The 250,000-Mile Slingshot: Artemis II Crew Set to Become Most Distant Humans in History

SPACE DEEP — April 5, 2026 – Four astronauts are currently 48 hours away from breaking a 56-year-old record as they prepare to become the furthest humans to ever travel from Earth. While the Artemis II mission is technically a "test flight," for the crew of the Orion spacecraft, it has become a historic journey into the deep-space record books.

Shattering the Apollo 13 Record

By tomorrow, Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, and Mission Specialists Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen will surpass the record set by the legendary Apollo 13 crew in 1970. They are on a trajectory to reach 252,757 miles away from their home planet—a distance equivalent to circling the Earth's equator ten times.

The crew has already begun witnessing what this distance looks like, reporting that the Earth has shrunk to a small, glowing "oasis" in a vast black void.

From "Orbiters" to "Lunar Explorers"

The mission shifted from a simple transit to a true lunar encounter today as the spacecraft reached the Gravity Shift point. For the first time, the Moon's pull has overtaken the Earth's, effectively "capturing" the crew.

This gravity will serve as a high-speed slingshot. On Tuesday at 12:02 AM UK time, Orion will whip around the lunar far side, using the Moon’s mass to fling the astronauts back toward Earth at incredible speeds. This maneuver is the final "green light" needed to prove that NASA can safely send humans to the Moon and—more importantly—bring them back.

Proving the "Lifeboat"

The mission’s success isn't just about the distance; it’s about the survival of the "lifeboat" itself. Despite a minor plumbing crisis involving a frozen waste-water pipe, the Orion capsule has proven its resilience.

NASA’s Recovery Director, Lili Villarreal, is already mobilizing a massive Navy and NASA task force in the Pacific. They aren't just waiting for a capsule; they are waiting for the return of a new era. When the crew slams into the atmosphere at 25,000 mph next Friday, they won't just be returning as astronauts—they will be returning as the pioneers who reopened the door to the solar system.

A Sight for the History Books

The crew has already achieved one "first": the human sighting of the entire Orientale Basin. While millions have seen photos of the Moon, these four are the only living humans to have looked down at the lunar far side with their own eyes, describing the view as "absolutely spectacular."

As Pilot Victor Glover reminded audiences during a live broadcast: "We are the same thing—and we got to get through this together."

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Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 4/05/2026 08:58:00 PM

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Lunar Renaissance: Artemis II Crew Successfully Enters Orbit in Historic Leap Toward the Moon

 

CAPE CANAVERAL — For the first time since the 1970s, humanity is officially on its way back to the lunar frontier. NASA’s Artemis II mission successfully pierced Earth’s atmosphere today, carrying four astronauts into orbit and signaling the end of a half-century-long hiatus from crewed deep-space exploration.

A Flawless Ascent

The mission began with a thunderous liftoff from the Kennedy Space Center, as the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket generated 8.8 million pounds of thrust to propel the Orion spacecraft. The ascent was described as "flawless" by mission control, despite a brief, minor equipment alert that was quickly resolved by ground teams.

The crew is currently reported to be in "great spirits" as they begin the first phase of their 10-day journey.

The Critical 24-Hour Window

The mission is currently in a high-stakes "checkout" phase. Before committing to the Moon, the crew must remain in Earth’s orbit for approximately 24 hours to verify:

• Life Support Systems: Ensuring the cabin remains pressurized and breathable for the duration of the deep-space flight.

• Manual Piloting: Astronauts will conduct proximity operations to test how the Orion spacecraft handles under human control.

• The TLI Burn: If all systems are "go," the spacecraft will perform a Trans-Lunar Injection (TLI) burn, a massive engine fire that will slingshot the crew toward the lunar far side.

Redefining the Space Race

The successful launch comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tension. With China aggressively pursuing its 2030 lunar landing goal, Artemis II serves as a vital validation of Western aerospace leadership.

"This is more than a test flight; it's a message," noted one NASA official. "We aren't just visiting the Moon; we are preparing to stay."

What’s Next?

