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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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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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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 November 5, 2025, the UK and much of the world will witness the Beaver Moon, the largest and brightest full moon of the year, classified as a supermoon due to its close proximity to Earth. This is the second of three supermoons in 2025. Concurrently, meteor showers like the Orionids and upcoming Leonids offer additional celestial spectacles through December.
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Multiple recent aircraft incidents involve damage to windshields or emergency landings, with investigations considering space debris, hail, and technical failures. These events underscore ongoing safety concerns at high altitudes, with authorities examining potential external causes like space debris or meteorites, though definitive links remain unconfirmed.
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In late October 2025, FBI Director Patel used a government jet to attend a performance by his girlfriend, country singer Alexis Wilkins, at Pennsylvania State University. The trip sparked media scrutiny and led to the ousting of a senior FBI aviation official. Patel defended his travel as compliant with rules, while criticism continues amid broader concerns about his personal use of government aircraft.
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Elon Musk publicly criticized US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, accusing him of trying to undermine NASA and questioning his intelligence. The feud centers on Duffy's proposal to reopen NASA contracts and potentially shift agency oversight to the Department of Transportation, amid ongoing debates over NASA's leadership and lunar program timelines.
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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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Hurricane Melissa, the most powerful storm to hit Jamaica, caused widespread devastation with winds up to 185 mph on October 28. Scientists confirm climate change intensified the storm’s wind speeds by 7% and rainfall by 16%, making such events more frequent and severe. The hurricane caused at least 61 deaths and damages estimated at one-third of Jamaica’s GDP, highlighting urgent climate adaptation and finance needs.
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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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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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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum firmly rejects US military intervention amid reports of US contractors installing restricted land signs near the border. The incident, close to SpaceX facilities, has prompted diplomatic efforts and border boundary clarifications, highlighting ongoing US-Mexico tensions over sovereignty and security concerns.
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Recent articles reveal significant space findings: a rare meteorite on Earth with insights into planetary cores, a giant nebula in the Milky Way, and new evidence of electrical activity on Mars. These discoveries deepen understanding of planetary formation, interstellar objects, and Martian phenomena, highlighting ongoing space exploration progress as of December 2025.
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China launched the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft to the Tiangong space station after the previous vessel was damaged by space debris. The crewed station now has a backup vessel for emergency return, highlighting China's rapid response to space safety issues amid international competition.
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A Russian Soyuz MS-28 mission successfully launched from Baikonur with Russian and NASA astronauts. However, damage to the launch pad was detected post-launch, raising concerns about future missions. Russia plans repairs amid geopolitical and funding challenges affecting the cosmodrome's modernization.
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The Ursid meteor shower is active from December 17 to 26, peaking on December 22-23 with 5-10 meteors per hour visible mainly in the Northern Hemisphere. It follows the Geminid shower, which peaked December 13-14 with up to 120 meteors per hour. Both events benefit from minimal moonlight, enhancing visibility under dark skies.
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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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Michaela Benthaus, a 33-year-old aerospace engineer and former mountain biking accident survivor, became the first wheelchair user to fly to space aboard Blue Origin's New Shepard. The flight, designed for accessibility, included her with five other passengers, highlighting efforts to make space tourism more inclusive. The trip lasted about 10 minutes, reaching the Kármán line, with Benthaus expressing her belief in never giving up on dreams.
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2025 saw notable developments in space launch technology, including Blue Origin's New Glenn's successful flights, China's emerging reusable rockets mimicking SpaceX, and new satellite innovations. SpaceX plans to upgrade Starlink for AI hosting, signaling a shift toward space-based data centers amid growing industry competition.
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Recent reports confirm record-high temperatures in the Arctic and Antarctic, with sea ice and glaciers shrinking rapidly. These changes are driven by climate change, with significant impacts on ecosystems and global sea levels. Despite scientific warnings, some nations plan to expand fossil fuel extraction in these regions.
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On December 18, 2025, Jared Isaacman was confirmed by the US Senate as NASA administrator with a 67-30 bipartisan vote. Isaacman, a private astronaut and businessman with close ties to SpaceX, aims to accelerate lunar missions under the Artemis program and push toward Mars exploration amid budget cuts and competition with China. His appointment follows a complex nomination process influenced by political and industry dynamics.
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In 2026, NASA prepares for its first moon crew since 1972, with Artemis 2 launching early in the year. The year also features lunar robotic landings, a total solar eclipse, and the return of interstellar visitors, marking a pivotal year in space exploration and policy.
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NASA plans to move the Artemis 2 rocket to the launch pad on January 17, aiming for a crewed moon mission between February and April. Final tests and weather conditions will determine the exact launch date, marking a key step in lunar exploration after delays and technical fixes.
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On January 9, 2026, NASA announced the early return of the Crew-11 astronauts from the ISS due to a medical issue affecting one crew member. The astronaut is stable, but NASA prioritized safety and decided to end the mission ahead of schedule. The crew, including Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui, will return aboard their SpaceX Crew Dragon spacecraft within days.