Sunday, October 18, 2026

SpaDeX sats re-enter Earth’s atmosphere after nearly 21 months in orbit

The satellites SDX01 and SDX02 completed their mission by re-entering Earth's atmosphere after 21 months. They were launched on December 30, 2024, and achieved significant milestones in autonomous docking and power transfer. During their operation, they demonstrated important capabilities for future missions, including lunar exploration and human spaceflight. Their orbital altitude progressively decreased, leading to their eventual re-entry.

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Scientists develop 98-gram hopping robot that climbs stairs, crosses six terrains and swims



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Saturday, October 17, 2026

Michigan engineers use adjustable golf-ball dimples to cut drag by 50%



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Drone LiDAR reveals three unregistered Aboriginal rock shelters in Australia's rugged Blue Mountains

Researchers utilized drone technology to discover three previously unregistered Aboriginal rock shelters in the Blue Mountains region, revealing significant cultural heritage. Collaboration with the Dharug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation ensured accurate documentation of red hand stencils and stone artifacts. This innovative approach may improve archaeological surveys in difficult-to-navigate areas, thereby preserving cultural heritage. Ongoing efforts will assess the method's applicability to different Australian landscapes, ensuring continued protection.

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Friday, October 16, 2026

Black-bellied whistling ducks now breed in 90% of Texas counties



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USGS tests drones to track invasive Burmese pythons across Florida’s Everglades



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Submerged Archaeological Sites Study: Researchers map two underwater Aboriginal sites; stone moved 23 km

Archaeologists collaborated with Indigenous rangers to explore submerged sites off Murujuga in Western Australia. They uncovered artefacts and evidence of past human activity before rising sea levels altered the landscape. Two key locations highlighted interactions with freshwater resources and elevated terrains. The research involved several universities and emphasized the importance of Indigenous expertise in cultural heritage.

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