Tue, 21-Oct-2025

UAE: Astronaut Al Neyadi’s space mission date is announced

UAE
  • Sultan Al Neyadi will depart for ISS for a six-month mission.
  • Al Neyadi is a member of the four-person SpaceX Crew-6 mission.
  • Al Neyadi will be the first Arab astronaut to fly a long-duration space mission.

Dubai: UAE astronaut Sultan Al Neyadi will depart for the International Space Station (ISS) on February 26 for a six-month mission, the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) announced on Thursday.

Al Neyadi, who will be the second Emirati in space after Hazzaa AlMansoori, will conduct “various scientific experiments and research,” according to MBRSC.

Al Neyadi is a member of the four-person SpaceX Crew-6 mission, which also includes NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen and Warren Hoburg, as well as Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. This will be Hoburg’s, Fedyaev’s, and AlNeyadi’s first space mission, and Bowen’s fourth.

The Falcon 9 launch rocket and the Dragon Endeavour spacecraft that will transport the crew to the ISS will take off from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida’s Launch Complex 39A.

The mission is NASA’s (US space agency’s) sixth crew rotation flight, and it involves a US commercial spacecraft carrying a science expedition aboard the microgravity laboratory.

First Arab on a long space mission

Al Neyadi will be the first Arab astronaut to fly a long-duration space mission. He and AlMansoori, the first Emirati to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) for an eight-day mission in September 2019, have completed European Space Agency (ESA) Columbus training for the SpaceX Crew 6 mission.

Al Neyadi will join Expedition 69 aboard the space station as a flight engineer.

The upcoming mission will also make the UAE only the eleventh country in the world to send astronauts on a long-term mission to space. According to MBRSC, Al Neyadi “will conduct numerous in-depth and advanced scientific experiments as part of the second mission of the UAE Astronaut Programme that will pave the way for future UAE missions and further push the capabilities for a journey beyond Earth.”

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SpaceX launches a GPS satellite of the next generation

SpaceX
  • GPS satellite lifted off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
  • SpaceX launched a new GPS satellite for the US military.
  • The mission delivered the sixth spacecraft in a new generation of GPS satellites.

On Wednesday, SpaceX launched a new GPS satellite for the US military, bolstering the constellation of global positioning and navigation satellites that power smartphone apps, wartime operations, and more.

The GPS satellite lifted off from the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket at 7:24 a.m. ET.

SpaceX confirmed the satellite’s deployment in a subsequent tweet that included a video of the moment.

Lockheed Martin’s next-generation GPS III satellites will modernize the system, with plans to build up to 32 satellites, including the six that have launched since 2019.

Despite the fact that GPS services are commonly used by smartphones, Lockheed Martin notes on its website that it also serves military purposes.

“Space has become a more contested environment — with more-competitive adversaries,” the company’s website reads. “Our warfighters need enhanced capabilities to take on evolving threats. The need to return the focus on GPS as a ‘warfighting system’ has never been clearer.”

The previous generation of GPS satellites began entering service in the late 1990s.

After the launch

After the Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral and burned through most of its fuel, the first stage — the large bottommost portion that provides the initial thrust at liftoff — separated from the rocket’s second stage and the satellite and returned to a precise landing on a platform at sea. It’s a routine maneuver for SpaceX, which recovers and reuses rockets on a regular basis to cut costs.

The first-stage rocket booster used on Wednesday was previously used to launch SpaceX’s Crew-5 mission, which carried four astronauts to the International Space Station in October 2022.

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Elon Musk loses ‘Richest Man’ title

Elon Musk
  • Musk’s bid for Twitter, the market value of Tesla has dropped.
  • This is because the value of his shares in Tesla has dropped by a large amount.
  • In October, he bought Twitter for $44 billion.

In a shocking turn of events, Elon Musk is no longer the richest person in the world. The CEO of SpaceX and Twitter, who is 51 years old, is no longer financially on top of the world. This is because the value of his shares in Tesla has dropped by a large amount.

For those who don’t know, Musk has been in the first place since September 2021. Since Musk’s bid for Twitter, the market value of Tesla has dropped by almost half, and his net worth has dropped by about $70 billion. In October, Musk finished the deal for Twitter with $13 billion in loans and $33.5 billion in equity.

