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The space race to create gym equipment for future astronauts

The space race to create gym equipment for future astronauts

May 22, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Scientists and space agencies are developing new exercise machines for astronauts to stay strong during long space missions. These devices are tested in weightless conditions created by special flights to prepare for future missions on the Moon and space stations.

Key Facts

  • Astronauts need to exercise daily to keep their muscles and bones healthy in space.
  • Current machines require astronauts to spend about two hours exercising each day.
  • New exercise equipment is being developed and tested by agencies like ESA, NASA, and the UK Space Agency.
  • Testing includes parabolic flights that create short periods of weightlessness for realistic conditions.
  • British inventors created a device called HIFIm designed for use on future space missions.
  • Other devices include the European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D), which offers multiple exercise modes and performance tracking.
  • These machines aim to support astronauts on long missions, including those planned for lunar bases and the Artemis missions to the Moon.
  • The Artemis II mission used a special flywheel exercise device to help keep astronauts fit in space.
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BBC Top Stories BBC World
SpaceX launches upgraded version of Starship rocket

SpaceX launches upgraded version of Starship rocket

May 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

SpaceX successfully launched a test flight of its newest and improved Starship rocket. This version has upgrades that aim to make it more powerful and reliable for future space missions.

Key Facts

  • The test launch happened on a Friday.
  • The rocket tested is an upgraded version of the Starship.
  • Starship is designed to be a large and powerful rocket.
  • SpaceX hopes to use Starship for future space travel.
  • The launch was covered by CBS News and their space consultant Bill Harwood.
  • The test was part of ongoing efforts to develop better space vehicles.
  • Starship is central to SpaceX's plans for missions beyond Earth.
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CBS News
SpaceX launches its biggest rocket yet in test flight from Texas

SpaceX launches its biggest rocket yet in test flight from Texas

May 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

SpaceX launched its most powerful Starship rocket in a test flight from Texas. This new rocket version is part of NASA’s plan to land astronauts on the moon through the Artemis program.

Key Facts

  • The Starship V3 is SpaceX’s biggest and most powerful rocket, standing 407 feet tall.
  • It carried 20 mock Starlink satellites during the test flight.
  • The launch took place at Starbase, near the Texas-Mexico border.
  • The rocket’s first stage ended its flight in the Gulf of Mexico, while the spacecraft and satellites reached the Indian Ocean.
  • NASA is paying SpaceX and Blue Origin to develop lunar landers for moon missions.
  • Blue Origin’s lunar lander, called Blue Moon, is not yet launched but is planned for later this year.
  • NASA plans to test docking in orbit by astronauts next year using Starship, Blue Moon, or both.
  • A crewed moon landing could happen as soon as 2028, aiming for a base near the lunar south pole.
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Guardian World
SpaceX launches its biggest Starship mega rocket yet on test flight

SpaceX launches its biggest Starship mega rocket yet on test flight

May 22, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

SpaceX launched its largest and most powerful Starship rocket, called V3, on a test flight from Texas. The rocket carried 20 fake Starlink satellites and is planned to help NASA land astronauts on the moon.

Key Facts

  • The rocket launched on a Friday from SpaceX’s Starbase near the Texas-Mexico border.
  • Starship V3 is the third-generation model and is more powerful than previous versions.
  • It carried 20 mock (fake) Starlink satellites to be released in orbit.
  • NASA plans to use this rocket for its Artemis program to send astronauts to the moon.
  • This was the 12th test flight of the Starship rocket series.
  • A launch attempt the night before was canceled due to last-minute issues on the launch pad.
  • SpaceX CEO Elon Musk announced plans to take the company public just two days before this launch.
  • The Starship is intended for future missions to Mars, but the moon mission comes first.
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PBS NewsHour
SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket

SpaceX launches more powerful Super Heavy-Starship rocket

May 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

SpaceX launched an improved version of its Super Heavy-Starship rocket from Texas to test stronger engines and new features. The rocket carried test satellites and performed several maneuvers, though the first stage did not land exactly as planned.

