Breakthroughs and Decisions: Key Highlights in Space Tech

NASA is poised to decide whether to bring astronauts back on Boeing's Starliner or a SpaceX vehicle. SpaceX gears up for a private spacewalk with cutting-edge technology. Chinese scientists devise a new way to produce water using lunar soil from their 2020 mission. Here's a roundup of current science news.

NASA is on the brink of a critical decision concerning the homeward journey of astronauts aboard Boeing's trouble-plagued Starliner spacecraft. The space agency expects to make an announcement on Saturday, determining whether the astronauts will return aboard the Starliner or switch to a SpaceX vehicle. The review follows several technical issues encountered during the mission.

In a bold venture, SpaceX is set to conduct the first-ever private spacewalk next week, showcasing innovative technology including streamlined spacesuits and a cabin devoid of an airlock. The mission, considered one of SpaceX's most daring yet, will launch a billionaire entrepreneur, a retired military pilot, and two SpaceX employees into space for a 20-minute walk, 434 miles above Earth.

Meanwhile, Chinese scientists have unveiled a groundbreaking technique to generate water from lunar soil. Utilizing samples collected from the Chang'e-5 mission in 2020, researchers discovered that heating the lunar minerals, rich in hydrogen, to high temperatures produces water vapor. This innovative method, reported by state media CCTV, marks a significant advancement in extraterrestrial science.

(With inputs from agencies.)