Mro Takes 100,000th Image of Mars 📸 After almost two decades in orbit around Mars, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured its 100,000th image of the planet's surface. The significant milestone photograph was snapped by the HiRISE camera, known for its high level of detail and part of NASA's advanced imaging systems for interplanetary missions. The special image highlighted the Greater Syrtis region, situated about 80 kilometers southeast of the Jezero Crater, where the Perseverance rover is currently exploring. The photo unveiled a landscape featuring mountains and sandy dunes molded by wind-blown material over an extensive period.

German-Finnish Company to Develop Radar Satellite Constellation for Bundeswehr Rheinmetall ICEYE Space Solutions secures a €1.7 billion contract with the German Armed Forces to create a radar reconnaissance satellite system. The satellites will have the capability to capture Earth's surface images from altitudes of 500 to 600 km, regardless of weather conditions or lighting. The production of these satellites is set to start in the third quarter of 2026.

Powerful Geminids Meteor Shower Lights Up Russian Sky The most powerful meteor shower of the year, the Geminids, has started in Russia. Up to 100 meteors per hour can be observed during this celestial event, which is visible until 2:00 a.m. Moscow time.

First Prototype of Mobile Radiation Therapy Complex Successfully Tested The first prototype of a mobile radiation therapy complex, designed for intraoperative treatment of oncological patients, has completed technical tests. The complex underwent testing on several dozen characteristics and for compliance with GOST standards. The tests were carried out by RESHETNIOV in partnership with Tomsk Polytechnic University, the Tomsk National Medical Research Center for Oncology, and the Scientific Research Institute of Medical Equipment. RESHETNIOV has produced two samples of the medical equipment, with plans to move towards small-scale production of the mobile radiation therapy complexes.

Giant Solar Prominence Observed by Norikura Observatory A giant solar prominence was observed by the Norikura Observatory on July 21, 1992. The height of the plasma column reached an impressive 590,000 km.

Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Spotted Above Red Rock Canyon A sighting of Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS has been reported over Red Rock Canyon. The comet, named after the observatory that discovered it, was visible in the night sky, creating a spectacular celestial display for onlookers. The appearance of the comet above Red Rock Canyon has sparked excitement among astronomy enthusiasts and stargazers. Known for its long tail and bright nucleus, Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS provided a rare opportunity for observers to witness a cosmic phenomenon firsthand.

U.s. Senate Confirms Billionaire Jared Aizacman as Head of NASA The U.S. Senate has confirmed billionaire Jared Aizacman as the head of NASA. Aizacman, known for his participation in two private SpaceX missions that he funded personally, received approval from 67 senators, while 30 opposed his candidacy. Jared Aizacman's appointment comes at a crucial juncture for NASA, as the agency gears up for the Artemis II lunar mission.

The Final Stop on Earth From here begins something extraordinary: boarding the "Soyuz MS-28" and heading into space.

Unveiling the Rotten Egg Nebula The "Rotten Egg Nebula" is a unique protoplanetary nebula resulting from the remnants of the red giant OH231.8+4.2. Situated in the Canis Major constellation, it stands out due to the high presence of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide molecules surrounding the star in transition. This peculiar name derives from the distinctive chemical composition surrounding the evolving star. Typically, a full-fledged planetary nebula emerges approximately 1000 years after this initial stage in the nebula's evolution.

Lunar Lander Blue Ghost Completes Ground Rehearsal The lunar lander Blue Ghost recently finished a successful ground rehearsal for its rocket launch. The tests took place at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Environmental Test Lab in California, the same facility that prepared Voyager probes for their historic journey beyond the Solar System. In preparation for the launch, the mock-up of the lander was subjected to extreme conditions by being secured on a vibrating platform and placed inside an acoustic chamber to simulate the rigors of the upcoming rocket launch.