Space Exploration & Science Missions   Human Spaceflight & Space Stations  
Universe Today • Mark Thompson

Spaceflight stress may drive “accelerated aging” in the liver—UCF study links deep-space conditions to aging-like molecular chan

Researchers at the University of Central Florida report that the combined stresses of spaceflight—radiation and weightlessness—can produce liver changes that resemble accelerated aging. The study also found matching genetic “fingerprints” in real astronaut blood samples, suggesting deep-space biology leaves consistent, measurable signatures.

2026-07-08T22:53:27.928231-07:00
Launch Vehicles & Space Transportation   Space Policy & International Cooperation  
Space.com • Mike Wall

Watch a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch for record-breaking 36th time early on July 9

By Space.com: A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch for a record-breaking 36th time early Thursday morning (July 9), and you can watch the action live.

2026-07-08T16:29:24.747785-07:00
Museums   Aircraft Manufacturing (OEMs)   Space Exploration & Science Missions   NASA  
Space.com • Josh Dinner

NASA begins funding hardware for 'Skyfall' Mars helicopter mission

By Space.com: NASA's nuclear-powered mission to Mars is taking shape with the selection of Firefly Aerospace to design and manufacture the protective aeroshell that will shield the Skyfall spacecraft's descent stage during its plummet through the Martian atmosphere.

2026-07-08T13:13:51.290119-07:00