf. It is extremely bright because of the intense radiation being released by it. This acts as a cosmic spotlight, illuminating stellar material discarded in the past that is present in layers. Near the white dwarf is hot ionised gas, with cooler molecular hydrogen farther out. Dust clouds contain pockets where, in the future, more complex molecules will form, providing the raw material for planets and star systems.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/scientists-reveal-some-asteroids-could-become-even-more-lethal-as-they-enter-earth-1768826705999">Scientists reveal some asteroids could become even more lethal as they enter Earth</a><h2>Eye of Sauron nebula</h2>Sharing details of the image of the Eye of God, &nbsp;NASA said that the blue hue shows the hottest gas in this field, energised by intense ultraviolet light from the white dwarf. The cool has is represented in the yellow regions where hydrogen atoms join into molecules. At the edges of the nebula, the reddish colour shows the coolest material. The Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, resides in the constellation Aquarius, 650 light-years from Earth. It looks like a giant eye in space, thus lending it this iconic name.&nbsp; &nbsp;

The Eye of Sauron nebula, the Helix nebula, has a giant white dwarf, and the Webb telescope has just got a good look at it. New images taken by the NASA telescope show stellar winds and gas clouds that will birth future stars and planets.

The James Webb Space Telescope has taken a closer look at the Eye of Sauron or Eye of God. Layers of gas shed by a dying star can be seen in new images of the Helix nebula, with a white dwarf, the remnant of the core of a dead star, clearly visible. This white dwarf is shedding a ton of hot material that is crashing into the cold shell of gas and dust. Everything that this dead star is releasing will become the source for the formation of new planets and stars. This is exactly what will happen to our Sun also one day, billions of years from now, when it will die. Webb’s NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) got a good look at a tiny portion of the nebula to reveal knots in it that appear like comets, along with gas and stellar winds. Inside an expanding shell of gas are cloudy pillars that look like flames. The nebula's unique shape comes from how the hot gas interacts with the cold shell. Fast-moving fiery gas collides with the slower, colder shells of gas and dust that were shed by the star way back. Deep inside the heart of this nebula lies the white dwarf. It is extremely bright because of the intense radiation being released by it. This acts as a cosmic spotlight, illuminating stellar material discarded in the past that is present in layers. Near the white dwarf is hot ionised gas, with cooler molecular hydrogen farther out. Dust clouds contain pockets where, in the future, more complex molecules will form, providing the raw material for planets and star systems. Also Read: Scientists reveal some asteroids could become even more lethal as they enter Earth Eye of Sauron nebula Sharing details of the image of the Eye of God, NASA said that the blue hue shows the hottest gas in this field, energised by intense ultraviolet light from the white dwarf. The cool has is represented in the yellow regions where hydrogen atoms join into molecules. At the edges of the nebula, the reddish colour shows the coolest material. The Helix Nebula, or NGC 7293, resides in the constellation Aquarius, 650 light-years from Earth. It looks like a giant eye in space, thus lending it this iconic name.

The Eye of Sauron nebula, the Helix nebula, has a giant white dwarf, and the Webb telescope has just got a good look at it. New images taken by the NASA telescope show stellar winds and gas clouds that will birth future stars and planets.

