According to reports from Bloomberg and the Financial Times, SpaceX is targeting a valuation of approximately $350 billion in its public listing, surpassing Saudi Aramco’s record-setting IPO in terms of investor excitement and oversubscription. If the valuation holds — and early indications suggest demand could push it even higher — Musk’s 42% stake in SpaceX would be worth approximately $147 billion, adding to his existing Tesla and xAI holdings to push his total net worth past the trillion-dollar threshold.

Why SpaceX Is Worth So Much

SpaceX’s extraordinary valuation reflects the company’s dominance across multiple high-growth sectors in the space economy. The company operates three major business lines, each of which would be a substantial company in its own right.

The first is its launch services business, built around the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets and the revolutionary Starship super-heavy launch vehicle. SpaceX has achieved something no other company in history has managed — making space launch reliable, reusable, and relatively affordable. The Falcon 9, with its trademark booster landings, has completed over 400 successful missions, while Starship promises to reduce the cost of putting payload into orbit by an order of magnitude.

The second pillar is Starlink, the satellite internet constellation that now comprises over 6,000 satellites and serves millions of subscribers worldwide. Starlink’s recent conditional approval to operate in India — one of the world’s largest untapped markets — has further boosted revenue projections. Analysts estimate Starlink alone could be worth $100-150 billion, making it one of the most valuable telecommunications businesses in the world.

The third business line is SpaceX’s government and defence contracts, including its work with NASA on the Artemis lunar programme and its partnerships with the US Department of Defence. These contracts provide a stable, high-margin revenue base that complements the more commercially driven launch and Starlink businesses. (Related: SpaceX Files for Largest IPO in History at 1.75 Tr…)

The Path to a Trillionaire

The concept of a single individual possessing wealth exceeding $1 trillion was unthinkable just a decade ago. As recently as 2020, no person had ever been worth more than $200 billion. But the explosive growth of technology companies, combined with the unique concentration of ownership in private firms like SpaceX, has accelerated wealth creation at the very top of the economic pyramid at an unprecedented pace.

Musk currently holds significant stakes in Tesla (valued at approximately $800 billion), xAI (his artificial intelligence company), The Boring Company, and Neuralink, in addition to SpaceX. A successful IPO at the projected valuation would push his combined wealth to between $1.1 and $1.3 trillion, depending on market conditions.

The milestone, however, is not without controversy. Critics argue that such extreme wealth concentration is a symptom of systemic inequality, particularly when millions of people worldwide lack basic necessities. “One person having a trillion dollars while billions live on less than $10 a day is not a sign of a healthy economy — it’s a sign of a broken one,” said Oxfam International in a statement responding to the IPO reports. (Related: SpaceX Files Landmark S-1 Prospectus Revealing 18….)

Impact on Indian Markets and Investors

The SpaceX IPO has significant implications for Indian investors and markets. Indian mutual funds and institutional investors are expected to participate in the offering, either directly or through global allocation vehicles. Several Indian-origin executives and engineers hold stock options in SpaceX, and the IPO will create substantial wealth for this group.

The listing also has implications for India’s own space economy. ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), and a growing roster of Indian space startups — including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, and Pixxel — operate in a market that SpaceX’s success has helped validate. While these companies are far smaller than SpaceX, the global enthusiasm for space investment that the IPO represents could benefit Indian space ventures through increased investor interest and partnership opportunities.

For Starlink’s operations in India, the IPO adds financial firepower to support the company’s planned rollout of satellite internet services. The capital raised could be used to build Indian gateway stations, develop India-specific pricing plans, and invest in the regulatory compliance infrastructure required to operate in the country.

What Happens Next

The SpaceX IPO is expected to price in the coming weeks, with trading likely to begin on the New York Stock Exchange or Nasdaq by late June or early July. The offering is being managed by a consortium of banks including Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and JPMorgan Chase.

For Elon Musk, the IPO represents both a financial milestone and a validation of his decades-long bet on the commercialisation of space. For the world, it raises profound questions about the relationship between technological innovation, wealth concentration, and the public good. Whether the first trillionaire is a cause for celebration or concern depends very much on where you stand — but that it is happening at all is a sign of the extraordinary times we live in.

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Shukla, who was selected as India’s Axiom astronaut from a pool of four Gaganyaan candidates, launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center and docked with the ISS for an extended mission that included scientific experiments, technology demonstrations, and training activities. His 14-day stay — the longest by any Indian national in orbit — surpasses Rakesh Sharma’s pioneering 1984 mission aboard the Soviet Salyut 7 station, which lasted approximately 8 days.

The Mission Profile

Axiom Mission 4, the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS organised by Houston-based Axiom Space, carried a crew of four — including Shukla as a mission specialist representing India. The mission objectives were dual-purpose: advancing Axiom’s commercial space station programme while providing ISRO with invaluable experience in human spaceflight operations.

