ESA awards Italian firm nearly 50 million euros for mini Starship design

The European Space Agency has contracted an Italian company to develop a preliminary design for a small reusable rocket inspired by SpaceX's Starship. The deal, worth nearly 50 million euros, aims to bolster Europe's independent space access. This initiative reflects ongoing efforts to create cost-effective launch capabilities.

Asteroid 2025 QV9 Approaches Earth Safely

18. september 2025 Rapportert av AI

NASA is tracking asteroid 2025 QV9, a 100-foot object moving at over 10,000 mph, set to pass Earth on September 10, 2025, with no risk of impact. While some reports raise alarms, official data confirms a safe distance. This event highlights ongoing planetary defense efforts.

SpaceX buys spectrum to boost Starlink direct-to-cell services

SpaceX has agreed to a $17 billion deal to purchase 50 MHz of spectrum licenses from EchoStar, aiming to enhance Starlink's satellite connectivity for smartphones. The acquisition, pending regulatory approval, will support a new constellation of up to 15,000 satellites to provide voice, texting, and high-speed data globally, especially in underserved areas. This move pressures competitors like AT&T, Verizon, and Apple's satellite partners.

Recent Science Discoveries Highlighted in Roundups

17. september 2025 Rapportert av AI

Science news roundups from September 14-16, 2025, cover potential life on Mars, theoretical black hole stars, a global diabetes crisis, and miracle eye drops for vision restoration. The reports present consistent information across the sources without contradictions. These developments span space exploration and medical breakthroughs, informing the public on current scientific progress.

Pentagon figures show ULA's Vulcan rocket costs rising

New Pentagon contract data indicates that the development of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan rocket is becoming more expensive. Figures reveal increased funding requirements for the program. This comes amid ongoing efforts to certify the rocket for national security launches.

NASA Updates New Mexico Balloon Campaign

NASA's Wallops Flight Facility provided an update on its scientific balloon campaign in New Mexico as of September 14, 2025. The campaign involves high-altitude balloons carrying experiments for atmospheric and astronomical research. Recent launches have been successful, contributing to various scientific objectives.

Asteroid 2025 QV9 Passes Earth Safely

On September 10, 2025, the 100-foot asteroid 2025 QV9 flew by Earth at a speed exceeding 10,000 mph. NASA confirmed the asteroid passed at a safe distance, posing no threat.