Webb peers deep inside the Eye of God, spotting core of a dead star

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired from her duties after 27 years with the space agency. Her retirement is effective December 27, NASA said in a statement. Williams is a former Navy pilot and joined NASA in 1998. "Suni Williams has been a trailblazer in human spaceflight, shaping the future of exploration through her leadership aboard the space station and paving the way for commercial missions to low Earth orbit,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in the statement. The Indian-American took her first trip to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on December 9, 2006. She performed her first extra-vehicular activity, or a spacewalk, during the same mission. However, her trip to the ISS in 2024 aboard the Boeing Starliner is what caught the most attention. She was only supposed to stay there for a week in June, but could only return in March 2025 after the Starliner faced difficulties.<h2>Sunita Williams spacetime and spacewalks</h2>Williams was stranded in space along with Butch Wilmore after they launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024,&nbsp;for its first crewed flight. However, the spacecraft experienced troubles, and they became Expedition 71/72 crewmembers. NASA contemplated several ways to return them, but nothing worked. The Starliner was finally brought back empty. The duo was stuck for nine months before they finally returned in March 2025 as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission. Williams' illustrious career includes 62 hours and 6 minutes of total spacewalk time, the most of any female astronaut, and fourth on NASA’s all-time list. She has logged 608 days in space over her three flights.<h2>Sunita Williams joins NASA</h2>Sunita Williams was chosen as an astronaut by NASA in June 1998. After completing her training, she worked in Moscow with the Russian Space Agency on the Russian contribution to the space station. She also lived underwater for nine days as a NEEMO2 crew member in the Aquarius habitat. She took her first trip to space as part of Expedition 14/15, from December 9, 2006, to June 22, 2007, as Flight Engineer. She set a record for female astronauts at the time for four spacewalks totalling 29 hours and 17 minutes.&nbsp;In 2012, Williams launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, along with Russian Soyuz commander Yuri Malenchenko and Flight Engineer Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. She spent four months on the space station and carried out scientific research. This time, she performed three spacewalks to replace a component that relays power from the space station’s solar arrays to its systems, and repair an ammonia leak on a station radiator. &nbsp;

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired, saying goodbye to her glorious journey of 27 years. She took three flights to space, spent more than 600 days and did a few spacewalks.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired from her duties after 27 years with the space agency. Her retirement is effective December 27, NASA said in a statement. Williams is a former Navy pilot and joined NASA in 1998. "Suni Williams has been a trailblazer in human spaceflight, shaping the future of exploration through her leadership aboard the space station and paving the way for commercial missions to low Earth orbit,” NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman said in the statement. The Indian-American took her first trip to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Space Shuttle Discovery on December 9, 2006. She performed her first extra-vehicular activity, or a spacewalk, during the same mission. However, her trip to the ISS in 2024 aboard the Boeing Starliner is what caught the most attention. She was only supposed to stay there for a week in June, but could only return in March 2025 after the Starliner faced difficulties. Sunita Williams spacetime and spacewalks Williams was stranded in space along with Butch Wilmore after they launched aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft on June 5, 2024, for its first crewed flight. However, the spacecraft experienced troubles, and they became Expedition 71/72 crewmembers. NASA contemplated several ways to return them, but nothing worked. The Starliner was finally brought back empty. The duo was stuck for nine months before they finally returned in March 2025 as part of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 mission. Williams' illustrious career includes 62 hours and 6 minutes of total spacewalk time, the most of any female astronaut, and fourth on NASA’s all-time list. She has logged 608 days in space over her three flights. Sunita Williams joins NASA Sunita Williams was chosen as an astronaut by NASA in June 1998. After completing her training, she worked in Moscow with the Russian Space Agency on the Russian contribution to the space station. She also lived underwater for nine days as a NEEMO2 crew member in the Aquarius habitat. She took her first trip to space as part of Expedition 14/15, from December 9, 2006, to June 22, 2007, as Flight Engineer. She set a record for female astronauts at the time for four spacewalks totalling 29 hours and 17 minutes. In 2012, Williams launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, along with Russian Soyuz commander Yuri Malenchenko and Flight Engineer Akihiko Hoshide of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. She spent four months on the space station and carried out scientific research. This time, she performed three spacewalks to replace a component that relays power from the space station’s solar arrays to its systems, and repair an ammonia leak on a station radiator.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams has retired, saying goodbye to her glorious journey of 27 years. She took three flights to space, spent more than 600 days and did a few spacewalks.

NASA astronaut Sunita Williams bids adieu to her space endeavours after 27 years

NASA data shows our Sun will expand into a red giant in about 5 billion years, likely engulfing inner planets like Mercury, Venus, and possibly Earth, marking a fiery end for our planet.


NASA's Warning: Red Giant Threat To Humanity

NASA data shows our Sun will expand into a red giant in about 5 billion years, likely engulfing inner planets like Mercury, Venus, and possibly Earth, marking a fiery end for our planet.

NASA's Warning: Red Giants Devour Planets-Earth's Fate Sealed?

