Science & Research

Science

Breakthroughs from labs, observatories, and clinical trials worth your attention.

23 stories · Edition of 2026-10-01 · Curated by AI at Invalid Date

SCIENCE

NASA's Curiosity rover identifies unusual mineral formations on Mars

22d ago · Source: NASA

NASA's Curiosity rover detected unexpected mineral formations during its ongoing investigation of Mars' surface, as documented in mission logs from September 2026.

The rover encountered rock fragments exhibiting a distinctive pattern of small, disc-shaped protrusions embedded within their structure. These formations appeared abruptly in a region previously characterized by finely layered sulfate-rich bedrock. Scientists noted similarities to features observed earlier in the mission near Pahrump Hills, where comparable structures had been linked to mineral precipitation processes in ancient fluid-rich environments.

To assess the nature of these features, the mission team scheduled targeted imaging using Mastcam and MAHLI cameras to capture detailed morphological data from multiple angles. Concurrently, instruments including ChemCam's laser spectrometer and the Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer conducted compositional analyses at designated test sites. The team also initiated planning for potential drilling operations at a nearby location identified as a promising target for sample acquisition.

ChemCam's remote imaging system captured high-resolution views of surrounding geological formations, including buttes bordering Valle Grande. These 'cutaway' perspective images provide context for sedimentary layering patterns and erosion history in the region. The data will inform interpretations of how these rocks formed and evolved over geological time.

Identification of specific minerals requires data from the CheMin X-ray diffraction instrument, which can only be obtained following a drill campaign. After traversing over a kilometer since the last drilling site at Campo Marte, Curiosity is preparing to collect its first sample from this new geological unit. The upcoming drilling operation will involve preliminary contact science, preload testing, and sample extraction, contingent on environmental and technical conditions.

Mission scientists emphasized that definitive mineralogical conclusions await laboratory analysis of drill core samples. The discovery contributes to ongoing efforts to reconstruct Mars' environmental history and assess past habitability conditions.

SCIENCE

NASA launches citizen science project to map dust in overlapping galaxies

22d ago · Source: NASA

Astronomers have identified a rare opportunity to study interstellar dust when two galaxies align closely enough to appear overlapping from Earth’s perspective. These alignments allow researchers to observe dark silhouettes of dust against background starlight, revealing how material absorbs and scatters light across cosmic distances.

NASA’s new Overlap Zoo initiative seeks public assistance in identifying such overlapping galaxy pairs within telescope imagery. Volunteers will examine archived data from the Galaxy Zoo project, verify candidate overlaps, and map structural features of each galaxy involved. No specialized training is required; participants receive guidance through the classification process.

Trevor Butrum, a graduate researcher leading the project, emphasized the growing challenge of analyzing expanding observational datasets. "With increasing volumes of galaxy imagery, manual review becomes essential for curating reliable samples," he stated. The resulting catalog aims to support later studies on how dust influences light propagation and distance measurements in deep space.

Contributions from citizen scientists will help establish the first large-scale reference set of overlapping systems suitable for dust analysis. Interested individuals can access the project via NASA’s website and begin reviewing images immediately.

This effort represents part of a broader trend in astronomy where public participation accelerates data interpretation across vast observational archives.

SCIENCE

Russia plans parachute and abort testing for delayed crewed spacecraft

22d ago · Source: arstechnica

Russian officials have announced that tests of the parachute system for the country’s next-generation crewed spacecraft will begin this fall. Bakanov, speaking to Ars Technica through a translated interview, said the initial phase involves launching and evaluating a new reusable vehicle designed for human spaceflight. The parachute drop and associated tests are scheduled to take place in the Far East region.

The same publication reports that additional trials will examine emergency rescue scenarios at the launch pad later this year, with further testing planned for 2027 in the zone of maximum dynamic pressure. This phase likely corresponds to maximum aerodynamic stress during ascent and may involve a launch abort demonstration.

While specific hardware details remain unclear, it is uncertain whether the upcoming tests will use actual flight vehicles, test articles, or structural mockups. Russian space authorities have not confirmed the exact nature of the test articles involved. The agency also maintains an aspirational target for a crewed orbital flight of the spacecraft in 2028 or 2029, potentially using the Angara A5M launch vehicle. This timeline has not been officially verified and may be subject to change.

The spacecraft, sometimes referred to as the “Eagle” in earlier statements, is intended to eventually replace the Soyuz as Russia’s primary vehicle for low-Earth orbit missions and to support future lunar transportation efforts. However, development has faced repeated delays, and no crewed flight has occurred despite earlier projections. The path forward remains contingent on the successful completion of incremental ground and flight tests.

SCIENCE

President Nominates Lt. Gen. David Miller to Lead U.S. Space Command

22d ago · Source: SpacePolicyOnline.com

President Biden has nominated Lieutenant General David Miller, Jr. to serve as the next commander of U.S. Space Command, succeeding General Stephen Whiting, who plans to retire early next year. The White House submitted the nomination to Congress on September 30, 2026, and U.S. Space Force Chief of Space Operations General Douglas Schiess confirmed Miller’s nomination on X, stating he will be promoted to general and take the role.

