After getting approval from the US aviation safety regulator on Friday, billionaire Richard Branson's spaceship company Virgin Galactic can now fly people to space.

The approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) comes at a critical time for Branson as his space venture faces off against Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Tesla Inc boss Elon Musk's SpaceX.

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Branson, Bezos and Musk have been investing billions of dollars on their rocket startups.

Branson, who is reportedly flying to space himself in a bid to beat rival billionaire Bezos to the final frontier, received the green light just a month after a successful test flight.

Virgin Galactic last month completed its first manned space flight from its new home port in New Mexico in May, as its SpaceShipTwo craft with a capacity of six passengers glided to a landing on a runway safely with its two pilots.

"Today's approval by the FAA ... gives us confidence as we proceed toward our first fully crewed test flight this summer," Virgin Galactic Chief Executive Officer Michael Colglazier said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

After getting approval from the US aviation safety regulator on Friday, billionaire Richard Branson's spaceship company Virgin Galactic can now fly people to space.

After getting approval from the US aviation safety regulator on Friday, billionaire Richard Branson's spaceship company Virgin Galactic can now fly people to space. The approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) comes at a critical time for Branson as his space venture faces off against Amazon.com founder Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Tesla Inc boss Elon Musk's SpaceX. Branson, Bezos and Musk have been investing billions of dollars on their rocket startups. Branson, who is reportedly flying to space himself in a bid to beat rival billionaire Bezos to the final frontier, received the green light just a month after a successful test flight. Virgin Galactic last month completed its first manned space flight from its new home port in New Mexico in May, as its SpaceShipTwo craft with a capacity of six passengers glided to a landing on a runway safely with its two pilots. "Today's approval by the FAA ... gives us confidence as we proceed toward our first fully crewed test flight this summer," Virgin Galactic Chief Executive Officer Michael Colglazier said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic gets approval to fly people to space

Starlink, the satellite internet unit of Elon Musk's SpaceX, expects to be able to provide continuous global coverage by around September but will then need to seek regulatory approvals, its president Gwynne Shotwel said on Tuesday. 
 
"We've successfully deployed 1,800 or so satellites and once all those satellites reach their operational orbit, we will have continuous global coverage, so that should be like September timeframe," she told a Macquarie Group technology conference via webcast. 
 
"But then, we have regulatory work to go into every country and get approved to provide telecoms services." 
 
Starlink, which has said it plans to deploy 12,000 satellites in total at a cost of roughly $10 billion, currently offers beta services in 11 countries, Shotwel said. 
 
In May, Musk said the low-Earth orbiting satellite network had received more than 500,000 preorders for its internet service and anticipates no technical problems meeting demand. 
 
The US&nbsp;Federal Communications Commission this year approved SpaceX's plan to deploy some Starlink satellites at a lower earth orbit than planned to provide high-speed broadband internet services to people, who currently lack access. 
 
Starlink is one of a growing number of makers of small satellites that also includes Amazon.com's Kuiper, Britain's OneWeb, venture capital-backed Planet, and Raytheon Technologies Corp's Blue Canyon Technologies. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Starlink, the satellite internet unit of Elon Musk's SpaceX, expects to be able to provide continuous global coverage by around September but will then need to seek regulatory approvals, its president Gwynne Shotwel said on Tuesday.

Starlink, the satellite internet unit of Elon Musk's SpaceX, expects to be able to provide continuous global coverage by around September but will then need to seek regulatory approvals, its president Gwynne Shotwel said on Tuesday. "We've successfully deployed 1,800 or so satellites and once all those satellites reach their operational orbit, we will have continuous global coverage, so that should be like September timeframe," she told a Macquarie Group technology conference via webcast. "But then, we have regulatory work to go into every country and get approved to provide telecoms services." Starlink, which has said it plans to deploy 12,000 satellites in total at a cost of roughly $10 billion, currently offers beta services in 11 countries, Shotwel said. In May, Musk said the low-Earth orbiting satellite network had received more than 500,000 preorders for its internet service and anticipates no technical problems meeting demand. The US Federal Communications Commission this year approved SpaceX's plan to deploy some Starlink satellites at a lower earth orbit than planned to provide high-speed broadband internet services to people, who currently lack access. Starlink is one of a growing number of makers of small satellites that also includes Amazon.com's Kuiper, Britain's OneWeb, venture capital-backed Planet, and Raytheon Technologies Corp's Blue Canyon Technologies. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX's satellite internet unit Starlink expects it can provide global coverage around September

Spacewalking astronauts ventured out on&nbsp;the International Space Station with powerful, new solar panels to handle the growing electrical demands from upcoming visitors.

It's the first of a series of spacewalks to equip the aging orbital outpost with smaller but stronger solar wings. The electrical boost is needed to accommodate the paying passengers expected to drop by, beginning with a Russian film crew this fall.

NASA put extra safety precautions in place as French astronaut Thomas Pesquet and US astronaut Shane Kimbrough worked on the station's primary power grid, to avoid an electrical shock.

The duo had to conduct the most hazardous parts of the spacewalk on the nighttime side of Earth, to prevent the station's old solar panels from soaking up sunlight and generating power. Metal surfaces on their spacesuits were covered to avoid any contact.

Launched by SpaceX earlier this month, the first of these new solar panels was going to be installed alongside the station's oldest electricity-producing wings, in continuous operation for more than 20 years.

The astronauts had to lug the folded-up solar wing which 10 feet long, by 4 feet wide, and 2 1/2 feet thick&nbsp;to the worksite on the far left end of the station.

Once anchored in place, the solar panel was designed to roll out like a red carpet. It was expected to take six minutes to extend to its full 63 feet in length.

Pesquet and Kimbrough will go back out Sunday to install a second solar panel. Four more will be launched to re-energise the space station.

NASA wants to keep the space station churning out science research through this decade, and space tourists will further tax the power system. A Russian movie director and actress are due to visit in October for filming, followed by wealthy entrepreneurs launching from Kazakhstan and Cape Canaveral as part of a push to open up the private space market.

NASA's space station program manager Joel Montalbano said these visitors will undergo a rigorous training before liftoff.

Spacewalking astronauts ventured out on the International Space Station with powerful, new solar panels to handle the growing electrical demands from upcoming visitors.

Spacewalking astronauts ventured out on the International Space Station with powerful, new solar panels to handle the growing electrical demands from upcoming visitors. It's the first of a series of spacewalks to equip the aging orbital outpost with smaller but stronger solar wings. The electrical boost is needed to accommodate the paying passengers expected to drop by, beginning with a Russian film crew this fall. NASA put extra safety precautions in place as French astronaut Thomas Pesquet and US astronaut Shane Kimbrough worked on the station's primary power grid, to avoid an electrical shock. The duo had to conduct the most hazardous parts of the spacewalk on the nighttime side of Earth, to prevent the station's old solar panels from soaking up sunlight and generating power. Metal surfaces on their spacesuits were covered to avoid any contact. Launched by SpaceX earlier this month, the first of these new solar panels was going to be installed alongside the station's oldest electricity-producing wings, in continuous operation for more than 20 years. The astronauts had to lug the folded-up solar wing which 10 feet long, by 4 feet wide, and 2 1/2 feet thick to the worksite on the far left end of the station. Once anchored in place, the solar panel was designed to roll out like a red carpet. It was expected to take six minutes to extend to its full 63 feet in length. Pesquet and Kimbrough will go back out Sunday to install a second solar panel. Four more will be launched to re-energise the space station. NASA wants to keep the space station churning out science research through this decade, and space tourists will further tax the power system. A Russian movie director and actress are due to visit in October for filming, followed by wealthy entrepreneurs launching from Kazakhstan and Cape Canaveral as part of a push to open up the private space market. NASA's space station program manager Joel Montalbano said these visitors will undergo a rigorous training before liftoff.

Astronauts spacewalk on International Space Station to boost its solar power

A&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;rocket took off Thursday for the International Space Station carrying supplies for scientific experiments, including some surprising passengers -- squids and virtually indestructible microorganisms called tardigrades.

The rocket, leased by NASA, launched from Florida at 1:29 pm local time (1729 GMT). The Dragon capsule detached from the Falcon 9 rocket about 12 minutes after take-off and is scheduled to dock at the ISS on Saturday.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-names-two-citizen-astronauts-for-first-all-civilian-spaceflight-374511">SpaceX names two citizen astronauts for first all-civilian spaceflight</a>

Young specimens of the species Euprymna scolopes, known as bobtail squid, are on board for the trip, so scientists can study the effect of zero gravity on the interactions between bacteria and their host organisms.

Some of the squids will be exposed to bacteria once onboard the ISS, while others will be left alone. After 12 hours, the specimens are preserved until their return to Earth, where they will be studied.

"Animals, including humans, rely on our microbes to maintain a healthy digestive and immune system," said Jamie Foster, the principal investigator in the experiment, in a statement. "We do not fully understand how spaceflight alters these beneficial interactions."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-to-take-4-astronauts-to-international-space-station-on-thursday-378756">SpaceX to take 4 astronauts to International Space Station on Thursday</a>

The experiment could help scientists in the future to develop techniques to protect the health of astronauts participating in long-duration missions in space.

Also on board the&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;rocket will be tardigrades, also known as "water bears",&nbsp;microscopic organisms that can withstand extreme radiation, sizzling heat, the coldest temperatures of the universe and decades without food.

The grub-like, eight-legged animals can come back from being dried out to a lifeless husk for decades, withstand near-zero pressure in outer space and the crushing depths of the Mariana Trench.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacex-announces-first-commercial-astronaut-mission-to-orbit-earth-360776">SpaceX announces first commercial astronaut mission to orbit Earth</a>

An Israeli probe that was later revealed to be carrying tardigrades crash-landed on the Moon in 2019, and if they survived the explosion, scientists think they might still be alive today, though no rescue mission is currently planned to bring them home.

"Spaceflight can be a really challenging environment for organisms, including humans, who have evolved to the conditions on Earth," said scientist Thomas Boothby.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fly-my-pretties-elon-musk-tweets-after-spacex-launches-falcon-9-for-ninth-time-370430">'Fly my pretties': Elon Musk tweets after SpaceX launches Falcon 9 for ninth time</a>

"One of the things we are really keen to do is understand how tardigrades are surviving and reproducing in these environments and whether we can learn anything about the tricks that they are using and adapt them to safeguard astronauts."

The rocket will also carry cotton, a portable ultrasound device and a miniaturized human kidney to study the formation of kidney stones that tend to afflict astronauts in microgravity.

A SpaceX rocket took off Thursday for the International Space Station carrying supplies for scientific experiments, including some surprising passengers -- squids and virtually indestructible microorganisms called tardigrades.

A SpaceX rocket took off Thursday for the International Space Station carrying supplies for scientific experiments, including some surprising passengers -- squids and virtually indestructible microorganisms called tardigrades. The rocket, leased by NASA, launched from Florida at 1:29 pm local time (1729 GMT). The Dragon capsule detached from the Falcon 9 rocket about 12 minutes after take-off and is scheduled to dock at the ISS on Saturday. Also Read | SpaceX names two citizen astronauts for first all-civilian spaceflight Young specimens of the species Euprymna scolopes, known as bobtail squid, are on board for the trip, so scientists can study the effect of zero gravity on the interactions between bacteria and their host organisms. Some of the squids will be exposed to bacteria once onboard the ISS, while others will be left alone. After 12 hours, the specimens are preserved until their return to Earth, where they will be studied. "Animals, including humans, rely on our microbes to maintain a healthy digestive and immune system," said Jamie Foster, the principal investigator in the experiment, in a statement. "We do not fully understand how spaceflight alters these beneficial interactions." Also Read | SpaceX to take 4 astronauts to International Space Station on Thursday The experiment could help scientists in the future to develop techniques to protect the health of astronauts participating in long-duration missions in space. Also on board the SpaceX rocket will be tardigrades, also known as "water bears", microscopic organisms that can withstand extreme radiation, sizzling heat, the coldest temperatures of the universe and decades without food. The grub-like, eight-legged animals can come back from being dried out to a lifeless husk for decades, withstand near-zero pressure in outer space and the crushing depths of the Mariana Trench. Also Read | SpaceX announces first commercial astronaut mission to orbit Earth An Israeli probe that was later revealed to be carrying tardigrades crash-landed on the Moon in 2019, and if they survived the explosion, scientists think they might still be alive today, though no rescue mission is currently planned to bring them home. "Spaceflight can be a really challenging environment for organisms, including humans, who have evolved to the conditions on Earth," said scientist Thomas Boothby. Also Read | 'Fly my pretties': Elon Musk tweets after SpaceX launches Falcon 9 for ninth time "One of the things we are really keen to do is understand how tardigrades are surviving and reproducing in these environments and whether we can learn anything about the tricks that they are using and adapt them to safeguard astronauts." The rocket will also carry cotton, a portable ultrasound device and a miniaturized human kidney to study the formation of kidney stones that tend to afflict astronauts in microgravity.

One small step for cephalopods: SpaceX carrying research squids to International Space Station

Elon Musk-run SpaceX`s first ocean spaceport for the Starship launch vehicle could be ready as soon as next year, the CEO has revealed. 
 
Musk said Deimos, as the spaceport is called, is currently under construction and that the company could use it to host rocket launches in 2022 in a reply to a render of the structure a fan posted on the social network. 
 
"Ocean spaceport Deimos is under construction for launch next year," Musk wrote on Twitter. 
 
The private space corporation purchased two oil rigs last year to transform them into launch pads and landing sites for its next-generation vehicle meant for trips to the Moon and Mars, Engadget reported on Tuesday. 
 
They are appropriately named after the two moons of the red planet -- Phobos and Deimos. 
 
According to NASA Spaceflight, SpaceX moved Phobos to Pascagoula, Mississippi from the Port of Galveston earlier this year so it can be refitted for Starship operations. 
 
Meanwhile, Deimos is under construction at the Port of Brownsville in Texas. 
 
As TechCrunch has mentioned, Musk previously said that one of the two may be operational by the end of 2021. 
 
The executive tends to be a bit optimistic with timelines, though, and it looks like this is one of those times, the report said. 
 
If SpaceX succeeds in getting Deimos ready for launches next year, it`ll be the first in what could be multiple floating spaceports around the world where the Starship can launch from, it added.