Four astronauts have safely splashed down on Earth after making an early exit from the International Space Station. The mission was cut short by nearly a month after one crew member fell seriously ill, prompting a precautionary return.


NASA: Four astronauts make early ISS exit after crew member falls sick

New data shows 2025 ranked among the hottest years ever recorded, according to NASA’s latest statement—yet the official release notably omits direct mention of climate change.


NASA data shows second hottest year but silence on human impact

Crew-11 astronauts Zena Cardman, Mike Fincke (NASA), Kimiya Yui (JAXA), and Oleg Platonov (Roscosmos) undocked from the ISS after 167 days, a month shorter than the planned February return. 


ISS Astronauts Home Early After 167 Days: Health Issue Forces Return 

The Dragon capsule Endeavour with Crew 11 astronauts has splashed down after they were evacuated from the International Space Station on medical grounds. The splashdown happened around 3:45 am ET after the spacecraft undocked from the ISS at 5:20 pm on January 14. NASA will hold a press conference at 5:45 am EST, briefing the media about the circumstances in which the crew was returned early. This is the first time a medical evacuation was carried out from the space station. &nbsp;US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu are back on Earth after being launched into space in August 2025. They were supposed to spend six months in orbit, but a few hours before a scheduled spacewalk, one of the astronauts fell sick and NASA decided to bring them back early.<h2>NASA press conference on crew return</h2>NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will hold a press conference later, where he is expected to announce what exactly went wrong and why the space agency decided to return the crew early. On January 8, Mike Fincke, the ISS commander, and flight engineer Zena Cardman were supposed to carry out a spacewalk to make certain fittings. However, one of the four fell sick, and it was cancelled. NASA did not reveal which astronaut had faced the issue or what it was. Dr James Polk, NASA's chief health and medical officer, said the agency was “erring on the side of caution for the crew member” even though it isn't an emergency.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-crew-evacuated-from-iss-what-time-will-astronauts-return-who-is-left-and-media-briefing-schedule-1768452717556">NASA crew evacuated from ISS: What time will astronauts return, who is left and media briefing schedule</a>&nbsp;The early return means that the space station is left without a new crew. The next batch of astronauts is supposed to fly to the space station on February 15. However, the ceremonial keys to the ISS were handed over to Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchov, who is there along with fellow cosmonaut Sergei Mikaev and NASA astronaut Chris Williams.&nbsp; &nbsp;

NASA's Crew 11 splashed down at 3:45 am EST safely, bringing back four astronauts: two Americans, one Russian and one Japanese. NASA will hold a press conference later to reveal the nature of the medical issue on board. It has not yet revealed which one of them faced a health issue.

The Dragon capsule Endeavour with Crew 11 astronauts has splashed down after they were evacuated from the International Space Station on medical grounds. The splashdown happened around 3:45 am ET after the spacecraft undocked from the ISS at 5:20 pm on January 14. NASA will hold a press conference at 5:45 am EST, briefing the media about the circumstances in which the crew was returned early. This is the first time a medical evacuation was carried out from the space station. US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu are back on Earth after being launched into space in August 2025. They were supposed to spend six months in orbit, but a few hours before a scheduled spacewalk, one of the astronauts fell sick and NASA decided to bring them back early. NASA press conference on crew return NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman will hold a press conference later, where he is expected to announce what exactly went wrong and why the space agency decided to return the crew early. On January 8, Mike Fincke, the ISS commander, and flight engineer Zena Cardman were supposed to carry out a spacewalk to make certain fittings. However, one of the four fell sick, and it was cancelled. NASA did not reveal which astronaut had faced the issue or what it was. Dr James Polk, NASA's chief health and medical officer, said the agency was “erring on the side of caution for the crew member” even though it isn't an emergency. Also Read: NASA crew evacuated from ISS: What time will astronauts return, who is left and media briefing schedule The early return means that the space station is left without a new crew. The next batch of astronauts is supposed to fly to the space station on February 15. However, the ceremonial keys to the ISS were handed over to Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchov, who is there along with fellow cosmonaut Sergei Mikaev and NASA astronaut Chris Williams.

