SpaceX Starship Explodes: Disruption, Debris, and Determination

Recent science news highlights the explosion of SpaceX's Starship during a test flight, disrupting 240 flights. Additionally, Intuitive Machines' moon lander faced challenges, and butterfly populations in the US have dropped significantly due to environmental factors. Italy's League party criticizes Eutelsat, favoring Starlink for secure satellite communications.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration reported that approximately 240 flights were disrupted after SpaceX's massive Starship spacecraft exploded in space on Thursday. Concerns over scattered space debris forced more than two dozen planes to divert their paths. This incident marks the second consecutive explosive setback for Elon Musk's Mars rocket program.

Amid growing challenges, Intuitive Machines faced its own hurdles when their Athena lunar lander appeared to land on its side. The company, striving for successful moon landings, saw data indicating issues with laser rangefinders disrupting their mission. Despite this, and a previous failed attempt last year, interest in private companies supporting lunar missions surges as NASA prepares to send astronauts to the moon by 2027.

In related space news, Italy's co-ruling League party is advocating for the use of U.S. company Starlink's technology over French-led Eutelsat for securing satellite communications, citing Starlink's advanced systems. Meanwhile, research indicates a troubling 22% decline in U.S. butterfly populations since the turn of the century, attributing the drop to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change.

(With inputs from agencies.)