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China will conduct a series of intensive space missions in 2026, including the Tianwen-2 probe’s close approach and observation of its target asteroid, an official said. According to Liu Yunfeng, deputy director of the system engineering department of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), the country will also carry out crewed missions such as Shenzhou-23, conduct flight verification tests of multiple reusable rockets, and promote high-quality development in the commercial space sector. He made the remarks at a press conference ahead of the upcoming Space Day of China. Artemis II mission takes humans farther than ever in historic Moon journey Reviewing recent progress, Liu said China made steady advances in space exploration in 2025, completing 92 space launch missions, a 35 percent increase compared to 2024. The Tianwen-2 probe has been successfully launched and entered transfer orbit toward asteroid 2016 HO3, marking China’s first asteroid exploration and sample-return mission. Meanwhile, the Tianwen-1 Mars mission has continued global and regional surveys, with 3.5 terabytes of scientific data made available to researchers worldwide. In human spaceflight, China completed four launch missions and two return missions, including its first emergency launch. Preparations for the crewed lunar exploration programme are also progressing steadily. The BeiDou Navigation Satellite System has been further expanded for widespread use across industries and consumer applications. The Ziyuan-3 04 satellite has enhanced Earth observation capabilities, while China’s satellite internet system is rapidly advancing with large-scale production for constellation deployment. In launch vehicle development, the Long March-2D achieved 100 consecutive successful launches, becoming the second Chinese rocket type to reach this milestone. The Zhuque-3 and Long March-12A reusable rockets also completed maiden flight tests. Liu said the 11th Space Day of China will be held around April 24 in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, featuring exhibitions, forums, and cultural events. The China Space Conference will run from April 23 to 25, along with a space technology exhibition from April 24 to May 5. Space Day of China was established in 2016 to mark the launch of the country’s first satellite, Dongfanghong-1, on April 24, 1970.

A genetic adaptation that helps animals like yaks and Tibetan antelopes survive in low-oxygen environments could open up a new pathway for repairing nerve damage in humans, according to a new study. Researchers say the mutation may aid in restoring damaged nerve insulation, known as myelin, in conditions such as multiple sclerosis and cerebral paralysis. The findings, published in the journal Neuron, point to a natural biological process that could potentially be harnessed using molecules already present in the human body. Lead researcher Liang Zhang from Songjiang Hospital, affiliated with Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, said evolution offers valuable insights into how organisms adapt and survive in extreme conditions, and much remains to be learned from these natural genetic changes. The study highlights the importance of myelin, a protective layer surrounding nerve fibres in the brain and spinal cord that ensures efficient transmission of electrical signals. Damage to this layer, particularly due to low oxygen levels during early brain development, can lead to cerebral paralysis in newborns. In adults, myelin damage is a key feature of multiple sclerosis, a condition in which the immune system attacks nerve insulation. Reduced blood flow to the brain, often associated with ageing, can also harm myelin and contribute to disorders such as vascular dementia. Previous research found that animals living in high-altitude regions like the Tibetan Plateau carry a mutation in a gene called Retsat, believed to support brain function in low-oxygen conditions. To explore this, scientists exposed newborn mice to oxygen levels similar to those found at high altitudes. Mice with the Retsat mutation performed better in learning, memory and social behaviour tests compared to those without it. Their brains also showed higher levels of myelin. Further experiments revealed that the mutation also supports faster and more complete repair of damaged myelin, similar to what is seen in multiple sclerosis. The affected areas contained more mature oligodendrocytes, the cells responsible for producing myelin. The researchers also discovered that mice with the mutation had higher levels of ATDR, a compound derived from vitamin A, in their brains. This appears to enhance the conversion of vitamin A into active forms that promote the growth and development of oligodendrocytes, helping rebuild the myelin sheath. When ATDR was given to mice with a condition similar to multiple sclerosis, the animals showed reduced disease severity and improved movement. The findings suggest a potential new approach to treating myelin-related diseases. Unlike current therapies for multiple sclerosis, which mainly focus on suppressing the immune system, this method could use naturally occurring molecules to promote nerve repair. The study received support from several Chinese national and regional research programmes, including major science and technology initiatives and talent development funds. #From Science Daily 

