Science Snapshots: Key Developments in Algae Power, SpaceX, and Boeing

This summary highlights the latest in science news, focusing on notable developments such as the use of seaweed in biophotovoltaic panels in Chile, Elon Musk's announcement on SpaceX's Mars missions, and Boeing's Starliner issues and return to Earth.

Following is a summary of current science news briefs.

Slimy, green seaweed floats in water-filled beakers, buckets and bins in the University of Santiago's labs, where Chilean scientists are turning it into an efficient power source through biophotovoltaics. This method uses seaweed to convert light into electrical energy, spreading it onto electrodes on panels similar to solar types.

SpaceX aims to launch its first uncrewed Starships to Mars in two years, announced CEO Elon Musk on social media platform X. These missions will test landing reliability, with plans for the first crewed flights in four years if uncrewed landings succeed.

Issues with helium have caused significant delays for NASA and SpaceX. Two NASA astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner will stay on the International Space Station due to helium leaks in the faulty propulsion system, while SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission has also been delayed for similar reasons. Boeing's Starliner landed in the New Mexico desert after a three-month test mission, autonomously undocking from the ISS.

(With inputs from agencies.)