As the spacecraft loops around the Moon—reaching a distance of nearly 230,000 miles from Earth—the crew will collect data critical for Artemis III, the mission slated to actually land humans on the lunar south pole.

The journey will culminate in a week's time with a fiery re-entry into Earth's atmosphere, testing Orion’s heat shield at speeds of 25,000 mph before a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean.

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Key Highlights of the Artemis II Mission

Feature	Detail
Objective	First crewed lunar flyby since 1972
Duration	10 days total
Spacecraft	Orion Capsule & SLS Rocket
Max Distance	~230,000 miles from Earth
Next Step	Artemis III (Crewed Lunar Landing)

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Related Coverage:

• China and Pakistan Propose Strategic Space Cooperation

• The Economic Impact of the New Lunar Economy

• How Artemis II Technology Differs from the Apollo Era
  
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  https://thereporter24.com/news/artemis-ii-soars-toward-the-moon-in-historic-crewed-mission-after-decades

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 4/02/2026 09:30:00 AM

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Deep Space Success: How James Webb Solved the 2032 Asteroid Mystery

MARCH 17, 2026 — In a landmark achievement for planetary defense, an international team of astronomers has successfully used the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to resolve one of the most persistent orbital mysteries of the decade. 

The target, Asteroid 2024 YR4, has officially been cleared of its "high-risk" status for the year 2032.

The Challenge of the 'Invisible' Target

Discovered in late 2024, the 60-meter (200-foot) space rock briefly became the most concerning object on NASA’s Sentry Risk Table. Early projections suggested a 1-in-83 chance of a collision with Earth or the Moon on December 22, 2032.

However, by mid-2025, the asteroid became unobservable to ground-based telescopes, leaving a "gap of uncertainty" that wasn't expected to close until 2028. Scientists were concerned that if the risk remained high, a deflection mission like NASA's DART would have limited time to prepare.

JWST: The Only Tool for the Job

NASA’s Director’s Discretionary Time was granted to use the JWST’s Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam) in February 2026. The mission was a technical marvel: the telescope had to track an object 4 billion times fainter than the human eye can see.

By measuring 2024 YR4's position against a backdrop of stable stars, researchers extended the "observational arc" of the asteroid. This precision allowed orbital dynamicists to shrink the "corridor of uncertainty" by over 90%.

The Final 2032 Forecast

According to the latest March 2026 data from NASA’s Center for Near-Earth Object Studies (CNEOS) and the ESA Near-Earth Object Coordination Centre:

• Earth Impact Risk: Reduced to 0%.

• Moon Impact Risk: Previously feared at 4.3%, it is now confirmed at 0%.

• Flyby Distance: The asteroid will pass at a safe distance of 21,200 kilometers (approx. 13,200 miles) from the Moon.

A Future of Planetary Security

This success demonstrates that humanity is no longer "blind" to small, faint threats. While 2024 YR4 is now a confirmed miss, the techniques developed for this mission—utilizing deep-space telescopes for local defense—will be vital for future encounters, such as the famous Apophis flyby in 2029.

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https://thereporter24.com/news/cosmic-close-call-nasa-s-final-verdict-on-asteroid-2024-yr4

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 3/17/2026 08:57:00 AM

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Six-Planet Evening Alignment to Offer Rare Viewing Opportunity on February 28

 

Feb 23, 2026: A striking celestial event is set to unfold on 28 February as six planets become visible in the evening sky shortly after sunset, creating a broad arc across the horizon. 

The phenomenon, often described as a “planetary alignment,” will be observable from much of the world under clear weather conditions.

The display will include Mercury, Venus, Jupiter and Saturn, all of which can be seen without optical aid. The more distant Uranus and Neptune will also be part of the alignment, though they will require binoculars or a small telescope due to their faint brightness.

A Post-Sunset Sky Event

The optimal viewing window will occur within the first hour after sunset. Observers should look toward the western horizon, where several of the planets will appear relatively close together along the ecliptic — the apparent path traced by the Sun across the sky.

