TYB
NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day
June 11, 2026
The Mermaid Nebula Supernova Remnant
Could the Little Mermaid turn into stardust instead of seafoam? It would seem so in this beautiful nebula. The featured image shows the Mermaid Nebula, also known as the Betta Fish Nebula, which is part of the G296.5+10.0 Supernova Remnant. The blue color visible here originates from doubly ionized oxygen (OIII), while the deep red is emitted by hydrogen gas. Estimated to be located a few thousand light-years away and about 10,000 years old, this nebula was formed when a massive star exploded as a supernova. It left behind a peculiar pulsar, a young radio-quiet neutron star that spins around about twice every second. The bright stars shown in the image are unassociated with the nebula. The pulsar can be detected in the X-rays but it does not have a confirmed detection in the optical (visible light) so far. As a result, the pulsar itself is not visible in this image.
https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6PsCTY78Y4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noCzjtbOkng (Disney Remixes: Under The Sea)
Another Solar Blast Coming, Black Hole Suns | S0 News and Thorsday frens
June.11.2026
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WSR8_XjoLo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9hW6CIlML1I (EarthMaster: 5.0 Earthquake in Seismic Gap area. Philippines Aftershocks continues with multiple 5.0 or higher)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DS-9FWRqfWo (Storm-HQ: CHAOS in Canada!🌪️ Massive Tornado Strikes Saskatchewan as Storms Hit Manitoba, Causing Major Damage)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-bRpzNR6U4 (Stefan Burns: Carrington Event: When It Happens, We'll Have Just 16 Hours To Prepare…)
https://starlust.org/a-fleet-of-six-spacecraft-could-be-earths-first-active-defense-against-solar-storms/
https://weather.com/2026/06/11/storms/severe/liveblogs/live-updates-tornado-warnings-derecho-threat-as-severe-weather-outbreak-hits
https://www.theweathernetwork.com/en/news/weather/severe/saskatchewan-records-canadas-strongest-tornado-since-2023-oxbow-didsbury
https://x.com/Vincent_Ledvina/status/2064925548305170521
https://meteoagent.com/schumann-resonance-forecast
https://weather.substack.com/
https://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/map/
https://www.volcanodiscovery.com/earthquakes-volcanoes/news/305149/Volcano-earthquake-report-for-Thursday-11-Jun-2026.html
https://www.tornadohq.com/
https://www.spaceweather.gov/
https://spaceweather.com/
Large ball of fire seen streaking across the sky in Fresno
Wed, June 10, 2026 at 11:58 AM
A large ball of fire was seen streaking across the night sky early Wednesday morning in Fresno.
Multiple videos were sent to FOX26 from people all over Fresno sharing what they captured and wandering what it was.
I went out to my car last night and ended up catching what I believe to be is a meteor I’m not 100% sure though but was hoping you’d be able to give more details.
The sightings were around around 1:40 a.m.
The American Meteor Society website shows multiple sightings of the "fireball event" throughout California.
So what do you think it was?
A meteor? A rocket? Or something else?
https://kmph.com/news/local/large-ball-of-fire-seen-streaking-across-the-sky-in-fresno-american-meteor-society-website-multiple-sightings-fireball-event-throughout-california
https://fireball.amsmeteors.org/members/imo_view/event/2026/4202
other space objects
https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/missile-meteorite-composition-impact-flashes
https://www.sci.news/space/lunar-meteorite-colossal-asteroid-strike-14834.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DdNXx8TPEg (Chuck's Astro: Let's Capture LDN 183)
NASA selects Soldier, former Black Hawk pilot for Artemis III
June 10, 2026
Army Col. Frank Rubio will return to space for the second time, joining a four-person crew on the Artemis III mission as part of NASA’s ultimate goal to return humans to the moon and to maintain U.S superiority in exploration, NASA announced Tuesday.
But this expedition will be notably different from Rubio’s first space voyage, during which the Soldier spent a year aboard the International Space Station for scientific study and research.