Four astronauts have completed a historic mission, travelling farther into space than any humans before during a 10-day journey to the Moon and back. The NASA-led Artemis II mission followed every stage of the journey, from launch to a tense return to Earth, capturing global attention. Before liftoff, astronauts said they usually remain calm on launch day. But for many watching, the moment was overwhelming. As the rocket blasted off from Kennedy Space Center, the intense brightness, deafening sound and powerful force created an unforgettable scene. At the top of the 98-metre rocket were four astronauts heading toward the Moon. The crew — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen — soon shared their first view of Earth from space. “Earth, you look beautiful,” Glover said, as the spacecraft began its roughly 250,000-mile journey. He told me he'd spoken to his wife and three children about the possibility that he might not come back. Reid Wiseman also said he'd had very honest conversations with his two daughters about the dangers involved with this endeavour. He'd brought them up as a single dad after his wife died six years ago. As the crew neared their destination, with the Moon growing ever larger in their spacecraft's window, new features became visible on the lunar surface. They named a crater a bright spot visible from Earth after Reid's late wife Carroll. The crew, all in tears, came together to hug their commander and friend. And back in Houston, there wasn't a dry eye at mission control and that includes the BBC team. As they adjusted to microgravity, live video showed how limited their space was. The astronauts lived, worked, ate and slept inside a capsule about the size of a minibus, with no privacy as millions followed their mission in real time. Even basic facilities drew attention. Their specially designed toilet system, which cost millions of dollars, faced some technical issues, forcing the crew to use backup methods for certain needs. At Johnson Space Center, engineers and flight controllers closely monitored the spacecraft’s systems, including navigation and life support. The mission was a test flight, marking the first time humans travelled on this rocket and spacecraft, making safety a top concern. Ahead of launch, astronauts spoke openly with their families about the risks. Hansen discussed the possibility he might not return, while Wiseman had similar honest conversations with his children. The mission went on to break the distance record set by the Apollo 13 mission, eventually reaching about 252,756 miles from Earth. Along the way, the astronauts captured thousands of images and described the Moon’s surface as it passed beneath them. The mission also highlighted NASA’s future plans, including a return to the Moon with a landing expected later this decade and long-term goals of sending humans to Mars. Officials say the aim is to build on past achievements rather than repeat them. The most dangerous part of the mission came during re-entry. As the capsule returned to Earth, it faced extreme heat and lost communication for several minutes, creating tense moments in mission control. Relief came when contact was restored and the spacecraft was seen descending under parachutes before safely splashing down in the Pacific Ocean. Cheers erupted at mission control as the astronauts were confirmed safe, marking the successful end of a high-risk test flight. The crew described the journey as life-changing and said the bond they formed would last a lifetime. What began as a mission by four astronauts ended with them returning as widely recognised figures, having taken millions of people along on a remarkable journey beyond Earth.

A new study suggests that a single injection given every six months could help lower blood pressure in patients who do not respond well to regular medication, offering a potential new way to manage hypertension. The findings, published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, come from a global clinical trial led by researchers at Queen Mary University of London. The trial, known as KARDIA-2, involved 663 adults whose high blood pressure remained poorly controlled despite taking standard medicines. Participants who received the experimental drug zilebesiran alongside their usual treatment showed greater reductions in blood pressure compared to those who continued with standard therapy alone, researchers said. High blood pressure is a major global health concern and a leading cause of heart attacks, strokes and death if left untreated. In the UK, it affects about one in three adults. Dr Manish Saxena, a hypertension specialist at Barts Health NHS Trust and a lead researcher in the study, said the results highlight both the effectiveness and safety of the new treatment. He noted that the long-lasting nature of the injection could make it easier for patients to manage their condition, as it requires only two doses a year. Zilebesiran works using RNA interference technology to lower blood pressure. It blocks the production of angiotensinogen, a protein made in the liver that helps regulate blood pressure. Reducing this protein allows blood vessels to relax, leading to lower pressure levels. The drug is given as an injection under the skin. Researchers are continuing to study the drug in a follow-up trial, KARDIA-3, to assess its benefits for patients with high blood pressure who also have cardiovascular disease or are at high risk. A larger global study is also planned later this year to examine whether the treatment can reduce serious outcomes such as strokes and cardiovascular-related deaths. The research was funded by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, with Barts Health NHS Trust serving as a key trial site and the leading enrolment centre in Europe. Source: Science daily    

