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<p>Space enthusiasts in India who wish to livestream the maiden launch of an Indian Government satellite on a SpaceX rocket will have to stay up late tonight, Monday, November 18th.</p>

<p>The launch of GSAT-20(also known as GSAT-N2) on SpaceX's Falcon9 rocket is scheduled for 18:31 UTC, November 18th, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Dr. S.Somanath, Chief of the Indian Space Agency ISRO told WION. As per Indian Standard Time, this launch will take place at 00:01hrs on 19th November, Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As is the standard practice in the space launch business, the backup launch date and time have also been chosen- 19th November, 09:33UTC (15:03hrs on Tuesday, as per Indian Standard Time).</p>

<h2><strong>GSAT-20 and its purpose, capabilities</strong></h2>

<p>Built by the Indian space agency ISRO, the 4.7ton(4,700kg) GSAT-20(also known as GSAT-N2) is a high-capacity communication satellite that will offer broadband services. Meant to circle 36,000 km above the earth's surface, GSAT-20 would be able to cover the entire Indian mainland and also the Andaman &amp; Nicobar, Lakshadweep archipelagos.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The satellite is fully owned, operated and funded by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Government-run Space agency ISRO. Presently, NSIL owns and operates 11 communication satellites that are in orbit. GSAT-20 will be the twelfth in the series of NSIL-owned satellites.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to NSIL, GSAT-20 is a high-throughput satellite that operates in the Ka-band of the spectrum. The bulk of the 48 Gbps capacity on board the satellite had been secured by Indian service providers. However, the names of these firms have not been revealed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-smothered-in-smog-as-aqi-remains-at-severe-levels-mumbai-records-moderate-air-quality-776841">Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>GSAT-20 is heavier than what Indian rockets can lift&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Most rockets are cargo-carrying vehicles. Each one has its own specifications and lift capability. In the ascending order of how much payload can be delivered to Low-Earth Orbit (approx 500 km above the earth), ISRO's rockets can be classified thus: SSLV (500kg), PSLV (1750kg), GSLV (6000kg), LVM3 (8000kg).</p>

<p>There are orbits at higher altitudes than the Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). For placing a craft in higher orbits or transfer orbits, the rocket would have to be more powerful, use efficient propulsion systems and deliver more velocity to the satellite.</p>

<p>Typically, communication satellites are launched into an initial orbit that is 170km x 36,000 km (also known as Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit or GTO). India's GSLV and LVM3 rockets are designed and proven to deliver payloads into such highly elliptical (egg-shaped) orbits.</p>

<p>While the GSLV can deliver around 2250 kg to GTO, the LVM3 can deliver 4000kg to GTO. However, GSAT-20 weighs 4,700kg. Therefore, it is beyond the lifting capacity of India's operational rockets. This operational limitation is why the Indian government has chosen a foreign rocket.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>How and why is this the first Indian govt satellite to fly on SpaceX?</strong></h2>

<p>For several decades, India has been relying on European Ariane rockets to launch communication satellites that cannot be lifted by Indian rockets. Since the 1980s, the Ariane rockets have launched multiple Indian communication satellites, on a commercial basis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Launched in 2023, GSAT-24 was the 25th Indian satellite to be placed in orbit by an Ariane rocket. However, with the retirement of the Ariane 5 rocket in 2023 and the subsequent delay in the operationalization of the Ariane 6 rocket, the only major entity offering such commercial services is Elon Musk's SpaceX, which is also the firm that has been launching the most number of rockets in recent years, rapidly cementing its position as the largest launch services provider.</p>

<h2><strong>SpaceX Falcon 9</strong></h2>

<p>Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond. It is the most-flown rocket, it has performed more than 394 launches to date.</p>

<p>The rocket is capable of lifting 22800 kg payloads to Low-Earth Orbit. The reusable nature of the rocket ensures that a significant portion of launch cost is reduced when compared to expendable rockets (where the used stages of the rocket are ditched at sea or fall over vast uninhabited tracts of land).</p>

<p>Notably, Falcon 9 is the smallest among the fleet of SpaceX rockets. The heavier rockets are Falcon Heavy, the second largest rocket in operation and the under-development Starship Heavy, which is the largest rocket ever.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India and SpaceX</strong></h2>

<p>The announcement regarding the contract for launching GSAT-20 on SpaceX Falcon 9 was made in January this year. While this is the first time that an Indian Government satellite will fly on a SpaceX rocket, satellites from several Indian private firms have already flown on the Falcon 9.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As part of Indo-US Space Cooperation and an agreement between the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) and American firm Axiom, an Indian astronaut will be flown to the International Space Station(ISS) and back, next year. While Axiom is offering astronaut training and facilitating this mission, the launch would be executed by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon spacecraft.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This mission to the ISS would serve as a precursor to India's homegrown human spaceflight programme and offer real spaceflight experience to an Indian crew member. The only Indian to have flown to space in Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd), who was part of the Soviet-era Interkosmos programme.</p>


Space enthusiasts in India who wish to livestream the maiden launch of an Indian Government satellite on a SpaceX rocket will have to stay up late tonight, Monday, November 18th.

Space enthusiasts in India who wish to livestream the maiden launch of an Indian Government satellite on a SpaceX rocket will have to stay up late tonight, Monday, November 18th. The launch of GSAT-20(also known as GSAT-N2) on SpaceX's Falcon9 rocket is scheduled for 18:31 UTC, November 18th, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Dr. S.Somanath, Chief of the Indian Space Agency ISRO told WION. As per Indian Standard Time, this launch will take place at 00:01hrs on 19th November, Tuesday. As is the standard practice in the space launch business, the backup launch date and time have also been chosen- 19th November, 09:33UTC (15:03hrs on Tuesday, as per Indian Standard Time). GSAT-20 and its purpose, capabilities Built by the Indian space agency ISRO, the 4.7ton(4,700kg) GSAT-20(also known as GSAT-N2) is a high-capacity communication satellite that will offer broadband services. Meant to circle 36,000 km above the earth's surface, GSAT-20 would be able to cover the entire Indian mainland and also the Andaman & Nicobar, Lakshadweep archipelagos. The satellite is fully owned, operated and funded by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the Indian Government-run Space agency ISRO. Presently, NSIL owns and operates 11 communication satellites that are in orbit. GSAT-20 will be the twelfth in the series of NSIL-owned satellites. According to NSIL, GSAT-20 is a high-throughput satellite that operates in the Ka-band of the spectrum. The bulk of the 48 Gbps capacity on board the satellite had been secured by Indian service providers. However, the names of these firms have not been revealed. Also read: Delhi smothered in smog with 'severe' AQI level; Mumbai records 'moderate' air quality GSAT-20 is heavier than what Indian rockets can lift Most rockets are cargo-carrying vehicles. Each one has its own specifications and lift capability. In the ascending order of how much payload can be delivered to Low-Earth Orbit (approx 500 km above the earth), ISRO's rockets can be classified thus: SSLV (500kg), PSLV (1750kg), GSLV (6000kg), LVM3 (8000kg). There are orbits at higher altitudes than the Low-Earth Orbit (LEO). For placing a craft in higher orbits or transfer orbits, the rocket would have to be more powerful, use efficient propulsion systems and deliver more velocity to the satellite. Typically, communication satellites are launched into an initial orbit that is 170km x 36,000 km (also known as Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit or GTO). India's GSLV and LVM3 rockets are designed and proven to deliver payloads into such highly elliptical (egg-shaped) orbits. While the GSLV can deliver around 2250 kg to GTO, the LVM3 can deliver 4000kg to GTO. However, GSAT-20 weighs 4,700kg. Therefore, it is beyond the lifting capacity of India's operational rockets. This operational limitation is why the Indian government has chosen a foreign rocket. How and why is this the first Indian govt satellite to fly on SpaceX? For several decades, India has been relying on European Ariane rockets to launch communication satellites that cannot be lifted by Indian rockets. Since the 1980s, the Ariane rockets have launched multiple Indian communication satellites, on a commercial basis. Launched in 2023, GSAT-24 was the 25th Indian satellite to be placed in orbit by an Ariane rocket. However, with the retirement of the Ariane 5 rocket in 2023 and the subsequent delay in the operationalization of the Ariane 6 rocket, the only major entity offering such commercial services is Elon Musk's SpaceX, which is also the firm that has been launching the most number of rockets in recent years, rapidly cementing its position as the largest launch services provider. SpaceX Falcon 9 Falcon 9 is a reusable, two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by SpaceX for reliable and safe transport of people and payloads into Earth orbit and beyond. It is the most-flown rocket, it has performed more than 394 launches to date. The rocket is capable of lifting 22800 kg payloads to Low-Earth Orbit. The reusable nature of the rocket ensures that a significant portion of launch cost is reduced when compared to expendable rockets (where the used stages of the rocket are ditched at sea or fall over vast uninhabited tracts of land). Notably, Falcon 9 is the smallest among the fleet of SpaceX rockets. The heavier rockets are Falcon Heavy, the second largest rocket in operation and the under-development Starship Heavy, which is the largest rocket ever. India and SpaceX The announcement regarding the contract for launching GSAT-20 on SpaceX Falcon 9 was made in January this year. While this is the first time that an Indian Government satellite will fly on a SpaceX rocket, satellites from several Indian private firms have already flown on the Falcon 9. As part of Indo-US Space Cooperation and an agreement between the Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) and American firm Axiom, an Indian astronaut will be flown to the International Space Station(ISS) and back, next year. While Axiom is offering astronaut training and facilitating this mission, the launch would be executed by the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and the Crew Dragon spacecraft. This mission to the ISS would serve as a precursor to India's homegrown human spaceflight programme and offer real spaceflight experience to an Indian crew member. The only Indian to have flown to space in Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma (Retd), who was part of the Soviet-era Interkosmos programme.

SpaceX to launch ISRO's GSAT-20 at Indian midnight hour 

Tech billionaire Elon Musk stayed illegally in the United States before he became one of the Donald Trump's largest donors. Watch this report to know more.

Report: Elon Musk Stayed Illegally In US

On October 13, Spacex successfully caught its “super heavy” rocket booster mid-air after a test flight. Why this feat is a big deal in the world of space. From catching Rocketbmidair to saving astronauts after Boeing failure to latest NASA joint venture to reach Jupiter's moon -how SpaceX is changing the face of space. With the latest booster catch, Elon Musk's vision of fully reusable rockets has moved a step closer to reality. Will his future missions to the moon and mars within reach now ?

Elon Musk's Spacex Launch. Starship Booster Catch Biggest Achievement In Space? | WION Wideangle

<p>The LinkedIn&nbsp;profile of a mechanical engineer went viral after it was shared on social media platform X to draw attention to the unique journey of the man who had worked for the Indian Railways for more than 11 years and has now been employed by Elon Musk-owned Space X.</p>

<p>In the LinkedIn profile which went viral on social media platforms, the entire work experience of Sanjeev Sharma, who is a principal engineer currently at SpaceX, was seen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Indian Railways for 11 years to now at SpaceX is some next-level stuff," read the caption.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/tiktok-cuts-hundreds-of-jobs-as-bytedance-shifts-focus-to-ai-content-moderation-767010">TikTok cuts hundreds of jobs as ByteDance shifts focus to AI content moderation</a></p>

<h2><strong>IIT graduate's&nbsp;'next-level' journey</strong></h2>

<p>In the LinkedIn profile, it can be seen that Sharma graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and worked as a mechanical engineer with the Indian Railways from 1990 to 2001.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Indian Railways for 11 years to now at spacex is some next level stuff <a href="https://t.co/jWwxCHg2Am">pic.twitter.com/jWwxCHg2Am</a></p>
— Dhruvesh (@naik_em) <a href="https://twitter.com/naik_em/status/1846234400322998375?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>After that, he pursued his master's in mechanical engineering from the&nbsp;University of Colorado and for nine years worked as a senior engineer at a technology company for more than nine years. He then got another master's degree in technology management.</p>

<p>After completing the degree, Sharma started working&nbsp;at SpaceX as a Dynamic Engineer for five years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Worked on recovery and reuse ability of the first stage booster starting from F9-005 to F9-0059. Led the structural dynamics effort working closely with aerodynamics, GNC, propulsion and thermal," read his profile.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/from-rag-to-riches-sri-lankan-worker-becomes-millionaire-in-australia-doing-cleaning-jobs-765596">‘From rags to riches,’ Sri Lankan worker becomes millionaire doing cleaning jobs in Australia</a></p>

<p>He then joined another drone company for&nbsp;four years, after which he returned to SpaceX, where he is currently positioned as a principal engineer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Experienced Head Of Engineering with a demonstrated history of working in the aviation and aerospace industry," read his profile bio.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how netizens reacted to the viral post</strong></h2>

<p>The Indian mechanical engineer's career stunned many netizens who appreciated his success.</p>

<p>"Working in Indian Railways for 11 yrs and then making a jump to a private entity, itself is commendable. Not many can resist the comfort and predictability of govt jobs," commented one user.</p>

<p>"This what patience looks like. A career of 20 years before joining Space X," wrote another user.</p>

<p>"Man took a promotion in the worst phase economically over the entire globe aka 2008," stated a third user.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1001,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2888}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1001,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2888}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The LinkedIn profile of a mechanical engineer went viral after it was shared on social media platform X to draw attention to the unique journey of the man who had worked for the Indian Railways for more than 11 years and has now been employed by Elon Musk-owned Space X.

