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Sinar Daily
2 days ago
- Science
- Sinar Daily
SpaceX Starship explodes during routine test
The Starship 36 suffered "catastrophic failure and exploded" at the Starbase launch facility shortly after 11pm (0400 GMT Thursday). 19 Jun 2025 08:26pm (FILES) People take pictures of the rocket garden ahead of the SpaceX Starship flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas on April 16, 2023. - (Photo by Patrick T. Fallon / AFP) HOUSTON - One of Elon Musk's SpaceX Starships exploded during a routine test in Texas late Wednesday, law enforcement officials said, in the latest setback to the billionaire's dream of turning humanity into an interplanetary species. The Starship 36 suffered "catastrophic failure and exploded" at the Starbase launch facility shortly after 11:00 pm (0400 GMT Thursday), a Facebook post by Cameron County authorities said. A video shared with the post showed the megarocket attached to the launch arm and then a flash and a towering, fiery explosion. Musk's Space X said the rocket was preparing for the tenth flight test when it "experienced a major anomaly while on a test stand at Starbase," without elaborating on the nature of the complication. "A safety clear area around the site was maintained throughout the operation and all personnel are safe and accounted for," Space X said on social media. "There are no hazards to residents in surrounding communities, and we ask that individuals do not attempt to approach the area while safing operations continue." The Starship was not scheduled for launch on Wednesday evening when the explosion occurred during a "routine static fire test," according to the Cameron County authorities. During a static fire, part of the procedures preceding a launch, the Starship's Super Heavy booster would be anchored to the ground to prevent it from lifting off during the test-firing. Starbase, on the south Texas coast near the border with Mexico, is the headquarters for Musk's space project. (FILES) The SpaceX Starship sits on the launch pad ahead of its sixth flight test from Starbase in Boca Chica, Texas, on Nov 17, 2024. - (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) Musk appeared to downplay the incident early on Thursday. "Just a scratch," he posted on his social media platform X, although without context it was unclear if he was referring to the fiery explosion of the rocket. - Megarocket - Standing 403 feet (123 metres) tall, Starship is the world's largest and most powerful rocket and is central to Musk's long-term vision of colonizing Mars. The Starship is billed as a fully reusable rocket with a payload capacity of up to 150 metric tons. The latest setback follows the explosion of a prototype Starship over the Indian Ocean in late May. The biggest and most powerful launch vehicle ever built had lifted off from the Starbase facility on May 27, but the first-stage Super Heavy booster blew up instead of executing its planned splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. The previous two outings also ended poorly, with the upper stage disintegrating over the Caribbean. However, the failures will likely do little to dent Musk's spacefaring ambitions. SpaceX has been betting that its "fail fast, learn fast" ethos, which has helped it dominate commercial spaceflight, will eventually pay off. The company has caught the Super Heavy booster in the launch tower's giant robotic arms three times -- a daring engineering feat it sees as key to rapid reusability and slashing costs. NASA is also increasingly reliant on SpaceX, whose Dragon spacecraft is vital for ferrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station. The Federal Aviation Administration approved an increase in annual Starship rocket launches from five to 25 in early May, stating that the increased frequency would not adversely affect the environment. The decision overruled objections from conservation groups that had warned the expansion could endanger sea turtles and shorebirds. - AFP More Like This
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Americans Told To Stay Out of The Sun in 21 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Heat-related alerts were in place for 21 states across the U.S. on Thursday, and the National Weather Service (NWS) warned of "dangerously hot conditions" in some places. Why It Matters Officials warned that extended time outdoors without adequate hydration and cooling measures could lead to heat-related illnesses. What To Know Extreme heat watches were in effect for parts of southern Nevada, southeastern California, and southern Arizona. Portions of south central Arizona could hit temperatures of up to 118, the NWS said, and parts Nevada and California were expected to reach 115. Death Valley National Park's temperatures could exceed 120, the agency said. Vehicles drive past a sign on the 110 Freeway warning of extreme heat and urging energy conservation during a heat wave in downtown Los Angeles, California on September 2, 2022. Vehicles drive past a sign on the 110 Freeway warning of extreme heat and urging energy conservation during a heat wave in downtown Los Angeles, California on September 2, 2022. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images "An Extreme Heat Warning means that a period of very hot temperatures, even by local standards, will occur," the NWS says. "Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat." It advised: "Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors." Heat advisories, issued "for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria," were in effect for numerous states as of early Thursday, including: Colorado Connecticut Delaware Massachusetts Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Dakota Texas Triple-digit temperatures were expected in far west Texas and New Mexico's Luna County, where the NWS advised residents in affected areas to try to limit strenuous to early morning or evening. A large portion of the Midwest was also under extreme heat watch, including parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, and Illinois, with a heat wave expected in this area over the weekend. "Numerous daily record highs and warm lows are anticipated Sunday into early next week," the NWS Weather Prediction Center (WPC) said in a post Wednesday. "This level of heat can be dangerous to anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration," the WPC added. What People Are Saying NWS Las Vegas said on X, Tuesday: "Extreme Heat Warning is in effect Wednesday & Thursday with Major Heat Risk across parts of the region. This heat can impact anyone, especially those without access to cooling or hydration. Stay cool, stay hydrated, & limit outdoor activity during peak heat." NWS Boston said on X, Tuesday: "[Dangerous Heat & Humidity Expected Next Week] There is high confidence in several days of dangerous heat and humidity in the Mon through Wed time frame of next week. We will have more specific details later in the week, but the potential for Heat Indices of 100-105+ will exist." What Happens Next Forecasts are sometimes subject to change, and the NWS issues regular updates on its website.
