NASA's Epic Space Odyssey: From Hopeful Returns to Ambitious Mars Vision

NASA and SpaceX have launched a new crew to the ISS, paving the way for the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Meanwhile, NASA was granted extra time to submit mass layoff plans. Elon Musk plans to send SpaceX’s Starship to Mars by 2026 carrying a Tesla bot.

In a significant development for space exploration, NASA and SpaceX successfully launched a new crew to the International Space Station, marking progress in returning U.S. astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. The launch allows the pair, who have spent nine months on the ISS, to anticipate their long-awaited return.

Amidst these space endeavors, NASA secured a one-week extension to propose its mass layoff strategy to the U.S. personnel agency. This extension reflects the agency's current focus on high-priority missions as part of ongoing efforts to streamline federal operations under the influence of Elon Musk and the previous administration.

Looking ahead, SpaceX founder Elon Musk has announced ambitious plans for Starship, targeting a Mars launch by the end of 2026. Included in this mission is Tesla's humanoid bot, Optimus, potentially paving the way for human landings by 2029, contingent on the success of initial trials.

Separately, astronomers confirmed the existence of four small rocky planets orbiting Barnard's star, located approximately six light-years from our solar system. Despite being too hot to support life, these planets highlight ongoing discoveries in our cosmic neighborhood.

(With inputs from agencies.)