Latest Starship Explosion Drastically Decreases SpaceX's Chances of Reaching Mars Without Having to Wait Years
With tech billionaire Elon Musk out of the White House after his disastrous turn as a bureaucrat, he can now focus on more pressing subjects — such as his SpaceX Starship rockets that keep on exploding into fiery columns of fire, with the latest dramatic failure this past Wednesday in Texas, when the massive spacecraft hadn't even left the ground yet.
This recent setback ratchets up the pressure on Musk even further, who faces a hard deadline and steep technical challenges in his vaunted goal to reach Mars.
Much of that deadline is self-imposed, as CNN points out in an excoriating new breakdown of the situation. In May, Musk said he plans to send an unmanned crew to Mars next year, but the latest blast — the latest in a string of similar explosions that have plagued Starship — seem almost certain to set him back enough to force SpaceX to miss a crucial celestial launch opportunity called a transfer window.
Depending on the position of Earth and Mars from one another, the distance between the two planets can vary from 35 million to over 200 million miles. To make the journey shorter and to save cost on fuel, explorers must time their rocket launch during the transfer window, a period when Mars and Earth are in an optimal alignment that minimizes the journey's length.
The next transfer window for Mars is in late 2026 and will only last for a few weeks; miss it, and the journey will be way more expensive and far longer to be practical.
To still make the deadline, Musk faces the extraordinary challenge of fixing any technical challenges with Starship and present an upgraded version of the vehicle and the Super Heavy rocket booster in time before the Mars transfer window next year.
In addition, SpaceX has to figure out how to fuel Starship, which needs to be topped off with propellant in orbit before making its journey to the red planet. This would involve launching numerous Starships into space and using them to fuel up the one headed to the Red Planet — a process that will pose a spectacular logistical challenge of its own.
"We've never done that," Bruce Jakosky, professor emeritus of geological sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder, told CNN. "Nobody's done that — transferring fuel from one spacecraft to another in orbit autonomously."
Another technical challenge SpaceX needs to solve is Starship's heat shield, which has to survive entry into Mar's atmosphere and the journey back to Earth. Back in May, Musk himself conceded that it posed "one of the toughest problems to solve."
And all that is without getting into the technical feasibility of human flight to Mars, including how to shield any crew from cosmic radiation.
Before any of that, of course, Starship needs to stop exploding.
More on SpaceX: Elon's Explosion at Trump Appears to Have Cost Him a HUGE Deal
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
35 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Novo Nordisk advances early-stage obesity medication, amycretin, to phase 3 clinical development based on early-phase clinical trial results in people with obesity or excess weight, published in The Lancet
Both subcutaneous and oral formulations will advance straight to phase 3 development based on completed clinical studies and feedback received from regulatory authorities1,2 PLAINSBORO, N.J., June 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, results from two early-phase clinical trials evaluating Novo Nordisk's amycretin, an innovative investigational obesity treatment designed to target appetite regulation, were published in The Lancet.1 In a phase 1b/2a clinical trial of 125 adults with overweight or obesity, once-weekly subcutaneous amycretin appeared to be safe and tolerable in trial participants, who also achieved significantly greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated versus placebo.1 A related phase 1 trial of once-daily oral amycretin in adults with obesity or overweight also showed that treatment was safe and tolerable with an observed reduction in body weight compared to placebo.2 No weight loss plateau was observed in either trial at the end of the respective treatment durations.1,2 Data on subcutaneous amycretin is scheduled to be presented on Sunday, June 22nd, during a late-breaking poster session at the American Diabetes Association's® (ADA) 85th Scientific Sessions.1 "We are pleased with the promising results of amycretin and the feedback from regulatory authorities and are excited to advance both subcutaneous and oral versions of this molecule into phase 3 development for weight management. At Novo Nordisk, we understand that addressing obesity is a complex challenge that many patients face. These results reflect our robust pipeline in obesity, our focus on progressing scientific innovation and expanding the range of options available to patients and healthcare professionals," said Martin Holst Lange, executive vice president for Development at Novo Nordisk. "We remain steadfast in our mission to discover and develop therapies that can have a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by obesity." Results from the phase 1b/2a trial of subcutaneous amycretin showed treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were mild or moderate in severity and increased in frequency in a dose-dependent manner. The most frequent reported TEAEs were gastrointestinal in nature. Compared to placebo, participants receiving amycretin observed greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated.1 Subcutaneous amycretin at multiple doses demonstrated greater weight reduction than placebo at the end of the trial. Participants who received the highest doses (up to 60 mg) reported body weight reductions of up to 24.3% versus 1.1% with placebo after 36 weeks of treatment. Results from this first-in-human phase 1b/2a study support further investigation of potential weight-loss efficacy of amycretin. Results from the published phase 1 trial of oral amycretin showed that the most common TEAEs were related to gastrointestinal symptoms (mainly nausea and vomiting) and decreased appetite; these were most frequent for the higher doses. Trial participants receiving the study treatment demonstrated significantly greater weight loss across the full range of doses investigated versus the placebo group.2 Exploratory results showed participants taking 100 mg per day of oral amycretin achieved a mean weight loss of 13.1% versus 