SpaceX’s Starship spacecraft successfully lifts off during first test flight but explodes minutes later

Published

3 years ago

April 21, 2023

The world’s most powerful rocket ever – blew up on its first integrated flight test

About four minutes into flight – SpaceX’s next-generation Starship spacecraft exploded over the Gulf of Mexico on its Thursday flight in Texas.

It climbed to just under 40 kilometres, making it less than halfway to the edge of space.

Touted as the world’s most-powerful rocket ever – it was unmanned and on its first integrated flight test.

SpaceX founder and CEO Elon Musk watched the launch from space command and said afterwards that he was pleased.

A sentiment also shared by cheering employees.

Even though the mission fell short of reaching several objectives, SpaceX engineers say they learned a lot to make future improvements.

Starship is massive and one day when it’s cleared to carry humans, it could take some 100 astronauts or even large loads of cargo to a staging area on the moon.

America and its global partners want to build a staging area on the Moon for humans to be able to conduct space flights to Mars.

U.S. and Israel attack Iran, escalating regional conflict

U.S. and Israel strike Iran, escalating war fears and risking wider regional conflict for the second time in eight months

Published

3 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Ahron Young

U.S. and Israel strike Iran, escalating war fears and risking wider regional conflict for the second time in eight months

In Short:
– U.S. and Israel launched strikes against Iran amid fears of a broader regional conflict.
– Iranian officials warn that attacks could lead to full-scale war as they prepare for retaliation.

The attack marks the second war between the U.S., Israel, and Iran within eight months, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict in a critically important economic area.Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the strikes and declared a state of emergency across all areas of Israel.

The U.S. also carried out strikes as part of the operation, according to a U.S. official.

The military operation followed a month of U.S. military buildup, ignited by President Trump’s commitment to support Iranian protesters who demonstrated against the regime in January.

The President consistently warned Iran could face military action if it continued its nuclear program. Vice President JD Vance stated that Iran’s responses in two negotiation rounds failed to meet U.S. expectations.

Escalating Tensions

Iranian officials cautioned that any attack would provoke retaliation, warning that even minor strikes could escalate into a full-scale regional war.

The nation has prepared for conflict by mobilising its forces, reinforcing its nuclear facilities, decentralising decision-making, and tightening internal security measures.

News

Australia issues evacuation advisory for diplomats and citizens in the Middle East

Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.

Published

2 days ago

February 26, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Australian diplomats’ families in Israel and Lebanon urged to evacuate amid rising tensions; all Australians advised to leave soon.

Families of Australian diplomats in Israel and Lebanon have been ordered to evacuate as tensions in the region continue to rise. The government is prioritising the safety of its personnel and their families.

All other Australians have been urged to leave while commercial flights and other travel options are still available. Authorities are emphasising the importance of acting quickly before options become limited.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned that the security situation in the Middle East remains unpredictable and volatile.

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News

Trump signals possible action on Iran nuclear threat

Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.

Published

2 days ago

February 26, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump warns Iran on nuclear weapons and highlights threats, as the US boosts military presence amid stalled talks.

President Donald Trump laid out a strong warning to Iran during his State of the Union address. He labelled Tehran as the world’s biggest sponsor of terrorism and signalled that the U.S. might take action if Iran continues its nuclear ambitions.

Trump emphasised that Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, along with its backing of militant groups, pose serious threats to regional stability.

This comes amid growing concerns over Iran’s nuclear developments and the stalled diplomatic efforts to curb them.

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