Elon Musk-run SpaceX`s first ocean spaceport for the Starship launch vehicle could be ready as soon as next year, the CEO has revealed. Musk said Deimos, as the spaceport is called, is currently under construction and that the company could use it to host rocket launches in 2022 in a reply to a render of the structure a fan posted on the social network.

Elon Musk-run SpaceX`s first ocean spaceport for the Starship launch vehicle could be ready as soon as next year, the CEO has revealed. Musk said Deimos, as the spaceport is called, is currently under construction and that the company could use it to host rocket launches in 2022 in a reply to a render of the structure a fan posted on the social network. "Ocean spaceport Deimos is under construction for launch next year," Musk wrote on Twitter. The private space corporation purchased two oil rigs last year to transform them into launch pads and landing sites for its next-generation vehicle meant for trips to the Moon and Mars, Engadget reported on Tuesday. They are appropriately named after the two moons of the red planet -- Phobos and Deimos. According to NASA Spaceflight, SpaceX moved Phobos to Pascagoula, Mississippi from the Port of Galveston earlier this year so it can be refitted for Starship operations. Meanwhile, Deimos is under construction at the Port of Brownsville in Texas. As TechCrunch has mentioned, Musk previously said that one of the two may be operational by the end of 2021. The executive tends to be a bit optimistic with timelines, though, and it looks like this is one of those times, the report said. If SpaceX succeeds in getting Deimos ready for launches next year, it`ll be the first in what could be multiple floating spaceports around the world where the Starship can launch from, it added.

SpaceX may launch rockets from ocean spaceport by next year: Report

Blue Origin, billionaire Jeff Bezos' rocket company, disclosed $2 million as the current highest bid for a seat on its New Shepherd spacecraft after the startup closed the first phase of its auction.

The second phase of the auction is underway and will last until June 10. The process will conclude in a final phase on June 12 with a live online auction.&nbsp;

The rocket company is targeting July 20 for its first suborbital sightseeing trip on its spacecraft, a landmark moment in a competition to usher in a new era of private commercial space travel.

The New Shepard rocket-and-capsule combo is designed to autonomously fly six passengers more than 62 miles (100 km) above Earth into suborbital space.

Blue Origin has been&nbsp;planning to charge passengers at least $200,000 for the ride, based on an appraisal of rival plans from billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc and other considerations, though its thinking may have changed.

Blue Origin has fallen far behind Elon Musk's SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (ULA) on orbital transportation, losing out on billions of dollars' worth of US&nbsp;national security launch contracts that begin in 2022.

These rocket startups mainly aim to send satellites for clients into orbit at an affordable price and reuse parts of rockets to keep costs in check.

Blue Origin, billionaire Jeff Bezos' rocket company, disclosed $2 million as the current highest bid for a seat on its New Shepherd spacecraft after the startup closed the first phase of its auction.

Blue Origin, billionaire Jeff Bezos' rocket company, disclosed $2 million as the current highest bid for a seat on its New Shepherd spacecraft after the startup closed the first phase of its auction. The second phase of the auction is underway and will last until June 10. The process will conclude in a final phase on June 12 with a live online auction. The rocket company is targeting July 20 for its first suborbital sightseeing trip on its spacecraft, a landmark moment in a competition to usher in a new era of private commercial space travel. The New Shepard rocket-and-capsule combo is designed to autonomously fly six passengers more than 62 miles (100 km) above Earth into suborbital space. Blue Origin has been planning to charge passengers at least $200,000 for the ride, based on an appraisal of rival plans from billionaire Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic Holdings Inc and other considerations, though its thinking may have changed. Blue Origin has fallen far behind Elon Musk's SpaceX and United Launch Alliance (ULA) on orbital transportation, losing out on billions of dollars' worth of US national security launch contracts that begin in 2022. These rocket startups mainly aim to send satellites for clients into orbit at an affordable price and reuse parts of rockets to keep costs in check.

Blue Origin reveals highest bid for a seat on its first human spaceflight

Russia&nbsp;said Thursday it would send an actress and a director to space to make the first feature film in the cosmos.

Moscow is seeking to boost its embattled space programme, which has stagnated since the Soviet Union under corruption and been overtaken by US tech billionaire Elon Musk's company SpaceX.

The Russian space agency announced the film project Thursday after NASA confirmed last year it was teaming up with US actor Tom Cruise to make a movie on the ISS.

The Russian "space drama", whose working title is "Challenge," will feature popular Russian actress&nbsp;Yulia Peresild, 36, and Klim Shipenko, a 37-year-old director and actor, Roscosmos said.

They will have to undergo training, including tests on a centrifuge and flights in zero gravity, starting no later than June 1.

The film is being co-produced by the flamboyant head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, and state-run network Channel One.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/japanese-billionaire-entrepreneur-yusaku-maezawa-to-travel-to-international-space-station-384793" hreflang="en">Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa to travel to International Space Station</a>

The space agency also announced plans to take Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa to the ISS in December, resurecting its space tourism programme in the face of US competition.

Maezawa, 45, who made his fortune in online retail, said he planned to document the mission and share it with the world on his YouTube channel with over 700,000 subscribers.

Roscosmos said Maezawa would make the flight from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan with production assistant Yozo Hirano aboard a Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft that is scheduled for December 8.

"I'm so curious 'What's life like in space?' So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world on my YouTube channel," Maezawa was quoted as saying by Roscosmos.

The eccentric billionaire has previously announced plans to take eight people with him on a 2023 mission around the moon aboard a Starship spacecraft built by Musk's SpaceX.

Maezawa and film producer Hirano will begin approximately three months of pre-flight training in June at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City outside of Moscow, Roscosmos added.

They have already passed the required medical examinations, it said.

Roscosmos said the flight will last 12 days and the crew will be led by Cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, who has already been on two missions to the ISS.

A total of eight private self-funded space travellers have visited the ISS and Maezawa will be the first from Japan.

His flight will also be the first time that two of the three spots on a Soyuz space rocket will be occupied by tourists.

"We are excited for Maezawa-san and we are honoured to have enabled this opportunity for him to fly to space," said Eric Anderson, CEO of Space Adventures, a private spaceflight company.

It has cooperated with Roscosmos since the first space tourist flight in 2001.&nbsp;

Maezawa will be the first space tourist to travel to the ISS since 2009 when Canadian Guy Laliberte, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, travelled to the station.

According to Forbes magazine, space tourists could pay anywhere between $20 million and $35 million per person for 8-12 days in space.&nbsp;The cost of Maezawa's flight has not been disclosed.

The resumption of tourist flights comes after Roscosmos lost its monopoly on ferrying crews to the ISS when a reusable SpaceX rocket last year successfully delivered NASA astronauts to space.

Russia's space industry has suffered a number of setbacks in recent years, from corruption scandals to lost spacecraft to an aborted take-off during a manned mission in 2018.

Russia's ageing Soyuz rockets are reliable and allow Moscow to remain relevant in the modern space industry, but the country is struggling to innovate and keep up with other key players.&nbsp;

Russia&nbsp;launched the first artificial satellite on October 4, 1957. The Soviets maintained their lead in the initial years of the race.&nbsp;

They boasted the first manned flight to space by Gagarin on April 12, 1961, the first spacewalk four years later by Alexei Leonov and the first lunar probe in 1966. But the United States beat them to the moon with the first manned landing in 1969.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia said Thursday it would send an actress and a director to space to make the first feature film in the cosmos. Moscow is seeking to boost its embattled space programme, which has stagnated since the Soviet Union under corruption and been overtaken by US tech billionaire Elon Musk's company SpaceX.

Russia said Thursday it would send an actress and a director to space to make the first feature film in the cosmos. Moscow is seeking to boost its embattled space programme, which has stagnated since the Soviet Union under corruption and been overtaken by US tech billionaire Elon Musk's company SpaceX. The Russian space agency announced the film project Thursday after NASA confirmed last year it was teaming up with US actor Tom Cruise to make a movie on the ISS. The Russian "space drama", whose working title is "Challenge," will feature popular Russian actress Yulia Peresild, 36, and Klim Shipenko, a 37-year-old director and actor, Roscosmos said. They will have to undergo training, including tests on a centrifuge and flights in zero gravity, starting no later than June 1. The film is being co-produced by the flamboyant head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, and state-run network Channel One. Also read| Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa to travel to International Space Station The space agency also announced plans to take Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa to the ISS in December, resurecting its space tourism programme in the face of US competition. Maezawa, 45, who made his fortune in online retail, said he planned to document the mission and share it with the world on his YouTube channel with over 700,000 subscribers. Roscosmos said Maezawa would make the flight from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan with production assistant Yozo Hirano aboard a Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft that is scheduled for December 8. "I'm so curious 'What's life like in space?' So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world on my YouTube channel," Maezawa was quoted as saying by Roscosmos. The eccentric billionaire has previously announced plans to take eight people with him on a 2023 mission around the moon aboard a Starship spacecraft built by Musk's SpaceX. Maezawa and film producer Hirano will begin approximately three months of pre-flight training in June at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City outside of Moscow, Roscosmos added. They have already passed the required medical examinations, it said. Roscosmos said the flight will last 12 days and the crew will be led by Cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin, who has already been on two missions to the ISS. A total of eight private self-funded space travellers have visited the ISS and Maezawa will be the first from Japan. His flight will also be the first time that two of the three spots on a Soyuz space rocket will be occupied by tourists. "We are excited for Maezawa-san and we are honoured to have enabled this opportunity for him to fly to space," said Eric Anderson, CEO of Space Adventures, a private spaceflight company. It has cooperated with Roscosmos since the first space tourist flight in 2001. Maezawa will be the first space tourist to travel to the ISS since 2009 when Canadian Guy Laliberte, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil, travelled to the station. According to Forbes magazine, space tourists could pay anywhere between $20 million and $35 million per person for 8-12 days in space. The cost of Maezawa's flight has not been disclosed. The resumption of tourist flights comes after Roscosmos lost its monopoly on ferrying crews to the ISS when a reusable SpaceX rocket last year successfully delivered NASA astronauts to space. Russia's space industry has suffered a number of setbacks in recent years, from corruption scandals to lost spacecraft to an aborted take-off during a manned mission in 2018. Russia's ageing Soyuz rockets are reliable and allow Moscow to remain relevant in the modern space industry, but the country is struggling to innovate and keep up with other key players. Russia launched the first artificial satellite on October 4, 1957. The Soviets maintained their lead in the initial years of the race. They boasted the first manned flight to space by Gagarin on April 12, 1961, the first spacewalk four years later by Alexei Leonov and the first lunar probe in 1966. But the United States beat them to the moon with the first manned landing in 1969. (With inputs from agencies)

Roscosmos to send film crew to space for first feature film

Elon Musk's SpaceX announced Thursday that Google would team up with its Starlink satellite internet service to deliver cloud computing services to business customers.

Under the partnership, SpaceX will place its Starlink ground stations within Google data center properties, which can help the service support businesses requiring cloud-based applications.

Starlink is in the process of launching its satellite broadband internet service, which can reach customers without ground-based connections and is one of several space-based systems.

"Combining Starlink's high-speed, low-latency broadband with Google's infrastructure and capabilities provides global organizations with the secure and fast connection that modern organizations expect," said SpaceX president and chief operating officer&nbsp;Gwynne Shotwell.&nbsp;

"We are proud to work with Google to deliver this access to businesses, public sector organizations, and many other groups operating around the world."

Urs Hoelzle, senior vice president at Google Cloud, said the tie-up would help ensure "that organisations with distributed footprints have seamless, secure, and fast access to the critical applications and services they need to keep their teams up and running."

This new capability for enterprise customers is expected to be available in the second half of 2021, the companies said in a joint statement.

SpaceX is seeking regulatory approval for broadband service for both consumers and businesses around the world from thousands of satellites.

(With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's SpaceX announced Thursday that Google would team up with its Starlink satellite internet service to deliver cloud computing services to business customers.

Elon Musk's SpaceX announced Thursday that Google would team up with its Starlink satellite internet service to deliver cloud computing services to business customers. Under the partnership, SpaceX will place its Starlink ground stations within Google data center properties, which can help the service support businesses requiring cloud-based applications. Starlink is in the process of launching its satellite broadband internet service, which can reach customers without ground-based connections and is one of several space-based systems. "Combining Starlink's high-speed, low-latency broadband with Google's infrastructure and capabilities provides global organizations with the secure and fast connection that modern organizations expect," said SpaceX president and chief operating officer Gwynne Shotwell. "We are proud to work with Google to deliver this access to businesses, public sector organizations, and many other groups operating around the world." Urs Hoelzle, senior vice president at Google Cloud, said the tie-up would help ensure "that organisations with distributed footprints have seamless, secure, and fast access to the critical applications and services they need to keep their teams up and running." This new capability for enterprise customers is expected to be available in the second half of 2021, the companies said in a joint statement. SpaceX is seeking regulatory approval for broadband service for both consumers and businesses around the world from thousands of satellites. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's SpaceX signs deal with Google Cloud for satellite broadband

Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa and his assistant Yozo Hirano will be the next tourists to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), Russia's space agency Roscosmos said Thursday.

Maezawa and Hirano will travel aboard a Russian "Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft that is scheduled for launch on December 8, 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome" in Kazakhstan, the agency said in a statement.

Maezawa, 45, who made his fortune in online retail, also plans to participate in a 2023 mission around the moon aboard a Starship spacecraft of SpaceX, the Roscosmos rival of US billionaire Elon Musk.&nbsp;

Maezawa and film producer Hirano, who will be documenting the mission, will begin pre-flight training in June at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, a closed town outside of Moscow, Roscosmos added.

It said that the flight will last 12 days and the crew will be led by Cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin.

"I'm so curious 'what's life like in space?' So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world on my YouTube channel," Maezawa said, as quoted by Roscosmos.

It will be the first time that two of the three spots on a Soyuz space rocket will be occupied by tourists.

The last time Roscosmos took a tourist to the ISS was in 2009, with the flight of Canadian Guy Laliberte, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil.&nbsp;

The resumption of these tourist flights comes as Roscosmos lost its monopoly for ferrying crews to the ISS after a reusable SpaceX rocket last year successfully delivered NASA astronauts to space.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa and his assistant Yozo Hirano will be the next tourists to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), Russia's space agency Roscosmos said Thursday.

Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa and his assistant Yozo Hirano will be the next tourists to travel to the International Space Station (ISS), Russia's space agency Roscosmos said Thursday. Maezawa and Hirano will travel aboard a Russian "Soyuz MS-20 spacecraft that is scheduled for launch on December 8, 2021 from the Baikonur cosmodrome" in Kazakhstan, the agency said in a statement. Maezawa, 45, who made his fortune in online retail, also plans to participate in a 2023 mission around the moon aboard a Starship spacecraft of SpaceX, the Roscosmos rival of US billionaire Elon Musk. Maezawa and film producer Hirano, who will be documenting the mission, will begin pre-flight training in June at the Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Centre in Star City, a closed town outside of Moscow, Roscosmos added. It said that the flight will last 12 days and the crew will be led by Cosmonaut Alexander Misurkin. "I'm so curious 'what's life like in space?' So, I am planning to find out on my own and share with the world on my YouTube channel," Maezawa said, as quoted by Roscosmos. It will be the first time that two of the three spots on a Soyuz space rocket will be occupied by tourists. The last time Roscosmos took a tourist to the ISS was in 2009, with the flight of Canadian Guy Laliberte, co-founder of Cirque du Soleil. The resumption of these tourist flights comes as Roscosmos lost its monopoly for ferrying crews to the ISS after a reusable SpaceX rocket last year successfully delivered NASA astronauts to space. (With inputs from agencies)

Japanese billionaire entrepreneur Yusaku Maezawa to travel to International Space Station

The founder, CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk has said his rocket company SpaceX will now accept the meme-inspired cryptocurrency Dogecoin as payment.

Musk has tweeted that "SpaceX launching satellite Doge-1 to the moon next year Mission paid for in Doge 1st crypto in space 1st meme in space".

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SpaceX launching satellite Doge-1 to the moon next year 
 
– Mission paid for in Doge 
– 1st crypto in space 
– 1st meme in space 
 
To the mooooonnn!!<a href="https://t.co/xXfjGZVeUW">https://t.co/xXfjGZVeUW</a>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1391523807148527620?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 9, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Geometric Energy Corporation announced the dogecoin-funded mission earlier on Sunday, with the statement not disclosing the mission's financial value.

"This mission will demonstrate the application of cryptocurrency beyond Earth orbit and set the foundation for interplanetary commerce", SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales Tom Ochinero was quoted as saying in the statement released by Geometric Energy.

Musk said on Twitter in April that SpaceX was going to put a "literal Dogecoin on the literal moon".

Dogecoin lost more than a third of its price on Sunday after Musk called it a 'hustle' during his guest-host spot on the "Saturday Night Live" comedy sketch TV show.

Musk's tweets this year turned the once-obscure digital currency, which began as a social media joke, into a speculator's dream.

On crypto data tracker CoinGecko.com, dogecoin has jumped more than 800% over the last month and is now the fourth-largest digital currency, with a market capitalization of $73 billion. It hit a record high Thursday above $0.73.

Electric carmaker Tesla Inc, where Musk is CEO, said in February it bought $1.5 billion worth of bitcoin and would soon accept it as a form of payment for its electric cars, a large stride toward mainstream acceptance that sent bitcoin soaring to a record high of nearly $62,000.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The founder, CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk has said his rocket company SpaceX will now accept the meme-inspired cryptocurrency Dogecoin as payment. Musk has tweeted that "SpaceX launching satellite Doge-1 to the moon next year Mission paid for in Doge 1st crypto in space 1st meme in space".

The founder, CEO of SpaceX Elon Musk has said his rocket company SpaceX will now accept the meme-inspired cryptocurrency Dogecoin as payment. Musk has tweeted that "SpaceX launching satellite Doge-1 to the moon next year Mission paid for in Doge 1st crypto in space 1st meme in space". SpaceX launching satellite Doge-1 to the moon next year – Mission paid for in Doge – 1st crypto in space – 1st meme in space To the mooooonnn!!https://t.co/xXfjGZVeUW — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 9, 2021 × Geometric Energy Corporation announced the dogecoin-funded mission earlier on Sunday, with the statement not disclosing the mission's financial value. "This mission will demonstrate the application of cryptocurrency beyond Earth orbit and set the foundation for interplanetary commerce", SpaceX Vice President of Commercial Sales Tom Ochinero was quoted as saying in the statement released by Geometric Energy. Musk said on Twitter in April that SpaceX was going to put a "literal Dogecoin on the literal moon". Dogecoin lost more than a third of its price on Sunday after Musk called it a 'hustle' during his guest-host spot on the "Saturday Night Live" comedy sketch TV show. Musk's tweets this year turned the once-obscure digital currency, which began as a social media joke, into a speculator's dream. On crypto data tracker CoinGecko.com, dogecoin has jumped more than 800% over the last month and is now the fourth-largest digital currency, with a market capitalization of $73 billion. It hit a record high Thursday above $0.73. Electric carmaker Tesla Inc, where Musk is CEO, said in February it bought $1.5 billion worth of bitcoin and would soon accept it as a form of payment for its electric cars, a large stride toward mainstream acceptance that sent bitcoin soaring to a record high of nearly $62,000. (With inputs from agencies)

Cryptocurrency: SpaceX to accept Dogecoin as payment for 'DOGE-1 Mission' to the moon next year

Tesla and SpaceX CEO was at his hilarious best as he hosted the popular American TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time, acknowledging that his public comments on Twitter do get him in trouble at times.&nbsp;

Appearing alongside American singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus to host the late-night comedy show on NBC Television that was streamed in over 100 countries including India for the first time, Musk said, "Sometimes after I say something I have to say, 'I mean that,'.&nbsp;

He pointed to his ‘69 days after 4/20 again haha’ tweet but didn’t mention the 2018 tweet that got him in trouble with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reports The Verge.&nbsp;

Musk revealed that he was the first person with Asperger Syndrome to host SNL.&nbsp;

Asperger Syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's, is a neuro-developmental disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction and non-verbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests.&nbsp;

Throughout the TV show, Musk joked and poked fun at himself, saying that people sometimes don't know what to expect from him.&nbsp;

"I reinvented electric cars and I'm sending people to Mars on a rocket ship. Did you think I was going to be a chill, normal dude?" He told the viewers.&nbsp;

He said that his famous appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast where he smoked weed wasn't his usual habit.&nbsp;

Musk also said the name of his youngest child from musician-singer Grimes, spelled X AE A-12, is "pronounced 'cat running across keyboard’."&nbsp;

Musk's mother Faye also made an appearance during the programme.&nbsp;

"I'm excited for my Mother's Day gift, I just hope it's not Dogecoin," she said.&nbsp;

To which Elon replied, "it is."&nbsp;

However, Dogecoin, which is fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market value and promoted by Musk fell sharply during his show.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Tesla and SpaceX CEO was at his hilarious best as he hosted the popular American TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time, acknowledging that his public comments on Twitter do get him in trouble at times.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO was at his hilarious best as he hosted the popular American TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ for the first time, acknowledging that his public comments on Twitter do get him in trouble at times. Appearing alongside American singer-songwriter Miley Cyrus to host the late-night comedy show on NBC Television that was streamed in over 100 countries including India for the first time, Musk said, "Sometimes after I say something I have to say, 'I mean that,'. He pointed to his ‘69 days after 4/20 again haha’ tweet but didn’t mention the 2018 tweet that got him in trouble with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), reports The Verge. Musk revealed that he was the first person with Asperger Syndrome to host SNL. Asperger Syndrome (AS), also known as Asperger's, is a neuro-developmental disorder characterised by significant difficulties in social interaction and non-verbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests. Throughout the TV show, Musk joked and poked fun at himself, saying that people sometimes don't know what to expect from him. "I reinvented electric cars and I'm sending people to Mars on a rocket ship. Did you think I was going to be a chill, normal dude?" He told the viewers. He said that his famous appearance on Joe Rogan's podcast where he smoked weed wasn't his usual habit. Musk also said the name of his youngest child from musician-singer Grimes, spelled X AE A-12, is "pronounced 'cat running across keyboard’." Musk's mother Faye also made an appearance during the programme. "I'm excited for my Mother's Day gift, I just hope it's not Dogecoin," she said. To which Elon replied, "it is." However, Dogecoin, which is fourth-largest cryptocurrency by market value and promoted by Musk fell sharply during his show. (With inputs from agencies)

Musk pokes fun at himself, admits Twitter puts him in trouble 

Four&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;just returned from the International Space Station described&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday their reentry into&nbsp;Earth's atmosphere and ocean splashdown after more than 160 days in space.

A&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;Crew Dragon&nbsp;capsule&nbsp;carrying the crew back to&nbsp;Earth&nbsp;splashed down off Florida early Sunday in NASA's first nighttime ocean landing in more than 50 years.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station">NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station</a>

"There was a point where I was just saying to myself, breathe. Inhale, because I&nbsp;felt&nbsp;really&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;-- I&nbsp;felt&nbsp;like those cartoons when they experience G and your face is just sagging down," said American Victor Glover, one of the&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;in the group called Crew-1.&nbsp;

It was the first regular mission to be taken and then returned from the ISS aboard a spacecraft built by billionaire Elon Musk's company.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket">Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket</a>

"I expected it to be so dynamic -- and so challenging -- that the actual event I think, was a little less than what I was expecting, and so it was enjoyable all around," Glover said.

The weight of acceleration was concentrated in the chest, making it difficult to breathe.

But then, "launch and entry are such unique experiences," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;

NASA has contracted&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;to launch&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;into space from US soil, something that has not been possible since 2011 with the end of space shuttle program.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="'Touchdown confirmed': NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars">'Touchdown confirmed': NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars</a>

Since that time until now NASA was forced to pay for rides to the ISS aboard Russian Soyuz vessels, which land&nbsp;on&nbsp;dry land.

"Landing in the water was interesting because none of us&nbsp;really&nbsp;knew what to expect, but I would say from my standpoint, it&nbsp;felt&nbsp;a little bit softer than landing&nbsp;on&nbsp;land," said US astronaut Shannon Walker.

"You spend less time under a parachute&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Dragon than you do under the Soyuz," he said.

Soon, space "tourists" -- civilians who are not professional&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;-- will take their places&nbsp;on&nbsp;Dragon.

US astronaut Mike Hopkins believes that space tourists will be able to handle the rough reentry rides.

After the civilians go through some centrifuge training "it's not going to be completely unique to them," he said.

Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi said the landing was pretty smooth.

"Impact was very, very minimal, and right after splashdown. We feel the waves, we come back to the water planet.

"That's a great feeling."

Four astronauts just returned from the International Space Station described on Thursday their reentry into Earth's atmosphere and ocean splashdown after more than 160 days in space.

Four astronauts just returned from the International Space Station described on Thursday their reentry into Earth's atmosphere and ocean splashdown after more than 160 days in space. A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the crew back to Earth splashed down off Florida early Sunday in NASA's first nighttime ocean landing in more than 50 years. Also read | NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station "There was a point where I was just saying to myself, breathe. Inhale, because I felt really heavy -- I felt like those cartoons when they experience G and your face is just sagging down," said American Victor Glover, one of the astronauts in the group called Crew-1. It was the first regular mission to be taken and then returned from the ISS aboard a spacecraft built by billionaire Elon Musk's company. Also read | Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket "I expected it to be so dynamic -- and so challenging -- that the actual event I think, was a little less than what I was expecting, and so it was enjoyable all around," Glover said. The weight of acceleration was concentrated in the chest, making it difficult to breathe. But then, "launch and entry are such unique experiences," he said. NASA has contracted SpaceX to launch astronauts into space from US soil, something that has not been possible since 2011 with the end of space shuttle program. Also read | 'Touchdown confirmed': NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars Since that time until now NASA was forced to pay for rides to the ISS aboard Russian Soyuz vessels, which land on dry land. "Landing in the water was interesting because none of us really knew what to expect, but I would say from my standpoint, it felt a little bit softer than landing on land," said US astronaut Shannon Walker. "You spend less time under a parachute on the Dragon than you do under the Soyuz," he said. Soon, space "tourists" -- civilians who are not professional astronauts -- will take their places on Dragon. US astronaut Mike Hopkins believes that space tourists will be able to handle the rough reentry rides. After the civilians go through some centrifuge training "it's not going to be completely unique to them," he said. Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi said the landing was pretty smooth. "Impact was very, very minimal, and right after splashdown. We feel the waves, we come back to the water planet. "That's a great feeling."

'I felt really heavy': Astronauts describe returning to Earth on SpaceX capsule

SpaceX managed to land its prototype Starship rocket at its Texas base without blowing it up on Wednesday, the first time it has succeeded in doing so in five attempts.

The test flight represents a major win for the hard-charging company, which eventually wants to carry crew inside Starship for missions to Mars.

"Starship landing nominal!" tweeted founder Elon Musk triumphantly, after the last four tries ended in big explosions.

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Starship landing nominal!
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1390073153347592192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Nominal" means normal in the context of spaceflight.

The execution wasn't quite perfect, with a small fire engulfing the base of the 50 meter- (160 feet-) high rocket, dubbed SN15, shortly after landing.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-space-station-astronauts-splashdown-off-florida-on-spacex-craft-382170">International Space Station astronauts splashdown off Florida on SpaceX craft</a>

SpaceX webcaster John Insprucker explained this was "not unusual with the methane fuel we're using," adding engineers were still working out design issues.

The flames were quickly put out with water cannons, footage showed.

Earlier, the rocket took off at around 5:25 pm local time (2225 GMT) from the Starbase in Boca Chica in southern Texas, reached an altitude of 10 kilometers (6 miles) and performed a series of maneuvers, including a horizontal descent called a "belly flop."

SpaceX was facing added pressure to succeed with Wednesday's flight after NASA last month announced a version of Starship will be used as a lunar lander when the space agency returns humans to the Moon.&nbsp;

But the $2.9 billion contract is currently suspended after two rival companies, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Dynetics, lodged a protest.

Nevertheless, if the award is eventually confirmed, it will transform Starship from Musk's pet project to a major tax payer-funded venture, with all the scrutiny that entails.

The first two flight tests of Starship, SN8 and SN9, both crash landed and exploded when they launched in December and February, respectively.

The next, SN10, successfully landed then blew up a few minutes later on March 3.&nbsp;

The video feed cut out during the test flight of the fourth, SN11, with Musk later confirming it too had exploded, this time in mid-flight.

