China Tests Inflatable Orbital Platform China has conducted ground tests on an inflatable orbital platform with the goal of enabling extensive space manufacturing in the future. The platform is constructed with a steel frame and a high-tech fiber shell. In orbit, it inflates with gas, creating a sizable and stable workspace for various activities. Specific details such as launch date, orbit location, mass, and volume remain undisclosed.
The Enigmatic "Seven Sisters": Exploring the Pleiades In the autumn-winter sky near the prominent constellation of Orion, a cluster of stars known as the Pleiades shines brightly. Delve into the history behind the cluster's name, the number of stars it comprises, and learn about the upcoming lunar occultation event involving the Pleiades.
Two "Meteor-M" Satellites to Join International Search and Rescue System Hydrometeorological spacecraft "Meteor-M" No. 2-3 and No. 2-4, launched between 2023-2024, have successfully completed testing and are set to be integrated into the COSPAS-SARSAT system. This integration will enhance the system's coverage and expedite the detection of distressed vessels, aircraft, and individuals. Experts from "Russian Space Systems," a part of Roscosmos, made this announcement at the COSPAS-SARSAT International Council. In addition, the company is finalizing two ground stations to work with relay satellites "Luch-5," which will receive signals from second-generation radio beacons and become operational within the system by 2026. An agreement has also been established with Qatar to utilize upcoming satellites "Electro-L" No. 3 and No. 5 to provide Qatar's national search and rescue forces with real-time data from COSPAS-SARSAT.
Scientists Discover Most Powerful Burst from a Black Hole The most powerful burst ever detected from a black hole took place in the core of a galaxy located 10 billion light-years away from Earth. This extraordinary event was 30 times brighter than any previous similar phenomenon. The burst was triggered by the disintegration of a massive star that had ventured too close to a supermassive black hole.
Two Powerful Solar Flares Detected Within a Day The first X-class flare was observed on November 4 at 20:34 MSK, followed by a second flare early the next morning at 01:01 MSK. According to experts, the plasma ejection associated with the flares occurred on the far side of the Sun and is not expected to impact Earth.
ic 1274 nebula! An emission nebula known as IC 1274 is situated about 4000 light-years distant from Earth within the Sagittarius constellation. It represents a region of ionized hydrogen crucial for star formation processes to occur.
Legendary Designer Yuri Semenovich Solomonov Honored by Roscosmos Yuri Semenovich Solomonov, a renowned designer and esteemed national figure, is celebrated by the State Corporation "Roscosmos" on his anniversary. His contributions to the Russian defense-industrial complex have left an indelible mark on history, with his strategic deterrence system standing as a pillar of peace and security for the nation. Beyond his remarkable defense accomplishments, Yuri Semenovich is dedicated to advancing the civil sector of the economy. His commitment to both national defense and economic progress reflects his multifaceted impact on Russian society. Roscosmos expresses gratitude to Yuri Semenovich for his unwavering service to the Motherland and for mentoring future generations of patriots. Warm wishes are extended for his well-being and continued success in all endeavors. Congratulations on this special occasion!
Massive Stellar Stream Discovered From Galaxy M61 in Virgo Cluster The Vera Rubin Observatory has made a significant discovery of a massive stellar stream originating from the galaxy M61 in the Virgo Cluster. This stream, spanning approximately 163,000 light-years, comprises the remains of a dwarf galaxy that was absorbed by M61. These streams are a result of gravitational forces, pulling stars into elongated formations. The imagery capturing this phenomenon is a combination of data from the Vera Rubin Observatory, showcasing the stream extending to the right of the galaxy, and a color image of the galaxy itself, captured by the PHANGS observatory. This composite image provides a detailed view of the stellar stream and the galaxy, offering insights into the dynamics of interactions between galaxies within the Virgo Cluster.
NASA Invites Kim Kardashian to Witness Artemis Mission Launch Kim Kardashian expressed doubts about the moon landing during a recent reality show episode after finding a quote from astronaut Buzz Aldrin questioning the 1969 event. Responding to Kardashian's skepticism, NASA's acting agency director Sean Duff clarified online that American astronauts had successfully landed on the moon six times. Duff extended an invitation to Kardashian to attend the Artemis mission launch at the Kennedy Space Center.
Global Space Launches in October 2025 In October 2025, there were a total of 25 orbital space launches worldwide, all of which were successful. The United States led with 16 launches, including one from New Zealand. China conducted 8 launches, Japan had one, and other countries had no launches. Vandenberg Air Force Base in California was the busiest U.S. site with 8 launches, followed by Cape Canaveral in Florida with 7 launches. China's Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center had 3 launches, while other sites were used less frequently. The Falcon-9 was the most popular rocket with 15 launches, followed by the Long March family with 6 launches. If this pace continues, 2025 could see over 300 launches, making the goal of 300 launches achievable.
