SpaceX launches advanced European weather satellite, lands rocket at sea (video, photos)

Russia is sending up another resupply mission to the International Space Station today, and space fans can tune in live to watch the Progress 92 cargo ship blast off. It’s another routine but crucial delivery run—packed with food, equipment, and science gear—to keep the ISS crew stocked and experiments running.

Editor’s Note: While cargo launches aren’t exactly breaking news these days, they’re a reminder of how international cooperation in space keeps humming along—even amid tensions back on Earth. Plus, live launches are always a cool spectacle if you’re into spaceflight.

An $88 million satellite designed to monitor methane emissions—a major contributor to climate change—has gone missing in space. MethaneSat was built to track greenhouse gas leaks from oil and gas operations, a key tool in holding polluters accountable. Now, scientists and environmental regulators are scrambling to figure out what went wrong.

Editor’s Note: Methane is way more harmful than CO2 in the short term, and this satellite was supposed to be a game-changer for spotting leaks that companies (or governments) might try to hide. Losing it is a big setback for climate transparency—especially since the data could’ve helped push for stricter regulations. Now, we’re back to relying on patchier ground-based monitoring until they fix this (or launch a replacement).

If you're into space gadgets or just love a good deal, now's the time to shop. This roundup highlights the best discounts on telescopes, star projectors, and other space-themed tech ahead of Fourth of July sales and Amazon Prime Day. Whether you're a stargazer or just looking for a cool gift, these deals are worth checking out.

Editor’s Note: Sales like these don't come around often, especially for niche categories like space tech. With Prime Day and Fourth of July promotions overlapping, it's a great chance to snag high-ticket items at lower prices—perfect for hobbyists or anyone wanting to bring a little cosmos into their home.

The EPA is starting a program to let people adopt lab animals—like zebrafish and rats—from one of its North Carolina facilities. This comes as the Trump administration slashes funding for the agency’s research division, leaving thousands of animals in limbo. A watchdog group, Peer, uncovered the plan in internal documents.

Editor’s Note: It’s a quirky but telling move—while the idea of adopting lab animals sounds heartwarming, it’s really a Band-Aid solution to deeper issues. The EPA’s research cuts could have long-term consequences for environmental science, and this program hints at the scramble to manage the fallout. Plus, who’s ready to give a zebrafish a forever home?

Scientists are sounding the alarm that the U.S. could lose an entire generation of top research talent due to deep cuts and political meddling at the National Science Foundation under Trump. The Guardian reports that slashed funding, chaotic staffing changes, and eroded independence at the NSF are pushing researchers abroad—jeopardizing America’s competitive edge in science and tech.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about budgets—it’s about brain drain. If the U.S. keeps gutting its research backbone, the next breakthroughs in medicine, AI, or clean energy might happen in China or Europe instead. The stakes are long-term: once talent leaves, it’s hard to get it back.