The astronaut will have only a year to 18 months to prepare for the two-week voyage, during which the crew will simulate critical docking capabilities and perform various flight maneuvers.
The crew will launch the Orion spacecraft from Kennedy Space Center on Merritt Island, Florida, in late 2027, an important step before the Artemis IV mission in 2028, which is scheduled to land on the moon’s South Pole.
NASA named Rubio as mission specialist 1; he will be joined by retired Marine Corps Col. Randy Bresnik as commander, Coast Guard Reserve Cmdr. Andre Douglas as mission specialist 2 and Italian Air Force Col. Luca Parmitano as pilot.
The last time circumstances tested Rubio’s resolve, it resulted in the longest ever recorded spaceflight in U.S. history.
During a scheduled six-month mission in December 2022, the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft carrying Rubio and two cosmonauts suffered a fuel leak, pushing Rubio’s return date to September 2023.
The Soldier spent 371 days in space, traveling more than 157 million miles and completing 5,963 Earth orbits during Expeditions 68 and 69.
“I tend to thrive trying to attempt challenges and trying to overcome things,” Rubio said. “And [Artemis III] is going to be a very difficult goal of completing this mission in about a year, to a year and a half.
We have a lot of work to do, lots to learn, lots of development to do, but I think we're up for it as a NASA team and as a nation.” During Artemis III, the crew will test Orion systems while launching the world’s most powerful rockets.
While remaining in low earth orbit about 290 miles above Earth, the crew will also assess the hardware of Orion and commercial lunar landing systems, paving the way for landing on the lunar surface.
The astronauts will also test the durability of the Axiom extravehicular mobility unit. This next-generation space suit improves mobility and flexibility while keeping astronauts cool during deep space exploration.
Rubio said Artemis III may not have the visibility of touching down on the moon, but the mission still presents a daunting challenge.
“We're going to have three rockets that need to launch the crew and two landers, and then we're going to have to rendezvous and dock with each of those landers,” he said.
“Each of those landings is going to be affected by both weather and maintenance issues, and so coordinating all that effort in a way that enables us to test the entire system as a whole, it's going to be a challenge.”
Rubio, a native of Miami and a former UH-60 Black Hawk pilot, accumulated more than 1,100 flight hours, including more than 600 in combat.
The Soldier said that his hand-eye coordination from piloting the Black Hawk, as well as his experience working with an Army copilot and Army crew chiefs, will assist him in performing docking and rendezvous simulations with his fellow astronauts.
A 1998 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, New York, Rubio served in various combat roles, including as a platoon leader and then later as company commander of A Company, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Aviation Regiment, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division.
He also earned his jumpmaster certification as a former member of the Black Knights, West Point’s parachute team. Rubio later transitioned to the medical field, earning his doctorate in medicine and eventually serving as a battalion surgeon.
“Operating in very challenging environments, whether it's dust landings, snow landings, multi-ship night operations, I think all of that prepares your brain to stay calm and operate in a variety of environments to include space,” Rubio said.
https://www.army.mil/article/293165/nasa_selects_soldier_former_black_hawk_pilot_for_artemis_iii
https://www.war.gov/News/News-Stories/Article/Article/4513395/army-astronaut-selected-for-nasas-historic-artemis-iii-mission/
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/artemis/nasa-chief-defends-all-male-artemis-3-astronaut-crew-amid-backlash-i-dont-think-anyone-should-be-reading-into-this
extra Artemis
https://x.com/NASAArtemis/status/2064801507434705398
https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/train-ride-to-nasa-kennedy-for-artemis-iii-booster-segments/
Expedition 74 Works Scientific Installs, Suit Prep Ahead of Canadarm2 Repair Spacewalk
June 10, 2026 1:00PM
Scientific hardware installations and biomedical monitoring topped the research schedule aboard the International Space Station on Wednesday.
The Expedition 74 crew members also adjusted a spacesuit to prepare for a spacewalk and explored space physics to round out their day.
