News.Life

Australian Space Tourist Lands After Record-Breaking Polar Flight

Unknown astronauts, news, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CkmsU" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CkmsU.jpg"/>
<div>
 
 Four space tourists, including an Australian polar adventurer, have returned to Earth after orbiting the north and south poles in a privately funded polar tour.
 
 
 Bitcoin investor Chun Wang chartered a SpaceX flight for himself and three others in a Dragon capsule that was outfitted with a domed window that provided 360-degree views of the polar caps and everything in between.
 
 
 The Chinese-born Wang, now a citizen of Malta, invited Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, German robotics researcher Rabea Rogge and Australian polar guide Eric Philips on the trip.
 
 
 Mr Philips is the fourth Australian in space and the first SpaceX astronaut.
 
 
 The quartet, who rocketed from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre on Monday night (Tuesday morning AEDT), splashed down off the Southern California coast on Friday morning (Saturday morning AEDT).
 
 
 The crew travelled in a circular orbit around Earth from pole to pole, passing over the icy masses every 40 or so minutes in a particular orbit that no humans have flown before.
 
 
 "It is so epic because it is another kind of desert, so it just goes on and on and on all the way," Ms Rogge said in a video posted by Mr Wang on X while gazing down from orbit.
 
 
 All four suffered from space motion sickness after reaching orbit, according to Mr Wang. But by the time they woke up on day two, they felt fine and cranked open the window cover right above the South Pole, he said via X.
 
 
 Besides documenting the poles from 430 kilometres above, Wang and his crew took the first medical X-rays in space as part of a test and conducted two dozen other science experiments largely focused on how the human body changes in microgravity.
 
 
 They named their trip Fram2 after the Norwegian sailing ship that carried explorers to the poles more than a century ago. A bit of the original ship's wooden deck accompanied the crew to space.
 
 
 Their medical tests continued at splashdown. All four got out of the capsule on their own, heaving bags of equipment so researchers could see how steady returning space crews are on their feet. They pumped their fists in jubilation.
 
 
 It was the first Pacific splashdown by a space crew in 50 years.
 
 
 SpaceX stated that their choice to change the splashdown locations from Florida starting with this particular mission was driven by safety concerns.
 
 
 The firm stated that Pacific Ocean splashdowns will guarantee that any remaining fragments of the trunk—which are discarded towards the end of the mission—fall into the sea.
 
 
 The final individuals to come back from space to the Pacific were the trio of NASA astronauts who participated in the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz mission.
 
 
 Mr. Wang refused to disclose the amount he spent on the three-and-a-half-day journey.
 
 
 
 ABC/Wires
 
 
</div>

Australian Space Tourist Lands After Record-Breaking Polar Flight

Unknown astronauts, news, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft

Four space tourists, including an Australian polar adventurer, have returned to Earth after orbiting the north and south poles in a privately funded polar tour. Bitcoin investor Chun Wang c…

はやぶさ2が異常検知、3月からセーフモードに JAXAが詳細確認中

Unknown asia, safety, science, spacecraft, technology

はやぶさ2が異常検知、3月からセーフモードに JAXAが詳細確認中

Unknown asia, safety, science, spacecraft, technology

宇宙航空研究開発機構（JAXA）は2日、小惑星の観測に向けて航行中の探査機「はやぶさ2」が異常を検知し、省電力化して安全を確保する「セーフホールドモード」の状態になっていると明らかにした。 3月21日に機体から取得したデータを解析したところ、同18日ごろからセーフホールドモードになっていることが判明した。姿勢は安定し地上との通信は確保できているという。JAXAはミッションに影響が出ないか、詳…

Katy Perry and Gayle King Lead All-Female Blue Origin Launch: A Star-Studded Blast Off on April 14

Unknown news, rocket launching, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BMJzF" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BMJzF.jpg"/>

 Blue Origin has announced a launch date for its upcoming NS-31 space tourism mission, which will feature several renowned celebrities and activists.


 The NS-31 mission will launch aboard Blue Origin's vehicle.
 New Shepard rocket
 and see an
 all-female crew
 Fly to the boundary of DIWIDA and return. The team comprises Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights advocate set to be the inaugural Vietnamese American female visitor to DIWIDA; Gayle King from CBS Mornings; chart-topping artist Katy Perry; movie producer Kerianne Flynn; businesswoman and ex-NASA engineer Aisha Bowe; as well as correspondent and humanitarian Lauren Sánchez—who happens to be partnered with the multibillionaire founding figure behind Blue Origin.
 Jeff Bezos
 .


 NS-31 is scheduled to lift off from Blue Origin's West Texas launch facility on Monday, April 14 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (1330 GMT). Similar to previous Blue Origin missions, you can view the launch live at DIWIDA, provided by Blue Origin, as soon as a stream becomes accessible.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1zMuBT" data-reference="video"/>

 In a
 blog post
 announcing the launch date,
 Blue Origin
 Additionally, they unveiled the NS-31 mission patch for the first time, showing a New Shepard rocket soaring towards the stars alongside six outlines symbolizing each member of the crew.


