Episodes

Interstellar Comet 3I ATLAS Captured by Gemini South Telescope: The Gemini South Telescope has unveiled stunning new images of interstellar comet 3I ATLAS, the third known comet from outside our solar system. Discovered on July 1, 2025, this comet is becoming increasingly active as it approaches the Sun, developing a prominent tail and a glowing coma. Its composition resembles that of comets from our solar system, suggesting consistent formation processes across different star systems. This anci...

Juno Mission's Discovery of Callisto's Auroral Footprint: NASA's Juno mission has successfully identified the elusive auroral footprint of Callisto, one of Jupiter's Galilean moons. This significant finding confirms that all four Galilean moons interact with Jupiter's magnetosphere, providing vital data on the energetic particles and magnetic fields involved in this interaction. The discovery was published in the journal Nature Communications on September 1, 2025. Record-Breaking Fast Radio Bur...

NASA's Concerning Blood Cell Research: A groundbreaking study reveals that human stem cells experience accelerated aging in space, as tracked during four SpaceX missions to the ISS. The research highlights DNA damage and shorter telomeres, although some damage appears reversible upon return to Earth. This vital information could inform strategies for protecting astronauts on long-duration missions to Mars. Upcoming Total Lunar Eclipse: Mark your calendars for a spectacular total lunar eclipse o...

SpaceX's Game-Changing ISS Test: SpaceX has successfully completed a crucial reboost test of the International Space Station (ISS) using its Dragon cargo spacecraft. This test, which raised the ISS's altitude by 5 miles, is vital for maintaining the station's orbit, especially with concerns over Russia's potential withdrawal from the ISS programme by 2028. The precision of this manoeuvre highlights SpaceX's growing capabilities in supporting the ISS's future. James Webb's Distant Galaxy Discove...

SpaceX's Launch Rate Expansion: SpaceX has received approval from US regulators to more than double its launch rate from Cape Canaveral, increasing from 50 Falcon 9 launches per year to an astonishing 120. This expansion aims to alleviate the current launch bottleneck and streamline operations, including the addition of a new landing zone for up to 34 returning boosters. Revolutionary Cosmological Theory: A bold new study by physicist Rajendra Gupta challenges the existence of dark matter and p...

Mark Your Calendars for the Total Lunar Eclipse: On September 7th and 8th, 2025, a spectacular total lunar eclipse, or Blood Moon, will be visible to over 7 billion people across Australia, Asia, Africa, and Europe. This event will last approximately five and a half hours, with the totality phase offering a breathtaking 1 hour and 22 minutes of dramatic celestial viewing. Solving the Hubble Tension: A new method introduced by Indian astronomers, using Mira variables, aims to address the ongoing...

Close Encounter with Asteroid 2025 QD8: Astronomers have identified a newly discovered asteroid, designated 2025 QD8, which is set to make a close flyby of Earth on September 3rd. Passing within one lunar distance, approximately 135,465 miles, this asteroid, comparable in size to a commercial jet, presents a fascinating opportunity for observation, with a free livestream available via the Virtual Telescope Project. UK Space Agency's Major Reorganisation: The UK Space Agency is merging with the ...

SpaceX's Flight 10 Success: SpaceX's Starship has successfully completed Flight 10, with both the super heavy booster and ship upper stage achieving their mission objectives. Despite some battle scars and intentional stress tests, the ship executed a controlled splashdown, showcasing its resilience and performance. Nasa's New Mission Evaluation Room: NASA has opened a new Mission Evaluation Room at the Johnson Space Center in Houston to support the Artemis 2 mission. This facility will monitor ...

Rocket Lab's Neutron Rocket Takes Shape: Rocket Lab has inaugurated its new Launch Complex 3 at Wallops Island, Virginia, marking a significant milestone for their next-generation Neutron rocket. Designed for medium lift capabilities, the Neutron will be able to carry payloads of up to 13,000 kilogrammes to low Earth orbit, featuring a unique reusable fairing that opens and closes during flight. James Webb's Surprising Planet Formation Discovery: The James Webb Space Telescope has observed a pr...

Sun's Spectacular X-Class Flare: The NSF Inouye Solar Telescope has captured its first images of an X-class solar flare, showcasing unparalleled detail of coronal loops and magnetic reconnections. This breakthrough could enhance our ability to predict solar flares and their effects on Earth, paving the way for improved space weather forecasting. Unlocking the Secrets of the Mesosphere: Researchers have developed ultralight flying structures that harness sunlight to explore the elusive mesospher...

SpaceX's Starship Soars Again: SpaceX has successfully completed another test flight of its Starship, marking a significant milestone in its ambitious plans for Mars exploration. We discuss the impressive specifications of the current version and what to expect from the upcoming iterations, including orbital refueling capabilities that will pave the way for interplanetary travel. New Theories on Dark Energy: A groundbreaking theory proposes that dark energy may have once pulled the universe tog...

SpaceX's Starship Soars to New Heights: SpaceX has achieved a remarkable milestone with the successful completion of Starship's 10th test flight. This episode dives into the significant accomplishments, including the first payload door operation in space and a successful in-space propellant transfer, paving the way for future lunar and Martian missions. A Busy Week for Rocket Launches: The global space launch scene has been bustling, with China's Long March 2D rocket deploying satellites for it...