Miller currently serves as the U.S. Space Force Deputy Chief of Space Operations for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements. He previously held positions including Director of Operations and Force Development for U.S. Space Command and Commander of U.S. Space Force’s Space Operations Command, later renamed Combat Forces Command. Commissioned in 1993, he holds a Bachelor of Arts in Arts, Anthropology and Sociology from Lafayette College, an MBA from Regis University, and a Master of National Security and Strategic Studies from the Naval War College. His awards include the National Defense Industrial Association’s General James V. Hartinger Award.

The nomination requires Senate confirmation. Lawmakers are scheduled to reconvene after the November 2026 elections, with a potential session running through December 2026. If confirmed, Miller would assume leadership before General Whiting’s term ends on January 10, 2027. The transition comes as U.S. Space Command prepares to relocate its headquarters from Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Huntsville, Alabama, following a prolonged political dispute. A $85 million contract was recently awarded to Parsons Corporation to oversee the $2 billion development project, though full occupancy is not expected until 2032.

Miller will inherit a command operating in an increasingly contested space domain, where satellite infrastructure and orbital activity continue to grow. The move to Alabama marks a significant organizational shift after years of planning, with the new headquarters intended to modernize infrastructure for future military operations in space.

SCIENCE

NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day Features Spiral Galaxy Arp 78 in Aries

22d ago · Source: NASA

Astronomy Picture of the Day, a NASA-operated website, showcases a different cosmic image each day with accompanying scientific context. On September 30, 2026, the feature highlighted Arp 78, a spiral galaxy located within the constellation Aries. The galaxy lies approximately 100 million light-years from Earth and spans about 200,000 light-years in diameter. Designated NGC 772, it exhibits an unusually large outer spiral arm that appears to be shaped by gravitational interactions with a nearby companion galaxy, NGC 770. Observations indicate that NGC 770, a smaller elliptical galaxy, is positioned near the edge of Arp 78 and may be influencing its structure through tidal forces. The image, captured by astrophotographer Robert Eder, reveals faint stellar streams and dust lanes associated with the interaction. Foreground stars from the Milky Way are visible in the field of view. The observation was part of a long-term project documenting peculiar galaxies first cataloged by astronomer Halton Arp in the 1960s. The image submission portal for APOD has been updated, with new guidelines available on the site. The feature is curated by NASA's Astrophysics Science Division in collaboration with Michigan Technological University and other research partners.

SCIENCE

Butterfly Wing Patterns Create Motion Dazzle to Evade Predators

22d ago · Source: arstechnica

A study published in Nature explains how the wing patterns and flight movements of butterflies generate a visual effect that misleads predators about their speed and direction. Researchers from the University of Exeter found that contrasting stripes and spots on butterfly wings interfere with how predators estimate motion, creating false cues that disrupt attack timing. This phenomenon, termed "motion dazzle," operates similarly to the barbershop pole illusion, where stationary stripes appear to move due to perceptual biases in visual processing. Experiments involving high-speed video analysis, virtual simulations, and behavioral tests on human observers confirmed that these patterns reduce a predator’s ability to coordinate a successful strike, often causing them to miss by a narrow margin. The effect appears to function as a defensive adaptation, particularly in species with bold, contrasting wing markings. Genetic modeling further suggested that wing patterns optimized for motion confusion were favored through evolutionary selection, aligning closely with natural patterns observed in over 50,000 simulated wing designs. While the study focused on forewing stripes and vertical banding, the authors noted that ventral wing patterns and more complex flight dynamics remain to be fully integrated into future simulations. The findings contribute to broader understanding of how visual illusions may influence predator-prey dynamics across species, from insects to fish and reptiles.

SCIENCE

ESA Selects Airbus and OHB for Parallel Space Station Feasibility Studies

22d ago · Source: European Spaceflight

The European Space Agency announced on 29 September that it has chosen two industrial consortia, led by Airbus Defence and Space and OHB, to conduct separate feasibility studies for a future European space station in low Earth orbit. Each consortium will explore different architectural approaches under a shared mandate to assess technical, financial and operational pathways for a post‑International Space Station presence. Six additional partners, whose identities were not disclosed, will support the studies.

Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA’s Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, said the work is intended to keep Europe prepared for multiple options and to safeguard its role in low‑Earth‑orbit activities. The agency is evaluating three scenarios: reliance on commercially supplied infrastructure, limited European contributions to a commercial station, and a fully European‑led station that could host international and commercial partners. The selected studies focus on the third scenario.

Both consortia are expected to draw on existing European assets such as the Columbus module on the ISS and the European Service Module built by Airbus for NASA’s Orion program. ESA has imposed a cost ceiling of €1 billion per three‑year funding cycle, with development limited to two such cycles, according to a SpaceNews report published on 29 September. While member states retain the discretion to decline a European‑led station, the effort reflects a broader push to strengthen European sovereignty in human spaceflight. At the International Space Summit in Paris on 9 September, participants identified secure access to low‑Earth orbit after the ISS as one of three priority areas, alongside lunar exploration and Mars‑bound mission preparation. ESA will present its findings at the Intermediate Ministerial Meeting in Rome on 15 December, where member states will consider next steps.

