SpaceX launches two Starlink satellite groups 19 hours apart
SpaceX successfully launched two groups of Starlink satellites within a 19-hour span, marking a significant milestone in expanding its global broadband internet network. The first launch occurred early Tuesday morning from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, deploying 29 Starlink satellites. Later that day, a second Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, carrying 25 additional satellites. Both missions proceeded without issue, with the satellites deployed into low Earth orbit as planned. Each Falcon 9 rocket’s first stage booster was recovered safely after the launches, continuing SpaceX’s commitment to reusability. The Florida launch utilized booster B1080, completing its 26th flight, while the California launch’s booster B1082 marked its 21st mission. Following these deployments, the Starlink constellation now exceeds 10,200 satellites, further solidifying SpaceX’s position as the leading operator of broadband satellites in low Earth orbit. These back-to-back launches demonstrate SpaceX’s operational cadence and capability to maintain rapid deployment schedules, which are crucial for enhancing global internet coverage and reducing latency. The company has conducted 46 launches so far this year, contributing to a total of 629 Falcon 9 missions since 2010. The growing Starlink network aims to provide high-speed internet access to underserved and remote areas worldwide, supporting both commercial and governmental users. SpaceX’s ongoing efforts to expand Starlink are part of a broader trend in satellite internet services, which have become increasingly vital for global connectivity. The company’s ability to reuse boosters efficiently reduces launch costs and environmental impact, reinforcing its competitive edge in the aerospace sector. As the constellation grows, it will play a key role in bridging the digital divide and enabling new applications in communication, navigation, and earth observation.
NASA's Artemis 2 moonshot was just the 'opening act' for America's return to the moon, space agency chief says
NASA’s Artemis 2 mission successfully completed the first crewed lunar flyby in over 50 years, marking a significant milestone in America’s renewed efforts to explore the moon. The mission, which safely returned astronauts from lunar orbit, is described by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman as the “opening act” in a broader campaign to establish a sustained human presence on the moon. Isaacman emphasized that Artemis 2 is the beginning of a “relay race” that will culminate in future crewed landings and the construction of a lunar base. Speaking at the 2026 Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Isaacman outlined NASA’s ambitious vision for the coming years, despite ongoing budgetary challenges. The agency recently overcame a proposed 25% funding cut for fiscal 2026, with Congress ultimately approving a $24.4 billion budget. However, the White House has proposed similar reductions for fiscal 2027, complicating NASA’s long-term planning. Isaacman highlighted a new funding proposal tied to the Working Families Tax Cut Act, which could provide supplemental resources over multiple years to support NASA’s objectives. Isaacman, a billionaire entrepreneur and two-time astronaut who commanded private SpaceX missions before his appointment as NASA administrator in late 2025, is steering the agency through a period of transition and renewed focus on lunar exploration. His leadership follows a turbulent nomination process and interim stewardship by Department of Transportation head Sean Duffy. The Artemis 2 mission, which included U.S. and Canadian astronauts, not only demonstrated technical success but also reignited public belief in NASA’s capacity to achieve “near-impossible” goals. The Artemis program aims to build on this momentum by advancing lunar science, technology, and infrastructure, ultimately enabling sustainable human exploration beyond Earth. The success of Artemis 2 sets the stage for subsequent missions that will target crewed moon landings and the establishment of a permanent lunar outpost, reinforcing the United States’ strategic and scientific interests in space.