Newsweek
6 days ago
- Climate
- Newsweek
Americans Warned Not to Drink Coffee in 3 States
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Americans are being advised to avoid drinking coffee, with forecasters warning of "dangerously hot conditions" across parts of Nevada, California, and Arizona. Why It Matters The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that heat related illnesses increase significantly during extreme heat events. What To Know It is generally recommended to avoid drinking coffee in hot weather due to its diuretic effect, which can lead to dehydration. Caffeine, found in coffee, can increase fluid loss through urination, making it harder for your body to stay hydrated, especially when you are already sweating more in the heat. Some parts of south central Arizona were expected to see temperatures up to 115 degrees Fahrenheit. The agency warned that overexposure to major heat can cause heat cramps and heat exhaustion to develop. Without intervention, it can lead to heat stroke, it added. Triple-digit temperatures were also expected in Lake Mead and its surrounding areas, with the service cautioning the these were dangerously hot conditions for early June. Death Valley National Park could see temperatures up to 120, according to the NWS. Signage warns of extreme heat danger at the salt flats of Badwater Basin inside Death Valley National Park on June 17, 2021, in Inyo County, California. Signage warns of extreme heat danger at the salt flats of Badwater Basin inside Death Valley National Park on June 17, 2021, in Inyo County, California. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images "Do not leave young children and pets in unattended vehicles," read the extreme heat warning, which also applied to a portion of northwest Arizona, southeast California, and southern Nevada. "Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes." A post from the NWS' Las Vegas office advised people in affected areas not to drink alcohol or caffeine, as they speed up dehydration. It also said heavy foods should be avoided, as meals high in protein can also speed up dehydration. The NWS noted that these warnings indicate dangerously hot weather, even by local norms. "Actions should be taken to lessen the impact of the extreme heat," it said. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Chad Merrill told Newsweek that the Lake Mead area would see high temperatures between 107-112 degrees Sunday and Monday. "Tuesday's high will be 105-108 degrees. Wednesday will reach 107-115 degrees. Thursday and Friday will reach 105-112 degrees," Merrill said. "Temperatures will then drop several degrees next weekend with a more notable cooling trend Sunday, June 22-Tuesday, June 24." The National Weather Service forecast office, Las Vegas, said on X, formerly Twitter, Saturday: "Above-normal temps continue through the weekend & most of next week. Extreme Heat Warning in effect for Sunday (Father's Day). This heat coupled with very dry conditions will increase fire danger. Be extra cautious if recreating with sparks or flame." The NWS said on X, Wednesday: "During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. When your body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, you may experience a heat-related illness. Stay weather-ready by learning the symptoms of extreme heat exposure and the appropriate responses." What Happens Next At the time of writing, the latest extreme heat warnings were set to remain in effect until 8 p.m. on Monday.