Eventually, SpaceX plans to combine the Starship spaceship with a Super Heavy rocket, creating a fully reusable system to explore deep into our solar system.

This final version will stand 394 feet (120 meters) tall and will be able to carry 100 metric tonnes into Earth orbit -- the most powerful launch vehicle ever developed.

Musk wants to use this to help realize his goal of transforming humanity into a multiplanetary species with a colony on Mars.

The planned lunar version of Starship would however serve a more modest goal -- docking with a future lunar orbital station, collecting astronauts, then setting them down on the Moon.

To get the astronauts to the lunar station in the first place, NASA has a more traditional plan in mind: using its own giant SLS rocket with a crew capsule called Orion affixed on top.

But the SLS rocket has suffered severe delays and cost overruns, and observers have mused if Starship succeeds, it could one day make SLS obsolete.

SpaceX managed to land its prototype Starship rocket at its Texas base without blowing it up on Wednesday, the first time it has succeeded in doing so in five attempts.

SpaceX managed to land its prototype Starship rocket at its Texas base without blowing it up on Wednesday, the first time it has succeeded in doing so in five attempts. The test flight represents a major win for the hard-charging company, which eventually wants to carry crew inside Starship for missions to Mars. "Starship landing nominal!" tweeted founder Elon Musk triumphantly, after the last four tries ended in big explosions. Starship landing nominal! — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) May 5, 2021 × "Nominal" means normal in the context of spaceflight. The execution wasn't quite perfect, with a small fire engulfing the base of the 50 meter- (160 feet-) high rocket, dubbed SN15, shortly after landing. Also read | International Space Station astronauts splashdown off Florida on SpaceX craft SpaceX webcaster John Insprucker explained this was "not unusual with the methane fuel we're using," adding engineers were still working out design issues. The flames were quickly put out with water cannons, footage showed. Earlier, the rocket took off at around 5:25 pm local time (2225 GMT) from the Starbase in Boca Chica in southern Texas, reached an altitude of 10 kilometers (6 miles) and performed a series of maneuvers, including a horizontal descent called a "belly flop." SpaceX was facing added pressure to succeed with Wednesday's flight after NASA last month announced a version of Starship will be used as a lunar lander when the space agency returns humans to the Moon. But the $2.9 billion contract is currently suspended after two rival companies, Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin and Dynetics, lodged a protest. Nevertheless, if the award is eventually confirmed, it will transform Starship from Musk's pet project to a major tax payer-funded venture, with all the scrutiny that entails. The first two flight tests of Starship, SN8 and SN9, both crash landed and exploded when they launched in December and February, respectively. The next, SN10, successfully landed then blew up a few minutes later on March 3. The video feed cut out during the test flight of the fourth, SN11, with Musk later confirming it too had exploded, this time in mid-flight. Eventually, SpaceX plans to combine the Starship spaceship with a Super Heavy rocket, creating a fully reusable system to explore deep into our solar system. This final version will stand 394 feet (120 meters) tall and will be able to carry 100 metric tonnes into Earth orbit -- the most powerful launch vehicle ever developed. Musk wants to use this to help realize his goal of transforming humanity into a multiplanetary species with a colony on Mars. The planned lunar version of Starship would however serve a more modest goal -- docking with a future lunar orbital station, collecting astronauts, then setting them down on the Moon. To get the astronauts to the lunar station in the first place, NASA has a more traditional plan in mind: using its own giant SLS rocket with a crew capsule called Orion affixed on top. But the SLS rocket has suffered severe delays and cost overruns, and observers have mused if Starship succeeds, it could one day make SLS obsolete.

Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket

SpaceX successfully launched and then landed the latest prototype of its Starship rocket on Wednesday, in the fifth high-altitude test flight of the system. Starship prototype rocket Serial Number 15, or SN15, flew as high as 10 kilometers, or about 33,000 feet.

SpaceX successfully launches a Starship SN15 prototype rocket for the first time

A SpaceX capsule carrying four astronauts departed the International Space Station late Saturday, aiming for a rare nighttime splashdown to end the company’s second crew flight.

It would be the first U.S. splashdown in darkness since the Apollo 8′s crew returned from the moon in 1968.

NASA’s Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker, and Japan’s Soichi Noguchi, headed home in the same Dragon capsule that delivered them to the space station last November. The ride back was expected to take just 6 1/2 hours.

“Thanks for your hospitality,” Hopkins radioed as the capsule undocked 260 miles (420 kilometres) above Mali.

SpaceX targeted a splashdown around 3 a.m. Sunday in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida. Despite the early hour, the Coast Guard deployed extra patrols — and spotlights — to keep any night-owl sightseers away. The capsule of the first SpaceX crew was surrounded by pleasure boaters last summer, posing a safety risk.

Hopkins, the spacecraft commander, rocketed into orbit with his crew on Nov. 15 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Their replacements arrived a week ago aboard their Dragon capsule — the same one that launched SpaceX’s first crew last spring.

The four should have been back by now, but the high offshore wind kept them at the space station a few extra days. SpaceX and NASA determined the best weather would be before dawn.

The delays allowed Glover to celebrate his 45th birthday in space Friday.

“Gratitude, wonder, connection. I’m full of and motivated by these feelings on my birthday, as my first mission to space comes to an end,” Glover tweeted.

Saturday night’s undocking left seven astronauts at the space station: three Americans, two Russians, one Japanese and one French.

A SpaceX capsule carrying four astronauts departed the International Space Station late Saturday, aiming for a rare nighttime splashdown to end the company’s second crew flight.

A SpaceX capsule carrying four astronauts departed the International Space Station late Saturday, aiming for a rare nighttime splashdown to end the company’s second crew flight. It would be the first U.S. splashdown in darkness since the Apollo 8′s crew returned from the moon in 1968. NASA’s Mike Hopkins, Victor Glover and Shannon Walker, and Japan’s Soichi Noguchi, headed home in the same Dragon capsule that delivered them to the space station last November. The ride back was expected to take just 6 1/2 hours. “Thanks for your hospitality,” Hopkins radioed as the capsule undocked 260 miles (420 kilometres) above Mali. SpaceX targeted a splashdown around 3 a.m. Sunday in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida. Despite the early hour, the Coast Guard deployed extra patrols — and spotlights — to keep any night-owl sightseers away. The capsule of the first SpaceX crew was surrounded by pleasure boaters last summer, posing a safety risk. Hopkins, the spacecraft commander, rocketed into orbit with his crew on Nov. 15 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Their replacements arrived a week ago aboard their Dragon capsule — the same one that launched SpaceX’s first crew last spring. The four should have been back by now, but the high offshore wind kept them at the space station a few extra days. SpaceX and NASA determined the best weather would be before dawn. The delays allowed Glover to celebrate his 45th birthday in space Friday. “Gratitude, wonder, connection. I’m full of and motivated by these feelings on my birthday, as my first mission to space comes to an end,” Glover tweeted. Saturday night’s undocking left seven astronauts at the space station: three Americans, two Russians, one Japanese and one French.

SpaceX capsule departs International Space Station with 4 astronauts, heads home

The US&nbsp;Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said on Tuesday it had voted to approve a SpaceX plan to deploy some Starlink satellites at a lower earth orbit than planned as part of its push to offer space-based broadband internet.

Elon Musk's SpaceX had asked the FCC for approval to fly 2,824 satellites at a lower orbit as part of the plan to provide high-speed broadband internet services to people who currently lack access.

The change in altitude would improve space safety, reduce power flux density emissions to improve the interference environment, and lower "elevation angles to improve the customer experience," SpaceX told the FCC.

The FCC's decision to grant the approval&nbsp;includes a number of conditions to ensure the plan's safety.

"SpaceX’s operations at lower altitudes and significant maneuverability should result in lower collision risk and an improved orbital debris environment," the FCC said.

The FCC also said SpaceX agreed to accept that their lower-altitude satellites may encounter interference from satellites deployed under Amazon's Kuiper Systems satellite project.

In July, Amazon said it would invest more than $10 billion to build a network of 3,236 low-earth orbit satellites.

Musk and Amazon have sparred publicly over the competing satellite plans.

Amazon praised the FCC order for placing "clear conditions on SpaceX, including requirements that it remains below 580 km and accept additional interference resulting from its redesign. These conditions address our primary concerns regarding space safety and interference."

SpaceX, which plans to eventually deploy 12,000 satellites in total, has said previously the Starlink constellation will cost it roughly $10 billion.

While extremely costly to deploy, satellite&nbsp;technology&nbsp;can provide high-speed internet for people who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fiber optic cables and cell towers do not reach. The&nbsp;technology&nbsp;could also be a critical backstop when hurricanes or other natural disasters disrupt communication.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said on Tuesday it had voted to approve a SpaceX plan to deploy some Starlink satellites at a lower earth orbit than planned as part of its push to offer space-based broadband internet.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) said on Tuesday it had voted to approve a SpaceX plan to deploy some Starlink satellites at a lower earth orbit than planned as part of its push to offer space-based broadband internet. Elon Musk's SpaceX had asked the FCC for approval to fly 2,824 satellites at a lower orbit as part of the plan to provide high-speed broadband internet services to people who currently lack access. The change in altitude would improve space safety, reduce power flux density emissions to improve the interference environment, and lower "elevation angles to improve the customer experience," SpaceX told the FCC. The FCC's decision to grant the approval includes a number of conditions to ensure the plan's safety. "SpaceX’s operations at lower altitudes and significant maneuverability should result in lower collision risk and an improved orbital debris environment," the FCC said. The FCC also said SpaceX agreed to accept that their lower-altitude satellites may encounter interference from satellites deployed under Amazon's Kuiper Systems satellite project. In July, Amazon said it would invest more than $10 billion to build a network of 3,236 low-earth orbit satellites. Musk and Amazon have sparred publicly over the competing satellite plans. Amazon praised the FCC order for placing "clear conditions on SpaceX, including requirements that it remains below 580 km and accept additional interference resulting from its redesign. These conditions address our primary concerns regarding space safety and interference." SpaceX, which plans to eventually deploy 12,000 satellites in total, has said previously the Starlink constellation will cost it roughly $10 billion. While extremely costly to deploy, satellite technology can provide high-speed internet for people who live in rural or hard-to-serve places where fiber optic cables and cell towers do not reach. The technology could also be a critical backstop when hurricanes or other natural disasters disrupt communication. (With inputs from agencies)

Space-based broadband internet: US FCC approves SpaceX's plan to deploy Starlink satellites

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, the space rocket company, is now formally challenging the $2.9 billion moon lander contract which was recently awarded to its rival&nbsp;SpaceX by NASA.

On Monday, Blue Origin said it had filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office, accusing the space agency of making tweaks for contract bidders at the last minute.

"NASA has executed a flawed acquisition for the Human Landing System programme and moved the goalposts at the last minute",&nbsp;Reuters cited Blue&nbsp;Origin&nbsp;as saying in a statement.

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"Their decision eliminates opportunities for competition, significantly narrows the supply base, and not only delays, but also endangers America's return to the moon. Because of that, we've filed a protest with the GAO”, it added.

While Elon Musk’s SpaceX made the bid alone, Bezos’ Blue Origin made the bid in partnership with Lockheed Martin Corp, Northrop Grumman Corp and Draper.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/astronauts-arrive-at-space-station-aboard-spacex-endeavour-379931" hreflang="en">Astronauts arrive at space station aboard SpaceX Endeavour</a>

The world’s first and third richest people respectively, Bezos and Musk have been competing to be at the helm of man’s return to moon for the first time since 1972.

The contract will see NASA’s first commercial human lander, constituent of its Artemis programme. NASA says that the lander will carry in it two American astronauts to the moon’s surface.

"We should accomplish the next landing as soon as possible… If they hit their milestones, we have a shot at 2024," Steve Jurczyk, NASA's acting administrator said during the announcement made virtually on April 17.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/mars-sucks-people-troll-elon-musks-idea-of-space-colonisation-379864" hreflang="en">'Mars sucks!' People troll Elon Musk's idea of space colonisation</a>

Apollo landings from 1969-1972 mark the only human visits to the moon’s surface. Now, NASA is relying on private companies to send astronauts to the moon to complete its space ambition projects.

But before humans make the journey, SpaceX will be required to conduct a test flight of the lander to the moon.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, the space rocket company, is now formally challenging the $2.9 billion moon lander contract which was recently awarded to its rival SpaceX by NASA.

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin, the space rocket company, is now formally challenging the $2.9 billion moon lander contract which was recently awarded to its rival SpaceX by NASA. On Monday, Blue Origin said it had filed a protest with the Government Accountability Office, accusing the space agency of making tweaks for contract bidders at the last minute. "NASA has executed a flawed acquisition for the Human Landing System programme and moved the goalposts at the last minute", Reuters cited Blue Origin as saying in a statement. "Their decision eliminates opportunities for competition, significantly narrows the supply base, and not only delays, but also endangers America's return to the moon. Because of that, we've filed a protest with the GAO”, it added. While Elon Musk’s SpaceX made the bid alone, Bezos’ Blue Origin made the bid in partnership with Lockheed Martin Corp, Northrop Grumman Corp and Draper. Also read: Astronauts arrive at space station aboard SpaceX Endeavour The world’s first and third richest people respectively, Bezos and Musk have been competing to be at the helm of man’s return to moon for the first time since 1972. The contract will see NASA’s first commercial human lander, constituent of its Artemis programme. NASA says that the lander will carry in it two American astronauts to the moon’s surface. "We should accomplish the next landing as soon as possible… If they hit their milestones, we have a shot at 2024," Steve Jurczyk, NASA's acting administrator said during the announcement made virtually on April 17. Also read: 'Mars sucks!' People troll Elon Musk's idea of space colonisation Apollo landings from 1969-1972 mark the only human visits to the moon’s surface. Now, NASA is relying on private companies to send astronauts to the moon to complete its space ambition projects. But before humans make the journey, SpaceX will be required to conduct a test flight of the lander to the moon. (With inputs from agencies)

Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin protests NASA's moon lander contract with Elon Musk's SpaceX

A four-astronaut team arrived at the International Space Station on Saturday aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule Endeavour, NASA said, after becoming the first crew ever to be propelled into orbit by a rocket booster recycled from a previous spaceflight.

