Science News Roundup: Space Missions and Ancient Discoveries

The latest science briefs cover NASA's delayed astronaut mission due to Boeing's Starliner issues, China's launch of 18 satellites to compete with Starlink, potential return plans for astronauts via SpaceX, and a fossil discovery that sheds light on Indonesia's extinct 'Hobbit' people.

In a series of science news briefs, key developments in space missions and ancient discoveries have been highlighted.

NASA announced a delay in its astronaut mission, pushing back the SpaceX Crew Dragon launch due to ongoing issues with Boeing's Starliner spacecraft. The mission, initially set for August 18, is now expected no earlier than September 24.

Meanwhile, China successfully launched 18 low Earth orbit satellites as part of its bid to establish a satellite constellation similar to SpaceX's Starlink. The launch was executed by Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre.

NASA also revealed plans for its astronauts, delivered to the ISS via Starliner, to potentially return to Earth on a SpaceX capsule by February 2025, should the Starliner remain unfit.

In archaeology, the discovery of a tiny arm bone fragment on Indonesia's Flores island has provided critical insight into the extinct species Homo floresiensis, known as the 'Hobbit.'

(With inputs from agencies.)