## NASA's Artemis II Mission Makes History Around the Moon

NASA's Artemis II mission has achieved a series of extraordinary milestones, with its crew successfully completing a lunar flyby that captured the attention of space enthusiasts worldwide. As the astronauts looped around the Moon, they etched their names into the history books in more ways than one — and the spacecraft is now on course to splash down on Earth on Friday.

## A Record-Breaking Journey

Among the most remarkable achievements of the mission was the breaking of a long-standing Apollo-era record. The Artemis II crew surpassed a benchmark set during the iconic Apollo program, marking a significant leap forward in human spaceflight history. This milestone underscores NASA's commitment to pushing the boundaries of exploration and building on the legacy of its predecessors.

## Witnessing a Rare Eclipse from Space

Adding to the mission's already impressive list of accomplishments, the crew was treated to a breathtaking and rare eclipse while in the vicinity of the Moon. Observing such a celestial event from the vantage point of deep space offered the astronauts a perspective that very few humans have ever experienced — a powerful reminder of the awe-inspiring nature of space exploration.

## Lunar Flyby and Return to Earth

The successful lunar flyby represented a critical phase of the Artemis II mission, serving as a vital test of the systems and procedures that will eventually support a crewed lunar landing. With the flyby now complete, all eyes are on the final leg of the journey as the crew prepares for reentry and splashdown. NASA expects the spacecraft to safely return to Earth on Friday, wrapping up a mission that has already proven to be a defining chapter in modern space exploration.

## What This Means for the Future of Space Exploration

Artemis II's success signals a new era of human spaceflight. As NASA continues to build momentum with the Artemis program, these milestones bring humanity one step closer to a sustained presence on and around the Moon — and ultimately, deeper into the solar system.

NASA's Artemis II astronauts completed a lunar flyby, broke an Apollo-era record, and witnessed a rare eclipse before splashing down on Earth Friday.

Artemis II Crew Breaks Apollo Record on Lunar Flyby

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Artemis II Crew Circles the Moon, Shatters Apollo Record, and Witnesses a Rare Eclipse

## A Tribute Written in the Stars

Space exploration has always carried a deeply human dimension, but the crew of NASA's Artemis II mission recently demonstrated just how personal that connection can be. During the mission, the astronauts proposed naming a crater on the Moon after Commander Reid Wiseman's late wife — a heartfelt act of remembrance that has resonated with people around the world.

## The Story Behind the Name

Astronaut Jeremy Hansen, speaking with NASA scientist Kelsey Young during the Artemis II mission, expressed the crew's desire to name several lunar craters that were visible to them — both with the naked eye and through long-range lenses.

Among those craters, a distinctive bright feature near the Moon's surface caught their attention. The crew put forward the name **"Carroll"** in honour of Carroll Taylor Wiseman, the commander's beloved wife, who lost her battle with cancer in 2020 at just 46 years old.

### A Loss That Shaped a Mission

Reid Wiseman's wife passed away five years before the Artemis II mission launched, yet her memory clearly travels with the crew. By proposing to etch her name onto the surface of the Moon, the astronauts transformed a scientific milestone into an enduring personal tribute.

## The Significance of the Gesture

Naming celestial features after individuals is a long-standing tradition in space exploration, typically reserved for scientists, explorers, and pioneers. In this case, the crew's proposal elevates a deeply private grief into something universal — a reminder that behind every mission are human beings carrying their own stories, sorrows, and love.

The name "Carroll" on the lunar surface would serve as a permanent memorial, visible from Earth and lasting far beyond any human lifetime.

## About the Artemis II Mission

Artemis II represents NASA's first crewed mission under the broader Artemis programme, which aims to return humans to the Moon. The crew, which includes Commander Reid Wiseman and astronaut Jeremy Hansen among others, has been training since 2023 at the Johnson Space Center in Texas. The mission marks a historic step forward in deep space exploration and lays the groundwork for future lunar landings.

The Artemis II crew proposed naming a lunar crater 'Carroll' in tribute to Commander Reid Wiseman's wife, who died of cancer in 2020 at age 46.

Artemis II Crew Names Moon Crater After Commander's Late Wif

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Artemis II Crew Honours Commander's Late Wife by Naming Moon Crater After Her

## A Human Eye Where No Camera Has Gone Before

For the first time in more than half a century, human beings are journeying to the moon — and what they're seeing cannot be replicated by any orbiting satellite. The four-person crew aboard NASA's Artemis II mission is offering scientists something no robotic probe ever could: real-time, nuanced human observation of Earth's nearest celestial neighbor.

Launched aboard the Orion space capsule atop a Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center, the mission has already shattered records. On Monday, at 1:57 p.m., the crew surpassed the Apollo 13 distance record of 248,655 miles, making Artemis II the farthest any humans have ever traveled into deep space.

## The Lunar Flyby: Seven Hours of Unprecedented Views

The mission's centerpiece is a roughly seven-hour lunar flyby during which astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch — all NASA — along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, will peer out the windows of Orion and relay live observations to scientists on the ground.

The crew woke Monday morning just 18,830 miles from the moon's surface, serenaded by "Good Morning" from Mandisa and TobyMac, before beginning their historic approach. During the flyby, they will pass over the former landing sites of Apollo 12 and 14, and catch a rare glimpse of the lunar south pole — a region NASA is targeting for crewed landings as early as 2028.

The astronauts will also witness something extraordinarily rare: a solar eclipse viewed in reverse, watching the sun vanish behind the moon from the opposite perspective that observers on Earth experience.

