SpaceX Grounds Falcon 9 Missions, NASA's ISS Launch Potentially Impacted
SpaceX grounded its Falcon 9 rocket missions following an issue experienced during a routine launch of Starlink satellites on Monday, February 2, 2026, potentially delaying NASA's next crew rotation to the International Space Station (ISS), according to NASA. The private space company, owned by Elon Musk, paused flights to investigate the unspecified second-stage issue, Phys.org reported on February 3, 2026.
The grounding of Falcon 9 flights introduces uncertainty into NASA's schedule for transporting crew to and from the ISS. NASA officials stated that they are assessing the potential impact on the upcoming crew rotation, but did not provide a specific timeline for a resolution.
The Falcon 9 rocket is a critical component of SpaceX's operations, used for both commercial satellite launches and NASA missions. The specific nature of the "unspecified issue" remains undisclosed, pending the outcome of SpaceX's investigation. The grounding highlights the inherent risks associated with spaceflight and the importance of thorough safety checks.
Iran Faces Massacres Amid Uprising
In early January 2026, Iran experienced a period of intense violence as the government cracked down on widespread protests. According to TIME, on January 8, 2026, Iranian authorities shut down the internet and authorized security forces to use deadly force against protestors.
Iranian health officials told TIME that the death toll could far exceed most estimates, with a potential 30,000 people killed in a 48-hour period. The government's actions were described as "one of the most intensive massacres by gunfire since World War II," according to TIME.
ABC and Disney announced the revival of "The Muppet Show," set to premiere on February 4, 2026, according to TIME. The revival comes after numerous attempts to recapture the magic of the original show, including "Muppets Tonight" in the 1990s and "Muppets Now" in 2020.
China's space program continues to advance, with the Mengzhou spacecraft putting pressure on NASA's lunar timeline, according to Hacker News. The Lanyue lunar lander underwent an engine test in Hebei province in 2025.
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