NASA Astronauts Debunk 'Abandoned' Claims: We Were Prepared, Never Felt Stranded

2025-02-15
NASA Astronauts Debunk 'Abandoned' Claims: We Were Prepared, Never Felt Stranded

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore refuted claims by Trump and Musk that they were abandoned at the International Space Station. They emphasized that the mission was a test flight, they were always prepared for potential delays, and never felt stranded or abandoned. Despite propulsion issues and leaks on the Starliner spacecraft delaying their return, NASA had already planned to return them via SpaceX's Crew-9 mission. Their return is now expected around March 12th, slightly ahead of schedule.

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Tech

Steffi Graf's Pickleball Pivot: From Tennis Legend to Competitive Newbie

2025-02-15
Steffi Graf's Pickleball Pivot: From Tennis Legend to Competitive Newbie

Twenty-five years after retiring from tennis, Steffi Graf finds herself competing in the fast-paced world of pickleball. While nerves were never an issue during her illustrious tennis career, the quick pace and unfamiliar dynamics of pickleball presented a new challenge. Graf, along with husband Andre Agassi, will be participating in the Pickleball Slam 3 in Las Vegas, vying for a $1 million prize purse. Graf highlights pickleball's accessibility and ease of learning, suggesting it complements rather than threatens tennis. Despite needing to adapt her style, Graf relishes the challenge and the chance to reignite her competitive spirit in this new arena.

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Giant Canyons on the Moon Formed in Under 10 Minutes: A New Study

2025-02-10
Giant Canyons on the Moon Formed in Under 10 Minutes: A New Study

New research reveals two massive canyons on the far side of the moon, near the lunar south pole, each comparable in size to the Grand Canyon. These extraordinary formations, likely created by an asteroid impact 3.8 billion years ago, formed in an astonishingly short timeframe – less than 10 minutes! The impact's energy was estimated to be 1,200 to 2,200 times greater than the energy planned for excavating a second Panama Canal. Future lunar missions, like Artemis III, will have the opportunity to explore this region and collect samples, offering insights into the moon's formation and the early solar system. The study highlights the importance of lunar research for understanding early Earth's impact history, as terrestrial records have been largely erased by geological processes.

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US Air Traffic Control System on the Brink: A Decades-Long Staffing Crisis

2025-02-04
US Air Traffic Control System on the Brink: A Decades-Long Staffing Crisis

The US air traffic control system is facing a decades-long staffing shortage, leading to flight delays and safety concerns. Despite increased hiring efforts, high-stress levels and a high attrition rate make filling vacancies extremely difficult. Many air traffic controllers work six 10-hour days a week, leading to burnout. This issue not only impacts controllers' well-being but also threatens flight safety, sparking discussions surrounding a recent fatal air crash. While former President Trump blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, experts point to poor working conditions and a disregard for controllers' mental health as the root causes.

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Controversial Deal: El Salvador to House US Criminals

2025-02-04
Controversial Deal: El Salvador to House US Criminals

El Salvador has agreed to accept US deportees, including US citizens convicted of crimes, in a controversial deal announced by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This unprecedented agreement has sparked outrage from human rights groups and legal experts who cite potential violations of international law and concerns over inhumane prison conditions in El Salvador. While El Salvador's President Bukele claims it will combat gang violence and ensure the sustainability of his prison system, the deal's legality and humanity remain highly questionable.

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SpaceX Starship Debris Rains Down on Turks and Caicos

2025-02-01
SpaceX Starship Debris Rains Down on Turks and Caicos

The upper stage of a SpaceX Starship rocket exploded over the Atlantic Ocean near Turks and Caicos after its seventh test flight, scattering debris across the islands. While no injuries were reported, residents discovered wreckage near homes and on beaches, prompting concerns about safety and environmental impact. SpaceX's rapid iterative development strategy and its response to the incident have drawn criticism, with locals demanding cleanup and environmental assessment. The event highlights the potential risks of large rocket launches near populated areas.

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