Boeing's Starliner capsule is ready for its long-awaited first crewed test flight, scheduled for Saturday. The launch, delayed multiple times due to technical issues, marks Boeing's bid to rival SpaceX in the astronaut launch sector. NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will pilot the spacecraft to the International Space Station (ISS). Boeing faces pressure to succeed amidst ongoing setbacks in its commercial airplane division. If Saturday's attempt is postponed, backup launch opportunities are available, but further delays could lead to significant scheduling conflicts.

Indian-origin astronaut Sunita Williams is all set to fly into space for a third time aboard the Boeing Starliner spacecraft, scheduled to launch today at 12:25 pm from Florida's Kennedy Space Centre. The mission, originally set for May 6, was postponed due to a technical issue. Williams and Butch Wilmore will travel to the International Space Station for a final test before NASA certifies the Starliner for routine missions. Williams, a veteran astronaut, has spent 322 days in space and completed four spacewalks. This mission marks a significant milestone in her illustrious career.

NASA has issued an alert about asteroid 2024 JY1, which is currently heading towards Earth. Despite its large size (160 feet in diameter) and high speed (37,070 km/h), the asteroid has been classified as non-hazardous. It will approach Earth at a distance of approximately 4.16 million miles (17 times the distance to the Moon). NASA's planetary defense strategy involves monitoring near-Earth objects like 2024 JY1, using data from various observatories and missions to accurately track their trajectories. The asteroid is part of the Apollo asteroids group, known for their Earth-crossing orbits, but poses no immediate danger.

Boeing is set to launch its first crewed Starliner mission to the ISS on June 1, despite a small helium gas leak. Originally scheduled for May 6, the mission was delayed due to a faulty valve. Although the valve has been replaced, Boeing and NASA decided not to fix the leak in the spacecraft's service module, deeming it manageable. Astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will be on board. This mission is crucial for NASA, which aims to certify Starliner as a second commercial vehicle for crew transport to the ISS, alongside SpaceX’s Crew Dragon.

Gopi Thotakura, co-founder of Preserve Life Corp, made history as the first Indian tourist in space on Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin NS-25 mission. Thotakura proudly showcased the Indian flag in space, capturing the adventure on video. The crew experienced weightlessness, with Thotakura labeled an "Eco hero" for sustainable planet efforts. Blue Origin highlighted Thotakura's lifelong passion for aviation and his role in holistic wellness. The viral video depicts the awe-inspiring journey of the crew defying gravity.

The US will send an Indian astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS) by the end of 2024, announced US Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti. This mission follows a promise made during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's US visit in 2023. Additionally, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) project, an Earth-observing mission, is set to launch this year. Garcetti highlighted the collaboration's benefits, emphasizing India's cost-effective lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3. He also mentioned the potential for advancing civilian nuclear energy cooperation, pending resolution of liability issues post-Indian elections.

NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has taken stunning images of the InSight lander, which concluded its mission in December 2022. The lander, launched in May 2018, touched down on Mars' Elysium Planitia in November 2018. During its operational life, InSight detected over 1,300 marsquakes, revealing Mars' geological activity. Its seismometer, placed on the Martian surface, helped scientists understand Mars' internal structure. InSight's mission significantly contributed to our knowledge of the Red Planet. The lander now lies dormant, gradually being covered by Martian dust. The images serve as a poignant reminder of InSight's remarkable journey and achievements.

Gopichand Thotakura will make history as the first Indian space tourist when he flies on Blue Origin’s mission on Sunday. The mission, NS-25, will take Thotakura and five other crew members to the Kármán line, the internationally recognized boundary of space at 100 kilometers above sea level. Thotakura, an accomplished pilot and co-founder of Preserve Life Corp, expressed his excitement and honor at representing India. The launch is scheduled for 7 pm IST and will be streamed live from Blue Origin’s Launch Site One in West Texas. This milestone highlights India’s growing presence in space exploration.              

The aurora borealis, or northern lights, dazzled spectators worldwide on Friday following the most potent solar storm in over two decades. Spectacular displays graced Europe, the US, Canada, and Australia, captivating observers with vibrant hues. Satellite operators, airlines, and power grids were alerted to potential disruptions caused by Earth's magnetic field changes. Social media flooded with awe-inspiring images and videos, as users marveled at the rare phenomenon. From Italy to Russia and North Georgia, individuals shared their experiences, highlighting the extraordinary beauty of nature's celestial spectacle amidst the strongest solar storm in decades.

NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory recorded two powerful solar flares erupting from the Sun on May 10 and 11. Classified as X5.8 and X1.5 respectively, these intense bursts of energy can disrupt radio communications, power grids, and navigation signals on Earth. The stunning images captured the Sun's turbulent surface emitting the flares, which are among the strongest types. As Earth reels under the impact of the accompanying solar storm, experts warn of potential risks to spacecraft and astronauts. The solar flare events underscore the dynamic nature of our star and the importance of monitoring its activity to mitigate potential threats.