Key Facts

  • The rocket is called Super Heavy-Starship and uses 36 methane-burning Raptor engines.
  • It generated up to 18 million pounds of thrust, twice as much as NASA’s moon rocket.
  • The launch took place at SpaceX’s new, stronger launch pad at Starbase, Texas.
  • The first stage was supposed to return and land safely in the Gulf but had engine trouble.
  • The upper stage carried 22 Starlink satellite simulators for release during flight.
  • Cameras on board sent back images to help study the rocket’s heat shield and flight.
  • Tests included engine restarts in space and maneuvers to check the rocket’s control systems.
  • This flight marks a key step toward future missions to the moon and Mars.
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CBS News
First-generation Chromecast users stressed by devices suddenly failing

First-generation Chromecast users stressed by devices suddenly failing

May 22, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Google’s first-generation Chromecast, a popular streaming device from 2014, experienced a temporary problem this week where it suddenly stopped working with apps like YouTube and Chrome. Google said it was a technical issue that has now been fixed, and all affected devices should be working again.

Key Facts

  • The first-generation Chromecast sold 10 million units in 2014.
  • It allowed users to stream video from apps to their TV by pressing a "Cast" button.
  • Google stopped supporting the first-generation Chromecast in 2023.
  • Many users reported their first-gen Chromecasts stopped working suddenly this week.
  • Some users suspected Google deliberately disabled the devices to encourage upgrades.
  • Google denied this and said a technical issue caused the problem.
  • Google’s team quickly fixed the issue, and devices are working again.
  • Google ended support for all Chromecasts except for the 2022 Chromecast with Google TV (HD).
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Ars Technica
From decades to years - AI could speed search for brain drugs hiding in plain sight

From decades to years - AI could speed search for brain drugs hiding in plain sight

May 22, 2026 • BBC Tech

Summary

Scientists at the UK Dementia Research Institute are using artificial intelligence (AI) to find existing drugs that could treat brain diseases like motor neurone disease (MND) faster. By analyzing patient data and lab-grown brain cells, they aim to reduce the time to discover effective treatments from decades to years.

Key Facts

  • Researchers study patient data such as voice recordings, eye scans, and lab-grown brain cells to identify possible drug treatments.
  • The AI uses patterns of disease to predict which already-approved drugs might work for neurological conditions like MND, Parkinson’s, and dementia.
  • The approach could shorten drug discovery from more than 10 years down to just a few years.
  • One trial, called MND-SMART, tests multiple drugs at the same time instead of just one drug versus a placebo.
  • Patients like Steven Barrett, diagnosed with MND, participate in these trials hoping to find better treatments.
  • Stem cells from patients are turned into brain cells (neurones) to test how drugs affect them in the lab.
  • AI algorithms have been trained to change disease signatures in brain cells to a healthy state using existing medicines.
  • Using already-approved drugs for new uses can be faster and less complicated than creating new drugs from scratch.
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BBC Tech BBC Business
'The Mummy' Director Lee Cronin Wants to Make a Rom-Com

'The Mummy' Director Lee Cronin Wants to Make a Rom-Com

May 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Director Lee Cronin, known for horror films like "The Hole in the Ground" and "Evil Dead Rise," wants to try making movies outside the horror genre. He is currently working on a script for an R-rated romantic comedy that includes a small supernatural element.

Key Facts

  • Lee Cronin is best known for directing horror movies.
  • His recent film "The Mummy" got mixed reviews but did well at the box office.
  • Cronin wants to branch out from horror and explore other film genres.
  • He is writing a romantic comedy with a minor supernatural twist.
  • Romantic comedies have recently become popular again.
  • Cronin is also interested in directing Westerns, war movies, and science fiction.
  • He has experience in writing comedy but is cautious about directing a pure comedy.
  • The romantic comedy he is working on is intended to be R-rated and somewhat risqué.
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Newsweek
GoPro MISSION 1 Series Now Open for Pre-Order - It's a Serious Step Up

GoPro MISSION 1 Series Now Open for Pre-Order - It's a Serious Step Up

May 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

GoPro has introduced the MISSION 1 Series, a new line of compact cinema cameras designed for professional filmmakers and creators. The cameras feature a larger 1-inch sensor, support 8K video recording, and offer improved low-light performance. Pre-orders are open now, and shipping starts May 28.

