SpaceX prepares for historic IPO while ISS faces air leak crisis; NASA retires Mars MAVEN mission as space industry advances

SpaceX is planning what experts are calling the biggest stock market launch in history, with significant investment opportunities but flagged risks for potential investors according to financial analysts.

International Space Station astronauts were briefly evacuated to docked spacecraft due to an air leak concern, but have since returned to normal duties after Russian crews determined no urgent repairs were immediately necessary.

NASA announced the decommissioning of its MAVEN spacecraft, which has successfully orbited Mars for over a decade conducting atmospheric research.

Gwynne Shotwell, SpaceX's president and COO, is positioned as the stabilizing force at the company ahead of the blockbuster IPO, serving as a counterbalance to Elon Musk's leadership style.

A small modular nuclear reactor has reached criticality in its first test, representing progress in alternative energy technology for space and terrestrial applications.

The S&P 500 has rejected SpaceX's entry into the index, also blocking applications from OpenAI and Anthropic despite their significant market presence.

Scientists have successfully edited human embryo genes using newer gene-editing techniques for the first time, raising significant bioethical concerns about the future possibility of engineering embryos.

Urban light pollution is worsening allergies by prompting plants to shed pollen for longer periods and in greater quantities, according to recent research findings.

Ancient microbes frozen with Ötzi the Iceman 5,000 years ago have been found to still be growing, opening new possibilities for studying prehistoric biology and fermentation.