NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced an expansion of US-India space collaboration, including training Indian astronauts for a joint mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Following discussions between US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and India’s Ajit Doval, the partnership will see ISRO astronauts trained at NASA's Johnson Space Center. This historic initiative, part of the iCET Dialogue, aims to deepen space interoperability and marks a significant step in India-US space relations. The mission's details are being finalized, signaling stronger future human spaceflight collaboration and enhanced Earth-based benefits.

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists have unearthed Filoboletus manipularis, a rare species of bioluminescent mushrooms in Kasaragod's Ranipuram forest. Emitting a vibrant green glow at night, these fungi were identified during a micro-fungal survey conducted jointly by Kerala's Forest Department and Mushrooms of India Community. While hailed for enriching biodiversity studies, experts caution against consuming them due to potential toxicity. Dilip Kumar Rai, a botany expert, highlights the mushrooms' role in ecosystem balance but underscores health risks associated with ingestion. Researchers aim to delve deeper into their genetic makeup to unravel further mysteries of bioluminescence.

NASA announced that the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, carrying astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, will undock from the International Space Station (ISS) and return to Earth on June 22. Despite encountering challenges like helium leaks and thruster failures during its mission, Starliner's upcoming return marks a critical test for future crewed missions. The spacecraft's journey back is expected to take approximately six hours, aiming for landing in Utah or New Mexico, contingent on weather conditions.

A recent Harvard University study has claimed that aliens may be living among us, possibly underground or on the Moon. The research paper proposes that UFOs could be spaceships visiting Earth-based "alien friends." The study also explores the "crypto terrestrial" hypothesis, which links UAP activity to hidden non-human entities that may be pretending to be humans. These "cryptoterrestrials" could have evolved from intelligent dinosaurs. The researchers have studied this theory, which suggests that aliens may be living among us, disguising themselves as humans. While the evidence is not conclusive, the study presents a fascinating perspective on the possibility of extraterrestrial life.

Scientists have identified water frost on three of Mars' tallest Tharsis volcanoes, Olympus Mons, Arsia Mons, and Ceraunius Tholus, as reported in Nature Geoscience. The frost, equating to 60 Olympic-size swimming pools, forms during sunrise and evaporates by day. Captured by the ESA’s ExoMars and Mars Express missions, this finding reveals a thin layer of frost only one-hundredth of a millimeter thick. The discovery challenges previous assumptions about frost formation at Mars’ equator and hints at remnants of ancient Martian climate cycles.

SpaceX's Starship megarocket successfully completed an uncrewed test flight, reaching orbit and returning to Earth. The 400-foot rocket, the most powerful ever developed, demonstrated full reusability and survived re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. This marks a crucial step towards NASA's Artemis III mission to the moon in 2026. The test flight achieved several milestones, including a controlled splashdown and successful recovery of both the Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy first-stage rocket. While the extent of the vehicle's survival is unclear, the test paves the way for future missions to the moon and Mars.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams piloted the Boeing Starliner to a successful docking with the International Space Station (ISS) on Thursday. This achievement marks a historic milestone, making Williams the first woman to pilot a new crewed spacecraft on its maiden voyage. Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore were warmly welcomed by the ISS astronauts, with Williams celebrating her third trip to the station with a joyful dance. She expressed gratitude for the warm reception, describing the crew as "another family." This mission marks a significant step forward in space exploration.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is set to arrive at the International Space Station (ISS) on her third space mission, describing it as “going back home.” After a successful launch on June 5 from Cape Canaveral aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft, Williams and co-astronaut Butch Wilmore have been testing manual piloting capabilities in orbit. Despite minor helium leaks detected post-launch, the mission is proceeding as planned. The crew will spend a week at the ISS conducting tests before final certification of the Starliner, developed for NASA's Commercial Crew Program .            

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams creates history by becoming the first woman to test a spacecraft on its maiden mission. Lift-off occurred successfully on the third attempt from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. Williams will dock with the International Space Station to test the Starliner for about a week. The 59-year-old, with 322 days in space and a record for spacewalk hours, expresses excitement and confidence in the new spacecraft she helped design. The mission aims to certify the Starliner for long-duration flights, despite delays and budget concerns.

China's Chang'e 6 mission achieved a historic milestone as its spacecraft touched down on the far side of the Moon, targeting the South Pole-Aitken Basin. Launched on May 3, the mission aims to gather vital rock and soil samples, potentially shedding light on the formation of planets and the origin of water in the solar system. Utilizing innovative technologies and autonomous systems, the probe navigated the challenging landing process. If successful, the collected materials could significantly advance lunar exploration and pave the way for future scientific endeavors, including the establishment of a human presence on the Moon.