Artemis II astronauts received a thunderous homecoming on Saturday as hundreds involved in NASA’s lunar comeback celebrated the mission that set a record for deep-space travel. The four-member crew arrived at Ellington Field near NASA’s Johnson Space Center and Mission Control after flying in from San Diego, where they splashed down offshore the previous evening. After reuniting with spouses and children, the astronauts joined a hangar-stage event with space centre workers and invited guests. NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman, who first greeted them aboard the recovery ship, introduced the crew to a standing ovation. The crowd included flight directors, mission managers, military officers, lawmakers, astronauts and retired space agency personnel. Artemis II returns safely after historic lunar flyby and record-breaking journey Their return came on the 56th anniversary of Apollo 13’s launch, remembered for turning near-disaster into triumph. Commander Reid Wiseman said the mission was not easy and described it as a special human experience of returning to Earth. Pilot Victor Glover said he had not yet processed the achievement, while Christina Koch called Earth a “lifeboat” in space. Jeremy Hansen said the crew reflected humanity’s love and joy, acting as a mirror of the world. During the nearly 10-day mission, Artemis II travelled farther than previous lunar explorers, reaching 252,756 miles (406,771 km) from Earth and passing behind the Moon, surpassing Apollo 13’s distance record. The astronauts saw the lunar far side, a total solar eclipse, and captured an Earthset image echoing Apollo 8’s Earthrise. Koch described Earth as a lifeboat hanging in blackness. The crew also faced a malfunctioning space toilet, with NASA planning fixes ahead of future missions. They became the first humans to travel to the Moon since Apollo 17 in 1972, when 24 astronauts flew and 12 walked on the Moon. A message from the late Jim Lovell also inspired the crew. NASA is preparing Artemis III next year for orbital docking practice, followed by Artemis IV in 2028 for a south pole landing, as Isaacman said, “the show goes on after a brief intermission.”

Artemis II’s historic journey around the Moon concluded with a dramatic splashdown in the Pacific Ocean on Friday, marking humanity’s first crewed lunar mission in over 50 years. The four astronauts returned safely after a record-setting flyby, during which they observed previously unseen portions of the Moon’s far side and witnessed a total solar eclipse. One by one, they exited their floating capsule after landing. Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen reentered Earth’s atmosphere at speeds reaching Mach 33, similar to the intense velocities achieved during NASA’s Apollo missions. Their Orion spacecraft, named Integrity, completed the descent using autopilot. As the capsule endured extreme heat during reentry, it was surrounded by plasma, causing a temporary communication blackout that heightened tension in Mission Control. Cheers erupted when contact was restored and again upon splashdown, where the recovery ship USS John P. Murtha awaited them.

