Global Science Headlines: Historic Renovations, Spaceport Explosion, Daring Space Missions

A summary of recent science news, covering renovations in Historic Cairo, a rocket engine explosion in Scotland, a JUICE probe fly-by, and an upcoming SpaceX private spacewalking mission. Egyptian and U.S. officials celebrated restorations in Cairo. Meanwhile, a Scottish spaceport witnessed a disastrous test. European scientists attempt a double slingshot maneuver, and SpaceX gears up for a pioneering mission.

Egyptian officials and the U.S. ambassador have officially inaugurated the renovations of monuments and buildings in Historic Cairo, including the 1420 A.D.-built Bimaristan al-Muayyad Sheikh, notable for its giant crenulated facade and inlaid kufic Arabic inscriptions.

A rocket engine test at Scotland's SaxaVord Spaceport ended in flames as an explosion occurred, marking a setback for the site that became Britain's first licensed vertical rocket launch venue. The BBC captured footage of the large detonation, which spewed fire and smoke into the skies above the Shetland Islands.

European scientists are preparing for an unprecedented orbital maneuver involving the JUICE probe, which will perform a double slingshot fly-by using the Moon and Earth's gravity. This attempt aims to set the probe on a faster course to Jupiter, leveraging gravitational forces in an advanced navigation technique.

The crew for SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission has reached Florida, readying for their Aug. 26 launch. The mission, which includes the first privately managed spacewalk, features a four-member team comprising a billionaire entrepreneur, a retired military fighter pilot, and two SpaceX employees. Over two years of rigorous training will culminate in this pivotal spacewalk out of the Crew Dragon capsule in Earth's orbit.

(With inputs from agencies.)