Archive for June, 2026
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June 4th, 2026
Free-floater in microgravity.
Image credit: NASA
In the micro-gravity of space, the human body loses muscle and bone density.
Not only that but eyes change and fluids shift to the brain, among other issues.
The European Space Agency (ESA) is deep diving into dry-immersion baths as a way to recreate aspects of living in microgravity, part of their human spaceflight research.
Image credit: ESA
In suspension
Similar to bath tubs, large containers hold study participants in suspension for many days.
ESA explains that the studies benefit from placing less pressure on the body as volunteers are supported and suspended evenly in the tub. In that way a condition is created that mimics the floating astronauts experience on the International Space Station.
“Results from this type of research,” ESA states, “does not only benefit astronauts but has implications for people on Earth who are bedridden for long periods of time.”
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Image credit: NASA
A research team advocates use of Earth’s moon as a secure site for biocontainment of extraterrestrial samples, particularly from Mars, but also from other exploration locales, like Enceladus, a moon of Saturn.
For more details, go to my new Space.com story – “Should we store Mars samples on the moon to keep alien germs away from Earth? – The Moon may become humanity’s first line of biological defense” — at:
Incorporation of metals from space hardware re-entry into stratospheric particles.
Graphic: Chelsea Thompson, NOAA
BOULDER, Colorado – Increased attention is being given to the rising intrusion of exotic materials into Earth’s atmosphere from satellite and space hardware re-entry. Exasperating the situation is the ongoing proliferation of satellite “megaconstellations” being undertaken by multiple nations.
Atmospheric impacts of spacecraft launches and re-entries, what is known and unknown, along with research priorities was detailed at the 2026 European Geosciences Union held May 3-8 in Vienna, Austria.
Go to my new SpaceNews story – “Researchers call for regulations to protect low Earth orbit environment – Experts call for an end to an unsustainable ‘Wild West’ approach to space” – at:
https://spacenews.com/researchers-call-for-regulations-to-protect-low-earth-orbit-environment/
Voyager Technologies has signed an agreement to acquire Astrobotic Technology, Inc., the Pittsburgh-based commercial lunar delivery, lunar power and reusable rockets firm.
“We are building the infrastructure foundation that will make America’s permanent presence on the Moon a reality,” said Dylan Taylor, Chairman & CEO, Voyager. “With Astrobotic, Voyager is now a lunar platform that will have capability at every infrastructure layer needed to put Americans on the lunar surface and keep them there.”
According to a Voyager Technologies statement, the acquisition directly supports NASA’s Artemis program and NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman’s commitment to a permanent American presence on the Moon by 2028.
“Voyager intends to accelerate investment to scale Astrobotic’s lunar and reusable rocket programs in support of America’s Moon Base plans,” the statement explains.
Image credit: SpaceX
SpaceX filed on May 20 with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission key documentation for an initial public offering (IPO) of stock.
An IPO signals that a private company sells shares of its stock to the public on a stock exchange. This long-anticipated public offering could become the largest IPO in history, roughly a two trillion dollar valuation, and will be soon listed under the ticker SPCX.
Number of challenges
As noted by SpaceX, “this prospectus contains forward-looking statements that are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control,” explains SpaceX. “You should read this entire prospectus carefully before making an investment decision.”
SpaceX mission statement is to “make life multiplanetary, understand the true nature of the universe, and extend the light of consciousness to the stars.”
Image credit: SEC filing/SpaceX
The prospectus adds: “We face a number of challenges relating to our business and growth strategy and, ultimately, the achievement of our mission to make life multiplanetary, understand the true nature of the universe, and extend the light of consciousness to the stars.”
I reached out to a number of experts about what the SpaceX IPO means for markets and individual investors – and the implications for a new wave of high-tech listings seeking fame and fortune.
Go to my new Space.com story — Will SpaceX still be a launch company after its historic IPO? — at:
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Mars Guy/Inside Outer Space screengrab
A new episode of Mars Guy looks at the accumulation of dust donuts on the color calibration targets used by cameras on NASA’s Perseverance rover.
“Martian dust is behaving as expected. It also reveals a fundamental difference between dust on Mars and Earth. Our dust doesn’t behave this way.”
This video is available at:
Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Mars Guy/Inside Outer Space screengrab
