China’s Chang’e-6 lunar probe has returned with the first samples from the Moon’s far side, landing in Inner Mongolia after a 53-day mission. The mission, which began in May, successfully retrieved soil and rock samples from a crater near the Moon’s south pole. These samples could provide crucial insights into the Moon's formation and geological differences. President Xi Jinping praised the mission, highlighting its role in advancing space exploration. This marks China's sixth lunar mission and emphasizes its growing capabilities in space, as the nation aims for a crewed lunar landing by 2030.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams and her crewmate Butch Wilmore face an uncertain return from the International Space Station (ISS) due to glitches in Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. Initially scheduled for June 26, their departure has been delayed after helium leaks and thruster issues were discovered. Allegations from whistleblowers claim Boeing and NASA knew of these faults but proceeded with the launch. The astronauts, who arrived at the ISS on June 5, have adequate supplies and are awaiting further instructions. Concerns also include a superbug on the ISS and fuel limitations for the Starliner’s return.

NASA faces criticism for overlooking a minor helium leak in the Starliner spacecraft prior to its recent launch. The issue, initially deemed insignificant, escalated into four additional leaks post-launch, rendering one thruster inoperative. This has postponed the return of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams from the ISS until at least July 2. Despite these setbacks, NASA remains confident in the Starliner's performance and is conducting a thorough review. Boeing, already under scrutiny for safety issues, faces increased pressure to address these leaks, which could impact the future of the Starliner program.

Boeing's Starliner had trouble docking with the International Space Station (ISS) this week. The spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, faced delays due to helium leaks and malfunctioning thrusters. The initial docking attempt failed, forcing the Starliner to stay 850 feet from the ISS. NASA analyzed the data and prepared for a second attempt. Despite the issues, Boeing assured that the helium leak wasn't a safety risk. After further tests, the Starliner successfully docked with the ISS, ending its series of problems.

NASA and Boeing postponed the return of the Starliner spacecraft due to additional helium leaks identified after its June 5 launch. Originally considered minor, the leaks became significant in orbit, disabling one thruster. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, aboard the ISS, now await a revised landing date after July 2. Despite challenges, NASA assures that the astronauts can undock if necessary. Boeing faces scrutiny for this issue, adding to its recent troubles. NASA’s Steve Stich stated the return plan follows standard procedures, and confidence in Starliner remains intact despite the complications.

SpaceX successfully conducted two Falcon 9 launches on June 23, deploying a total of 42 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit. The first launch from Cape Canaveral, carrying 22 satellites, occurred at 1:15 p.m. ET, with the reusable booster landing on the A Shortfall of Gravitas drone ship. The second launch at 8:47 p.m. PT from Vandenberg Space Force Station deployed 20 satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities. This marks SpaceX's 65th mission of 2024, pushing towards a goal of 148 for the year, aiming to expand global internet service coverage.

NASA's recent tabletop exercise reveals a hypothetical scenario where a newly detected asteroid has a 72% chance of impacting Earth on July 12, 2038. Conducted to assess planetary defense capabilities, the exercise highlighted global response challenges and the need for improved readiness. Despite uncertainties in initial conditions, NASA emphasized the potential of its DART mission to deflect asteroids and announced plans for the NEO Surveyor telescope to enhance early detection. The exercise involved US agencies and international collaborators, stressing the importance of coordinated efforts to mitigate asteroid threats.

Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, carrying NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, faces extended delays at the International Space Station (ISS) due to technical issues. The spacecraft, which encountered thruster failures and helium leaks, will postpone its return until early July. Originally slated for June 26, the setbacks underscore ongoing challenges in Boeing's CST-100 Starliner program. NASA plans to address these issues during scheduled spacewalks and evaluate system upgrades. With cost overruns exceeding $1.5 billion beyond its $4.5-billion NASA contract, Boeing strives to enhance Starliner's reliability as a crew transport to complement SpaceX's Crew Dragon.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully achieved a rare hat-trick in the safe landing of its reusable launch vehicle, Pushpak. The third consecutive success in the Reusable Launch Vehicle Landing Experiment (LEX) paves the way for the orbital test of Pushpak. ISRO Chairman S Somanath hailed the achievement as a "game-changer technology" that will reduce the cost of access to space. The reusable rocket technology will enable India to launch payloads into space and safely recover the vehicle, making it a significant milestone in India's space program. The next step will be the orbital test, which will simulate the extreme conditions of space.

In a gripping Group F clash at EURO 2024, Georgia and Czechia battled to a 1-1 draw at Volksparkstadion in Hamburg. Georges Mikautadze put Georgia ahead with a penalty just before halftime, but Patrik Schick equalized for Czechia in the 59th minute, becoming their all-time leading EURO goalscorer. The match saw end-to-end action with both teams pressing for a win, but solid goalkeeping and missed chances kept the score level. The result gives both teams their first point of the tournament, setting up an intriguing scenario for their upcoming group stage fixtures.