## Why Human Eyes Outperform Satellites

NASA does have extensive photographic coverage of the moon through instruments like the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. So why does it matter that humans are up there looking?

Kelsey Young, Artemis II's lunar science lead, answered that question directly during pre-flyby press conferences. The human eye, she explained, is remarkably capable of detecting subtle color variations and surface textures — especially when paired with a trained scientific mind.

"The human eye, especially when it's connected to a well-trained brain — which I assure you these four people have — is capable of making nuanced color observations in literally the blink of an eye," Young said.

### The Sandbox Analogy

To illustrate the scientific value of different illumination angles, Young used a simple but powerful analogy. Imagine a sandbox at the beach — the sand isn't uniform. It has texture, varying grain sizes, and subtle color differences.

Now shine a flashlight directly from above: you'll see color variations and surface reflectivity clearly. Shift that same light to the side, and you lose the color nuance — but gain a sharp sense of topography and physical structure.

The Artemis II crew will experience both scenarios in real time. As the spacecraft moves around the moon, the angle of sunlight hitting the lunar surface will shift dramatically. This means the astronauts can observe the same locations under multiple illumination conditions — something no fixed-orbit satellite can replicate.

"We understand what the moon is made of. We understand the topography," Young said. "But we don't know what the crew are going to see in these specific illumination conditions from a scientific perspective. And that's exciting."

## Ten Science Objectives and 35 Geological Features

NASA has outlined ten distinct science objectives for this flyby. Among the most significant is documenting color variations across the lunar surface. Scientists have identified approximately 35 geological features for the crew to observe and describe throughout the approach, with live commentary expected several times per hour.

At closest approach, the far side of the moon — largely unseen by human eyes throughout history — will be approximately 21% illuminated, offering a unique viewing window into one of the most mysterious regions in our solar system.

Mission Commander Wiseman has already been delivering vivid real-time observations. In a post shared by NASA's Solar System account on X in the early hours of Sunday morning, he described looking at Tycho Crater:

*"You know I'm not one for hyperbole, but it's the only thing I can come up with. Just seeing Tycho — there are mountains to the north, you can see Copernicus, Reiner Gamma. It's just everything from the training but in three dimensions and absolutely unbelievable. This is incredible."*

Mission Control's reply was understated and perfect: *"Copy, moon joy."*

## A Higher Altitude, a Broader Perspective

While Apollo missions flew much closer — and several actually landed on the lunar surface — Orion's closest approach during Artemis II will be approximately 4,070 miles from the moon. Far from being a limitation, this altitude is scientifically strategic.

The greater distance allows the crew to view the moon as a complete disc, assessing surface features at a broader scale than Apollo-era astronauts ever could. Just as Apollo geologists trained crews to spot specific rock formations at close range, Artemis II astronauts are being asked to observe large-scale patterns — color gradients, reflectivity zones, and geological transitions — that only become visible when you step back far enough to see the whole picture.

## Thousands of Photos Expected

The Orion spacecraft is equipped with two Nikon D5 cameras and one Nikon Z9. Young anticipates the mission will produce thousands of images during the flyby, with NASA planning to release photos to the public as quickly as possible following the approach.

"The data we will get back will inspire the next generation of scientists and explorers," Young said. "But it will also bring the moon closer and unite all of us."

For a generation accustomed to seeing the moon through a telescope or a screen, Artemis II offers something different — and deeply human. It's the reminder that sometimes, the most sophisticated instrument we have is simply a pair of well-trained eyes.

The Artemis II crew is observing parts of the moon no satellite can capture. Discover why human eyes are critical to NASA's lunar science mission.

What Artemis II Astronauts See That Satellites Cannot

What Artemis II Astronauts Can See That No Satellite Ever Could

## Scientists Achieve Remarkable Light-Trapping Feat at Nanoscale

A team of researchers has accomplished something that pushes the boundaries of modern physics — trapping infrared light inside a structure more than 1,000 times thinner than a single human hair. The layer measures just 40 nanometers thick, yet it successfully confines and intensifies light in ways that were previously considered out of reach. The findings, published in the journal *ACS Nano*, could fundamentally reshape the future of photonic technology.

The research was led by scientists from the Faculty of Physics at the University of Warsaw, in collaboration with teams from the Łódź University of Technology, Warsaw University of Technology, and the Polish Academy of Sciences.

## Why Controlling Light at Tiny Scales Matters

As conventional electronics approach their physical limits, photonics — the science of using light to carry information — has emerged as a promising alternative. Unlike electrons, photons travel faster and carry no mass, meaning devices built around light have the potential to be both smaller and significantly more powerful.

However, light's wave nature creates a fundamental challenge. Every wavelength of light has a natural size limit that dictates how small a controlling structure can be. Visible light spans several hundred nanometers, while infrared light stretches to a micrometer or beyond. The central question researchers have long wrestled with is whether light can truly be controlled within structures smaller than its own wavelength.

This new study answers that question with a definitive yes.

## The Key: A Special Material With Extraordinary Properties

The breakthrough hinges on a cleverly engineered structure called a **subwavelength grating**, built from a material known as **molybdenum diselenide (MoSe₂)**. The grating consists of tightly spaced parallel strips that interact with light in a manner similar to a prism. When these strips are packed closer together than the wavelength of the incoming light, the grating functions almost like a perfect mirror — while simultaneously locking light into an exceptionally small space.