The LinkedIn profile of a mechanical engineer went viral after it was shared on social media platform X to draw attention to the unique journey of the man who had worked for the Indian Railways for more than 11 years and has now been employed by Elon Musk-owned Space X. In the LinkedIn profile which went viral on social media platforms, the entire work experience of Sanjeev Sharma, who is a principal engineer currently at SpaceX, was seen. "Indian Railways for 11 years to now at SpaceX is some next-level stuff," read the caption. Also Read: TikTok cuts hundreds of jobs as ByteDance shifts focus to AI content moderation IIT graduate's 'next-level' journey In the LinkedIn profile, it can be seen that Sharma graduated from the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee and worked as a mechanical engineer with the Indian Railways from 1990 to 2001. Indian Railways for 11 years to now at spacex is some next level stuff pic.twitter.com/jWwxCHg2Am — Dhruvesh (@naik_em) October 15, 2024 × After that, he pursued his master's in mechanical engineering from the University of Colorado and for nine years worked as a senior engineer at a technology company for more than nine years. He then got another master's degree in technology management. After completing the degree, Sharma started working at SpaceX as a Dynamic Engineer for five years. "Worked on recovery and reuse ability of the first stage booster starting from F9-005 to F9-0059. Led the structural dynamics effort working closely with aerodynamics, GNC, propulsion and thermal," read his profile. Also Read: ‘From rags to riches,’ Sri Lankan worker becomes millionaire doing cleaning jobs in Australia He then joined another drone company for four years, after which he returned to SpaceX, where he is currently positioned as a principal engineer. "Experienced Head Of Engineering with a demonstrated history of working in the aviation and aerospace industry," read his profile bio. Here's how netizens reacted to the viral post The Indian mechanical engineer's career stunned many netizens who appreciated his success. "Working in Indian Railways for 11 yrs and then making a jump to a private entity, itself is commendable. Not many can resist the comfort and predictability of govt jobs," commented one user. "This what patience looks like. A career of 20 years before joining Space X," wrote another user. "Man took a promotion in the worst phase economically over the entire globe aka 2008," stated a third user. (With inputs from agencies)

IIT graduate moves from Indian Railways to SpaceX, his LinkedIn profile goes viral

<p>NASA on Monday (Oct 14) successfully launched its Europa Clipper mission aboard the powerful SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida for a five-and-a-half-year journey to Europa - one of&nbsp;Jupiter's many moons to find alien life.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The $5 billion probe is the largest ever designed by NASA for interplanetary exploration. It measures 30 metres wide when its immense solar panels, designed to capture the weak light that reaches Jupiter are fully extended.</p>

<p>Travelling 1.8 billion miles, it will orbit both the Earth and Mars to propel itself further towards Jupiter in the sling-shot effect. It is also expected to complete 49 close flybys of the Jupiter moon.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Leaving our water world, to explore another 🚀<a href="https://twitter.com/EuropaClipper?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@EuropaClipper</a> launched from <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAKennedy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASAKennedy</a> at 12:06pm ET (16:06 UTC) on a <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> Falcon Heavy, beginning a 1.8-billion-mile journey to explore the mysteries of Europa, Jupiter’s ocean moon. <a href="https://t.co/IQ7uRSviMb">pic.twitter.com/IQ7uRSviMb</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1845859399178264640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Watch | Europa Clipper Will Perform 49 Close Flybys Of Europa</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why Europa?</strong></h2>

<p>While Europa's existence, located 628.3 million kilometres away from Earth, has been known since 1610, the first close-up images were taken by the Voyager probes in 1979, which revealed mysterious reddish lines crisscrossing its surface.</p>

<p>The next probe to reach Jupiter's icy moon was NASA's Galileo probe in the 1990s, which found it was highly likely that the moon was home to an ocean.</p>

<p>Europa’s most dominant feature, that distinguishes it from our Moon, is its vast, salty ocean contained under a thick ice crust, which sometimes escapes through vast water plumes. Its icy crust is up to 25 km thick with certain chemicals that may be the building blocks for life on the moon.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-mechazilla-catches-starship-booster-in-historic-achievement-watch-767075"><strong>Also read | SpaceX 'Mechazilla' catches Starship booster mid-air in historic achievement&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>"With Europa Clipper, we're not searching for life on Europa, but we're trying to see if this ocean world is habitable, and that means we're looking for the water," explained NASA official Gina DiBraccio prior to the launch.</p>

<p>Scientists are aiming that the instrument on NASA’s Clipper spacecraft will map the entire moon, will also collect dust particles and fly through the water plumes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If life's ingredients are found, another mission would then have to make the journey to try and detect it.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA on Monday (Oct 14) successfully launched its Europa Clipper mission aboard the powerful SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida for a five-and-a-half-year journey to Europa - one of Jupiter's many moons to find alien life.

NASA on Monday (Oct 14) successfully launched its Europa Clipper mission aboard the powerful SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida for a five-and-a-half-year journey to Europa - one of Jupiter's many moons to find alien life. The $5 billion probe is the largest ever designed by NASA for interplanetary exploration. It measures 30 metres wide when its immense solar panels, designed to capture the weak light that reaches Jupiter are fully extended. Travelling 1.8 billion miles, it will orbit both the Earth and Mars to propel itself further towards Jupiter in the sling-shot effect. It is also expected to complete 49 close flybys of the Jupiter moon. Leaving our water world, to explore another 🚀@EuropaClipper launched from @NASAKennedy at 12:06pm ET (16:06 UTC) on a @SpaceX Falcon Heavy, beginning a 1.8-billion-mile journey to explore the mysteries of Europa, Jupiter’s ocean moon. pic.twitter.com/IQ7uRSviMb — NASA (@NASA) October 14, 2024 × Watch | Europa Clipper Will Perform 49 Close Flybys Of Europa × Why Europa? While Europa's existence, located 628.3 million kilometres away from Earth, has been known since 1610, the first close-up images were taken by the Voyager probes in 1979, which revealed mysterious reddish lines crisscrossing its surface. The next probe to reach Jupiter's icy moon was NASA's Galileo probe in the 1990s, which found it was highly likely that the moon was home to an ocean. Europa’s most dominant feature, that distinguishes it from our Moon, is its vast, salty ocean contained under a thick ice crust, which sometimes escapes through vast water plumes. Its icy crust is up to 25 km thick with certain chemicals that may be the building blocks for life on the moon. Also read | SpaceX 'Mechazilla' catches Starship booster mid-air in historic achievement "With Europa Clipper, we're not searching for life on Europa, but we're trying to see if this ocean world is habitable, and that means we're looking for the water," explained NASA official Gina DiBraccio prior to the launch. Scientists are aiming that the instrument on NASA’s Clipper spacecraft will map the entire moon, will also collect dust particles and fly through the water plumes. If life's ingredients are found, another mission would then have to make the journey to try and detect it. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Europa Clipper successfully lifts off to find alien life on Jupiter's moon

Elon Musk-owned SpaceX scripted history on Sunday (Oct 13) when Starship's "Super Heavy" booster returned to the launch pad, minutes after its launch from the same platform, only to be caught by the mechanical arms, called 'Mechazilla'. Watch in for more details!

SpaceX Starship Launch: Elon Musk's Starship Rocket Flies High & Returns With Booster Catch

SpaceX Elon musk's Starship rocket blasted off at sunrise in Texas for its boldest test yet in the process making history. Watch to know more.

Spacex Starship Launch: Booster Catch Steals the Show

<p>Elon Musk-owned SpaceX scripted history on Sunday (Oct 13) when Starship's "Super Heavy" booster returned to the launch pad, minutes after its launch&nbsp;from the same platform, only to be caught by the mechanical arms, called 'Mechazilla'. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told UN chief&nbsp;Antonio Guterres to pull out the UN peacekeepers from southern Lebanon where IDF has launched ground operation against Hezbollah militants.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Click on headlines to read more:</strong></h2>

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<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Oct 13) told&nbsp;UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers from the combat areas in the southern region of the country.&nbsp;</p>

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-mechazilla-catches-starship-booster-in-historic-achievement-watch-767075"><strong>SpaceX 'Mechazilla' catches Starship booster mid-air in historic achievement - WATCH</strong></a></p>

<p>In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, SpaceX on Sunday (Oct 13) scripted history by catching the nearly 20-storey tall booster of its Starship rocket, minutes after launching it from the same platform.</p>

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<p>The Mumbai Police is verifying the authenticity of a social media post claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang member, taking responsibility for the murder of Maharashtra NCP leader Baba Siddique.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/13/459871-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-funded-research-helping-china-advance-its-space-and-military-programmes-report-767042"><strong>NASA-funded research helping China advance its space and military programmes: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>A Congressional report has claimed that China's military may have received a boost from NASA-funded research to advance its military, space, submarine and surveillance programmes.</p>

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<p>For 17 straight days in December last year, America's finest security officials were left baffled as a swarm of mysterious and unidentified aircraft flew over Langley Air Force Base on Virginia’s shoreline.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/10/417491-pic-11.png?imwidth=400" /><br />
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-unacceptable-italian-pm-meloni-tells-netanyahu-after-attack-on-un-peacekeepers-767090"><strong>'It is unacceptable': Italian PM Meloni tells Netanyahu after attack on UN peacekeepers</strong></a></p>

<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has told her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon are unacceptable, her office said on Sunday.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/01/342472-pm.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/another-train-collision-in-egypt-kills-one-injuring-over-20-767049"><strong>Another train collision in Egypt kills one, leaves over 20 injured</strong></a></p>

<p>At least one person was killed and more than 20 injured after a locomotive crashed into the back of a Cairo-bound passenger train in southern Egypt on Sunday (Oct 13), according to local media reports.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/13/459920-copy-of-untitled-2024-10-13t161429153.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/cricket/dont-have-any-status-aakash-chopra-on-hardik-pandyas-batting-against-bangladesh-bowlers-767078"><strong>'Don’t have any status...,' Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya's batting against Bangladesh bowlers</strong></a></p>

<p>Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has praised India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his performance in the recently-concluded 3-0 series win against Bangladesh. Pandya was named Player-of-the-Series for his 118 runs and a wicket across three matches.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/10/07/458748-hardik-pandyas-swagger-grows-in-gwalior-with-no-look-shot-watch.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/karan-johar-shares-cryptic-post-after-divya-khossla-kumar-slams-jigra-star-alia-bhatt-767066"><strong>Karan Johar shares cryptic post after Divya Khossla Kumar slams Jigra star Alia Bhatt</strong></a></p>

<p>Divya Khosla Kumar recently slammed Alia Bhatt for inflating Jigra's box office numbers. In a social media post, she accused the producer-cum-actress of buying her film's tickets to fake collection numbers during the festive weekend.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/15/318499-karanjohar16407674101581640767424419.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>


Elon Musk-owned SpaceX scripted history on Sunday (Oct 13) when Starship's "Super Heavy" booster returned to the launch pad, minutes after its launch from the same platform, only to be caught by the mechanical arms, called 'Mechazilla'.

