Science news is led by a breakthrough in heavy-lift spaceflight as SpaceX pushes Starship into orbit for the first time, a key step for future satellite deployment and lunar missions. Elsewhere, Earth science makes its presence felt much closer to home, with Mount Etna’s ash cont...
Science news is led by a breakthrough in heavy-lift spaceflight as SpaceX pushes Starship into orbit for the first time, a key step for future satellite deployment and lunar missions. Elsewhere, Earth science makes its presence felt much closer to home, with Mount Etna’s ash continuing to disrupt daily life and air travel in Sicily.
SpaceX sends Starship into Earth orbit for the first time, achieving a long-sought milestone for the company’s fully integrated rocket system. The test flight reaches orbital insertion despite an engine shutdown during ascent, showing progress toward a reusable super-heavy launcher even as communications draw attention in the mission’s closing phase.
The orbital Starship test also serves as a demonstration mission tied to future roles in NASA’s Artemis program. The spacecraft is planned to complete six laps around Earth, giving engineers an extended in-space test of the vehicle’s performance as SpaceX works toward more demanding operational flights.
Before the successful insertion, the mission is framed as Starship’s first attempt to reach orbit from SpaceX’s Starbase site in South Texas. The roughly 10-hour profile includes deployment of 26 Starlink satellites and a targeted splashdown in the Pacific west of Chile, underscoring SpaceX’s aim to turn Starship into a reusable launch system.
Mount Etna’s eruption continues to snarl air travel in Sicily, with ash disrupting flights to Catania for a third straight day. The thick volcanic cloud interferes with airport operations and forces delays and other service interruptions, highlighting the continuing local impact of one of Europe’s most active volcanoes.
Top Science stories
- SpaceX attempts Starship first orbital flight from Texas, deploying 26 Starlink satellites (33 sources)
- SpaceX’s Starship reaches orbit on first successful flight after early engine shutdown (10 sources)
- SpaceX launches Starship into orbit for first time in test for Artemis program (10 sources)
- Italian court convicts three Egyptian officials over Regeni kidnapping; acquits fourth (8 sources)
- Kristaps Porzingis to miss start of Warriors training camp with health issue (4 sources)
- Word of Faith leader Brooke Covington faces retrial on assault and kidnapping charges in North Carolina (4 sources)
- ‘Tulsa King’ Season 4 trailer teases new enemies and escalating danger for Dwight (3 sources)
- TakeMe2Space plans orbital computing satellite mission on SpaceX in 2028 (3 sources)
Pippa Post
Author at IfHighLow
