Space News Today

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 8

In this episode of SpaceTime , we investigate the surprising ways Mars influences Earth's climate, hear about the safe return of Crew 11 following the first emergency medical evacuation from the International Space Station, and explore a cosmic clock that reveals insights into Australia's geological history.

Mars: A Climate Influencer

A new study has unveiled that the orbit of Mars can significantly impact Earth's climate, even triggering ice ages. Researchers from the University of California Riverside utilized computer simulations to demonstrate how Mars’ gravitational pull alters Earth's orbit and affects long-term climatic cycles. The findings challenge previous assumptions about Mars' minimal influence and highlight the planet's role in shaping Earth's climatic patterns over millions of years.

Crew 11's Safe Return

NASA's SpaceX Crew 11 has successfully splashed down in the North Pacific Ocean after a historic emergency medical evacuation from the ISS. The crew's return, which occurred a month earlier than planned due to medical concerns, was marked by a brilliant display in the night sky as they descended. This marks a significant event in the history of human spaceflight, emphasizing the importance of health monitoring aboard the space station.

Unveiling Australia's Geological History

Scientists have discovered that the rare gas krypton can be used to unlock the secrets of Earth's ancient landscapes. By examining tiny zircon crystals found in ancient beach sands, researchers can gauge how long these minerals have been exposed at the surface, providing insights into erosion rates and potential mineral deposits. This groundbreaking research not only sheds light on the past but also has implications for future resource exploration in Australia.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Astronomical Society of the Pacific

NASA Reports

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(00:00:00) New study shows how the orbit of Mars can affect climate here on Earth

(00:05:52) NASA's SpaceX crew 11 safely returned to Earth after medical evacuation

(00:08:17) SpaceX and NASA astronauts splashdown after 167 days in space

(00:09:00) The crew were returning a month early due to medical concerns

(00:10:46) Scientists use rare gas called krypton to study ancient Earth landscapes

(00:23:05) New data from NASA shows 2025 was the second hottest year since records began

(00:24:38) Some AI chatbots are reporting abuse and fear following interactions with humans

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31206223?utm_source=youtube

Join hosts Anna and Avery for today's essential space and astronomy news roundup! 🚀

NASA's Artemis II rocket completes its journey to Launch Pad 39B, bringing humanity one step closer to returning to the Moon. We bid farewell to Japan's remarkable Akatsuki Venus orbiter after a decade of groundbreaking discoveries. China's FAST telescope solves a ten-year mystery about fast radio bursts, revealing they come from binary star systems.

Plus, we preview the incredible space science missions launching in 2026, discuss the devastating loss of Spain's brand-new military satellite to a tiny space particle, and explore new findings showing that dwarf galaxies host more active black holes than previously thought.

**Featured Stories:**

• NASA's Artemis II reaches the launch pad for wet dress rehearsal

• Japan's Akatsuki mission ends after 15 years and extraordinary Venus discoveries

• China's Sky Eye telescope cracks the fast radio burst mystery

• 2026 space science preview: Moon, Mars, and telescope missions ahead

• Spanish military satellite suffers catastrophic damage from millimeter-sized debris

• New census reveals surprising black hole activity in dwarf galaxies

Visit astronomydaily.io for full articles, images, and more space news!

#Astronomy #Space #NASA #ArtemisII #Venus #Akatsuki #FastRadioBursts #FAST #Mars #SpaceScience #BlackHoles #SpaceDebris

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This ​is ​a ​Q ​and ​A ​edition ​of ​Space ​Nuts. We ​will ​be ​answering ​audience ​questions ​exclusively ​on ​this ​episode. ​We're ​looking ​at ​​a ​concept ​that ​Ross ​has ​put ​up ​about ​black ​holes ​equaling ​dark ​matter, ​we'll ​explain ​that. ​​Sandy ​is ​asking ​about ​navigation ​in ​space. ​​John ​is ​talking ​relativity, ​time, ​black ​holes ​and ​the ​big ​crunch. ​​And ​the ​speed ​of ​re ​entry ​is ​a ​question ​from ​Andy. ​We'll ​deal ​with ​all ​of ​that ​on ​this ​episode ​of ​space ​nuts.