Key Facts

  • The MISSION 1 Series includes three models: base MISSION 1, MISSION 1 PRO, and MISSION 1 PRO Grip Edition.
  • All models use a new 50MP 1-inch sensor with GoPro's GP3 processor for better image quality and performance.
  • The MISSION 1 PRO can record 8K video at 60 frames per second and 4K at up to 240 frames per second.
  • The base MISSION 1 supports 8K at 30fps and 4K at 120fps with advanced color and audio features.
  • Prices start at $599 for the base model, with discounts for current GoPro subscribers.
  • The Grip Edition includes an ergonomic metal cage for easier handling and mounting.
  • Cameras are waterproof up to 66 feet without housing; an optional housing increases this to 196 feet for diving.
  • Accessories like long-lasting batteries, ND filters, and dual battery chargers will be available starting May 28.
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Newsweek
Police boast of hacking VPN where criminals "believed themselves to be safe"

Police boast of hacking VPN where criminals "believed themselves to be safe"

May 22, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

European police and law enforcement agencies hacked into and shut down a VPN service called First VPN, which was used by cybercriminals to hide illegal activities like ransomware attacks and data theft. Investigators accessed the service’s user data, identified thousands of users, and arrested the VPN’s operator as part of an international operation.

Key Facts

  • First VPN was a virtual private network service used by cybercriminals to hide their online activities.
  • The service was active since 2014 and had servers in 27 countries.
  • Authorities began investigating in December 2021 and eventually gained access to user data.
  • The VPN promised no logs (no records of user activity) and said it would not cooperate with law enforcement.
  • Law enforcement included agencies from France, the Netherlands, Europol, Eurojust, and the FBI.
  • The FBI reported that 25 ransomware groups used First VPN to hide their attacks.
  • The website of First VPN displayed a message after the shutdown indicating domain seizure by the police.
  • Users believed their activities were safe and anonymous, but the police had access to their traffic before the shutdown.
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Ars Technica
Texas AG sues Meta over claims that WhatsApp doesn't provide end-to-end encryption

Texas AG sues Meta over claims that WhatsApp doesn't provide end-to-end encryption

May 22, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

The Texas Attorney General has sued Meta, claiming that WhatsApp does not provide the end-to-end encryption it promises. Meta denies the allegations, stating that WhatsApp messages remain private and the company will fight the lawsuit.

Key Facts

  • WhatsApp, owned by Meta, claims to use end-to-end encryption (E2EE), meaning only the sender and receiver can read messages.
  • Meta’s CEO Mark Zuckerberg said in 2018 that WhatsApp message content is fully encrypted and not visible to Meta.
  • The Texas AG’s complaint alleges Meta can access unencrypted WhatsApp messages, accusing the company of misleading users about privacy.
  • The lawsuit cites a Bloomberg report about a government investigation that was reportedly closed after findings suggested Meta had access to WhatsApp messages.
  • Meta says the allegations are baseless and will oppose the lawsuit in court.
  • Experts who tested WhatsApp in 2023 say the app’s encryption generally works as claimed, with only a minor security issue found related to group chat management.
  • WhatsApp messages reported by users to Meta are decrypted only on the reporter’s device before being shared with Meta.
  • No direct evidence from investigators is reported in the lawsuit, only the Bloomberg article is cited for support.
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Ars Technica
Before it comes down, what should be saved from the International Space Station?

Before it comes down, what should be saved from the International Space Station?

May 22, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

NASA and its partners are preparing to end the International Space Station (ISS) program around 2030. Experts and museum curators are discussing how to preserve parts of the ISS since the whole structure is too large to save.

Key Facts

  • The ISS has allowed humans to live continuously in space for over 25 years.
  • NASA plans to end the ISS program and bring it down by 2030.
  • The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum held discussions on how to save the heritage of the ISS.
  • Panelists included astronauts, museum curators, an archaeologist, and space officials.
  • They emphasized preserving the experiences of crews from over 74 missions on the ISS.
  • Some iconic parts of the ISS, like the cupola with windows, are popular for preservation.
  • It is not possible to bring back the entire space station due to its size and complexity.
  • Continued international space missions are seen as part of preserving the legacy of the ISS.
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Ars Technica
Drinking Water, Lawsuits and Layoffs: Meta's Problems Explained

Drinking Water, Lawsuits and Layoffs: Meta's Problems Explained

May 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Meta is facing lawsuits over child safety concerns on its platforms, local disputes about water use by its data centers, and plans to cut about 10 percent of its workforce while increasing spending on artificial intelligence (AI). The company reported strong financial results in the first quarter but is under scrutiny from lawmakers and courts.

