SpaceX’s Starship rocket splashed down in the Pacific Ocean after spending about three hours in orbit, ending its latest test mission earlier than planned. The mission was originally scheduled to last around 10 hours, but the team decided to bring the spacecraft back ahead of schedule. The reason for the early return remains unclear. During the mission, Starship deployed 26 next-generation Starlink V3 satellites to expand the company’s broadband internet network. Earlier, engineers faced an engine issue and had to assess whether the rocket could safely proceed into orbit. SpaceX aims to use Starship for future missions to the Moon and Mars. (PC: BBC)

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman has warned that China could restrict US access to valuable areas near the Moon’s south pole if it arrives first. Speaking at the Off World conference in Houston, Isaacman said China’s delayed Chang’e 7 mission was targeting Shackleton Crater, where permanently shadowed “cold traps” may contain water ice and useful materials. The mission is designed to use an orbiter, lander, rover and mobile hopper. Isaacman said establishing a presence first could allow exclusion zones around landing sites, potentially limiting rivals’ access. China’s delay has created an opportunity for NASA, with Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1 planned for spring 2027. China aims for crewed lunar missions by 2030. (PC: Reuters)

Indian scientists and collaborators have reconstructed a 250-year history of Antarctica’s Maud Rise Polynya, tracing its activity back to 1774. Led by researchers from the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, the study used a 122-metre ice core drilled at Djupranen Ice Rise in East Antarctica. Analysing snow and chemical layers, researchers identified 25 years with evidence of polynya activity, including three major events comparable to the 1974-76 opening, which exceeded 300,000 square kilometres. Findings show that openings occurred in clusters rather than regularly, suggesting atmospheric and ocean conditions combine to trigger them. The study may improve understanding of Antarctica’s climate and ocean circulation. (PC: X)

India’s fusion research has received a boost with a new heating system at the SST-1 tokamak in Gujarat. The Institute for Plasma Research has installed an 82.6 GHz gyrotron with 400 kW power. The system helps scientists heat and control extremely hot plasma. SST-1 is an experimental machine that uses strong magnetic fields to confine plasma. India has previously produced plasma temperatures above 200 million degrees Celsius. The new system will support further experiments on plasma heating and stability. It works with an existing 42 GHz system. SST-1 is not producing electricity and remains a research facility. (PC: Reuters)  

India has taken another step towards its “artificial Sun” project with the installation and commissioning of a new 82.6 GHz, 400 kW gyrotron at the SST-1 tokamak in Gujarat. The device, developed for fusion research, uses high-frequency microwave energy to heat and sustain extremely hot plasma inside the experimental reactor. India’s fusion experiments have already achieved plasma temperatures above 200 million degrees Celsius. The new system is expected to help scientists maintain hotter plasma for longer and study its stability. However, SST-1 is not producing electricity yet. The upgrade is aimed at advancing research needed for future fusion power. (PC: India Today)

Ancient DNA evidence suggests the relationship between the Indus Valley and Mesopotamian civilisations went beyond the exchange of goods and included movement of people. BHU geneticist Professor Gyaneshwer Chaubey said DNA analysis of remains found in present-day Syria identified South Asian mitochondrial lineages linked to populations in India, Pakistan and the Himalayan region. The remains date from around 2650 BCE to 700 CE. Archaeological evidence had already established trade links between the regions, including references to Meluhha in Mesopotamian texts and the discovery of Indus seals and beads. The genetic findings now provide further evidence of ancient human connections along trade routes. (PC: X)

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted a flight-acceptance hot test of its CE20 cryogenic engine at an uprated thrust of 220 kN (22 tonnes), marking a key step towards increasing the payload capacity of India’s LVM3 rocket. The test was carried out on September 9 at ISRO’s Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu. The CE20 powers the cryogenic upper stage of LVM3, also known as India’s ‘Bahubali’ rocket. ISRO said the test also demonstrated the performance of the LOX Tank Pressurisation Module planned for Gaganyaan missions. The successful test brings the upgraded C32 upper stage closer to operational use on future LVM3 missions. (PC: ISRO)

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan on Monday dismissed concerns about possible privatisation, saying ISRO remains a government organisation while working with private companies and startups to expand India’s space ecosystem. His remarks came days after nine ISRO employee associations sought official clarification on a proposed transfer of manufacturing and operational functions to private entities. Narayanan said employees’ concerns were genuine and should be addressed by his colleagues. Speaking after the Bengaluru Space Expo’s inauguration, he noted India’s space programme is 64-65 years old and has 56 space assets serving citizens. However, he stressed that the country needs many more such assets, underscoring the need for collaboration across the rapidly expanding space ecosystem.

US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said NASA has officially invited ISRO to join its Moon base programme as the US prepares for expanded lunar exploration under the Artemis missions. Speaking at Bengaluru Space Expo 2026, Gor said Washington wants India “by our side” on the lunar surface. He highlighted growing India-US space cooperation through the NISAR mission and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla’s mission to the International Space Station. Gor also encouraged Indian space startups to enter the US market and cited companies including Pixxel, GalaxEye, Digantara, Bellatrix, Skyroot and Agnikul. He said both countries are also working on global space governance and cooperation.

ISRO has clarified that it will neither be privatised nor lose its importance, while indicating that its role will increasingly focus on research, development and advanced space missions. Its priorities will further shift towards R&D, human spaceflight, next-generation launch systems, deep-space exploration, planetary missions and strategic national requirements. The clarification comes amid concerns over the future role of India’s premier space agency as private participation in the country’s space sector expands. ISRO’s stated direction indicates that the organisation will continue to remain significant, with greater emphasis on complex technologies, scientific research, human spaceflight and missions of strategic importance to the nation. However, the provided excerpt does not include further details about the specific policy or announcement. (PC: Reuters)