Previous subwavelength gratings made from materials such as silicon or gallium compounds required thicknesses of several hundred nanometers to work properly. Shrinking them further caused their light-confining ability to break down entirely.

The game-changer here is MoSe₂'s unusually high **refractive index** — a measure of how much a material slows light down. For context:

- **Glass** slows light by approximately 1.5 times
- **Silicon and gallium arsenide** slow it by around 3.5 times
- **Molybdenum diselenide** slows light by roughly **4.5 times**

This exceptional light-slowing capability allows the structure to shrink to just 40 nanometers while still performing its light-trapping role with impressive efficiency.

## Turning Infrared Into Visible Blue Light

MoSe₂ offers more than just a high refractive index. Like graphene, it forms naturally layered structures — but unlike graphene, it behaves as a semiconductor. It also exhibits **nonlinear optical properties**, including a phenomenon called **third harmonic generation**.

In this process, three infrared photons merge into a single photon with a higher frequency, effectively converting invisible infrared light into visible **blue light**. Because the subwavelength grating concentrates infrared light so intensely, this conversion process becomes dramatically more efficient. According to the research team, the effect is more than **1,500 times stronger** than what is observed in a flat layer of the same material.

## Scaling Up: From Lab Curiosity to Real-World Application

One of the most significant hurdles in working with MoSe₂ has historically been production. Earlier methods relied on **exfoliation** — essentially peeling thin layers off a crystal using adhesive tape. While this technique works in a laboratory setting, it produces inconsistent results and is limited to areas of roughly ten square micrometers — far too small for practical devices.

To solve this, the team turned to **molecular beam epitaxy (MBE)**, a well-established semiconductor manufacturing technique. This method enabled them to grow large, uniform MoSe₂ films across areas spanning several square inches, all while maintaining a consistent thickness of just 40 nanometers.

To appreciate how extreme this is: the thickness-to-size ratio of this film is approximately **one to one million** — compared to a standard A4 sheet of paper, which has a ratio closer to 1:2,000.

Because MBE is a scalable production method, the path toward integrating this material into **photonic integrated circuits** and other real-world applications is now far more achievable.

## What This Means for the Future of Photonics

This research challenges the long-held assumption that photonic structures need to be thick to manipulate light effectively. Extremely thin layers can now perform the same functions — and in certain respects, outperform their bulkier predecessors.

The implications stretch across multiple industries. Smaller, faster photonic devices could revolutionize **telecommunications, computing, sensing technologies**, and beyond. As researchers continue refining this approach, the era of ultra-compact, light-based technology draws significantly closer.

*The research received funding from Poland's National Science Centre, the European Union's ERC-ADVANCED grant program, the Foundation for Polish Science, and the University of Warsaw's Excellence Initiative.*

Researchers trapped infrared light in a 40-nanometer layer using molybdenum diselenide, boosting light conversion 1,500x and advancing photonic tech.

Scientists Trap Light in Layer 1,000x Thinner Than Hair

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Scientists Trap Infrared Light in a Layer Over 1,000 Times Thinner Than Human Hair

## A Small Fish With an Extraordinary Talent

Deep within the Democratic Republic of Congo, researchers have made a discovery that is rewriting what we thought we knew about the physical limits of fish. A species native to the region has been observed doing something that seems almost impossible — scaling waterfalls that rise as high as 50 feet above the ground.

This is not a gentle slope or a modest stream bank. These are powerful, churning waterfalls, and yet this fish navigates them with a level of agility and determination that has left scientists genuinely astonished.

## What the Research Reveals

A new study focused on both the behavior and the anatomy of this remarkable species sheds light on how such an athletic feat is even possible. Researchers conducted detailed observations and physical examinations to understand what combination of biological traits allows this fish to do what most creatures — let alone aquatic ones — simply cannot.

The findings suggest that the fish possesses specialized anatomical features that work in concert with distinct behavioral strategies. Together, these traits allow it to grip slick rock surfaces, resist powerful currents, and propel itself upward in a controlled and deliberate manner.

### Body Built for the Climb

Unlike the vast majority of fish species, which are entirely dependent on open water for movement, this species appears to have evolved structures that make surface contact not only possible but effective. Its physical build gives it the mechanical advantage needed to shimmy upward against gravity and rushing water simultaneously — a dual challenge that would defeat virtually any other aquatic creature.

### Behavior That Matches the Body

Anatomy alone does not tell the whole story. The research also highlights that the fish demonstrates purposeful, repeatable climbing behavior. This is not accidental or random movement. The fish actively seeks out and ascends waterfalls, suggesting that climbing serves an important ecological or biological purpose — possibly related to migration, feeding, or reproduction.

## Why This Discovery Matters

Findings like these expand our understanding of evolutionary biology and the surprising directions in which life can develop. The Congo River basin is one of the most biologically diverse aquatic environments on Earth, and discoveries emerging from it continue to challenge scientific assumptions.

This research is a powerful reminder that nature is still full of secrets waiting to be uncovered — sometimes in the most unexpected places, and in the most unexpected creatures.

New research from the Congo reveals a fish species capable of scaling 50-foot waterfalls using unique anatomy and remarkable climbing behavior.

Fish That Climb 50-Foot Waterfalls Discovered in Congo

The Fish That Defies Gravity: How One Species Scales 50-Foot Waterfalls

## Artemis II Astronauts Offer Rare Glimpse Into the Moon's Hidden Face

For the first time in decades, human eyes are gazing upon one of the solar system's most elusive landscapes — and the astronauts witnessing it are struggling to find adequate words to describe the experience.