During his 14 days aboard the ISS, Shukla conducted a packed schedule of activities. He performed over 20 scientific experiments across disciplines including fluid physics in microgravity, plant growth in space, and the effects of radiation on biological samples. Several experiments were designed specifically by Indian research institutions, including IIT Madras and the Physical Research Laboratory in Ahmedabad, focusing on areas relevant to India’s future space missions.

Shukla also underwent extensive training in EVA (Extra-Vehicular Activity) procedures, life support system management, and emergency protocols — skills that will be directly transferable to the Gaganyaan programme. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath said the mission provided “irreplaceable hands-on experience that no amount of ground simulation can replicate.”

India’s Space Ambitions

The Axiom-4 mission is intimately linked to India’s broader space ambitions. The Gaganyaan programme, India’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission, aims to send Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit aboard an Indian-made spacecraft launched by an Indian rocket. The programme, which has faced several delays since its announcement by Prime Minister Modi in 2018, is now targeted for its first crewed flight in 2027.

Shukla’s experience aboard the ISS provides critical inputs for Gaganyaan’s mission design. Every aspect of his stay — from the physiological effects of microgravity to the psychological challenges of living in a confined space for two weeks — will inform ISRO’s planning for its own crewed missions. The data collected during the mission will help Indian engineers design better life support systems, exercise regimes, and food protocols for Gaganyaan astronauts.

“Subhanshu is not just an astronaut — he is a bridge between international experience and Indian capability,” said ISRO Chairman Somanath. “What he brings back from the ISS will be instrumental in making Gaganyaan safe and successful.”

Scientific Achievements

Among the scientific highlights of Shukla’s ISS stay were experiments in protein crystallisation in microgravity — which could lead to advances in drug design for diseases prevalent in India — and the testing of an ISRO-developed water purification system designed for use in the Gaganyaan capsule. The water purification experiment, which uses a novel membrane technology developed at IIT Delhi, successfully demonstrated that the system can recycle water with over 95% efficiency in microgravity conditions.

Shukla also participated in Earth observation activities, capturing high-resolution images of the Indian subcontinent from the ISS’s Cupola observation module. The images, which included views of the Himalayas, the Ganges delta, and India’s coastline, were shared on ISRO’s social media platforms and generated widespread public engagement. In a nod to Rakesh Sharma’s famous “Saare jahan se achha” response when asked how India looked from space, Shukla described the view as “humbling and magnificent — our planet knows no borders.”

The ISRO-NASA Partnership

The Ax-4 mission underscores the deepening space cooperation between India and the United States. The two countries signed the Artemis Accords in 2023, and India has expressed interest in contributing to NASA’s lunar exploration programme. The ISS mission provides a practical foundation for future collaboration, including potential Indian participation in the Lunar Gateway station and joint Mars exploration initiatives.

For ISRO, which has earned global recognition through cost-effective missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, the human spaceflight domain represents the next frontier. The Axiom-4 mission demonstrates that India is not just a player in robotic space exploration but is building the capability for sustained human presence in space.

A National Moment

Back on Earth, Shukla’s mission has captured the imagination of the Indian public. Schools, colleges, and science institutions organised live viewing events for his launch and docking. Prime Minister Modi spoke with Shukla via video link during the mission, congratulating him and the ISRO team. The Prime Minister described the mission as “a proud moment for 140 crore Indians and a stepping stone toward India’s destiny among the stars.”

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As Shukla prepares for his return to Earth aboard the SpaceX Dragon capsule, the mission’s success has reinforced India’s credentials as a spacefaring nation. From Rakesh Sharma’s 8 days in 1984 to Subhanshu Shukla’s 14 days in 2026, the journey has been long — but the destination, India’s own crewed missions, is now closer than ever.

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The eclipse is expected to be visible as a partial solar eclipse across most of India, with the degree of obscuration varying by location. Northern and western India will experience a more pronounced eclipse, while southern regions will see a smaller fraction of the Sun covered. The event has generated widespread excitement among amateur astronomers, science enthusiasts, and the general public alike.

Timings and Visibility Across India

According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and NASA’s eclipse prediction data, the partial solar eclipse will begin in India in the late morning hours, with the maximum eclipse occurring around midday. The exact timings vary by city — Delhi is expected to see the eclipse begin at approximately 11:15 AM IST, with maximum coverage around 12:45 PM. Mumbai will see it start slightly later, around 11:30 AM, while Kolkata can expect the eclipse from about 11:45 AM.

The eclipse’s path and the degree of solar coverage depend on the observer’s geographic location. Cities in northern India, including Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, and Chandigarh, will see a larger portion of the Sun covered — up to 60-70% in some areas. Central India, including Bhopal, Indore, and Nagpur, will see moderate coverage of around 40-50%. Southern cities like Bangalore, Chennai, and Hyderabad will experience a smaller partial eclipse, with 20-30% coverage.

The entire event is expected to last approximately two to three hours from first contact to last contact, though the period of maximum eclipse will be much shorter — typically around 30-45 minutes depending on location.