The Endeavour capsule, also making its second flight, was launched into space on Friday atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX is the Elon Musk's commercial rocket company.

The Endeavour docked to the space station complex at 5:08 a.m. EDT (0908 GMT) while the spacecraft were flying 264 miles (425 km) above the Indian Ocean, NASA said in an update.

Have a look |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nasa-and-spacex-launch-a-new-four-astronaut-team-to-international-space-station-379500">NASA and SpaceX launch a new four-astronaut team to International Space Station</a>

On board were two NASA astronauts - mission commander Shane Kimbrough, 53, and pilot Megan McArthur, 49 - along with Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, 52, and fellow mission specialist Thomas Pesquet, 43, a French engineer from the European Space Agency.

The mission marks the second "operational" space station team launched by NASA aboard a Crew Dragon capsule since human spaceflights resumed from American soil last year, following a nine-year hiatus at the end of the U.S. space shuttle program in 2011.

It is also the third crewed flight launched into orbit in 11 months under NASA's fledgling public-private partnership with SpaceX, the rocket company founded in 2002 by Musk, who is also CEO of electric car maker Tesla Inc.

The mission's Falcon 9 rocket blasted off with the same first-stage booster that lofted a crew into orbit five months ago, marking the first time a previously flown booster has ever been re-used in a crewed launch.

Reusable booster vehicles, designed to fly themselves back to Earth and land safely rather than fall into the sea after launch, are at the heart of a re-usable rocket strategy that SpaceX helped pioneer to make spaceflight more economical.

A four-astronaut team arrived at the International Space Station on Saturday aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule Endeavour, NASA said, after becoming the first crew ever to be propelled into orbit by a rocket booster recycled from a previous spaceflight.

A four-astronaut team arrived at the International Space Station on Saturday aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule Endeavour, NASA said, after becoming the first crew ever to be propelled into orbit by a rocket booster recycled from a previous spaceflight. The Endeavour capsule, also making its second flight, was launched into space on Friday atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. SpaceX is the Elon Musk's commercial rocket company. The Endeavour docked to the space station complex at 5:08 a.m. EDT (0908 GMT) while the spacecraft were flying 264 miles (425 km) above the Indian Ocean, NASA said in an update. Have a look | NASA and SpaceX launch a new four-astronaut team to International Space Station On board were two NASA astronauts - mission commander Shane Kimbrough, 53, and pilot Megan McArthur, 49 - along with Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, 52, and fellow mission specialist Thomas Pesquet, 43, a French engineer from the European Space Agency. The mission marks the second "operational" space station team launched by NASA aboard a Crew Dragon capsule since human spaceflights resumed from American soil last year, following a nine-year hiatus at the end of the U.S. space shuttle program in 2011. It is also the third crewed flight launched into orbit in 11 months under NASA's fledgling public-private partnership with SpaceX, the rocket company founded in 2002 by Musk, who is also CEO of electric car maker Tesla Inc. The mission's Falcon 9 rocket blasted off with the same first-stage booster that lofted a crew into orbit five months ago, marking the first time a previously flown booster has ever been re-used in a crewed launch. Reusable booster vehicles, designed to fly themselves back to Earth and land safely rather than fall into the sea after launch, are at the heart of a re-usable rocket strategy that SpaceX helped pioneer to make spaceflight more economical.

Astronauts arrive at space station aboard SpaceX Endeavour

Tech entrepreneur <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a> is usually celebrated for his ideas, but as the popular saying claims, you cannot please everyone. &nbsp;

Musk recently stressed the importance of space colonisation and talked about establishing a permanent presence of human beings on Mars as soon as possible.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/elon-musk-announces-100-million-prize-money-to-fight-global-warming-379568" hreflang="en">Elon Musk announces $100 million prize money to fight global warming</a>

While the idea was appreciated by a few, some have used this opportunity to express their views against the SpaceX owner and troll him, especially due to the timing as the world celebrated Earth Day on April 22.

To voice their opinion against Musk’s ideas, some activists put up a large billboard outside SpaceX’s Hawthorne campus with the message "Mars sucks".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nasa-and-spacex-launch-a-new-four-astronaut-team-to-international-space-station-379500" hreflang="en">NASA and SpaceX launch a new four-astronaut team to International Space Station</a>

The billboard was reportedly set up by a creative agency known as Activista, which also tweeted out the same message.

"What doesn't suck? #earth But the way we treat it frankly, sucks. And then, you dream of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mars?src=hashtag_click">#mars</a>. A hellhole. A barren, desolate, wasteland you can’t set foot on fast enough. Great, we got to Mars.," the tweet read.

While some were amused by the trolling message, others criticised the ‘careless’ message and pointed out the importance of space exploration.

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What doesn't suck? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earth</a> But the way we treat it frankly, sucks. And then, you dream of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/mars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#mars</a>. A hellhole. A barren, desolate, wasteland you can’t set foot on fast enough. Great, we got to Mars. Now let's <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/prioritizeearth?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#prioritizeearth</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/marssucks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#marssucks</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/earthday?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#earthday</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ElonMusk?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ElonMusk</a> <a href="https://t.co/7bkybArErU">pic.twitter.com/7bkybArErU</a>
— Activista (@ActivistaLA) <a href="https://twitter.com/ActivistaLA/status/1384894578189291527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 21, 2021</a></blockquote>
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My head: The limited resources of Mars might be the fastest driver to create the sustainable living tech needed to save Earth though. 
My heart: Epic Troll 😂
— Jonathan Davies (@jonjo) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonjo/status/1385272172244082688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Smart move troll a bloke who has pioneered the integration of electric cars ... Activista thick as 💩
— Chris Blackburn (@BlackyCB) <a href="https://twitter.com/BlackyCB/status/1385178909654884355?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Every penny spent on space exploration is worth it. If you want more money to be spent on solving Earth problems, ask governments to cut their military budgets.
— H.H. (@Hrach90) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hrach90/status/1385143651878252544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2021</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk is usually celebrated for his ideas, but as the popular saying claims, you cannot please everyone. Musk recently stressed the importance of space colonisation and talked about establishing a permanent presence of human beings on Mars as soon as possible.

Tech entrepreneur Elon Musk is usually celebrated for his ideas, but as the popular saying claims, you cannot please everyone. Musk recently stressed the importance of space colonisation and talked about establishing a permanent presence of human beings on Mars as soon as possible. Also read | Elon Musk announces $100 million prize money to fight global warming While the idea was appreciated by a few, some have used this opportunity to express their views against the SpaceX owner and troll him, especially due to the timing as the world celebrated Earth Day on April 22. To voice their opinion against Musk’s ideas, some activists put up a large billboard outside SpaceX’s Hawthorne campus with the message "Mars sucks". Also read | NASA and SpaceX launch a new four-astronaut team to International Space Station The billboard was reportedly set up by a creative agency known as Activista, which also tweeted out the same message. "What doesn't suck? #earth But the way we treat it frankly, sucks. And then, you dream of #mars. A hellhole. A barren, desolate, wasteland you can’t set foot on fast enough. Great, we got to Mars.," the tweet read. While some were amused by the trolling message, others criticised the ‘careless’ message and pointed out the importance of space exploration. What doesn't suck? #earth But the way we treat it frankly, sucks. And then, you dream of #mars. A hellhole. A barren, desolate, wasteland you can’t set foot on fast enough. Great, we got to Mars. Now let's #prioritizeearth #marssucks #earthday #ElonMusk pic.twitter.com/7bkybArErU — Activista (@ActivistaLA) April 21, 2021 × My head: The limited resources of Mars might be the fastest driver to create the sustainable living tech needed to save Earth though. My heart: Epic Troll 😂 — Jonathan Davies (@jonjo) April 22, 2021 × Smart move troll a bloke who has pioneered the integration of electric cars ... Activista thick as 💩 — Chris Blackburn (@BlackyCB) April 22, 2021 × Every penny spent on space exploration is worth it. If you want more money to be spent on solving Earth problems, ask governments to cut their military budgets. — H.H. (@Hrach90) April 22, 2021 ×

'Mars sucks!' People troll Elon Musk's idea of space colonisation

The&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;Crew&nbsp;Dragon&nbsp;Endeavour&nbsp;docked with the&nbsp;International&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Station&nbsp;(ISS) early Saturday, a live stream showed.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
LIVE FROM ORBIT: NASA's <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Crew-2 astronauts arrive at the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>. <a href="https://t.co/2PsxR9gLoS">https://t.co/2PsxR9gLoS</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1385876182730686466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Soft capture — the first phase of docking — occurred at 5:08 am Eastern time (0908 GMT), 264 miles (424 kilometers) over the south Indian Ocean.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Dragon remains on track to autonomously dock with the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@space_station</a> at ~5:10 a.m. EDT <a href="https://t.co/eyftZphCET">pic.twitter.com/eyftZphCET</a>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1385875577245114370?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hard capture, the second stage, occurred about 10 minutes later, when 12 hooks were securely attached between&nbsp;Endeavour&nbsp;and the&nbsp;ISS's forward port.

"Hard capture complete, welcome&nbsp;Crew-2," said US astronaut Shannon Walker, current commander of the&nbsp;ISS.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
The four <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Crew-2 astronauts docked the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CrewDragon?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CrewDragon</a> Endeavour to the station today at 5:08am ET one day after launch. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LaunchAmerica?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#LaunchAmerica</a> | <a href="https://t.co/gmlUpBr8TX">https://t.co/gmlUpBr8TX</a> <a href="https://t.co/sHaDPJJZw1">pic.twitter.com/sHaDPJJZw1</a>
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1385886598571520000?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

"Thanks Shannon, we're glad to be here, we'll see you all in a few minutes," replied&nbsp;Endeavour's commander, US astronaut Shane Kimbrough.

The vestibule between the capsule is now being pressurized so that the hatches of both&nbsp;Endeavour&nbsp;and the&nbsp;space&nbsp;station can be opened.

The hatches should be opened around 7:15 am (1115 GMT), with a welcoming ceremony to follow at 7:45 am.

The&nbsp;Crew-2 mission, which includes the first European, Thomas Pesquet of France, blasted off from pad 39A at the Kennedy&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Center in Florida before dawn on Friday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="SpaceX to take 4 astronauts to International Space Station on Thursday">SpaceX to take 4 astronauts to International Space Station on Thursday</a>

Endeavour&nbsp;is carrying the third&nbsp;crew&nbsp;sent to the&nbsp;ISS&nbsp;by&nbsp;SpaceX, as part of the company's multibillion dollar contract with&nbsp;NASA. It's also&nbsp;Endeavour's second trip to the&nbsp;ISS.&nbsp;

It first flew there on the Demo-2 mission in May 2020, which ended almost a decade of US reliance on Russia for rides to the&nbsp;ISS&nbsp;following the end of the&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Shuttle program.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour docked with the International Space Station (ISS) early Saturday, a live stream showed. LIVE FROM ORBIT: NASA's @SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts arrive at the @Space_Station.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour docked with the International Space Station (ISS) early Saturday, a live stream showed. LIVE FROM ORBIT: NASA's @SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts arrive at the @Space_Station. https://t.co/2PsxR9gLoS — NASA (@NASA) April 24, 2021 Soft capture — the first phase of docking — occurred at 5:08 am Eastern time (0908 GMT), 264 miles (424 kilometers) over the south Indian Ocean. Dragon remains on track to autonomously dock with the @space_station at ~5:10 a.m. EDT pic.twitter.com/eyftZphCET — SpaceX (@SpaceX) April 24, 2021 Hard capture, the second stage, occurred about 10 minutes later, when 12 hooks were securely attached between Endeavour and the ISS's forward port. "Hard capture complete, welcome Crew-2," said US astronaut Shannon Walker, current commander of the ISS. The four @SpaceX Crew-2 astronauts docked the #CrewDragon Endeavour to the station today at 5:08am ET one day after launch. #LaunchAmerica | https://t.co/gmlUpBr8TX pic.twitter.com/sHaDPJJZw1 — International Space Station (@Space_Station) April 24, 2021 "Thanks Shannon, we're glad to be here, we'll see you all in a few minutes," replied Endeavour's commander, US astronaut Shane Kimbrough. The vestibule between the capsule is now being pressurized so that the hatches of both Endeavour and the space station can be opened. The hatches should be opened around 7:15 am (1115 GMT), with a welcoming ceremony to follow at 7:45 am. The Crew-2 mission, which includes the first European, Thomas Pesquet of France, blasted off from pad 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida before dawn on Friday. Also read: SpaceX to take 4 astronauts to International Space Station on Thursday Endeavour is carrying the third crew sent to the ISS by SpaceX, as part of the company's multibillion dollar contract with NASA. It's also Endeavour's second trip to the ISS. It first flew there on the Demo-2 mission in May 2020, which ended almost a decade of US reliance on Russia for rides to the ISS following the end of the Space Shuttle program.

SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour docks with ISS: NASA TV

SpaceX’s founder and CEO Elon Musk on Friday revealed his plans for humanity as the company races to put humans into space as soon as possible. Musk claims that he does not wan human beings to be limited to just Earth, and that humans should be a “multi-planet species”.

“We don’t want to be one of those single planet species, we want to be a multi-planet species,” Musk said on Friday after the launch of SpaceX’s “Crew-2” mission. Musk added how it had been almost 50 years since human beings set foot on the moon. “That’s too long”, he said.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-story-of-elon-musk-355489/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

“We need to get back there and have a permanent base on the moon”, Musk added while proposing a city to be built on Mars for humanity to become a “spacefaring civilisation” and a “multi-planet species”.

Currently, Musk’s company is working on its Starship series which are huge stainless steel rockets aimed at putting human beings on Mars and Moon.&nbsp;SpaceX is building them at its facility in Texas. The current Starship prototypes stand 150 feet tall. Each Starship requires three Raptor rocket engines.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/elon-musk-announces-100-million-prize-money-to-fight-global-warming-379568" hreflang="en">Elon Musk announces $100 million prize money to fight global warming</a>

Last week, SpaceX won a NASA contract worth $2.9 billion to help the agency put astronauts on the moon. Currently, the estimated target for the mission is 2024.