1.2% with placebo after 12 weeks.2 Based on these phase 1 results, longer evaluation with more participants is warranted to substantiate the full efficacy findings of oral amycretin on body weight reductions and changes in metabolic parameters. Novo Nordisk will advance both subcutaneous and oral amycretin formulations straight to phase 3 development for weight management based on these and other completed clinical studies, as well as feedback received from regulatory authorities. About amycretinAmycretin is a unimolecular long-acting GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist under development by Novo Nordisk, to provide a treatment for adults with overweight or obesity and as a treatment for adults with type 2 diabetes. Amycretin is under investigation for oral and subcutaneous administration, and is not approved in the US for weight loss. About the phase 1b/2a subcutaneous amycretin trialThe phase 1b/2a trial was a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-center, double-blinded study of 125 participants assessing the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and effects on body weight after subcutaneous administration of amycretin in people with overweight or obesity.1 Adults with a body mass index of 27-39.9kg/m2 and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) <6.5% were eligible for the trial.1 The trial was conducted in 5 parts: a single ascending dose (Part A) for determination of pharmacokinetics and starting dose for the first multiple dose cohort in which the safety and tolerability were explored using dose escalation until 36 weeks of total treatment duration (Part B).1 Lastly, in the multiple ascending dose – dose response parts, body weight loss was explored for up to 36 weeks of dosing by escalating to dose levels of 1.25 mg, 5 mg, and 20 mg, respectively, dosed for 12 weeks (Part E, D and C).1 About the phase 1 oral amycretin trial The phase 1 single-center, randomized, placebo-controlled study evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of single ascending doses (Part A) and multiple ascending doses (Part B, 10 days of treatment; Part C/D, 12 weeks of treatment) of 144 adult participants with overweight or obesity.2 The primary endpoint was the number of treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) observed in the trial. The trial evaluated the single-ascending dose and multiple ascending doses for oral amycretin, up to 2 times 50 mg, in people with overweight or obesity, with a total treatment duration of up to 12 weeks.2 About obesityObesity is a serious chronic, progressive, and complex disease that requires long-term management.3-5 One key misunderstanding is that this is a disease of just lack of willpower, when in fact there is underlying biology that may impede people with obesity from losing weight and keeping it off.3,5 Obesity is influenced by a variety of factors, including genetics, social determinants of health, and the environment.6,7 The prevalence of overweight and obesity is a public health issue that has severe cost implications to healthcare systems.8,9 In the US, about 40% of adults live with obesity.10 About Novo NordiskNovo Nordisk is a leading global healthcare company that's been making innovative medicines to help people with diabetes lead longer, healthier lives for more than 100 years. This heritage has given us experience and capabilities that also enable us to drive change to help people defeat other serious chronic diseases such as obesity, rare blood, and endocrine disorders. We remain steadfast in our conviction that the formula for lasting success is to stay focused, think long-term, and do business in a financially, socially, and environmentally responsible way. With a US presence spanning 40 years, Novo Nordisk US is headquartered in New Jersey and employs over 10,000 people throughout the country across 12 manufacturing, R&D and corporate locations in eight states plus Washington DC. For more information, visit Facebook, Instagram, and X. Novo Nordisk is committed to the responsible use of our semaglutide-containing medicines which represent distinct products with different indications, dosages, prescribing information, titration schedules, and delivery forms. These products are not interchangeable and should not be used outside of their approved indications. Learn more at Contacts for further information Media:Liz Skrbkova (US)+1 609 917 0632USMediaRelations@ Ambre James-Brown (Global)+45 3079 9289Globalmedia@ Investors:Frederik Taylor Pitter (US)+1 609 613 0568fptr@ Jacob Martin Wiborg Rode (Global)+45 3075 5956jrde@ Sina Meyer (Global)+45 3079 6656 azey@ Ida Schaap Melvold (Global)+45 3077 5649 idmg@ Max Ung (Global)+45 3077 6414mxun@ References Dahl K, Toubro S, Dey S, et al. Amycretin, a novel, unimolecular GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist administered subcutaneously: Results of a randomised, controlled, phase 1b/2a study. The Lancet. Published online: June 20, 2025. Gasiorek A, Heydorn A, Gabery S, et al. Safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of the first-in-class GLP-1 and amylin receptor agonist, amycretin: a first-in-human, phase 1, randomised, placebo-controlled study. The Lancet. Published online: June 20, 2025. Kaplan LM, Golden A, Jinnett K, et al. Perceptions of barriers to effective obesity care: results from the national action study. Obesity. 2018;26(1):61-69. Bray GA, Kim KK, Wilding JPH; World Obesity Federation. Obesity: a chronic relapsing progressive disease process. A position statement of the World Obesity Federation. Rev. 2017;18(7):715-723. Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. American association of clinical endocrinologists and American College of Endocrinology comprehensive clinical practice guidelines for medical care of patients with obesity. Endocr Pract. 2016;22 (Suppl 3):1-203. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Adult obesity facts. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: World Obesity Federation. World Obesity Atlas 2023. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Risk Factors for Obesity. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Why it matters. Last accessed: June 2025. Available at: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Obesity and Severe Obesity Prevalence in Adults: United States, August 2021–August 2023. Last accessed June 2025. Available at: © 2025 Novo Nordisk All rights reserved. US25SEMO01477 June 2025 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE NOVO NORDISK INC.