A series of shoebox-sized CubeSats will soon be deployed outside the Kibo laboratory module into Earth orbit for public and private research. One of the satellites, Hokushin-1 CubeSat, will test space technologies such as radio frequency, propulsion, and solar arrays.
NASA flight engineer Jack Hathaway finished installing a small satellite orbital deployer, packed with the CubeSats, into Kibo’s airlock where it will soon be placed in the vacuum of space and grappled by the Japanese robotic arm.
The deployer will be maneuvered with the robotic arm and positioned away from the orbital outpost to safely release the tiny satellites into Earth orbit.
Onboard the orbital outpost are a variety of research freezers—large, small, portable, and permanent—that house and preserve station research samples for analysis both on Earth and in space.
One of them, a smaller glovebox freezer, is being installed inside Kibo’s Life Science Glovebox (LSG) by NASA flight engineer Jessica Meir for upcoming experiment operations.
The freezer’s location inside the LSG allows the samples to be stowed and frozen immediately after processing to prevent degradation and preserve integrity during sensitive biology research.
Meir also assisted flight engineer Sophie Adenot of ESA (European Space Agency) as she set up wearable devices for a pair of biomedical tests on Wednesday. Adenot first measured her blood pressure to calibrate the PhysioTool technology demonstration gear.
Next, she wore head and body sensors that measured her brain oxygen and blood flow levels as she performed cognitive and mental tasks on a computer.
Researchers are testing the portable device onboard the station to potentially monitor crew health on missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
Meir also had time to help NASA flight engineer Chris Williams pack cargo inside a SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft that will undock from the Harmony module’s forward port and soon return to Earth.
Williams then maneuvered into the Quest airlock and adjusted a spacesuit’s legs, arms, and helmet, then ensured the suit’s switches and valves were correctly configured ahead of an upcoming spacewalk.
On May 27, during routine operations of the International Space Station’s Canadarm2, the system demonstrated an elevated motor current in a wrist joint and arm motion did not occur as expected.
NASA worked alongside CSA (Canadian Space Agency) to understand the issue and determined a spacewalk will be required to replace the joint using a spare already aboard the orbital complex.
The Canadarm2, which is designed to be repaired in orbit, is in a safe configuration and standard operations using the arm have been paused.
In the coming weeks, NASA will host a news conference to discuss the repair and preview the planned Tuesday, June 30 spacewalk. NASA will share more on the spacewalkers closer to the activity.
Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Kud-Sverchkov and Sergei Mikaev joined each other and explored space physics in the Zvezda service module.
The duo observed how two different sized spheres drift freely in microgravity with no pushing movement from the crew. Results may lead to the design of newer space tools, improved robotics, and a deeper understanding of crew motion.
Roscosmos flight engineer Andreu Fedyaev focused primarily on maintenance testing computer operations, cleaning ventilation systems, and transferring water between station tanks.
Finally, the space station is orbiting higher today after the Progress 95 cargo spacecraft fired its thrusters for over eight minutes early Wednesday raising its altitude by 1.9 miles.
This adjusts the orbital outpost’s altitude ahead of the launch and docking of the Soyuz MS-29 crew spacecraft planned for mid-July.