Venus is expected to be the most eye-catching object, shining brightly against the fading twilight. Jupiter will appear higher in the sky, while Mercury and Saturn will sit lower and closer to the horizon. Uranus and Neptune will be positioned farther along the same arc but will require darker skies and magnification to detect.

The Moon’s phase will be favorable, with only a slim portion illuminated, minimizing interference from moonlight.

What an Alignment Really Means

Despite the dramatic term, a planetary alignment does not mean the planets form a perfectly straight line in space. Instead, the effect is created by Earth’s perspective. Because the planets orbit the Sun in roughly the same flat plane, they sometimes appear grouped along a curved line from our viewpoint.

Astronomers emphasize that these events are visual configurations rather than rare physical rearrangements of the solar system. However, having six planets visible in a single evening sky is uncommon enough to attract global interest.

Ideal Conditions for Viewing

To maximize visibility, experts recommend choosing an open location with an unobstructed western horizon. Areas away from city lights will significantly improve the chances of spotting the fainter planets. Stargazing apps can help identify exact positions in real time.

Observers using binoculars or telescopes should wait until the Sun is fully below the horizon to avoid eye damage and equipment risk.

A Shared Global Experience

Beyond its scientific explanation, the alignment offers a rare moment of collective observation. Events like this connect observers across continents, reminding people that planetary motion is constant — even if its visual patterns occasionally surprise us.

As February closes, the six-planet display provides both a spectacle and an educational opportunity, encouraging public interest in astronomy and a deeper appreciation of our place within the solar system.

🌍 Why Spain Is Frequently Highlighted

1. Excellent Viewing Conditions
Spain, especially southern regions like Andalusia and the Canary Islands, is known for clear winter skies and low light pollution — ideal for astronomical events.

2. Strong Astronomy Community
Spain hosts major observatories such as:

• Instituto de Astrofísica de Canarias

• Roque de los Muchachos Observatory

These institutions often provide expert commentary, images, and visibility maps to global media.

3. Favorable Geographic Position
Southern Europe has a good sunset angle during this period, allowing multiple planets to be visible shortly after dusk.

4. Media Sourcing
International media frequently rely on European space agencies and Spanish observatories for quotes, forecasts, and sky simulations.

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📌 Important Clarification

The planetary alignment is not exclusive to Spain. It will be visible (weather permitting) across:

• Asia

• Europe

• North America

• South America

Spain is simply being highlighted because of visibility quality and strong scientific sources — not because the event is happening only there.

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https://thereporter24.com/news/global-sky-spectacle-rare-six-planet-line-up-to-illuminate-evenings-across-continents

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 2/23/2026 05:56:00 PM

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Cloud-9: A Mysterious Dark Object That May Unlock Secrets of the Universe

TI24, Jan 9, 2026: Astronomers have identified an unusual celestial object, nicknamed “Cloud-9,” that could offer rare insights into dark matter — one of the most puzzling components of the universe. The discovery has drawn attention because the object may represent a long-theorized but rarely observed type of cosmic structure.

Dark matter is believed to be the invisible framework that shapes galaxies and governs how the universe evolved. Although it cannot be seen directly, scientists estimate that it accounts for about 85 percent of all matter in the cosmos, revealing its presence only through gravitational influence.

According to a recent study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Cloud-9 appears to be a star-free cloud dominated by dark matter, possibly dating back to the earliest stages of galaxy formation. Researchers believe it may be a relic from the young universe that never gained enough material to ignite star formation.

“This object gives us a rare glimpse into the dark universe,” said astronomer Andrew Fox of the Space Telescope Science Institute. He explained that while theories strongly suggest dark matter makes up most of the universe’s mass, observing it directly has always been extremely difficult.

Scientists have long proposed that shortly after the Big Bang — around 13.8 billion years ago — dark matter formed massive clouds. Some of these clouds eventually became galaxies, while others failed to gather enough gas to form stars. Cloud-9 appears to fall into the latter category.

Observations conducted using the Hubble Space Telescope confirmed that Cloud-9 contains no stars, strengthening the theory that it represents a so-called “failed galaxy.”