Medscape
41 minutes ago
- Medscape
Switch to Water From Diet Sodas May Boost Diabetes Remission
TOPLINE: Regularly substituting water for diet beverages contributed to greater weight loss and was associated with a twofold increase in the diabetes remission rate among women with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity or overweight. METHODOLOGY: Diet sodas, despite being calorie-free, may affect the body differently from water, and their regular consumption is linked to potential health risks, including cardiovascular disease, T2D, and obesity. Researchers conducted an 18-month study to evaluate the effects of replacing diet beverages with water. The study included 81 adult women with T2D and obesity or overweight who participated in a weight-management program and regularly consumed diet beverages. Participants were randomly assigned to replace diet beverages with water or to maintain their usual intake of five diet drinks per week, consumed after lunch. All participants underwent a 6-month weight-loss program, followed by a 12-month maintenance program. TAKEAWAY: Women in the water group experienced a greater average weight loss (-6.82 ± 2.73 kg) than the diet beverage group (-4.85 ± 2.07 kg; P < .001). Diabetes remission was achieved by 90% of participants in the water group compared with 45% of those in the diet beverage group (P < .0001). Significant improvements were noted in BMI, fasting glucose, postprandial glucose, insulin, triglyceride levels, and insulin resistance in the water group. IN PRACTICE: "These findings challenge a common belief in the US that diet drinks have no potential negative effects for managing weight and blood sugar," Hamid R. Farshchi, MD, PhD, CEO of the digital platform D2Type, said in a press release. "However, with most of the women in the water group achieving diabetes remission, our study highlights the importance of promoting water, not just low-calorie alternatives, as part of effective diabetes and weight management. It's a small change with the potential for a big impact on long-term health outcomes." SOURCE: The study was led by Hamid R. Farshchi, MD, PhD, of D2Type, and former associate professor at the University of Nottingham, School of Life Sciences. It was presented as a poster on June 22, 2025, at the 85th Scientific Sessions - American Diabetes Association held at the McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago (June 20-23, 2025). LIMITATIONS: No limitations were discussed in the press release. DISCLOSURES: No disclosures or conflict-of-interest statements were provided. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Medscape
41 minutes ago
- Medscape
Smartphone-Based Home Albuminuria Testing Boosts Screening
TOPLINE: Screening for albuminuria, a key marker of cardiorenal risk, remains inadequate among patients with diabetes or hypertension. A smartphone-enabled home testing solution, evaluated in 4000 adults, effectively increased screening rates and enabled early diagnosis of kidney disease. METHODOLOGY: Regular albuminuria testing is recommended in high-risk patients with diabetes or hypertension to enable early detection and timely intervention for kidney and cardiovascular complications; however, screening levels remains suboptimal. Researchers randomly selected 4000 adults (mean age, 61 years; 49% women; 93% White) from a large Central Pennsylvania healthcare system who had not undergone albumin-creatinine ratio testing in the previous 12 months; half the patients in the cohort had hypertension without diabetes, and the remaining half had diabetes. Patients were provided with Minuteful Kidney, an FDA-cleared, smartphone-enabled home albuminuria screening kit. Results were delivered to participants via a smartphone application and to healthcare providers through electronic health records. The intervention group was propensity score-matched with a control group receiving usual care. TAKEAWAY: Completion rates for any albumin-creatinine ratio testing were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (53.1% vs 21.2%; P < .001). The impact of the intervention on albumin-creatinine ratio testing completion was more pronounced among patients with hypertension without diabetes (completion rates, 53.4% in the intervention group vs 12.5% in the control group) than among those with diabetes (completion rates, 52.7% vs 30.0%). Over 270 days of follow-up, patients tested with Minuteful Kidney had higher rates of new diagnoses of proteinuria or kidney disease (4.0% vs 2.2%; P < .001). Patients with an abnormal albumin-creatinine ratio on the home-based test demonstrated greater engagement with primary care and nephrology services and were more likely to receive prescriptions for renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors than were those with normal results. IN PRACTICE: "A smartphone-enabled home albuminuria test is effective in increasing albuminuria screening and diagnosis of kidney disease among high-risk individuals," the authors concluded. SOURCE: The study was led by Waleed Zafar in Danville, Pennsylvania. It was presented on June 20, 2025, at the 85th Scientific Sessions – American Diabetes Association held at the McCormick Place Convention Center, Chicago. LIMITATIONS: The abstract did not discuss any limitations. DISCLOSURES: Two authors disclosed receiving research support from various pharmaceutical companies. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