https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2026/06/10/expedition-74-works-scientific-installs-suit-prep-ahead-of-canadarm2-repair-spacewalk/
extra NASA
https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift/2026/06/10/rocket-integration-complete-for-katalyst-nasa-swift-boost/
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-to-preview-katalyst-mission-to-boost-swift-spacecrafts-orbit/
https://science.nasa.gov/earth/earth-observatory/air-pollutions-daily-pulse-over-the-northeast/
https://science.nasa.gov/blog/curiosity-blog-sols-4913-4919-planetary-explorers-freewheeling-to-the-yardang-unit/
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-awards-contract-for-construction-services-in-california/
https://www.citybiz.co/article/859156/rocket-one-appoints-former-nasa-astronaut-shane-kimbrough-to-advisory-board/
extra extra NASA and general space
https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/notes-from-the-field/2026/06/10/up-up-and-away-with-weather-balloons/
https://www.nasa.gov/technology/tech-transfer-spinoffs/nasa-equips-astronauts-industry-with-robotic-intelligence/
https://www.twz.com/air/is-this-secretive-air-force-737-about-to-become-nasas-next-vomit-comet
https://www.space.com/stargazing/astrophotography/jupiter-and-venus-looked-spectacular-in-this-weeks-planetary-conjunction-here-are-our-favorite-photos
Rocket One Appoints Former NASA Astronaut Shane Kimbrough to Advisory Board
June 11, 2026
Rocket One has appointed retired NASA astronaut and former International Space Station Commander Robert “Shane” Kimbrough to its Space Advisory Board, adding a veteran spaceflight and aerospace operations leader as the company advances technologies aimed at supporting the emerging space economy.
Kimbrough joins the advisory board with more than three decades of experience spanning military aviation, human spaceflight, aerospace engineering and mission operations.
His appointment comes as Rocket One seeks to expand its position at the intersection of space infrastructure, artificial intelligence and advanced computing technologies.
“We are honored to welcome Shane to Rocket One’s Space Advisory Board,” said Robb Knie, chief executive officer of Rocket One.
“His experience operating at the highest levels of space exploration, mission execution, and technology deployment provides invaluable insight as we build technologies designed to support the next generation of space-based computing, artificial intelligence infrastructure, and resilient aerospace systems.”
Selected by NASA in 2004, Kimbrough participated in multiple space missions during a career that included leadership roles aboard the International Space Station and NASA’s commercial crew program.
He served as commander of Expedition 50 on the International Space Station and later led the SpaceX Crew-2 mission to the orbiting laboratory.
Over the course of his NASA career, he accumulated more than a year in space and completed numerous spacewalks while supporting scientific research and engineering operations.
His appointment reflects a broader trend across the commercial space sector, where companies developing next-generation technologies are increasingly recruiting former astronauts and senior aerospace leaders to provide strategic guidance as the industry moves beyond launch services toward orbital infrastructure, data processing and autonomous operations.
Prior to joining NASA, Kimbrough served as a U.S. Army officer, helicopter pilot and aerospace engineer, eventually retiring with the rank of colonel.
Since leaving NASA, he has remained active in the aerospace and technology sectors, supporting innovation initiatives and advising organizations involved in advanced technology development.
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“The space industry is entering a transformational period driven by advances in computing, communications, and autonomous systems,” Kimbrough said.
“I am excited to join Rocket One’s advisory board and support the Company’s efforts to develop technologies that can help power the future of space operations.”
Rocket One is pursuing a strategy centered on advanced semiconductor technologies, radiation-tolerant computing systems and artificial intelligence infrastructure designed for use in challenging environments such as low-Earth orbit, deep-space missions and defense applications.
As demand grows for onboard data processing and AI-enabled systems in space, companies are increasingly focused on developing hardware capable of operating reliably in radiation-intensive and energy-constrained environments.
The company said it holds exclusive rights to certain technologies, including a nanomagnetic matrix multiplier architecture designed to accelerate machine learning and AI workloads.
The technology is intended to support applications where conventional computing systems face limitations due to power consumption, radiation exposure or operating conditions.
Rocket One is also exploring opportunities related to nanosatellite deployment and nano-launch capabilities.
The addition of Kimbrough further expands the company’s advisory network as it seeks to establish a foothold in a market increasingly defined by the convergence of space infrastructure, artificial intelligence and national security priorities.
Industry analysts have identified space-based computing and edge processing as emerging areas of investment as satellite operators, defense agencies and commercial enterprises seek to process more data directly in orbit rather than transmitting it back to Earth.
Rocket One’s strategy reflects that evolution, positioning the company to pursue opportunities across commercial space, defense and AI markets while leveraging expertise from leaders with firsthand experience in space operations.