NASA's Crew 11 splashed down at 3:45 am EST safely, bringing back four astronauts: two Americans, one Russian and one Japanese. NASA will hold a press conference later to reveal the nature of the medical issue on board. It has not yet revealed which one of them faced a health issue.

Dragon Endeavour splashes down with Crew 11 following first medical evacuation from ISS

2025 Ranks Among Hottest Year Ever Recorded; NASA Statement Omits Climate Change

NASA has carried out a medical evacuation for the first time in the history of the International Space Station on January 14. Crew 11 is on its way to splashing down after its time on the observatory in orbit was cut short after one of the astronauts faced a health issue. The crew comprises US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu. NASA has not confirmed which of them faced the problem and the nature of the health scare. Crew-11's Dragon capsule, named Endeavour, undocked at 5:20 pm EST. The spacecraft will face around an 11-hour deorbit trajectory, and is expected to splash down on Thursday (January 15) at 3:41 am EST. A post-landing press conference is scheduled for 5:45 am EST, in which the space agency is expected to share all details of the problem that occurred on the space station.<h2>NASA medical evacuation from ISS</h2>The crew was launched on August 1, 2025, and was supposed to spend six months in space. On January 8, a spacewalk was supposed to take place, to be carried out by Mike Fincke, the ISS commander, and flight engineer Zena Cardman. However, a few hours before it was to start, a medical problem arose, after which it was cancelled. Later, the space agency announced that it would be returning the crew in the next few days because of a health problem. Dr James Polk, NASA's chief health and medical officer, said at the time that it was not an emergency, but they were "erring on the side of caution for the crew member".Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-evacuating-iss-crew-on-medical-grounds-for-the-first-time-1767929858137">NASA evacuating ISS crew on medical grounds for the first time</a><h2>Who is left on the ISS? Is the space station empty?</h2>NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the end of the mission and that the spacewalk had been cancelled. A change of command ceremony took plance and Fincke handed over the symbolic ISS key to Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchov. "I'm proud of the swift effort across the agency thus far to ensure the safety of our astronauts," Isaacman said. The early return means that the ISS is without a new crew as the next one will not launch before February 15. The ISS now has only three people on board - Kud-Sverchov and fellow cosmonaut Sergei Mikaev, as well as NASA astronaut Chris Williams.&nbsp; &nbsp;

NASA ISS medical evacuation: Dragon capsule Endeavour undocked from the space station on the evening of January 14 and will splash down late at night on January 15. NASA returned a crew early on medical grounds for the first time. 

NASA has carried out a medical evacuation for the first time in the history of the International Space Station on January 14. Crew 11 is on its way to splashing down after its time on the observatory in orbit was cut short after one of the astronauts faced a health issue. The crew comprises US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu. NASA has not confirmed which of them faced the problem and the nature of the health scare. Crew-11's Dragon capsule, named Endeavour, undocked at 5:20 pm EST. The spacecraft will face around an 11-hour deorbit trajectory, and is expected to splash down on Thursday (January 15) at 3:41 am EST. A post-landing press conference is scheduled for 5:45 am EST, in which the space agency is expected to share all details of the problem that occurred on the space station. NASA medical evacuation from ISS The crew was launched on August 1, 2025, and was supposed to spend six months in space. On January 8, a spacewalk was supposed to take place, to be carried out by Mike Fincke, the ISS commander, and flight engineer Zena Cardman. However, a few hours before it was to start, a medical problem arose, after which it was cancelled. Later, the space agency announced that it would be returning the crew in the next few days because of a health problem. Dr James Polk, NASA's chief health and medical officer, said at the time that it was not an emergency, but they were "erring on the side of caution for the crew member". Also Read: NASA evacuating ISS crew on medical grounds for the first time Who is left on the ISS? Is the space station empty? NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the end of the mission and that the spacewalk had been cancelled. A change of command ceremony took plance and Fincke handed over the symbolic ISS key to Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Kud-Sverchov. "I'm proud of the swift effort across the agency thus far to ensure the safety of our astronauts," Isaacman said. The early return means that the ISS is without a new crew as the next one will not launch before February 15. The ISS now has only three people on board - Kud-Sverchov and fellow cosmonaut Sergei Mikaev, as well as NASA astronaut Chris Williams.

