Space News Today

Astronomy Daily - January 14, 2026 Episode Nuclear Moon Power, Mars Ocean Evidence, and Brains in Space Episode Description Join hosts Anna and Avery for an action-packed episode covering six major space stories! We explore NASA's ambitious plan to put a nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, get the latest on tomorrow's historic ISS medical evacuation, examine compelling new evidence for an ancient Martian ocean, discover how spaceflight literally shifts astronauts' brains, learn about a revolutionary privately-funded space telescope, and find out how scientists finally solved the mystery of the Moon's two faces. Episode Duration: 17 minutes Episode Highlights ⚛️ NASA Commits to Lunar Nuclear Reactor by 2030 NASA and DOE sign memorandum of understanding President Trump's executive order drives ambitious timeline Nuclear power essential for permanent lunar bases Building on 50+ years of space nuclear collaboration 🚀 Crew-11 Cleared for Wednesday Departure First-ever medical evacuation from ISS proceeds on schedule Undocking set for 5:05 PM EST Wednesday, January 15 Splashdown off California coast at 3:41 AM Thursday Station will operate with skeleton crew of three 🌊 Ancient Martian Ocean Evidence Discovered River delta features identified in Valles Marineris Ocean covered half of Mars 3+ billion years ago High-resolution orbital imagery reveals ancient coastline Major implications for Mars' past habitability 🧠 Spaceflight Shifts Astronaut Brains Inside Skulls MIT study reveals brains move "backward, upward and tilted" Changes persist up to 6 months after return to Earth Brain displacement linked to post-flight balance issues Critical for planning longer Moon and Mars missions 🔭 $500M Private Space Telescope to Launch in 3-5 Years Eric Schmidt funds Lazuli Space Observatory "Move fast" philosophy applied to flagship telescope Designed to catch transient events like gravitational waves Will test technology for future NASA missions 🌙 Moon's Two-Faced Mystery Finally Solved Chang'e-6 samples reveal impact chemistry differences Ancient collision reshaped Moon's internal structure Evidence of hemisphere-wide mantle convection First hard evidence from lunar far side Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31114183?utm_source=youtube

Astronomy Daily - January 13, 2026 Episode Historic ISS Evacuation, Wobbling Black Holes, and Lunar Hotels Episode Description Join hosts Anna and Avery for an exciting episode packed with groundbreaking space news! We cover the International Space Station's first-ever medical evacuation, a stunning discovery of a galaxy-wide wobbling black hole jet, this week's busy launch schedule, two NASA missions reaching their destinations, and the surprising announcement that you can now reserve a hotel room on the Moon. Episode Duration: 18 minutes Episode Highlights 🚨 BREAKING: First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation SpaceX Crew-11 returns early due to undisclosed medical condition Historic change of command ceremony on the ISS Crew scheduled for Pacific splashdown Thursday morning Station operations continue with skeleton crew of three 🌌 Astronomers Discover Wobbling Black Hole Jet Largest extended jet ever observed spans 20,000 light-years First precessing jet found in galaxy VV 340a Combined observations from Keck Observatory, James Webb Space Telescope, and VLA Discovery challenges theories of galaxy evolution 🚀 This Week's Launch Schedule Eight orbital launch attempts from China, US, and Norway SpaceX Starlink missions and classified NRO launch China debuts new Ceres 2 rocket Isar Aerospace's Spectrum attempts second test flight 🛰️ NASA Missions Reach L1 Destination Carruthers Geocorona Observatory arrives at target orbit IMAP mission begins mapping the heliosphere boundary Both spacecraft launched together on September 24, 2025 Science operations begin in February 2026 🌙 You Can Now Reserve a Moon Hotel Room GRU Space opens applications for lunar tourism Deposits range from $250,000 to $1 million Target opening: 2032 Hotel inspired by San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts #AstronomyDaily #SpaceNews #ISS #BlackHoles #NASA #SpaceX #LunarTourism #Astronomy #SpaceExploration Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31093273?utm_source=youtube

Sponsor Link: This episode of SpaceTime is brought to you with the support of Squarespace. When it's time to get a presence online, go with the folks who support us...and build the best websites easily. No hassles. You can check out their special offer for SpaceTime listeners by visiting our special URL.... Click Here (https://www.squarespace.com/?channel=podcast&subchannel=backbeatmedia&source=spacetime) In this episode of SpaceTime , we uncover new evidence suggesting that dark matter may interact with neutrinos, a revelation that could reshape our understanding of the universe. We also discuss a serious medical issue that has forced one of the crews aboard the International Space Station to return home early, and learn about the remarkable discovery that galaxies spin like clockwork. Dark Matter and Neutrinos: A Possible Interaction Scientists are challenging the long-standing standard model of particle physics with new findings indicating that dark matter and neutrinos may interact. This groundbreaking research, reported in Nature Astronomy, provides a rare glimpse into the universe's hidden components. By analyzing data from both the early and late universe, researchers suggest that these elusive cosmic entities could influence the formation of galaxies and other structures, potentially addressing discrepancies observed in cosmological measurements. Medical Emergency Forces ISS Crew to Return Early NASA's SpaceX Crew 11 is returning to Earth ahead of schedule due to a medical concern involving one of the astronauts. While the situation is stable and not classified as an emergency, the decision was made to ensure the crew member receives comprehensive medical evaluation on the ground. This marks a historic moment, as it is the first time in 26 years of ISS operations that a medical issue has necessitated an early return. Galaxies Spin Like Clockwork Recent studies have confirmed that galaxies rotate approximately once every billion years, regardless of their size. This research, published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, reveals a consistent rotational pattern across different types of galaxies, enhancing our understanding of their mechanics and structure. The findings indicate that older stars exist even at the edges of galaxies, providing valuable insights into galactic formation and evolution. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Nature Astronomy Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society British Medical Journal Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31088634?utm_source=youtube