As commercial activity in orbit continues to accelerate, Kimbrough’s operational background and experience managing complex missions are expected to provide strategic insight as Rocket One develops technologies aimed at supporting the next generation of space systems and infrastructure.
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https://vienna.usmission.gov/u-s-statement-agenda-item-5-69th-session-of-the-copuos-june-2026/
U.S. National Statement – Agenda Item 5 – 69th Session of the COPUOS – June 2026
June 11, 2025
Thank you, Chair. And congratulations on your election, we look forward to working with you this session. Chair, the United States recently returned humans to lunar orbit for the first time in over fifty years.
The images of Artemis II, its American and Canadian crew, hardware contributions from international partners like the European Space Agency, and payloads from Germany, Argentina, Republic of Korea, and Saudi Arabia, captured the world’s fascination in a way we have not seen in decades.
Scientific acumen, technological ambition, and the bravery and determination of the human spirit were on display as we push the frontiers of human space exploration.
As many of you saw at NASA’s “Ignition” event in March, the United States has ambitious plans to build a sustained human presence on the Moon, and we are committed to bringing international partners who share our values along with us.
This enduring presence will be achieved through a phased approach to the lunar surface that enhances safety while serving as the technological proving ground for the capabilities required for future missions to Mars.
Mr. Chair, we were excited to announce the Artemis III crew on Tuesday, where three Americans and one Italian astronaut will carry out a series of activities in low Earth orbit designed to demonstrate critical systems needed for future lunar landings, beginning with Artemis IV.
The trailblazers in this new space age have expanded beyond solely government actors and now encompass innovative leaders within the private sector.
The expanding role of non-government actors will make the scientific, societal, and economic benefits of space more attainable than ever before.
Satellites and satellite constellations have brought vital communication services to remote communities and provide access to economic opportunities, educational resources, and telehealth services.
Remote sensing data is more detailed, timely, and accessible…helping nations make informed decisions on issues ranging from how best to maximize crop yields to identifying areas vulnerable to landslides.
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As evidenced by this rapid expansion of commercial activity, the Committee must acknowledge that technical, operational, and scientific expertise is not merely limited to government actors.
To stay informed, effective, and relevant, we must create mechanisms to facilitate more substantive inputs from private sector actors, or this Committee risks being left behind.
The United States has been an active member of COPUOS since its inception in 1958, and my delegation urges this Committee to remain focused on its core mission, which is more important than ever before.
Proposals for new work in COPUOS and its Subcommittees must be within the Committee’s mandate, draw on its unique technical, scientific, and legal expertise, and deliver concrete benefits to space experts and practitioners rather than diplomats.
As we have consistently stated at the STSC and LSC, we must avoid lengthy debates on language and concepts that only divert Member States’ attention away from this Committee’s technical expertise and mandate.
These diversions include the reaffirmation of the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) throughout the reports, which the United States and other delegations have rejected as they advance a program of soft global governance that is inconsistent with the principles of national sovereignty. These ideological debates have threatened adoption of the report and have resulted in lengthy debates on the floor that are then relitigated again during negotiations on the omnibus resolution in New York.
We cannot allow reports with which we fundamentally disagree to further risk politicizing the important work of COPUOS. I urge Member States to implement meaningful reform to the format and content of the report, similar to what we achieved this year at the STSC and LSC, so that we can focus on delivering practical outcomes.
To that end, my delegation welcomes the progress of the Action Team on Lunar Activities Consultations and the working group on the long-term sustainability of outer space activities, and we welcome its new Chair.
We are also encouraged by the promising expert-level discussions during the space situational awareness expert group. With the Committee advancing so many critical initiatives, it is important to ensure that we do not overextend ourselves or use our limited time to pursue efforts that are outside of COPUOS’ mandate and expertise. I am confident that this Committee has the capabilities necessary to meet the moment.
Finally, with regard to Iran’s intervention we are here to engage on the peaceful uses of outer space in a non-politicized experts exchange. This is not the forum to raise geopolitical issues.