NASA ISS medical evacuation: Dragon capsule Endeavour undocked from the space station on the evening of January 14 and will splash down late at night on January 15. NASA returned a crew early on medical grounds for the first time.&nbsp;

NASA crew evacuated from ISS: What time will astronauts return, who is left and media briefing schedule

Space agency NASA said on Wednesday that a crew of four astronauts aboard the international space station (ISS) will return earlier than expected owing to a medical emergency in a SpaceX spacecraft.

SpaceX to Carry Out Nasa’s First-Ever Medical Evacuation From ISS

Four astronauts will return from the International Space Station more than a month ahead of schedule after an unnamed crew member experienced a medical issue.


NASA Crew to Make Rare Early Return After Medical Issue

NASA is preparing to conduct the first-ever medical evacuation from space, a historic milestone in human spaceflight and astronaut safety. This operation aims to safely transport an ill or injured astronaut back to Earth using advanced technologies and emergency protocols.

NASA to Conduct the First Ever Medical Evacuation From Space

In a rare move, NASA is cutting a mission aboard the International Space Station short after an astronaut had a medical issue. The space agency said the U.S.-Japanese-Russian crew of four will return to Earth in the coming days, earlier than planned. NASA canceled its first spacewalk of the year because of the health issue. The space agency did not identify the astronaut or the medical issue, citing patient privacy. The crew member is now stable.

Mayday in Orbit: NASA's First Emergency Space Medevac | The Race to Save the ISS Crew

NASA is evacuating a crew from the International Space Station for the first time in the history of the laboratory orbiting Earth. The space agency said that the step was being taken because an astronaut had faced a medical issue. Crew-11 went to the ISS in August 2025 and was to spend six months in space. It consists of US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu. NASA said on Thursday (January 8) that the US-Russian crew will return earlier than planned. This comes after it cancelled a spacewalk scheduled for the same day because of health concerns. It has not revealed the nature of the medical problem or the name of the astronaut. Dr James Polk, NASA's chief health and medical officer, said they were "erring on the side of caution for the crew member" even though it is not an emergency.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/first-spacewalk-of-2026-postponed-after-astronaut-suffers-medical-emergency-1767877990727">First spacewalk of 2026 postponed after astronaut suffers medical emergency</a><h2>Two spacewalks were scheduled for January 2026</h2>Polk added that this is the first medical evacuation in the history of the space station. In the past, astronauts have been treated for issues like toothaches and ear pain aboard the ISS. Thursday's spacewalk was to be carried out by Fincke, the ISS commander, and Zena Cardman, a flight engineer. They were to prepare an outer portion of the ISS for a future rollout of solar panels that would have helped the station function through its end years before it is de-orbited in 2030. Cardman was to perform his first spacewalk on his maiden trip to the ISS. It would have been the 10th spacewalk for Fincke. "I'm proud of the swift effort across the agency thus far to ensure the safety of our astronauts," NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-saw-something-bizarre-happening-88kms-above-earth-from-space-what-was-it-1767858927469">NASA saw something bizarre happening 88 km above Earth from space. What was it?</a><h2>How many astronauts are at the space station right now?</h2>Another spacewalk was due to take place on January 15, involving two other astronauts who were not named yet. They were to replace a high-definition camera, set up a new docking aid for spacecraft visiting the ISS, besides a few other things. However, now that NASA has announced plans to return the entire crew, this spacewalk is also effectively cancelled. The four astronauts were launched by SpaceX in August. Besides them, three other astronauts - NASA's Chris Williams and Russia's Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov - are at the ISS after arriving in November aboard a Soyuz rocket for an eight-month mission.&nbsp;

For the first time in the history of the International Space Station, NASA is returning a crew early for medical reasons. An astronaut has suffered a health episode, following which NASA made this decision. The nature of the issue or the name of the astronaut has not been disclosed.  