How to Watch Safely

Astronomers and eye specialists have issued strong warnings against viewing the solar eclipse with the naked eye. Looking directly at the Sun — even during an eclipse — can cause permanent retinal damage, a condition known as solar retinopathy. This damage can occur in seconds and is often irreversible.

The safest way to view the eclipse is through ISO 12312-2 certified solar eclipse glasses, which are specifically designed to filter out harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation. Regular sunglasses, no matter how dark, are not safe substitutes. Welding glass of shade 14 or higher can also be used as an alternative.

For those without eclipse glasses, indirect viewing methods are recommended. A simple pinhole projector — made by poking a small hole in a piece of cardboard and projecting the Sun’s image onto a flat surface — is a safe and effective way to watch the eclipse. Many planetariums, science centres, and astronomical societies across India are organising public viewing events with telescopes equipped with proper solar filters.

The Nehru Planetarium in Delhi, the Jawaharlal Nehru Planetarium in Bangalore, and the Birla Planetarium in Kolkata have all announced special eclipse viewing programmes. Several universities and IITs are also hosting events, making this an educational opportunity for students and the public.

The Science Behind the Eclipse

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon’s orbit brings it directly between the Earth and the Sun. Despite the Sun being approximately 400 times larger than the Moon, it is also roughly 400 times farther away — a cosmic coincidence that allows the Moon to appear nearly the same size as the Sun in our sky. This is what makes total solar eclipses possible, though today’s event is a partial eclipse for Indian observers.

During a partial eclipse, the Moon covers only a portion of the Sun’s disc, creating a crescent-shaped Sun that is visible through proper filters. The temperature may drop slightly during the maximum phase, and observers may notice a subtle dimming of daylight, though the effect is less dramatic than during a total eclipse.

India’s space agency ISRO has positioned its Aditya-L1 solar observatory to capture data during the eclipse. Launched in September 2023, Aditya-L1 orbits the Sun-Earth Lagrange point L1 and will provide valuable scientific data about the Sun’s corona and solar activity during the eclipse event.

Cultural Significance in India

Solar eclipses hold deep cultural and religious significance in India. In Hindu tradition, eclipses are associated with the mythological demon Rahu, who is believed to swallow the Sun. Many temples across the country close their doors during the eclipse period and reopen after a purification ritual. Devotees often take ritual baths in sacred rivers, and pregnant women are traditionally advised to stay indoors.

While modern science has thoroughly explained the mechanics of eclipses, many Indians continue to observe traditional practices alongside scientific viewing. This blend of ancient tradition and modern astronomy is a uniquely Indian phenomenon, reflecting the country’s ability to hold multiple worldviews simultaneously.

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The next solar eclipse visible from India is not expected for several years, making today’s event a must-watch for anyone interested in astronomy. Whether you view it through eclipse glasses, a pinhole projector, or a live stream from one of the many observatories broadcasting the event, the Surya Grahan of June 11, 2026, promises to be a memorable celestial spectacle.

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What Triggered the Solar Storm?

The solar storm was triggered by a massive coronal mass ejection (CME) from the Sun, which occurred on June 5-6. A CME is a significant release of plasma and accompanying magnetic field from the Sun’s corona, often associated with solar flares and filament eruptions. When directed toward Earth, the charged particles from a CME interact with Earth’s magnetic field, causing geomagnetic disturbances.

The current CME was classified as a full-halo event, meaning it was directed squarely at Earth. Solar astronomers tracked the ejected material as it traveled through interplanetary space at speeds exceeding 800 kilometres per second, covering the 150-million-kilometre distance between the Sun and Earth in approximately 48-52 hours.

“This is one of the most significant solar events we’ve observed in this solar cycle,” said Dr. Dibyendu Nandi, a solar physicist at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Kolkata. “The CME’s Earth-directed trajectory and its speed make it likely to produce strong geomagnetic effects.”

Where in India Can You See Auroras?

Typically, auroras are visible only at high latitudes — in Nordic countries, northern Canada, and Antarctica. However, during strong geomagnetic storms, the auroral oval expands equatorward, making the phenomenon visible at unusually low latitudes.

For this event, scientists have identified several locations in India where aurora sightings are possible:

Ladakh: The Pangong Tso Lake region and the Hanle Dark Sky Reserve offer some of the best vantage points, combining high altitude (approximately 4,350 metres) with minimal light pollution. The Indian Astronomical Observatory at Hanle, one of the world’s highest optical telescope sites, is expected to provide ideal viewing conditions.

Kashmir: Higher elevation areas in the Kashmir Valley, particularly around Gulmarg (2,650 metres) and Sonamarg, could offer visible aurora displays, especially during the peak hours of the geomagnetic storm.

Uttarakhand: Parts of the upper Himalayas, including areas around Auli, Chopta, and the Nanda Devi National Park region, are potential viewing locations, though success will depend on local weather conditions and the storm’s intensity.

Why Will Indian Auroras Be Red?