SCIENCE

Retatrutide shows potential for weight loss, blood sugar control and inflammation reduction in early study

22d ago · Source: guardian

A late-stage clinical trial has found that retatrutide, an experimental medication, can lead to substantial weight loss, improve blood sugar regulation and lower inflammation markers in participants without diabetes. The drug works by activating three gut hormone receptors — GLP-1, GIP and glucagon — that together influence appetite, glucose metabolism and energy use. Unlike existing treatments such as Wegovy, which target only GLP-1, or Mounjaro, which combines GLP-1 and GIP, retatrutide also stimulates the glucagon receptor, a mechanism researchers say may increase calorie burning. In the study, participants experienced an average body weight reduction of about 25%, alongside improvements in metabolic health indicators. While the findings have not yet been reviewed by regulatory authorities, they suggest the compound could offer broader therapeutic benefits beyond weight management. Further trials are planned to assess long-term safety and efficacy across diverse populations.

SCIENCE

NASA and SpaceX prepare to launch Crew-13 mission to the International Space Station

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying SpaceX's Crew-13 mission is set to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday morning, weather permitting.

22d ago · Source: Spaceflight Now · 3 min read

A Falcon 9 rocket carrying SpaceX's Crew-13 mission is set to lift off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday morning, weather permitting. The launch will carry four astronauts to the International Space Station for a six-month expedition.

The crew consists of NASA astronaut Jessica Watkins, NASA astronaut Luke Delaney, Canadian Space Agency astronaut Joshua Kutryk, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Teteryatnikov. Watkins will command the mission and become the first NASA astronaut to fly twice on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft. The spacecraft, named Grace, will dock with the ISS approximately eight hours after launch, marking the shortest transit time ever achieved by a Dragon vehicle.

Liftoff is scheduled for 11:10 a.m. EDT from Space Launch Complex 40. The Falcon 9 first stage booster, designated B1101, will attempt its third flight after previously supporting the Starlink 6-88 and Crew-12 missions. Following stage separation, the booster will target a landing at Landing Zone 40, which would mark its seventh touchdown at the site and the 664th Falcon booster recovery to date.

The 45th Weather Squadron forecasts a 55 percent chance of favorable launch conditions. Forecasters noted that a weak low-level disturbance moving along the Gulf Coast could bring breezy onshore flow and potential cloud cover or showers during the launch window. The primary concern remains coastal Atlantic shower activity, with exact timing still uncertain.

Watkins, a geologist and former branch chief in NASA's Astronaut Office, previously flew on the Crew-4 mission in 2022. She described her leadership approach as rooted in service, shaped by mentors and experiences across NASA programs including Artemis. "I would ideally like to be a servant leader," Watkins said. "That comes from coaches, mentors, teachers, and crewmates."

Delaney, a former test pilot at NASA's Langley Research Center, grew up in Central Florida watching space shuttle launches. "Seeing humans launch and return safely was a huge motivation," he said. He joined NASA's 2021 astronaut class after a career in aerospace engineering and aviation.

Kutryk, selected by the Canadian Space Agency in 2017, will fly as a mission specialist. He previously trained for a Starliner crew mission that was later converted to a cargo flight following technical issues with the spacecraft's crewed test. "This has been a lifelong dream," Kutryk said. "We've trained for years, and I'm proud to represent Canada and the CSA on this mission."

Teteryatnikov, a Roscosmos cosmonaut selected in 2021, began his training after participating in an open competition during his early career. He described a pivotal meeting that led to his application at age 30. "It started with a conversation," he said through a translator. "Then came the training, and now we're here."

The crew will join Expedition 75 aboard the ISS. After a brief handover with the Crew-12 mission, the current station residents will return to Earth aboard Dragon Freedom. The mission marks continued collaboration between NASA, SpaceX, CSA, and Roscosmos as part of ongoing ISS operations.

Weather monitoring continues ahead of the scheduled launch, with teams tracking atmospheric conditions that could affect the north-easterly trajectory of the Falcon 9 rocket.

SCIENCE

Nikon re-evaluates winning microcinema entry amid AI scrutiny

22d ago · Source: bbc

A short video depicting cilia in a child's airway has become the focus of a controversy after winning Nikon's Small World In Motion competition.

The entry, submitted by Dr Ning Xu of Tsinghua University in China, was selected from submissions that require microscopy imaging and has been part of the contest for 15 years. The video, which shows brightly coloured structures moving within airway tissue, was described by Xu as a genuine recording of cilia activity in a child with a rare disease.

Xu declined to comment on the matter when approached by the BBC but posted a statement online denying any violation of contest rules. He confirmed that AI was used to enhance contrast in grayscale images and to highlight specific features, a practice permitted under the competition's guidelines for image processing.

Following the announcement, several scientists raised questions about the video's authenticity. Edward Phelps, an associate professor at Florida University, noted on social media that certain structures appeared to "pop in and out of existence," while Ian Donovan, a PhD student at UT Southwestern Medical Centre, identified a watermark resembling those generated by AI tools in the source material. Two former judges also expressed reservations about whether the footage met the contest's standards for unaltered microscopic observation.

