Tuesday, September 29, 2026

NASA and Boeing announced a new road map for the troubled Starliner spacecraft, with an uncrewed test flight planned for no earlier than December and the next crewed mission targeted for mid-2028 if testing succeeds.^[1]

Sweden's center-left opposition led by Social Democrat Magdalena Andersson won the September 13 parliamentary election by a single seat, with 175 seats to the right-wing bloc's 174, signaling a change of government after a razor-thin count.^[2]

Researchers using a quantum computer have simulated the phenomenon of matter 'popping into existence' through a process called string breaking, demonstrating how trapped ion quantum computers could become powerful tools for exploring fundamental physics.^[3]

Scientists using the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed how young planetary systems lose their planet-building gas through jets, molecular winds, and radiation-driven outflows, showing that giant planets face a shrinking window to build massive atmospheres.^[4]

Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha signed the Artemis Accords at NASA headquarters in Washington on September 21, making Albania the 73rd country to join the coalition committed to peaceful and transparent space exploration.^[5]

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said there are more than 8,000 North Korean troops on Russian territory and preparations are underway to deploy an additional 10,000 troops.^[6]

Researchers at Tohoku University have discovered a paradox in REM sleep: while fuel supply to the brain increases during dreaming, the brain's energy levels may actually drain, offering new insights into sleep's restorative functions.^[7]

Researchers have discovered two new species of sea spiders off the coast of British Columbia, including one named Callipallene pilosuspedes for its distinctive long, curved spines covering its legs, nicknamed 'hairy feet.'^[8]

South Korea's military has determined there is a 'high possibility' that North Korean landmines injured three South Korean soldiers in an explosion inside the demilitarized zone last week, with Seoul vowing to take 'appropriate and corresponding measures.'^[9]