For more Space Nuts visit www.spacenutspodcast.com (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) .

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 7

In this episode of SpaceTime , we delve into the intriguing possibilities surrounding the origins of life, including new findings from Saturn's moon Titan and the implications for our understanding of life beyond Earth. We also explore the latest research on Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, and uncover the sources of the sun's mysterious gamma rays.

Life's Building Blocks on Titan

A groundbreaking study reveals that Titan, Saturn's largest moon, exhibits unexpected chemical interactions at extremely low temperatures. Researchers found that hydrogen cyanide can mix with nonpolar substances like methane and ethane, challenging traditional chemistry principles. This discovery could provide insights into the prebiotic chemistry that may have preceded life on Earth, as Titan's environment mirrors that of early Earth.

Europa's Quiet Oceans

In a surprising turn, new calculations suggest that the vast subsurface ocean beneath Europa's icy crust may be lifeless. This research indicates that Europa lacks the geological activity, such as hydrothermal vents, necessary to sustain life. Lead author Paul Brian discusses how the moon's stable orbit around Jupiter limits the tidal forces that could drive geological processes, casting doubt on the moon's potential as a habitat for life.

The Source of Solar Gamma Rays

Astronomers have identified the origin of intense gamma radiation emitted during solar flares, linking it to high-energy electrons colliding with plasma in the solar corona. This finding, derived from observations of a significant solar flare in 2017, enhances our understanding of solar flare physics and could improve space weather forecasting.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Journal of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

Nature Communications

Nature Astronomy

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(00:00:00) Scientists studying Saturn's moon Titan have discovered that normally incompatible substances can mix

(00:05:19) NASA will launch the Dragonfly mission to Titan in 2028

(00:13:36) NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft will study icy moon Europa

(00:18:11) Astronomers have discovered that gamma rays generated by solar flares are caused by electrons

(00:21:58) Most people who take diabetes drug Mounjaro gain weight back after stopping

Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31178029?utm_source=youtube

NASA attempts to contact the silent MAVEN Mars orbiter after 40 days—but prospects look grim. Plus: the first-ever ISS medical evacuation succeeds, Europe debuts its powerful Ariane 64, scientists crack asteroid defense secrets, China releases lunar timekeeping software, and Hubble reveals where planets are born. Your daily space news for January 15, 2026.

### Extended Episode Description (for podcast websites/apps)

After more than a month of silence, NASA is making what may be its final attempt to contact the MAVEN Mars orbiter. Mission leaders are pessimistic, but the veteran spacecraft has surprised them before. We break down what happened, what's at stake, and what MAVEN's potential loss means for Mars exploration.

On a brighter note, the SpaceX Crew-11 astronauts have safely returned to Houston following the first-ever medical evacuation from the International Space Station—a historic operation that went flawlessly. We explore how NASA executed this unprecedented mission.

Europe's taking a major step forward with the announcement that the first Ariane 64 rocket will launch February 12th. This four-booster beast can carry more than double the payload of its predecessor, and its debut mission will deploy 32 satellites for Amazon's Kuiper constellation.

Scientists using CERN's particle accelerators have discovered that iron-rich asteroids are tougher than we thought—and they actually get stronger under stress. This surprising finding could reshape how we approach planetary defense.

China has released the world's first practical software for keeping time on the Moon. It sounds like science fiction, but lunar timekeeping is becoming essential as multiple nations prepare for sustained lunar operations.

And after 35 years in orbit, the Hubble Space Telescope is still delivering stunning science, with a new gallery of images showing protoplanetary disks where planets are being born around young stars.

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Artemis II is entering its final preparations! This weekend, NASA rolls out the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad for the first crewed mission to lunar orbit in over 50 years. We cover the crew, timeline, challenges, and what to expect in the coming weeks.

