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NASA and its international collaborators have finalised the crew for Axiom Space’s fourth private astronaut mission, set to launch aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft no earlier than spring 2025. The mission, departing from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, will see four astronauts spending up to 14 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The crew includes former NASA astronaut and Axiom Space’s director of human spaceflight Peggy Whitson as commander, ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla as pilot, and mission specialists Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski from the European Space Agency (ESA) and Tibor Kapu from Hungary.

Private Astronaut Missions Expand Space Access

According to NASA’s International Space Station Program Manager Dana Weigel, private astronaut missions are contributing to advancements in low Earth orbit operations. Weigel said that these missions are helping pave the way for commercial space activities while increasing accessibility to microgravity research. This mission will mark the first time an ISRO astronaut will board the ISS as part of a joint effort between NASA and the Indian space agency. It will also be the first ISS stay for astronauts from Poland and Hungary.

Axiom Space’s Growing Role in Private Spaceflight

As reported, Axiom Space has been steadily expanding its private spaceflight program since its inaugural mission in April 2022. Each mission has varied in duration, with the most recent, Axiom Mission 3, remaining docked at the ISS for 18 days in January 2024. Whitson, who also commanded Axiom Mission 2 in May 2023, highlighted the significance of international partnerships in commercial spaceflight, stating that each mission brings new opportunities for participating nations.

Future of Low Earth Orbit Operations

NASA’s long-term objective involves fostering a sustainable commercial space economy, allowing the agency to focus resources on deep space exploration. The ISS continues to serve as a key testing ground for space research and technology, supporting both government-led and private-sector initiatives.

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SpaceX Crew-10 Launches to ISS, Relieving Stranded NASA Starliner Crew

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March 16, 2025

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SpaceX has launched the Crew-10 mission from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, sending four astronauts to the ISS. The team will replace Crew-9 members, two of whom have been stranded since June due to Boeing’s Starliner delays. The Falcon 9 rocket lifted off successfully on March 14, and Crew-10 is expected to dock with the ISS in about 28 hours. The six-month mission…

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2,200-Year-Old Chinese Burial Uncovers Woman with Toxic Red-Stained Teeth

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March 14, 2025

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2,200-Year-Old Chinese Burial Uncovers Woman with Toxic Red-Stained Teeth

A burial site in northwestern China has revealed a woman’s remains with an unusual feature—her teeth were painted with cinnabar, a toxic red mineral composed of mercury and sulfur. The grave, dated between 2,200 and 2,050 years ago, was found in Turpan City, Xinjiang, along a major Silk Road trade route. Archaeologists identified the remains as belonging to the Gushi people, known for their equestrian culture. The significance of cinnabar-stained teeth in ancient societies has not been previously documented.

First Recorded Case of Cinnabar on Teeth

According to a study published in Archaeological and Anthropological Sciences, this is the first known instance of cinnabar being applied to human teeth. Qian Wang, professor of biomedical sciences at Texas A&M University College of Dentistry, told Live Science that no other ancient burial worldwide has exhibited this practice. The analysis of the red pigment, conducted through spectroscopy methods, confirmed the presence of cinnabar mixed with an animal protein, possibly egg yolk or egg white, to facilitate application.

Possible Cultural and Ritualistic Significance

The purpose behind the red pigment remains unclear. Experts suggest connections to cosmetic practices, social status, or shamanistic rituals. Other burials in the region have shown evidence of facial paintings and tattoos, indicating the possibility of broader body adornment traditions. The Xinjiang region does not have natural cinnabar deposits, implying that the substance was imported, possibly from West Asia, Europe, or other parts of China.

Health Risks of Cinnabar Exposure

Li Sun, professor of geology at Collin College, noted the potential health risks associated with cinnabar use. Mercury exposure is linked to neurological damage, yet no traces of mercury poisoning were detected in the woman’s bones. The frequency and duration of exposure remain uncertain.

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Smallest Galaxy Ever Found: Andromeda XXXV Defies Cosmic Evolution Models



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Smallest Galaxy Ever Found: Andromeda XXXV Defies Cosmic Evolution Models

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March 14, 2025

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Smallest Galaxy Ever Found: Andromeda XXXV Defies Cosmic Evolution Models

Astronomers have identified the smallest and faintest galaxy ever observed, located approximately 3 million light-years away. This discovery challenges existing theories on galaxy formation, as such tiny galaxies were expected to have been destroyed in the intense heat and density of the early universe. Named Andromeda XXXV, this newly identified galaxy is part of a group of small satellite galaxies orbiting Andromeda. Researchers suggest that its survival could reshape the understanding of cosmic evolution and the conditions that allowed small galaxies to persist.

Characteristics of Andromeda XXXV

According to the study published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters, Andromeda XXXV is significantly smaller than other known dwarf galaxies, measuring about 1,000 light-years across at its longest axis. Researchers used data from multiple astronomical surveys and observations from the Hubble Space Telescope to confirm its existence. Reportedly, Eric Bell, a professor at the University of Michigan, described it as “a fully functional galaxy, but about a millionth the size of the Milky Way.” Scientists were surprised by its ability to retain the necessary conditions for star formation despite its size.

The Challenge of Detecting Dwarf Galaxies

Dwarf galaxies, though common, remain difficult to detect due to their faint nature. The Milky Way has several known satellite galaxies, but identifying similar structures around Andromeda has been challenging. Previously discovered dwarf galaxies in that region were larger and brighter, aligning with existing models. Andromeda XXXV, however, is distinct because of its prolonged star formation period. According to lead researcher Marcos Arias, some similar-sized galaxies in Andromeda formed stars up to 6 billion years ago, while most of the Milky Way’s satellite galaxies stopped star formation around 10 billion years ago.

Implications for Galaxy Formation Theories

Scientists are now investigating why Andromeda XXXV was not affected by extreme conditions that disrupted other small galaxies. Bell explained that this period in the universe was “like a vat of boiling oil,” expected to strip galaxies of gas needed for star formation. The survival of Andromeda XXXV suggests that current theories about galaxy formation and evolution may need reevaluation. Further studies and upcoming space missions could provide more insights into how galaxies like Andromeda XXXV persisted despite harsh cosmic conditions.

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