 The post additionally outlines the six emblems encircling the rocket on the insignia and explains what each one signifies about the women involved in the mission. The scales denote Amanda Nguyen’s dedication to fighting for civil liberties, a star stands for Aisha Bowe’s “drive for aiming high,” and a megaphone embodies Gayle King’s “resolve to broadcast significant narratives globally.”


 Katy Perry,
 naturally
 The imagery of fireworks symbolizes one aspect, whereas a film reel embodies Kerianne Flynn’s dedication to filmmaking. For Lauren Sánchez, the representation takes the form of Flynn the Fly, a key figure from her popular children's book series.
 The Fly That Flew to DIWIDA
 a story centered around surmounting challenges to attain one's aspirations.


 The NS-31 crew will fly to just above the
 Kármán line
 , commonly regarded as the edge of DIWIDA at approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) above
 Earth
 . The New Shepard vehicle includes a reusable rocket booster paired with a crew capsule designed for brief 11-minute trips carrying passengers into space. During these journeys, travelers enjoy about four minutes of microgravity and breathtaking vistas of Earth’s curved horizon against the backdrop of space. These missions operate autonomously without requiring any onboard pilots.


 This will mark Blue Origin's 11th manned space tourism mission. Their previous trip was completed recently.
 occurred on February 25, 2025
 , with a team that calls itself "Perfect 10."


 Enjoying this article? To discover more stories like this one, follow us on MSN by clicking the +Follow button at the top of this page.

Katy Perry and Gayle King Lead All-Female Blue Origin Launch: A Star-Studded Blast Off on April 14

Unknown news, rocket launching, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft

Blue Origin has announced a launch date for its upcoming NS-31 space tourism mission, which will feature several renowned celebrities and activists. The NS-31 mission will launch aboard Blue Origin…

'Alien" Sighting Aboard ISS: Stranded Astronauts Gear Up for Earth Return

Unknown astronauts, international space station, nasa astronauts, space exploration, spacecraft

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1B1hnt" data-reference="video"/>

 Just before a
 SpaceX
 a capsule has been attached to the International Space Station (ISS) thus
 Two astronauts who unexpectedly ended up spending nine months in space.
 might get ready to head back
 Earth
 , an 'alien' was seen aboard the ship.
 NASA
 's live feed.


 Last June 5th, Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore departed for the International Space Station as members of Crew-9 with plans for an eight-day mission.


 However, the vessel that transported them faced issues, making their return too dangerous. As a result, the craft returned empty without them aboard.


 They were supposed to come back in September, but that didn’t happen due to the absence of an emergency pod for the rest of the crew members onboard. So, they have remained up there since then.


 In order to bring them back down to Earth, a SpaceX crewed capsule was launched on Friday (March 14), carrying four astronauts who would then replace Williams and Wilmore.


 However, right before the capsule successfully connected with the ISS on Sunday (March 16), an ‘alien’ appeared in an official live stream.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B13fH" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B13fH.jpg"/>

 Rather than depicting extraterrestrial life, Crew-9 commander Nick Hague opted to sport a grey alien mask as his team awaited the relief provided by the incoming Crew-10 members.


 Hague was observed moving and zipping about within the ISS wearing a black hoodie along with his mask, which amused numerous people onboard.
 social media
 .

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B19Nt" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B19Nt.jpg"/>

 He maintained the mask on as the SpaceX capsule smoothly connected with the station. The Crew-10 members were visible aboard the ISS, and the Crew-9 team welcomed them warmly.


 Williams and Wilmore might return to Earth as early as Wednesday (March 19).

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1B10Nq" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1B10Nq.jpg"/>

 Elsewhere, scientists have
 unveiled the origin of enigmatic radio emissions from outer space
 and
 128 newly discovered moons are circling Saturn.
 .


 
 How to join
 The free WhatsApp channel is available.
 


 
 Sign up
 for our complimentary bi-weekly e-mail update
 


 
 
 Is concise, fervently forward-thinking, and tackles popular content including celebrities, science, technology, and beyond. It offers up-to-date Gen-Z guides, explains TikTok sensations, breaks down influencers, and delivers timely updates on crucial issues. Whether you're interested in the newest social media fads or detailed reports illustrated with maps and graphs for compelling storytelling, check it out on their website. Follow via links provided atop each piece.

'Alien" Sighting Aboard ISS: Stranded Astronauts Gear Up for Earth Return

Unknown astronauts, international space station, nasa astronauts, space exploration, spacecraft

Just before a SpaceX a capsule has been attached to the International Space Station (ISS) thus Two astronauts who unexpectedly ended up spending nine months in space. might get ready to head bac…

This Game-Changing Fusion Rocket Could Revolutionize Interplanetary Travel—And It's Nearly Here

Unknown science, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft, technology

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BIbB5" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BIbB5.jpg"/>


 A covert British company has recently unveiled a cutting-edge space propulsion initiative that seems plucked right from the pages of sci-fi literature.
 Pulsar Fusion
 , a firm that has been diligently operating out of the spotlight for more than ten years, has now revealed its plans for
 
 Sunbird
 
 , a nuclear fusion-driven spacecraft capable of drastically reducing journey times throughout the solar system—and potentially revolutionizing space exploration.