Doing so will only distract from this group’s important work. We do not intend to engage in repeated back-and-forth intervention on issues that are being discussed in other fora.
Our statements in the UN Security Council have been clear on this topic. We regret that Iran has decided to use this technical meeting to make political claims, and we respectfully request a return to advancing our core technical work.
Thank you, Mr. Chair.
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https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-vows-total-space-force-dominance-12058247
extra Space Force
https://www.ssc.spaceforce.mil/Newsroom/Article-Display/Article/4514197/we-are-warfighters-video-series-episode-6-1st-lt-sabrina-taylor
https://www.vandenberg.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4513559/vandenbergs-hawk-of-the-week-award-on-june-10th/
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/4514380/forging-the-future-2026-guardian-arena-qualifiers-kick-off-aug-3/
Donald Trump Vows Total Space Force Dominance
Jun 11, 2026 at 03:14 AM EDT updated Jun 11, 2026 at 05:51 AM EDT
President Donald Trump vowed on Wednesday that the United States would "achieve total Space Force and Drone Dominance" if Congress passes a third $350 billion reconciliation bill, while also advancing one of his administration's most contentious election proposals.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump urged Republicans to back the legislation—which he named "Recon 3.0"—along with the SAVE America Act, a bill that would require all voters to show photo identification and proof of citizenship.
The president said the reconciliation bill would support a "generational investment" in the U.S military and framed it as the only way to a $1.5 trillion military budget, which he said was needed to "build the arsenal of freedom."
Trump has made expanding military spending a priority of his second-term agenda, particularly amid the U.S.'s ongoing conflict with Iran and broader tensions across the Middle East.
"No other President has ever been more committed to both REBUILDING our Great Military and SAVING our Great Country—And NOW is the time to make it happen, for Generations to come," Trump wrote.
He continued: "I am hereby calling on Republicans in Congress to IMMEDIATELY advance and pass the forthcoming $350 Billion Reconciliation Bill (Recon 3.0)—which, at the request of our Great Department of War—will include THE SAVE AMERICA ACT as well.
No games, no delays, and no weak compromises! Do this ASAP. … "We will defend the Homeland with the Golden Dome, launch the unstoppable Golden Fleet, dominate the skies with the F-47 and B-21, supercharge our ammunition stockpiles, and achieve total Space Force and Drone Dominance!"
What Are Trump's Military Goals?
Trump's vision for the U.S. military centers on expanding missile defense, modernizing strategic airpower, rebuilding depleted weapons inventories and strengthening the country's presence in space.
The Space Force, which Trump established in his first term as the sixth branch of the U.S. armed forces, works to protect the U.S.'s "freedom to operate in space, keeping it secure, stable and accessible for military space power and new waves of innovation," according to its mission statement.
In December, the president signed an executive order to ensure "American space superiority," which includes "developing and demonstrating prototype next-generation missile defense technologies by 2028 to progressively and materially enhance America's air and missile defenses."
That initiative links to another of Trump's priorities: the "Golden Dome," a missile defense shield he proposed last May that would use ground- and space-based systems to counter ballistic, cruise and hypersonic missile threats.
The administration is also backing next-generation airpower, including the F-47 sixth-generation fighter and the B-21 Raider stealth bomber, as part of a broader effort to modernize the Air Force.
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The U.S., which began launching strikes against Iran on February 28, will also need to replace its strained missile and ammunition stockpiles after its military operations against the Islamic Republic, according to an analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
While munition inventories are classified, CSIS has used public information and previous estimates to arrive at approximations. In an April analysis, the think tank identified seven key munitions heavily used in the war with Iran—including more than 1,000 Tomahawk missiles, almost one-third of the estimated prewar inventory of 3,100.
Patriot missiles appeared even more depleted, the analysis said, with an estimated 1,060-1,430—of a stockpile of 2,330—used in the initial strikes.