An intriguing aspect of potential aurora sightings from India is that the lights are expected to appear crimson or deep red, rather than the green and blue hues typically associated with auroras in polar regions. This colour difference has a scientific explanation.

At high latitudes, where auroras are most common, the lights are produced at altitudes of 100-200 kilometres, where oxygen atoms emit green light when excited by solar particles. However, at lower latitudes like India, observers are looking at the aurora from a much greater distance, essentially viewing the upper edge of the auroral curtain. At these higher altitudes (300-400 kilometres), excited oxygen atoms emit red light, producing the distinctive crimson glow that has been documented in historical Indian aurora sightings.

“The red colour is actually a sign that you’re seeing auroral emissions from very high altitudes. It’s the same physical process that creates green auroras in Norway, but the geometry of observation from India means you’re seeing a different part of the emission spectrum,” explained Dr. Somak Raychaudhury, an astrophysicist and former director of the Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA).

Impact on Technology

While auroras are a visual spectacle, the underlying geomagnetic storm can have significant impacts on modern technology. NASA’s Space Weather Prediction Center has warned of potential disruptions to satellite communications, GPS navigation systems, and high-frequency radio communications during the peak of the storm.

Power grids at high latitudes are particularly vulnerable to geomagnetic disturbances, which can induce currents in long-distance transmission lines and potentially damage transformers. India’s power grid, while operating at lower latitudes, has been placed on alert as a precautionary measure.

Airlines operating polar routes — flights between Asia and North America that pass over the Arctic — have been advised to reroute to avoid increased radiation exposure at high altitudes during the storm. Several international carriers have confirmed adjustments to their flight paths.

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has reported that its satellite fleet is functioning normally but confirmed that it has activated enhanced monitoring protocols. Geomagnetic storms can cause orbital drag on low-Earth orbit satellites, slightly altering their trajectories and requiring correction manoeuvres.

How to Watch

For those fortunate enough to be in the potential viewing zones, experts recommend the following tips for the best aurora experience:

Find a location with minimal light pollution, ideally above 3,000 metres altitude. Look toward the northern horizon during the peak hours (11:30 PM to 2:30 AM IST). Allow your eyes at least 20-30 minutes to adapt to darkness. Use a camera with manual settings — long exposure photographs (15-30 seconds) can capture auroral activity that may not be clearly visible to the naked eye.

“Even if the aurora is faint to the naked eye, a smartphone camera set to night mode can sometimes pick up the red glow. I’d encourage everyone in the right locations to at least try,” said Dr. Nandi.

Historical Aurora Sightings in India

Aurora sightings from India, while rare, are not unprecedented. Historical records document aurora observations from Kashmir and other northern regions during periods of intense solar activity, including during the solar superstorm of 1859 (the Carrington Event) and during strong storms in the 20th century.

The current Solar Cycle 25, which began in December 2019, is approaching its maximum phase, expected to peak in 2025-2026. This means that the frequency and intensity of solar events — and consequently, the chances of aurora sightings from India — are at their highest in over a decade.

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As night falls over the Indian subcontinent, thousands of sky-watchers, amateur astronomers, and photography enthusiasts will be looking northward, hoping for a glimpse of one of nature’s most awe-inspiring light shows. Whether the auroras cooperate or not, the solar storm serves as a powerful reminder of our planet’s intimate connection to the star that sustains all life on Earth.

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Less than two months after four Artemis II astronauts flew around the Moon for the first time in over half a century, NASA has announced the detailed roadmap for building humanity’s first permanent settlement on another celestial body. The space agency on Tuesday unveiled a comprehensive plan for the Moon Base program, estimated to cost approximately 20 billion US dollars over the next decade, with the initial phase involving three uncrewed cargo missions launching in 2026 to prepare the lunar South Pole for sustained human presence.

Alongside the roadmap, NASA awarded close to one billion dollars in new contracts to American companies for lunar rovers, cargo landers and hopping drones that will form the operational backbone of the Moon Base. The announcement was made by NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who described the Moon Base as America’s and humanity’s first outpost on another celestial world and a critical stepping stone towards eventual crewed missions to Mars.

Three Moon Base Missions Planned for 2026

The three cargo missions announced for 2026 are designed to test critical equipment and reduce operational risk before astronauts land at the lunar South Pole under the Artemis III mission, now scheduled for 2027. Each mission will deliver specific hardware and conduct experiments that will inform the design and operations of the permanent base.

The first mission, designated Moon Base I, will use Blue Origin’s cargo lander to deliver two scientific instruments to a ridge near the Moon’s South Pole. Jeff Bezos’s Blue Origin was selected over SpaceX for this initial mission, marking a significant win for the company in the increasingly competitive lunar services market. The instruments will characterise the lunar regolith, measure radiation levels and test communications systems that will be essential for future base operations.

Moon Base II will deliver a suite of engineering test articles, including prototype habitat components, power generation units and life support system prototypes. This mission will provide critical data on how these systems perform in the harsh lunar environment, where temperatures can swing from minus 173 degrees Celsius in shadow to plus 127 degrees in direct sunlight. The lander for this mission is yet to be announced, with NASA expected to open a competitive solicitation in the coming months.