“This is essentially a galaxy that never succeeded,” said astrophysicist Alejandro Benítez-Llambay, noting that the absence of stars strongly supports existing models of galaxy formation.

Future observations could deepen understanding of how galaxies evolve and how dark matter behaves. Discovering more objects like Cloud-9 would help scientists determine whether such clouds are rare anomalies or remnants of a much larger population.

### Searching for Invisible Galaxies

Unlike bright galaxies filled with stars, failed galaxies are extremely hard to detect. Cloud-9 initially resembled a faint dwarf galaxy — small systems that typically contain anywhere from a few thousand to billions of stars.

The object was first detected three years ago during a hydrogen gas survey near the Messier 94 galaxy using China’s Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST). Follow-up studies with the Green Bank Telescope, the Very Large Array, and the Hubble Space Telescope confirmed its starless nature.

The object earned its nickname because it was the ninth gas cloud identified near Messier 94. Slight distortions in its structure suggest that it may be interacting gravitationally with the nearby galaxy.

Although hydrogen clouds have been observed before, Cloud-9 stands out due to its compact, spherical shape. The cloud spans nearly 4,900 light-years in diameter and contains about one million times the mass of the sun in hydrogen.

Astronomers estimate that roughly five billion solar masses of dark matter make up the remainder of the cloud. “There must be a tremendous amount of invisible gravity holding this cloud together,” said astronomer Rachel Beaton.

She explained that the visible hydrogen alone cannot account for the object’s stability, indicating the presence of a dark matter halo acting as gravitational scaffolding.

### An Uncertain Future

Researchers say Cloud-9 could still evolve. If it accumulates more mass, its gas may collapse and form stars, turning it into a late-forming galaxy.

Alternatively, if it drifts closer to Messier 94, gravitational forces could strip away its gas, causing the cloud to fade out of existence.

Future high-resolution observations may reveal the true nature of Cloud-9’s core, potentially helping scientists rule out certain dark matter candidates.

Some experts urge caution. Astrophysicist Jacco van Loon noted that similar clouds have later been identified as extremely faint galaxies, stressing the need for stronger evidence.

Despite the debate, researchers continue searching for similar objects. Whether Cloud-9 is a rare exception or part of a hidden population, scientists agree it marks a significant step toward understanding the universe’s invisible structure.

“Whatever its true nature, Cloud-9 highlights the exciting future of studying dark, starless objects,” said astronomer Kristine Spekkens.

Credit: CNN

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 1/09/2026 02:23:00 PM

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Nasa weighs early return of ISS crew after medical concern

Astronauts perform a spacewalk outside the International Space Station, continuously occupied by rotating crews since November 2000.
Photo courtesy NASA

Desk Report

Jan 9, 2026: Nasa is reviewing the possibility of cutting short the mission of a four-member crew currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS) following a medical issue affecting one astronaut.

Although the crew member’s condition is reported to be stable, the situation prompted the sudden cancellation of a planned spacewalk, raising concerns among mission planners. Officials are now assessing whether it would be safer to bring the entire Crew-11 team back to Earth earlier than planned, while a smaller group would continue station operations.

"Safely conducting our missions is our highest priority, and we are actively evaluating all options, including the possibility of an earlier end to Crew 11's mission," said a Nasa spokeswoman.

The space agency called off Thursday’s scheduled spacewalk late Wednesday, explaining that the decision was taken due to a health-related issue involving one of the astronauts.

"The agency is monitoring a medical concern with a crew member that arose Wednesday afternoon aboard the orbital complex.

"Due to medical privacy, it is not appropriate for Nasa to share more details about the crew member," the space agency said.

Mission teams are now determining whether the affected astronaut can safely continue working in orbit or whether an early return to Earth is necessary for medical reasons.

"Our top priority is the safe execution of our missions, and we are thoroughly assessing all possibilities, including the option of concluding Crew 11's mission ahead of schedule," the spokeswoman added.