Elon Musk-owned SpaceX scripted history on Sunday (Oct 13) when Starship's "Super Heavy" booster returned to the launch pad, minutes after its launch from the same platform, only to be caught by the mechanical arms, called 'Mechazilla'. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told UN chief Antonio Guterres to pull out the UN peacekeepers from southern Lebanon where IDF has launched ground operation against Hezbollah militants. Click on headlines to read more: Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw peacekeepers from south Lebanon Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Oct 13) told UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to withdraw the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) soldiers from the combat areas in the southern region of the country. SpaceX 'Mechazilla' catches Starship booster mid-air in historic achievement - WATCH In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, SpaceX on Sunday (Oct 13) scripted history by catching the nearly 20-storey tall booster of its Starship rocket, minutes after launching it from the same platform. Baba Siddique murder: Mumbai Police probing social media post claiming Lawrence Bishnoi gang role The Mumbai Police is verifying the authenticity of a social media post claiming to be from the Lawrence Bishnoi gang member, taking responsibility for the murder of Maharashtra NCP leader Baba Siddique. NASA-funded research helping China advance its space and military programmes: Report A Congressional report has claimed that China's military may have received a boost from NASA-funded research to advance its military, space, submarine and surveillance programmes. 'We are all Bangladeshis': Bangladesh Prez urges unity after India slams 'deplorable' Durga Puja incidents White House and Pentagon puzzled after swarm of mystery drones hover over US military base for 17 days For 17 straight days in December last year, America's finest security officials were left baffled as a swarm of mysterious and unidentified aircraft flew over Langley Air Force Base on Virginia’s shoreline. 'It is unacceptable': Italian PM Meloni tells Netanyahu after attack on UN peacekeepers Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has told her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon are unacceptable, her office said on Sunday. Another train collision in Egypt kills one, leaves over 20 injured At least one person was killed and more than 20 injured after a locomotive crashed into the back of a Cairo-bound passenger train in southern Egypt on Sunday (Oct 13), according to local media reports. 'Don’t have any status...,' Aakash Chopra on Hardik Pandya's batting against Bangladesh bowlers Former cricketer Aakash Chopra has praised India all-rounder Hardik Pandya for his performance in the recently-concluded 3-0 series win against Bangladesh. Pandya was named Player-of-the-Series for his 118 runs and a wicket across three matches. Karan Johar shares cryptic post after Divya Khossla Kumar slams Jigra star Alia Bhatt Divya Khosla Kumar recently slammed Alia Bhatt for inflating Jigra's box office numbers. In a social media post, she accused the producer-cum-actress of buying her film's tickets to fake collection numbers during the festive weekend.

Top 10 world news: SpaceX scripts history with Mechazilla; Netanyahu warns UN, and more

<p>A US-based space tech company has unveiled the final design of the world’s first commercial space station, Haven-1. The unique space station, that is expected to launch in 2025,&nbsp;features a modern and minimalistic design, much different from the traditional space stations.</p>

<p>Vast, the developers of Haven-1, showcased the visuals from the final design of the space station that is made for comfort. According to the company, the interior design is “warm and welcoming”.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, Vast unveiled the final design for Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station, setting a new standard. Guided by visionary designer Peter Russell-Clarke and astronaut Andrew Feustel, we’re pushing the boundaries of life in space with human-first design led by… <a href="https://t.co/xDdMzNFnuF">pic.twitter.com/xDdMzNFnuF</a></p>
— VAST (@vast) <a href="https://twitter.com/vast/status/1844393014069743944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Astronauts living in zero gravity pose unique design challenges. Creating an environment that is both highly efficient and naturally comforting leads to totally new results. Haven-1 interiors are unprecedented, precisely engineered and sensitively designed to ensure its occupants thrive in space," said Peter Russell-Clarke, a world-renowned designer who worked on Haven-1. He has previously designed some of the most iconic products for Apple.</p>

<p>The team also includes&nbsp;the veteran NASA astronaut Andrew Feustel, who has over 23 years of experience and has been in space for over 225 days on the International Space Station (ISS). Feustel played an important role in advising the design team while developing the interiors.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/us-secretive-spaceplane-to-try-to-change-orbit-of-earth-will-it-impact-humans-767047">US secretive spaceplane to try to change its orbit using Earth's atmosphere</a></strong></p>

<p>“I’ve flown three missions to space, and we are learning from those experiences and innovating to improve the way we can live and work on a space station. From communication and connectivity, to private space and interacting with others aboard, to advancing human progress on Earth and beyond, every detail has been designed with the astronaut experience at the core of our work,” said Feustel.</p>

<p>The company is collaborating with SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which will carry the visitors to the&nbsp;Haven-1.</p>

<h2>Modern living in space</h2>

<p>The interior of the space station is fire-resistant and made from maple wood veneer slats. It has soft padding to provide safety to crew and visitors while floating. A real-time display shows the status of temperature, lighting controls, and supplies in the station.</p>

<p>The station will also have private rooms with adequate space for changing, entertainment, and SpaceX Starlink connectivity that will allow members onboard to connect with their loved ones on Earth. It also has SpaceX Starlink gigabit-speed Internet, which astronauts can use to control and monitor the station remotely.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-telescopes-have-evidence-of-aliens-will-reveal-it-next-month-claims-nasa-filmmaker-767016">Earth's telescopes have evidence of aliens, will reveal it next month, claims NASA filmmaker</a></strong></p>

<p>The rooms will feature Vast’s patent-pending signature sleep system that allows sleepers to customise the pressure on a queen-size bed throughout the night.</p>

<p>“Experience has shown that sleeping in space can be a restless endeavour. Maximizing sleep efficiency and comfort remains critical to the overall experience aboard the Vast station,” the company said in a press release.</p>

<p>“Additionally, each room features a built-in storage compartment, vanity, and a custom amenities kit.”</p>

<p>The space station will also have a multipurpose Common Area for communal meals, gatherings, and exercise.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US-based space tech company has unveiled the final design of the world’s first commercial space station, Haven-1. The unique space station, that is expected to launch in 2025, features a modern and minimalistic design, much different from the traditional space stations.

A US-based space tech company has unveiled the final design of the world’s first commercial space station, Haven-1. The unique space station, that is expected to launch in 2025, features a modern and minimalistic design, much different from the traditional space stations. Vast, the developers of Haven-1, showcased the visuals from the final design of the space station that is made for comfort. According to the company, the interior design is “warm and welcoming”. Today, Vast unveiled the final design for Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station, setting a new standard. Guided by visionary designer Peter Russell-Clarke and astronaut Andrew Feustel, we’re pushing the boundaries of life in space with human-first design led by… pic.twitter.com/xDdMzNFnuF — VAST (@vast) October 10, 2024 × "Astronauts living in zero gravity pose unique design challenges. Creating an environment that is both highly efficient and naturally comforting leads to totally new results. Haven-1 interiors are unprecedented, precisely engineered and sensitively designed to ensure its occupants thrive in space," said Peter Russell-Clarke, a world-renowned designer who worked on Haven-1. He has previously designed some of the most iconic products for Apple. The team also includes the veteran NASA astronaut Andrew Feustel, who has over 23 years of experience and has been in space for over 225 days on the International Space Station (ISS). Feustel played an important role in advising the design team while developing the interiors. Also read | US secretive spaceplane to try to change its orbit using Earth's atmosphere “I’ve flown three missions to space, and we are learning from those experiences and innovating to improve the way we can live and work on a space station. From communication and connectivity, to private space and interacting with others aboard, to advancing human progress on Earth and beyond, every detail has been designed with the astronaut experience at the core of our work,” said Feustel. The company is collaborating with SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, which will carry the visitors to the Haven-1. Modern living in space The interior of the space station is fire-resistant and made from maple wood veneer slats. It has soft padding to provide safety to crew and visitors while floating. A real-time display shows the status of temperature, lighting controls, and supplies in the station. The station will also have private rooms with adequate space for changing, entertainment, and SpaceX Starlink connectivity that will allow members onboard to connect with their loved ones on Earth. It also has SpaceX Starlink gigabit-speed Internet, which astronauts can use to control and monitor the station remotely. Also read | Earth's telescopes have evidence of aliens, will reveal it next month, claims NASA filmmaker The rooms will feature Vast’s patent-pending signature sleep system that allows sleepers to customise the pressure on a queen-size bed throughout the night. “Experience has shown that sleeping in space can be a restless endeavour. Maximizing sleep efficiency and comfort remains critical to the overall experience aboard the Vast station,” the company said in a press release. “Additionally, each room features a built-in storage compartment, vanity, and a custom amenities kit.” The space station will also have a multipurpose Common Area for communal meals, gatherings, and exercise. (With inputs from agencies)

This is not a luxury resort! Take a look at final design for world’s first commercial space station

<p aria-hidden="true">In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, SpaceX on Sunday (Oct 13) scripted history by catching the nearly 20-storey tall booster of its Starship rocket, minutes after launching it from the same platform.</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">Using the chopstick or what SpaceX CEO Elon Musk refers to as 'Mechazilla', the&nbsp;rocket’s “Super Heavy” booster returned to land on the arms of the company’s launch tower, in a dramatic catch for the first time.</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">The significance of the achievement is gargantuan, as it paves the way for humanity to possibly settle on Mars. Rapid reusability of rockets and boosters is essential if humans are to become&nbsp;interstellar species, according to Musk.</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">Currently, boosters land on their legs or on drone ships but catching them mid-air on the launch platform can dramatically cut down the time and resources needed for refurbishment and send the rockets instantly back in the air.&nbsp;</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">NASA is also keenly awaiting a modified version of Starship to act as a lander vehicle for crewed flights to the Moon under the Artemis programme later this decade.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! <a href="https://t.co/6R5YatSVJX">pic.twitter.com/6R5YatSVJX</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1845442658397049011?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2 aria-hidden="true"><strong>The launch</strong></h2>

<p aria-hidden="true">The launch window opened at 7:00 am (1200 GMT) from the company's Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The successful liftoff took place at 7:25 am with the&nbsp;Raptor engines working perfectly to send the second-stage Starship rocket on a path in space, bound for the Indian Ocean west of Australia, where it will attempt to land on a podium in water.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">Meanwhile, the Super Heavy booster, after separating from the Starship around 74 kilometres in the air, returned to the launching&nbsp;pad, where the two giant robotic arms managed to catch it.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 aria-hidden="true"><strong>Netizens in awe</strong></h2>

<p aria-hidden="true">The launch and the subsequent catch&nbsp;left the netizens shocked, who marvelled at&nbsp;arguably one of the greatest engineering feats of modern humanity.&nbsp;</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">"HOLY S***BALLS THEY CAUGHT IT!" wrote astronomer&nbsp;Scott Manley.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HOLY SHITBALLS THEY CAUGHT IT! <a href="https://t.co/MBkH0UCmXA">pic.twitter.com/MBkH0UCmXA</a></p>
— Scott Manley (@DJSnM) <a href="https://twitter.com/DJSnM/status/1845442487068000524?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p aria-hidden="true">A user wrote, "We are making history right now ladies and gentlemen", while another added: "Incredible engineering.&nbsp;This completely changes the game."</p>

<p aria-hidden="true">A third added: "That was without a doubt the coolest thing I’ve ever seen."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: SpaceX just successfully caught its Super Heavy rocket booster in mid-air on its first try! This is the first time anyone has accomplished such a feat, marking one of the most significant engineering achievements in human history.<br />
<br />
Congrats <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> team! 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/Ho7DIUap23">pic.twitter.com/Ho7DIUap23</a></p>
— Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) <a href="https://twitter.com/SawyerMerritt/status/1845442808733368754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p aria-hidden="true">SpaceX's "fail fast, learn fast" strategy of rapid iterative testing, even when its rockets blow up, has accelerated development and contributed to the company's success. However, the launch of test flight 5 was delayed several times with Musk blaming the 'stifling red tape' hinting towards the Joe Biden administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p aria-hidden="true"><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, SpaceX on Sunday (Oct 13) scripted history by catching the nearly 20-storey tall booster of its Starship rocket, minutes after launching it from the same platform.

