From Starships to Space Drama: May’s Space News Recap

Rosie Johnson
Jun 1
4 min read

May brought the energy and the DRAMA. From fiery rocket failures to record-breaking galaxies, asteroid missions to astronaut milestones, the cosmos kept us spinning (sometimes literally — looking at you, Starship). Whether you’re here for the politics, the science, or the space gossip, we’ve got you covered with the top 10 things that happened in space while you were doomscrolling.

Let’s dive in 🚀

1. Starship Flight 9 Spun Out — Literally

SpaceX launched Starship Flight 9 on May 27 and things were looking up… until they weren’t. After a smooth liftoff and successful engine cutoff, the ship lost attitude control, started leaking propellant, and did a dramatic uncontrolled reentry into the Indian Ocean. Oh, and we lost Raptor 314 (aka the “pi” engine), which had flown three times before. Starship’s potential is undeniable — here’s hoping its future isn’t derailed by the drama at the top.

2. China's Tianwen-2 Is Off to Steal Asteroids (For Science)

On May 28, China launched its Tianwen-2 mission to snatch samples from near-Earth asteroid Kamo’oalewa — a cosmic pebble that might actually be moon debris. The mission will test new landing and sampling tech, and if successful, bring asteroid bits back to Earth by 2027.

Bonus: this could help us understand planetary defense, which is code for “asteroid apocalypse prep.”

3. Firefly + Northrop = New Rocket Era?

Firefly Aerospace and Northrop Grumman are teaming up to build Eclipse, a new medium-lift reusable rocket that could give SpaceX some real competition. They’re promising quick turnarounds, modern design, and launches as early as 2027 from Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Reginal Spaceport (MARS). Team-ups like this could shake up the commercial launch scene — if it gets off the ground.

4. Expedition 72 Crew Comes Home With Stories (and Space Boots)

NASA astronauts Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Don Pettit shared stories from their time aboard the ISS at a public homecoming event on May 22. Pettit, now 70, basically turned orbital photography into an art form, while Suni reminded us why representation matters in space.

👉 If you missed it, we’ve got Dr. Allison's Field Report here— and yes, it includes glitter boots.

5. NS-32 Takes 6 More People to Space

Blue Origin’s New Shepard rocket completed its 12th crewed mission on May 31, bringing the program’s total number of human spaceflights to 64. While it’s still suborbital, NS-32 proves that private spaceflight is becoming — dare we say it — a bit routine. This is what making space more accessible looks like.

6. Peggy Whitson and Bernard Harris Join the Hall of Fame

On May 31, astronaut legends Peggy Whitson and Bernard Harris were officially inducted into the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame. Whitson holds the U.S. record for most cumulative time in space, while Harris was the first Black American to walk in space. Their induction not only honors their individual achievements but also underscores the importance of representation and diversity in space exploration.

7. JWST Spots the Oldest Galaxy (Again)

The James Webb Space Telescope outdid itself (again) by spotting the most ancient galaxy ever — one that formed just 280 million years after the Big Bang. Nicknamed “MoM z14,” this cosmic time capsule is helping scientists figure out what the heck was going on in the early universe. It’s a cosmic reminder that funding deep space science isn’t a luxury — it’s how we learn who we are, where we come from, and what’s out there waiting.

8. A Soviet Venus Probe Crashed to Earth (53 Years Late)

On May 10, Kosmos 482 — a failed Soviet Venus lander — finally fell back to Earth after five decades in orbit. It missed Venus, missed the Cold War, and apparently missed its final reentry window by half a century. It crash-landed somewhere over the Indian Ocean, and not in the middle of Arizona like the media said it would.

9. NASA Gets the Keys to Orion Like It’s a New Car

On May 3, Lockheed Martin handed over the Orion capsule for Artemis II to NASA, complete with a ceremonial “key fob.” This is the spacecraft that will carry four astronauts — including Christina Koch and Victor Glover — farther than any human has gone before. Moon missions are officially starting to feel real again. Despite budget uncertainties, the Artemis program continues to symbolize humanity's enduring ambition to explore beyond our planet.

10. Jared Isaacman is Out for NASA Administrator

On May 31, the White House abruptly withdrew Jared Isaacman's nomination to lead NASA, surprising many in the space industry. Isaacman, a billionaire private astronaut and strong ally of Elon Musk, had widespread support but also faced scrutiny over his connections to SpaceX and prior political donations. The withdrawal leaves NASA facing uncertainty amid proposed 2026 budget cuts that could slash numerous space programs and result in major layoffs. While we had our concerns, Isaacman may have been one of the few bold, forward-thinking options on the table and we’re now left wondering who, if anyone, will live up his credentials and passion for space.

💫 That’s It for May — Stay Cosmic

May's cosmic currents brought us highs, lows, and everything in between. As we navigate the ever-evolving universe of space exploration, let's continue to support the science, champion inclusivity, question the status quo, and reach for the stars. Until next month, keep your eyes on the skies and your spirit grounded. 🌌💖