Plus: The European Space Agency suffers a major cyberattack with over 700 GB of sensitive data stolen. We discuss what was compromised, how it happened, and the broader cybersecurity implications for the space industry.

Also in this episode: China's successful dual satellite launches kick off an ambitious 2026, scientists discover Jupiter has 1.5 times more oxygen than our Sun, a mysterious iron bar is found hidden in the Ring Nebula, and we explore the fascinating legacy of the Apollo 14 Moon Trees.

New episodes every weekday!

---

## EPISODE TIMESTAMPS

**[00:00]** Intro

**[01:15]** Story 1: Artemis II Final Preparations

**[04:45]** Story 2: European Space Agency Cyberattack

**[08:30]** Story 3: China's Satellite Launches

**[11:45]** Story 4: Jupiter's Oxygen Surprise

**[14:30]** Story 5: Ring Nebula Iron Mystery

**[17:00]** Story 6: Apollo 14 Moon Trees Legacy

**[19:30]** Outro

---

## STORIES COVERED

### 1. NASA Enters Final Preparations for Artemis II Mission

NASA is entering the final stages of preparation for Artemis II, the first crewed mission beyond Low Earth Orbit in over fifty years. The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will roll out to Launch Pad 39B this Saturday, January 17th.

**Key Points:**

- **Launch Window:** February 6 - April 2026 (subject to readiness)

- **Crew:** Reid Wiseman (Commander, USA), Victor Glover (Pilot, USA), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist, USA), Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist, Canada)

- **Mission Duration:** 10 days circumlunar flight

- **Rollout:** 6.5 km journey takes ~12 hours on crawler-transporter-2

- **Recent Updates:** Valve replacement on Orion hatch pressurization system (Jan 5), leak repair on ground support hardware

- **Upcoming:** Wet dress rehearsal end of January with 2.65 million liters of cryogenic fuel

- **Next Steps:** Flight readiness review, final crew walkdown at pad

- **Historical Context:** First crewed deep space mission since Apollo 17 (1972)

- **Looking Ahead:** Artemis III lunar landing scheduled for 2028

**Why It Matters:**

This mission is a crucial stepping stone for returning humans to the lunar surface and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. It will validate all systems needed for deep space exploration and demonstrate international cooperation through the Canadian Space Agency's participation.

**Read More:**

- [Universe Today: NASA Enters Final Preparations for Artemis II Mission](https://www.universetoday.com/articles/nasa-enters-final-preparations-for-artemis-ii-mission)

- [NASA Artemis II Mission Page](https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/)

---

### 2. Cyberthieves Hit European Space Agency in Major Data Breach

The European Space Agency suffered significant cyberattacks over the Christmas period, resulting in over 700 gigabytes of potentially sensitive data being leaked to dark web forums.

**Key Points:**

- **Initial Attack:** Boxing Day 2025 - Hacker "888" dumps 200+ GB of data

- **Second Attack:** One week later - "Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters" claims 500+ GB more

- **Data Compromised:** Proprietary software, authorization credentials, access tokens, project documentation, operational procedures, spacecraft details, contractor data

- **Affected Contractors:** SpaceX, Airbus Group, Thales Alenia Space

- **ESA Response:** Criminal investigation launched, cooperating with authorities

- **Root Cause:** Possible "infostealer malware" harvesting browser-stored credentials

- **Broader Issue:** Email credentials of ESA and NASA employees frequently found on dark web

- **Security Gap:** Solar conjunction prevented communications blackout

- **Expert Warning:** Data could be combined with future breaches to enable attacks on space systems

**Industry Context:**

Cybersecurity researcher Clémence Poirier warns that cyberattacks against space agencies are common and will continue. NASA faces similar threats with vulnerabilities disclosed almost daily via BugCrowd platform.