In a scene straight out of a sci-fi movie, SpaceX on Sunday (Oct 13) scripted history by catching the nearly 20-storey tall booster of its Starship rocket, minutes after launching it from the same platform. Using the chopstick or what SpaceX CEO Elon Musk refers to as 'Mechazilla', the rocket’s “Super Heavy” booster returned to land on the arms of the company’s launch tower, in a dramatic catch for the first time. The significance of the achievement is gargantuan, as it paves the way for humanity to possibly settle on Mars. Rapid reusability of rockets and boosters is essential if humans are to become interstellar species, according to Musk. Currently, boosters land on their legs or on drone ships but catching them mid-air on the launch platform can dramatically cut down the time and resources needed for refurbishment and send the rockets instantly back in the air. NASA is also keenly awaiting a modified version of Starship to act as a lander vehicle for crewed flights to the Moon under the Artemis programme later this decade. Mechazilla has caught the Super Heavy booster! pic.twitter.com/6R5YatSVJX — SpaceX (@SpaceX) October 13, 2024 × The launch The launch window opened at 7:00 am (1200 GMT) from the company's Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas. The successful liftoff took place at 7:25 am with the Raptor engines working perfectly to send the second-stage Starship rocket on a path in space, bound for the Indian Ocean west of Australia, where it will attempt to land on a podium in water. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy booster, after separating from the Starship around 74 kilometres in the air, returned to the launching pad, where the two giant robotic arms managed to catch it. Netizens in awe The launch and the subsequent catch left the netizens shocked, who marvelled at arguably one of the greatest engineering feats of modern humanity. "HOLY S***BALLS THEY CAUGHT IT!" wrote astronomer Scott Manley. HOLY SHITBALLS THEY CAUGHT IT! pic.twitter.com/MBkH0UCmXA — Scott Manley (@DJSnM) October 13, 2024 × A user wrote, "We are making history right now ladies and gentlemen", while another added: "Incredible engineering. This completely changes the game." A third added: "That was without a doubt the coolest thing I’ve ever seen." BREAKING: SpaceX just successfully caught its Super Heavy rocket booster in mid-air on its first try! This is the first time anyone has accomplished such a feat, marking one of the most significant engineering achievements in human history. Congrats @SpaceX team! 🚀 pic.twitter.com/Ho7DIUap23 — Sawyer Merritt (@SawyerMerritt) October 13, 2024 × SpaceX's "fail fast, learn fast" strategy of rapid iterative testing, even when its rockets blow up, has accelerated development and contributed to the company's success. However, the launch of test flight 5 was delayed several times with Musk blaming the 'stifling red tape' hinting towards the Joe Biden administration. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX 'Mechazilla' catches Starship booster mid-air in historic achievement - WATCH

SpaceX’s Starship 5 could launch as early as October 13, 2024, marking another major step in the company's ambitions for deep space exploration and Mars colonization. However, CEO Elon Musk has expressed frustration over delays in the program, criticizing regulatory and technical hurdles that have slowed progress. Starship, designed as a fully reusable spacecraft, aims to revolutionize space travel by making missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond more affordable. While the upcoming launch could be a milestone, Musk’s comments reflect the challenges SpaceX faces in meeting its ambitious timelines.

SpaceX Starship 5 Could Launch As Soon As Oct 13, Musk Criticizes Delays

SpaceX launched a two-person crew to the International Space Station, beginning a mission to bring home two NASA astronauts stranded in orbit after traveling aboard Boeing Co.'s Starliner spacecraft.

SpaceX Capsule Reaches ISS To Rescue Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore | World News

<p>A SpaceX mission to send a spacecraft for the return of two astronauts who went to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Boeing Starliner has&nbsp;been launched on Saturday (Sep 28) from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission was supposed to launch on Thursday but was delayed due to the deadly Hurricane Helene which hit Florida and other parts of the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA’s Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will finally be brought back home after spending over 100 days longer than expected on the ISS.</p>

<p>The mission, Crew-9 took off at around 1:17 pm ET on Saturday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA&nbsp;streamed the launch on their website.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LIVE: Our <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crew9?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crew9</a> mission launches to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled for 1:17pm ET (1717 UTC). Questions? Use <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskNASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AskNASA</a> <a href="https://t.co/ShUyD36syY">https://t.co/ShUyD36syY</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1840016251130708361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the Hurricane Helene danger passed, the mission teams reset everything to launch Crew-9.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-polls-stranded-astronauts-sunita-williams-butch-willmore-express-desire-to-vote-from-space-758604"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Stranded astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Willmore express desire to vote from space</strong></a></p>

<p>Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said, “We rolled out a little late this morning. We are vertical at the pad.”</p>

<p>SpaceX has provided the service eight times in the past four years, carrying astronauts to and from the space station under NASA's Commercial Crew Program. However, the outbound leg of this mission will carry only two crew members instead of four – NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;SpaceX launches truly international astronaut team on Crew-7 flight to space station for NASA</strong></p>

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<p>The two other seats will fly empty, reserved for Williams and Wilmore to occupy on the spacecraft’s return flight in 2025.</p>

<p>“The word that comes to mind for this flight is ‘agility,’” Steve Stich said during a press&nbsp;conference ahead of the launch on Friday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A SpaceX mission to send a spacecraft for the return of two astronauts who went to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Boeing Starliner has been launched on Saturday (Sep 28) from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

A SpaceX mission to send a spacecraft for the return of two astronauts who went to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Boeing Starliner has been launched on Saturday (Sep 28) from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission was supposed to launch on Thursday but was delayed due to the deadly Hurricane Helene which hit Florida and other parts of the United States. NASA’s Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will finally be brought back home after spending over 100 days longer than expected on the ISS. The mission, Crew-9 took off at around 1:17 pm ET on Saturday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. NASA streamed the launch on their website. LIVE: Our @SpaceX #Crew9 mission launches to the @Space_Station. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled for 1:17pm ET (1717 UTC). Questions? Use #AskNASA https://t.co/ShUyD36syY — NASA (@NASA) September 28, 2024 × After the Hurricane Helene danger passed, the mission teams reset everything to launch Crew-9. Also read: Stranded astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Willmore express desire to vote from space Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said, “We rolled out a little late this morning. We are vertical at the pad.” SpaceX has provided the service eight times in the past four years, carrying astronauts to and from the space station under NASA's Commercial Crew Program. However, the outbound leg of this mission will carry only two crew members instead of four – NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Watch | SpaceX launches truly international astronaut team on Crew-7 flight to space station for NASA × The two other seats will fly empty, reserved for Williams and Wilmore to occupy on the spacecraft’s return flight in 2025. “The word that comes to mind for this flight is ‘agility,’” Steve Stich said during a press conference ahead of the launch on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX launches mission Crew-9 to bring stranded Starliner astronauts home

At least 99 people have died in severe floods and landslides caused by continuous rain in Nepal. The ongoing downpour across Nepal has led to this disaster, claiming many lives. In addition, many people remain missing.

SpaceX Falcon 9 To Bring Back Williams and Wilmore From International Space Station

<p>SpaceX recently retrieved the mangled remains of a Starship first-stage booster from the Gulf Of Mexico and it will literally give you the creeps. It appears like a fascinating piece of machine lost to time, or as Elon Musk put it, "Like the ruins of a futuristic, long-dead civilization."</p>

<p>Musk shared, along with a photo, that the Super Heavy Booster is from Starship's fourth test flight which took place in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While it has been only around three months since that test launch, the booster looks like it has been in the sea for ages. The rocket reached orbital velocity and both stages completed their return to Earth. The booster ended up in the Gulf of Mexico.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The fourth test flight brought a few more plusses for Starship as the rocket survived peak heating and max aerodynamic pressure during its controlled reentry.</p>

<p>There were no reports of SpaceX working to retrieve the booster from the sea. So the operation came as a surprise and was kept a secret. However, a group of documentary filmmakers who specialise in shooting rocket launches, got wind of the plans, as per Universe magazine.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Starship Super Heavy Booster Flight 4 <a href="https://t.co/EMGpNVn58Q">pic.twitter.com/EMGpNVn58Q</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1838027461268750727?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/musk-plans-to-build-a-fleet-of-starships-to-take-humans-to-mars-757492">Elon Musk plans to build fleet of Starships to take humans to Mars</a></p>

<p>Reports suggest that SpaceX used HOS Ridgewind, a vessel owned by Hornbeck Offshore, for the Starship booster operation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Why has SpaceX retrieved the booster?</h2>

<p>Meanwhile, it is not clear why has the booster been fished out considering nothing of the sort has ever been revealed before. The company is currently working to perfect Starship and experts working at SpaceX might need the booster to gather more data about the fourth flight.</p>

<p>SpaceX is currently preparing for test flight number five but will have to wait a little longer to launch the Starship this time due to the approval pending with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The company recently shared photos of the Starship propped and ready for liftoff. It also informed that the engineers had carried out a propellant load test and preflight checkouts.</p>

<p>“Starship stacked for Flight 5 and ready for launch, pending regulatory approval,” SpaceX wrote on X earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Starship stacked for Flight 5 and ready for launch, pending regulatory approval <a href="https://t.co/hbXYjtrQU7">pic.twitter.com/hbXYjtrQU7</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1837613770736390558?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Musk plans to send humans to Mars on Starship within the next few years. As per his current plans, five uncrewed Starship missions will travel to Mars in two years. The billionaire said that the uncrewed missions to Mars will happen in 2026 and will "test the reliability of landing intact" on the red planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk said that if everything goes well, then Starship will carry people to Mars for the first time in four years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The launch will take place when the Earth-Mars transfer window opens, which happens approximately every 26 months. At this time, the two planets are closest to each other.</p>

<p>Musk wants to manufacture multiple Starships and create a fleet comprising hundreds of them to ferry a million people to the red planet.</p>


SpaceX recently retrieved the mangled remains of a Starship first-stage booster from the Gulf Of Mexico and it will literally give you the creeps. It appears like a fascinating piece of machine lost to time, or as Elon Musk put it, "Like the ruins of a futuristic, long-dead civilization.

SpaceX recently retrieved the mangled remains of a Starship first-stage booster from the Gulf Of Mexico and it will literally give you the creeps. It appears like a fascinating piece of machine lost to time, or as Elon Musk put it, "Like the ruins of a futuristic, long-dead civilization." Musk shared, along with a photo, that the Super Heavy Booster is from Starship's fourth test flight which took place in June. While it has been only around three months since that test launch, the booster looks like it has been in the sea for ages. The rocket reached orbital velocity and both stages completed their return to Earth. The booster ended up in the Gulf of Mexico. The fourth test flight brought a few more plusses for Starship as the rocket survived peak heating and max aerodynamic pressure during its controlled reentry. There were no reports of SpaceX working to retrieve the booster from the sea. So the operation came as a surprise and was kept a secret. However, a group of documentary filmmakers who specialise in shooting rocket launches, got wind of the plans, as per Universe magazine. Starship Super Heavy Booster Flight 4 pic.twitter.com/EMGpNVn58Q — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) September 23, 2024 × Also Read: Elon Musk plans to build fleet of Starships to take humans to Mars Reports suggest that SpaceX used HOS Ridgewind, a vessel owned by Hornbeck Offshore, for the Starship booster operation. Why has SpaceX retrieved the booster? Meanwhile, it is not clear why has the booster been fished out considering nothing of the sort has ever been revealed before. The company is currently working to perfect Starship and experts working at SpaceX might need the booster to gather more data about the fourth flight. SpaceX is currently preparing for test flight number five but will have to wait a little longer to launch the Starship this time due to the approval pending with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The company recently shared photos of the Starship propped and ready for liftoff. It also informed that the engineers had carried out a propellant load test and preflight checkouts. “Starship stacked for Flight 5 and ready for launch, pending regulatory approval,” SpaceX wrote on X earlier this week. Starship stacked for Flight 5 and ready for launch, pending regulatory approval pic.twitter.com/hbXYjtrQU7 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 21, 2024 × Musk plans to send humans to Mars on Starship within the next few years. As per his current plans, five uncrewed Starship missions will travel to Mars in two years. The billionaire said that the uncrewed missions to Mars will happen in 2026 and will "test the reliability of landing intact" on the red planet. Musk said that if everything goes well, then Starship will carry people to Mars for the first time in four years. The launch will take place when the Earth-Mars transfer window opens, which happens approximately every 26 months. At this time, the two planets are closest to each other. Musk wants to manufacture multiple Starships and create a fleet comprising hundreds of them to ferry a million people to the red planet.

Starship booster looks like an ancient artefact fetched from sea. 'Like the ruins of...'