The four-person crew aboard NASA's Artemis II mission has entered the third day of their ambitious journey, navigating the Orion spacecraft around the far side of the Moon before making their return to Earth.

## A Crew of Pioneers

The mission brings together three NASA astronauts — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch — alongside Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen. Together, they represent a new generation of space explorers pushing the boundaries of human reach beyond low Earth orbit.

### Koch's Words Capture the Moment

Among the crew's reflections, astronaut Christina Koch offered perhaps the most evocative description of encountering the lunar far side.

"Something about you senses that is not the Moon that I'm used to seeing," Koch remarked, capturing the disorienting yet extraordinary experience of observing a face of the Moon invisible to those on Earth.

Her words echo the sentiments of a crew confronting something genuinely unprecedented in their personal experience — and in modern human spaceflight.

## Tracking the Journey

As of 23:00 BST on Saturday, NASA's live mission dashboard confirmed that the Orion spacecraft had traveled more than **180,000 miles (approximately 289,681 kilometers)** from Earth — a testament to the sheer scale of this interplanetary endeavor.

The mission is designed not only to carry its crew around the lunar far side but also to serve as a critical test flight ahead of future Artemis missions that aim to return humans to the lunar surface for the first time since the Apollo era.

## Why the Far Side Matters

The Moon's far side — often mistakenly called the "dark side" — never faces Earth due to a phenomenon known as tidal locking. As a result, it remains largely shrouded in mystery for most people, and direct human observation of it is extraordinarily rare.

Artemis II represents a pivotal step in NASA's broader strategy to establish a sustained human presence near and on the Moon, with long-term goals focused on eventual crewed missions to Mars.

As the Orion spacecraft continues its trajectory and the crew's reflections continue to pour in, the world watches with anticipation — reminded once again of humanity's enduring drive to explore the unknown.

NASA's Artemis II astronauts share their awe-inspiring first impressions of the Moon's far side as they complete day three of their historic lunar mission.

Artemis II Crew Describe Seeing the Moon's Far Side

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Artemis II Crew Share Breathtaking First Impressions of the Moon's Far Side

## Welsh Government Takes Over Ffos-y-Fran Mine Restoration Decision

The Welsh government has intervened to determine the outcome of a deeply contested restoration plan for the site of the UK's last and largest opencast coal mine, located near Merthyr Tydfil in South Wales.

The decision to "call in" the application means that Welsh ministers — rather than Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council — will have the final say over how the former Ffos-y-Fran mine site is cleaned up and returned to its natural state.

## A Cheaper Plan That Has Sparked Outrage

At the center of the dispute is Merthyr South Wales Ltd (MSW), the company responsible for operating the mine. MSW has put forward a scaled-back restoration proposal that would cost significantly less than the original agreement, warning that it lacks sufficient funds to carry out the full cleanup that had previously been committed to.

Under the revised plan, MSW proposes to reduce the height of one coal tip while leaving two others entirely in place — a far cry from the original scheme, which required all tips to be used to fill the mine's main void, a cavity stretching 175 metres (574 feet) deep.

The three remaining coal tips collectively contain an estimated 37 million cubic metres of material excavated during the mine's operational years.

## Background: A Mine Built on Promises

Ffos-y-Fran was granted approval in 2005 and was officially designated a "land reclamation scheme" — a classification that required a portion of profits generated from coal sales to be reinvested in restoring the land to green hillside upon closure. Over its 15-year lifespan, the mine produced approximately 11 million tonnes of coal, accounting for 86% of the UK's total coal output before it ceased operations.

Estimates for completing the full restoration vary considerably, with figures ranging from £50 million to as high as £175 million. MSW's newly proposed budget of just £15 million falls dramatically short of even the most conservative projections, which place a proper restoration at between £75 million and £120 million.

The company's most recently filed accounts do show a provision of approximately £91.2 million set aside for restoration obligations. However, correspondence from the local council to MSW has raised concerns that the company now appears to be banking on a £15 million emergency fund — originally established as a joint safety net in the event of insolvency — to cover the bulk of the costs.

MSW's consultants acknowledged the concerns, stating that detailed financial costings are currently being prepared.

## Local Campaigners Welcome Government Intervention

Residents living near the former mine have long opposed both its operation and the prospect of an inadequate restoration. Chris and Alyson Austin, who have campaigned on the issue for years, expressed relief at the Welsh government's involvement.

"We are really, really pleased," said Alyson Austin. "We've always felt the local authority lacked the capacity or resources to deal with a complex and controversial plan of this nature."

Her husband Chris echoed the sentiment, arguing that the issue carries national significance and demands a broader perspective than local government can provide.

"This plan isn't like approving an extension on Mrs Jones' house — it's much wider. The local authority has been too close to this for too long and doesn't have the breadth of resources the Welsh government will have," he said.

## Safety Concerns and Accusations of Profit-Grabbing

Critics have raised serious alarm over the safety implications of leaving the coal tips in place. A geotechnical assessment commissioned by the council warned of a "significant risk of slope instability" at the Ffos-y-Fran site.

Daniel Therkelsen, campaigns manager at Coal Action Network, was blunt in his assessment of MSW's motives.

"What we're talking about here is a very dangerous landscape," he said. "They talk about erecting fences to discourage people from going near the cliff edge, swimming in the void, or riding dirt bikes on the slopes. We've seen at other under-restored opencast sites that these kinds of measures simply haven't worked."