In a heartfelt gesture echoing the Apollo era, the astronauts of Artemis II have proposed naming two lunar craters after personal connections, as they journey home from their lunar fly-around. Commander Reid Wiseman and his crew requested that a small, recently formed crater be named after their spacecraft, Integrity, and another after Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll. The request was submitted by Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen just before Monday’s lunar flyby, leaving Wiseman too emotional to speak at the time. Carroll Wiseman, a neonatal nurse, passed away from cancer in 2020. “Just for me personally, that was kind of the pinnacle moment of the mission for me,” Wiseman said from space Wednesday night. The gesture recalls the Apollo 8 mission in 1968, when astronaut Jim Lovell named a prominent lunar peak, Mount Marilyn, after his wife. That mission marked humanity’s first trip to the moon, with Lovell’s wife anxiously awaiting his return in Houston. The four astronauts of Artemis II — three Americans and one Canadian — are the first to visit the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972. The crew’s crater-naming request reportedly left Mission Control speechless. “It was definitely a very emotional moment. I don't think most of us knew it was coming,” said NASA lunar scientist Ryan Watkins from Johnson Space Center. “There was not a single dry eye.” Mission Control’s lead scientist, Kelsey Young, had worked quietly with the crew before launch to help them select the two relatively young and bright craters. They identified them both with the naked eye and through zoom lenses once close enough to the moon. Wiseman said the idea originated with his crewmates during quarantine a few days before liftoff. “Absolutely, I would love that, I think that's just the best,” he recalled telling them. “But I can't give the speech, I can't give the talk,” he added, overwhelmed by emotion. The proposed Carroll Crater is located near the moon’s left limb, at the boundary between the near and far sides, occasionally visible from Earth. It is roughly 3 miles (5 kilometers) across. The slightly larger Integrity Crater lies entirely on the lunar far side. The request came shortly after the crew broke Apollo 13’s distance record for deep-space travelers. The four astronauts reportedly embraced in a tearful group hug. Hansen, voice breaking, said over radio: “We lost a loved one. Her name was Carroll, the spouse of Reid, the mother of Katie and Ellie. It's a bright spot on the moon and we would like to call it Carroll.” Mission Control paused for nearly a minute before replying: “Integrity and Carroll crater, loud and clear.” Watkins noted that the emotional display contrasts sharply with the Apollo missions of the 1960s and 1970s, where all-male test pilots largely maintained a businesslike, tear-free demeanor. “This is no fault of Apollo,” he said. “I think we're seeing just a more human aspect.” Once back on Earth later this week, the crew will submit the proposed names to the International Astronomical Union. A similar process took nearly 50 years for Mount Marilyn, which was officially recognized in 2017. IAU official Ramasamy Venugopal said a decision on Carroll and Integrity craters is expected in about a month, which is standard for straightforward requests. Currently, the IAU recognizes 81 astronaut-named lunar features, including Apollo 16’s Baby Ray and Gator, and Apollo 17’s Lara, named after the lead female character in the 1965 film Doctor Zhivago. Some Apollo-era nicknames did not receive approval, such as Apollo 17 commander Gene Cernan’s “Tracy’s Rock” for a boulder in 1972, and Apollo 12 commander Pete Conrad’s 1969 “Pete’s Parking Lot” for his landing site. This mission underscores a new, more personal chapter in lunar exploration, blending scientific achievement with emotional homage to loved ones.

A new walking robot could change the way scientists explore Mars, helping them study more rocks faster and uncover clues to life and resources in record time. Mars missions face serious challenges. Communication delays between Earth and robotic explorers can range from four to 22 minutes, and limited data capacity means every move must be carefully planned. Rovers also travel slowly to save energy and avoid hazards, usually covering just a few hundred meters a day. This slows down research and limits the variety of geological data collected. To tackle these limits, researchers tested a semi-autonomous robot that can move from one target to another and collect data on its own. Equipped with compact instruments, the robot can examine multiple rocks in sequence, perform measurements independently, and send results back to scientists. The tests showed significant gains in efficiency. Instead of focusing on a single rock under constant supervision, the robot could analyze several locations on its own, accelerating both the search for resources and signs of life, or “biosignatures.” Even with simpler instruments, the robot successfully identified rocks important for astrobiology and resource exploration. The experiments used the four-legged robot ‘ANYmal’, equipped with a robotic arm holding a microscopic imager and a portable Raman spectrometer developed for the ESA-ESRIC Space Resources Challenge. The tests were conducted at the Mars-like “Marslabor” facility at the University of Basel, which simulates planetary surfaces with analogue rocks, dust, and lighting. During trials, ANYmal autonomously approached selected targets, positioned its instruments, and transmitted images and spectral data. It successfully identified a variety of rocks, including gypsum, carbonates, basalts, dunite, and anorthosite—materials valuable for both science and future missions. Multi-target missions took 12–23 minutes, compared to 41 minutes for traditional human-guided exploration, without compromising accuracy. This approach could allow future Mars and Moon missions to scan larger areas in less time. Semi-autonomous robots could move more freely, analyze samples quickly, and provide scientists with data to decide which sites deserve closer study. Smaller, simpler instruments paired with agile robots may become a key tool in space exploration, improving both the hunt for resources and the search for past life.

