Space Exploration

The cosmos is once again under the microscope, and this time, it’s thanks to the remarkable observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Since its launch, JWST has been peeling back layers of the universe's history, but a recent discovery has sparked one of the most mind-bending cosmic theories yet — could our entire universe exist inside a black hole?

In a last-minute decision, NASA and SpaceX have postponed the highly anticipated Crew-10 mission to the International Space Station (ISS), delaying the return of stranded astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. The launch, originally scheduled for March 13, 2025, was scrubbed due to a hydraulic system issue with a ground support clamp arm for the Falcon 9 rocket at Launch Complex 39A in Florida.

Since landing in Jezero Crater in 2021, the rover has been investigating the planet's geology, climate history, and potential for past life. To date, Perseverance has gathered 28 of its planned 43 samples, with their return to Earth expected between 2035 and 2039.

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft landed on Bennu in 2020 and collected the samples, which were sent back to Earth in 2023. The return capsule safely parachuted into the Utah desert, allowing scientists to study the material for clues about the early solar system and the origins of life.

The UK government has taken a bold step to strengthen its space ambitions by investing £20 million ($24.8 million) in Orbex, a Scottish spaceflight startup aiming to rival Elon Musk’s SpaceX. The investment, announced at the European Space Conference in Brussels, is part of a larger funding round and signals Britain’s commitment to becoming a major player in the global space industry.

A planned renewable energy project in Chile is raising concerns among astronomers, as it could severely impact the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Very Large Telescope (VLT). Experts warn that light pollution from the project may reduce the telescope’s capacity by up to 30%, hindering its ability to observe distant galaxies and study exoplanets.

Blue Origin is set to make history with the launch of New Glenn, its long-awaited reusable rocket, after more than 13 years in development. The spacecraft, valued at $2.5 billion, has faced delays, but now the company has confirmed that the inaugural launch will take place no earlier than January 13, 2025. The three-hour launch window begins at 1 AM ET, and viewers can watch the event live on Blue Origin’s website, YouTube, and X (formerly Twitter), with the webcast starting an hour before liftoff.