Latest news with #Mars
Axios
3 hours ago
- Business
- Axios
Musk confirms exit from Trump administration amid image rehab tour
Elon Musk pivoted to damage control in his final days as a "special government employee," publicly recommitting to Mars, cars and robots after a bruising year in the political limelight. Why it matters: The billionaire CEO confirmed Wednesday he is departing the Trump administration, though he will remain one of President Trump's most influential outside advisers. By scaling back the time and money he spends on politics, Musk is seeking to claw back the credibility he torched during his toxic tenure in Washington. That won't be easy: SpaceX and Tesla both saw their brand reputations crater over the past year, with the latter enduring violent protests and a steep drop in sales as a result of Musk's activism. Still, Musk is clear-eyed about the task ahead — and has already taken steps to distance himself from Trump in a rare series of interviews over the last several days. Driving the news: Musk told CBS News that he's "disappointed" by the "massive spending bill" passed by the House last week, arguing that it "undermines" the work of his DOGE team. Musk created DOGE to fight what he calls the "existential" threat of a national debt spiral. His team claims to have saved $175 billion in taxpayer money — though even that figure is widely seen as inflated. By comparison, the so-called "One Big, Beautiful Bill" — the linchpin of Trump's legislative agenda — is projected to add between $3 trillion and $5 trillion to budget deficits over the next 10 years. Zoom out: In an interview with the Washington Post, Musk conceded that DOGE's efforts to slash the federal bureaucracy — including an original goal of $2 trillion in savings — proved far more challenging than he expected. He complained that DOGE had become "the whipping boy for everything," defending its mission while lamenting the impact it had on his companies. "[S]omething bad would happen anywhere, and we would get blamed for it even if we had nothing to do with it," Musk said. "People were burning Teslas. Why would you do that? That's really uncool." Between the lines: Musk's media blitz has functioned as part exit interview, part image rehab — an attempt to reassert his identity as an engineering visionary after a year mired in political scrutiny. He spoke to reporters from SpaceX headquarters in Texas ahead of Tuesday night's high-stakes Starship test flight — a moment he said demanded his full attention and a "maniacal sense of urgency." "[P]eople want to have the chill vibes, and SpaceX is sort of ultra hardcore. But if we're not ultra hardcore, how are we going to get to Mars? You're not going to get to Mars in 40 hours a week," Musk told the Post. In an interview with Ars Technica, he went deep on detail — waxing poetic about SpaceX's long-term goals before admitting he "probably did spend a bit too much time on politics." "It's not like I left the companies," he cautioned, arguing that the media "is going to overrepresent any political stuff."
1News
8 hours ago
- Science
- 1News
SpaceX Starship tumbles out of control, breaks apart over Indian Ocean
After back-to-back explosions, SpaceX launched its mega rocket Starship again today, but fell short of the main objectives when the spacecraft tumbled out of control and broke apart. The 123-metre rocket blasted off on its ninth demo from Starbase, SpaceX's launch site at the southern tip of Texas. Residents voted this month to organise as an official city. CEO Elon Musk's SpaceX hoped to release a series of mock satellites following liftoff, but that got nixed because the door failed to open all the way. Then the spacecraft began spinning as it skimmed space toward an uncontrolled landing in the Indian Ocean. SpaceX later confirmed that the spacecraft experienced 'a rapid unscheduled disassembly', or burst apart. 'Teams will continue to review data and work toward our next flight test,' the company said in an online statement. Musk noted in a post on X it was a 'big improvement' from the two previous demos, which ended in flaming debris over the Atlantic. Despite the latest setback, he promised a faster launch pace moving forward, with a Starship soaring every three to four weeks for the next three flights. ADVERTISEMENT It was the first time one of Musk's Starships — intended for moon and Mars travel — flew with a recycled booster. There were no plans to catch the booster with giant chopsticks back at the launch pad, with the company instead pushing it to its limits. Contact with the booster was lost at one point, and it slammed into the Gulf of Mexico in pieces as the spacecraft continued toward the Indian Ocean. Then the spacecraft went out of control, apparently due to fuel leaks. 'Not looking great with a lot of our on-orbit objectives for today,' said SpaceX flight commentator Dan Huot. The company had been looking to test the spacecraft's heat shield during a controlled reentry. Communication ceased before the spacecraft came down, and SpaceX ended its webcast soon afterward. The previous two Starships never made it past the Caribbean. The demos earlier this year ended just minutes after liftoff, raining wreckage into the ocean. No injuries or serious damage were reported, although airline travel was disrupted. The Federal Aviation Administration last week cleared Starship for another flight, expanding the hazard area and pushing the liftoff outside peak air travel times. Besides taking corrective action and making upgrades, SpaceX modified the latest spacecraft's thermal tiles and installed special catch fittings. This one was meant to sink in the Indian Ocean, but the company wanted to test the add-ons for capturing future versions back at the pad, just like the boosters. NASA needs SpaceX to make major strides over the next year with Starship — the biggest and most powerful rocket ever built — in order to land astronauts back on the moon. Next year's moonshot with four astronauts will fly around the moon, but will not land. That will happen in 2027 at the earliest and require a Starship to get two astronauts from lunar orbit to the surface and back off again.