While the Pentagon has dismissed concern about the stockpiles, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in April that to replace ammunitions would take months and years, contingent upon the weapons system.
Challenges the Recon Bill May Face
A third reconciliation bill focused on defense spending could face significant political and procedural hurdles, despite support from some Republican lawmakers.
Reconciliation is a special budget process that allows certain tax, spending and debt-limit measures to pass the Senate with a simple majority, bypassing the chamber's usual 60-vote threshold—whereas most legislation can be blocked by a filibuster and typically requires bipartisan support to advance.
During a hearing on Tuesday, two prominent Republicans—Senator Susan Collins of Maine, the chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and former Senate leader Mitch McConnell—cast doubt on the bill.
"I think it's safe to conclude there will not be another reconciliation bill, so it's really not an option," McConnell said. "I agree with that assessment," Collins added.
Republicans have already used the reconciliation process twice in Trump's second term, including to pass a "skinny" package boosting funding for Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
While some GOP lawmakers have floated another bill focused on affordability and reducing fraud in social programs, Collins and McConnell suggested there may not be appetite for another major package.
Challenges the SAVE Act Has Faced
While Trump's Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act has passed the House, it faces steep obstacles in the Senate as Republicans lack the 60 votes needed to overcome a Democratic filibuster.
According to the president, the legislation would "guarantee the midterms" for the GOP, but Senate Majority Leader John Thune said this week that Republicans "don't have the votes" to pass the SAVE America Act.
"It's not something we can get done absent having an election and electing more Republicans," he added.
The bill has drawn opposition from Democrats and voting rights groups, who argue that requiring documentary proof of citizenship could make it harder for eligible Americans to register to vote. Supporters, meanwhile, say the measure is needed to safeguard election integrity.
The result is a legislative deadlock, leaving the bill effectively stuck as the lead-up to November's midterms intensifies.
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SpaceX Starlink Mission
June 11, 2026
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is targeting the launch of 24 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 4 East (SLC-4E) at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about 10 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX.
This will be the 34th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched NROL-87, NROL-85, SARah-1, SWOT, Transporter-8, Transporter-9, NROL-146, Bandwagon-2, NROL-153, NROL-192, Transporter-14, Transporter-15, CAS500-2, and 20 Starlink missions.
Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the Of Course I Still Love You droneship, which will be stationed in the Pacific Ocean.
There is the possibility that residents of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura counties may hear one or more sonic booms during the launch, but what residents experience will depend on weather and other conditions.
https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-17-44
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laczdfnBG54
Starlink Mission
June 12, 2026
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 is targeting the launch of 29 Starlink satellites to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about 10 minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX.
This will be the 27th flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched Ax-2, Euclid, Ax-3, CRS-30, SES ASTRA 1P, NG-21, and 20 Starlink missions.
Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
https://www.spacex.com/launches/sl-10-54
extra SpaceX
https://sebastianbarros.substack.com/p/why-spacex-is-building-a-100-megawatt
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/ESA_science_missions_get_green_light_for_new_discoveries
extra ESA
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_news/ESA_at_ILA_2026_Day_1_highlights
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Corporate_news/ESA_at_ILA_2026_Day_2_highlights
https://www.esa.int/ESA_Multimedia/Videos/2026/06/ILA_Berlin_2026_in-flight_call_with_ESA_Astronaut_Sophie_Adenot
https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/Tracking_urban_expansion_in_hazard-prone_areas
https://www.esa.int/About_Us/Week_in_images/Week_in_images_01-05_June_20262
ESA science missions get green light for new discoveries
11/06/2026
On 10–11 June, representatives from European Space Agency (ESA) Member States met in Tenerife to make far-reaching decisions about the future of ESA’s Science Programme.
Their decisions to extend current missions and adopt the next ‘fast-class’ mission, Arrakihs, underscores European leadership in, and long-term commitment to, space science.
ESA’s world-leading Science Programme transforms bold ideas from European scientists into ambitious space science missions. It is community-driven, overseen by a Science Programme Committee that meets around three times per year.
