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Universe Today • Matthew Williams

Astronauts Use Bacteria and Fungi to Harvest Metals in Space

Astronauts are using bacteria and fungi to harvest metals in space, leveraging microbes that live on and in crew, surfaces and food. Understanding how these organisms respond to space conditions is critical for managing onboard microbiomes and could enable biological in‑situ resource utilization on long‑duration exploration missions.

2026-03-07T18:23:56.916229-08:00

Space.com

Long‑duration spaceflight shifts and deforms the human brain inside the skull

2026-03-07T03:03:43.130135-08:00

NASA

Japan's first HTV‑X1 undocks from ISS Harmony and departs on March 6; NASA streams live

2026-03-06T08:59:50.791229-08:00

ch-aviation

Virgin Galactic targets resumption of commercial flights by year‑end 2026

2026-03-05T11:34:24.122153-08:00

News Timeline

Universe Today

Astronauts Use Bacteria and Fungi to Harvest Metals in Space Astronauts are using bacteria and fungi to harvest metals in space, leveraging microbes that live on and in crew, surfaces and food. Understanding how these organisms respond to space conditions is critical for managing onboard microbiomes and could enable biological in‑situ resource utilization on long‑duration exploration missions.

2026-03-07T18:23:56.916229-08:00

Astronauts Use Bacteria and Fungi to Harvest Metals in Space

Space.com

Long‑duration spaceflight shifts and deforms the human brain inside the skull A new study finds that long‑duration spaceflight causes the human brain to shift upward and backward and to deform within the skull. Researchers report measurable structural changes following extended microgravity exposure, raising questions about neurological effects on astronauts during prolonged missions.

2026-03-07T03:03:43.130135-08:00

Long‑duration spaceflight shifts and deforms the human brain inside the skull

NASA

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Japan's first HTV‑X1 undocks from ISS Harmony and departs on March 6; NASA streams live JAXA's first HTV‑X1 cargo spacecraft undocked from the ISS Harmony module and departed on March 6 at 12 p.m. ET after being grappled and released by Canadarm2. NASA provided live coverage on NASA+, Amazon Prime and its YouTube channel as Expedition 74 continued cargo transfers, spacewalk preparations and on‑station research.

2026-03-06T08:59:50.791229-08:00

Japan's first HTV‑X1 undocks from ISS Harmony and departs on March 6; NASA streams live

ch-aviation

Virgin Galactic targets resumption of commercial flights by year‑end 2026 Virgin Galactic told ch-aviation it is targeting a resumption of commercial flights by year‑end 2026. The timetable gives the company a public milestone for restarting suborbital passenger service and sets expectations for remaining test flights, regulatory approval and operational preparations ahead of revenue operations.

2026-03-05T11:34:24.122153-08:00

Virgin Galactic targets resumption of commercial flights by year‑end 2026

NASA Spaceflight

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China to expand Mengzhou crew-capsule testing and pursue land- and sea-based booster recoveries Following a successful test campaign, China will conduct additional evaluations of its Mengzhou crew capsule and pursue both land and sea booster recovery methods to mature crewed reentry systems and first-stage recovery techniques, signalling a push toward recoverable launch capability.

2026-03-04T12:47:04.688124-08:00

China to expand Mengzhou crew-capsule testing and pursue land- and sea-based booster recoveries

SpaceNews.com

Space-rescue capabilities lag — a prerequisite for commercial space growth Reliable space-rescue capabilities — crew recovery, on-orbit servicing and contingency evacuation — are a prerequisite for continued commercial expansion in LEO, cislunar and lunar-surface operations. Current capabilities lag industry needs, creating operational gaps that could slow commercialization and increase safety and regulatory scrutiny.

2026-03-04T06:02:24.236570-08:00

Space-rescue capabilities lag — a prerequisite for commercial space growth

Universe Today

Laser 3D‑printing of regolith simulant produces durable, heat‑resistant lunar structures Researchers used a laser 3D‑printing method to melt lunar regolith simulant into layered, fused structures, producing small, heat‑resistant components with exceptional durability. The technique points to a practical in‑situ manufacturing route for lunar bases and infrastructure that could reduce mass and costs of lunar missions.

2026-03-01T16:21:48.588837-08:00

Laser 3D‑printing of regolith simulant produces durable, heat‑resistant lunar structures

Universe Today

Moon and Mars farming will likely rely on recycling human waste Future lunar and Martian farming will almost certainly rely on recycling human waste because native regolith is sterile and inhospitable, both worlds are heavily irradiated, and Mars' thin atmosphere and the Moon's vacuum prevent open‑air agriculture. Closed‑loop nutrient recycling will be essential to sustain crops on site.

2026-02-28T12:13:45.984039-08:00

Moon and Mars farming will likely rely on recycling human waste

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Human Spaceflight & Space Stations News

Astronauts Use Bacteria and Fungi to Harvest Metals in Space

Long‑duration spaceflight shifts and deforms the human brain inside the skull

Japan's first HTV‑X1 undocks from ISS Harmony and departs on March 6; NASA streams live

Virgin Galactic targets resumption of commercial flights by year‑end 2026

News Timeline