Nikon has initiated a review of the entry. The company confirmed that Xu has cooperated with investigators and provided technical documentation. Dr Patrick Hickey, a past entrant in the competition, emphasized the importance of the award as a means of communicating scientific work to broader audiences, noting that the prize amount of $3,000 is secondary to the platform it provides.

Hickey stated that if the contest rules prohibit the use of generative AI to create or modify content, then any violation would be significant. He added that the situation could undermine public trust in scientific imaging if not addressed transparently.

Nikon has not yet confirmed whether any rules were breached but indicated that an update will be issued in the coming period. The company maintains that all submissions must adhere to strict technical requirements, including the use of actual microscopic imaging and prohibitions on AI-generated content unless applied within defined processing limits.

The case highlights growing tensions between emerging AI tools and traditional standards in scientific visualization, where accuracy and provenance are critical.

SCIENCE

NASA contracts Modulate Space to build lunar 5G and Wi-Fi 6 network

22d ago · Source: NASA

NASA has awarded Modulate Space Corporation a contract to design and build a 5G communications system and Wi-Fi 6 network for use on the lunar surface, with work centered at the agency’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland.

The agreement, valued at approximately $38 million, supports two distinct development phases. The first phase focuses on creating a scalable, standards-based 5G network prototype and conducting laboratory tests to evaluate radio performance in simulated lunar conditions. The second phase involves deploying and demonstrating the integrated system on the moon’s surface, combining 5G and Wi-Fi 6 technologies for continuous connectivity.

Work on the network-in-a-box prototype will run from October 1, 2026, through January 31, 2028. The surface deployment and field testing are scheduled from November 30, 2026, to December 31, 2028. These milestones are part of a broader initiative to establish reliable, high-speed communications that can support future lunar base operations and scientific activities.

The project aims to develop hardware, firmware, and software components that can adapt to the unique challenges of lunar environments, including signal propagation and network resilience. Data gathered from these demonstrations will inform the design of future communication systems for sustained lunar exploration.

NASA officials say the effort will provide critical insights into how next-generation wireless technologies can function in deep space settings, potentially influencing standards for both space and terrestrial applications.

For additional details about NASA’s lunar communications programs, visit https://www.nasa.gov.

SCIENCE

Google proposes protein watermarking to aid biosecurity screening

22d ago · Source: arstechnica

A research team at Google DeepMind has introduced a method for embedding detectable markers into artificially designed proteins, aiming to improve how laboratories screen synthetic genetic material. The approach, detailed in a paper published Wednesday in the journal Nature, builds on earlier work that explored embedding subtle signatures in AI-generated content such as text and images.

The system, called SynthIDBio, modifies the protein design process by influencing the selection of amino acids during construction. Rather than altering the final protein structure, the technique introduces specific amino acid choices that collectively form a pattern identifiable only with knowledge of the encoding key. This pattern persists through standard laboratory processing and does not affect the protein’s biological function, according to the researchers.

The technique was tested on proteins designed to interact with known biological targets. In these trials, the watermarked proteins retained their intended binding capabilities, suggesting compatibility with complex design workflows. The method relies on tools like ProteinMPNN, which generates viable protein structures, and integrates the watermarking step within its sequential assembly process.

Because the watermark is distributed across the sequence, detection requires scanning the full length of the protein and comparing amino acid choices against expected patterns using the shared key. This statistical identification method means that thresholds for confirmation can affect the balance between false positives and false negatives.

Google suggests the technology could help genetic synthesis facilities assess whether unfamiliar protein sequences originate from trusted design sources. Currently, such facilities screen for known hazardous genetic elements, but they lack reliable ways to verify the origin of novel designs that do not match existing natural sequences. By providing a verification mechanism tied to authorized keyholders—such as academic institutions or established biotechnology firms—the system could streamline this evaluation process.

Limitations and concerns have been noted. Very short proteins may not carry enough watermark signals to be reliably detected, and the approach depends on secure key management to prevent misuse. Additionally, the method applies only to design platforms that follow the specific sequential amino acid selection process used by ProteinMPNN, leaving other AI-driven design tools outside its current scope.

The researchers acknowledge that the system does not eliminate biosecurity risks but may enhance existing screening protocols. They also highlight potential vulnerabilities, such as the possibility of masking watermarked sequences through fusion with unrelated proteins.

The work represents one of the first attempts to apply digital watermarking principles to biological sequences in a way that preserves function. While practical implementation challenges remain, the development contributes to ongoing efforts to address security considerations in rapidly advancing AI-driven biological engineering.

SCIENCE

NASA selects three new lunar science payloads for Moon Base development

22d ago · Source: NASA

NASA announced on September 30, 2026, that it had chosen three scientific investigations to support the development of a sustainable lunar outpost. The selections were made under the agency’s Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) program and will be delivered to the Moon via the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative as part of the Moon Base Program.

The chosen payloads aim to study lunar resources, map natural shelters and assess environmental hazards. Their data will help reduce risks for future astronaut crews and inform the design of habitats that can withstand the Moon’s extreme conditions.