The contract will see NASA’s first commercial human lander, constituent of its Artemis programme. The agency added that the lander will carry in it two American astronauts to the moon’s surface.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/elon-musks-spacex-wins-nasas-29-billion-moon-lander-contract-over-bezos-blue-origin-378081" hreflang="en">Elon Musk's SpaceX wins NASA's $2.9 billion moon lander contract over Bezos' Blue Origin</a>

"We should accomplish the next landing as soon as possible… If they hit their milestones, we have a shot at 2024," Steve Jurczyk, NASA's acting administrator said during the announcement made virtually.

According to NASA, SpaceX’s Starship system included a cabin and two airlocks to facilitate moonwalks. In addition, the architecture of the system allows it to to eventually used for reusable launch and landing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX’s founder and CEO Elon Musk on Friday revealed his plans for humanity as the company races to put humans into space as soon as possible. Musk claims that he does not wan human beings to be limited to just Earth, and that humans should be a “multi-planet species”.

SpaceX’s founder and CEO Elon Musk on Friday revealed his plans for humanity as the company races to put humans into space as soon as possible. Musk claims that he does not wan human beings to be limited to just Earth, and that humans should be a “multi-planet species”. “We don’t want to be one of those single planet species, we want to be a multi-planet species,” Musk said on Friday after the launch of SpaceX’s “Crew-2” mission. Musk added how it had been almost 50 years since human beings set foot on the moon. “That’s too long”, he said. “We need to get back there and have a permanent base on the moon”, Musk added while proposing a city to be built on Mars for humanity to become a “spacefaring civilisation” and a “multi-planet species”. Currently, Musk’s company is working on its Starship series which are huge stainless steel rockets aimed at putting human beings on Mars and Moon. SpaceX is building them at its facility in Texas. The current Starship prototypes stand 150 feet tall. Each Starship requires three Raptor rocket engines. Also read: Elon Musk announces $100 million prize money to fight global warming Last week, SpaceX won a NASA contract worth $2.9 billion to help the agency put astronauts on the moon. Currently, the estimated target for the mission is 2024. The contract will see NASA’s first commercial human lander, constituent of its Artemis programme. The agency added that the lander will carry in it two American astronauts to the moon’s surface. Also read: Elon Musk's SpaceX wins NASA's $2.9 billion moon lander contract over Bezos' Blue Origin "We should accomplish the next landing as soon as possible… If they hit their milestones, we have a shot at 2024," Steve Jurczyk, NASA's acting administrator said during the announcement made virtually. According to NASA, SpaceX’s Starship system included a cabin and two airlocks to facilitate moonwalks. In addition, the architecture of the system allows it to to eventually used for reusable launch and landing. (With inputs from agencies)

Eyeing Mars, Elon Musk wants humans to be 'multi-planet species'

NASA and commercial rocket company SpaceX were due to launch a new four-astronaut team to the International Space Station early on Friday in what would be the first crew propelled into orbit by a rocket booster recycled from a previous spaceflight.

The company's Crew Dragon capsule, the Endeavour, was set for liftoff atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 5:49 a.m. Eastern time (0949 GMT) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

The nearly 24-hour ride to the space station, which orbits some 250 miles (400 km) above Earth, had been set to begin on Thursday but was delayed for a day by unfavorable weather forecasts along the rocket's flight path.

For the rescheduled launch window on Friday, meteorologists predicted a 90% chance of favorable weather at the launch site, with improving conditions along the flight path.

The mission marks the second "operational" space station team to be launched by NASA aboard a Dragon Crew capsule since the United States resumed flying astronauts into space from U.S. soil last year, following a nine-year hiatus at the end of the U.S. space shuttle program in 2011.

It is also the third crewed flight launched to into orbit under NASA's fledgling public-private partnership with SpaceX, the rocket company founded and owned by billionaire high-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. The first was an out-and-back test mission carrying just two astronauts into orbit last May.

Friday's four-member Crew 2 team consists of two NASA astronauts - mission commander Shane Kimbrough, 53, and pilot Megan McArthur, 49, - along with Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, 52, and fellow mission specialist Thomas Pesquet, 43, a French engineer of the European Space Agency.

"There's nothing like it when you look out the window and see a spaceship getting prepared and realize that you're going to be riding on it in a few days," McArthur said at a news briefing just after arriving at Kennedy Space Center last week.

LONG-DURATION MISSION

They are expected to spend about six months aboard the orbiting research platform conducting science experiments and maintenance before returning to Earth in the fall.

The four members of Crew 1, sent to the space station in November, are slated to fly home on April 28.

The Crew 2 mission also is special in that its Falcon 9 launch vehicle will fly using the same first-stage booster that lofted Crew 1 into orbit, marking the first time a flight-proven booster will be re-used in a crewed launch.

Reusable booster vehicles, designed to fly themselves back to Earth and land safely once they separate from the rest of the rocket minutes after launch, are at the heart of a re-usable rocket strategy that SpaceX helped pioneer to make spaceflight more economical.

SpaceX has to date logged more than 45 successful Falcon 9 booster return landings, and the company has refurbished and re-used most of them, some for multiple flights, according to National Geographic. But all of those flights, until Friday's mission, carried cargo only, rather than humans into space.

Crew 2's pilot, McArthur, will make a bit of history herself as the first female pilot of the Crew Dragon and the second person from her family to ride aboard a capsule. She is married to NASA astronaut Bob Behnken, who flew the SpaceX demonstration flight with fellow astronaut Doug Hurley last year. The same Crew Dragon was used for that flight as well.

Arriving at the space station if all goes according to plan on Saturday, McArthur and her three crewmates will be welcomed by the four Crew 1 astronauts - three from NASA and one from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA. Two Russian cosmonauts and a U.S. astronaut who shared a Soyuz flight to the space station also are aboard. 
&nbsp;

NASA and commercial rocket company SpaceX were due to launch a new four-astronaut team to the International Space Station early on Friday in what would be the first crew propelled into orbit by a rocket booster recycled from a previous spaceflight.

NASA and commercial rocket company SpaceX were due to launch a new four-astronaut team to the International Space Station early on Friday in what would be the first crew propelled into orbit by a rocket booster recycled from a previous spaceflight. The company's Crew Dragon capsule, the Endeavour, was set for liftoff atop a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 5:49 a.m. Eastern time (0949 GMT) from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. The nearly 24-hour ride to the space station, which orbits some 250 miles (400 km) above Earth, had been set to begin on Thursday but was delayed for a day by unfavorable weather forecasts along the rocket's flight path. For the rescheduled launch window on Friday, meteorologists predicted a 90% chance of favorable weather at the launch site, with improving conditions along the flight path. The mission marks the second "operational" space station team to be launched by NASA aboard a Dragon Crew capsule since the United States resumed flying astronauts into space from U.S. soil last year, following a nine-year hiatus at the end of the U.S. space shuttle program in 2011. It is also the third crewed flight launched to into orbit under NASA's fledgling public-private partnership with SpaceX, the rocket company founded and owned by billionaire high-tech entrepreneur Elon Musk. The first was an out-and-back test mission carrying just two astronauts into orbit last May. Friday's four-member Crew 2 team consists of two NASA astronauts - mission commander Shane Kimbrough, 53, and pilot Megan McArthur, 49, - along with Japanese astronaut Akihiko Hoshide, 52, and fellow mission specialist Thomas Pesquet, 43, a French engineer of the European Space Agency. "There's nothing like it when you look out the window and see a spaceship getting prepared and realize that you're going to be riding on it in a few days," McArthur said at a news briefing just after arriving at Kennedy Space Center last week. LONG-DURATION MISSION They are expected to spend about six months aboard the orbiting research platform conducting science experiments and maintenance before returning to Earth in the fall. The four members of Crew 1, sent to the space station in November, are slated to fly home on April 28. The Crew 2 mission also is special in that its Falcon 9 launch vehicle will fly using the same first-stage booster that lofted Crew 1 into orbit, marking the first time a flight-proven booster will be re-used in a crewed launch. Reusable booster vehicles, designed to fly themselves back to Earth and land safely once they separate from the rest of the rocket minutes after launch, are at the heart of a re-usable rocket strategy that SpaceX helped pioneer to make spaceflight more economical. SpaceX has to date logged more than 45 successful Falcon 9 booster return landings, and the company has refurbished and re-used most of them, some for multiple flights, according to National Geographic. But all of those flights, until Friday's mission, carried cargo only, rather than humans into space. Crew 2's pilot, McArthur, will make a bit of history herself as the first female pilot of the Crew Dragon and the second person from her family to ride aboard a capsule. She is married to NASA astronaut Bob Behnken, who flew the SpaceX demonstration flight with fellow astronaut Doug Hurley last year. The same Crew Dragon was used for that flight as well. Arriving at the space station if all goes according to plan on Saturday, McArthur and her three crewmates will be welcomed by the four Crew 1 astronauts - three from NASA and one from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency JAXA. Two Russian cosmonauts and a U.S. astronaut who shared a Soyuz flight to the space station also are aboard.

NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station

Tesla owner and billionaire entrepreneur, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/elon-musk">Elon Musk</a>, has announced a prize of $100 million to any investor who is able to find a solution to battle global warming.

Musk has urged people to come ahead with ideas on fighting global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and ocean.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nasa-and-spacex-launch-a-new-four-astronaut-team-to-international-space-station-379500" hreflang="en">NASA and SpaceX launch a new four-astronaut team to International Space Station</a>

"Right now we've only got one planet," he said. "Even a 0.1 percent chance of disaster – why run that risk? That's crazy!"

The SpaceX owner has given a period of four years for investors to come up with successful ideas to win the prize money. The "largest incentive prize in history" will last till Earth Day, 2025.

ALso read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-issues-rare-apology-after-coming-under-pressure-over-disgruntled-customers-viral-video-379180" hreflang="en">Tesla issues rare apology after coming under pressure over disgruntled customer's viral video</a>

"Both cost and scalability need to be addressed. Is it going to be enough carbon to matter, and can we afford it as a civilisation? Those are two things that matter," Musk said in a video message.

As per calculations made by experts, removing carbon can cost more than $300 per metric tonne as the world emits nearly 50 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide in a year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-dead-as-tesla-car-believed-to-be-driverless-crashes-in-texas-378510" hreflang="en">Two dead as Tesla car believed to be driverless crashes in Texas</a>

"I think this is one of those things that is going to take a while to figure out what the right solution is," he said. "And especially to figure out what the best economics are for CO2 removal."

Organisers will go through the initial guidelines and churn out a list of rules by May. Till then one of the important things the contenders should remember is that they are required to have a plan to sustain the technology for at least the next 100 years.

Tesla owner and billionaire entrepreneur, Elon Musk, has announced a prize of $100 million to any investor who is able to find a solution to battle global warming.

Tesla owner and billionaire entrepreneur, Elon Musk, has announced a prize of $100 million to any investor who is able to find a solution to battle global warming. Musk has urged people to come ahead with ideas on fighting global warming by removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and ocean. Also read | NASA and SpaceX launch a new four-astronaut team to International Space Station "Right now we've only got one planet," he said. "Even a 0.1 percent chance of disaster – why run that risk? That's crazy!" The SpaceX owner has given a period of four years for investors to come up with successful ideas to win the prize money. The "largest incentive prize in history" will last till Earth Day, 2025. ALso read | Tesla issues rare apology after coming under pressure over disgruntled customer's viral video "Both cost and scalability need to be addressed. Is it going to be enough carbon to matter, and can we afford it as a civilisation? Those are two things that matter," Musk said in a video message. As per calculations made by experts, removing carbon can cost more than $300 per metric tonne as the world emits nearly 50 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide in a year. Also read | Two dead as Tesla car believed to be driverless crashes in Texas "I think this is one of those things that is going to take a while to figure out what the right solution is," he said. "And especially to figure out what the best economics are for CO2 removal." Organisers will go through the initial guidelines and churn out a list of rules by May. Till then one of the important things the contenders should remember is that they are required to have a plan to sustain the technology for at least the next 100 years.

Elon Musk announces $100 million prize money to fight global warming

A crewed SpaceX mission to International Space Station has been postponed due to bad weather. The liftoff was scheduled for Thursday (April 22), but now will take place on Friday (April 23) at 0949 GMT.

"For crewed missions we need to look downrange to make sure weather's good for a potential launch escape, and for recovery of the crew," acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk told reporters.

The Crew-2 mission will carry four astronauts in the second routine taxi ride by SpaceX to ISS since the United States resumed crewed space flight, and the first with a European.

It involves US astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Akihiko Hoshide, and the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Thomas Pesquet, who is French.

The mission is notable because it is first to rely on a previously deployed booster and a capsule that had also been used before

"(It is) really helping us to see the full capability and really realizing the dreams that we had when we started this effort, about 10 years ago with SpaceX," NASA's certification manager for SpaceX Tom Simon told AFP.

NASA's immediate goal is to be able to reuse booster rockets at least five times for human space flights.

(With inputs from agencies)

A crewed SpaceX mission to International Space Station has been postponed due to bad weather. The liftoff was scheduled for Thursday (April 22), but now will take place on Friday (April 23) at 0949 GMT.

A crewed SpaceX mission to International Space Station has been postponed due to bad weather. The liftoff was scheduled for Thursday (April 22), but now will take place on Friday (April 23) at 0949 GMT. "For crewed missions we need to look downrange to make sure weather's good for a potential launch escape, and for recovery of the crew," acting NASA Administrator Steve Jurczyk told reporters. The Crew-2 mission will carry four astronauts in the second routine taxi ride by SpaceX to ISS since the United States resumed crewed space flight, and the first with a European. It involves US astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Akihiko Hoshide, and the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Thomas Pesquet, who is French. The mission is notable because it is first to rely on a previously deployed booster and a capsule that had also been used before "(It is) really helping us to see the full capability and really realizing the dreams that we had when we started this effort, about 10 years ago with SpaceX," NASA's certification manager for SpaceX Tom Simon told AFP. NASA's immediate goal is to be able to reuse booster rockets at least five times for human space flights. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX mission to ISS postponed due to bad weather

SpaceX is preparing to carry four astronauts to a crowded International Space Station on Thursday, in the second routine mission since the United States resumed a crewed space flight and the first with a European.

Liftoff is planned for 6:11 am Eastern Time (1011 GMT) on April 22, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The mission, called Crew-2, involves US astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, along with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Akihiko Hoshide, and the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Thomas Pesquet.

All have flown to space previously.