NASA is evacuating a crew from the International Space Station for the first time in the history of the laboratory orbiting Earth. The space agency said that the step was being taken because an astronaut had faced a medical issue. Crew-11 went to the ISS in August 2025 and was to spend six months in space. It consists of US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu. NASA said on Thursday (January 8) that the US-Russian crew will return earlier than planned. This comes after it cancelled a spacewalk scheduled for the same day because of health concerns. It has not revealed the nature of the medical problem or the name of the astronaut. Dr James Polk, NASA's chief health and medical officer, said they were "erring on the side of caution for the crew member" even though it is not an emergency. Also Read: First spacewalk of 2026 postponed after astronaut suffers medical emergency Two spacewalks were scheduled for January 2026 Polk added that this is the first medical evacuation in the history of the space station. In the past, astronauts have been treated for issues like toothaches and ear pain aboard the ISS. Thursday's spacewalk was to be carried out by Fincke, the ISS commander, and Zena Cardman, a flight engineer. They were to prepare an outer portion of the ISS for a future rollout of solar panels that would have helped the station function through its end years before it is de-orbited in 2030. Cardman was to perform his first spacewalk on his maiden trip to the ISS. It would have been the 10th spacewalk for Fincke. "I'm proud of the swift effort across the agency thus far to ensure the safety of our astronauts," NASA administrator Jared Isaacman said. Also Read: NASA saw something bizarre happening 88 km above Earth from space. What was it? How many astronauts are at the space station right now? Another spacewalk was due to take place on January 15, involving two other astronauts who were not named yet. They were to replace a high-definition camera, set up a new docking aid for spacecraft visiting the ISS, besides a few other things. However, now that NASA has announced plans to return the entire crew, this spacewalk is also effectively cancelled. The four astronauts were launched by SpaceX in August. Besides them, three other astronauts - NASA's Chris Williams and Russia's Sergei Mikaev and Sergei Kud-Sverchkov - are at the ISS after arriving in November aboard a Soyuz rocket for an eight-month mission.

For the first time in the history of the International Space Station, NASA is returning a crew early for medical reasons. An astronaut has suffered a health episode, following which NASA made this decision. The nature of the issue or the name of the astronaut has not been disclosed. &nbsp;

NASA evacuating ISS crew on medical grounds for the first time

NASA has cancelled the first spacewalk of 2026 that was supposed to happen on Thursday (January 8). According to reports, a medical issue involving one of the crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) led to the decision. The space agency has not disclosed the name of the astronaut and the nature of the problem. The health concern is said to have risen on Wednesday afternoon, and the astronaut is stable, NASA wrote in a blog post. "The situation is stable. NASA will share additional details, including a new date for the upcoming spacewalk, later," the post said. Astronauts Mike Fincke, the ISS commander, and Zena Cardman, a flight engineer, were scheduled to conduct the spacewalk lasting around 6 and a half hours. No information regarding the next date for the spacewalk has been given.&nbsp;Meanwhile, NASA is also considering returning Crew 11 early. "Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority, and we are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11's mission," a NASA spokesperson said in a statement. Crew-11 crew consists of US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu.<h2>NASA astronauts spacewalk postponed&nbsp;</h2>The two astronauts were supposed to emerge from the station’s Quest airlock at approximately 8 am ET on Thursday. While this was &nbsp;Cardman’s first spacewalk, Fincke was due to go on his 10th. It would have tied him with Peggy Whitson for the most spacewalks by a NASA astronaut. The duo was supposed to prepare the 2A power channel where a roll-out solar array could be installed in future. The power is supposed to keep the ISS running in the last stretch of its time in space before it is de-orbited in 2030. The Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) and its larger version, the ISS Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA), are flexible solar power sources for spacecraft. They are alternatives to existing solar array technologies and are compact and more affordable.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/nasa-saw-something-bizarre-happening-88kms-above-earth-from-space-what-was-it-1767858927469">NASA saw something bizarre happening 88 km above Earth from space. What was it?</a>&nbsp;A second spacewalk is also due to happen a week from now. Two other NASA astronauts will exit the space station on January 15 to replace a high-definition camera, install a new docking aid for spacecraft coming to the ISS, and relocate several cooling hoses. However, the postponement of today's spacewalk could lead to a delay in the second one as well. The astronauts for the second spacewalk are yet to be named.&nbsp;

NASA spacewalk postponed: Two astronauts were supposed to exit the space station on January 8 and perform a spacewalk to install a modification kit and routing cables for a future roll-out solar array. However, a medical issue has led to the spacewalk being cancelled.