One selected suite, the Lunar Environment Monitoring Station – South Pole (LEMS-SP), will operate autonomously to monitor micrometeoroid impacts and track volatile compounds in the Moon’s exosphere. It will also use a short‑period seismometer to detect seismic activity, providing hazard assessments that could protect Moon Base hardware from sudden environmental events.

Dr. Mehdi Benna, a researcher at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, will lead the LEMS-SP investigation.

Another payload, the Geophysical Investigation for Mapping Lunar Interior (GIMLI), is slated for deployment at the Marius Hills Pit. The instrument will scan beneath the surface to determine whether the pit connects to a larger lava tube. Confirming such subterranean passages could offer natural shelters that shield future crews from temperature extremes, radiation and micrometeoroid bombardment, potentially simplifying habitat planning.

Dr. Nathaniel Putzig of the Planetary Science Institute serves as the principal investigator for GIMLI.

The third payload, the Depth Imager with Spectral and Color Optics (DISCO), will conduct the first on‑site measurements of ice hidden in lunar micro‑cold traps. It will also examine how the lunar surface responds to disturbances such as rocket exhaust and assess its stability for mobility. By pinpointing ice deposits and estimating their abundance, DISCO will help NASA design methods for extracting and using lunar water as a resource for the Moon Base.

Dr. Ariel Deutsch, a scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, will oversee the DISCO project.

NASA officials said the selections reflect the agency’s strategy of placing science at the forefront of lunar exploration. "These investigations exemplify how Artemis and Moon Base are expanding the frontier of lunar exploration, advancing innovative technologies, deepening our understanding of the Moon’s environment, and paving the way for future astronaut missions," said Brad Bailey, director of the Exploration Science Strategy Integration Office in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate.

The agency emphasized that its increased cadence of lunar missions seeks to strengthen American scientific leadership, support a sustained human presence on the Moon and lay groundwork for eventual crewed missions to Mars.

For additional details about the PRISM selections and the broader Moon Base Program, NASA’s website provides further information at https://science.nasa.gov/lunar-science.

SCIENCE

Devon museum showcases fungal soundscape and kinetic sculpture in fungi-focused exhibition

22d ago · Source: guardian

A museum in Exeter is presenting an exhibition that explores the cultural dimensions of fungi through sound and sculpture. One installation features a musician who spent time in a woodland area working with fungi to generate a soundscape based on the electrical activity they produce. The piece translates biological signals into audio, creating an ambient composition shaped by natural fungal processes.

Another component of the display is a kinetic sculpture representing an extinct fungal species. The work pays tribute to Beatrix Potter not for her well-known children's stories but for her scientific contributions as a mycologist, recognizing her detailed observations and illustrations of fungi specimens.

The exhibition aims to highlight the often-overlooked complexity and beauty of fungi, positioning them within broader cultural and scientific narratives. By blending art, music, and natural science, the show invites audiences to reconsider the role of fungi in both ecological and creative contexts.

SCIENCE

Butterfly wing patterns create motion illusions to evade predators

22d ago · Source: guardian

A study by British ecologists has demonstrated that the bright colors and erratic flight of butterflies serve as a defensive mechanism against bird predators. Researchers from the universities of Exeter and Essex found that wing markings, combined with rapid, unpredictable wing movements, generate visual distortions that mislead predators about the insects' speed and trajectory. The findings were published in the journal Nature.

The team analyzed high-speed footage of butterfly flight and tested human volunteers acting as simulated predators on a touchscreen interface. When presented with virtual butterflies displaying typical wing patterns, participants frequently missed their targets or struck non-vital wing areas. The illusion was particularly pronounced in swallowtail species, which possess trailing hindwing structures that enhance the distortion effect.

Lead researcher George Hancock explained that these patterns interfere with a predator's ability to accurately track movement, often causing birds to misjudge attack timing. The study also noted that many butterfly wings bear scars consistent with failed predation attempts, supporting the hypothesis that such visual strategies provide meaningful protection.

The research extends beyond butterflies, suggesting that motion confusion may be a widespread adaptive strategy across various animal taxa, including birds, lizards, and fish. The authors propose that this phenomenon could offer insights into broader principles of visual perception and predator-prey dynamics in natural systems.

SCIENCE

Smile spacecraft begins solar wind observations

22d ago · Source: ESA

The Smile mission, a collaboration between the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has started gathering data on how Earth interacts with the solar wind. Launched on 19 May, the spacecraft entered its science orbit on 20 June and completed a two‑month commissioning phase that included deploying antennas, activating onboard systems and verifying communications.

Professor Carole Mundell, ESA Director of Science, said the mission’s approval to begin operations marks a milestone for the partnership. "Smile will deliver data that improves understanding of space weather and its effects on technology on Earth," she added.

Four instruments on board are collecting measurements. The soft X‑ray imager (SXI) and ultraviolet aurora imager (UVI) are designed to capture solar and geomagnetic activity, while the magnetometer (MAG) and light ion analyser (LIA) monitor magnetic fields and charged particles. UVI has already recorded continuous ultraviolet images of the auroral ring for up to 45 hours, providing the first such footage since 2008. The observations, taken on 24 July, revealed disturbances in Earth’s magnetic field caused by a surge of solar wind particles.

