Science News Highlights: Eutelsat's Struggle, USDA Firings, and Royal Society Debate

Eutelsat shares fell as Starlink competition increased, USDA probationary staff were fired, and the Royal Society reviewed fellows' behaviors amidst Musk controversy. The 'hard steps' theory on intelligent life emergence has been challenged, suggesting it might not be as improbable as previously thought.

Eutelsat, a French satellite service provider, witnessed a significant drop in its share price following concerns about reduced cash flow from its geostationary equatorial orbit satellites. The competition from Elon Musk's Starlink was cited as a key pressure point, causing a 17% dip in their shares as the company announced its half-year earnings.

In the United States, the Trump administration reportedly terminated probationary staff members across two USDA research agencies and a farm loan agency. The overnight firings have sparked discussions, but the full impact on staffing numbers remains unclear.

Meanwhile, the UK's Royal Society announced it would hold a session to address concerns about the public conduct of its fellows, especially regarding Elon Musk's contentious membership. The historic academy, home to notable figures like Newton and Darwin, contemplates the ethics of its members' public behaviors.