News

Intuitive Machines' Athena lunar lander touched down on the Moon on Thursday, but its orientation remains uncertain, raising concerns about the mission's success. This landing marks the second lunar touchdown within the same week under NASA's commercial lunar delivery program, highlighting the agency's efforts to utilize private companies for lunar exploration.

On March 7th, 2023, a group of researchers gained unprecedented access to the Daisen Kofun, a keyhole-shaped imperial burial mound dating back to the 5th century, marking the first time scholars were allowed to step foot on the sacred site since the postwar era. This rare opportunity allowed researchers to study the mound's structure and uncover new details about its construction and potential occupants.

NASA's Osiris-Rex mission has returned with asteroid samples containing the building blocks of life and evidence of an ancient water world, suggesting asteroids may have played a crucial role in delivering the ingredients for life to Earth. These findings provide the strongest evidence yet that these ingredients were present in a watery environment almost from the beginning of the solar system.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, stranded on the International Space Station for nine months due to issues with their Boeing Starliner capsule, finally received relief with the arrival of their replacements. The arrival paves the way for their long-awaited return to Earth, marking the end of an unexpectedly extended mission.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba rejected calls from the US to increase defense spending, stating that Japan will independently determine its budget based on its own security assessments. This comes in response to Elbridge Colby, the Trump administration's nominee for under secretary of defense, who urged Japan to raise its defense spending to at least 3% of its GDP.