Reuters Science News Summary

The move comes as European governments accelerate investment in space-enabled defence after Russia's invasion of Ukraine highlighted the importance of real-time targeting ‌and battlefield awareness. Scientists unravel the history of cotton domestication Cotton, the world's most profitable ‌nonfood crop, is used more than any other natural fiber. Scientists have now unraveled the domestication history of this important species - called Gossypium hirsutum, or upland ⁠cotton - with some genomic sleuthing.

Following is a summary of current science news briefs.

Helsing ​and OHB join forces on ​space-based reconnaissance venture

Artificial intelligence defence firm ‌Helsing and ​German space company OHB said on Tuesday they had established a joint venture to develop a space-based tactical surveillance, reconnaissance and ‌targeting system, underscoring Europe's push to strengthen military capabilities in orbit. The move comes as European governments accelerate investment in space-enabled defence after Russia's invasion of Ukraine highlighted the importance of real-time targeting ‌and battlefield awareness.

Scientists unravel the history of cotton domestication

Cotton, the world's most profitable ‌nonfood crop, is used more than any other natural fiber. Known for its comfort and durability, it has been utilized since antiquity in fabrics and other goods. Four species are grown commercially, but one is dominant, ⁠accounting ​for about 90% of ⁠global production. Scientists have now unraveled the domestication history of this important species - called Gossypium hirsutum, or upland ⁠cotton - with some genomic sleuthing. They determined that it was first domesticated in Mexico in the ​northwestern part of the Yucatan peninsula. The region at the time was populated ⁠by Stone Age farmers, long before the Maya civilization flourished there.

SpaceX's upgraded Starship V3 ready for debut launch ⁠ahead of ​IPO

SpaceX is poised this week to conduct the 12th uncrewed test flight of its next-generation Starship rocket, the first of a newly upgraded vehicle seen as critical ⁠to Elon Musk's efforts to satisfy investors and push deeper into space. The debut flight of the ⁠Starship V3, outfitted ⁠with new features designed to support future missions to the moon and Mars, poses a key test for both the vehicle itself ‌and investor ‌confidence ahead of an initial public offering for ​SpaceX expected next month.