Latest news with #EuropaClipper
Indian Express
a day ago
- Science
- Indian Express
Ahead of NASA's mission, James Webb telescope finds cues of a liquid water ocean under Europa's surface
Jupiter's icy moon Europa has been one of the most promising places in our solar system to find environments suitable for life beyond Earth. In the 1960s, ground-based telescopic observations noted that Europa's surface was mostly made of water ice, with scientists speculating that the almost Earth-sized moon has a saltwater ocean that holds twice as much water as our planet. Now, new observations from the James Webb Telescope (JWST) are revealing that Europa, which was often pictured as a still, silent shell actually has an active surface. In a series of experiments conducted by Southwest Research Institute, it was found that Europa's surface ice is crystallising at different rates in different places. This suggests that the planet is currently undergoing geologic activity, with scientists labelling the ongoing cycle between the subsurface and surface as 'chaos terrains'. The study focused on two regions located in Europa's southern hemisphere – Tar Regio and Powys Regio, with the latter often referred to as one of the most intriguing areas on the moon's surface. In these locations, the James Webb Telescope found crystallised ice both on the surface and below it. The experiments were crucial for scientists to understand how the ice transforms between different states. The result of these experiments, when combined with the newly received data from the James Webb Telescope, hints that Europa's subsurface may be hiding a huge liquid ocean beneath the surface. Scientists also found some clues that Europa may have Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen peroxide. Upon further evaluation, it was found that CO2 on Europa's surface is unstable due to the moon's radioactive environment, which suggests that these geological processes were recent. Ujjwal Raut, a program manager at the Southwest Research Institute and the co-author of the study, said that the 'data showed strong indications that what we are seeing must be sourced from the interior, perhaps from a subsurface ocean nearly 20 miles (30 kilometers) beneath Europa's thick icy shell. The evidence for a liquid ocean underneath Europa's icy shell is mounting, which makes this so exciting as we continue to learn more.' In October last year, NASA launched Europa Clipper, a spacecraft that will explore Europa to determine if its underground ocean is habitable. However, the spacecraft will first head towards Mars and take around five and a half years to reach Jupiter's icy moon.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Science
- Yahoo
Microbes in deep-sea volcanoes can help scientists learn about early life on Earth, or even life beyond our planet
People have long wondered what life was first like on Earth, and if there is life in our solar system beyond our planet. Scientists have reason to believe that some of the moons in our solar system – like Jupiter's Europa and Saturn's Enceladus – may contain deep, salty liquid oceans under an icy shell. Seafloor volcanoes could heat these moons' oceans and provide the basic chemicals needed for life. Similar deep-sea volcanoes found on Earth support microbial life that lives inside solid rock without sunlight and oxygen. Some of these microbes, called thermophiles, live at temperatures hot enough to boil water on the surface. They grow from the chemicals coming out of active volcanoes. Because these microorganisms existed before there was photosynthesis or oxygen on Earth, scientists think these deep-sea volcanoes and microbes could resemble the earliest habitats and life on Earth, and beyond. To determine if life could exist beyond Earth in these ocean worlds, NASA sent the Cassini spacecraft to orbit Saturn in 1997. The agency has also sent three spacecraft to orbit Jupiter: Galileo in 1989, Juno in 2011 and most recently Europa Clipper in 2024. These spacecraft flew and will fly close to Enceladus and Europa to measure their habitability for life using a suite of instruments. However, for planetary scientists to interpret the data they collect, they need to first understand how similar habitats function and host life on Earth. My microbiology laboratory at the University of Massachusetts Amherst studies thermophiles from hot springs at deep-sea volcanoes, also called hydrothermal vents. Diving deep for samples of life I grew up in Spokane, Washington, and had over an inch of volcanic ash land on my home when Mount St. Helens erupted in 1980. That event led to my fascination with volcanoes. Several years later, while studying oceanography in college, I collected samples from Mount St. Helens' hot springs and studied a thermophile from the site. I later collected samples at hydrothermal vents along an undersea volcanic mountain range hundreds of miles off the coast of Washington and Oregon. I have continued to study these hydrothermal vents and their microbes for nearly four decades. Submarine pilots collect the samples my team uses from hydrothermal vents using human-occupied submarines or remotely operated submersibles. These vehicles are lowered into