Moon Base III is designed to study the unusual bright patches on the Moon’s surface known as lunar swirls and will carry equipment from both the European Space Agency and South Korea’s space agency, KARI. This mission reflects the increasingly international character of the Artemis program, with partner nations contributing both hardware and scientific expertise to the lunar exploration effort.

Rovers, Drones and Hopping Robots: The Tools of Lunar Exploration

NASA has awarded contracts worth a combined 439 million US dollars to two American companies, Astrolab and Lunar Outpost, to build the first operational Moon rovers. Astrolab received 219 million dollars for its FLEX rover, while Lunar Outpost was awarded 220 million dollars for its Mobile Autonomous Prospecting Platform. Both rovers are expected to be ready for deployment by 2028 and will be capable of traversing the challenging terrain around the lunar South Pole, including the permanently shadowed craters where water ice is believed to exist.

In addition to the rovers, NASA is also sending four small hopping drones to the Moon in 2028, designed to photograph and survey terrain that is too dangerous or difficult for wheeled rovers to reach. The drones will be capable of short hops of up to several hundred metres, allowing them to access crater rims, steep slopes and other features that would be inaccessible to conventional rovers. Firefly Aerospace has been contracted to build the spacecraft that will carry the hopping drones to the lunar surface.

Once the drones complete their survey flights, sensors left behind at each landing site will continue collecting data for months, creating a distributed network of scientific instruments across the South Pole region. This approach will provide NASA with a comprehensive understanding of the local environment before committing to permanent infrastructure construction.

Why the Lunar South Pole?

The focus on the lunar South Pole is driven by the presence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters, a resource that could be transformative for sustained lunar operations. Water can be split into hydrogen and oxygen, providing breathable air for astronauts and, critically, rocket propellant that could be manufactured on the Moon rather than transported from Earth at enormous cost. The ability to produce propellant locally, known as in-situ resource utilisation, is considered essential for making a permanent Moon base economically sustainable.

The South Pole also offers nearly continuous sunlight on certain elevated ridges, providing reliable solar power for base operations. The combination of accessible water ice and abundant solar energy makes the region uniquely suited for long-term habitation, a conclusion supported by data from India’s Chandrayaan missions, which provided some of the earliest confirmation of water ice deposits in the polar regions.

International Implications and India’s Role

NASA’s Moon Base program has significant implications for India’s space ambitions. India is a signatory to the Artemis Accords, the framework of principles governing international cooperation in lunar exploration, and has been in discussions with NASA about potential contributions to the Moon Base program. India’s expertise in lunar science, demonstrated through the Chandrayaan series of missions, positions it as a valuable partner for the international effort.

The announcement also underscores the accelerating space race between the United States and China, which has its own ambitious lunar program including the planned Chang’e-7 mission and a proposed International Lunar Research Station. The strategic competition for lunar resources and presence is driving both nations to invest heavily in lunar infrastructure, with implications for the global space industry and geopolitical alignments.

If successful, the Moon Base program will mark NASA’s first step toward a continuous, unbroken presence at the Moon’s South Pole, transforming humanity’s relationship with its nearest celestial neighbour from one of brief visits to permanent habitation.

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SpaceX launched its upgraded Starship V3 rocket from the Starbase facility in Boca Chica, Texas, on Friday, 23 May 2026, in the latest test of the world’s largest and most powerful launch system. The roughly hour-long flight achieved most of its key mission objectives, including the first-ever deployment of mock Starlink satellites from the Starship’s payload bay, before the spacecraft exploded in the Indian Ocean shortly after completing a planned splashdown. SpaceX said the explosion was an anticipated outcome consistent with the test parameters.

The launch, which was delayed by one day due to a hydraulic issue at the launch tower, attracted widespread attention from space enthusiasts and industry observers. Crowds gathered at viewing sites near Starbase cheered as the 121-metre-tall rocket lifted off with a thunderous roar, its 33 Raptor engines generating approximately 74 meganewtons of thrust at full throttle, making it the most powerful rocket ever flown by a significant margin.

What Is Starship V3?

Starship V3 represents a significant upgrade over the previous Starship variants that SpaceX has tested over the past three years. The vehicle features a redesigned payload fairing with an enlarged cargo bay capable of accommodating the next generation of Starlink internet satellites, which are substantially larger and more capable than the current generation launched on Falcon 9 rockets. The Super Heavy booster has been upgraded with improved engine gimballing systems and a new thermal protection scheme designed to enable booster catch-and-reuse operations.

The complete Starship system, comprising the Super Heavy first-stage booster and the Starship upper stage, stands 121 metres tall when fully stacked, making it taller than the Statue of Liberty. When fully fuelled, it weighs approximately 5,000 metric tonnes and is designed to place up to 150 tonnes of payload into low Earth orbit, a capacity that dwarfs every other launch vehicle currently in operation or development worldwide.

