NASA grants SpaceX $946 million for three ISS crew missions, while new research reveals Diplodocus in Europe, a Venus moon theory, and other science breakthroughs.

NASA awarded SpaceX a $946 million contract on Friday to fly three additional astronaut missions to the International Space Station, extending the company's crewed flights through 2030.

SpaceX crew contract details

The agreement covers launch services, crew training and ground support for the three missions. NASA said the funding will be disbursed over the next four years, with the first flight slated for early 2027.

Diplodocus fossils discovered in Europe

Spanish paleontologists announced Tuesday that they have uncovered the first confirmed Diplodocus remains on the European continent. The find, published in the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, includes a partial vertebrae series that matches the iconic long‑necked sauropod known from North America.

New theory on why Venus lacks a moon

A California‑based astrophysicist said on Monday that Venus may have lost a moon after a close encounter with a large asteroid, a scenario the researcher described as "celestial cannibalism." The hypothesis draws on orbital simulations that show a captured moon could have been ejected by gravitational forces.

African wild dogs travel vast distances

Research published this week reported that African wild dogs can travel more than 4,000 km (2,500 miles) across the continent in search of mates. The study suggests that surviving packs are more genetically linked than previously believed.

Britain deepens reliance on SpaceX satellite services

Britain has spent nearly $40 million on SpaceX satellite services, the defense ministry confirmed on Thursday. The expenditure underscores the United Kingdom's dependence on the U.S. firm for military communications.

IBM and NASA release open‑source lunar AI model

IBM and NASA said on Thursday they released an open‑source artificial‑intelligence model designed to help scientists analyze decades of lunar observation data. The tool aims to support plans for a sustained human presence on the Moon.

European Space Agency calls for coordinated satellite programmes

European Space Agency Director General Josef Aschbacher said on Thursday that Europe must ensure its national satellite programmes work together and avoid duplication.

Impulse Space secures $308 million Series D extension

Impulse Space announced on Wednesday that it raised $308 million in an extension of its Series D funding round. The startup plans to use the capital to build spacecraft that move satellites and other payloads for commercial and government customers.

SpaceX Starfall signs first European customer

SpaceX's Starfall business, which returns products and other payloads from Earth orbit, signed a mission deal with integrator Space Cargo, the company's chief executive said. The agreement makes Space Cargo the first European customer of the new service.

• NASA contracts SpaceX for ISS crew flights
• Diplodocus fossils found in Europe
• Venus moon loss theory proposed
• African wild dogs' long‑range movements documented
• UK spends $40 million on SpaceX communications
• IBM‑NASA open‑source lunar AI model released
• ESA urges coordinated satellite efforts
• Impulse Space raises $308 million
• Starfall secures first European client