Therkelsen accused the company of a deliberate "profit grab," arguing that the reduced restoration budget represents an attempt to walk away from its obligations while extracting maximum financial benefit from the area.

MSW pushed back against the safety characterisations, insisting that comparing its "purpose-built, engineered structures" to historically unstable coal tips was "incorrect and misleading."

## Political Pressure Mounts

The Welsh Conservatives have criticised the Labour-led Welsh government over the timing of its intervention, alleging that ministers acted "far too late on Ffos-y-Fran" and suggesting the move was politically motivated ahead of an upcoming election.

The Welsh government declined to elaborate on its decision, stating only that it would be "inappropriate to comment further at this time" while the process is ongoing.

The Welsh government has called in a controversial restoration plan for the UK's largest former opencast mine, taking the decision away from local authorities.

Welsh Government to Rule on Ffos-y-Fran Mine Restoration

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Welsh Government Steps In to Decide Fate of UK's Largest Former Opencast Mine

## Artemis II Astronauts Are Sending Back Stunning Images From Space

Just days into NASA's historic Artemis II mission — the first crewed lunar voyage in more than 50 years — the four-member crew has already produced a remarkable collection of photographs that are capturing the world's attention. From intimate cabin snapshots to awe-inspiring views of our home planet, these images tell the story of a journey unlike any other.

## Commander Reid Wiseman Leads the Photography Effort

Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman has emerged as the mission's primary photographer, snapping a series of extraordinary images from the windows of the Orion spacecraft following the completion of the translunar injection burn on April 2, 2026.

Among the most striking of his shots is an image of Earth nearly eclipsing the Sun, with a vivid display of zodiacal light visible in the frame. This triangular glow — created when sunlight scatters off suspended dust particles — is particularly visible during eclipse events. Adding to the visual drama, both the northern and southern auroras appear in the same photograph, framing Earth at opposite corners of the image.

Wiseman also captured Earth's terminator line, the sharp boundary that divides the sunlit side of the planet from the darkened side shrouded in night — a geographical and atmospheric detail rarely seen so clearly from this vantage point.

## Scientists Are Guiding the Crew on What to Photograph

The photography isn't entirely spontaneous. According to Lakiesha Hawkins, the acting deputy associate administrator for NASA's Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, the Artemis II crew is actively collaborating with NASA's science team to identify the most valuable photographic opportunities as the mission progresses.

As the spacecraft moves into lunar orbit, scientists will direct the crew toward specific subjects and angles that could yield scientifically significant images. This partnership between astronauts and researchers ensures that the mission's visual documentation serves both public inspiration and scientific discovery.

## A Historic Mission Already Making Its Mark

The Artemis II mission is carrying Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen on a 10-day journey around the Moon and back aboard the Orion spacecraft. The crew has already participated in a media downlink event, answering questions from reporters while in transit — a milestone moment that underscores the mission's blend of exploration and public engagement.

With the lunar flyby still ahead, the crew's photography portfolio is only expected to grow more spectacular in the days to come.

NASA's Artemis II crew is capturing breathtaking photos of Earth from deep space. See the stunning images from their historic 10-day lunar mission.

Artemis II Crew Shares Stunning Earth Photos From Space

Artemis II Crew Captures Breathtaking Images of Earth From Deep Space

## Artemis II Astronauts Share Breathtaking Perspective from Beyond Earth's Orbit

The crew aboard NASA's Artemis II mission has connected with the world through a moving video transmission, offering personal reflections on space travel and heartfelt messages for their loved ones back home — all while hurtling through the cosmos toward the far side of the Moon.

### A Journey Beyond Earth's Boundaries

The Artemis II spacecraft has successfully broken free from Earth's orbit, marking a significant milestone in humanity's return to deep space exploration. The four-person crew is now on course to observe the far side of the Moon, a feat that underscores the ambition and scale of NASA's renewed lunar program.

### Words That Transcend the Stars

Among the most powerful moments of the transmission came from mission pilot Victor Glover, who delivered a message that resonated far beyond the confines of the spacecraft. Looking down at our planet from the vastness of space, Glover offered these words of reassurance and unity:

> "Trust us, you look amazing, you look beautiful, and from up here you also look like one thing — you're all one people."

His words carry a weight that only the vantage point of space can provide — a reminder that the divisions and borders that define life on Earth are invisible from the cosmos.

### Reflections on the Human Experience

The crew used their video link not only to check in with family members anxiously watching from Earth, but also to share what this extraordinary journey has revealed to them about the human experience. Floating hundreds of thousands of miles from home, the astronauts described how spaceflight reshapes one's understanding of our place in the universe.

Each crew member offered unique insights into what it means to see Earth as a single, unified sphere — fragile, luminous, and shared by billions of people who may never experience the silence of space themselves.

### The Bigger Picture of Artemis II

The Artemis II mission represents a landmark chapter in space exploration, serving as a critical crewed test flight that paves the way for future lunar landings under NASA's broader Artemis program. It is the first time humans have ventured this far from Earth in decades, rekindling a spirit of exploration that defined the Apollo era.

As the spacecraft continues its trajectory around the Moon, the world watches with anticipation — reminded by the crew's words that exploration is not just about reaching new destinations, but about discovering new truths about ourselves and our shared humanity.

Artemis II astronauts share emotional messages from space as their spacecraft heads toward the far side of the Moon. Pilot Victor Glover calls Earth 'beautiful.