**Why It Matters:**

As space infrastructure becomes increasingly critical for communications, navigation, and national security, cybersecurity vulnerabilities represent a major threat to space operations and international cooperation.

**Read More:**

- [Space.com: Cyberthieves hit European Space Agency](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/esa-email-credentials-on-dark-web)

---

### 3. China's Long March Rockets Launch Key Satellites to Start 2026

China successfully launched two Long March rockets on January 13, 2026, deploying the Yaogan-50 01 remote sensing satellite and multiple Guowang constellation satellites, marking an ambitious start to their space program's busiest year yet.

**Key Points:**

- **Launch Date:**...

Exploring Mars Oceans, Fastest Asteroids, and ISS Evacuations

In this captivating episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson delve into the latest astronomical discoveries and intriguing space news. Join them as they explore new evidence suggesting that Mars once boasted vast oceans, the astonishing characteristics of the fastest spinning asteroid ever recorded, and the unprecedented evacuation of the International Space Station due to a medical issue.

Episode Highlights:

- Mars’ Ancient Oceans: Andrew and Fred discuss groundbreaking research revealing that Mars may have once had oceans comparable in size to Earth's Arctic Ocean. They explore the implications of this discovery and what it means for the search for life on the Red Planet.

- The Fastest Spinning Asteroid: The hosts introduce the asteroid 2025 MN45, which spins at an incredible rate of one rotation every 1 minute and 53 seconds. They discuss the significance of this finding and what it reveals about the asteroid's composition and history.

- ISS Medical Evacuation: Andrew and Fred provide insights into the first-ever crew evacuation from the International Space Station, prompted by a medical issue. They discuss the implications of this event and the protocols in place for astronaut safety.

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.

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Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.

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Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/31150495?utm_source=youtube

From historic medical evacuations to missing galaxies and stunning new images of the Milky Way, today's episode covers the latest breaking news from space exploration and astronomy. Join Anna and Avery as they discuss six fascinating stories from across the cosmos.

---

## Episode Timestamps

**[00:00]** Intro

**[01:15]** Story 1: ISS Medical Evacuation

**[04:45]** Story 2: The Mystery of Missing Tiny Galaxies

**[08:30]** Story 3: NASA's MAVEN Spacecraft in Trouble

**[11:45]** Story 4: Viruses Behave Differently in Microgravity

**[14:30]** Story 5: Two New Exoplanets and Redefining Habitable Zones

**[17:00]** Story 6: Stunning New Radio Image of the Milky Way

**[19:30]** Outro

---

## Stories Covered

### 1. Historic First Medical Evacuation from ISS

Four International Space Station crew members successfully completed the first-ever medical evacuation in the ISS's 26-year history, splashing down safely in the Pacific Ocean off San Diego.

**Key Points:**

- SpaceX Crew-11 returned early after 5 months in space

- Crew included US astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, and Japanese astronaut Kimiya Yui

- Splashdown occurred at 12:41 AM ET on January 15, 2026

- Affected crew member remains in stable condition

- Three crew members remain aboard ISS to continue operations

- Demonstrates importance of medical protocols in long-duration spaceflight

**Read More:**

- [Phys.org: ISS astronauts splash down on Earth after first-ever medical evacuation](https://phys.org/news/2026-01-iss-astronauts-splash-earth-medical.html)

---

### 2. The Universe's Missing Tiny Galaxies

New research using the James Webb Space Telescope suggests there may be far fewer small galaxies in the early universe than predicted by current models, challenging our understanding of cosmic evolution.

**Key Points:**

- Study led by Xuheng Ma from University of Wisconsin-Madison

- Used JWST's UNCOVER program to study galaxies through gravitational lensing

- Observed the Epoch of Reionization (12-13 billion years ago)

- Discovery of "faint-end suppression" - galaxy numbers drop off at smaller sizes

- Suggests intense radiation from early massive stars prevented small galaxies from forming

- May require rethinking models of cosmic reionization

- Used Abell 2744 galaxy cluster as a natural gravitational lens

**Why It Matters:**

This finding has major implications for our understanding of how the universe evolved from the "cosmic dark ages" to its current transparent state.