Bloomberg
10 hours ago
- General
- Bloomberg
Will Elon Musk or Anyone Get People to Mars?
The Asia Trade Former NASA astronaut William McArthur talks about the future of space travel and if Elon Musk or anyone can get humans to Mars. (Source: Bloomberg)
Economic Times
10 hours ago
- General
- Economic Times
Horoscope Today, 29th May 2025, Daily Astrological Predictions for All Zodiac Signs: Gemini, Aquarius, and Taurus signs show growth; Leo, Virgo, and Scorpio may face delays
ET Online Today is a mentally active day. Both Moon and Jupiter will be in the Gemini sign. This is encouraging smart conversations and intuitive decision-making. The placement of Mercury and the Sun in the Taurus sign lends patience and realism to how we think and communicate. Emotional intelligence will go a long way. It can help in mending key relationships. You should take time to blend intellect with compassion. The Moon in the Gemini sign is transiting from your Third House. This can affect your communication and learning. This transit can help to enhance your confidence in speech and ideas. Jupiter is conjunct with the Moon. This can give positive outcomes from networking and sibling support. Mars is transiting from the Cancer sign. This may stir family tension. You should be mindful of words that carry emotional charge. The Moon is aspecting your Ninth House. This favours spiritual learning. Venus and Saturn in Pisces help in emotional healing. You should use silence as Colour: Sky BlueLucky Number: 3 Tip of the Day: Use clarity of thought to strengthen bonds and resolve disputes. The Moon is transiting from the Gemini sign. It is transiting from your Second House. Your focus turns to finances and speech. You can have gains from family matters. Jupiter's transit helps in improving your income. It can help in wise financial decisions. Your relationship with family can improve. Your Lagna lord, Venus, is exalted. This can give you charm and inner peace. You should avoid overindulgence. You can also ignore emotional undercurrents. Mercury in your sign helps you make thoughtful decisions. The Moon is aspecting the Eighth House. This may uncover hidden insecurities. Lucky Colour: Emerald GreenLucky Number: 6Tip of the Day: Let your speech be thoughtful. It can either heal or Moon and Jupiter are transiting from your Lagna. This brings your focus to charisma. You can also have more clarity. You can be more expressive today. You can be thoughtful today. Your ideas are likely to gain appreciation. Mercury, your Lagna Lord, is supporting you from the Taurus sign. The Moon is aspecting the Seventh House. This aspect enhances relationship conversations. It helps improve client or partner dynamics. Mars in the Cancer sign drives financial and emotional assertiveness. It avoids possessiveness. Venus and Saturn in Pisces push you to define boundaries in professional matters. Stay open yet Colour: YellowLucky Number: 5Tip of the Day: Express yourself confidently, but allow others space to respond. The Moon is transiting from the Gemini sign. It will be transiting from your Twelfth House. This is pulling your mind towards introspection and emotional retreat. Jupiter is transiting from the Gemini sign. This transit is offering healing and spiritual growth. You can be open to solitude. The Moon is aspecting your Sixth House. This can highlight health concerns or work stress. Rest is essential. Mars is transiting in your Lagna. There can be an increase in mood swings. Venus and Saturn help you find solace through prayers and other rituals. Keep things slow and Colour: SilverLucky Number: 7Tip of the Day: Trust your intuition. It will guide you out of mental Moon and Jupiter will be transiting from your Eleventh House. This transit can bring gains from networking. Ketu in your Lagna may create inner conflicts. The Moon is aspecting your Fifth House. This can boost your creativity. It also helps in emotional expression through art or writing. Your Lagna lord, Sun, is transiting from the Taurus sign in the Tenth House. This puts the career at the centre. You can expect steady progress if you are focused. Venus and Saturn in the Pisces sign caution you to go deeper. You need to focus on your emotional needs before committing to anything Colour: OrangeLucky Number: 9Tip of the Day: Don't let self-doubt cloud your Moon is transiting from the Gemini sign into your Tenth House. This transit amplifies your focus on your career. Jupiter is also transiting from the Tenth House. This transit can help elevate your status. You can do well if your efforts are sincere. Ketu in the Twelfth House may cause mental Moon is aspecting your Fourth House. This may bring emotional ups and