SXI, the European contribution to the payload, has also returned its first images, which show the aftermath of a distant supernova. Initial data indicated stray light interference when the camera faced Earth; software adjustments and operational settings are being refined to reduce this effect. The issue is expected to diminish naturally as the spacecraft’s orientation shifts and solar illumination wanes, with minimal stray light anticipated by mid‑October.

A short documentary titled "Let’s Smile" chronicles the mission’s development from component integration at ESA’s technical centre in the Netherlands to final pre‑launch testing at the Guiana Space Centre. The film includes interviews with engineers and scientists involved in the project and complements earlier episodes released in the series.

Smile is part of ESA’s Cosmic Vision programme, aiming to answer fundamental questions about the workings of the Solar System. Further information is available on the ESA website.

SCIENCE

Galileo Space prepares orbital platform for real-time signal analysis

22d ago · Source: SpaceNews

A new satellite system under development by Galileo Space aims to deliver rapid analysis of radio signals directly in orbit, addressing a growing need for immediate situational awareness in defense and commercial space operations. The company is engineering spacecraft capable of detecting, identifying and geolocating signals — such as navigation transmissions, communications links and missile launch signatures — within minutes of detection, bypassing the delays associated with ground-based processing.

Current workflows often require hours or days to parse fragmented data streams from distributed sensors, limiting responsiveness in time-sensitive scenarios. Galileo's approach integrates custom sensors with artificial intelligence models executed at the edge, enabling autonomous decision-making aboard the satellite. The system is designed to operate independently for extended periods, prioritizing tasks and generating actionable intelligence without continuous ground intervention.

Potential applications include early warning of ballistic missile launches, detection of electronic interference targeting navigation or communications networks, and support for search and rescue efforts by isolating distress signals from lost vessels or malfunctioning spacecraft. In such cases, rapid identification of active signals could reduce response timelines from hours to minutes, particularly in contested or remote environments.

The project has progressed through collaboration with defense and commercial partners to define operational requirements and technical constraints. Galileo is currently finalizing arrangements for its first government contract, with a demonstration satellite scheduled for launch in the fourth quarter of 2027. This mission will evaluate the platform’s ability to detect and analyze signals in a real orbital environment, serving as a precursor to potential follow-on contracts.

In parallel, the company has engaged with commercial entities requiring near-real-time data for applications ranging from maritime monitoring to spectrum management. These partnerships reflect a broader strategy to establish dual-use capabilities that serve both defense and market-driven needs.

Galileo Space was among 80 companies selected from approximately 30,000 applicants for the a16z Speedrun startup accelerator, highlighting early recognition of its technical approach.

The company’s leadership brings together expertise across defense space systems, artificial intelligence and RF engineering. The CEO previously held roles in national security space programs at Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, with experience in military communications satellite development and advisory work with the U.S. Space Force. The CSO has a background in large-scale machine learning systems at Google, YouTube and Amazon Prime Video, now applied to satellite software architecture. The CTO has contributed to RF hardware development for SpaceX’s Starship program, including components used in booster recovery operations, and previously worked on electronic warfare systems at Raytheon.

More information about the project is available at https://galileo-space.com.

SCIENCE

NASA captures star trails over Banda Sea from ISS

22d ago · Source: NASA

A long-exposure photograph taken from the International Space Station shows streaks of stars arcing across the night sky above the Banda Sea. Below, the faint glow of fishing vessels and the illuminated outlines of Indonesian cities trace the coastline. The image was recorded on September 20, 2026, when the station was positioned 258 miles above the sea. NASA astronaut Anil Menon captured the scene, highlighting the contrast between celestial motion and human activity on Earth.

SCIENCE

Quantum Space Secures Launch Processing Deal with All Points Logistics for Prime Mission

22d ago · Source: SpaceNews

Quantum Space announced on September 30, 2026, that it has signed a work order with All Points Logistics to handle spacecraft processing for its Prime mission. The agreement covers clean‑room facilities, propellant servicing, launch‑site safety reviews, ground support and transport to the integration facility at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. All Points will manage these tasks as Prime moves toward a launch targeted for the second half of 2027.

Prime serves as a pathfinder for Quantum Space’s Ranger and Scout platforms, aiming to test spacecraft performance, payload hosting and data collection. The company completed a systems integration review and plans to finish spacecraft development, environmental testing and launch integration before flight.

Kerry Wisnosky, President of Quantum Space, said the deal formalizes the detailed planning needed to execute a launch campaign and highlights the infrastructure and expertise All Points brings to the process. Phil Monkress, President and CEO of All Points Logistics, added that supporting Prime aligns with his company’s launch‑site capabilities and experience.

The work order builds on an existing master services agreement between the firms and specifies ground processing and launch‑site activities for Prime. It represents a concrete step in mitigating execution risk as the mission advances toward flight, according to Wisnosky.

Quantum Space is developing a class of highly maneuverable spacecraft designed for national security and commercial use, featuring patented propulsion, extended on‑orbit life and modular flexibility. All Points Logistics, a service‑disabled veteran‑owned small business founded in 1997, provides software development, IT services, modeling, simulation and launch support.