The Committee includes representatives from each of ESA’s 23 Member States, ensuring that all countries have an equal say in major decisions that decide the future of European space science.
ESA’s Director of Science, Professor Carole Mundell says: “Being motivated by the scientific community means that we can build world-leading space missions that really meet the needs of European scientists.
Our aim is to provide the best missions possible to encourage technological innovation and scientific discoveries across our Member States.”
The decisions taken and discussions held by the Science Programme Committee this week will guide the Programme throughout the 2030s and beyond.
13 missions extended
ESA leads or co-leads ten active space science missions, and is involved in six more led by international partners.
An initial mission operations phase typically lasts up to five years, depending on the mission's scientific goals. Extensions beyond this period depend on the ability of the mission to continue delivering novel science.
The Science Programme Committee discussed the extension of the 13 missions that are due to end their current science phase before the end of 2026.
It endorsed extensions for all 13, underlining the potential of these missions to support a wide range of scientific communities across Europe and beyond.
In alphabetical order, these missions are: BepiColombo, Cheops, Einstein Probe, Hinode, Hubble, IRIS, Mars Express, Proba-3, SOHO, Solar Orbiter, Webb, XMM-Newton and XRISM.
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The extension is particularly important for Solar Orbiter, an ESA-led mission to study the Sun up close. Launched in 2020, Solar Orbiter is currently giving humankind its first views of the Sun’s poles.
The extension will allow the mission to continue going to higher latitudes, revealing the Sun from new angles, and enabling completely new discoveries.
Missions that will still be operating in, or are yet to begin, their initial science phase at the end of 2029, including Euclid, Juice and Smile, were not considered for extension during this week’s meeting.
Arrakihs – ESA’s next galactic archaeologist
On 10 June, the Science Programme Committee approved the adoption of ESA’s second ‘fast-class’ mission, Arrakihs. This means that ESA and its Member States commit to building and launching the mission.
Arrakihs will capture the faint light from the haloes of stars and gas that surround galaxies to answer questions about cosmic history. Like other fast-class missions, it is based on adapting existing technology for novel science, and Member States – particularly Spain, in the case of Arrakihs – play a leading role in developing the mission. Arrakihs is expected to launch by the end of 2030.
Find out more about the adoption of Arrakihs in our dedicated article.
Plasma Observatory – sailing the shores of the cosmic ocean
Medium-class missions form the backbone of ESA’s Science Programme. Those currently flying include Solar Orbiter and Euclid, ESA's dark Universe detective.
Back in 2023, the space science community narrowed down the shortlist for the next medium-class mission to three finalists. Since then, scientists and engineers have been carefully considering all three in terms of science, technical feasibility and how well they complement other missions.
Based on this assessment, ESA has proposed to the Science Programme Committee that Plasma Observatory be selected. The Committee has taken note of this recommendation and will make the formal decision at the next meeting in November 2026.
Plasma Observatory would study how electrically charged particles (plasma) from the Sun interact with the protective magnetic bubble (the magnetosphere) that surrounds Earth.
In particular, it would look at how the plasma gains energy through its interaction with Earth's magnetic field, how this energy enters and moves around the magnetosphere, and how it spreads to other particles around Earth.
Previous missions, including ESA's Cluster, found that these interactions happen on different scales in space and time – from a few kilometres up to tens of thousands, and from milliseconds to minutes.
But Cluster – made up of four spacecraft – could only study one scale at a time. Plasma Observatory would be a constellation of seven spacecraft, making it the first mission capable of studying the interactions on different scales of space and time simultaneously, to give us a detailed understanding of what exactly is happening and how the scales are connected.
Plasma makes up 99% of the visible Universe, and the transfer of energy within it governs how pretty much everything in the Universe works.
Plasma Observatory is using the magnetosphere as a laboratory for understanding the wider Universe, including the Sun, exploding stars and distant galaxies. Find out more about Plasma Observatory here.
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