the ocean from research ships where scientists conduct research 24 hours a day, often for weeks at a time. The samples collected include rocks and heated hydrothermal fluids that rise from cracks in the seafloor. The submarines use mechanical arms to collect the rocks and special sampling pumps and bags to collect the hydrothermal fluids. The submarines usually remain on the seafloor for about a day before returning samples to the surface. They make multiple trips to the seafloor on each expedition. Inside the solid rock of the seafloor, hydrothermal fluids as hot at 662 degrees Fahrenheit (350 Celsius) mix with cold seawater in cracks and pores of the rock. The mixture of hydrothermal fluid and seawater creates the ideal temperatures and chemical conditions that thermophiles need to live and grow. When the submarines return to the ship, scientists – including my research team – begin analyzing the chemistry, minerals and organic material like DNA in the collected water and rock samples. These samples contain live microbes that we can cultivate, so we grow the microbes we are interested in studying while on the ship. The samples provide a snapshot of how microbes live and grow in their natural environment. Thermophiles in the lab Back in my laboratory in Amherst, my research team isolates new microbes from the hydrothermal vent samples and grows them under conditions that mimic those they experience in nature. We feed them volcanic chemicals like hydrogen, carbon dioxide, sulfur and iron and measure their ability to produce compounds like methane, hydrogen sulfide and the magnetic mineral magnetite. Oxygen is typically deadly for these organisms, so we grow them in synthetic hydrothermal fluid and in sealed tubes or in large bioreactors free of oxygen. This way, we can control the temperature and chemical conditions they need for growth. From these experiments, we look for distinguishing chemical signals that these organisms produce which spacecraft or instruments that land on extraterrestrial surfaces could potentially detect. We also create computer models that best describe how we think these microbes grow and compete with other organisms in hydrothermal vents. We can apply these models to conditions we think existed on early Earth or on ocean worlds to see how these microbes might fare under those conditions. We then analyze the proteins from the thermophiles we collect to understand how these organisms function and adapt to changing environmental conditions. All this information guides our understanding of how life can exist in extreme environments on and beyond Earth. Uses for thermophiles in biotechnology In addition to providing helpful information to planetary scientists, research on thermophiles provides other benefits as well. Many of the proteins in thermophiles are new to science and useful for biotechnology. The best example of this is an enzyme called DNA polymerase, which is used to artificially replicate DNA in the lab by the polymerase chain reaction. The DNA polymerase first used for polymerase chain reaction was purified from the thermophilic bacterium Thermus aquaticus in 1976. This enzyme needs to be heat resistant for the replication technique to work. Everything from genome sequencing to clinical diagnoses, crime solving, genealogy tests and genetic engineering uses DNA polymerase. My lab and others are exploring how thermophiles can be used to degrade waste and produce commercially useful products. Some of these organisms grow on waste milk from dairy farms and brewery wastewater – materials that cause fish kills and dead zones in ponds and bays. The microbes then produce biohydrogen from the waste – a compound that can be used as an energy source. Hydrothermal vents are among the most fascinating and unusual environments on Earth. With them, windows to the first life on Earth and beyond may lie at the bottom of our oceans. This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: James F. Holden, UMass Amherst Read more: Jupiter's moons hide giant subsurface oceans − Europa Clipper is one of 2 missions on their way to see if these moons could support life Scientist at work: I'm a geologist who's dived dozens of times to explore submarine volcanoes Water, weather, new worlds: Cassini mission revealed Saturn's secrets James F. Holden receives funding from NASA. Solve the daily Crossword
Yahoo
10-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Vacationing in Florida and want to catch a rocket launch? Here's what to know