Artemis II Crew Speaks from Space on Way to the Moon

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Artemis II Crew Sends Powerful Message from Deep Space: 'You Are All One People'

## The Sky Is No Longer the Limit — It's the Destination

For decades, data centers have been firmly rooted on Earth. Now, some of the biggest names in technology are looking upward — literally — as the race to power artificial intelligence pushes companies to explore orbital computing as a serious alternative to ground-based infrastructure.

The idea sounds like science fiction, but it is quickly becoming a focal point of real investment, engineering research, and corporate strategy.

## Elon Musk's Vision: AI Satellites in Orbit

Earlier this year, Elon Musk stood before an enthusiastic audience and unveiled one of his most ambitious plans yet. His space-launch company, SpaceX — which has recently merged with his AI venture, xAI — intends to deploy data centers directly into Earth's orbit.

The driving argument is electricity. "You're power constrained on Earth," Musk explained. "Space has the advantage that it's always sunny."

His concept involves vast networks of computing satellites encircling the planet, feeding the insatiable energy demands of the AI industry from above. The pitch also carries financial motivation: SpaceX reportedly filed confidential documents with the Securities and Exchange Commission this week, signaling plans for an initial public offering as early as this summer.

Musk went further, claiming that deploying AI infrastructure in space could become cheaper than doing so on Earth within just two to three years. That prediction, however, has drawn considerable skepticism from the scientific community.

## Why Earth-Based Data Centers Are Struggling

The urgency behind these proposals stems from a very real crisis unfolding on the ground. Artificial intelligence is consuming electricity at an unprecedented rate. According to the International Energy Agency, global data center power consumption is projected to nearly double — approaching 1,000 terawatt-hours — before the decade is out.

Some companies are responding by constructing dedicated gas turbines, while others are turning to nuclear energy to keep up with demand. Yet even these measures may not be sufficient. Philip Johnston, CEO and co-founder of Starcloud — a startup actively working to build orbital data centers — paints a stark picture of what lies ahead.

"We're very quickly running up on constraints on where you can build new energy projects terrestrially," Johnston warned. "Within six months, they'll just be leaving chips in warehouses because they don't have power for turning them on."

## Early Movers: Starcloud and Google's Suncatcher Project

Starcloud is already putting its vision into practice. The company launched its first spacecraft last autumn, carrying an Nvidia H100 chip. It successfully demonstrated the ability to run a version of Google's Gemini AI model from space and has a second satellite scheduled for launch in October, boasting 100 times the power generation of its predecessor — though still producing only around 8 kilowatts.

Google is pursuing a parallel path through a project called Suncatcher, developed in partnership with satellite-imagery firm Planet. The initiative envisions a cluster of 81 satellites, with two prototype units set to launch in early 2027.

"Orbital data centers are an idea whose time has come," said Will Marshall, Planet's CEO. "When exactly it will be more cost efficient than terrestrial ones is debatable, but now is the time to be working on this."

## The Engineering Challenges Are Enormous

### Power: More Than the ISS Can Handle

While sunlight is freely available in orbit, converting it into usable power at the scale required for AI computing is a monumental challenge. For context, the International Space Station — the largest power-generating structure currently in space — features solar panels covering roughly half the size of a football field and produces approximately 100 kilowatts of average power.

Olivier de Weck, a professor of astronautics at MIT, notes that this is roughly equivalent to the output of a single large car engine. Replicating a 100-megawatt Earth-based data center in orbit would require a facility 500 to 1,000 times larger, depending on altitude.

"Is that feasible? Yeah, I think it's feasible, but not next year and certainly not in three years," de Weck said.

### Cooling: The Vacuum Problem

Heat management presents another critical obstacle. On Earth, data centers use air cooling and liquid systems to keep microchips from overheating. In space, however, the vacuum environment means there is no medium through which heat can naturally escape.

"All of that heat that the computer generates has to be dispelled," said Rebekah Reed, a former NASA official now affiliated with Harvard University's Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs.

The most practical solution involves large radiator panels that circulate liquid and release heat into space. This means an AI satellite would need not only expansive solar arrays but also substantial radiator systems — both of which add significant size and weight to any spacecraft.

### Latency and Data Transfer

Building smaller satellites arranged in coordinated constellations could help distribute the power and cooling burden. However, this approach introduces another problem: the satellites must exchange enormous volumes of data at high speed. Even with laser-based communication links operating at the speed of light, the distances involved introduce latency that can slow computing performance.

Google's Suncatcher project addresses this by grouping satellites into extremely tight clusters to minimize communication delays. Musk, on the other hand, has proposed launching more than one million satellites into polar orbits. His recently unveiled first-generation "AI Sat Mini" spacecraft features solar arrays stretching approximately 180 meters — or around 600 feet — in width.

## The Cost Equation: Launch Economics Are the Bottleneck

Even if the engineering problems were solved tomorrow, getting all of this hardware into space remains prohibitively expensive. Current launch costs sit at roughly $1,000 per kilogram. Google has stated that this figure must fall to at least $200 per kilogram — a fivefold reduction — before orbital data centers can be economically viable.

Musk believes SpaceX's next-generation Starship rocket, still under development, can achieve that cost reduction. Starcloud's Johnston agrees that Starship is central to the entire orbital data center concept, telling potential investors plainly: "If you don't think Starship's going to work, don't invest in us — that's totally fine."

## Maintenance: The Human Factor

Beyond power, cooling, and launch costs, there is yet another challenge that is easy to overlook: data centers are not simply passive structures filled with quietly humming hardware.

