The world, the universe and us Humans are finally heading back to the moon; Cheaper weight loss drugs are coming; Milestone for LSD trials; Promise of new carbon tax
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Jan 2, 2026 Jacob Aron, a science writer known for his insights into spaceflight, shares thrilling updates about NASA's Artemis II lunar mission and SpaceX's Mars plans. He discusses the challenges of lunar landings and the future of commercial space stations. Meanwhile, Alexandra Thompson, a research journalist, delves into the groundbreaking phase 3 trials of LSD for anxiety treatment, highlighting its potential to rewire the brain and the promising results expected. They also touch on the upcoming availability of affordable weight-loss drugs and a new carbon border tax for emissions regulation.
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Artemis II Restarts Deep Space Crew Flights
- Artemis II will send four astronauts on a 10-day loop around the Moon to test life support and spacecraft systems beyond low Earth orbit.
- Success would mark the return of crewed missions beyond low Earth orbit and enable future lunar landing attempts.
Artemis 3 Hinges On Starship Refuelling
- Artemis 3 aims for a lunar landing but depends on SpaceX Starship for crew transfer and complex in-orbit refuelling infrastructure.
- Jacob Aron expresses doubt that Artemis 3's scheduled 2027 landing will occur on that timeline given current Starship readiness.
Mars Window Tempts Starship But Risks Remain
- SpaceX aims to send at least one uncrewed Starship to Mars during the 2026 Hohmann transfer window, but orbital refuelling remains unproven.
- Jacob Aron judges such a Mars attempt in 2026 unlikely until refuelling and other milestones are demonstrated.