SpaceX has positioned Starship as the cornerstone of its long-term ambitions, including the deployment of the next-generation Starlink constellation, the launch of NASA’s Human Landing System for the Artemis lunar programme, and ultimately, the transportation of humans and cargo to Mars. Each test flight incrementally advances the vehicle towards operational readiness, with SpaceX founder Elon Musk maintaining that Starship will achieve fully reusable operational status by 2027.

Mission Timeline and Key Achievements

Friday’s test flight followed a carefully choreographed sequence designed to validate multiple new capabilities. At T plus 2 minutes and 40 seconds, the Super Heavy booster separated from the Starship upper stage and began its return trajectory towards the launch site. However, one of the booster’s 33 Raptor engines experienced an anomaly during the boostback burn, prompting an automatic abort of the booster catch attempt. The booster was instead directed to a soft landing in the Gulf of Mexico, which it completed successfully despite the engine issue.

The Starship upper stage continued its ascent into a low Earth orbit insertion trajectory, reaching an altitude of approximately 250 kilometres. The deployment of ten mock Starlink V3 satellites from the payload bay was executed flawlessly at T plus 15 minutes, marking the first time any Starship variant has demonstrated satellite deployment capability. While the mock satellites were inert and not designed for orbital operations, the successful release validated the mechanical systems that will be used for operational Starlink launches.

During the orbital phase, two of the six vacuum-optimised Raptor engines on the upper stage failed to reignite for the deorbit burn, necessitating an extended coast phase while mission controllers recalculated the trajectory using the remaining four engines. The deorbit burn was eventually completed successfully, albeit with reduced precision that affected the planned splashdown coordinates in the Indian Ocean.

The Indian Ocean Splashdown and Explosion

Video footage from cameras mounted on the Starship showed the spacecraft descending through the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean, its heat shield tiles glowing orange as the vehicle decelerated from orbital velocity. The spacecraft performed a belly-flop manoeuvre followed by a flip to vertical orientation in the final seconds before splashdown, a technique that SpaceX has refined over multiple test flights.

The vehicle touched down in the designated splashdown zone in the Indian Ocean and briefly floated upright before exploding several seconds later. SpaceX’s webcast commentary team described the explosion as a planned outcome, noting that the vehicle was not equipped with the full set of systems required for post-splashdown structural integrity. The primary objective of the descent phase was to validate the thermal protection system and the flip-and-land manoeuvre, both of which were achieved successfully before the explosion occurred.

Implications for NASA’s Artemis Programme

Each Starship test flight has direct implications for NASA’s Artemis programme, which has selected a modified version of the Starship upper stage as the Human Landing System for returning astronauts to the lunar surface. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson issued a statement following Friday’s test, praising the progress while noting that significant additional testing would be required before the vehicle could be certified for crewed missions.

The successful satellite deployment demonstration was viewed as particularly significant because it validates Starship’s utility as a commercial launch vehicle, not just a technology demonstrator. SpaceX has hundreds of Starlink satellites awaiting launch and has indicated that transitioning Starlink launches from Falcon 9 to Starship would dramatically reduce per-satellite launch costs while enabling the deployment of much larger, more capable satellites.

The engine failures experienced during the mission, while not mission-critical, highlighted the ongoing reliability challenges that SpaceX must address before Starship can be considered operationally mature. The Raptor engine programme has been one of the most ambitious engine development efforts in spaceflight history, pushing the boundaries of full-flow staged-combustion cycle technology, and achieving the extreme reliability needed for crewed missions remains a work in progress.

For the global space industry, Starship’s continued progress represents both an opportunity and a disruption. If SpaceX achieves its goal of full reusability at the scale Starship enables, launch costs could fall by an order of magnitude, opening entirely new possibilities for space-based infrastructure, science and commerce. Friday’s test, despite its imperfections, moved that vision measurably closer to reality.

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The United States space agency NASA has announced a comprehensive strategy for establishing a permanent Moon Base at the lunar South Pole, marking the most ambitious step yet in the Artemis program that aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually send them to Mars. The announcement, made through the agency’s official channels, sets the stage for a major news conference scheduled for 26 May 2026 at NASA Headquarters in Washington, where agency leaders will discuss progress on the Moon Base program, reveal new industry partners and outline detailed mission plans.

The Moon Base program represents a significant escalation of NASA’s lunar ambitions. While the Artemis program has always included plans for sustained human presence on the Moon, the specific infrastructure and timeline details announced this week go far beyond the initial scope of short-duration surface visits that characterised earlier Artemis mission profiles. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who was confirmed in the role earlier this year, has made the Moon Base a centrepiece of his vision for the agency.

What the Moon Base Will Look Like

According to preliminary details released ahead of the news conference, the Moon Base is envisioned as a lunar exploration and infrastructure initiative designed to enable sustained human presence and expanded scientific and commercial activity at the lunar South Pole. The South Pole was chosen for its unique advantages, including permanently shadowed craters that contain water ice, which can be converted into drinking water, breathable oxygen and rocket propellant.