In today’s episode of Astronomy Daily, Anna and Avery take you from rocket pads on Earth to the farthest corners of the cosmos. We cover India’s latest PSLV launch and its unexpected anomaly, the FCC’s green light for thousands more Starlink Gen2 satellites, NASA’s Pandora mission to decode exoplanet atmospheres, a fleeting signal from a supernova that exploded 13 billion years ago, a breakthrough in understanding the Sun’s most violent flares, and the surprising discovery of a barred spiral galaxy in the early Universe. It’s an episode where orbital mechanics meet cosmic archaeology — with a dash of solar storm science. --- ## 📰 Stories Covered 1. India’s EOS‑N1 Launch on PSLV-C62 - First PSLV liftoff since a May 2025 anomaly. - Carried a military Earth‑observation satellite plus 15 payloads. - Third‑stage deviation under investigation. 2. FCC Approves 7,500 Additional Starlink Gen2 Satellites - Expansion to boost coverage and speed. - Partial approval pending further review of SpaceX’s larger request. - Implications for connectivity, orbital traffic, and astronomy. 3. NASA’s Pandora – Exoplanet Atmosphere Investigator - Small, dedicated telescope to study exoplanet atmospheres. - Focused on separating signals from planets and their stars. - Could refine the hunt for biosignatures. 4. A Ten‑Second Signal from the Early Universe - Likely a supernova about 13 billion light‑years away. - Offers a rare probe into early stellar death. - Discovered via coordinated, multi‑wavelength observations. 5. Unmasking the Sun’s Most Violent Flares - Discovery of ultra‑energetic particles in the upper solar atmosphere. - Provides a clearer picture of gamma‑ray production. - Could improve space weather forecasts. 6. Earliest Known Barred Spiral Galaxy - Dated to 11.5 billion years ago. - Challenges models of how fast galaxy structures form. - May force revisions in early-Universe galaxy evolution theories. --- ## 🔍 Key Themes & Takeaways - Space Operations: Even reliable rockets can have anomalies — data analysis is crucial. - Policy & Infrastructure: Starlink expansion reshapes the orbital environment. - Scientific Frontiers: Compact, focused missions can massively advance our understanding. - Cosmic Forensics: The early Universe was more structured than we thought. - Solar Hazards: Better flare science means better protection for tech and people. --- ## 📚 Further Reading & References - [India launches EOS‑N1 military satellite with PSLV-C62](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/india-eos-n1-military-satellite-15-payloads-pslv-launch) - [FCC approves 7,500 more Starlink Gen2 satellites](https://spacenews.com/fcc-approves-7500-additional-starlink-satellites/) - [NASA’s Pandora mission launch coverage](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/watch-spacex-launch-nasas-pandora-exoplanet-studying-satellite-on-jan-11) - [Supernova signal from 13 billion years ago](https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/earth-receives-10-second-signal-from-supernova-13-billion-years-ago/) - [Breakthrough on Sun’s flare particle populations](https://scitechdaily.com/what-powers-the-suns-most-violent-flares-scientists-finally-have-an-answer/) - [Early barred spiral galaxy discovery](https://connectsci.au/news/news-parent/7631/Barred-spiral-galaxy-may-be-the-earliest-seen-yet?searchresult=1) --- ## 🎧 How to Listen Subscribe to Astronomy Daily on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. --- ## 💬 Join the Conversation Do you have a question about today’s stories or space science in general? Send us a message via the Astronomy Daily page — your question could be featured in an upcoming episode. 🌌 Clear skies, and see you next time. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31073372?utm_source=youtube

Sponsor Links: This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of Antigravity A1 . Experience the future of flight with the world’s first all-in-one 8K 360 drone . With intuitive controls and immersive goggles, the Antigravity A1 redefines what it means to fly. Check it out at AntigravityA1. (https://www.antigravity.tech/drone/antigravity-a1/buy?utm_term=spacenuts) This episode of Space Nuts is brought to you with the support of NordVPN. Protect your online privacy with the fastest, most secure VPN. Enjoy exclusive deals and stay safe while browsing the cosmos at Q&A Edition: Black Holes, Cosmic Expansion, and the Fate of the Sun In this engaging Q&A episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson tackle a series of thought-provoking questions from listeners. From the implications of a black hole's mass to the mysteries of cosmic expansion, this episode is packed with fascinating insights and cosmic curiosities. Episode Highlights: - Black Hole Mass and Star Density: Justin from Melbourne wonders about the radius in light years of a sphere containing the nearest 4 million stars, comparing it to the mass of Sagittarius A, the supermassive black hole at the center of our galaxy. Andrew and Fred discuss star density and the methods to calculate it. - The Universe's Future: Charles from Brooklyn asks whether the universe's potential retraction would shorten its lifespan from trillions of years to just a few billion. The hosts delve into the complexities of dark energy and the various theories surrounding the fate of the universe. - What If the Sun Disappeared? Dean from Queensland poses a thought experiment about the consequences of the sun's sudden disappearance. Andrew and Fred explain how gravity and light travel at the same speed, leading to an eight-minute delay before Earth feels the effects of the sun's absence. - Voyager Plaque Mysteries: Patrick brings an intriguing question about the Voyager spacecraft and the accuracy of the plaques they carry. The hosts clarify the misconception and explore the significance of the messages sent into space. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) . Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31068653?utm_source=youtube