Raul Martynek, CEO of DataBank — a company that manages 75 data centers across the United States — emphasizes that these facilities demand continuous maintenance, hardware upgrades, and hands-on human oversight. Replicating that level of operational support in the unforgiving environment of outer space raises questions that the industry has yet to fully answer.

## A Bold Bet With a Long Horizon

The concept of space-based data centers sits at the intersection of genuine technological necessity and extraordinary ambition. The pressure on Earth's energy grid is real, and the demand from AI systems shows no sign of easing. Whether orbital infrastructure can serve as a meaningful solution — or remains a compelling but distant dream — will depend on breakthroughs in launch technology, satellite engineering, and cost reduction that are still years away.

Brandon Lucia, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Carnegie Mellon University who specializes in satellite computing, captures the prevailing sentiment among experts: Musk's two-to-three-year timeline represents, at best, "an optimistic interpretation" of what is technically and economically possible.

For now, the stars may be the goal — but the road to get there is longer and more complicated than any rocket trajectory suggests.

Elon Musk and Google are racing to build data centers in orbit. Explore the engineering, cost, and feasibility challenges of space-based AI infrastructure.

Space-Based Data Centers: Can Big Tech Make It Work?

Space-Based Data Centers: The Next Frontier for Big Tech's AI Ambitions

## A Whale-Shaped Insect Found High in the Rainforest Canopy

Deep within the treetops of a South American rainforest, researchers have stumbled upon one of the most visually striking insect discoveries in recent memory. A newly identified termite species bears such a remarkable resemblance to a sperm whale that scientists named it accordingly — introducing the world to *Cryptotermes mobydicki*.

The species was described by an international research team led by Rudolf Scheffrahn, a professor of entomology at the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS). What sets this tiny soldier termite apart is its elongated, rounded head and largely concealed mandibles — features that, when viewed from the side, paint a picture that is unmistakably whale-like.

## A Shape Unlike Anything Seen Before

When researchers first encountered the specimen, its appearance was so alien compared to known termite species that they initially suspected it might represent an entirely new genus altogether.

"This termite is unlike anything we've ever seen," said Scheffrahn, whose taxonomic research is conducted at the UF/IFAS Fort Lauderdale Research and Education Center.

He went on to describe the visual parallels in striking detail: "The lateral view of the soldier's frontal prominence and elongated head resembles the head of a sperm whale, and in both organisms, the mandibles are eclipsed by the head. The whale's eye and the soldier's antennal socket are comparatively positioned."

The whimsical naming choice, he explained, was enthusiastically embraced by his co-authors. "After I noticed the resemblance to a sperm whale, my coauthors thought the name to be appropriate and whimsical, much like 'ghost orchid' or 'Dumbo octopus.'" The name also pays tribute to Herman Melville's legendary novel, *Moby-Dick*, further cementing the creature's literary and scientific identity.

## What the Discovery Reveals About Termite Evolution

The identification of *Cryptotermes mobydicki* brings the total number of documented *Cryptotermes* species in South America to 16. Genetic analysis places the new species in close evolutionary relationship with other members of the group found across the Neotropical region, including populations in Colombia, Trinidad, and the Dominican Republic.

These genetic connections offer researchers a clearer picture of how this termite lineage has diversified and migrated over time, contributing valuable data to the broader study of insect evolution in tropical ecosystems.

The colony itself was found living inside a dead, standing tree approximately eight meters above the forest floor — a habitat typical of drywood termites, which do not require soil contact to thrive.

## A Window Into Undiscovered Biodiversity

### Thousands of Species Still Unnamed

With only around 3,000 termite species currently recognized worldwide, each new discovery carries significant scientific weight. Scheffrahn emphasized that this find is a reminder of how much remains unknown.

"The discovery of this distinctive new termite species underscores the vast number of unnamed organisms yet to be discovered on our planet," he said.

Tropical rainforests, in particular, are known to harbor extraordinary levels of biodiversity — much of it still uncharted. The unusual body structure of *Cryptotermes mobydicki* highlights just how morphologically diverse termites can be, and raises compelling questions about what other extraordinary species may be hiding in the canopy.

### No Threat to Homes or Infrastructure

For those concerned about termite damage, there is reassuring news. As a drywood species native to South American rainforests, *Cryptotermes mobydicki* poses absolutely no risk to buildings, timber structures, or trade goods. Unlike the invasive termite species that cause considerable structural damage across parts of the southeastern United States, this newly discovered insect remains confined to its natural rainforest habitat and shows no signs of spreading beyond it.

## A Small Insect With a Big Scientific Impact

The discovery of *Cryptotermes mobydicki* is more than a charming story about a whale-shaped bug — it is a testament to the richness of life still waiting to be catalogued in the world's tropical forests. As deforestation and climate change continue to threaten these ecosystems, findings like this serve as a powerful reminder of what could be lost before it is ever found.

Scientists have discovered Cryptotermes mobydicki, a new termite species in South America whose whale-like head shape stunned researchers and inspired its uniqu

New Termite Species Looks Like a Tiny Sperm Whale

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Meet Cryptotermes mobydicki: The Tiny Termite That Looks Just Like a Sperm Whale

NASA&#039;s Artemis II crew has successfully launched on a mission that will take it around the moon and back to Earth. Here&#039;s what to expect over their roughly 10-day journey. 