Newsweek
03-06-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Disney Layoffs Celebrated by Critics: 'Go Woke Go Broke'
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Disney's recent announcement that it will be laying off hundreds from its film, TV and finance divisions has led to gloating by critics, who view this as a result of the company "going woke." Newsweek has reached out to Disney via email for comment. Why It Matters "Go woke, go broke" is a phrase that has been popularized in recent years, often adopted by conservative groups to celebrate the financial difficulties of companies they view as having embraced progressive ideals or supported left-wing political causes. It has also been used as a rallying call for boycotts of certain corporations, including Bud Light, Target, and Disney itself. While the company's overall financial performance remains strong per its most-recent results, the layoffs coincide with challenges in Disney's film businesses, in particular the underwhelming box-office performance of its live-action remake of Snow White. What To Know A report from Reuters, citing an unnamed source familiar with the matter, said that Disney plans on laying off hundreds from its film, TV and corporate finance divisions. Disney spokespeople confirmed the layoffs to the BBC and USA Today, and attributed these to the "rapid" transformation of the industry and the need to "efficiently manage our businesses while fueling the state-of-the-art creativity and innovation." The California-based company employs around 230,000 people, 60,000 of whom are based abroad. The last major layoff announcement came in 2023, when Disney said it would be reducing the headcount by 7,000 as part of a cost-cutting initiative. File photo: Fans are reflected in Disney+ logo during the Walt Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, on September 9, 2022. File photo: Fans are reflected in Disney+ logo during the Walt Disney D23 Expo in Anaheim, California, on September 9, 2022. Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images After the news broke, it was shared heavily online, with conservative-leaning commenters in particular celebrating. Many employed the catchphrase "go woke, go broke," while pointing to the recent release of Snow White as evidence. In addition to a weak critical reception, the film became mired in controversy due to political comments made by lead actress Rachel Zegler in the run-up to its release; the casting of a Latina actress as the titular character; and the use of CGI to reimagine the seven dwarfs. The latter also drew scrutiny from actors with dwarfism, who felt the decision deprived performers of potential roles. The film ended up a box-office bomb, grossing $205.5 million on a budget Forbes estimated at around $300 million. What People Are Saying A spokesperson for Disney told the BBC: "We have been surgical in our approach to minimize the number of impacted employees." They added that none of the affected teams would be closed down entirely. One X user reposted the news of the layoffs, writing: "Seems the only way these companies learn what viewers want is through financial lessons." "If you think Disney is correcting course by these layoffs, then you don't know Disney well enough. They're faaaaar from stepping away from WOKE," another wrote. Disney CEO Bob Iger, in response to a question on Disney's "wokeness" during a shareholder meeting last April, said: "I'm sensitive to that." Quoted by Business Insider, Iger continued: "Our primary mission needs to be to entertain and then through our entertainment to continue to have a positive impact on the world. And I'm very serious about that. It should not be agenda-driven." What Happens Next? While other recent releases—including Captain America: Brave New World, the fourth installment in the Marvel franchise—have similarly struggled to break even at the box office, Disney's remake of Lilo & Stitch remains a box-office leader in North America, already raking in $613 million globally to become the third-highest grossing film of 2025.
Business Mayor
09-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
China's exports surge as shipments to Southeast Asian countries offset plunge in U.S. trade
A China Shipping cargo container sits stacked at the Port of Long Beach in Long Beach, California on April 10, 2025. Patrick T. Fallon | Afp | Getty Images China's exports surged in April on the back of a jump in shipments to Southeast Asian countries, offsetting a sharp drop in outbound goods to the U.S. as prohibitive tariffs kicked in last month. Exports jumped 8.1% last month in U.S. dollar terms from a year earlier, according to data released by customs authority on Friday, sharply beating with Reuters' poll estimates of a 1.9% rise. Imports slumped by 0.2% in April from a year earlier, compared with economists' expectations of a 5.9% drop. China's outbound shipments to the U.S. plunged over 21% in April year on year, while imports dropped nearly 14%, according to CNBC's calculation of official customs data. The surge in overall exports could be partly due to transshipment through third countries and contracts that were signed before the tariffs were announced, Zhiwei Zhang, president and chief economist at Pinpoint asset management said in a note. Zhang expects trade data to weaken gradually in the next few months. China's exports to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations surged 20.8% in April from a year earlier, accelerating from a 11.6% growth in March, while imports from the bloc increased 2.5%. Meanwhile, China's exports to the European Union rose 8.3% while imports fell 16.5% year on year. Global shipments from China had clocked a 12.4% year-on-year growth in March, as businesses rushed to export goods to avoid higher tariffs. Imports, however, had dropped by a more than expected 4.3% from a year earlier, underscoring Beijing's challenge of reviving domestic demand. U.S. President Donald Trump has placed tariffs of 145% on all imports from China, prompting it to retaliate with tariffs of 125% on American imports. So far, both sides have sought to blunt the economic impact of triple-digit levies by granting exemptions on certain critical products. The number of container vessels from China to the U.S. had dropped dramatically toward the end of April, Raymond Yeung, chief economist for Greater China at ANZ Bank said in a note Thursday. Chinese government has sought to help exporters divert sales to the home market, a move that could drive the economy into deeper deflation.
