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These are NASA’s biggest missions
NASA has had a constant human presence in space for over two decades
Over the years, NASA has put humans on the moon and animals in orbit as it continues to take to new heights with a range of new missions.
Technology developed by humans on the ground has made some of these missions smoother in space.
1. The Apollo Moon landing
In 1969, the United States successfully placed a human on the moon after multiple failed attempts.
Apollo 11 saw Neil Armstrong become the first person to walk on the lunar surface.
The success of the mission spurred a renewed interest in space exploration and paved the way for future missions to deep space.
2. The Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope was launched into orbit around Earth in 1990.
It has been used to observe some of the most distant objects in the universe and has helped to expand NASA’s understanding of the cosmos.
In 2009, the telescope was repaired by a team of astronauts, extending its lifespan by at least another decade.
3. The Cassini-Huygens
The Cassini spacecraft was launched in 1997 and began orbiting Saturn in 2004. It carried the Huygens probe, which successfully landed on Saturn’s largest moon, Titan one year later.
The mission provided scientists with valuable data about Saturn and its moons.
4. The Mars Rovers Spirit and Opportunity
The Mars rovers Spirit and Opportunity were launched in 2003 and landed on Mars later that year.
The rovers far exceeded their expected lifespan, with Opportunity operational until 2016.
The rovers have provided scientists with invaluable data about Mars’ surface conditions and have helped to pave the way for future human exploration of the planet.
5. The New Horizons
The New Horizons spacecraft was launched in 2006 and began its flyby of Pluto in 2015.
The mission returned stunning images of Pluto and its moons, as well as valuable data about the dwarf planet’s surface conditions.
News
NSW Premier condemns anti-Semitic attack in Sydney
NSW Premier Chris Minns condemns anti-Semitic attacks in Woollahra, cars torched, properties vandalised; investigation underway.
News
Suspect fights extradition in UnitedHealth executive murder case
Luigi Mangione, accused of murdering UnitedHealth CEO, contests extradition to NY. Denied bail; linked to shooting with ghost gun.
A 26-year-old man, Luigi Mangione, is fighting extradition to New York to face murder charges for the shooting of UnitedHealth executive Brian Thompson.
Mangione was arrested in Pennsylvania after a five-day manhunt and denied bail for the second time.
During a court appearance, he made a statement directed at reporters, though its meaning was unclear.
Legal experts believe Mangione’s fight against extradition could prolong the process, but success is unlikely.
Authorities are investigating whether he acted alone or had assistance leading up to the shooting.
Mangione was recognized at a McDonald’s by an employee and was found with a firearm, clothing, and fake IDs matching the shooter’s description.
Weapon possession
He has been charged with gun and forgery offenses in Pennsylvania, in addition to murder and weapon possession charges in New York.
Investigators are still determining the motive behind Thompson’s targeted killing. It was revealed that Mangione had chronic back pain and previously worked as a data engineer.
His family expressed shock and devastation over his arrest and offered condolences to Thompson’s family.
Thompson, a father of two, had been the CEO of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit since 2021 and was in New York for a company event. The incident has heightened frustrations concerning healthcare access and insurance issues in the U.S.
News
Murdoch loses trust control bid for son Lachlan
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to alter family trust for Lachlan’s control denied by Nevada commissioner, citing bad faith.
Rupert Murdoch’s attempt to change the family trust to consolidate control under his son Lachlan has been rejected by a Nevada commissioner.
The ruling, made by Commissioner Edmund J. Gorman Jr., stated that Murdoch and Lachlan acted in “bad faith” while trying to amend the irrevocable trust, which divides control equally among Murdoch’s four oldest children.
The 96-page opinion characterised the plan as a “carefully crafted charade” intended to secure Lachlan’s executive roles unconditionally.
Murdoch’s lawyer expressed disappointment and plans to appeal the ruling.
FILE PHOTO: Media mogul Rupert Murdoch poses for a photograph with his sons Lachlan and James in London.
Media empire
This dispute is critical as it affects the future control of Murdoch’s media empire, which includes Fox News and other major outlets.
While the intention was not to diminish financial stakes, the ruling reflects deep family tensions, especially given differing political views among the siblings.
The commissioner noted Lachlan initiated the proposed changes, created a plan dubbed “Project Family Harmony,” and labeled James as a “troublesome beneficiary.”
Despite Lachlan and Rupert’s efforts, the attempt to marginalise James was deemed insufficiently justified by the court.
Murdoch’s family trust, established in 2006, retains his control until his death, and includes provisions allowing amendments.
However, the commissioner found that Murdoch and Lachlan’s actions were not supporting their siblings’ best interests.
The ruling is not final and may be contested further in court.
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