Forbes and Bloomberg recently reported that Bernard Arnault, the head of the luxury goods company LVMH, has passed Elon Musk to become the most powerful person in the world.

Forbes’ Real-Time Billionaires List had Arnault at the top with a net worth of $191,2 billion, followed by Musk with $185,1 billion.

Most of Arnault’s wealth comes from his investment in Christian Dior SE, the holding company that owns 41.2% of LVMH. Through Groupe Familial Arnault, which is run by his family, he also owns shares in Christian Dior SE and 6.2% of LVMH.

Musk is not only the CEO of Tesla, but he also owns about 14% of the company. In October, he bought Twitter for $44 billion. After that, there were rumours that the Tesla board was worried. Musk is even said to have hired Tesla engineers to work on Twitter, which made the shareholders even more worried.

Tesla could be hurt by a drop in demand for its electric cars if the economy goes into a recession, by higher financing costs that turn off buyers, by car recalls and government investigations into crashes and its autopilot system.

Also, after investing in Twitter, Musk made his $44 billion offer, which many people thought was too expensive. Musk backed out of the deal in July, but Twitter officials filed a lawsuit to enforce the billionaire’s offer. Because of this, the man who is now the CEO of Twitter sold shares of Tesla for billions of dollars.

Dan Ives, an investor at Wedbush Securities, told the hollywood media “Musk has gone from a hero to a villain in the eyes of the Street as the overhang grows with each tweet.”

“Musk’s reputation has been hurt by the Twitter circus, and Tesla’s stock is in danger because of it. Tesla and Elon Musk are the same person.”

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Amber Heard leaves Twitter after Elon Musk takes over social media giant

amber heard elon musk

Amber Heard deactivated her Twitter account has been deleted after Elon Musk took over the platform. Some users think she deleted her account to prevent Musk from accessing her private messages. Others argue that the Tesla CEO must have erased her account after taking over the social media platform. Amber Heard apparently canceled her Twitter … Read more

Musk believes SpaceX cannot subsidies Ukraine’s Starlink broadband forever

Elon Musk SpaceX

Elon Musk turned on Starlink in Ukraine in late February. Starlink was burning through approximately $20 million a month. SpaceX has provided thousands of terminals for use in Crimea. After a story claimed that Elon Musk’s rocket business had asked the Pentagon to cover the costs of the donations, Starlink’s funding and tens of thousands … Read more

NASA, SpaceX examining ways to increase Hubble telescope orbit

NASA SpaceX
  • Elon Musk’s SpaceX intends to fund research with NASA to increase the Hubble Space Telescope’s orbital altitude.
  • The six-month study will be completely funded by SpaceX.
  • It will look at whether SpaceX’s Dragon capsule has to be upgraded to raise the telescope’s orbit.

Elon Musk’s SpaceX intends to fund research with NASA to look into how to utilize the Dragon spacecraft to increase the Hubble Space Telescope’s orbital altitude, which would increase the telescope’s useful life, according to agency officials.

In a last-minute press conference, NASA’s science head Thomas Zurbuchen assured reporters that the six-month study will be completely funded by SpaceX, whose Crew Dragon spacecraft transports humans and supplies to and from the International Space Station on behalf of NASA.

SpaceX approached NASA a few months ago with the suggestion for a study on how a commercial crew could aid in boosting our Hubble spacecraft into a higher orbit, extending its observational lifetime.

Since its debut in 1990, the Hubble Space Telescope has served as a workhorse cosmic observatory for astronomers all over the world, providing stunning star pictures and facilitating significant discoveries like the age of the universe and the moons of Pluto.

In order to “help establish whether it would be viable to safely rendezvous, dock, and relocate the telescope into a more stable orbit,” NASA stated teams will gather data.

Throughout the US shuttle program in the early 2000s, Hubble had maintenance on multiple occasions.

Since the end of that program in 2011, astronomers have investigated a number of options for maintaining the ageing but still functional telescope. There are no developed plans.

The study will look at whether SpaceX’s Dragon capsule has to be upgraded to dock with and raise the telescope’s orbit as well as whether astronauts need to be on board for a future flight, among other things.

During the press conference, Jessica Jensen, vice president of customer operations at SpaceX, remarked, “At this moment, everything is on the table.”

Officials from NASA highlighted that the deal with SpaceX is exclusively for a SpaceX-funded study and does not indicate future plans for the agency to maintain the telescope.