Key Facts

  • Meta reported $56.3 billion in revenue and $26.8 billion in net income for the first quarter of the year.
  • Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez raised concerns about a Meta data center in Georgia using a large share of local water, potentially affecting drinking water quality.
  • Meta said an independent study found no impact on groundwater from the data center and that it uses water from local utilities.
  • Meta plans to cut about 8,000 jobs, around 10 percent of its workforce, and will halt hiring for about 6,000 open positions.
  • CEO Mark Zuckerberg said AI helps improve efficiency but is not the cause of layoffs.
  • Meta raised its expected capital spending for 2026 to $125-145 billion due to increased costs and AI infrastructure needs.
  • A New Mexico jury fined Meta $375 million for misleading users about child safety on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
  • The lawsuits focus on Meta’s failure to warn about risks such as sexual exploitation and mental health harms for children on its platforms.
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Newsweek
CBS News poll finds most doubt government will ensure AI used appropriately

CBS News poll finds most doubt government will ensure AI used appropriately

May 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

A recent CBS News poll shows that most Americans believe artificial intelligence (AI) will reduce jobs in the U.S. Many are also doubtful that the government will create policies to make sure AI is used in the right way. People view AI companies as trying to gain more power and replace human workers.

Key Facts

  • Two-thirds of Americans doubt the government will regulate AI properly.
  • Most Americans think AI will lead to fewer jobs in the U.S.
  • Democrats and independents mostly agree on the government’s inability to control AI; Republicans are split.
  • Many believe AI companies want to replace human workers and increase their own power.
  • Some people see AI as useful for simplifying tasks and advancing science and medicine.
  • Younger Americans are slightly less worried about job loss from AI, possibly because they understand and use AI more.
  • The poll surveyed 2,064 U.S. adults between May 13-15, 2026, with a margin of error of ±2.7 points.
  • The sample was designed to represent the U.S. adult population by age, gender, race, education, and 2024 presidential vote.
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CBS News
PSA: The Steam Controller’s magnetic charger can be a fire hazard

PSA: The Steam Controller’s magnetic charger can be a fire hazard

May 22, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

A user reported that the magnetic charging puck of the Steam Controller caused a short circuit and almost started a fire when it touched a metal watch strap. Valve warns users in the manual to keep the charger and controller away from metal objects to avoid sparks, damage, or injury.

Key Facts

  • The Steam Controller uses a magnetic charging puck with exposed metal contacts.
  • A Reddit user experienced a short circuit when the puck touched a metal watch band, causing sizzling and nearly a fire.
  • Valve’s manual warns that magnets in the charger and controller can attract metal objects and cause sparks or damage.
  • The manual also says the magnets may disrupt medical devices, credit cards, and data storage nearby.
  • Similar charging devices from Xbox and Sony have metal pins but use protective features to limit exposure.
  • The Steam Controller includes the magnetic charger as a standard part, unlike Xbox and Sony accessories that are optional.
  • Valve is aware of the problem and is working with the user to replace the puck and study the issue.
  • Users should keep the charging puck away from metal or magnetic items for safety.
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Ars Technica
Waymo pauses robotaxis in five US cities after cars drive into flooded roads

Waymo pauses robotaxis in five US cities after cars drive into flooded roads

May 22, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

Waymo has stopped its self-driving taxi service in five US cities after some of its cars drove into flooded roads and got stuck. The company recalled nearly 3,800 vehicles to fix a software problem that let cars enter standing water, and it has paused service on freeways while working on improvements.

Key Facts

  • Waymo paused robotaxi service in five US cities: four in Texas and Atlanta, Georgia.
  • The problem started when cars drove into flooded roads, including an incident where a vehicle was swept into a creek in San Antonio.
  • About 3,800 robotaxis using Waymo’s fifth and sixth-generation driving systems were recalled voluntarily.
  • The software glitch could cause cars to slow and then drive into standing water on highways.
  • Waymo also stopped its driverless cars on freeways in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Miami.
  • The company is working on adding software safeguards and improving performance in construction zones.
  • Waymo is owned by Alphabet, Google’s parent company, and offers over 500,000 trips weekly in several US cities.
  • Previous incidents with self-driving cars have raised safety concerns, including outages and cars stopping mid-traffic.
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BBC World BBC US BBC Tech
NASA undertakes major reorganization to reduce bureaucracy and move faster

NASA undertakes major reorganization to reduce bureaucracy and move faster

May 22, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

NASA is reorganizing its structure to become more efficient and focus on key missions like returning humans to the Moon and building a Moon base. The agency will combine some departments, reduce management layers, and give more decision power to field centers without cutting jobs or closing centers.