NPR Science LISTEN & FOLLOW Science In a thunderous launch, Artemis II astronauts leave Earth. Here's what's next April 2, 2026 5:00 AM ET By

The Artemis II crew — which includes NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman (left), Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen — is on its way to the moon. Here's what to expect over the roughly 10-day mission. Bill Ingalls/NASA hide caption

For the first time in more than 50 years, astronauts are heading to the moon. The Artemis II crew launched Wednesday atop NASA's SLS rocket, which left thick trails of vapor across a clear-blue Florida sky. The four astronauts and their team on the ground are now busy preparing for the challenges that lie ahead.

Science Liftoff! NASA astronauts have launched on a historic journey to the moon NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, along with Canadian Space Agency astronaut Jeremy Hansen, launched from Kennedy Space Center in Florida, ensconced in an Orion capsule attached to an SLS rocket. The historic mission — the first time in more than half a century that humans have visited the moon — will take them on a 230,000-mile journey around the lunar body and back that will serve as a critical test flight of the Orion spacecraft.

Moments in history 50 years ago, U.S. astronauts landed on the moon. None have been back since The nearly 10-day mission will not only test the spacecraft's life-support systems and maneuverability, but conduct critical science ahead of future deep space missions to the lunar surface.

The mission is on a flight path that keeps the spacecraft in Earth's gravitational influence past the moon, then falls back to the planet for splashdown. This path, called a free return trajectory, uses less fuel and is less risky than entering a lunar orbit.

This graphic shows key milestones along the Artemis II astronauts' journey around the moon and back. NASA hide caption

About a day after launch, the spacecraft is set to perform a translunar injection, firing its engine and sending the Artemis II crew members on their lunar journey.

Science NASA is just days away from historic Artemis II moon launch The path will take the crew to within about 5,000 miles above the lunar surface. Apollo missions typically orbited the moon under 100 miles (or touched down on the surface).

"When they pass by the far side of the moon, it'll look like a basketball held at arm's length," said Artemis II mission scientist Barbara Cohen. "It'll be that kind of view."

After separating from the rocket that got them into space, but before heading to the moon, the crew tested the Orion spacecraft closer to home.

Just hours after entering high-Earth orbit, the crew performed what's known as a proximity operations test — taking manual control of the vehicle to see how it handles in space.

Short Wave Why is NASA going to the moon again? "We are essentially going to make sure that the vehicle flies the way that we think it does, that we designed it to do," Artemis II pilot Victor Glover said ahead of the launch.

Controlling the spacecraft will be important for future missions, which will need to dock with a lunar lander in orbit. And while this process is likely going to be automated, NASA wants to know how it handles should astronauts have to take manual control.

"We also want to give qualitative and quantitative feedback to the ground team, so letting them know what it feels like now that we can hear and feel the thrusters, and to just understand the human experience," said Glover.

Near the end of the maneuver, the pilot appeared to give the vehicle high marks.

"Overall guys, this flies very nicely," he told team members on the ground.

The astronauts themselves will be the subject of science experiments: Because the crew is going farther into deep space than any human has gone before, researchers are taking this opportunity to study the impact it will have on the human body.

Medical researchers will be collecting data on physiological changes in response to space travel and increased radiation exposure. The astronauts' cells have been placed on tiny chips and distributed throughout the capsule in an effort to understand these effects in greater detail.

Crew members will also lend their eyes for geological research, since they are flying around the far side of the moon, at at altitude offering views that no human has seen before.

"They'll be able to see places on the moon that, actually, no human eyes have ever seen before," said Cohen.

Geologists on Earth trained the crew to spot unique features on the lunar surface, and snap photos of them for further study. (This follows in a time-honored tradition: Apollo astronauts who visited the moon more than a half-century ago were also trained by geologists .) These observations will help them better understand that side of the moon and possibly help plan for a human landing.

And the mission's high-altitude flyby of the moon gives them a unique perspective.

"The benefit of that to science, is that kind of like when you're traveling cross country on an airplane, what you can see is a strip of land below you. You don't see the whole globe of the Earth. That's what the Apollo astronauts did," said Cohen. "The Artemis II astronauts will be able to see it from much farther away."

The mission is also carrying stowaways in the form of CubeSats — tiny satellites bound for high-Earth orbit. The payloads are from Germany, South Korea, Saudi Arabia and Argentina and will study various impacts of space radiation on space hardware, monitor space weather, and how the environment affects electrical hardware bound for the moon.

As the crew returns home, its capsule will be traveling close to 25,000 miles per hour as it reenters the atmosphere. The friction generated by hitting the atmosphere at that speed will cause the Orion capsule to experience temperatures of close to 3,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

The capsule is equipped with a heat shield to protect the astronauts from the intense heat of reentry. During an uncrewed test flight in 2022, NASA discovered unexpected damage to the heat shield. To further protect the crew, the capsule will hit the atmosphere at a much steeper angle than Artemis I, which will limit the time it will experience those harsh conditions.

Once the spacecraft is past that danger zone, eight parachutes will slow the spacecraft down even more before splashing down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. A series of airbags will deploy to make sure the capsule is right side up. A crew at sea will scoop up the astronauts, bringing their mission to a close.

What's learned on this flight is critical to future Artemis missions. Last week, NASA administrator Jared Isaacman announced plans to increase the frequency of launches to the moon and a plan to establish a permanent base on the lunar surface. That effort begins with Artemis II.

"It is our strong hope," said Artemis II mission specialist Christina Koch, "that this mission is the start of an era where everyone, every person on Earth, can look at the moon and think of it as also a destination."

NASA&#039;s Artemis II crew has successfully launched on a mission that will take it around the moon and back to Earth. Here&#039;s what to expect over their ro