ESA has dubbed the mission "Alpha" after the star Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to our own.

Elon Musk's SpaceX has firmly established itself as NASA's favoured transportation provider as the agency waits on Boeing's troubled Starliner capsule to carry out key tests.

SpaceX's first crewed test flight in May 2020 ended nine years of American reliance on Russian rockets for rides to the ISS following the demise of the Space Shuttle program.

Thursday's flight will reuse the booster rocket used in the Crew-1 mission -- a first -- and the Crew Dragon capsule will be the same as that used in the test mission.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the mission, Pesquet said his participation underscored Europe's commitment to space flight.

"It means a lot for us as an agency because we've been part of the ISS program for 20 years now and we intend to be part of what's coming next," said the Frenchman, referring to future partnerships including the Artemis program to the Moon.

Crowded lodgings

Pesquet told AFP he was excited to ride in the futuristic and fully autonomous Crew Dragon, which was markedly different from the Russian Soyuz spaceship he had previously flown.

"The way it's laid out, it's just fantastic, you know all the time what's going on," he said.

"On Soyuz, it's unbelievably reliable, but you had to make sense of all that information that was... disseminated at every corner of the control panel, with digital gauges, analogue gauges, and you had to make sense of this and that's why the training was much longer."

The four astronauts will overlap for a few days with the crew of Crew-1 before that team returns from its six-month mission.

With three Russians on board, the station is set to become unusually crowded, accommodating no fewer than 11 people.

Pesquet and Hoshide planned to liven up the cuisine with national dishes from their home countries.

Pesquet for his part divulged one of the meals was crepe Suzette -- a quintessentially French dessert.

Mini brains

During their mission, the crew will be tasked with carrying out numerous scientific experiments, with Pesquet singling out one examining the effects of weightlessness on brain organoids -- mini-brains created using stem cell technology -- as a favourite.

Scientists hope this research can eventually help space agencies prepare for distance space missions which will expose crews to the rigours of space for long periods, and even help fight brain disease here on Earth.

"It sounds like science fiction to me," joked the aerospace engineer.

Another important element of the mission is upgrading the station's solar power system by installing new compact panels that roll open like a huge yoga mat.

Crew-2's launch day coincides with Earth Day, and by the time the crew returns they will have also contributed to environmental research by taking 1.5 million images of phenomena like artificial lighting at night, algal blooms, and the breakdown of Antarctic ice shelves.

SpaceX is preparing to carry four astronauts to a crowded International Space Station on Thursday, in the second routine mission since the United States resumed a crewed space flight and the first with a European.

SpaceX is preparing to carry four astronauts to a crowded International Space Station on Thursday, in the second routine mission since the United States resumed a crewed space flight and the first with a European. Liftoff is planned for 6:11 am Eastern Time (1011 GMT) on April 22, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, called Crew-2, involves US astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, along with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Akihiko Hoshide, and the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Thomas Pesquet. All have flown to space previously. ESA has dubbed the mission "Alpha" after the star Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to our own. Elon Musk's SpaceX has firmly established itself as NASA's favoured transportation provider as the agency waits on Boeing's troubled Starliner capsule to carry out key tests. SpaceX's first crewed test flight in May 2020 ended nine years of American reliance on Russian rockets for rides to the ISS following the demise of the Space Shuttle program. Thursday's flight will reuse the booster rocket used in the Crew-1 mission -- a first -- and the Crew Dragon capsule will be the same as that used in the test mission. Speaking to reporters ahead of the mission, Pesquet said his participation underscored Europe's commitment to space flight. "It means a lot for us as an agency because we've been part of the ISS program for 20 years now and we intend to be part of what's coming next," said the Frenchman, referring to future partnerships including the Artemis program to the Moon. Crowded lodgings Pesquet told AFP he was excited to ride in the futuristic and fully autonomous Crew Dragon, which was markedly different from the Russian Soyuz spaceship he had previously flown. "The way it's laid out, it's just fantastic, you know all the time what's going on," he said. "On Soyuz, it's unbelievably reliable, but you had to make sense of all that information that was... disseminated at every corner of the control panel, with digital gauges, analogue gauges, and you had to make sense of this and that's why the training was much longer." The four astronauts will overlap for a few days with the crew of Crew-1 before that team returns from its six-month mission. With three Russians on board, the station is set to become unusually crowded, accommodating no fewer than 11 people. Pesquet and Hoshide planned to liven up the cuisine with national dishes from their home countries. Pesquet for his part divulged one of the meals was crepe Suzette -- a quintessentially French dessert. Mini brains During their mission, the crew will be tasked with carrying out numerous scientific experiments, with Pesquet singling out one examining the effects of weightlessness on brain organoids -- mini-brains created using stem cell technology -- as a favourite. Scientists hope this research can eventually help space agencies prepare for distance space missions which will expose crews to the rigours of space for long periods, and even help fight brain disease here on Earth. "It sounds like science fiction to me," joked the aerospace engineer. Another important element of the mission is upgrading the station's solar power system by installing new compact panels that roll open like a huge yoga mat. Crew-2's launch day coincides with Earth Day, and by the time the crew returns they will have also contributed to environmental research by taking 1.5 million images of phenomena like artificial lighting at night, algal blooms, and the breakdown of Antarctic ice shelves.

SpaceX to take 4 astronauts to International Space Station on Thursday

NASA on Friday awarded a $2.9 billion contract to build a spacecraft to SpaceX. The goal is to put humans on the moon again, as early as 2024. Elon Musk’s SpaceX was picked by NASA over Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Dynetics Inc, a defence contractor.

The world’s first and third richest people respectively, Bezos and Musk have been competing to be at the helm of man’s return to moon for the first time since 1972.

While Musk’s SpaceX made its bid alone, Bezos’ Blue Origin had partnered with Lockheed Martin Corp, Northrop Grumman Corp and Draper. Soon after the announcement, Elon Musk took to Twitter, announcing “NASA Rules!!”.

The contract will see NASA’s first commercial human lander, constituent of its Artemis programme. The agency added that the lander will carry in it two American astronauts to the moon’s surface.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/nasa-spacex-crew-2-set-for-launch-on-april-22-377917" hreflang="en">NASA SpaceX Crew-2 set for launch on April 22</a>

"We should accomplish the next landing as soon as possible… If they hit their milestones, we have a shot at 2024," Steve Jurczyk, NASA's acting administrator said during the announcement made virtually.

According to NASA, SpaceX’s Starship system included a cabin and two airlocks to facilitate moonwalks. In addition, the architecture of the system allows it to to eventually used for reusable launch and landing.&nbsp;

"We are humbled to help @NASAArtemis usher in a new era of human space exploration”, SpaceX wrote on Twitter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/science/spacex-names-two-citizen-astronauts-for-first-all-civilian-spaceflight-374511" hreflang="en">SpaceX names two citizen astronauts for first all-civilian spaceflight</a>

Apollo landings from 1969-1972 mark the only human visits to the moon’s surface. Now, NASA is relying on private companies to send astronauts to the moon to complete its space ambition projects.

But before humans make the journey, SpaceX will be required to conduct a test flight of the lander to the moon. On Thursday, NASA had announced plans to send its crew to the International Space Station on a SpaceX rocket on April 22.

(With inputs from agencies)

NASA on Friday awarded a $2.9 billion contract to build a spacecraft to SpaceX. The goal is to put humans on the moon again, as early as 2024. Elon Musk’s SpaceX was picked by NASA over Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Dynetics Inc, a defence contractor.

NASA on Friday awarded a $2.9 billion contract to build a spacecraft to SpaceX. The goal is to put humans on the moon again, as early as 2024. Elon Musk’s SpaceX was picked by NASA over Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Dynetics Inc, a defence contractor. The world’s first and third richest people respectively, Bezos and Musk have been competing to be at the helm of man’s return to moon for the first time since 1972. While Musk’s SpaceX made its bid alone, Bezos’ Blue Origin had partnered with Lockheed Martin Corp, Northrop Grumman Corp and Draper. Soon after the announcement, Elon Musk took to Twitter, announcing “NASA Rules!!”. The contract will see NASA’s first commercial human lander, constituent of its Artemis programme. The agency added that the lander will carry in it two American astronauts to the moon’s surface. Also read: NASA SpaceX Crew-2 set for launch on April 22 "We should accomplish the next landing as soon as possible… If they hit their milestones, we have a shot at 2024," Steve Jurczyk, NASA's acting administrator said during the announcement made virtually. According to NASA, SpaceX’s Starship system included a cabin and two airlocks to facilitate moonwalks. In addition, the architecture of the system allows it to to eventually used for reusable launch and landing. "We are humbled to help @NASAArtemis usher in a new era of human space exploration”, SpaceX wrote on Twitter. Also read: SpaceX names two citizen astronauts for first all-civilian spaceflight Apollo landings from 1969-1972 mark the only human visits to the moon’s surface. Now, NASA is relying on private companies to send astronauts to the moon to complete its space ambition projects. But before humans make the journey, SpaceX will be required to conduct a test flight of the lander to the moon. On Thursday, NASA had announced plans to send its crew to the International Space Station on a SpaceX rocket on April 22. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's SpaceX wins NASA's $2.9 billion moon lander contract over Bezos' Blue Origin

US space agency NASA is set to launch SpaceX Crew Dragon second flight to the International Space Station on April 22. 
 
The Crew-2 with four astronauts on board will lift off at 6:11 a.m. EDT on April 22, from Launch Complex 39A at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. 
 
The Crew-2 flight will carry NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, who will serve as the mission's spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively along with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Akihikoa Hoshidea and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomasa-Pesquet, who will serve as mission specialists to the space station, the space agency said in a statement. 
 
The mission is the second of the six certified, crew missions NASA, and SpaceX will fly as a part of the agency's Commercial Crew Programme. Crew-1 successfully docked into the ISS in November, last year. 
 
The Crew-2 astronauts will remain aboard the space station for approximately six months as expedition crew members, along with three crewmates who will launch via a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. 
 
The increase of the full space station crew complement to seven members, over the previous six,&nbsp;&nbsp;will allow NASA to effectively double the amount of science that can be conducted in space, NASA said.

Kathy Lueders, head of NASA’s human exploration office, said it was “moving” to be on the verge of flying three SpaceX crew flights in 11 months.

“Looking back, it’s really, really amazing what both the SpaceX and NASA teams have accomplished,” she said.

SpaceX said it must resolve one issue before conducting a test firing at the launch pad this weekend. It appears the company has been loading more liquid oxygen into its first-stage boosters than anticipated, and engineers want to make “extra certain” that poses no safety risks, said Bill Gerstenmaier, a new SpaceX vice president who used to work for NASA.

For nearly a decade, the only route to the space station for astronauts was on Russian rockets. NASA turned to private companies for taxi service after the space shuttles retired in 2011. SpaceX has been shipping cargo to the space station since 2012, using the same kind of rocket and similar capsules, and recycling those parts as well.

(With input from agencies)

US space agency NASA is set to launch SpaceX Crew Dragon second flight to the International Space Station on April 22. The Crew-2 with four astronauts on board will lift off at 6:11 a.

US space agency NASA is set to launch SpaceX Crew Dragon second flight to the International Space Station on April 22. The Crew-2 with four astronauts on board will lift off at 6:11 a.m. EDT on April 22, from Launch Complex 39A at the agency's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The Crew-2 flight will carry NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur, who will serve as the mission's spacecraft commander and pilot, respectively along with JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Akihikoa Hoshidea and ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Thomasa-Pesquet, who will serve as mission specialists to the space station, the space agency said in a statement. The mission is the second of the six certified, crew missions NASA, and SpaceX will fly as a part of the agency's Commercial Crew Programme. Crew-1 successfully docked into the ISS in November, last year. The Crew-2 astronauts will remain aboard the space station for approximately six months as expedition crew members, along with three crewmates who will launch via a Russian Soyuz spacecraft. The increase of the full space station crew complement to seven members, over the previous six, will allow NASA to effectively double the amount of science that can be conducted in space, NASA said. Kathy Lueders, head of NASA’s human exploration office, said it was “moving” to be on the verge of flying three SpaceX crew flights in 11 months. “Looking back, it’s really, really amazing what both the SpaceX and NASA teams have accomplished,” she said. SpaceX said it must resolve one issue before conducting a test firing at the launch pad this weekend. It appears the company has been loading more liquid oxygen into its first-stage boosters than anticipated, and engineers want to make “extra certain” that poses no safety risks, said Bill Gerstenmaier, a new SpaceX vice president who used to work for NASA. For nearly a decade, the only route to the space station for astronauts was on Russian rockets. NASA turned to private companies for taxi service after the space shuttles retired in 2011. SpaceX has been shipping cargo to the space station since 2012, using the same kind of rocket and similar capsules, and recycling those parts as well. (With input from agencies)

NASA SpaceX Crew-2 set for launch on April 22

Lunar exploration company iSpace will transport a United Arab Emirates rover to the moon in 2022, the Japanese company said on Wednesday, as the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;pushes for rapid expansion in the space exploration business to diversify its economy.

The&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;is using its space programme to develop its scientific and technological capabilities and reduce its reliance on oil.

The Gulf state's, and the Arab world's, first interplanetary probe entered Mars' orbit in February. It is now sending data about the Martian atmosphere and climate.

The Rashid lunar rover will be designed entirely by Emiratis. The&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;had originally intended to send it into space by 2024.

Japanese company iSpace, founded in 2010, aims to provide commercial transportation to the moon with a wider mission to ultimately incorporate the moon into the earth's economy.

The 2022 launch will be iSpace's first mission of this kind and will use a Falcon 9 rocket from Elon Musk's SpaceX, to be launched from Florida.

Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) will build the Rashid lunar rover. It will remain on the moon after data collection is completed, said Emirates Lunar Mission manager Hamad al-Marzooqi.

The SpaceX rocket will deliver an iSpace lander to the moon's orbit. The lander will propel itself to the moon's surface and the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;rover will then emerge from the lander and drive off to explore, said iSpace Founder and CEO Takeshi Hakamada.

The lander will also be carrying a solid-state battery designed by Japanese company NGK Spark Plug&nbsp;to be tested in the lunar environment.

The lunar mission is part of the Gulf state's broader vision for a Mars settlement by 2117.

Under the agreement, iSpace said it would also provide the Emirates Lunar Mission with wired communication and power during the cruise phase and wireless communication on the moon.