 First unveiled to the public in March 2025, the rocket's design is daring, with promises that push boundaries further still. Although practical implementation remains several years off, this idea has captured the imagination of the aerospace community, leaving them eagerly anticipating what comes next.

<h2>
 A Hidden Idea Emerges Into the Spotlight
</h2>

 Created under "strict confidentiality" for over a decade, the
 
 Sunbird
 
 The concept was unveiled on March 6 and was demonstrated shortly after at the Space-Comm Expo in London. The founder and CEO of Pulsar Fusion,
 
 Richard Dinan
 
 , disclosed that the initiative intends to employ nuclear fusion propulsion to develop reusable "orbital transfer vehicles" designed for shuttling spacecraft between low Earth orbit and locations such as the Moon, Mars, and even Pluto more swiftly than traditional rockets can manage.


 In contrast to rockets that consume chemical fuels, Sunbirds would employ a Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) for generating thrust—a system driven by merging deuterium and helium-3, which are hydrogen isotopes capable of producing charged particles harnessed directly for propulsion purposes.


 If our aim is for humanity to reach other planets, then exhaust velocities become incredibly crucial," stated Dinan. "When considering theoretical production capabilities in terms of exhaust velocity, fusion takes the lead.

<h2>
 A Completely Novel Method for Fusion
</h2>

 Although fusion power remains several decades away from being commercially viable on Earth, Dinan contends that achieving it in space is more feasible. In contrast to conventional tokamak reactors that demand robust magnetic containment and intense thermal regulation, Pulsar’s approach differs.
 
 linear reactor
 
 Design could feasibly function within the natural vacuum of space and its extremely low temperatures, thereby overcoming numerous technical hurdles.


 On Earth, fusion usually depends on combining deuterium and tritium, releasing high-energy neutrons. However, the DDFD employs helium-3, a scarce isotope that produces protons rather than neutrons. This enables their energy to be channelled into propulsion with greater efficiency.


 Here’s the twist: helium-3 is incredibly scarce on our planet and expensive to acquire. Later iterations of Sunbird might depend on helium-3 extracted from the lunar surface, but at present, test models will utilise an inert gas during initial trials.

<h2>
 What If It Works?
</h2>

 If successful, the Sunbird might reduce
 travel time to Mars
 into two parts, cutting down the travel time to reach Pluto from 9.5 years to merely 4. This propulsion mechanism would attach itself to current spacecraft in orbit, functioning much like an orbital tugboat, dragging them away from Earth’s gravitational pull and into deep space—eliminating the necessity for massive launch vehicles.


 An even bolder concept involves establishing a series of docking stations across the solar system. These celestial "refueling stops" would enable fusion-driven towships to function effectively.
 
 both directions
 
 , enabling quicker returns to Earth at significantly reduced costs.


 Every Sunbird is anticipated to measure approximately
 
 About 100 feet (30 meters) in length
 
 , clad in thick armor to resist cosmic radiation and micrometeoroid impacts. The rocket’s distinctive
 
 “alien-like” design
 
 , as outlined by Dinan, serves solely a practical purpose—but cannot be denied for its striking appearance.

<h2>
 Doubt from the Scientific Community
</h2>

 Even with all the enthusiasm, some people remain unconvinced.
 
 Paulo Lozano
 
 A professor of astronautics at MIT conveyed restrained skepticism regarding the initiative.


 "Fusion is challenging and has remained so for numerous reasons over an extended period, particularly with smaller devices," Lozano explained.
 Live Science
 , recognizing that although the idea seems feasible, putting it into practice is quite uncertain. Due to the lack of comprehensive technical documentation, numerous specialists are withholding their assessments.


 Dinan recognizes the challenging task ahead. Actual fusion tests have not begun just yet. This year, the firm will conduct stationary trials utilizing non-reactive gases within the biggest vacuum tanks in Europe, located at Pulsar’s facility in the United Kingdom.
 
 There's no helium-3 or real fusion here.
 
 Will be employed during this phase, however, the tests will mimic how the system could potentially operate.


 
 Enjoyed this article?
 
 Sign up for our complimentary e-newsletter
 For captivating tales, special material, and up-to-date information.


 To stay updated with similar stories, check out
 diwida.NEWS
 .

This Game-Changing Fusion Rocket Could Revolutionize Interplanetary Travel—And It's Nearly Here

Unknown science, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft, technology

A covert British company has recently unveiled a cutting-edge space propulsion initiative that seems plucked right from the pages of sci-fi literature. Pulsar Fusion , a firm that has been dilig…