SpaceX's Starship Test Flight Delays: The highly anticipated 10th test flight of SpaceX's Starship has faced multiple delays due to ground systems issues and inclement weather. Learn about the challenges and what’s next for this revolutionary rocket designed for lunar and Martian exploration. JUICE's Close Call: The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) experienced a nerve-wracking silence while on its way to Venus. Discover how the team successfully reestablished contact a...

SpaceTime S28E102 S28E103 S28E104 w/c August 25th, 2025 Space, Astronomy and Science Podcast. SpaceTime Series 28 Episode 102 *Earth dodges two asteroid near misses within days of each other Planet Earth has just dodged two asteroid near misses within days of each other, both swooping past the Earth lower than the orbits of many satellites. *A new moon discovered orbiting Uranus Astronomers have discovered another moon orbiting the ice giant planet Uranus. *Dancing dwarf galaxies predict our Mil...

Japan's HTV X Resupply Mission: JAXA is gearing up for the inaugural flight of its new cargo delivery vehicle, the HTV X, set to launch this October. Discover how this advanced spacecraft, designed to carry up to 4 metric tonnes of supplies, will enhance the efficiency of resupply missions to the International Space Station, featuring a larger hatch for last-minute cargo loading. - Parker Solar Probe Confirms Magnetic Reconnection: NASA's Parker Solar Probe has validated a 70-year-old theory ab...

SpaceX's Starship Test Flight: Get ready for the highly anticipated 10th test flight of SpaceX's Starship system! With the massive Super Heavy booster now at the launch pad in South Texas, this test is set for Sunday, August 24th. Discover how SpaceX's rapid, iterative approach to testing sets it apart from traditional aerospace methods, and learn about the flight plan that could bring astronauts back to the Moon. - A Rare Black Moon: This week, on August 23rd, we will witness a black moon, the...

International Space Collaboration: Join us as we explore the successful launch of the Kinetica 1 rocket by Chinese commercial launch provider CAS Space, which carried a unique payload including two Pico satellites designed and built in Mexico. These innovative satellites aim to capture a selfie and merge science with art, showcasing the power of international partnerships in space exploration. - The Enigmatic X37B: Delve into the mysteries surrounding the US Space Force's X37B spaceplane, set t...

New Moon Discovered Around Uranus: Astronomers have confirmed the discovery of a tiny new moon orbiting Uranus, measuring just five miles in diameter. This marks the first new addition to Uranus’s moon family in over 20 years, highlighting the ongoing exploration of our solar system's outer planets. The moon, temporarily designated S 2023 U1, was spotted using the Magellan telescopes in Chile and is believed to be a captured object from the Kuiper Belt, shedding light on the dynamics of Uranus’s...

China's Lunar Ambitions: Dive into the latest developments from China's space programme as they make significant strides towards their lunar goals. With successful tests of their Lanyue Lunar lander and the Long March 10 rocket, China is on track to land astronauts on the Moon before 2030, potentially outpacing NASA's Artemis programme. Explore the geopolitical implications of this evolving space race and what it means for international perceptions of technological prowess. - The Eye of Sauron ...

European Space Agency's Flex Satellite: Discover the groundbreaking developments of the European Space Agency's Flex Earth Explorer mission, which has successfully integrated its key instrument, Floris. This innovative tool is designed to map global vegetation fluorescence, providing vital insights into plant health and ecosystem vitality from space. As the mission prepares for its 2026 launch, learn how this technology could revolutionize our understanding of photosynthesis and environmental mo...

SpaceX's Starship Update: Join us as we delve into the latest developments surrounding SpaceX's colossal Starship rocket. With the recent approval from the FAA for their 10th full-scale test flight, SpaceX is set to tackle new challenges after a series of setbacks. Discover the details of their propulsion system tests and the innovative changes being implemented to ensure future success in their ambitious Mars settlement plans. - Blue Origin's New Glenn Launch: Excitement builds as Blue Origin ...

Seismic Secrets of the Moon: Explore new research revealing that our lunar neighbour is more seismically active than previously thought. This study highlights the potential risks posed by moonquakes to future lunar bases, emphasising the need for careful planning and site selection for long-term habitats on the Moon. - Dramatic Stellar Demise: Witness the extraordinary tale of a massive star's explosive end as it interacts with a black hole companion. This unprecedented event, captured in real ...

New Insights on Trappist 1d: Join us as we explore the latest findings regarding the exoplanet Trappist 1d, which, despite its Earth-like size and rocky surface, has been ruled out as a potential twin due to the absence of a suitable atmosphere. Discover what this means for the search for life beyond our solar system and the implications of red dwarf stars on planetary atmospheres. - Colorado's Lunar Surface Simulator: Travel closer to home as we discuss an innovative lunar surface simulator bu...

Revolutionary Satellite Launch for Climate Monitoring: Join us as we explore the successful launch of the Metop second generation satellite from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. This innovative satellite, launched aboard an Ariane 6 rocket, aims to enhance global weather and climate monitoring with its sophisticated instruments, including the crucial Copernicus Sentinel 5, which will provide vital data on air pollutants and climate-related gases. - United Launch Alliance's Vulca...