Here are today’s most important updates from the realm of Science and Space.
The Indian government is set to privatize the production of its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), with Adani Group emerging as one of the three finalists, sources told Reuters. The SSLV, developed by ISRO, is a cost-effective launcher for satellites up to 500 kg in low-Earth orbit. Following its first successful launch in 2023, India moved to transfer its production to private industry to boost the country's commercial space sector.
Three groups are competing: Alpha Design Technologies (linked to Adani Defence), Bharat Dynamics Limited, and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The selected company will pay ISRO ₹3 billion ($30 million) for the technology transfer, manufacturing guidance, and technical support. With limited launch slots globally, India aims to position itself as a key player in the satellite launch market.
Across NASA, signs of inclusivity are vanishing. Pride flags and images celebrating women in science are being removed, while employees quietly strip pronouns from email signatures. Many are covering LGBT+ stickers on their laptops with space-mission decals.
This shift follows a directive from President Trump on January 20 to eliminate diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives across federal agencies. NASA, once a champion of inclusivity, has halted DEI programs and removed "inclusion" from its core values. Employee affinity groups, which supported underrepresented communities and accessibility efforts, have been silenced.
Scientists express frustration and fear, with some calling the changes a step backward for an agency that has long worked toward diversity. Programs that once welcomed underrepresented students into planetary missions are now defunct, leaving many disheartened.
Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander, carrying NASA science and technology, is scheduled to land near Mare Crisium on the Moon no earlier than 3:45 a.m. EST on March 2. This mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and Artemis campaign, aims to advance lunar exploration.
Live coverage will begin at 2:30 a.m. EST on NASA+ and Firefly’s YouTube channel. The lander, launched on Jan. 15 via a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, is delivering 10 NASA investigations to study the lunar environment and support future missions.
NASA’s CLPS program, with contracts worth up to $2.6 billion through 2028, enables commercial lunar deliveries. Firefly’s mission, awarded at $101.5 million, demonstrates key technologies for future Moon and Mars exploration.
Jeff Bezos' space company, Blue Origin, is cutting around 1,000 jobs, according to reports from CNN and The New York Times. CEO Dave Limp informed employees of the layoffs in an internal email, citing the need for greater efficiency.
Though Blue Origin does not publicly disclose its workforce size, estimates suggest it employs about 10,000 people, making this a roughly 10% reduction. Limp acknowledged that the company expanded rapidly in recent years, leading to increased bureaucracy and a lack of focus. He emphasized the necessity of restructuring to better align with strategic goals.
The layoffs will primarily affect roles in engineering, research and development, project management, and management, according to The New York Times.
