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Astronomers are stunned by interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS releasing water vapor unusually far from the Sun. This rare event, detected by NASA's Swift Observatory, suggests microscopic ice grains are sublimating, challenging existing cometary models. The discovery offers vital insights into how life's building blocks travel across the galaxy, highlighting the diverse origins of planetary materials.

Bill Nye, the 'Science Guy,' led a protest on Capitol Hill against proposed NASA budget cuts by the Trump administration. These significant reductions threaten ongoing missions like the Perseverance rover and the Artemis program. Nye argued that NASA's investment yields substantial economic and technological returns, supports thousands of jobs, and is vital for US global leadership in space.

The Soyuz 11 mission tragically ended with the deaths of three cosmonauts due to a rapid depressurization during re-entry. A faulty valve opened, venting the capsule's air into space. This disaster led to crucial safety upgrades, including mandatory pressure suits for all future missions.

Anna Menon, a pioneering engineer and astronaut candidate, has made history by becoming the first NASA astronaut selected after flying on a private orbital mission. Her career spans crucial roles at NASA and SpaceX, including managing astronaut operations and serving as a mission specialist on the historic Polaris Dawn mission.

NASA's Artemis II mission, targeting April 2026, will send the first humans around the Moon in over 50 years. Engineers have integrated the Orion stage adapter with the SLS rocket, preparing for this critical 10-day lunar flyby. The mission will test vital systems and deploy CubeSats, paving the way for future lunar landings and Mars exploration.

NASA scales back most operations due to a US government funding deadlock. This action impacts many ongoing projects. Essential tasks like monitoring astronauts on the ISS continue. However, research and mission planning face delays. Programmes like Artemis could see postponed timelines. Past shutdowns show similar disruptions. This situation affects global scientific collaboration.