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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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Recent analysis of NASA's Cassini data reveals a wider array of organic molecules in the plumes of Saturn's moon Enceladus. These findings suggest the moon's subsurface ocean has complex chemistry, increasing its potential to support life. Future missions are planned to explore this possibility further.
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European space ministers in Bremen agreed to increase funding for space programs, with a focus on space transportation and Earth observation. The move aims to enhance Europe's space capabilities amid geopolitical and economic challenges, including security concerns and climate monitoring.
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Recent studies reveal a rogue planet, Cha 1107-7626, accreting gas and dust at an unprecedented rate, blurring lines between stars and planets. Meanwhile, the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, larger than previously thought, passed near Mars and is being closely observed. Finnish scientists also captured the first image of two black holes orbiting each other, confirming their binary nature.
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On October 7, 2025, the first of three supermoons this year, known as the Harvest Moon, appeared. It was the largest and brightest full moon of 2025 so far, appearing up to 14% larger and 30% brighter due to its close orbit to Earth. Meanwhile, two comets, Lemmon and SWAN, are making close passes to Earth this month, visible with binoculars or the naked eye under dark skies. Comet Lemmon will be closest on October 21, and both comets may be seen through the end of October. The UAE and other regions are hosting viewing events for these celestial phenomena.
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In late November 2025, a Soyuz rocket launch from Baikonur Cosmodrome successfully delivered three astronauts to the ISS but caused significant damage to the launchpad's service cabin. Roscosmos has begun repairs, aiming to restore the pad by February 2026. The incident has prompted NASA to advance Dragon supply missions to mitigate potential supply gaps. Meanwhile, SpaceX's Starship V3 booster suffered a critical failure during ground testing, delaying its development.
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Scotland is positioning itself as a key player in Europe's space sector, with new launch capabilities, government support, and a growing industry ecosystem. Meanwhile, South Korea successfully launched its domestically assembled Nuri rocket, marking a milestone in its space independence and technological progress.
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NASA is preparing for upcoming Artemis lunar missions, including deploying robotic rover MAPP to study lunar dust and plasma environments. Meanwhile, a new report emphasizes prioritizing Mars life detection and resource utilization, amid strategic competition with China. NASA's plans involve international collaboration and private sector engagement.