Media inquiries can be directed to Bettina Inclan, Chief of Marketing and Strategic Communications at Quantum Space.

SCIENCE

Europe prepares for life after the International Space Station

22d ago · Source: ESA

Europe is positioning itself for operations beyond the International Space Station as the orbital laboratory approaches the end of its service life. The European Space Agency (ESA) is advancing plans for a new generation of orbital platforms, commercial partnerships and research infrastructure to sustain human spaceflight and scientific discovery in low Earth orbit.

For more than 25 years, the International Space Station has served as humanity’s permanent presence in space. It has hosted experiments in microgravity, enabled long‑duration astronaut stays and provided engineering experience that informs future exploration. For European researchers, the station has functioned as a laboratory, a training ground and a stepping stone toward missions beyond Earth.

During the current εpsilon mission, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot conducted a suite of European and international experiments and engaged thousands of students across the continent through live educational broadcasts. Research performed in orbit contributes to understanding how the human body adapts to space, validates technologies for deeper‑space missions and yields benefits for life on Earth. The knowledge gained by astronauts and mission teams today will inform the design of future lunar and Martian endeavors.

A shift toward a diversified orbital ecosystem is underway. Rather than relying on a single, government‑run platform, upcoming decades may feature a mix of commercial stations, transport services and research facilities that support a broader range of activities in low Earth orbit. ESA has signed agreements with Axiom Space and Starlab to foster cooperation on future commercial destinations, and it has partnered with Vast on behalf of the Czech Republic and Greece to enable private astronaut missions and research opportunities.

ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet and project astronauts Aleš Svoboda and Adrianos Golemis have begun training for Vast’s Private Astronaut Mission (Vast‑PAM‑1). In addition, ESA project astronaut Arnaud Prost is slated to fly on the inaugural mission to Vast’s commercial station, Haven‑1. These initiatives reflect a growing emphasis on private‑sector collaboration and the commercial utilization of orbital space.

Alongside these partnerships, ESA has commissioned feasibility studies for a potential European‑led orbital outpost. This concept is one of several being examined as part of the post‑ISS roadmap, aiming to preserve access to low Earth orbit for scientific research and human‑spaceflight activities once the International Space Station is retired.

Transportation and logistics will be critical to the success of future stations. ESA’s ALADDIN project will demonstrate a European cargo‑delivery capability to and from low Earth orbit. Recently, ESA entered a service‑development agreement with The Exploration Company to advance the Nyx cargo vehicle, a spacecraft designed to carry supplies, scientific payloads and, eventually, crew members.

Looking further ahead, ESA is evaluating concepts for a European crew‑transport system, as well as the launch, operational and recovery capabilities required to support sustained human‑spaceflight missions. Investments are also being directed toward autonomous science platforms and novel methods for conducting experiments in orbit. Many of these developments build directly on the experience accumulated aboard the International Space Station over decades of operation.

The transition from a single, government‑dominated platform to a more varied orbital environment does not eliminate the need for a testbed in low Earth orbit. The International Space Station continues to deliver scientific discoveries, technological advances and operational expertise while ESA works to shape the future of the region. By fostering commercial partnerships, developing new research infrastructure and preparing astronaut missions, Europe aims to ensure continued access to the unique microgravity environment that underpins both scientific progress and the next phase of human exploration.

For additional insight, ESA’s “Explores” podcast features astronaut Andreas Mogensen discussing the agency’s plans for Europe’s role in low Earth orbit after the International Space Station era.

SCIENCE

NASA and International Partners Plan Lunar Agriculture Test Site

22d ago · Source: NASA

NASA announced on September 30, 2026, that it has entered a joint statement of intent with the Canadian Space Agency and the German Aerospace Center to develop a ground-based demonstrator for growing crops on the Moon.

The project, called the Lunar Agriculture Module-Ground Test Demonstrator, will focus on creating technologies to cultivate plants in environments that mimic the Moon's atmosphere and controlled habitats expected at a future lunar base. The initiative aims to support extended human presence near the Moon's South Pole and lay groundwork for future Mars missions.

Space-grown crops are expected to deliver several benefits for deep-space crews, including whole-food nutrition, dietary variety, carbon dioxide absorption, oxygen production, and water recycling. These capabilities could become critical as missions operate farther from Earth.

The collaboration marks a step toward establishing sustainable agricultural systems that may enable longer stays in space and reduce reliance on resupply from Earth.

SCIENCE

NaviGate Demonstrates Autonomous Precise Orbit Determination on D-Orbit ION Carrier

22d ago · Source: SpaceNews

An Italian space technology company has successfully tested software that enables a satellite to calculate its own position in real time using existing onboard equipment.

NaviGate, a spin-off from Sapienza University of Rome, conducted the in-orbit demonstration of its NaviCode Caravel software aboard a D-Orbit ION Satellite Carrier. The experiment showed the software could determine the spacecraft's location using only raw data from a standard GNSS receiver, without requiring additional hardware.