Tourists from around the world may flock to Florida for its scenic beaches and abundance of theme parks, but visitors may also want to catch a rocket launch during their time in the Sunshine State. After all, Florida has resoundingly etched its name in U.S. spaceflight history. Since NASA's space program took off in the 1960s, Florida's 'Cape' has been the site where plenty of monumental missions have gotten off the ground – from NASA's Apollo moon missions to its twin Voyager probes. Have plans to visit Florida in the near future? Between visits to Disney World and Universal Studios in Orlando, don't rule out making a short day trip about an hour's drive east to Cape Canaveral to catch a rocket launch. Here's everything you need to know if you're planning a vacation in Florida and seeing a rocket launch is on the list. Florida's Space Coast gained fame as the most active region in the United States for rocket launches. On any given week, it's typical for multiple commercial, civil and military spacecraft – most of them uncrewed or sans astronauts – to take off from either NASA's Kennedy Space Center or the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Located on the east coast of Florida on Merritt Island in Brevard County, the Kennedy Space Center is NASA's primary spaceport where a majority of the space agency's missions get off the ground. The center manages the launches of both crewed and uncrewed spaceflights to the International Space Station and partners with commercial companies like SpaceX, which conduct their own rocket launches at the site. Most of the launches take place from the historic Launch Complex 39A – the site of NASA's Apollo moon mission launches. Kennedy Space Center is also home to facilities where research is being conducted for future spaceflight missions, including upcoming human missions to the moon and Mars under NASA's Artemis campaign. Tourists in Florida interested in seeing a rocket launch can head over to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. Funded entirely by revenue from guests, the visitor center – operated by Delaware North on behalf of NASA – features an array of exhibits and displays, as well as historic spacecraft and memorabilia. It's also where space enthusiasts can purchase tickets for bus tours of the spaceport and even see a rocket launch up close. The space theme park hosts astronaut meet-and-greets, too. Spectators who purchase a ticket for a rocket launch will be able to watch from bleachers located behind NASA's gates at Kennedy Space Center. Typically, viewing is included with admission if the launch window is within the normal operating hours of the visitor complex. But a word of caution: Not every launch is available for public viewing from there. Instead, viewing opportunities are determined by a number of factors, including the time of the launch window and anticipated public interest. For human spaceflights such as the upcoming Artemis moon missions or milestone missions like the Europa Clipper that launched in October 2024, the visitor complex offers launch viewing packages that include a return visit in case the launch is scrubbed. The Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is near Kennedy Space Center and Cocoa Beach in Brevard County, Florida. Though it is part of the Patrick Space Force Base, the station is also a launch site for civil NASA missions and commercial missions like SpaceX's Starlink satellite deployments. But because it is a military base, the public is not able to view launches from the site itself. Both Florida launch sites host a regular cadence of missions, both with and without astronauts aboard. Among the most common rocket launches on Florida's Space Coast are SpaceX's Starlink satellite deployments, which use the company's famous Falcon 9 rocket to assist with the orbital delivery. SpaceX, the commercial spaceflight company founded by billionaire Elon Musk, is also making plans to launch its developmental Starship rocket from Florida by the end of 2025. The rocket, which stands nearly 400 feet tall when fully stacked, has so far only launched on flight tests from SpaceX's Starbase in South Texas. Blue Origin and Amazon, both owned by billionaire Jeff Bezos, are also increasing rocket launches from Florida. Amazon's Project Kuiper – a direct competitor to Starlink – has now launched two rounds of satellites into orbit, while Blue Origin continues to test its massive New Glenn rocket from Cape Canaveral. Astronauts also routinely board crew capsules stacked atop rockets for trips to the International Space Station. The most recent crewed launch occurred June 28, 2025, when four international astronauts selected for a private two-week venture known as Axiom Mission 4 launched on a SpaceX Dragon capsule that was propelled into orbit on a Falcon 9. Up next, four more spacefarers are preparing to head to the space station in late July or early August as part of a joint NASA and SpaceX mission known as Crew-11. Once they arrive, they'll relieve the Crew-10 contingent, who have been at the orbital laboratory since late March. Floridians and tourists alike have plenty of public places to catch the site of a massive, thundering spacecraft rocketing into orbit. Pretty much anywhere in Brevard County affords a view of a rocket launch. Better yet, if you're in certain areas, you can even get an amazing view of SpaceX rocket boosters returning to the launch pads. But the best view to watch a rocket launch from the Space Coast is along the beach. Visibility, though, will depend on weather conditions. Also, make sure not to block traffic or rights of way on bridges, and to follow posted rules at beaches. If you are viewing the launch along the Indian River in Titusville from Space View Park or Parrish Park, look east directly across the river. If you are farther south along the Indian River, look northeast. Playalinda Beach or Canaveral National Seashore is the closest spot to view liftoff because it is almost parallel to Launch Pad 39A. On the beach, look south along the coastline, (you can even see the launch pad from some spots). Some hotspots to check out: Jetty Park Beach and Pier, 400 Jetty Park Road, Port Canaveral. Note, there's a charge to park. Playalinda Beach, 1000 Playalinda Beach Road, Canaveral National Seashore. Note, there's a charge to park, and access to Canaveral National Seashore isn't always granted depending on capacity and time of day. Max Brewer Bridge and Parrish Park, 1 A. Max Brewer Memorial Parkway, Titusville. Note, parking is available on both sides of Max Brewer Bridge. Space View Park, 8 Broad St., Titusville Sand Point Park, 10 E. Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville Rotary Riverfront Park, 4141 S. Washington Ave., Titusville Riverfront Park at Cocoa Village, 401 Riveredge Blvd., Cocoa (just before State Road 520 Causeway) Cocoa Village, near the parks and shops or near the docks Various parks on Merritt Island Rotary Park, 1899 S. Courtenay Parkway, Merritt Island Kiwanis Park on Kiwanis Island Park Road on Merritt Island Port Canaveral, with ships from Disney Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean at port Alan Shepard Park, 299 E. Cocoa Beach Causeway, Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs. Cocoa Beach Pier, 401 Meade Ave. Parking fee varies. Lori Wilson Park, 1400 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Lori Wilson Park has a dog park, by the way. Sidney Fischer Park, 2200 N. Atlantic Ave., Cocoa Beach. Note, there could be parking costs. Downtown Cocoa Beach, along Minutemen Causeway Tables Beach, 197 SR A1A, Satellite Beach The Tides on SR A1A in Satellite Beach Various parks, including the Pelican Beach Clubhouse, in Satellite Beach Pineda Causeway Eau Gallie Causeway Front Street Park near Melbourne (U.S. 192) Causeway and U.S. 1 in Melbourne Indialantic boardwalk at Melbourne Causeway and SR A1A Paradise Beach Park, aka Howard Futch Park, 2301 SR A1A, Melbourne (this is a beachside park) Sebastian Inlet Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (there is a cost to enter) You don't even necessarily need to be at the Space Coast to see a rocket launch. Weather permitting and depending on cloud cover, a rocket launch from Florida's Space Coast could be visible as far north as Jacksonville Beach and Daytona Beach to as far south as Vero Beach and West Palm Beach. Here's a look at some recommended spots, county by county: Duval County or Jacksonville area: Jacksonville Beach, Florida Neptune Beach, Florida Atlantic Beach and West Atlantic Beach, Florida Mayport, Florida Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, which touches south Jacksonville Beach St. Augustine, Florida, which is less than an hour away Volusia County, immediately north of Brevard County and home of Daytona International Speedway: South New Smyrna Beach (Canaveral National Seashore) Mary McLeod Bethune Beach Park, 6656 S. Atlantic Ave., New Smyrna Beach. Bethune Beach is 3.5 miles south of New Smyrna Beach and one mile north of the Apollo Beach entrance to Canaveral National Seashore Park. Apollo Beach at Canaveral National Seashore (south of New Smyrna Beach). Canaveral National Seashore runs along Florida's East Coast in Volusia County and Brevard County. To access Apollo Beach, take Interstate 95 to exit 249, then travel east until it turns into State Road A1A. Follow SR A1A south to the park entrance. Oak Hill riverfront is the southernmost city in South Volusia County. Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill Goodrich's Seafood and Oyster House back deck, 253 River Road, Oak Hill Seminole Rest national historic site, 211 River Road, Oak Hill Riverbreeze Park, 250 H.H. Burch Road, Oak Hill Mary Dewees Park, 178 N. Gaines St., Oak Hill Nancy Cummings Park, 232 Cummings St., Oak Hill Jimmie Vann Sunrise Park, 275 River Road, Oak Hill A.C. Delbert Dewees Municipal Pier, 243 River Road, Oak Hill Bird Observation Pier on River Road across from A.C. Delbert Municipal Pier (see above) Rose Bay in Port Orange beaches along New Smyrna Beach New Smyrna Beach Inlet, New Smyrna Beach lifeguard station Halifax Harbor Marina in Daytona Beach Ormond-by-the-Sea in Ormond Beach George R. Kennedy Memorial Park in Edgewater Indian River County, south of Brevard County: Sebastian Inlet State Park, 9700 S. State Road A1A, Melbourne Beach (cost to enter) Wabasso Beach Park, 1808 Wabasso Beach Road, Wabasso Ambersands Beach Park, 12566 N. SR A1A, Vero Beach (free parking) South Beach Park, 1700 Ocean Drive, Vero Beach (free parking) Merrill Barber Bridge in Vero Beach Alma Lee Loy Bridge in Vero Beach St. Lucie County: Fort Pierce Inlet State Park, 905 Shorewinds Drive, Fort Pierce Blind Creek Beachside North and South, 5460 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce Blue Heron Beach, 2101 Blue Heron Blvd., Fort Pierce Frederick Douglass Memorial Park, 3600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce Dollman Park Beachside, 9200 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach Herman's Bay Beach, 7880 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach John Brooks Park Beachside, 