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Space.com • Kenna Hughes-Castleberry

Microgravity alters viral evolution and potency aboard ISS, study finds

A new ISS study finds bacteriophages remain active in microgravity but evolve differently aboard the station, with evidence microgravity can increase viral potency and drive evolutionary changes in phage genomes. The results reveal unexpected biological dynamics of virus–host interactions in space.

2026-01-13T11:12:32.559606-08:00

Payload

Mars Sample Return cancellation exposes gaps in space law

2026-01-13T10:11:07.859652-08:00

NBC News

Study: Long‑duration spaceflight shifts and reshapes astronaut brains; sensory‑motor regions most affected

2026-01-12T15:51:42.398723-08:00

SpaceNews.com

Space "nuclear renaissance" accelerates — propulsion, power and defense implications

2026-01-13T08:11:07.539773-08:00

News Timeline

Universe Today

Study finds ancient ocean once covered roughly half of Mars Researchers at the University of Bern present new evidence that an ocean once covered about half of Mars’ surface, reshaping estimates of early water distribution. The result refocuses where sedimentary deposits and shoreline-associated biosignatures are most likely to be preserved and sampled.

2026-01-13T11:27:46.415402-08:00

Study finds ancient ocean once covered roughly half of Mars

Space.com

Microgravity alters viral evolution and potency aboard ISS, study finds A new ISS study finds bacteriophages remain active in microgravity but evolve differently aboard the station, with evidence microgravity can increase viral potency and drive evolutionary changes in phage genomes. The results reveal unexpected biological dynamics of virus–host interactions in space.

2026-01-13T11:12:32.559606-08:00

Microgravity alters viral evolution and potency aboard ISS, study finds

Payload

Mars Sample Return cancellation exposes gaps in space law With Mars Sample Return canceled, the focus shifts from engineering the return to testing the limits of international space law: cached samples on Perseverance raise immediate questions about custody, liability and scientific access, and whether existing treaties can prevent legal or geopolitical disputes.

2026-01-13T10:11:07.859652-08:00

Mars Sample Return cancellation exposes gaps in space law

SpaceNews.com

Space "nuclear renaissance" accelerates — propulsion, power and defense implications A renewed global push for nuclear technologies in space — from reactors for spacecraft power to nuclear thermal and electric propulsion — is accelerating, with growing investment and program activity. The trend carries substantial implications for launch architecture, on‑orbit capabilities and military applications.

2026-01-13T08:11:07.539773-08:00

Space "nuclear renaissance" accelerates — propulsion, power and defense implications

Universe Today

Can philanthropy and New Space fast‑track a flagship observatory? A new arXiv preprint from Schmidt Space and academic partners proposes the Lazuli Space Observatory: a philanthropy‑backed, New Space‑style flagship telescope that applies Silicon Valley 'move fast' development and smallsat launch cost efficiencies to cut schedule and cost for large science missions.

2026-01-13T07:10:35.272046-08:00

Can philanthropy and New Space fast‑track a flagship observatory?

SpaceNews.com

2026: space nuclear power and surviving the lunar night set the agenda for a busy lunar year 2026 is shaping up as a turning point: space nuclear power and solutions for surviving the lunar night will drive mission architecture and payload priorities, even as governments and commercial players accelerate cislunar infrastructure, launch cadence and policy work to support expanded lunar activity.

2026-01-13T04:11:55.781016-08:00

2026: space nuclear power and surviving the lunar night set the agenda for a busy lunar year

SpaceWatch Global

ispace establishes Saudi Arabia subsidiary to deepen lunar exploration partnerships ispace has set up a new subsidiary in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to deepen partnerships and advance cooperation on lunar exploration. The local entity signals ispace’s intent to expand its commercial and government ties in the Middle East to support its lunar services and prospecting activities.

2026-01-13T02:45:12.504713-08:00

ispace establishes Saudi Arabia subsidiary to deepen lunar exploration partnerships

SpaceWatch Global

TALOS and EnduroSat to build ICARUS 2.0 smallsat constellation for animal tracking TALOS, a German space startup, and Bulgarian satellite builder EnduroSat have formed a European partnership to develop the ICARUS 2.0 smallsat constellation, a space‑based system designed to track and monitor animal movements and behaviour from orbit, supporting biodiversity and ecological research.

2026-01-13T02:15:18.211098-08:00

TALOS and EnduroSat to build ICARUS 2.0 smallsat constellation for animal tracking

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Space Exploration & Science Missions News

Microgravity alters viral evolution and potency aboard ISS, study finds

Mars Sample Return cancellation exposes gaps in space law

Study: Long‑duration spaceflight shifts and reshapes astronaut brains; sensory‑motor regions most affected

Space "nuclear renaissance" accelerates — propulsion, power and defense implications

News Timeline