New footage shows moment Orion capsule hatch is opened at sea
Newly released footage captures the moment the hatch of NASA’s Artemis II Orion capsule was opened at sea, revealing the four astronauts inside safe and in good spirits. The recovery crew greeted Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen with cheers following their successful splashdown after a historic mission. This flight marked the first time humans traveled farther from Earth than ever before, underscoring a significant milestone in space exploration. The Artemis II mission, a critical step in NASA’s Artemis program, demonstrated key capabilities for future lunar missions, including crewed deep space travel and safe return to Earth. The astronauts spent several days in orbit, testing the Orion spacecraft’s systems and gathering data essential for the planned Artemis III mission, which aims to land astronauts on the Moon. The recovery operation, conducted in the ocean, involved a coordinated effort between NASA and its partners to ensure the crew’s health and safety immediately after splashdown. This mission’s success builds on decades of human spaceflight experience and sets the stage for renewed lunar exploration. The Orion capsule’s performance during re-entry and recovery will inform improvements in spacecraft design and mission protocols. As Artemis II concludes, NASA and its international collaborators are focusing on the next phase: sending astronauts to the lunar surface and establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon, which is seen as a stepping stone for future Mars missions. The footage of the hatch opening not only highlights the technical achievements of the Artemis II mission but also symbolizes the human spirit of exploration and international cooperation in space. The safe return of the crew after venturing farther into space than any humans before them is a testament to the rigorous training, advanced technology, and meticulous planning that underpin modern spaceflight endeavors.
Single-sex space guidance for organisations to be published after May elections
The UK government plans to publish updated guidance on single-sex spaces for organisations after the local and national elections on 7 May. Equalities Minister Bridget Phillipson confirmed that while a revised draft was submitted to the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) earlier this week, election rules prevent any immediate announcements. The guidance is being redrafted following a Supreme Court ruling that defined "woman" under the Equality Act 2010 based on biological sex, impacting how organisations apply equalities law. The EHRC’s Code of Practice, which advises public bodies and service providers, is being updated to reflect this legal interpretation. EHRC Chair Dr Mary-Ann Stephenson stated that the latest amendments were made after government feedback and consultation responses, aiming to clarify the law’s application in everyday scenarios while ensuring all service users are treated with dignity and respect. The government supports the use of single-sex spaces based on biological sex, emphasizing that protections for transgender individuals remain enshrined within the Equality Act. The Supreme Court ruling in the For Women Scotland case last April was pivotal, establishing that terms such as "sex," "man," and "woman" in equality law refer to biological sex in England, Scotland, and Wales. This decision has prompted the government and EHRC to revise the guidance to align with the legal framework. However, the delay in publishing the final guidance has drawn criticism from various groups. Trans rights advocates argue that the earlier leaked draft was unworkable and stress the importance of maintaining trans-inclusive provisions consistent with international human rights standards. Conversely, some women’s rights organisations express concern that the prolonged delay is causing harm to women seeking protections in single-sex spaces. With Parliament not sitting until mid-May following the elections, the government is under pressure to finalize and lay the guidance before Parliament resumes. The updated Code of Practice will play a crucial role in guiding organisations on compliance with equality law amid ongoing debates about the balance between sex-based rights and transgender protections.
Scientists just recreated a rare cosmic reaction never seen before
Scientists have successfully recreated a rare cosmic reaction that forms selenium-74, one of the universe’s rarest proton-rich isotopes, marking a significant advance in nuclear astrophysics. Using a rare isotope beam at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB), researchers directly measured how arsenic-73 captures a proton to produce selenium-74 for the first time. This breakthrough reduces uncertainty in models of p-nuclei formation by half and provides new constraints on how these elements are synthesized and destroyed in supernova explosions. The experiment involved over 45 scientists from 20 institutions across the United States, Canada, and Europe, highlighting the collaborative nature of this research. P-nuclei, which are proton-rich isotopes heavier than iron, have long puzzled scientists because they cannot be formed through the common neutron-capture processes that create most heavy elements. Instead, their origin is thought to lie in the gamma process occurring in supernovae, where intense gamma radiation strips neutrons from heavy nuclei, shifting the balance toward proton-rich isotopes like selenium-74. Understanding the gamma process is critical because it explains how certain rare elements are produced in the extreme environments of exploding stars. However, many isotopes involved are short-lived and challenging to study experimentally, forcing scientists to rely on theoretical models. The direct measurement of the arsenic-73 proton capture reaction provides crucial empirical data to refine these models, improving predictions about element formation in the cosmos. Despite this progress, the findings also reveal gaps in current theories, indicating that the full story of p-nuclei synthesis remains incomplete. Further research is needed to explore other reactions and isotopes involved in the gamma process, which will deepen our understanding of the chemical evolution of the universe and the origins of rare elements.