Current satellite operations typically rely on ground-based teams to process signals and calculate precise positions. This ground-dependent approach creates bottlenecks as satellite constellations expand and missions demand faster responses. NaviCode Caravel eliminates this dependency by performing precise orbit determination entirely onboard, using measurements already collected by the satellite's navigation system.

During the test, the software processed GPS signals received by the ION Carrier's existing GNSS antenna. Positional calculations achieved a best-case uncertainty of 5.2 centimeters, with average errors measured in the decimeter range across multiple test runs. Ground teams later confirmed these results matched reference orbits computed through traditional methods using ESA's GODOT software.

The demonstration occurred in two phases. First, NaviGate validated the software on ground-based hardware simulating the satellite's computing environment. Second, engineers uploaded the application to an already orbiting ION Carrier and executed it using real telemetry data. The software operated without anomalies and provided predictive positioning capabilities, indicating where the satellite would be at future times with associated confidence levels.

"Satellites still depend heavily on the ground to know exactly where they are and where they will be," said Andrea Sesta, NaviGate's Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder. "NaviCode Caravel changes that: it is a software product that lets a satellite compute its own position with high accuracy, in real time, using the GNSS receiver it already carries, with no new hardware."

D-Orbit's Space Cloud Business Unit Head, Viney Jean-Francois Dhiri, emphasized the practical advantages of testing such software on an existing orbital platform. "With five networked Intelligence Nodes in orbit, we can give customers access to space infrastructure that is already up and running. For NaviGate, that means testing their precise orbit determination algorithms ingesting raw GNSS measurements and attitude telemetry in real time from D-Orbit's ION platform, in-situ directly on-board, with no satellite to develop or launch," he stated.

The software marks the first release in NaviGate's Caravel product line, which aims to support increasingly complex navigation tasks for satellite constellations. Future versions will incorporate multi-sensor data fusion and autonomous maneuver planning capabilities. The technology has also earned recognition through the CASSINI Challenges 2026, a European Union space entrepreneurship competition administered by EUSPA.

The demonstration concludes a proof-of-concept program funded by Galaxia, Italy's aerospace technology transfer hub supported by CDP Venture Capital and Obloo Ventures. NaviGate originated from research conducted by scientists involved in ESA and NASA missions including Juno, Cassini, BepiColombo, and JUICE, as well as projects like ESA Moonlight.

Following successful testing, NaviGate is now discussing pilot deployments with satellite constellation operators and mission integrators. The software addresses several operational challenges in modern space activities, including reducing ground infrastructure requirements for precise orbit determination, improving Earth observation image processing through better positioning, supporting positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) constellations, and enhancing orbit tracking for launch vehicles and transfer trajectories.

About NaviGate

Spun out of Sapienza University of Rome, NaviGate S.r.l. develops modular navigation software that enables satellites to perform precise orbit determination and autonomous maneuvers without continuous ground intervention. The company leverages GNSS, radiometric, optical, and other navigation measurements to create systems that operate independently of constant ground contact. Founded in 2026, NaviGate receives backing from Galaxia and participates in ESA's BIC Lazio incubation program.

About D-Orbit

D-Orbit specializes in orbital logistics systems, including the ION Satellite Carrier used for satellite deployment and hosted payload operations. Since 2020, the company has conducted 23 missions carrying over 240 payloads. It also provides space cloud services for in-orbit data processing and is developing GEA, a servicing spacecraft for autonomous rendezvous and refueling, as well as NOX, a synthetic-aperture radar Earth observation satellite.

About Galaxia

Galaxia functions as Italy's aerospace technology transfer hub, supported by CDP Venture Capital and Obloo Ventures. The initiative connects academic research with commercial space ventures, drawing on partnerships with institutions including Politecnico di Torino and Sapienza University of Rome. Investors in the program include NEVA SGR and the Compagnia di San Paolo Foundation.

SCIENCE

Pacific hurricane season reaches 20 named storms by late September 2026

22d ago · Source: NASA

A total of 20 named storms had formed in the northeastern and central Pacific by September 28, 2026, including nine hurricanes, according to the National Hurricane Center. This count exceeds the 1991-2020 average of 13.5 named storms and 7.4 hurricanes for the same date. Hurricane Polo made landfall near Guaymas, Sonora on September 29 after weakening from a category 5 storm that underwent rapid intensification over unusually warm waters on September 22. The storm had previously brushed Baja California Sur on September 28, prompting evacuations and flood warnings. Forecasters warned that Polo's remnants, combined with moisture from Tropical Storm Rachel and the remnants of Post-Tropical Cyclone Odalys, would increase flood risks across the southwestern United States and southern Plains through early October. Meanwhile, Hurricane Nolo brought more than 30 centimeters of rain to Maui and the Island of Hawaiʻi between September 25 and 28, causing road flooding, tree falls, and landslides, though it did not make direct landfall. The National Hurricane Center noted that the accumulated cyclone energy in the basin was more than double the seasonal norm, a pattern linked to ongoing El Niño conditions characterized by warm equatorial Pacific waters and reduced wind shear. NASA's Disasters Program is coordinating with emergency management officials in Hawaii to support response efforts, while the agency continues to provide satellite-derived storm imagery and flood risk maps through its public portal.