Space

International four-person crew returns after nearly four days flying a 90-degree polar orbit and observing Earth’s poles from orbit for the first time.

Space agency so far has contracted Axiom Space for five private astronaut missions to the International Space Station.

Billionaire SpaceX ally is a space industry outsider but is broadly viewed as a solid choice to lead the space agency.

Investigation into second recent SpaceX rocket explosion still underway.

Orbital launch vehicle achieves liftoff but tumbles back to Earth after about 30 seconds in the air.

First commercial flights slated for May

Agency describes the flight as a ‘crew-capable post-certification mission’ but acknowledges the possibility of flying without astronauts.

Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations, says the department needs to increase its funding and workforce as it takes on greater responsibilities.

Isar Aerospace plans to send off its two-stage-to-orbit Spectrum rocket from Andøya Spaceport in Norway.

Commercial mission plans to observe Earth’s poles from low-Earth orbit for the first time and complete 22 research experiments, among other objectives.