<p>SpaceX plans to launch about five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in two years, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday (Sep 23) in a post on social media platform X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Musk had said that the first Starships to Mars would launch in two years "when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens."</p>

<p>The CEO on Sunday said that the first crewed mission timeline will depend upon the success of the uncrewed flights. If the uncrewed missions land safely, crewed missions will be launched in four years. However, in case of challenges, crewed missions will be postponed by another two years, Musk said.</p>

<p>Musk, known for providing changing timelines on Starship's readiness, said earlier this year that the first uncrewed starship to land on Mars would be within five years, with the first people landing on Mars within seven years.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;SpaceX's Polaris dawn mission makes splashdown</strong></p>

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<p>In June, a Starship rocket survived a fiery, hypersonic return from space and achieved a breakthrough landing demonstration in the Indian Ocean, completing a full test mission around the globe on the rocket's fourth try.</p>

<p>Musk is counting on Starship to fulfil his goal of producing a large, multipurpose next-generation spacecraft capable of sending people and cargo to the moon later this decade, and ultimately flying to Mars.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musks-spacex-sued-for-15-million-by-cards-against-humanity-over-alleged-trespassing-on-texas-land-760932"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Elon Musk's SpaceX sued for $15 million by Cards Against Humanity over alleged trespassing on Texas land</strong></a></p>

<p>NASA earlier this year delayed Artemis 3 mission and its first crewed moon landing in half a century using SpaceX's Starship, to September 2026. It was previously planned for late 2025, NASA said.</p>

<p>Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa in June cancelled a private mission around the moon he had paid for, which was to have used SpaceX's Starship, citing schedule uncertainties in the rocket's development.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


SpaceX plans to launch about five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in two years, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday (Sep 23) in a post on social media platform X. Earlier this month, Musk had said that the first Starships to Mars would launch in two years "when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens.

SpaceX plans to launch about five uncrewed Starship missions to Mars in two years, CEO Elon Musk said on Sunday (Sep 23) in a post on social media platform X. Earlier this month, Musk had said that the first Starships to Mars would launch in two years "when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens." The CEO on Sunday said that the first crewed mission timeline will depend upon the success of the uncrewed flights. If the uncrewed missions land safely, crewed missions will be launched in four years. However, in case of challenges, crewed missions will be postponed by another two years, Musk said. Musk, known for providing changing timelines on Starship's readiness, said earlier this year that the first uncrewed starship to land on Mars would be within five years, with the first people landing on Mars within seven years. Watch | SpaceX's Polaris dawn mission makes splashdown × In June, a Starship rocket survived a fiery, hypersonic return from space and achieved a breakthrough landing demonstration in the Indian Ocean, completing a full test mission around the globe on the rocket's fourth try. Musk is counting on Starship to fulfil his goal of producing a large, multipurpose next-generation spacecraft capable of sending people and cargo to the moon later this decade, and ultimately flying to Mars. Also read | Elon Musk's SpaceX sued for $15 million by Cards Against Humanity over alleged trespassing on Texas land NASA earlier this year delayed Artemis 3 mission and its first crewed moon landing in half a century using SpaceX's Starship, to September 2026. It was previously planned for late 2025, NASA said. Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa in June cancelled a private mission around the moon he had paid for, which was to have used SpaceX's Starship, citing schedule uncertainties in the rocket's development. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

SpaceX to send 5 uncrewed Starships to Mars in 2 years, claims Elon Musk

<p>Chicago-based game company, Cards Against Humanity, has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's SpaceX, accusing the latter of trespassing on its land in Texas. The land was bought by the game company in 2017 as part of a protest against Donald Trump’s plan to build a border wall.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-law-prevails-in-x-vs-moraes-battle-but-its-not-over-yet-for-musk-760919">Brazilian law prevails in X vs Moraes battle but it’s not over yet for Musk</a></p>

<h2><strong>SpaceX accused of trespassing and damaging land</strong></h2>

<p>Cards Against Humanity<em> </em>mentioned on a dedicated website about the lawsuit, "Elon Musk’s SpaceX was building some space thing nearby, and he figured he could just dump his shit all over our gorgeous plot of land without asking. After we caught him, SpaceX gave us a 12-hour ultimatum to accept a lowball offer for less than half our land’s value." The company also stated that it rejected the offer and initiated legal proceedings.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-confused-biden-snaps-before-introducing-pm-modi-during-quad-meet-shouts-whos-next-760842">WATCH | Confused Biden snaps before introducing PM Modi during Quad meet, shouts, 'Who's next?'</a></p>

<p><br />
In its lawsuit, filed in a Texas court, Cards Against Humanity claims that SpaceX has used its property in Cameron County without permission for the past six months.</p>

<p>&nbsp;According to the company, SpaceX has placed construction materials, including gravel and debris, on the land, leading to damage, including loss of vegetation. Despite a "no trespassing" sign placed on the property, the company alleges that SpaceX ignored it.</p>

<h2><strong>Historical context of the purchase</strong></h2>

<p>The lawsuit says the company has kept the land in its natural state ever since it was purchased with help from 150,000 supporters who each contributed $15.</p>

<h2><br />
<strong>Seeking compensation &nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Seeking $15 million in damages, Cards Against Humanity asserts that the alleged trespassing has resulted in significant harm to the land. As of now, SpaceX has not responded to the allegations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Chicago-based game company, Cards Against Humanity, has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's SpaceX, accusing the latter of trespassing on its land in Texas. The land was bought by the game company in 2017 as part of a protest against Donald Trump’s plan to build a border wall.

Chicago-based game company, Cards Against Humanity, has filed a lawsuit against Elon Musk's SpaceX, accusing the latter of trespassing on its land in Texas. The land was bought by the game company in 2017 as part of a protest against Donald Trump’s plan to build a border wall. Also read | Brazilian law prevails in X vs Moraes battle but it’s not over yet for Musk SpaceX accused of trespassing and damaging land Cards Against Humanity mentioned on a dedicated website about the lawsuit, "Elon Musk’s SpaceX was building some space thing nearby, and he figured he could just dump his shit all over our gorgeous plot of land without asking. After we caught him, SpaceX gave us a 12-hour ultimatum to accept a lowball offer for less than half our land’s value." The company also stated that it rejected the offer and initiated legal proceedings. Also read | WATCH | Confused Biden snaps before introducing PM Modi during Quad meet, shouts, 'Who's next?' In its lawsuit, filed in a Texas court, Cards Against Humanity claims that SpaceX has used its property in Cameron County without permission for the past six months. According to the company, SpaceX has placed construction materials, including gravel and debris, on the land, leading to damage, including loss of vegetation. Despite a "no trespassing" sign placed on the property, the company alleges that SpaceX ignored it. Historical context of the purchase The lawsuit says the company has kept the land in its natural state ever since it was purchased with help from 150,000 supporters who each contributed $15. Seeking compensation Seeking $15 million in damages, Cards Against Humanity asserts that the alleged trespassing has resulted in significant harm to the land. As of now, SpaceX has not responded to the allegations. (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk's SpaceX sued for $15 million by Cards Against Humanity over alleged trespassing on Texas land

A landmark journey in private space exploration comes to an end with early splash down of Polaris dragon off the coast of Florida. Watch to know more.

SpaceX's Polaris dawn mission makes splashdown

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<p>The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission, which made history when its crew conducted the first spacewalk by non-government astronauts, splashed down off the coast of Florida early&nbsp;Sunday (Sep 15).</p>

<p>The Dragon spacecraft landed in the ocean at 3:37 am (0737 GMT), a webcast of the splashdown showed, with a recovery team deploying in the pre-dawn darkness to retrieve the capsule and crew.</p>

<p>The four-member team led by fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman launched Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center, quickly journeying deeper into the cosmos than any humans in the past half century as they ventured into the dangerous Van Allen radiation belt.</p>

<p>They hit a peak altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometres) -- more than three times higher than the International Space Station and the furthest humans had ever travelled from Earth since the Apollo missions to the Moon.</p>

<p>Then on Thursday (Sep 12), with their Dragon spacecraft's orbit brought down to 434 miles, Isaacman swung open the hatch and climbed out into the void, gripping a structure called "Skywalker" as a breathtaking view of Earth unfolded before him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"SpaceX, back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world," he told mission control in Hawthorne, California, where teams erupted in applause.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Splashdown of Dragon confirmed! Welcome back to Earth, <a href="https://twitter.com/rookisaacman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rookisaacman</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KiddPoteet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@kiddpoteet</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Gillis_SarahE?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Gillis_SarahE</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/annawmenon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@annawmenon</a> <a href="https://t.co/nILpMQh2sR">pic.twitter.com/nILpMQh2sR</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1835221615392834024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 15, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>He went back inside after a few minutes and was replaced by a second astronaut, SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, who, like Isaacman, performed a series of mobility tests on SpaceX's sleek, next-generation suits.</p>

<p>Since Dragon doesn't have an airlock, the entire crew were exposed to the vacuum of space. Mission pilot Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon remained strapped in throughout as they monitored vital support systems.</p>

<p>It marked a "giant leap forward" for the commercial space industry, said NASA chief Bill Nelson, as well as another triumphant achievement for SpaceX.</p>

<p>Though the company was only founded in 2002, it has outpaced its legacy competitors thanks in large part to founder Elon Musk's vast fortune and zeal to begin the colonization of Mars.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spacex-launches-all-civilian-polaris-mission-a-new-frontier-in-private-space-exploration-757593"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;SpaceX launches 'all civilian' Polaris mission: A new frontier in private space exploration</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Rousing violin solo</h2>

<p>Since completing their extravehicular activity, the crew have continued to carry out roughly 40 science experiments -- for example inserting endoscopic cameras through their noses and into their throats to image their airways and better understand the impact of long-duration space missions on human health.</p>

<p>They also demonstrated connectivity with SpaceX's Starlink internet satellite constellation by sending back to ground control a high-resolution video of Gillis playing "Rey's Theme" by "Star Wars" composer John Williams, on the violin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Polaris Dawn is the first of three missions under the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/explainer-why-polaris-dawn-is-a-daring-multiple-record-breaking-spaceflight-758235"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Explainer: Why Polaris Dawn is a daring, multiple record-breaking spaceflight</strong></a></p>

<p>Financial terms of the partnership remain under wraps but Isaacman, the 41-year-old founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, reportedly poured $200 million of his own money into leading the 2021 all-civilian SpaceX Inspiration4 orbital mission.</p>

<p>The final Polaris mission aims to be the first crewed flight of SpaceX's Starship, a prototype next-generation rocket that is key to Musk's interplanetary ambitions.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission, which made history when its crew conducted the first spacewalk by non-government astronauts, splashed down off the coast of Florida early Sunday (Sep 15).

The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission, which made history when its crew conducted the first spacewalk by non-government astronauts, splashed down off the coast of Florida early Sunday (Sep 15). The Dragon spacecraft landed in the ocean at 3:37 am (0737 GMT), a webcast of the splashdown showed, with a recovery team deploying in the pre-dawn darkness to retrieve the capsule and crew. The four-member team led by fintech billionaire Jared Isaacman launched Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center, quickly journeying deeper into the cosmos than any humans in the past half century as they ventured into the dangerous Van Allen radiation belt. They hit a peak altitude of 870 miles (1,400 kilometres) -- more than three times higher than the International Space Station and the furthest humans had ever travelled from Earth since the Apollo missions to the Moon. Then on Thursday (Sep 12), with their Dragon spacecraft's orbit brought down to 434 miles, Isaacman swung open the hatch and climbed out into the void, gripping a structure called "Skywalker" as a breathtaking view of Earth unfolded before him. "SpaceX, back at home we all have a lot of work to do, but from here, Earth sure looks like a perfect world," he told mission control in Hawthorne, California, where teams erupted in applause. Splashdown of Dragon confirmed! Welcome back to Earth, @rookisaacman, @kiddpoteet, @Gillis_SarahE, @annawmenon pic.twitter.com/nILpMQh2sR — SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 15, 2024 × He went back inside after a few minutes and was replaced by a second astronaut, SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis, who, like Isaacman, performed a series of mobility tests on SpaceX's sleek, next-generation suits. Since Dragon doesn't have an airlock, the entire crew were exposed to the vacuum of space. Mission pilot Scott Poteet and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon remained strapped in throughout as they monitored vital support systems. It marked a "giant leap forward" for the commercial space industry, said NASA chief Bill Nelson, as well as another triumphant achievement for SpaceX. Though the company was only founded in 2002, it has outpaced its legacy competitors thanks in large part to founder Elon Musk's vast fortune and zeal to begin the colonization of Mars. Watch | SpaceX launches 'all civilian' Polaris mission: A new frontier in private space exploration × Rousing violin solo Since completing their extravehicular activity, the crew have continued to carry out roughly 40 science experiments -- for example inserting endoscopic cameras through their noses and into their throats to image their airways and better understand the impact of long-duration space missions on human health. They also demonstrated connectivity with SpaceX's Starlink internet satellite constellation by sending back to ground control a high-resolution video of Gillis playing "Rey's Theme" by "Star Wars" composer John Williams, on the violin. Polaris Dawn is the first of three missions under the Polaris program, a collaboration between Isaacman and SpaceX. Also read | Explainer: Why Polaris Dawn is a daring, multiple record-breaking spaceflight Financial terms of the partnership remain under wraps but Isaacman, the 41-year-old founder and CEO of Shift4 Payments, reportedly poured $200 million of his own money into leading the 2021 all-civilian SpaceX Inspiration4 orbital mission. The final Polaris mission aims to be the first crewed flight of SpaceX's Starship, a prototype next-generation rocket that is key to Musk's interplanetary ambitions. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn crew returns to Earth safely after historic spacewalk - WATCH

AST spacemobile, the tiny telecom company that wants to compete with spacex, has become one of the hottest stocks in the world this year after soaring to 28 dollars per share from 2 dollars a share in just six months.