 

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SpaceX launches revolutionary Starlink V2 Satellites

SpaceX launches revolutionary Starlink V2 Satellites
  • Starlink V2 satellites were unveiled today in a live event by T-Mobile and SpaceX.
  • These satellites can carry cell signals to mobile phones and Tesla automobiles directly from space.
  • Both companies will build a new network across the U.S. called ‘Coverage Above and Beyond’.

It’s likely that you wouldn’t have a cellphone signal if you ever wandered into the middle of a forest or ocean, which would prevent you from accessing the Internet or making calls unless you had a satellite communicator with you.

And the primary cause of the absence of cellular signals in areas like the forest and the ocean is the lack of cell towers installed there by telecom companies to offer you mobile service to access the Internet or to make calls.

But in 2022, technology has advanced to the point where people have finally discovered a way to address the issue of offering cell service even in remote locations that were previously inaccessible by conventional cell signals.

Starlink V2, the satellites that can carry cell signals to mobile phones and Tesla automobiles directly from space, was unveiled today in a live event by the US telecoms carrier T-Mobile and the internationally recognized aerospace corporation SpaceX.

Today’s statement was primarily concerned with T-Mobile’s installation of Starlink V2 in the US.

Both companies will build a new network across the United States with T-Mobile’s current mid-band spectrum under the new plan, called ‘Coverage Above and Beyond’.

Using an existing spectrum has the primary benefit of allowing most handsets on its current network to connect to the new network without the requirement for new hardware.

The new network uses Starlink V2 satellites from SpaceX to cut down on cellular dead spots all around the country.

The recently developed network intends to offer cell phone coverage anytime, everywhere, whether it be in the heart of Death Valley or the Great Smoky Mountains.

Elon Musk, Chief Engineer of SpaceX, claims that the Starlink V2 satellite deployment for the new network will function well for texting and voice calls but not for usages that need high bandwidth.

This is primarily due to the fact that the new network’s cell zones can only supply 2 to 4Mbps.

Even though Starlink V2 technology from SpaceX is only being used in the USA, T-Mobile and SpaceX both expressed their vision for ‘Coverage Above and Beyond’, extending an open invitation to all carriers in the world to work together for a truly global connection.

Elon Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, expressed his desire to permanently eradicate cellular dead zones from the planet in a tweet.

 

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South Korea launches first moon orbiter ‘Danuri’ in space

moon orbiter

South Korea launches homegrown lunar orbiter aboard a SpaceX rocket from Florida. Orbiter “Danuri,” which means “enjoy the moon,” successfully separates from rocket. Launch comes as South Korea ramps up its burgeoning space programme, with the goal of sending a probe to the moon by 2030. South Korea launched its first moon mission on Thursday, … Read more

SpaceX promoter ‘probably’ getting back to pad after blast – Elon Musk

SpaceX

SpaceX’s Starship rocket booster exploded during pre-launch tests. The rocket is part of the company’s aim to transport humans and cargo to the moon and Mars. An orbital test could fly “as soon as next month” if testing goes well. The Starship rocket promoter SpaceX plans to use for a debut trip to the circle … Read more

NASA official on aerospace industry: ‘Bro-culture’ is bad for business

NASA

Lori Garver led the NASA programme that enabled SpaceX to bring human spaceflight back to U.S. She discusses this success and the cultural difficulties that are prevalent in the aerospace sector. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has become a major player in the commercial space race. After a ten-year hiatus, Lori Garver led the NASA programme that … Read more

Elon Musk Twitter absence, now in its second week, causes curiosity

elon musk

Elon Musk, the richest person in the world, has not tweeted for 10 days. The tech billionaire’s absence is odd, given that he is notoriously active on social media. Reports claim he is closer to buying Twitter as Tesla struggles with production issues in China and weak output growth in Texas and Berlin. Elon Musk, … Read more

Elon Musk transgender child files name change petition

Elon Musk’s daughter files for a name change and a birth certificate change. Xavier Alexander Musk has asked the court to change her gender recognition from male to female. She recently turned 18 in California, which is the legal age of consent in the United States. The transgender daughter of Elon Musk has filed a … Read more

SpaceX fired at least five workers after receiving a negative letter

SpaceX

SpaceX dismissed at least five employees after discovering they had written and distributed a letter criticising founder Elon Musk The number of fired employees was not specifically stated. Musk was referred to as a “distraction and humiliation” to the firm he founded in the SpaceX letter, which Reuters was able to view. According to two … Read more