Crew-11 consists of Nasa astronauts Zena Cardman and Mike Fincke, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) astronaut Kimiya Yui, and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. The team arrived at the ISS aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule in August 2025 and was originally scheduled to remain in space for roughly six months.

Their planned return was set for late February 2026, following the arrival of a replacement crew. If Crew-11 departs early as a unit, three other astronauts would remain on the station to maintain essential operations.

Those staying behind would include Nasa astronaut Chris Williams and Russian cosmonauts Sergey Kud Sverchkov and Sergei Mikayev.

According to Dr Simeon Barber, a space scientist at the Open University, standard procedure would require all four Crew-11 members to return together if the mission ends prematurely.

"They would all come back together as a team, because, you don't want to leave one or more team member behind."

The ISS is equipped with essential medical tools and secure communication systems that allow ground-based doctors to privately consult with astronauts, evaluate symptoms, and recommend treatment while the crew remains in orbit.

An early return, however, could disrupt the station’s research schedule and delay certain maintenance activities, Barber explained.

"The space station is a big, complex feat of engineering, it's designed to be operated by a certain minimum level of crew," he said.

"If Crew-11 were to return early, what the remaining crew would have to do is dial back on some of the more experimental work and focus more just on the housekeeping and keeping the station healthy, waiting for the full complement of crew to be restored."

নাসা এক নভোচারীর স্বাস্থ্যগত সমস্যার কারণে আইএসএস ক্রুর আগমনী সময় কমানোর সম্ভাবনা বিবেচনা করছে

ডেস্ক রিপোর্ট

০৯ জানুয়ারি ২০২৬: নাসা বর্তমানে আন্তর্জাতিক মহাকাশ স্টেশন (আইএসএস) এ থাকা চার সদস্যের ক্রু-এর মিশন আগেই শেষ করার সম্ভাবনা নিয়ে আলোচনা করছে। এক নভোচারীর স্বাস্থ্যগত সমস্যার কারণে এই সিদ্ধান্ত বিবেচনার মূল কারণ।

যদিও আক্রান্ত ক্রু সদস্যের অবস্থা স্থিতিশীল বলে জানা গেছে, তবুও এর প্রভাবে পূর্বনির্ধারিত একটি মহাকাশে কাজের (spacewalk) কার্যক্রম বাতিল করা হয়েছে, যা মিশন পরিকল্পনায় উদ্বেগ সৃষ্টি করেছে। কর্মকর্তারা এখন মূল্যায়ন করছেন যে, সম্পূর্ণ ক্রু-১১ টিমকে পরিকল্পনার চেয়ে আগে পৃথিবীতে ফিরিয়ে আনা কি নিরাপদ হবে, এবং একই সঙ্গে একটি ছোট দল স্টেশনের কার্যক্রম চালিয়ে যাবে।

নাসার একজন মুখপাত্র বলেন, “আমাদের মিশন নিরাপদভাবে পরিচালনা করাই সর্বোচ্চ অগ্রাধিকার। আমরা সক্রিয়ভাবে সকল বিকল্প মূল্যায়ন করছি, যার মধ্যে ক্রু-১১ এর মিশন আগেভাগেই শেষ করার সম্ভাবনা রয়েছে।”

মহাকাশ সংস্থা বুধবার রাতে বৃহস্পতিবারের নির্ধারিত spacewalk বাতিল করেছে। তারা জানিয়েছে, এই সিদ্ধান্তটি এক নভোচারীর স্বাস্থ্যগত কারণে নেওয়া হয়েছে।

“এজেন্সি একটি ক্রু সদস্যের সঙ্গে সম্পর্কিত স্বাস্থ্যগত সমস্যার মনিটরিং করছে যা বুধবার বিকেলে মহাকাশ স্টেশনে দেখা দিয়েছে। স্বাস্থ্যগত গোপনীয়তার কারণে, নাসা ক্রু সদস্যের সম্পর্কে আরও বিস্তারিত তথ্য প্রকাশ করা যথাযথ নয়,” তারা আরও জানিয়েছে।