NASA has cancelled the first spacewalk of 2026 that was supposed to happen on Thursday (January 8). According to reports, a medical issue involving one of the crew members aboard the International Space Station (ISS) led to the decision. The space agency has not disclosed the name of the astronaut and the nature of the problem. The health concern is said to have risen on Wednesday afternoon, and the astronaut is stable, NASA wrote in a blog post. "The situation is stable. NASA will share additional details, including a new date for the upcoming spacewalk, later," the post said. Astronauts Mike Fincke, the ISS commander, and Zena Cardman, a flight engineer, were scheduled to conduct the spacewalk lasting around 6 and a half hours. No information regarding the next date for the spacewalk has been given. Meanwhile, NASA is also considering returning Crew 11 early. "Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority, and we are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew-11's mission," a NASA spokesperson said in a statement. Crew-11 crew consists of US astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yu. NASA astronauts spacewalk postponed The two astronauts were supposed to emerge from the station’s Quest airlock at approximately 8 am ET on Thursday. While this was Cardman’s first spacewalk, Fincke was due to go on his 10th. It would have tied him with Peggy Whitson for the most spacewalks by a NASA astronaut. The duo was supposed to prepare the 2A power channel where a roll-out solar array could be installed in future. The power is supposed to keep the ISS running in the last stretch of its time in space before it is de-orbited in 2030. The Roll-Out Solar Array (ROSA) and its larger version, the ISS Roll-Out Solar Array (iROSA), are flexible solar power sources for spacecraft. They are alternatives to existing solar array technologies and are compact and more affordable. Also Read: NASA saw something bizarre happening 88 km above Earth from space. What was it? A second spacewalk is also due to happen a week from now. Two other NASA astronauts will exit the space station on January 15 to replace a high-definition camera, install a new docking aid for spacecraft coming to the ISS, and relocate several cooling hoses. However, the postponement of today's spacewalk could lead to a delay in the second one as well. The astronauts for the second spacewalk are yet to be named.

NASA spacewalk postponed: Two astronauts were supposed to exit the space station on January 8 and perform a spacewalk to install a modification kit and routing cables for a future roll-out solar array. However, a medical issue has led to the spacewalk being cancelled.

First spacewalk of 2026 postponed after astronaut suffers medical emergency

NASA detected something strange above Earth from the International Space Station, which proved that what goes on at the ground level doesn't necessarily remain restricted there. This strange phenomenon is linked to Hurricane Helene, which slammed the Florida coast in September 2024. An instrument on the ISS detected an unknown phenomenon rushing through Earth's atmosphere, around 88 kilometres above the planet. NASA was baffled to see something that was not visible from the ground, yet was picked up from space. What it saw were atmospheric waves, and to see them high above Earth shows that strong weather events not only devastate land, but also have an effect on the different layers of the atmosphere. The phenomenon was observed in the mesosphere, the third layer of Earth's atmosphere that extends from 50 to 85 km.&nbsp;As Helene smashed into Florida, a NASA instrument aboard the ISS saw hints of a type of atmospheric wave that typically forms when events like hurricanes occur, Earth.com reported. The Atmospheric Wave Instrument (AWE) was installed outside the ISS in 2023 to detect “atmospheric glow,” a light displayed by gases at high altitudes. When Helene hit, AWE observed a pattern that appeared to be like ripples high above Earth. NASA said that this happened because of the storm, which was so strong that it stirred the air so far above.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/earth-might-freeze-not-burn-up-due-to-extreme-heat-scientists-warn-new-ice-age-is-waiting-1767610266625">Scientists warn intense heat due to climate change could freeze Earth, ushering in a new Ice Age</a>&nbsp;The pattern travelled towards the West, meaning the disturbance did not remain restricted to the storm zone. The ISS orbits 400 kilometres above the surface, and caught something that did not show up in ordinary weather measurements. This makes it the perfect vantage point for making similar observations in the future.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/major-catastrophe-unfolding-in-antarctica-as-hundreds-of-earthquakes-slam-doomsday-glacier-1767680441864">Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier</a><h2>How AWE on ISS and a set of telescopes can find more new phenomena</h2>AWE was made with the aim of understanding what goes on in the upper atmosphere when storms hit the ground. Learning of this impact in the thin air at higher altitudes can prove crucial to gauging the ripple effects and how they impact a region that ultimately affects the conditions that matter for satellites. Even a slight shift in the density of air in the upper atmosphere could lead satellites to run into problems. AWE can help learn more about these observations and help prevent any problems that might impact satellites. AWE, alongside Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM), a set of telescopes that can detect details that ordinary sensors miss, can continue to monitor such never-before-seen phenomena higher up.&nbsp;

