Space

NASA's Space Launch System (SLS) rocket is set to launch Artemis II as soon as April 1, 2026, sending four astronauts on a crewed flyby to the Moon's far side—the farthest from Earth any humans have traveled. This follows February's Artemis program adjustments addressing SLS delays, using the rocket's powerful core stage and boosters detailed ahead of liftoff.

March 20, 2026 Reported by AI

The Vera C. Rubin Observatory in Chile has detected a 710-metre-wide asteroid that rotates once every 1.9 minutes, faster than previously thought possible for its size. Named 2025 MN45, it is the quickest-spinning asteroid over 500 metres across ever observed. Astronomers say its speed suggests it is a single solid rock or even metal, not a loose rubble pile.

Following its Mobile World Congress keynote, Starlink has teased enhanced V2 satellites enabling direct 5G-speed connections from phones to space, building on promises of 150 Mbps and vastly improved data capacity.

March 07, 2026 Reported by AI

NASA has rescheduled the Artemis II mission, the first crewed trip to the moon since 1972, for an April liftoff from Florida. The 10-day flight will carry four astronauts on a lunar flyby without landing, testing key systems for future missions. Commander Reid Wiseman leads the crew, which includes the first Canadian astronaut to venture to the moon.

Tokyo-based space startup Space One canceled the launch of its Kairos No. 3 small rocket shortly before liftoff on March 4 from Spaceport Kii in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, after a safety system activated. The launch was scheduled for 11 a.m., but halted 30 seconds prior. The company plans a press conference that afternoon to explain the incident.

March 03, 2026 Reported by AI

NASA has delayed the Artemis II mission to April 1 following a helium flow problem that rolled the rocket back from the pad, building on prior fixes for hydrogen leaks during fueling tests. This first crewed lunar orbit since 1972 faces ongoing maintenance before returning to the launch site.