The base will be constructed in phases, beginning with robotic precursor missions that will survey the landing site, test construction techniques and deploy initial infrastructure. These robotic missions will work alongside astronauts during subsequent crewed visits to build habitation modules, power systems and communication arrays. The modular design allows the base to grow incrementally, with each mission adding new capabilities.

Key participants in the upcoming news conference include NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, Lori Glaze, the acting associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate, and Carlos García-Galán, the program executive for Moon Base. The involvement of senior leadership signals the priority that NASA places on this initiative within its broader exploration portfolio.

Industry Partners and Commercial Involvement

One of the most anticipated aspects of the 26 May news conference is the announcement of new industry partners who will contribute to the Moon Base program. NASA has increasingly relied on public-private partnerships to achieve its exploration goals, a model that has proven enormously successful with SpaceX’s role in crew and cargo transportation to the International Space Station.

The recent SpaceX IPO filing revealed the depth of the company’s involvement with NASA, including the Starship lunar lander that is central to Artemis crewed missions. Other companies expected to play significant roles in the Moon Base include Blue Origin, which has its own lunar lander programme; Northrop Grumman, which is building habitation elements; and several smaller companies specialising in lunar surface operations, power systems and communications technology.

The commercial dimension of the Moon Base is particularly noteworthy. NASA’s strategy explicitly includes provisions for commercial activity on the lunar surface, recognising that sustained presence will require economic justification beyond pure scientific research. Potential commercial activities include lunar resource extraction, manufacturing in the lunar environment, tourism and the provision of services to other space agencies and private entities.

Scientific Objectives and Mars Preparation

The Moon Base’s scientific agenda is extensive. Researchers plan to study the lunar geology and regolith in unprecedented detail, investigate the water ice deposits at the South Pole, conduct astronomical observations that benefit from the Moon’s lack of atmosphere and radio interference, and perform biological experiments to understand how organisms respond to the lunar environment over extended periods.

Perhaps most importantly, the Moon Base will serve as a testing ground for technologies and operational procedures needed for future Mars missions. Living and working on the Moon for extended periods will provide invaluable data on life support systems, habitat maintenance, radiation protection and the psychological effects of long-duration stays in isolated, confined environments. NASA has explicitly stated that the Moon Base is a stepping stone to Mars, not an end in itself.

This connection to Mars exploration aligns with the broader strategic direction set by President Trump’s National Space Policy, which prioritises American leadership in space and calls for a return to the Moon before the end of the president’s term, the establishment of a Moon Base and the laying of groundwork for eventual human missions to Mars. The ongoing ISS operations continue to provide a foundation of experience in long-duration spaceflight.

International Cooperation and the Artemis Accords

The Moon Base program is being developed within the framework of the Artemis Accords, a set of bilateral agreements between the United States and partner nations that establish principles for the peaceful and responsible exploration of the Moon. Over 50 countries have now signed the Accords, creating a broad international coalition that supports the legal and operational framework for lunar activities.

India, through the Indian Space Research Organisation, has expressed interest in contributing to Artemis program activities, though the specific nature and extent of India’s participation remain under discussion. The ISRO’s growing capabilities in satellite technology and space operations position India as a potentially valuable partner in the lunar infrastructure build-out.

The European Space Agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Canadian Space Agency are all expected to contribute modules, instruments or operational support to the Moon Base. This international dimension not only distributes the cost and technical burden but also strengthens the political durability of the program across changes in government.

Timeline and Next Steps

While specific timelines will be announced at the 26 May news conference, informed observers expect NASA to outline a phased approach spanning the late 2020s through the mid-2030s. Initial robotic missions could begin as early as 2027 or 2028, with the first crewed construction missions potentially taking place around 2029 or 2030. A permanently crewed base capable of supporting four to six astronauts for extended stays is expected to be operational by the early to mid-2030s.

The budget implications are substantial. The Moon Base program will require sustained congressional funding well beyond the current NASA budget, and the agency will need to make a compelling case for the economic and strategic returns of lunar infrastructure investment. The growing competition from China’s own lunar program, which has announced plans for a crewed lunar landing before 2030, provides a geopolitical argument for maintaining American leadership on the Moon.

As NASA prepares for its 26 May announcement, the space community worldwide is watching closely. The Moon Base represents not just a technical challenge but a civilisational ambition — the first permanent human habitation beyond Earth. If successful, it will mark a turning point in the history of exploration and set the stage for the even greater challenge of reaching Mars.

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A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the company’s Dragon spacecraft lifted off at 6:05 p.m. EDT on Friday, 15 May 2026, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. The launch marked the 34th commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station (ISS) under SpaceX’s contract with NASA, delivering approximately 6,500 pounds of scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the orbiting laboratory.

The Dragon spacecraft autonomously docked at the forward port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 7 a.m. on Sunday, 17 May, where it was welcomed by the Expedition 74 crew. The successful docking added to SpaceX’s remarkable record of reliability in servicing the space station, a partnership that has become the backbone of NASA’s cargo delivery system to low Earth orbit.