Blocking a single protein supercharges the immune system against cancer
Scientists have discovered that blocking a single protein called Ant2 can significantly enhance the immune system’s ability to fight cancer by reprogramming T cells’ energy metabolism. This protein blockade forces T cells to alter how they generate and use energy, making them more powerful, resilient, and effective at identifying and destroying cancer cells. The research, led by an international team from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Philipps University of Marburg, and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, offers promising new avenues for cancer immunotherapy. The study, published in Nature Communications, focuses on mitochondria—the energy centers within cells—and how manipulating their function in T cells can boost immune responses. By disabling Ant2, researchers induced a metabolic shift that placed T cells in a heightened state of readiness, improving their endurance, proliferation, and precision in targeting tumors. This metabolic rewiring essentially transforms T cells into stronger and faster cancer fighters, enhancing the body’s natural defenses against malignancies. Importantly, the metabolic changes observed in T cells can be triggered not only through genetic modifications but also via pharmacological interventions. This opens the door for developing drugs that could replicate the effect of Ant2 blockade, potentially leading to new, more effective cancer treatments. The findings align with a growing trend in cancer therapy that seeks to upgrade immune cell function at a fundamental metabolic level, rather than solely directing immune responses. While further research and clinical trials are necessary to translate these findings into practical therapies, the study underscores the critical link between cellular metabolism and immune function. Enhancing the metabolic pathways of immune cells could represent a next-generation strategy in cancer treatment, offering hope for more precise and durable therapeutic options.
Helium: the invisible gas that powers AI, and why it’s in short supply – podcast
Helium, a colorless and inert gas, has become an essential resource in various high-tech and medical fields, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, particle accelerators like the Large Hadron Collider, and deep-sea diving equipment. Recently, it has also gained prominence as a critical component in the development and operation of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. However, the global supply of helium is facing significant challenges, raising concerns about potential shortages that could impact multiple industries reliant on this rare gas. The helium supply chain is particularly fragile due to its limited natural sources and geopolitical factors. Much of the world’s helium reserves are found in a few key locations, including the Middle East, where tensions and logistical issues can disrupt production and export. The strait of Hormuz, a strategic chokepoint for oil and gas shipments, also plays a role in helium distribution, highlighting the interconnectedness of global energy and commodity markets. Past shortages have already caused price spikes and supply constraints, and experts warn that continued scarcity could hinder technological advancements and medical procedures. Helium’s unique properties—such as its low boiling point and chemical inertness—make it indispensable for cooling superconducting magnets in MRI scanners and particle accelerators, as well as for creating controlled environments in scientific research. Its role in AI is linked to cooling systems for data centers and advanced computing hardware, which require stable and efficient thermal management. The ongoing shortage underscores the need for improved helium recycling, alternative sources, and strategic reserves to mitigate risks. As demand for helium grows alongside technological innovation, the industry faces pressure to secure sustainable supplies. Researchers and policymakers are exploring new extraction methods and international cooperation to stabilize the market. The situation serves as a reminder of how seemingly obscure resources can have outsized impacts on modern technology and healthcare, emphasizing the importance of managing critical materials in a rapidly evolving global economy.
Doctors' strikes can have surprising benefits - but are they sustainable?