SpaceX's tiny rival AST Spacemobile shares soar

<p>Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and his crew stepped out for the first private spacewalk on Thursday, making history by leading the first-ever spacewalk by non-professional astronauts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The entrepreneur teamed up with SpaceX on the daring mission hundreds of miles above Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Isaacman and his crew waited until their capsule was depressurised before popping open the hatch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Isaacman, 41, CEO and founder of the Shift4 credit card-processing company, has declined to disclose how much he invested in the flight.&nbsp;</p>

<p>All four on board wore SpaceX's new spacewalking suits to protect themselves from the harsh vacuum.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Polaris Dawn's Mission Commander <a href="https://twitter.com/rookisaacman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@rookisaacman</a> has completed his suit mobility tests and is now back inside Dragon <a href="https://t.co/oyEvjEKfRo">pic.twitter.com/oyEvjEKfRo</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1834185579757797642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>It was the key focus of the five-day flight sponsored by Isaacman and Elon Musk's company, and the culmination of years of development geared toward settling Mars and other planets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Isaacman, along with his crew, launched on Tuesday from Florida, rocketing farther from Earth than anyone since NASA's moonwalkers. The orbit was reduced by half — to 460 miles (740 kilometres), for the spacewalk.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/polaris-dawn-travels-to-1400-km-above-earth-farthest-for-humans-in-50-years-757752"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Polaris Dawn travels to 1,400 km above Earth, farthest since 1966 Gemini mission</strong></a></p>

<p>The first spacewalking test was expected to last about two hours and involved more stretching than walking.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the plan, Isaacman was supposed to keep a hand or foot attached to it the entire time as he flexed his arms and legs to see how the new spacesuit would hold up.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After about 15 minutes outside, Isaacman was to be replaced by SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis to go through the same motions.</p>

<p>Space experts and risk analysts said that it's inevitable that some will seek the thrill of spacewalking, deemed one of the most dangerous parts of spaceflight after launch and reentry but also the most soul-stirring.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;SpaceX launches 'all civilian' Polaris mission: A new frontier in private space exploration</strong></p>

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<p>All four crew members underwent intensive training before the trip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot, and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon stayed strapped to their seats to monitor from inside.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and his crew stepped out for the first private spacewalk on Thursday, making history by leading the first-ever spacewalk by non-professional astronauts.

Tech entrepreneur Jared Isaacman and his crew stepped out for the first private spacewalk on Thursday, making history by leading the first-ever spacewalk by non-professional astronauts. The entrepreneur teamed up with SpaceX on the daring mission hundreds of miles above Earth. Isaacman and his crew waited until their capsule was depressurised before popping open the hatch. Isaacman, 41, CEO and founder of the Shift4 credit card-processing company, has declined to disclose how much he invested in the flight. All four on board wore SpaceX's new spacewalking suits to protect themselves from the harsh vacuum. Polaris Dawn's Mission Commander @rookisaacman has completed his suit mobility tests and is now back inside Dragon pic.twitter.com/oyEvjEKfRo — SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 12, 2024 × It was the key focus of the five-day flight sponsored by Isaacman and Elon Musk's company, and the culmination of years of development geared toward settling Mars and other planets. Isaacman, along with his crew, launched on Tuesday from Florida, rocketing farther from Earth than anyone since NASA's moonwalkers. The orbit was reduced by half — to 460 miles (740 kilometres), for the spacewalk. Also read: Polaris Dawn travels to 1,400 km above Earth, farthest since 1966 Gemini mission The first spacewalking test was expected to last about two hours and involved more stretching than walking. According to the plan, Isaacman was supposed to keep a hand or foot attached to it the entire time as he flexed his arms and legs to see how the new spacesuit would hold up. After about 15 minutes outside, Isaacman was to be replaced by SpaceX engineer Sarah Gillis to go through the same motions. Space experts and risk analysts said that it's inevitable that some will seek the thrill of spacewalking, deemed one of the most dangerous parts of spaceflight after launch and reentry but also the most soul-stirring. Watch | SpaceX launches 'all civilian' Polaris mission: A new frontier in private space exploration × All four crew members underwent intensive training before the trip. Scott “Kidd” Poteet, a former Air Force Thunderbird pilot, and SpaceX engineer Anna Menon stayed strapped to their seats to monitor from inside. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch | Tech billionaire kicks off first private spacewalk out of SpaceX capsule

SpaceX has successfully launched their Polaris Dawn Mission. The 5-day expedition will see the first ever Space walk by private citizens and with this mission SpaceX is aiming to fly deeper into space than any other manned mission in more than half a century. Watch in for more details!

SpaceX launches 'all civilian' Polaris mission: A new frontier in private space exploration

<p>Polaris Dawn mission is now the farthest from Earth than humans have ever been in the last 50 years. The private crew of the mission is on a Dragon spaceship and will undertake the first spacewalk by non-astronauts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Achievement unlocked -- apogee 1,400.7 km," SpaceX said on X Tuesday night.</p>

<p>It wrote in another post, "Polaris Dawn and Dragon at 1,400 km above Earth – the farthest humans have travelled since the Apollo program over 50 years ago."</p>

<p>This distance is more than three times farther from Earth than the International Space Station that hovers over the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO, re-posted the message and wrote, "Strive to greater heights, For a future brighter than the past, Waking up each morning inspired, To learn new secrets of the Universe!</p>

<p>The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission is being led by Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman on a roughly five-day trek. It launched early Tuesday morning from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>At this height, the spaceship needs to dodge the hazardous, high-radiation Van Allen belt. Musk had earlier also warned that there is &nbsp;"no room for error in our calculations" as the spaceship "will travel repeatedly through the orbital altitudes of over 10 thousand satellites and bits of space debris."</p>

<p>Pilot Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel, is also on the spacecraft. Two female SpaceX engineers are also on the historic mission. Mission specialist Sarah Gillis and mission specialist and medical officer Anna Menon have now become the first women to travel this far away from Earth.</p>

<p>The spacewalk is scheduled to happen on Thursday 0623 GMT, the first ever by civilians. They will don SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits with heads-up displays, helmet cameras and advanced joint mobility systems.</p>

<p>Two crewmates will venture out, in turn, for 15 to 20 minutes each.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Polaris Dawn mission is now the farthest from Earth than humans have ever been in the last 50 years. The private crew of the mission is on a Dragon spaceship and will undertake the first spacewalk by non-astronauts.

Polaris Dawn mission is now the farthest from Earth than humans have ever been in the last 50 years. The private crew of the mission is on a Dragon spaceship and will undertake the first spacewalk by non-astronauts. "Achievement unlocked -- apogee 1,400.7 km," SpaceX said on X Tuesday night. It wrote in another post, "Polaris Dawn and Dragon at 1,400 km above Earth – the farthest humans have travelled since the Apollo program over 50 years ago." This distance is more than three times farther from Earth than the International Space Station that hovers over the planet. Elon Musk, SpaceX CEO, re-posted the message and wrote, "Strive to greater heights, For a future brighter than the past, Waking up each morning inspired, To learn new secrets of the Universe! The SpaceX Polaris Dawn mission is being led by Shift4 Payments CEO Jared Isaacman on a roughly five-day trek. It launched early Tuesday morning from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. × At this height, the spaceship needs to dodge the hazardous, high-radiation Van Allen belt. Musk had earlier also warned that there is "no room for error in our calculations" as the spaceship "will travel repeatedly through the orbital altitudes of over 10 thousand satellites and bits of space debris." Pilot Scott Poteet, a retired US Air Force lieutenant colonel, is also on the spacecraft. Two female SpaceX engineers are also on the historic mission. Mission specialist Sarah Gillis and mission specialist and medical officer Anna Menon have now become the first women to travel this far away from Earth. The spacewalk is scheduled to happen on Thursday 0623 GMT, the first ever by civilians. They will don SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits with heads-up displays, helmet cameras and advanced joint mobility systems. Two crewmates will venture out, in turn, for 15 to 20 minutes each.

Polaris Dawn travels to 1,400 km above Earth, farthest since 1966 Gemini mission

<p>SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission, bound for low-Earth orbit, had a successful liftoff at 0923 GMT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday (Sep 10).&nbsp;Four crew members&nbsp;aboard the Dragon capsule will be passing as close to Earth as 190 km (118 miles) and as far as 1,400 km (870 miles), the farthest any humans will have ventured since the end of the US Apollo moon programme in 1972.</p>

<p>"Liftoff of Polaris Dawn!"&nbsp;SpaceX said on X, alongside a photo of the rocket as it took off.</p>

<p>Two and a half minutes after liftoff, the bottommost part of the Falcon 9 rocket, called the first stage, detached from the mission after burning most of its fuel and landed back on Earth. The rocket will be refurbished and used again on future missions - a signature of Elon Musk's SpaceX company.&nbsp;</p>

<p>13 minutes into the mission, the Dragon capsule was separated from the second stage as the manned crew fixed itself in the Earth's orbit.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Liftoff of Polaris Dawn! <a href="https://t.co/hAti2arueX">pic.twitter.com/hAti2arueX</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1833436360348143951?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The highlight of the mission will be the first spacewalk composed entirely of non-professional astronauts, who will be wearing sleek, newly developed SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits outfitted with heads-up displays, helmet cameras and an advanced joint mobility system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The mission was scheduled to launch last month but was delayed due to a helium leak. Even on Tuesday, the mission was delayed by more than two hours due to poor weather conditions.&nbsp;<br />
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-to-return-boeing-starliner-astronauts-on-spacex-crew-dragon-gravitas-753526"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;NASA to return Boeing Starliner astronauts on SpaceX Crew Dragon | Gravitas</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who are aboard Polaris?</strong></h2>

<p>The mission was conceived by&nbsp;Jared Isaacman, the billionaire founder of financial technology firm Shift4 Payments, who was part of the Inspiration4 mission in September 2021.</p>

<p>Former US Air Force pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet as well as SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis are the other crew members.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There have been roughly 270 spacewalks on the International Space Station (ISS) since its creation in 2000, and 16 by Chinese astronauts on Beijing's Tiangong space station. However, it would be the first time a private company would be chauffering the spacewalks.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/spacexs-polaris-dawn-mission-involves-unprecedented-dangers-expert-warns-757086"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission involves 'unprecedented' dangers, expert warns</strong></a></p>

<p>The crew will step out of the Dragon capsule on the third day at&nbsp;700 km altitude for the spacewalk which will last about 20 minutes.&nbsp;The Dragon capsule will slowly depressurise its entire cabin as&nbsp;it has no airlock like the ISS. All four astronauts will rely on their slimmed-down, SpaceX-built spacesuits for oxygen - making it a risky exercise.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission, bound for low-Earth orbit, had a successful liftoff at 0923 GMT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday (Sep 10). Four crew members aboard the Dragon capsule will be passing as close to Earth as 190 km (118 miles) and as far as 1,400 km (870 miles), the farthest any humans will have ventured since the end of the US Apollo moon programme in 1972.

