SpaceX has unveiled new footage showcasing a historic achievement in spaceflight: the successful capture of its Super Heavy booster by the launch tower for the first time. This event took place during the fifth test flight of the Starship rocket. The footage shows the booster being caught by the tower's giant mechanical arms, highlighting SpaceX's progress towards a fully reusable rocket system. This recovery is a significant advancement for SpaceX as it aligns with NASA's plans to return astronauts to the moon. The fully reusable Starship rocket performed flawlessly during the test, marking an important milestone in the company's space endeavors.

The ancient comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS, known as the “comet of the century,” lit up the night skies this week. It made its closest approach to Earth, about 44 million miles away. Discovered in 2023, this long-period comet only visits the inner solar system every 80,000 years. Stargazers around the world shared stunning photos and time-lapse videos on social media. The comet was first spotted by scientists in China and South Africa. People reported seeing the comet over locations like Arizona, Russia, North Macedonia, and Japan.

NASA’s Europa Clipper spacecraft has launched from Florida aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, beginning its 5.5-year journey to Jupiter’s moon Europa. Set to reach orbit in 2030, the mission will investigate whether Europa's subsurface ocean, hidden beneath an icy shell, could support life. Europa Clipper will conduct 49 close flybys to measure the ocean's depth and map the surface. Weighing 6,000 kg and equipped with solar arrays, the probe is designed to withstand Jupiter’s intense radiation while gathering data to help understand potential habitability beyond Earth.

SpaceX achieved a major breakthrough by catching its 232-foot Super Heavy booster with giant robotic arms, called "chopsticks," following the successful launch of its reusable Starship spacecraft from Boca Chica, Texas. The booster re-ignited three engines to slow its descent before being caught by the arms mounted on a steel tower. SpaceX owner Elon Musk hailed the achievement as a historic engineering moment. The Starship second stage continued its journey into space, landing in the Indian Ocean after completing its fifth test flight.

SpaceX successfully caught its Starship Super Heavy booster for the first time during its fifth test flight, a significant achievement in space exploration. After reaching speeds over 17,000 mph, the booster was gently guided back to the Texas launchpad, where it was captured by mechanical arms, marking a leap towards reusable rocket technology. Elon Musk hailed the event as a "big step towards making life multi-planetary." Additionally, Starship completed a successful splashdown in the Indian Ocean, fulfilling both key objectives of the test.

India has inaugurated the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) Observatory in Hanle, Ladakh, placing the nation at the forefront of cosmic-ray research. Built by the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), MACE is the highest imaging Cherenkov telescope globally, located at an altitude of 4,300 meters. The observatory will focus on studying high-energy gamma rays, offering insights into phenomena like supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts. This project, expected to contribute to Ladakh's socio-economic development, also aims to inspire future Indian scientists and foster international collaborations.

The Northern Lights made a stunning appearance across the UK on Thursday night, visible as far south as Sussex due to a severe geomagnetic storm. Clear skies allowed many across the country, including regions like Kent, Buckinghamshire, and Norfolk, to witness the dazzling aurora borealis. The phenomenon, caused by charged particles colliding with Earth's atmospheric gases, is influenced by solar activity, which is nearing its peak. According to the Met Office, further sightings may occur this weekend, particularly in Scotland. The lights' appearance this far south is rare and delighted stargazers across Britain.

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun have won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for their groundbreaking discovery of microRNA and its role in gene regulation. The Nobel Assembly of Sweden’s Karolinska Institute awarded the scientists a prize of 11 million Swedish crowns ($1.1 million). The discovery of microRNA has significantly impacted the field of molecular biology and medical research. The prestigious Nobel Prize, founded by Alfred Nobel, continues to recognize groundbreaking contributions in science, literature, and peace. This year’s laureates will receive their awards on December 10.

SpaceX's Crew Dragon capsule docked at the International Space Station (ISS) on September 29, 2024, to rescue astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore, stranded since June due to Boeing's Starliner thruster failures. The rescue mission, manned by NASA's Nick Hague and Russia's Alexander Gorbunov, will not return to Earth until February 2025, leaving Williams and Wilmore in space for eight months. NASA's Deputy Program Manager confirmed the astronauts monitored the launch from the ISS, maintaining a positive outlook on their extended stay in orbit.

Earth has temporarily acquired a second moon, named Asteroid 2024 PT5. This small asteroid, roughly the size of a bus, was captured by Earth's gravity on Sunday. Although only 10 meters wide, this "mini moon" won't be visible from India or any other location without advanced telescopes. The asteroid is expected to orbit Earth for two months before breaking free on November 25. First spotted in August by scientists in Spain, 2024 PT5 is part of the Arjuna asteroid group and is projected to pass by Earth again in 2055.