3300 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce Middle Cove Beach, 4600 S. Ocean Drive, Fort Pierce Normandy Beach in Jensen Beach Pepper Park Beachside, 3302 N. SR A1A, Fort Pierce Walton Rocks Beach, 6700 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach (dog park) Waveland Beach, 10350 S. Ocean Drive, Jensen Beach Martin County: State Road A1A causeway in Stuart House of Refuge and beach, 301 S.E. MacArthur Blvd., Stuart Palm Beach County, which includes Mar-a-Lago: Juno Beach Pier: 14775 U.S. 1, Juno Beach South Cove Natural Area boardwalk: Downtown West Palm Beach, 620 South Flagler Drive Town of Palm Beach's Midtown beach: 300 block of South Ocean Boulevard Bingham Island: If you don't know, this is the island that connects Palm Beach and West Palm Beach on Southern Boulevard (near Mar-a-Lago, Trump's private club known as the Winter White House or Southern White House). There's a bridge with a pedestrian walkway over Bingham Island, on Southern Boulevard. Lake Worth Pier: 10 South Ocean Blvd., Lake Worth Beach Arthur R. Marshall Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge: 10216 Lee Road, Boynton Beach South Beach Park: 400 N. State Road A1A, Boca Raton Contributing: Gianna Montesano, TCPalm, and Kimberly Miller, Palm Beach Post This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Everything Florida tourists should know about watching a rocket launch
Sustainability Times
29-06-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
'A New Monster From the Abyss': Scientists Stunned as Unknown Deep-Sea Predator Emerges From Earth's Darkest Depths
IN A NUTSHELL 🌊 The Atacama Trench is a deep-sea region off the coast of Peru and Chile, home to unique marine life. is a deep-sea region off the coast of Peru and Chile, home to unique marine life. 🔬 Scientists discovered a new crustacean species named Dulcibella camanchaca , highlighting the trench's biodiversity. , highlighting the trench's biodiversity. 🦑 The discovery underscores the importance of deep-sea exploration and international research collaboration. and international research collaboration. 🚀 NASA's Europa Clipper mission parallels deep-sea studies, probing for life in extreme environments on Jupiter's moon. In the depths of our planet's oceans, hidden secrets await discovery. As humanity turns its gaze toward the stars, with missions like NASA's Europa Clipper probing the icy moons of Jupiter for signs of life, our own deep-sea environments continue to surprise and fascinate scientists. The recent discovery of a new crustacean species in the Atacama Trench, an abyssal region off the coast of Peru and Chile, underscores the vast, untapped potential of Earth's unexplored frontiers. This article delves into the significance of this discovery and its implications for both marine biology and our understanding of life in extreme environments. The Mysterious Atacama Trench The Atacama Trench, also known as the Peru-Chile Trench, is an enigmatic part of our planet's geography. Stretching approximately 3,700 miles along the coast of South America, this trench delves into the deepest parts of the ocean, reaching depths of nearly 25,246 feet. This region is classified as the Hadal zone, a realm of perpetual darkness and extreme pressures. Scientists have long been captivated by the mysteries of the Hadal zone. Despite the challenges posed by the immense pressures and lack of light, these regions are believed to be ecological havens. The Atacama Trench, in particular, has become a focal point for marine research. Recent expeditions by the Instituto Milenio de Oceanografía, aboard the research vessel Abate Molina, have yielded exciting discoveries. i>The Atacama Trench is not just a geographical feature; it is a gateway to a world of untapped biological diversity. The recent findings highlight the importance of continued exploration in this remote region. 'Life Began Far Earlier Than We Thought': Scientists Uncover the Staggering Truth About Earth's First and Only Universal Ancestor Discovering a New Predator Amidst the darkness of the Hadal zone, a new predator has emerged with a name as enigmatic as its habitat: Dulcibella camanchaca. This crustacean, only about four centimeters long, was discovered nearly 8,000 meters below sea level, showcasing the astonishing adaptability of life in extreme conditions. Its white carapace and unique morphology lend it an otherworldly appearance, reminiscent of the infamous Facehugger from the Alien franchise. What makes D. camanchaca truly remarkable is not just its eerie appearance but its classification. Genomic testing confirmed that it is not just a new species but also a new genus, underscoring the Atacama Trench as a hotspot of endemic biodiversity. The discovery of this predator, with its fearsome ability to clamp down on prey using raptorial appendages, adds a new layer to our understanding of deep-sea ecology. This finding is a testament to the resilience of life in the face of adversity. In the Hadal zone, where pressures are 800 times greater than on the surface, this tiny crustacean thrives. 