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission, bound for low-Earth orbit, had a successful liftoff at 0923 GMT from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Tuesday (Sep 10). Four crew members aboard the Dragon capsule will be passing as close to Earth as 190 km (118 miles) and as far as 1,400 km (870 miles), the farthest any humans will have ventured since the end of the US Apollo moon programme in 1972. "Liftoff of Polaris Dawn!" SpaceX said on X, alongside a photo of the rocket as it took off. Two and a half minutes after liftoff, the bottommost part of the Falcon 9 rocket, called the first stage, detached from the mission after burning most of its fuel and landed back on Earth. The rocket will be refurbished and used again on future missions - a signature of Elon Musk's SpaceX company. 13 minutes into the mission, the Dragon capsule was separated from the second stage as the manned crew fixed itself in the Earth's orbit. Liftoff of Polaris Dawn! pic.twitter.com/hAti2arueX — SpaceX (@SpaceX) September 10, 2024 × The highlight of the mission will be the first spacewalk composed entirely of non-professional astronauts, who will be wearing sleek, newly developed SpaceX extravehicular activity (EVA) suits outfitted with heads-up displays, helmet cameras and an advanced joint mobility system. The mission was scheduled to launch last month but was delayed due to a helium leak. Even on Tuesday, the mission was delayed by more than two hours due to poor weather conditions. Watch | NASA to return Boeing Starliner astronauts on SpaceX Crew Dragon | Gravitas × Who are aboard Polaris? The mission was conceived by Jared Isaacman, the billionaire founder of financial technology firm Shift4 Payments, who was part of the Inspiration4 mission in September 2021. Former US Air Force pilot Scott “Kidd” Poteet as well as SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis are the other crew members. There have been roughly 270 spacewalks on the International Space Station (ISS) since its creation in 2000, and 16 by Chinese astronauts on Beijing's Tiangong space station. However, it would be the first time a private company would be chauffering the spacewalks. Also read | SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission involves 'unprecedented' dangers, expert warns The crew will step out of the Dragon capsule on the third day at 700 km altitude for the spacewalk which will last about 20 minutes. The Dragon capsule will slowly depressurise its entire cabin as it has no airlock like the ISS. All four astronauts will rely on their slimmed-down, SpaceX-built spacesuits for oxygen - making it a risky exercise. (With inputs from agencies)

Successful liftoff for SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission attempting first-ever private spacewalk

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1700}">Space has long been a place of wonder, but it's also an environment inherently dangerous to humans. To date, only about 700 humans have made the journey to space successfully. However, according to Chris Impey, a University of Arizona professor and space exploration expert, with the commercialisation of space by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, the number of success stories and the risks are set to heighten.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:102,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1788}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:102,&quot;w&quot;:98,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1788}">The risks</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:147,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1833}">Impey, an astronomer, writing for The Conversation, says "I think a lot about the risks and rewards of exploring space."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:197,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}">He says that the overall fatality rate for space travellers is around 3 per cent, a figure "higher than extreme sports such as BASE jumping or jumping off a cliff wearing a wingsuit".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1933}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/26000-year-old-human-animal-footprints-unearthed-in-spain-it-once-was-a-settlement-of-757071">26,000-year-old human, animal footprints unearthed in Spain. It once was a settlement of...</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:279,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1965}">"In total, 30 astronauts and cosmonauts have died while training for or during space missions," and there have been "dozens of close calls".</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:332,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2018}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:332,&quot;w&quot;:578,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2018}">What are the risks of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:377,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2063}">SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission, originally scheduled to launch on Aug 27 2024 but delayed due to a helium leak and bad weather will take its four-person crew including civilians to an altitude of 435 miles (a little over&nbsp;700 kilometres)—higher than any astronauts since Apollo.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:444,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2130}">The crew will be exposed to high levels of radiation, "getting as much in a few hours as they would in 20 years on the Earth".&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:494,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2180}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:494,&quot;w&quot;:664,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2180}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:494,&quot;w&quot;:583,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2180}" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eerie-mysterious-hole-gets-spotted-on-earth-through-google-maps-its-secret-is-757038">Eerie 'mysterious hole' gets spotted on Earth through Google Maps, its secret is...</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:526,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2212}">The mission also plans a spacewalk, the "first for nongovernment astronauts"—potentially the most dangerous part—using spacesuits not tested in space, in a capsule without an airlock. The risks are significant: a small tear or puncture in the spacesuit could be fatal.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:593,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2279}">Despite the challenges, the mission also offers the opportunity to gather valuable data on the effects of space travel and radiation exposure, as it will travel higher than any other previous mission.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:643,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2329}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:643,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2329}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Space has long been a place of wonder, but it's also an environment inherently dangerous to humans. To date, only about 700 humans have made the journey to space successfully.

Space has long been a place of wonder, but it's also an environment inherently dangerous to humans. To date, only about 700 humans have made the journey to space successfully. However, according to Chris Impey, a University of Arizona professor and space exploration expert, with the commercialisation of space by companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin, the number of success stories and the risks are set to heighten. The risks Impey, an astronomer, writing for The Conversation, says "I think a lot about the risks and rewards of exploring space." He says that the overall fatality rate for space travellers is around 3 per cent, a figure "higher than extreme sports such as BASE jumping or jumping off a cliff wearing a wingsuit". Also read | 26,000-year-old human, animal footprints unearthed in Spain. It once was a settlement of... "In total, 30 astronauts and cosmonauts have died while training for or during space missions," and there have been "dozens of close calls". What are the risks of SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission? SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission, originally scheduled to launch on Aug 27 2024 but delayed due to a helium leak and bad weather will take its four-person crew including civilians to an altitude of 435 miles (a little over 700 kilometres)—higher than any astronauts since Apollo. The crew will be exposed to high levels of radiation, "getting as much in a few hours as they would in 20 years on the Earth". Also read | Eerie 'mysterious hole' gets spotted on Earth through Google Maps, its secret is... The mission also plans a spacewalk, the "first for nongovernment astronauts"—potentially the most dangerous part—using spacesuits not tested in space, in a capsule without an airlock. The risks are significant: a small tear or puncture in the spacesuit could be fatal. Despite the challenges, the mission also offers the opportunity to gather valuable data on the effects of space travel and radiation exposure, as it will travel higher than any other previous mission. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission involves 'unprecedented' dangers, expert warns

<p>SpaceX will launch its first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens, Chief Executive Officer&nbsp;Elon&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday.</p>

<p>"These will be uncrewed to test the reliability of landing intact on Mars,"&nbsp;Musk&nbsp;said, adding if those landings go well, his space company will launch its first crewed flights to Mars in four years.</p>

<p>"Flight rate will grow exponentially from there, with the goal of building a self-sustaining city in about 20 years," the billionaire said.</p>

<p>In April,&nbsp;Musk, who founded SpaceX in 2002, said the first uncrewed starship to land on Mars would be within five years, with the first people landing on Mars within seven years.</p>

<p>In June, a Starship rocket survived a fiery, hypersonic return from space and achieved a breakthrough landing demonstration in the Indian Ocean, completing a full test mission around the globe on the rocket's fourth try.</p>

<p>Musk&nbsp;is counting on Starship to fulfill his goal of producing a large, multipurpose next-generation spacecraft capable of sending people and cargo to the moon later this decade, and ultimately flying to Mars.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


SpaceX will launch its first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday.

SpaceX will launch its first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years when the next Earth-Mars transfer window opens, Chief Executive Officer Elon Musk said in a post on social media platform X on Saturday. "These will be uncrewed to test the reliability of landing intact on Mars," Musk said, adding if those landings go well, his space company will launch its first crewed flights to Mars in four years. "Flight rate will grow exponentially from there, with the goal of building a self-sustaining city in about 20 years," the billionaire said. In April, Musk, who founded SpaceX in 2002, said the first uncrewed starship to land on Mars would be within five years, with the first people landing on Mars within seven years. In June, a Starship rocket survived a fiery, hypersonic return from space and achieved a breakthrough landing demonstration in the Indian Ocean, completing a full test mission around the globe on the rocket's fourth try. Musk is counting on Starship to fulfill his goal of producing a large, multipurpose next-generation spacecraft capable of sending people and cargo to the moon later this decade, and ultimately flying to Mars. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Elon Musk says SpaceX to launch first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years

Four crew members are all set and ready for their space mission. Interestingly, none of them are astronauts in the strict sense of the word but they're undertaking the riskiest venture known to mankind. Watch in for more details!

SpaceX gears up for weekend launch of Polaris dawn | Gravitas

<p>Two NASA astronauts who are stranded in space may return to Earth next year on a SpaceX ship,&nbsp;the American space agency announced on Saturday (Aug 24).</p>

<p>Astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore flew to the International Space Station (ISS)&nbsp;aboard Boeing's faulty Starliner capsule in June.</p>

<p>The US space agency said the issues with Starliner's propulsion system were too risky to carry the duo home.</p>

<p>The two astronauts became the first crew to ride Starliner on June 5 when they were launched to the ISS for what was expected to be an eight-day test mission.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwig_oOCn46IAxXFsFYBHWH-JKAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/will-astronauts-sunita-williams-butch-wilmore-be-sent-down-a-perilous-path-by-boeing-starliner-751720" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/will-astronauts-sunita-williams-butch-wilmore-be-sent-down-a-perilous-path-by-boeing-starliner-751720&amp;ved=2ahUKEwig_oOCn46IAxXFsFYBHWH-JKAQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">NASA’s Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore face 96-hour oxygen limit on Starliner: Expert warns of space standoff</a></strong></p>

<p>Their return is now expected in February 2025 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The craft is scheduled to be launched in September as part of a routine astronaut rotation mission. Two seats in the craft will be left empty to facilitate the safe return of Wilmore and Williams.</p>

<h2><strong>Why are astronauts stuck?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA had known&nbsp;about&nbsp;a helium leak&nbsp;before the Starliner's launch but it was deemed too minor to pose a safety risk. The situation, however,&nbsp;worsened as the spacecraft developed four additional helium leaks after it reached the orbit, rendering one thruster unusable.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, throughout these months, the US space agency stressed that the astronauts were not stranded and completely safe.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwig_oOCn46IAxXFsFYBHWH-JKAQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-is-on-alert-as-a-massive-aeroplane-sized-asteroid-closely-approaches-earth-751985" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-is-on-alert-as-a-massive-aeroplane-sized-asteroid-closely-approaches-earth-751985&amp;ved=2ahUKEwig_oOCn46IAxXFsFYBHWH-JKAQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">NASA is on alert as a massive aeroplane-sized asteroid closely approaches Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA officials say they are studying data from the faulty spaceship and will make a decision regarding its flight back home in coming days.</p>

<p>“We've got time available before we bring Starliner home and we want to use that time wisely," said Ken Bowersox, NASA's space operations mission chief.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Two NASA astronauts who are stranded in space may return to Earth next year on a SpaceX ship, the American space agency announced on Saturday (Aug 24). Astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore flew to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing's faulty Starliner capsule in June.

