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On October 13, 2025, SpaceX launched its 11th full-scale Starship test flight from Texas, marking the final flight of the second-generation rocket. The Super Heavy booster executed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, while the Starship upper stage deployed eight mock Starlink satellites and splashed down in the Indian Ocean. This flight tested new heat shield configurations and dynamic maneuvers, advancing NASA’s Artemis lunar goals and SpaceX’s Mars ambitions.
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Vast's Haven Demo spacecraft launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral, aiming to establish a commercial outpost. Meanwhile, India launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, supporting military communications and lunar ambitions. The US and China progress with space-based interceptors and reusable rockets, signaling a new era in space activity.
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On November 14, 2025, Chinese astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie safely returned to Earth after a nine-day delay caused by space debris damage to their original Shenzhou-20 return capsule. They landed in the Gobi Desert aboard the newer Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. The incident highlights growing risks from orbital debris amid China's expanding space ambitions.
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President Trump has reversed his decision to withdraw Jared Isaacman's nomination as NASA administrator, citing new support and reassessment of his credentials. The move follows political debates over Isaacman's past donations and industry ties, with the Senate approval process still pending as of November 12, 2025.
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Multiple solar coronal mass ejections (CMEs) have caused geomagnetic storms across the US, UK, and parts of Canada, leading to spectacular aurora displays. The storms have disrupted satellite and communication systems and are expected to continue into Thursday, with visibility affected by weather conditions.
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NASA is nearing key decisions on lunar rover contracts, with plans to fund a backup rover provider amid budget constraints. The agency is also progressing with private space station development, including projects from Voyager Technologies and others, to ensure continuity after the ISS's end of life in 2030.
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On November 14, 2025, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral, carrying NASA's twin Escapade spacecraft bound for Mars. The mission aims to study Mars' upper atmosphere and magnetic fields, with arrival expected in 2027. The rocket's first-stage booster was recovered upright on an offshore barge, marking a key milestone in reusable rocket technology and intensifying competition with SpaceX.
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U.S. lawmakers scrutinize NASA's lunar plans amid concerns over China’s space ambitions and internal program delays. Experts call for a restart of Artemis missions, citing budget issues and strategic competition. Nominee Jared Isaacman’s confirmation highlights urgency for leadership as NASA advances lunar and commercial space projects.