**Read More:**

- [Space.com: The universe should be packed with tiny galaxies — so where are they?](https://www.space.com/astronomy/galaxies/the-universe-should-be-packed-with-tiny-galaxies-so-where-are-they)

- Research paper on arXiv (preprint database)

---

### 3. NASA Pessimistic About Recovering MAVEN Mars Orbiter

NASA officials acknowledge it's "very unlikely" they'll recover the MAVEN spacecraft, which has been silent since December 6, 2025, marking a potential end to a highly productive Mars mission.

**Key Points:**

- MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) launched November 2013, entered Mars orbit September 2014

- Last communication: December 6, 2025

- Telemetry indicates spacecraft is tumbling and orbit may have changed

- Solar conjunction (Mars and Earth on opposite sides of Sun) complicated recovery efforts

- Attempts to photograph spacecraft with Curiosity rover were unsuccessful

- Other orbiters (Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Odyssey, ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter) can maintain communications relay

- Spacecraft studied Mars atmospheric loss and recently observed interstellar object 3I/ATLAS

**Mission Legacy:**

Despite the likely loss, MAVEN has provided over a decade of groundbreaking data about Mars' upper atmosphere and how solar wind strips away the Martian atmosphere.

**Read More:**

- [SpaceNews: NASA pessimistic about odds of recovering MAVEN](https://spacenews.com/nasa-pessimistic-about-odds-of-recovering-maven/)

- [NASA Science: MAVEN Spacecraft Updates](https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/maven/)

---

### 4. Space Station Study Reveals Unusual Virus-Bacteria Dynamics

University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers discovered that viruses infecting bacteria evolve differently in microgravity, potentially opening new avenues for fighting antibiotic-resistant infections on Earth.

**Key Points:**

- Study used E. coli bacteria and bacteriophage T7

- Parallel experiments conducted on ISS and Earth

- Virus infection delayed but not blocked in microgravity

- Both viruses and bacteria developed unique mutations in space

- Space-evolved viruses showed increased activity against drug-resistant E. coli strains

- Findings could lead to improved phage therapy for antibiotic-resistant infections

- Published in PLOS Biology journal

- Demonstrates ISS value as unique research platform

**Scientific Significance:**

This research shows how the space environment fundamentally alters...

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SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 6

In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore groundbreaking discoveries in astrophysics, including the confirmation of Betelgeuse's elusive companion star, a spectacular black hole event, and the BepiColombo spacecraft's approach to Mercury.

Betelgeuse's Companion Star Confirmed

Astronomers have finally confirmed that the red supergiant star Betelgeuse has a companion star, named Saguara. Utilizing data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and ground-based observatories, researchers traced the influence of Saguara as it interacts with Betelgeuse's outer atmosphere. This discovery sheds light on the star's peculiar brightness variations and its eventual fate as it nears a supernova explosion, which could occur at any time in astronomical terms.

A Black Hole's Powerful Feast

In a remarkable observation, astronomers witnessed a black hole shredding a massive star in what is described as the most powerful event of its kind ever recorded. Known as a gravitational tidal disruption event, this phenomenon released energy equivalent to 400 billion times that of our Sun, surpassing even the most energetic supernovae. The event, cataloged as AT 2024WPP, offers new insights into black hole behavior and the dynamics of stellar destruction.

BepiColombo's Journey to Mercury

The BepiColombo spacecraft is nearing its orbit insertion around Mercury after a seven-year journey. Launched in 2018, this multi-spacecraft mission will study Mercury's surface, magnetic field, and interaction with solar activity. The mission consists of two orbiters that will work in tandem to gather comprehensive data about this enigmatic planet, promising to enhance our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.

www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/)

✍️ Episode References

Astrophysical Journal

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society

European Space Agency Reports

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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

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