NASA’s Artemis II astronauts have ventured farther into space than any humans before, completing a lunar flyby that offered unprecedented views of the moon’s far side. The mission, the first crewed lunar journey since the Apollo era, also included rare celestial sights and marked an important step toward returning astronauts to the moon’s south pole in two years. During their journey, the crew of three Americans and one Canadian witnessed a total solar eclipse as the moon temporarily blocked the sun. Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Saturn were visible in the dark sky, while the Apollo 12 and 14 landing sites served as poignant reminders of NASA’s early lunar missions. Artemis II also broke the distance record set by Apollo 13 in 1970. NASA’s Orion capsule reached a maximum of 252,756 miles (406,771 kilometers) from Earth—4,101 miles (6,600 kilometers) beyond the Apollo 13 milestone—before turning back behind the moon. Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen described the views as “unbelievable” and encouraged future generations to continue pushing the limits. In a touching nod to history, Apollo 13 commander Jim Lovell, who passed away last year, recorded a message for the crew, welcoming them to “my old neighborhood” and reminding them to enjoy the view. The astronauts also carried an Apollo 8 silk patch with them, honoring NASA’s first lunar mission. Artemis II followed a free-return lunar trajectory similar to Apollo 13, a route that uses the moon’s and Earth’s gravity to minimize fuel use and ensures a safe return home. The seven-hour lunar flyby, the centerpiece of the nearly 10-day mission, brought the astronauts as close as 4,067 miles (6,545 kilometers) to the moon’s surface. They observed and photographed over two dozen lunar features, including impact craters, using professional cameras and smartphones. The crew requested to name two fresh craters after their capsule, Integrity, and Commander Reid Wiseman’s late wife, Carroll, which led to an emotional moment shared among them. The Artemis II spacecraft reached its closest approach at 3,139 mph (5,052 kph) and completed the farthest distance from Earth while temporarily out of communication. Mission Control in Houston celebrated the return leg with an Earthrise view showcasing Asia, Africa, and Oceania. President Donald Trump called the astronauts, praising them as “modern-day pioneers” and highlighting America’s continued ambitions in lunar and Martian exploration. Science objectives included close observations of the Orientale Basin, a massive impact basin spanning nearly 600 miles (950 kilometers), while the timing of the launch ensured the solar eclipse occurred during their mission. Artemis II is the first astronaut moon mission since Apollo 17 in 1972, paving the way for Artemis III, which will practice lunar lander docking in orbit, and Artemis IV in 2028, which will see astronauts land near the moon’s south pole. Reflecting on the journey during Christianity’s Holy Week, astronaut Victor Glover remarked on the awe-inspiring perspective of Earth amid the vastness of space, noting the mission serves as a reminder of humanity’s shared existence and responsibilities.

The crew of Artemis program will experience a brief but significant period of isolation when their spacecraft moves behind the Moon, cutting off all communication with Earth. As the astronauts travel farther from Earth, they have remained in constant contact with mission control in Houston, receiving steady guidance and reassurance from NASA teams. However, that link will be temporarily lost when the Moon blocks radio and laser signals. The blackout is expected to last about 40 minutes, during which the four astronauts will be completely out of contact, travelling through space in silence. Artemis pilot Victor Glover said before the mission that he hopes people on Earth will use the moment to reflect and send positive thoughts. “When we're behind the Moon, out of contact with everybody, let's take that as an opportunity,” he said. “Let's pray, hope, send your good thoughts and feelings that we get back in contact with the crew.” Such communication blackouts are not new. During the Apollo 11 mission in 1969, astronaut Michael Collins experienced a similar period of isolation while orbiting the Moon alone as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin walked on its surface. Collins later described the experience as being “truly alone” and “isolated from any known life,” though he said he did not feel fear. In later interviews, he recalled the calmness of the moment, noting that the silence provided a break from constant communication. Back on Earth, the temporary loss of signal is expected to create tension among teams monitoring the mission. At Goonhilly Earth Station in Cornwall, engineers are tracking the Orion spacecraft and relaying its position to NASA. Officials there said they would feel anxious during the blackout but relieved once contact is restored. Experts say such communication gaps highlight the need for continuous coverage as future lunar exploration expands. Projects like Moonlight, led by the European Space Agency, aim to deploy satellite networks around the Moon to ensure uninterrupted connectivity. During the blackout, the Artemis crew will focus on scientific observation, including capturing images and studying the Moon’s surface. Once communication resumes, the astronauts are expected to share their findings and views with Earth, marking another milestone in human space exploration. #From BBC