These are NASA’s biggest missions

Published

3 years ago

September 27, 2022

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.

“One small step for man” as Neil Armstrong touches down on the moon.

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.

Venezuela’s opposition leader vows return and calls for free elections

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Published

21 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Maria Corina Machado plans return to Venezuela, urging fair elections and release of political prisoners amid political pressure.

Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado says she plans to return home as she renews calls for a free and fair election, despite ongoing political pressure and legal threats against her. Her return would mark a major test for the country’s fragile democratic movement.

Machado is currently under investigation by authorities aligned with President Nicolas Maduro, accused of inciting insurrection. Meanwhile, loyalists from Maduro’s Socialist Party continue to hold key positions of power, complicating efforts to shift Venezuela’s political direction.

She is also calling for the immediate release of political prisoners, arguing it is a necessary first step towards restoring democracy and rebuilding trust in the country’s institutions.

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News

U.S. to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine under new security commitments

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

Published

21 hours ago

January 7, 2026

Harvey Vargas

US to lead ceasefire monitoring in Ukraine, coordinating international efforts and supporting European troops post-peace agreement.

The United States has pledged to lead a continuous and reliable ceasefire monitoring system in Ukraine, following new binding security commitments finalised at a Paris summit.

Under the plan, Washington would coordinate international monitoring efforts after any peace agreement, ensuring compliance while providing intelligence and logistical support to European forces on the ground.

The US has also committed to backing European troops if they come under attack, signalling a deeper security role without deploying American combat forces directly into Ukraine.

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News

Albanese open to royal commission into Bondi attack

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

Published

2 days ago

January 6, 2026

Ahron Young

Albanese considers royal commission into Bondi terror attack amid calls for inquiry and focus on security review

In Short:
– Prime Minister Albanese has not ruled out a royal commission into the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.
– He prioritises a review of intelligence agencies while facing pressure for a national inquiry.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has not dismissed the possibility of a royal commission regarding the Bondi Beach terrorist attack.

He faces pressure from former Labor MPs and senators advocating for a Commonwealth-level inquiry.The prime minister indicated that his immediate focus is a review of intelligence and security agencies, led by former spy chief Dennis Richardson. During a visit to flood-affected north Queensland, Albanese acknowledged discussions with NSW regarding the inquiry’s operation.

He has resisted calls for a federal inquiry into the attack, where 15 people were killed during a Hanukkah event last month. Albanese prioritised the review of intelligence responses and stated discussions were ongoing to address community needs.

He outlined intentions to recall parliament once new legislation focused on hate speech and gun control is prepared. Consultations are planned over the coming days to ensure proper legislative formulation.

Albanese rejected opposition claims that parliament could have swiftly passed the necessary laws post-attack. Currently, MPs are scheduled to reconvene in February, but a session may be convened sooner to pass new laws and honour Bondi victims.

Ongoing Discussions

Former Labor figures have publicly called for a national royal commission, expressing concern over the limitations of a NSW-led inquiry. Mike Kelly suggested a “rolling” approach for the royal commission to address wider implications for security and democracy, highlighting the necessity of thorough examination given the unprecedented nature of the attack.

He asserted the need for this inquiry to explore broader social issues and assist the Jewish community in the healing process, urging the government to remain responsive to public sentiments.