Groundbreaking Scientific Experiments Aboard

The CRS-34 mission carried several new experiments that push the boundaries of space science and have direct implications for life on Earth. Among the most notable is a project designed to determine how well Earth-based simulators mimic actual microgravity conditions. This research is critical for the reliability of ground-based space training and testing facilities, which are used extensively to prepare astronauts and validate equipment before launch.

If the study reveals significant differences between simulated and real microgravity, it could lead to improvements in how scientists and engineers prepare for space missions, potentially saving lives and reducing costly in-orbit troubleshooting. The experiment involves comparing specific physical and biological processes in real microgravity aboard the ISS with identical processes conducted in ground-based simulation facilities.

Wood-Based Bone Scaffolds: A Potential Osteoporosis Breakthrough

One of the most promising experiments aboard CRS-34 involves a bone scaffold made from wood that could produce new treatments for osteoporosis and other fragile bone conditions. The scaffold, developed by researchers studying how natural wood structures can be repurposed for medical applications, is designed to provide a framework on which new bone tissue can grow.

In microgravity, bone loss occurs at an accelerated rate, making the ISS an ideal laboratory for studying bone degradation and testing potential treatments. Astronauts lose approximately 1 to 2 per cent of their bone density per month in space, a rate far exceeding the typical bone loss experienced by osteoporosis patients on Earth. By testing the wood-derived scaffold in this environment, researchers hope to evaluate its effectiveness under the most challenging conditions possible.

If successful, the technology could lead to affordable, biocompatible implants for the millions of people worldwide who suffer from osteoporosis, a condition that causes approximately 9 million fractures annually according to the International Osteoporosis Foundation. The use of wood as a base material is particularly innovative because it is abundant, sustainable, and structurally similar to bone at the microscopic level.

STORIE Mission: Imaging Earth’s Ring Current from Inside

Among the instruments carried by Dragon is equipment for the STORIE mission, which stands for Storm Time O+ Ring Current Imaging Evolution. This NASA mission is designed to provide a unique inside-out view of the ring current, a doughnut-shaped region of charged particles that encircles Earth at altitudes between approximately 10,000 and 60,000 kilometres.

The ring current plays a crucial role in space weather, which affects satellite operations, GPS accuracy, radio communications, and even power grids on Earth’s surface. During geomagnetic storms, the ring current intensifies dramatically, and understanding its behaviour is essential for predicting and mitigating the effects of space weather events.

Previous missions have studied the ring current from outside, looking down at it from higher orbits. STORIE’s unique contribution is its perspective from the ISS, which orbits within the inner edge of the ring current during storm events. This inside-out view will provide unprecedented data on the composition and dynamics of the charged particles, particularly oxygen ions, that drive ring current behaviour.

Blood Cell Research: Understanding Space Anaemia

The CRS-34 cargo also includes equipment to help researchers evaluate how red blood cells and the spleen change in space. This research addresses a well-documented but poorly understood phenomenon known as space anaemia, a condition in which astronauts’ bodies destroy red blood cells at a higher rate than on Earth.

Studies have shown that astronauts destroy approximately 54 per cent more red blood cells per second in space compared to on Earth. While the body compensates to some extent, the elevated destruction rate can lead to anaemia, fatigue, and reduced physical performance, problems that become increasingly serious on longer missions.

Understanding the mechanisms behind space anaemia is critical for planning extended missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. If astronauts cannot maintain healthy blood cell levels during multi-year journeys, it could limit the feasibility of deep space exploration. The ISS experiments aim to identify specific factors in the microgravity environment that trigger increased red blood cell destruction, potentially leading to countermeasures that could protect astronauts on future missions.

SpaceX’s Growing Role in Space Infrastructure

The CRS-34 mission underscores SpaceX’s central role in maintaining and supplying the International Space Station. Since the first commercial resupply mission in 2012, SpaceX has established an unmatched track record of reliable cargo delivery. The Dragon spacecraft’s ability to autonomously dock with the station, carry both pressurised and unpressurised cargo, and return experiments safely to Earth makes it an indispensable component of the ISS programme.

Each resupply mission also demonstrates the maturing of commercial space operations. What was once a high-risk experimental venture has become routine, with SpaceX launching and landing Falcon 9 boosters with remarkable consistency. The first stage of the CRS-34 Falcon 9 rocket successfully landed back at Cape Canaveral shortly after launch, ready to be refurbished and reused on a future mission.

Looking Forward: The Future of ISS Research

The experiments aboard CRS-34 represent just a fraction of the research conducted on the International Space Station, which hosts hundreds of experiments at any given time across disciplines ranging from biology and medicine to materials science and Earth observation. As the station enters the final phase of its operational life, expected to extend into the early 2030s, every resupply mission carries added significance as scientists race to maximise the return on one of humanity’s most ambitious and productive scientific investments.

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