NASA saw a strange occurrence in the upper atmosphere in 2024 when a hurricane slammed into Florida. Scientists are intrigued by the detection since it can impact satellites and also proves how weather on the ground can ripple to such high levels.

NASA detected something strange above Earth from the International Space Station, which proved that what goes on at the ground level doesn't necessarily remain restricted there. This strange phenomenon is linked to Hurricane Helene, which slammed the Florida coast in September 2024. An instrument on the ISS detected an unknown phenomenon rushing through Earth's atmosphere, around 88 kilometres above the planet. NASA was baffled to see something that was not visible from the ground, yet was picked up from space. What it saw were atmospheric waves, and to see them high above Earth shows that strong weather events not only devastate land, but also have an effect on the different layers of the atmosphere. The phenomenon was observed in the mesosphere, the third layer of Earth's atmosphere that extends from 50 to 85 km. As Helene smashed into Florida, a NASA instrument aboard the ISS saw hints of a type of atmospheric wave that typically forms when events like hurricanes occur, Earth.com reported. The Atmospheric Wave Instrument (AWE) was installed outside the ISS in 2023 to detect “atmospheric glow,” a light displayed by gases at high altitudes. When Helene hit, AWE observed a pattern that appeared to be like ripples high above Earth. NASA said that this happened because of the storm, which was so strong that it stirred the air so far above. Also Read: Scientists warn intense heat due to climate change could freeze Earth, ushering in a new Ice Age The pattern travelled towards the West, meaning the disturbance did not remain restricted to the storm zone. The ISS orbits 400 kilometres above the surface, and caught something that did not show up in ordinary weather measurements. This makes it the perfect vantage point for making similar observations in the future. Also Read: Major catastrophe unfolding in Antarctica as hundreds of earthquakes slam Doomsday Glacier How AWE on ISS and a set of telescopes can find more new phenomena AWE was made with the aim of understanding what goes on in the upper atmosphere when storms hit the ground. Learning of this impact in the thin air at higher altitudes can prove crucial to gauging the ripple effects and how they impact a region that ultimately affects the conditions that matter for satellites. Even a slight shift in the density of air in the upper atmosphere could lead satellites to run into problems. AWE can help learn more about these observations and help prevent any problems that might impact satellites. AWE, alongside Advanced Mesospheric Temperature Mapper (AMTM), a set of telescopes that can detect details that ordinary sensors miss, can continue to monitor such never-before-seen phenomena higher up.

NASA saw a strange occurrence in the upper atmosphere in 2024 when a hurricane slammed into Florida. Scientists are intrigued by the detection since it can impact satellites and also proves how weather on the ground can ripple to such high levels.

NASA saw something bizarre happening 88 km above Earth from space. What was it?

NASA James Webb and Hubble space telescopes have made some startling discoveries. The Chandra X-ray telescope captured a famous supernova remnant over several years. Here are some new findings made by these astonishing pieces of technology. 

NASA's James Webb and Hubble space telescopes have made some startling discoveries. The Chandra X-ray telescope captured a famous supernova remnant over several years. Here are some new findings made by these astonishing pieces of technology.&nbsp;

Latest NASA findings: 5 discoveries made by Webb, Hubble and Chandra Space Telescopes

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