The&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;launched a National Space Programme in 2017 to develop local expertise. Its population of 9.4 million, most of whom are foreign workers, lacks the scientific and industrial base of the major countries which have space programmes.

Hazza al-Mansouri became the first Emirati in space in 2019 when he flew to the International Space Station. This week the&nbsp;UAE&nbsp;selected the first Arab woman to train as an astronaut.

(With input from agencies)

Lunar exploration company iSpace will transport a United Arab Emirates rover to the moon in 2022, the Japanese company said on Wednesday, as the UAE pushes for rapid expansion in the space exploration business to diversify its economy.

Lunar exploration company iSpace will transport a United Arab Emirates rover to the moon in 2022, the Japanese company said on Wednesday, as the UAE pushes for rapid expansion in the space exploration business to diversify its economy. The UAE is using its space programme to develop its scientific and technological capabilities and reduce its reliance on oil. The Gulf state's, and the Arab world's, first interplanetary probe entered Mars' orbit in February. It is now sending data about the Martian atmosphere and climate. The Rashid lunar rover will be designed entirely by Emiratis. The UAE had originally intended to send it into space by 2024. Japanese company iSpace, founded in 2010, aims to provide commercial transportation to the moon with a wider mission to ultimately incorporate the moon into the earth's economy. The 2022 launch will be iSpace's first mission of this kind and will use a Falcon 9 rocket from Elon Musk's SpaceX, to be launched from Florida. Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Center (MBRSC) will build the Rashid lunar rover. It will remain on the moon after data collection is completed, said Emirates Lunar Mission manager Hamad al-Marzooqi. The SpaceX rocket will deliver an iSpace lander to the moon's orbit. The lander will propel itself to the moon's surface and the UAE rover will then emerge from the lander and drive off to explore, said iSpace Founder and CEO Takeshi Hakamada. The lander will also be carrying a solid-state battery designed by Japanese company NGK Spark Plug to be tested in the lunar environment. The lunar mission is part of the Gulf state's broader vision for a Mars settlement by 2117. Under the agreement, iSpace said it would also provide the Emirates Lunar Mission with wired communication and power during the cruise phase and wireless communication on the moon. The UAE launched a National Space Programme in 2017 to develop local expertise. Its population of 9.4 million, most of whom are foreign workers, lacks the scientific and industrial base of the major countries which have space programmes. Hazza al-Mansouri became the first Emirati in space in 2019 when he flew to the International Space Station. This week the UAE selected the first Arab woman to train as an astronaut. (With input from agencies)

Japanese firm iSpace to send UAE's lunar rover in 2022

Several hundred people have already booked their tickets and begun training for a spectacular voyage: a few minutes, or perhaps days, in the weightlessness of&nbsp;space.

The mainly wealthy first-time&nbsp;space&nbsp;travellers are getting ready to take part in one of several private missions which are preparing to launch.

The era of&nbsp;space&nbsp;tourism is on the horizon 60 years after Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person in&nbsp;space.

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Two companies, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, are building spacecraft capable of sending private clients on suborbital flights to the edge of&nbsp;space&nbsp;lasting several minutes.

Glenn King is the director of spaceflight training at the National Aerospace Training and Research Center, a private company based in Pennsylvania which has already trained nearly 400 future Virgin Galactic passengers for their trips.

"The oldest person I trained was 88 years old," King said.

The training programme lasts two days -- a morning of classroom instruction and tests in a centrifuge.

This involves putting the trainee in a single-seat cockpit at the end of a 25-foot-long (eight-metre-long) arm and spinning them around to simulate gravitational force, or G force.

A medical team is on hand at all times.

'Enjoy the view'&nbsp;

NASA's training for shuttle crew members lasted two years but the duration has been drastically reduced by the commercial&nbsp;space&nbsp;industry because of the "numbers of people that want to get up in&nbsp;space," King said.

"We can't take two years to train these people," he said. "We've got to get this down to a matter of days to get these people up.

"These people aren't crews, just strictly passengers," he noted.

"For a passenger, there isn't a lot of work for you to do other than just relax, endure the G forces of launch or reentry.

"And then once you're orbital, enjoy the view out the window."

King said the pass rate for the training course has been "99.9 percent."

The cost ranges from several thousand dollars to as much as $10,000 if special care or medical monitoring is needed.

The single biggest barrier to "spaceflight for all" remains the price tag.

Some 600 people have booked flights on Virgin Galactic, the company founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, and thousands more are on a waiting list.

The cost per flight? $200,000 to $250,000.

Virgin Galactic hopes to take its first private astronaut on a suborbital flight in early 2022, with eventual plans for 400 trips a year.

Blue Origin, owned by Amazon's Jeff Bezos, has not yet published prices or a calendar.

Money aside, pretty much anybody could go on a spaceflight.

"You don't have to be in perfect physical health now to be able to go to&nbsp;space," King said. "I've trained people with prosthetic devices. I've trained people with pacemakers.

"All kinds of people."

The US Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees the aviation industry, recommended in 2006 that future "commercial passengers" on suborbital flights fill out a "simple medical history questionnaire."&nbsp;

Orbital flights which go further and last longer would require a more detailed form and blood tests, X-rays and urine specimens.

Such flights, which cost millions of dollars each, are envisioned by SpaceX, the company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, which has at least four planned over the coming years.

'Inspiration4'&nbsp;

The first launch of only civilians, baptised "Inspiration4," is scheduled to take place in September.

The American billionaire Jared Isaacman has fully paid for a trip powered by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that will take him and three passengers on a three-day flight in low Earth orbit.

In January 2022, the company Axiom&nbsp;Space&nbsp;plans to send a former astronaut and three newcomers to the International&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Station.

It eventually plans trips to the ISS every six months.

Seven "space&nbsp;tourists" visited the&nbsp;space&nbsp;station between 2001 and 2009.

A company called&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Adventures served as the intermediary for those flights and has partnered with SpaceX to send four customers in orbit around the Earth next year.

A Japanese billionaire, Yusaku Maezawa, has reserved a flight on SpaceX's "Starship" in 2023 and is inviting eight other people to come along for the ride.

So when can we expect&nbsp;space&nbsp;tourism to become commonplace?

Difficult to say, said Robert Goehlich, an adjunct assistant professor at&nbsp;Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide.

"Suborbital and orbital tourist flights are currently near to happen," Goehlich said. "The exact forecast is a challenge for each scenario.

"A new investor might accelerate any schedule," he said, "while an accident might decelerate any planning."

Three major factors will need to come together: flights will have to be safe, profitable and environmentally friendly.

"In the long run, thinking about a mass&nbsp;space&nbsp;tourism market, surely sustainability aspects will play a more dominant role," Goehlich said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several hundred people have already booked their tickets and begun training for a spectacular voyage: a few minutes, or perhaps days, in the weightlessness of space.

Several hundred people have already booked their tickets and begun training for a spectacular voyage: a few minutes, or perhaps days, in the weightlessness of space. The mainly wealthy first-time space travellers are getting ready to take part in one of several private missions which are preparing to launch. The era of space tourism is on the horizon 60 years after Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first person in space. Two companies, Virgin Galactic and Blue Origin, are building spacecraft capable of sending private clients on suborbital flights to the edge of space lasting several minutes. Glenn King is the director of spaceflight training at the National Aerospace Training and Research Center, a private company based in Pennsylvania which has already trained nearly 400 future Virgin Galactic passengers for their trips. "The oldest person I trained was 88 years old," King said. The training programme lasts two days -- a morning of classroom instruction and tests in a centrifuge. This involves putting the trainee in a single-seat cockpit at the end of a 25-foot-long (eight-metre-long) arm and spinning them around to simulate gravitational force, or G force. A medical team is on hand at all times. 'Enjoy the view' NASA's training for shuttle crew members lasted two years but the duration has been drastically reduced by the commercial space industry because of the "numbers of people that want to get up in space," King said. "We can't take two years to train these people," he said. "We've got to get this down to a matter of days to get these people up. "These people aren't crews, just strictly passengers," he noted. "For a passenger, there isn't a lot of work for you to do other than just relax, endure the G forces of launch or reentry. "And then once you're orbital, enjoy the view out the window." King said the pass rate for the training course has been "99.9 percent." The cost ranges from several thousand dollars to as much as $10,000 if special care or medical monitoring is needed. The single biggest barrier to "spaceflight for all" remains the price tag. Some 600 people have booked flights on Virgin Galactic, the company founded by British billionaire Richard Branson, and thousands more are on a waiting list. The cost per flight? $200,000 to $250,000. Virgin Galactic hopes to take its first private astronaut on a suborbital flight in early 2022, with eventual plans for 400 trips a year. Blue Origin, owned by Amazon's Jeff Bezos, has not yet published prices or a calendar. Money aside, pretty much anybody could go on a spaceflight. "You don't have to be in perfect physical health now to be able to go to space," King said. "I've trained people with prosthetic devices. I've trained people with pacemakers. "All kinds of people." The US Federal Aviation Administration, which oversees the aviation industry, recommended in 2006 that future "commercial passengers" on suborbital flights fill out a "simple medical history questionnaire." Orbital flights which go further and last longer would require a more detailed form and blood tests, X-rays and urine specimens. Such flights, which cost millions of dollars each, are envisioned by SpaceX, the company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, which has at least four planned over the coming years. 'Inspiration4' The first launch of only civilians, baptised "Inspiration4," is scheduled to take place in September. The American billionaire Jared Isaacman has fully paid for a trip powered by a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that will take him and three passengers on a three-day flight in low Earth orbit. In January 2022, the company Axiom Space plans to send a former astronaut and three newcomers to the International Space Station. It eventually plans trips to the ISS every six months. Seven "space tourists" visited the space station between 2001 and 2009. A company called Space Adventures served as the intermediary for those flights and has partnered with SpaceX to send four customers in orbit around the Earth next year. A Japanese billionaire, Yusaku Maezawa, has reserved a flight on SpaceX's "Starship" in 2023 and is inviting eight other people to come along for the ride. So when can we expect space tourism to become commonplace? Difficult to say, said Robert Goehlich, an adjunct assistant professor at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide. "Suborbital and orbital tourist flights are currently near to happen," Goehlich said. "The exact forecast is a challenge for each scenario. "A new investor might accelerate any schedule," he said, "while an accident might decelerate any planning." Three major factors will need to come together: flights will have to be safe, profitable and environmentally friendly. "In the long run, thinking about a mass space tourism market, surely sustainability aspects will play a more dominant role," Goehlich said. (With inputs from agencies)

All aboard! These companies are building spacecraft to send people to space

Billionaire entrepreneur&nbsp;Elon&nbsp;Musk's neuroscience startup Neuralink released footage on Friday&nbsp;that it says shows a macaque monkey playing video games using a brain-computer interface implant.

The three-minute video released by the San Francisco-based company shows a male monkey called Pager with Neuralink chips implanted on each side of its brain, using a joystick to follow a cursor on a screen.

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The voice-over explains that Neuralink records from more than 2000 electrodes implanted in the regions of the monkey's motor cortex that coordinate hand and arm movements.

"Using these data, we calibrate the decoder by mathematically modelling the relationship between patterns of neural activity and the different joystick movements they produce. After only a few minutes of calibration, we can use the output from the decoder to move the cursor instead of the joystick," the voice-over says.

The monkey still moves the joystick out of habit, but the scientists have unplugged it; Pager is controlling the cursor entirely with decoded neural activity.

The video goes on to show Pager playing 'Mind Pong'; controlling his paddle simply by thinking about moving his hand up or down.

The voice-over adds: "He's focussed and he's playing entirely of his own volition. It's not magic. The reason Neuralink works is because it's recording and decoding electrical signals from the brain."

Co-founded by&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;in 2016, Neuralink aims to implant wireless brain-computer interfaces that include thousands of electrodes in the most complex human organ to help cure neurological conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia and spinal cord injuries and ultimately fuse humankind with artificial intelligence.

In August 2020,&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;unveiled a pig with a Neuralink chip installed, at the time describing it as "a Fitbit in your skull".

Musk&nbsp;has a history of bringing together diverse experts to drastically accelerate the development of innovations previously limited to academic labs, including rocket, hyperloop and electrical vehicle technologies through companies such as Tesla Inc and SpaceX.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's neuroscience startup Neuralink released footage on Friday that it says shows a macaque monkey playing video games using a brain-computer interface implant.

Billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's neuroscience startup Neuralink released footage on Friday that it says shows a macaque monkey playing video games using a brain-computer interface implant. The three-minute video released by the San Francisco-based company shows a male monkey called Pager with Neuralink chips implanted on each side of its brain, using a joystick to follow a cursor on a screen. Monkey MindPong https://t.co/7zstTZ1X1w pic.twitter.com/GYrYNsJ68u — Neuralink (@neuralink) April 8, 2021 × The voice-over explains that Neuralink records from more than 2000 electrodes implanted in the regions of the monkey's motor cortex that coordinate hand and arm movements. "Using these data, we calibrate the decoder by mathematically modelling the relationship between patterns of neural activity and the different joystick movements they produce. After only a few minutes of calibration, we can use the output from the decoder to move the cursor instead of the joystick," the voice-over says. The monkey still moves the joystick out of habit, but the scientists have unplugged it; Pager is controlling the cursor entirely with decoded neural activity. The video goes on to show Pager playing 'Mind Pong'; controlling his paddle simply by thinking about moving his hand up or down. The voice-over adds: "He's focussed and he's playing entirely of his own volition. It's not magic. The reason Neuralink works is because it's recording and decoding electrical signals from the brain." Co-founded by Musk in 2016, Neuralink aims to implant wireless brain-computer interfaces that include thousands of electrodes in the most complex human organ to help cure neurological conditions like Alzheimer's, dementia and spinal cord injuries and ultimately fuse humankind with artificial intelligence. In August 2020, Musk unveiled a pig with a Neuralink chip installed, at the time describing it as "a Fitbit in your skull". Musk has a history of bringing together diverse experts to drastically accelerate the development of innovations previously limited to academic labs, including rocket, hyperloop and electrical vehicle technologies through companies such as Tesla Inc and SpaceX.

Elon Musk's neuroscience startup Neuralink shows monkey playing video games via brain chip

From Moon to Mars: Milestones in space exploration

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