downs related to home or parental concerns. Mercury, your Lagna lord, is in the Taurus sign. This can steady your mind through structured plans. Venus and Saturn in Pisces bring your focus on relationship responsibilities. Lucky Colour: BrownLucky Number: 4Tip of the Day: Discipline and calm will steer you through today's and Jupiter are transiting from the Gemini sign. The transit of the Moon is from the Ninth House of wisdom. You can have long-distance travel. You may feel an urge to explore new ideas. There can be gains from spiritual teachings. Your Lagna lord Venus in Pisces enhances your emotional Mercury and the Sun are in the Taurus sign. You can focus your attention on shared finances. There can be an increase in emotional intimacy. The Moon is aspecting your Third House. This boosts your communication skills. You can inspire others while continuing your growth Colour: Rose PinkLucky Number: 2Tip of the Day: Be open to new ideas. Today is for expansive Moon and Jupiter are transiting from your Eighth House. There can be emotional depth in hidden matters. You can have financial or psychological breakthroughs. There can be shared resources or family wealth. Mars, your Lagna lord, is in the Ninth House. Your relationship with your father or boss can suffer. Venus and Saturn are in the Pisces sign. This encourages healing through creativity and spiritual devotion. The Moon aspecting your Second House. This can stir up emotional conversations. You can choose words wisely. You can do well financially. There can be gains from your close Colour: Deep RedLucky Number: 8Tip of the Day: Be honest with yourself; truth clears the emotional Moon and Jupiter are transiting from your Seventh House. This brings harmony and growth in partnerships. Jupiter, your Lagna lord, is blessing relationships. There can be wisdom and honesty in the relationship. Important discussions with partners can give long-term benefits. Mercury and the Sun bring more to your career and daily routines. The Moon is aspecting the Lagna. This energises your presence. You need to give time to yourself. People can notice your balance today. Saturn and Venus in the Pisces sign want you to focus on your family and emotional Colour: TurquoiseLucky Number: 6Tip of the Day: Commit only to those who align with your deeper Moon is transiting from the Gemini sign. This activates your Sixth House. This brings your focus to work and health. You need to take care of your responsibilities. Jupiter is placed with the Moon. You can have support from colleagues. Saturn, your Lagna lord, in Pisces, is good for communication. Mars is transiting from the Cancer sign. This could create emotional tension. You should have patience with loved ones. The Moon is aspecting the Twelfth House. This suggests sleep or restlessness. You should take a break if needed. Mercury and the Sun help you ground your routines. Lucky Colour: Navy Blue Lucky Number: 1Tip of the Day: Handle stress through structure and mindful Moon and Jupiter will be transiting from your Fifth House. This transit can increase creativity and romance. Your mind can be very agile and expressive. The transit is good for artists and writers. Venus in the Pisces sign enhances charm. You should use it wisely in your Lagna lord, is in the Pisces sign. This transit brings your focus on emotional discipline and security. Rahu in your Lagna boosts innovation and unique ideas. The Moon is aspecting the Eleventh House. This transit brings recognition among peers. There can be gains from investments. Lucky Colour: Aqua BlueLucky Number: 11Tip of the Day: Embrace your uniqueness. It is your greatest strength Moon and Jupiter are transiting from your Fourth house. This brings your focus to home and personal security. Your Lagna lord Jupiter brings comfort. There can be gains through family connections and introspection. Venus and Saturn in your Lagna enhance grace and maturity. You may prefer solitude or family time today. Mercury and the Sun in the Taurus sign are supporting stable conversations. The Moon is aspecting the Tenth House. This boosts your professional image. You should avoid overcommitment. You should focus on peace and home Colour: Sea GreenLucky Number: 12Tip of the Day: Return to your roots as they hold the healing you need. Written by: Anand Sagar Pathak of For feedback, write to hello@ Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Gizmodo
11 hours ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Elon Musk Flaked on His Big Mars Talk. Here's What He Might've Been Doing Instead