মিশন টিম এখন নির্ধারণ করছে আক্রান্ত নভোচারী নিরাপদে কাজ চালিয়ে যেতে পারবেন কি না, নাকি চিকিৎসা কারণে আগেই পৃথিবীতে ফেরানো প্রয়োজন।

মুখপাত্র পুনরায় বলেন, “আমাদের সর্বোচ্চ অগ্রাধিকার হচ্ছে মিশনের নিরাপদ সম্পাদন, এবং আমরা সকল সম্ভাবনা যাচাই করছি, যার মধ্যে ক্রু-১১ এর মিশন পূর্বসময়ে শেষ করার বিকল্পও রয়েছে।”

ক্রু-১১ এর সদস্যরা হলেন: নাসার নভোচারী জেনা কার্ডম্যান ও মাইক ফিঙ্কে, জাপান এয়ারস্পেস এক্সপ্লোরেশন এজেন্সি (JAXA) এর নভোচারী কিমিয়া ইউই, এবং রাশিয়ার কোস্মোনট ওলেগ প্লাতোনভ। তারা আগস্ট ২০২৫ এ স্পেসএক্স ক্রু ড্রাগন ক্যাপসুলে আইএসএস এ পৌঁছেছিলেন এবং প্রাথমিক পরিকল্পনা ছিল প্রায় ছয় মাসের জন্য মহাকাশে থাকার।

তাদের পূর্বনির্ধারিত প্রত্যাবর্তন ফেব্রুয়ারি ২০২৬ এর শেষের দিকে হওয়ার কথা ছিল। যদি ক্রু-১১ সম্পূর্ণ টিম একসঙ্গে আগেভাগে ফিরে আসে, তবে স্টেশনে তিনজন নভোচারী বাকি থাকবেন জরুরি কার্যক্রম চালানোর জন্য।

বাকি থাকবেন নাসার নভোচারী ক্রিস উইলিয়ামস এবং রাশিয়ান কোস্মোনট সার্গেই কুড স্বেরচকভ ও সার্গেই মিকায়েভ।

ওপেন ইউনিভার্সিটির মহাকাশ বিজ্ঞানী ড. সিমিয়ন বার্বার বলেছেন, “স্ট্যান্ডার্ড প্রক্রিয়া অনুযায়ী, যদি মিশন পূর্বসময়ে শেষ হয়, ক্রু-১১ এর সকল চারজন সদস্য একসঙ্গে ফিরবেন। আপনি এক বা একাধিক সদস্যকে একা ছেড়ে দিতে চাইবেন না।”

আইএসএস এ পর্যাপ্ত চিকিৎসা সরঞ্জাম এবং নিরাপদ যোগাযোগ ব্যবস্থা রয়েছে, যা ভূ-ভিত্তিক চিকিৎসকদের নভোচারীদের সঙ্গে গোপন পরামর্শ করতে, লক্ষণ মূল্যায়ন করতে এবং চিকিৎসা পরামর্শ দিতে সহায়তা করে।

তবে, মিশন আগে শেষ করা স্টেশনের গবেষণা সময়সূচি ব্যাহত করতে পারে এবং নির্দিষ্ট রক্ষণাবেক্ষণ কার্যক্রমের জন্য বিলম্ব ঘটাতে পারে।

বার্বার আরও বলেন, “মহাকাশ স্টেশন একটি বড় এবং জটিল প্রকৌশল কৃতিত্ব, যা নির্দিষ্ট সংখ্যক ক্রু দিয়ে পরিচালিত হওয়ার জন্য ডিজাইন করা হয়েছে। যদি ক্রু-১১ আগেভাগে ফিরে আসে, তবে বাকি ক্রু শুধু নিয়মিত রক্ষণাবেক্ষণ এবং স্টেশনকে সুস্থ রাখার কাজেই মনোযোগ দেবেন, এবং পুরো ক্রু পুনরায় আসার জন্য অপেক্ষা করবেন।”

Munshi Firoz Al Mamun 1/09/2026 01:13:00 AM

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