Key Facts

  • NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced a major internal reorganization via a long email.
  • The goal is to cut bureaucracy and speed up progress on NASA's top priorities.
  • No employees will lose jobs, and no centers will be closed.
  • NASA will focus on missions such as the Artemis Program to return humans to the Moon and build a permanent Moon base.
  • The agency will create a Space Reactor Office to advance nuclear power in space.
  • Six main Mission Directorates will be reduced to four to simplify leadership and decision-making.
  • Mission Directorates will report directly to Isaacman instead of the Associate Administrator.
  • The changes aim to give more power to field centers and reduce top-heavy management.
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Ars Technica
NASA Tracking Bus-Sized Asteroid Approaching Earth on Friday

NASA Tracking Bus-Sized Asteroid Approaching Earth on Friday

May 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

NASA is tracking several asteroids passing near Earth on Friday. The closest one, called 2026 KC1, is about the size of a bus and will come within 304,000 miles of Earth.

Key Facts

  • Asteroid 2026 KC1 is about 27 feet wide and will pass Earth at a speed of 45,522 mph.
  • It will come as close as 304,000 miles from Earth.
  • Other asteroids passing Friday include 2026 KF (plane-sized) at 408,000 miles and 2026 JE1 (bus-sized) at 694,000 miles.
  • A plane-sized asteroid called 2026 JC4 will pass much farther, about 3,560,000 miles away.
  • Another plane-sized asteroid, KE1, will pass on Saturday at 1,620,000 miles from Earth.
  • Small asteroids like these hit Earth roughly every 10 years but usually cause no serious harm.
  • Larger asteroids over 160 feet can cause local damage but impact Earth only every 1,000 years.
  • Very large asteroids over 3,000 feet can cause global damage but hit about every 700,000 years.
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Newsweek
AI put "synthetic quotes" in his book. But this author wants to keep using it.

AI put "synthetic quotes" in his book. But this author wants to keep using it.

May 22, 2026 • Ars Technica

Summary

Author Steven Rosenbaum used AI tools to help research his new book but found some quotes AI created were not accurate or real. He is now fixing these mistakes with his editors but says he will keep using AI because it helps him find ideas and information.

Key Facts

  • Steven Rosenbaum is a journalist and author of the book The Future of Truth: How AI Reshapes Reality.
  • The book discusses how AI changes the nature of truth by mixing and altering information.
  • A New York Times investigation found some quotes in the book were “synthetic,” meaning AI made them up or attributed them incorrectly.
  • Examples include a tech reporter and a professor who said the quotes were never said or did not appear in their work.
  • Rosenbaum is doing a full review with editors to correct the errors in future editions.
  • He used AI tools like ChatGPT and Claude mainly for research tasks like finding articles and summarizing ideas.
  • He says the main writing, interviews, and arguments in the book are his own, not written by AI.
  • Rosenbaum believes AI is useful and will continue to use it, but he plans to check its results more carefully.
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Ars Technica
The best fans to keep you cool: 14 tried and tested favourites to beat the heat

The best fans to keep you cool: 14 tried and tested favourites to beat the heat

May 22, 2026 • Guardian Tech

Summary

The article reviews 15 different fans that help keep people cool during hot weather while using much less electricity than air conditioners. It explains how the fans were tested for power use, noise, and cooling ability, and recommends the best options for different needs and budgets.

Key Facts

  • Fans use far less electricity than portable air conditioners; typical fans use between 8W and 60W, while air conditioners use about 1,000W.
  • The AirCraft Lume was rated the best overall fan, using only 18W on its highest setting.
  • Other recommended fans include a budget desk fan by Devola and the Shark FlexBreeze Pro Mist, a misting fan.
  • Testing included measuring air speed, noise levels, electricity use, and cooling effect with tools like anemometers, sound meters, and thermometers.
  • Some fans tested were evaporative coolers, which cool air by blowing it over water, using less energy than traditional air conditioners.
  • Fans were also evaluated on size, looks, how easy they are to control, and price.
  • After testing, most fans were donated to a charity that furnishes homes for women and children escaping domestic abuse.
  • The article encourages using fans as an energy-efficient alternative to air conditioning to save money and reduce carbon emissions.
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Guardian Tech