Elon Musk opting not to talk about his ambitious plans to colonize Mars, now that's a first. The rocket billionaire was a no-show for a company discussion on establishing human settlements on the Red Planet, which was meant to take place on the same day as Starship's most recent test flight. The megarocket's mid performance may have been the leading cause behind Musk's last-minute change of plans, or maybe he was busy finding ways to avoid paying child support. In an emailed statement on Monday, SpaceX announced that Musk was going to discuss the company's plans for colonizing Mars. The company talk was set to be livestreamed on SpaceX's X page and its website on Tuesday at 1 p.m. ET. Instead of streaming Musk's overly eager ramblings, the webcast remained silent before delaying the start time to 1:10 p.m. and then another time to 1:15 p.m., and finally pushing it until 9 p.m. ET. On that same day, Starship's liftoff was scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET, so delaying the talk meant Musk was supposed to speak after the rocket's test flight instead of before. Musk, however, did neither. We're not entirely sure why the world's richest man failed to show up yesterday for the big Mars talk, so we've put together a list of other things Musk might have been doing instead of indulging in his favorite topic—colonizing the Red Planet. Cheating in video games What do you do when you have an accumulated wealth of $400 billion? If you're Musk, you might just pay people to play video games for you. Earlier this year, reports surfaced suggesting that Musk has used boosted characters in games like Diablo and PoE2. The SpaceX CEO often leans into his gamer persona as part of his personal brand, but he later admitted in direct messages on X to a gaming buddy that he does, in fact, pay others to play for him. Healing from his toxic relationship with Trump Musk and Donald Trump were inseparable throughout the president's campaign, to which he generously donated $288 million. He got especially chummy with Trump once he was back in the White House. It seems, however, that the two are drifting apart. This week, Musk admitted that he is disappointed with Trump's 'big, beautiful bill,' which he says undermines the work of the Department of Government Efficiency, which he spearheads. Musk also complained that the administration is using DOGE as a scapegoat. 'DOGE is just becoming the whipping boy for everything,' Musk told The Washington Post in a recent interview. 'Something bad would happen anywhere, and we would get blamed for it even if we had nothing to do with it.' It's not like we didn't see this coming, but even rocket billionaires can get tangled up in the wrong relationship. Being a terrible father Musk has been criticized for not being a good father to his 13 children (or whatever the number actually is). The SpaceX CEO is often seen in public with his son X, who he shares with the musician Grimes, but his other kids don't seem to get the same amount of attention. The mother of one of Musk's children, MAGA influencer Ashley St. Clair, recently sold her Tesla in retaliation to Musk allegedly not paying enough money in child support. The billionaire's own father, who is also famously known for bad parenting, called Musk a bad father in an interview earlier this year. Musk also has an estranged relationship with his trans daughter Vivian, whom he publicly refers to as 'dead.' Watching Starship flop yet again There was a lot riding on Starship's Tuesday launch. The rocket had suffered back-to-back glitches that resulted in two explosions during the last two test flights. SpaceX reported that it had identified the problem and made 'several hardware changes' ahead of Starship's ninth flight, according to a statement. Starship blasted off from its launchpad in Boca Chica, Texas, a few minutes past 7:30 p.m. ET. Things were going smoothly at first, until around 30 minutes after liftoff when SpaceX announced that Starship had fallen into an unrecoverable spin as the result of the loss of attitude control. SpaceX managed to push Starship further than in the previous two tests, but its latest flight was a rocky affair that failed to achieve a number of key goals. Indeed, the Super Heavy booster—the first to be reflown in a fully integrated test—never made it back to the launch mount. Starship is a key part of Musk's plans to send humans to Mars, which he claimed could happen in 2026. At least, that was part of the announcement for 'The Road to Making Life Multiplanetary' talk, which he flaked on at the last minute. Perhaps scheduling it on the same day as Starship's test flight was a bit of a risk, and anything Musk had to say during his talk would have been nullified by the rocket's less-than-ideal performance. Still, it's rude to leave us hanging like that.
