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New Research Reveals Active Lunar Tectonics, Challenging Moon’s Long-Standing Dormancy

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A new study has challenged the long-held belief that the moon has been geologically dormant for billions of years. Recent findings show that tectonic activity might still be occurring beneath the lunar surface, potentially altering our understanding of the moon’s geological history. Researchers have identified small ridges on the far side of the moon that appear to have formed within the last 200 million years, indicating that the moon may not be as inactive as previously thought.

The research, published in The Planetary Science Journal on January 21, 2025, was conducted by a team from the Smithsonian Institution and the University of Maryland. The study revealed 266 previously unknown ridges located in volcanic regions on the far side of the moon, which are believed to be around 3.2 to 3.6 billion years old. However, the ridges themselves appear much younger, suggesting that tectonic processes are still shaping the lunar surface today.

The team used a technique known as crater counting to estimate the ages of the ridges. According to Jaclyn Clark, an Assistant Research Scientist at the University of Maryland’s Department of Geology, the presence of fewer craters on the ridges suggests they formed after other surface features had already been impacted. By examining the way the ridges cut through existing craters, the researchers were able to conclude that the lunar surface has experienced tectonic movement relatively recently—within the past 160 million years.

These findings could have profound implications for future lunar exploration. If the moon is still undergoing tectonic activity, it could affect the planning of lunar missions and the construction of infrastructure such as habitats or research stations. Understanding the current geological processes of the moon will be crucial as humanity looks to establish a more permanent presence on the lunar surface in the coming decades.

SpaceX Falcon 9 Deploys 23 Starlink Satellites, Achieves New Booster Reusability Milestone

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On January 24, 2025, SpaceX successfully launched 23 Starlink satellites into orbit, marking its 11th Falcon 9 mission of the year. The rocket lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base at 9:07 a.m. EST, delivering its payload to low Earth orbit. Following stage separation, the Falcon 9’s first-stage booster executed a precise landing on the drone ship Of Course I Still Love You in the Pacific Ocean. This achievement marks the 401st successful recovery of an orbital-class booster, further solidifying SpaceX’s dominance in reusable rocket technology.

Falcon 9 Booster Achieves 23rd Flight

According to SpaceX, the booster supporting this mission completed its 23rd successful launch and landing, setting a new record for Falcon 9 reusability. Of its previous missions, 14 were dedicated to Starlink deployments. The rocket’s upper stage deployed the satellites approximately 64 minutes after liftoff, further advancing SpaceX’s efforts in cost-efficient spaceflight. This milestone underscores the company’s ongoing refinement of booster reuse, a crucial factor in reducing launch costs and increasing mission frequency.

Starlink’s Ever-Growing Satellite Constellation

With this latest deployment, the Starlink constellation continues its rapid expansion. This mission represents the seventh Starlink launch of 2025, pushing the total number of operational satellites beyond 6,900. Astrophysicist and satellite tracker Jonathan McDowell noted that SpaceX’s ongoing launches are enabling faster global coverage, bringing high-speed internet access to underserved regions worldwide.

Paving the Way for Future Missions

As SpaceX scales up its Starlink network, the company remains focused on increasing satellite capabilities and launch efficiency. Future missions are expected to incorporate advanced satellite models with enhanced connectivity and inter-satellite communication. With Falcon 9’s continued reusability improvements, SpaceX is paving the way for even more ambitious spaceflight endeavors, including upcoming crewed missions and deep-space exploration.

SpaceX’s Starship Flight 7 Set to Launch on January 15 with Enhanced Booster

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SpaceX is gearing up for the highly anticipated seventh test flight of its Starship rocket, which is scheduled for Wednesday, January 15, at 5 p.m. EST. The mission, originally set for January 13 but delayed by two days, will take off from SpaceX’s Starbase facility in South Texas. This test is crucial in SpaceX’s goal to make Starship a fully operational vehicle for space exploration, with the flight marking a significant milestone in the rocket’s development. Notably, this flight will feature an upgraded version of Starship, showcasing several improvements to enhance its performance and reliability.

One of the key updates to be tested in this mission includes enhancements to the Super Heavy booster, which will carry the Starship vehicle into orbit. Additionally, the Mechazilla, the massive robotic system designed to catch and recover the booster after launch, has undergone upgrades. These improvements are intended to increase the likelihood of successfully recovering the booster after liftoff, a critical step for reusability. If the mission is successful, the Super Heavy booster will attempt to return to the launch pad, where the Mechazilla will attempt to catch it, similar to the successful recovery during Flight 5 in October.

The test flight is expected to last around 66 minutes. During this time, the Starship upper stage will deploy 10 simulated Starlink satellites within the first 17 minutes of the flight. Following this, a demonstration of one of the rocket’s six Raptor engines will take place, testing the vehicle’s capabilities. The flight will follow a suborbital trajectory, culminating in a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, the Super Heavy booster will re-enter the atmosphere, with a catch attempt by Mechazilla planned. If the catch is unsuccessful due to unfavorable conditions, a backup plan will involve a soft landing in the Gulf of Mexico.

SpaceX’s continued progress with the Starship system represents a major step forward in the company’s ambitious vision for space exploration. With each test flight, including this one, SpaceX refines its technologies, bringing it closer to achieving regular flights to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The January 15 test flight will be another opportunity for the company to demonstrate the capabilities of Starship’s advanced systems, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the realm of space travel.