Sam's News — space — 2026-09-13¶

Space¶

8 China Plans Mars Sample Return Mission Ahead of NASA, Targeting 2031¶

China aims to return the first samples from Mars by 2031, potentially beating NASA's mission timeline.

Sources: The Business Standard RSS Update to: China targets 2031 Mars sample return mission ahead of NASA

7 NASA-backed scientists engineer yeast to convert plastic waste into edible protein cookies¶

Researchers developed engineered yeast that transforms PET plastic and agricultural waste into protein-rich 3D-printed cookies called µBites for deep space missions.

Sources: Science Daily RSS, ScienceDaily RSS

7 SpaceX Launches 3 SES O3b mPOWER Satellites on 700th Falcon Mission¶

SpaceX successfully launched three SES communications satellites to orbit on September 13, marking the 700th flight of the Falcon rocket family.

Sources: Space.com RSS

6.5 James Webb Space Telescope detects changes in Chariklo's ring system¶

The JWST has revealed that the ring system of the small solar system body Chariklo is more dynamic than previously understood.

Sources: Space.com RSS

6 Proposal for private replacement of ISS using 'zero gravity, zero taxes' framework¶

A strategy proposes replacing the International Space Station with privately-operated alternatives using favorable regulatory and tax treatment.

Sources: The Hill RSS

5.5 NASA Space Apps Challenge Opens in Costa Rica for Non-Technical Participants¶

NASA is launching the Space Apps Challenge in Costa Rica with an emphasis on welcoming participants without prior technical experience.

Sources: The Costa Rica News RSS

3.5 NASA astronaut Jessica Meir shares zero-G curly hair styling tips from ISS¶

NASA astronaut Jessica Meir demonstrated curly hair styling techniques adapted for microgravity conditions aboard the International Space Station.

Sources: Space.com RSS, Space RSS

Science¶

5 NASA-Backed Research Converts Plastic Waste Into Edible Cookies¶

Scientists with NASA backing develop a process to transform plastic waste into edible cookie material.

Sources: sciencedaily.com RSS Update to: NASA-backed scientists engineer yeast to convert plastic waste into edible protein cookies

Space History¶

3 Historical space milestone: Japan's Kaguya spacecraft lunar mapping mission (2007)¶

On September 13, 2007, Japan launched the Kaguya spacecraft to map the lunar surface in high definition.

Sources: Space.com RSS

Astronomy¶

2 Venus shines beside crescent moon at sunset on September 13¶

Venus will appear in close conjunction with the waxing crescent moon at sunset on September 13.

Sources: Space.com RSS