NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station took a moment on July 4th to send a patriotic message back to Earth, celebrating Independence Day while orbiting 250 miles above it. Nichole Ayers, Jonny Kim, and Anne McClain shared their pride in serving the country—both on the ground and in space—in a heartfelt video that blends national pride with the awe of space exploration.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just a routine holiday greeting—it’s a reminder of how space unites people. The astronauts’ message bridges the gap between earthly traditions and humanity’s cosmic ambitions, making patriotism feel bigger than borders. Plus, it’s a cool peek into how even holidays get a zero-gravity twist up there.

Astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) had a front-row seat to Earth’s Independence Day celebrations—literally. During their first week together, the Expedition 73 and Axiom Mission 4 crews conducted experiments while also catching stunning views of fireworks lighting up the planet below. It’s a rare blend of science and spectacle, showing how life in space mixes work with awe-inspiring moments.

Editor’s Note: Most of us watch fireworks from the ground, but seeing them from orbit is a whole different experience—one that highlights the unique perspective astronauts have of Earth. Beyond the cool factor, this story reminds us that the ISS isn’t just a lab; it’s a place where human curiosity and wonder collide, even during routine missions. Plus, it’s a subtle nod to how space unites people—after all, those fireworks could be from anywhere on the planet.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, India’s first astronaut on the International Space Station, gave students a fascinating peek into life in zero gravity during a live Q&A. He covered everything from how astronauts eat and sleep to the awe of seeing Earth from space—making the extraordinary feel relatable.

Editor’s Note: Space missions often seem distant and technical, but Shukla’s chat humanizes the experience. For young Indians, seeing one of their own share these stories isn’t just inspiring—it plants the idea that space isn’t just for other countries. It’s a nudge toward dreaming bigger.

Elon Musk is pushing for the International Space Station (ISS) to be retired, arguing that it's outdated and expensive. Instead, he wants NASA and other space agencies to prioritize missions to Mars. While NASA already plans to deorbit the ISS by 2030, Musk's comments have sparked debate—some agree with his ambitious Mars vision, while others worry about losing the valuable research and international collaboration the ISS provides. A middle-ground approach, like a gradual transition, might be the way forward.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about Musk’s big Mars dreams—it’s a real-world debate over how to allocate limited space funding. The ISS has been a hub for scientific breakthroughs and global cooperation for decades, but maintaining it isn’t cheap. Musk’s stance forces a tough question: Should we keep investing in the past or go all-in on the next frontier? Either way, the decision will shape the future of space exploration.

An astrophotographer hit the cosmic jackpot by capturing a jaw-dropping image of a solar flare erupting from the sun—just as the International Space Station (ISS) crossed directly in front of it. The shot, described as "once-in-a-lifetime," required perfect timing and technical skill, making it a standout moment in space photography.

The Hubble Space Telescope just snapped a breathtaking image of a cosmic cradle—three baby stars nestled in the Taurus Molecular Cloud, a vast stellar nursery about 450 light-years away. It’s like catching a glimpse of newborn suns still wrapped in their gauzy nebula blankets.

Astronomers have spotted a doomed exoplanet, HIP 67522 b, that’s locked in a cosmic death spiral with its host star. The planet orbits so close that it’s practically clinging to the star—and eventually, it’ll get torn apart or swallowed whole. It’s the first time scientists have identified a planet with such a grim, inevitable fate.

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.

Astronomers have detected a strange object zooming through our solar system that they believe originated from outside it—dubbed 3I/Atlas (formerly A11pl3Z). This isn’t the first interstellar visitor (remember ‘Oumuamua?), but it adds weight to the idea that our galaxy is full of such cosmic nomads passing through. So, no, not Superman—just another fascinating piece of space debris with an out-of-town origin story.