Two NASA astronauts who are stranded in space may return to Earth next year on a SpaceX ship, the American space agency announced on Saturday (Aug 24). Astronauts Sunita 'Suni' Williams and Barry 'Butch' Wilmore flew to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard Boeing's faulty Starliner capsule in June. The US space agency said the issues with Starliner's propulsion system were too risky to carry the duo home. The two astronauts became the first crew to ride Starliner on June 5 when they were launched to the ISS for what was expected to be an eight-day test mission. Also read: NASA’s Sunita Williams, Barry Wilmore face 96-hour oxygen limit on Starliner: Expert warns of space standoff Their return is now expected in February 2025 on a SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft. The craft is scheduled to be launched in September as part of a routine astronaut rotation mission. Two seats in the craft will be left empty to facilitate the safe return of Wilmore and Williams. Why are astronauts stuck? NASA had known about a helium leak before the Starliner's launch but it was deemed too minor to pose a safety risk. The situation, however, worsened as the spacecraft developed four additional helium leaks after it reached the orbit, rendering one thruster unusable. Meanwhile, throughout these months, the US space agency stressed that the astronauts were not stranded and completely safe. Also read: NASA is on alert as a massive aeroplane-sized asteroid closely approaches Earth NASA officials say they are studying data from the faulty spaceship and will make a decision regarding its flight back home in coming days. “We've got time available before we bring Starliner home and we want to use that time wisely," said Ken Bowersox, NASA's space operations mission chief. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA astronauts stuck in space may return to Earth in February 2025 on a SpaceX ship

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<p>NASA announced on Saturday that Boeing's Starliner capsule will return empty from the International Space Station (ISS) due to ongoing issues with its propulsion system.</p>

<p>This latest setback adds to Boeing's challenges, with CNBC reporting that the company's losses in the Starliner programme have now exceeded $1 billion.</p>

<h2><strong>How will Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams come back?</strong></h2>

<p>Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were originally supposed to return on the Starliner, will now come back to Earth aboard SpaceX's Crew-9 vehicle in February 2025, after extending their stay on the ISS by six months.</p>

<h2><strong>Why did NASA choose SpaceX for the return mission?</strong></h2>

<p>A "technical disagreement" between NASA and Boeing led to this decision, with NASA choosing to prioritise safety and opting for SpaceX to handle the crew's return.</p>

<p>Ken Bowersox, NASA associate administrator, mentioned that NASA officials unanimously agreed to select SpaceX for bringing the crew back home. SpaceX will now carry two astronauts on its Crew-9 vehicle instead of the originally planned four, to accommodate Wilmore and Williams.</p>

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<p>"Boeing has worked very hard with NASA to get the necessary data to make this decision," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said on Saturday. "We want to further understand the root causes and understand the design improvements so that the Boeing Starliner will serve as an important part of our assured crew access to the ISS."</p>

<p>Following the decision, NASA will carry out an additional phase of its Flight Readiness Review to determine the best time to bring the empty Starliner capsule back to Earth.</p>

<h2><strong>NASA's disagreement with Boeing regarding safety measures</strong></h2>

<p>Despite Boeing's assurances that the Starliner was safe for emergency crew return, NASA disagreed. Nelson expressed his support for Boeing, saying he was "100% certain" that Starliner would eventually launch with a crew again.</p>

<p>In a statement on X, Boeing said, "We continue to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft. We are executing the mission as determined by NASA, and we are preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful uncrewed return.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA announced on Saturday that Boeing's Starliner capsule will return empty from the International Space Station (ISS) due to ongoing issues with its propulsion system.

NASA announced on Saturday that Boeing's Starliner capsule will return empty from the International Space Station (ISS) due to ongoing issues with its propulsion system. This latest setback adds to Boeing's challenges, with CNBC reporting that the company's losses in the Starliner programme have now exceeded $1 billion. How will Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams come back? Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who were originally supposed to return on the Starliner, will now come back to Earth aboard SpaceX's Crew-9 vehicle in February 2025, after extending their stay on the ISS by six months. Why did NASA choose SpaceX for the return mission? A "technical disagreement" between NASA and Boeing led to this decision, with NASA choosing to prioritise safety and opting for SpaceX to handle the crew's return. Ken Bowersox, NASA associate administrator, mentioned that NASA officials unanimously agreed to select SpaceX for bringing the crew back home. SpaceX will now carry two astronauts on its Crew-9 vehicle instead of the originally planned four, to accommodate Wilmore and Williams. Also read: Watch: Musk's AI now makes him and Trump armed robbers in new deepfake videos "Boeing has worked very hard with NASA to get the necessary data to make this decision," NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said on Saturday. "We want to further understand the root causes and understand the design improvements so that the Boeing Starliner will serve as an important part of our assured crew access to the ISS." Following the decision, NASA will carry out an additional phase of its Flight Readiness Review to determine the best time to bring the empty Starliner capsule back to Earth. NASA's disagreement with Boeing regarding safety measures Despite Boeing's assurances that the Starliner was safe for emergency crew return, NASA disagreed. Nelson expressed his support for Boeing, saying he was "100% certain" that Starliner would eventually launch with a crew again. In a statement on X, Boeing said, "We continue to focus, first and foremost, on the safety of the crew and spacecraft. We are executing the mission as determined by NASA, and we are preparing the spacecraft for a safe and successful uncrewed return. (With inputs from agencies)

Boeing’s billion-dollar losses deepen as NASA chooses SpaceX to bring back astronauts from ISS

<p>NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for weeks now. The space agency has been working to get them back to Earth safely. The&nbsp;Starliner has been experiencing technical issues ever since it took the two to low-Earth orbit in June.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now another problem has emerged, this time with their spacesuits. In case a problem happens on the International Space Station (ISS) sometime in the next six weeks, Williams and Wilmore won't have the safety of their in-flight spacesuits while fleeing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA said at a press conference on August 14, that the spacesuits they wore inside the Boeing Starliner are not compatible with other spacecraft. The space agency has been trying to decide whether the astronauts should take the return trip aboard Starliner or on a SpaceX vehicle.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other officials are expected to meet Saturday morning and reach a decision. Reports suggest that the Starliner is likely to be brought back to Earth empty.</p>

<p>If Starliner is removed from the plan because of technical issues, then NASA will need to move ahead with their contingency plan - the SpaceX Dragon capsule&nbsp;of the Crew-8 mission. The spacecraft is in space and officials have said that it is part of the plan if Starliner is deemed unsuitable to carry the astronauts back.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the problem arises with the SpaceX suits - there aren't any spare.</p>

<p>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-delays-spacex-crew-9-mission-as-rumours-about-boeing-starliners-safety-emerge-747925">NASA delays SpaceX Crew-9 mission as rumours about Boeing Starliner's safety emerge</a></p>

<p>The earliest they are likely to reach the ISS is on September 24 when the Dragon of Crew-9 launches with two empty seats and two extra spacesuits.</p>

<h2>Starliner's return to Earth</h2>

<p>Starliner is also expected to fly to Earth uncrewed. So between this time period, if Starliner leaves the ISS and Dragon hasn't yet reached space, Williams and Wilmore would need to enter Dragon 8 capsule without the compatible spacesuits in case of an emergency.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>The scenario completely depends on NASA's final decision - whether to bring back the Starliner uncrewed, or with the astronauts. A decision is likely to be reached by the end of this month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Spacesuits are of two types - extravehicular and intravehicular. The former is used while making repairs outside the station, while the latter is worn during launches, aborting a flight or landing back to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Starliner launched into space on June 5 and the astronauts were supposed to stay at the ISS only for eight days.&nbsp;</p>


NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for weeks now. The space agency has been working to get them back to Earth safely. The Starliner has been experiencing technical issues ever since it took the two to low-Earth orbit in June.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been stuck in space for weeks now. The space agency has been working to get them back to Earth safely. The Starliner has been experiencing technical issues ever since it took the two to low-Earth orbit in June. Now another problem has emerged, this time with their spacesuits. In case a problem happens on the International Space Station (ISS) sometime in the next six weeks, Williams and Wilmore won't have the safety of their in-flight spacesuits while fleeing. NASA said at a press conference on August 14, that the spacesuits they wore inside the Boeing Starliner are not compatible with other spacecraft. The space agency has been trying to decide whether the astronauts should take the return trip aboard Starliner or on a SpaceX vehicle. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and other officials are expected to meet Saturday morning and reach a decision. Reports suggest that the Starliner is likely to be brought back to Earth empty. If Starliner is removed from the plan because of technical issues, then NASA will need to move ahead with their contingency plan - the SpaceX Dragon capsule of the Crew-8 mission. The spacecraft is in space and officials have said that it is part of the plan if Starliner is deemed unsuitable to carry the astronauts back. However, the problem arises with the SpaceX suits - there aren't any spare. Also Read: NASA delays SpaceX Crew-9 mission as rumours about Boeing Starliner's safety emerge The earliest they are likely to reach the ISS is on September 24 when the Dragon of Crew-9 launches with two empty seats and two extra spacesuits. Starliner's return to Earth Starliner is also expected to fly to Earth uncrewed. So between this time period, if Starliner leaves the ISS and Dragon hasn't yet reached space, Williams and Wilmore would need to enter Dragon 8 capsule without the compatible spacesuits in case of an emergency. × The scenario completely depends on NASA's final decision - whether to bring back the Starliner uncrewed, or with the astronauts. A decision is likely to be reached by the end of this month. Spacesuits are of two types - extravehicular and intravehicular. The former is used while making repairs outside the station, while the latter is worn during launches, aborting a flight or landing back to Earth. Starliner launched into space on June 5 and the astronauts were supposed to stay at the ISS only for eight days.

Spacesuit problem poses risk if Starliner returns to Earth without the crew

<p>Falcon 9, the reusable rocket from Elon Musk's SpaceX, successfully launched into orbit 23 Starlink satellites on Sunday (Aug 4), days after its failed launch had led to the destruction of 20 of these internet service satellites.</p>

<p>The launch on Sunday took place at 12.24 am local time, SpaceX said on its website. The company gave real-time updates on the social media platform X, also owned by Musk.</p>

<p>"Falcon 9 launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California," the company said.</p>

<p>"This was the sixth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched USSF-62 and five Starlink missions for Falcon."</p>

<p>Eight minutes after the successful launch, the Falcon 9's first stage landed back on Earth, neatly entering the SpaceX droneship 'Of Course I Still Love You' on the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Falcon 9 lands on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, completing this booster’s sixth mission <a href="https://t.co/tPv4dV9fM4">pic.twitter.com/tPv4dV9fM4</a></p>
— SpaceX (@SpaceX) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX/status/1819999988044423517?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Elon Musk's SpaceX is building a network of spy satellites for US intelligence: Report</strong></p>

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<p>It was the sixth launch and landing for this particular booster, according to SpaceX.</p>

<p>"The Falcon 9's upper stage did its job as well, deploying the 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit as planned," the company said on X. The other successful missions were on July 27, two on July 28 and one on August 2.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well done SpaceX 🚀 <a href="https://t.co/RWIp4TpEF6">pic.twitter.com/RWIp4TpEF6</a></p>
— Tesla Pablo 🔋 (@pablo9948967714) <a href="https://twitter.com/pablo9948967714/status/1820009560242888937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-spacex-completes-test-of-5000-tonne-starship-the-most-powerful-launch-vehicle-729822"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Watch: SpaceX completes test of 5,000-tonne Starship, the most powerful launch vehicle</strong></a></p>

<p>On July 11, SpaceX lost 20 Starlink satellites after a failed mission by Falcon 9. The satellites were destroyed, falling down and burning upon re-entry to earth,&nbsp;after liquid oxygen leaked from Falcon rocket's upper stage. The leak resulted from a crack in the liquid-oxygen system's pressure sensors.<br />
<br />
That was the first in-flight failure of Falcon 9 since 2015.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Falcon 9, the reusable rocket from Elon Musk's SpaceX, successfully launched into orbit 23 Starlink satellites on Sunday (Aug 4), days after its failed launch had led to the destruction of 20 of these internet service satellites.

Falcon 9, the reusable rocket from Elon Musk's SpaceX, successfully launched into orbit 23 Starlink satellites on Sunday (Aug 4), days after its failed launch had led to the destruction of 20 of these internet service satellites. The launch on Sunday took place at 12.24 am local time, SpaceX said on its website. The company gave real-time updates on the social media platform X, also owned by Musk. "Falcon 9 launched 23 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California," the company said. "This was the sixth flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched USSF-62 and five Starlink missions for Falcon." Eight minutes after the successful launch, the Falcon 9's first stage landed back on Earth, neatly entering the SpaceX droneship 'Of Course I Still Love You' on the Pacific Ocean. Falcon 9 lands on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, completing this booster’s sixth mission pic.twitter.com/tPv4dV9fM4 — SpaceX (@SpaceX) August 4, 2024 × Watch | Elon Musk's SpaceX is building a network of spy satellites for US intelligence: Report × It was the sixth launch and landing for this particular booster, according to SpaceX. "The Falcon 9's upper stage did its job as well, deploying the 23 Starlink satellites into low Earth orbit as planned," the company said on X. The other successful missions were on July 27, two on July 28 and one on August 2. Well done SpaceX 🚀 pic.twitter.com/RWIp4TpEF6 — Tesla Pablo 🔋 (@pablo9948967714) August 4, 2024 × Also read | Watch: SpaceX completes test of 5,000-tonne Starship, the most powerful launch vehicle On July 11, SpaceX lost 20 Starlink satellites after a failed mission by Falcon 9. The satellites were destroyed, falling down and burning upon re-entry to earth, after liquid oxygen leaked from Falcon rocket's upper stage. The leak resulted from a crack in the liquid-oxygen system's pressure sensors. That was the first in-flight failure of Falcon 9 since 2015. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket successfully launches 23 Starlink satellites into orbit - Watch

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