The recent five-day strike by around 25,000 doctors in England, organized by the British Medical Association (BMA) over pay disputes, has revealed unexpected benefits in NHS hospital operations. Despite initial fears of chaos, several NHS trust leaders reported that patient care was more efficient during the walkout, with shorter waiting times, quicker decision-making, and calmer hospital environments. Some hospitals, including King's College Hospital and Royal Berkshire Hospital, recorded improved performance metrics such as faster patient discharges and higher compliance with emergency department targets, without an increase in mortality or readmission rates. The improved efficiency is largely attributed to the increased presence of senior doctors, particularly consultants, who took on front-line roles during the strike. Their experience allowed for faster, more decisive assessments in emergency departments, reducing unnecessary admissions and tests. This "firebreak" effect, as described by one hospital chief executive, led to lower bed occupancy and smoother patient flows, especially in the critical period leading up to Christmas. However, experts caution that these gains rely on temporary, costly measures and are not sustainable in the long term. While the strike highlighted the potential benefits of more direct consultant involvement in patient care, it also underscored the challenges of balancing efficient service delivery with the need to train junior doctors. Early-career doctors typically staff emergency departments on non-strike days, and their more cautious approach often involves multiple consultations and additional testing, which can slow patient throughput. Training these junior doctors is essential for maintaining a skilled consultant workforce in the future, raising concerns about the long-term impact of relying heavily on senior doctors during industrial action. The strike has reignited debate about how to improve NHS efficiency and patient care without compromising medical training or overburdening senior staff. While the temporary improvements during the walkout offer valuable insights, health leaders emphasize that sustainable solutions must address systemic issues rather than relying on short-term fixes.
Almost 2bn to be affected by metabolic liver disease by 2050, study suggests
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is projected to affect 1.8 billion people worldwide by 2050, according to a recent global study. Currently, about 1.3 billion people, or roughly one in six globally, live with MASLD—a 143% increase since 1990 when the condition affected approximately 500 million. The rise is primarily driven by population growth, increasing rates of obesity, and high blood sugar levels, which are closely linked to type 2 diabetes. The study, published in Lancet Gastroenterology & Hepatology and based on data from the Global Burden of Diseases, Injuries, and Risk Factors Study (GBD), highlights that MASLD prevalence has grown significantly across all regions. Men are more commonly affected than women, with the highest rates observed in older adults aged 80 to 84. However, the largest absolute numbers of cases occur in younger adults, particularly men aged 35 to 39 and women aged 55 to 59. Certain regions, such as North Africa and the Middle East, experience disproportionately higher rates compared to the global average. Western countries have also seen notable increases, with the UK reporting a 33% rise in prevalence since 1990, the largest in Western Europe, alongside a 30% increase in Australia and 22% in the United States. Despite the growing number of MASLD cases, the overall health impact measured by years lost due to illness or death has remained stable, suggesting improvements in treatment and management. Most new cases are in the early stages of the disease, which can often be managed effectively through lifestyle changes such as weight loss and blood sugar control. However, the expanding prevalence poses a significant public health concern, as many individuals remain at risk of developing severe complications like liver cirrhosis and liver cancer in the future. The findings underscore the urgent need for enhanced preventive measures and healthcare strategies to address the metabolic factors fueling this global epidemic.
From blast off to splashdown: My days following Nasa's historic mission to the Moon
Four astronauts aboard NASA’s Artemis II mission have successfully completed a historic journey to the Moon and back, marking the farthest human space travel in decades. The crew—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—launched atop a 98-meter rocket and traveled approximately a quarter of a million miles, orbiting the Moon before returning safely to Earth. The mission was closely followed by millions worldwide, with live video streams providing unprecedented insight into life aboard the cramped spacecraft. During the mission, the astronauts adapted to microgravity while living and working in a space roughly the size of a minibus, with no privacy from each other or from global audiences tracking their progress. One notable challenge was the spacecraft’s Universal Waste Management System, a $23 million toilet that experienced plumbing issues. This led to the use of contingency urine devices, essentially bags with funnels, highlighting the practical difficulties of extended human spaceflight. The mission also offered a glimpse into the astronauts’ daily routines and the psychological and physical demands of deep space travel. Back on Earth, NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston served as the nerve center for the operation, with mission control teams monitoring every aspect of the flight. The successful execution of Artemis II is a critical step in NASA’s broader Artemis program, which aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and eventually prepare for crewed missions to Mars. The mission’s achievements demonstrate advancements in space technology and human endurance, reinforcing international interest and collaboration in lunar exploration.