SpaceX has raised $1.68 billion in equity funding

raised

SpaceX has raised $1.68 billion through equity financing, the Elon Musk-founded rocket maker said in a regulatory filing. Comes as SpaceX invests heavily in its Starship rocket development and Starlink broadband internet satellite constellation. The fresh financing round was disclosed in securities filings on Monday. SpaceX has raised $1.68 billion through value funding, the Elon … Read more

The SpaceX project has passed the FAA’s environmental review in the US

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has approved a final environmental assessment of the proposed SpaceX Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy rocket program in Texas. The FAA published a finding of “No Significant Impact” but is placing some limitations on launches and steps to limit environmental impacts, the agency said. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on … Read more

FAA demands SpaceX to make environmental changes, Starship project in Texas

FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration completed a long-awaited evaluation of SpaceX’s Starship rocket programme in Texas on Monday. The FAA stated in a press statement that SpaceX will be required to conduct more than 75 activities to reduce environmental risks before receiving a launch licence. SpaceX requires regulatory permission to undertake additional Starship flight testing and … Read more

Elon Musk asks why ‘leaking’ DOJ not expose Epstein’s client list

Elon Musk

Elon Musk tweeted about the Justice Department’s silence on the Jeffrey Epstein cases. Musk: “Doesn’t that seem odd?”. He included a visual in his tweet “Things I’ll never see in my life” Elon Musk asked on Twitter on Saturday if anyone was disturbed by the “leaking” Justice Department’s silence on the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine … Read more

Elon Musk disputes harassment charges as SpaceX seeks $1.7 billion in funding

elon musk

Elon Musk’s rocket business SpaceX is aiming to secure $1.7 billion in new capital as its controversial creator continues to make headlines in the last week of his defamation trial against former lovers Amber Heard and Johnny Depp. According to CNBC, citing a company-wide email received by the network, the space travel pioneer will pay … Read more

Saudi billionaire prince to sell 16.87% of firm to sovereign fund

Saudi

A Saudi billionaire detained in a 2017 anti-graft crackdown will sell a 16.87 percent stake in his company to a sovereign wealth fund run by the kingdom’s crown prince. a statement issued on Sunday. According to a regulatory filing published by the Saudi stock exchange, or Tadawul, Prince Al-Waleed bin Talal sold 625 million shares … Read more

Elon Musk offered flight attendant, a horse in return for an erotic massage

Elon Musk

Elon Musk offered flight attendant, a horse in return for an erotic massage SpaceX, the aviation firm established by Elon Musk, the world’s most well-off man, paid an airline steward $250,000 to settle a sexual offense claim against Musk back in 2018. The attendant filled in as a service host for SpaceX’s corporate stream armada. … Read more

Tesla CEO shifts focus to Indonesia after failing India

Tesla

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, is slated to visit Indonesia in November as he wraps up operations of his electric car company in India. The Indonesian government wants to use its massive nickel reserves to build a world-class electric battery sector, according to IANS. Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo, Indonesia’s president, met Musk over … Read more

The Rocket Lab helicopter collects and drops a rocket booster.

Rocket Lab

Rocket Lab USA Inc has successfully captured a falling rocket stage with a helicopter before dropping it into the ocean, indicating that the company’s new cost-cutting strategy is somewhat successful. The demonstration on Monday, which included parachutes and a lengthy rope suspended from a helicopter, aimed to mark a critical milestone for the California-based business … Read more

Four astronauts return home after a six-month trip in a SpaceX capsule.

astronauts

The third SpaceX long-duration astronaut crew has successfully returned to Earth, splashing down in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Florida, capping months of orbital study on everything from space-grown chillies to robots. After a 23-hour-plus autonomous trip home from the International Space Station, the SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying three American NASA … Read more

SpaceX announces the successful return of four astronauts despite Moscow’s situation

SpaceX announces the successful return of four astronauts despite Moscow’s situation In one more effective excursion for SpaceX four space travelers got back from the International Space Station (ISS) in the early hours of today, sprinkling down in the Gulf of Mexico. Splashdown of Dragon confirmed – welcome back to Earth, @Astro_Raja, @astroMarshburn, @astro_matthias, and … Read more