'Life Sparked by Fungi and Plants': Gene Transfer Between Kingdoms May Have Ignited Earth's Earliest Ecosystems Billions of Years Ago Scientific Implications and Future Exploration The discovery of D. camanchaca has far-reaching implications for marine biology. It highlights the importance of deep-sea exploration and the potential for uncovering new life forms in Earth's unexplored regions. As Carolina González, co-lead author of the study, emphasized, continued research in the Atacama Trench is expected to yield even more discoveries. This newfound predator serves as a stark reminder of the unexplored diversity that lies beneath the waves. It also draws parallels with space exploration. Just as scientists are probing the icy moons of Jupiter for signs of life, Earth's own oceans remain largely uncharted. The adaptability of D. camanchaca raises intriguing questions about the potential for life in extreme environments, both on our planet and beyond. The research conducted by Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and the Universidad de Concepción in Chile underscores the importance of international collaboration in advancing our understanding of marine ecosystems. 'A Real-Life Mini-Dragon Exists': Scientists Baffled by This Elusive Creature That's Nearly Impossible to Spot in the Wild Beyond Earth: The Europa Clipper Mission As we delve into the mysteries of Earth's oceans, the pursuit of knowledge extends beyond our planet. NASA's Europa Clipper mission, launched from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida, aims to assess the potential for life on Jupiter's moon Europa. Beneath its icy crust lies a vast ocean, presenting an environment that, like the Hadal zone, may harbor life. The Europa Clipper mission represents a significant milestone in humanity's quest to understand the cosmos. However, it also serves as a reminder that many mysteries remain unsolved in our own backyard. The adaptability of life in environments as extreme as the Hadal zone suggests that life could potentially exist in the harsh conditions of Europa's ocean. As we reach for the stars, we must not forget the wonders that lie beneath our oceans. What other secrets does the deep hold, and how might they reshape our understanding of life itself? The discovery of Dulcibella camanchaca in the Atacama Trench is a testament to the resilience and diversity of life on Earth. As we continue to explore the depths of our oceans and the far reaches of our solar system, we are reminded of the boundless mysteries that await us. Will future explorations reveal even more astonishing life forms, both on our planet and beyond? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (22)
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
What to Know About the SpaceX Explosion in Texas
October 14, 2024: SpaceX's Falcon Heavy is seen from the roof of NASA's Vehicle Assembly Building launching the Europa Clipper spacecraft at 12:06 P.M. Credit -A SpaceX rocket exploded on Wednesday night during testing, in what the company has called 'a major anomaly.' No injuries have been reported. 'A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for,' the company said in a statement posted to X. The incident occurred on the test stand at about 11 p.m. CT, while the rocket was preparing for its tenth flight test at the company's South Texas headquarters in Starbase. The company has said that there are no hazards to residents in surrounding communities, but urged individuals to avoid approaching the zone of the accident while they work with local officials to ensure the area is safe. The accident marks the latest in a string of setbacks for the company's Starship rockets. In January, one rocket broke apart near the Carribean, releasing a stream of smoke and debris in its wake. The company then lost contact with another rocket in March during a test flight, which broke apart over Florida. Another rocket, launched in Texas, spun out of control before landing in the Indian Ocean. The company has been in the spotlight lately following a very public spat between CEO Elon Musk and President Donald Trump earlier this month. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump threatened to pull government contracts for Musk's projects. Read More: What the Trump-Musk Feud Means for SpaceX and NASA 'The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon's Governmental Subsidies and Contracts. I was always surprised that Biden didn't do it!' Trump said in a post on June 5. Later that evening, Musk responded: 'In light of the President's statement about cancellation of my government contracts, @SpaceX will begin decommissioning its Dragon spacecraft immediately.' He deleted the tweet that same night. It wasn't until an X user called for peace that Musk backed down: 'This is a shame this back and forth. You are both better than this. Cool off and take a step back for a couple days.' Minutes later, Musk responded, 'Good advice. OK, we won't decommission Dragon.' Space X has long had a working relationship with the federal government. At the end of last year, the company said it had $22 billion in government contracts, and in April the U.S. Space Force awarded the company a $5.9 billion contract, making it the leading provider of launch services for Pentagon satellites, according to Ars Technica. Write to Simmone Shah at
