Breaking News
Ax-2 Mission Launches: Private Astronauts Head to Space Station
Axiom Space’s Ax-2 mission launches with private and government-sponsored astronauts, marking a new era in space exploration. 🚀🌎 #space #ISS
Last Updated on May 21, 2023 by Daily News Staff
The successful launch of the Ax-2 mission marks a significant milestone in the history of space exploration. Not only is it the second all-private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS), but it also includes both private and government-sponsored astronauts, making it a truly multinational effort.
The Ax-2 crew comprises four astronauts, including Commander Peggy Whitson, who holds the record for the most time in space by an American astronaut. Pilot John Shoffner and Mission Specialists Ali Alqarni and Rayyanah Barnawi, both from the Saudi Space Commission (SSC), complete the team. Alqarni and Barnawi are members of the inaugural Saudi national astronaut class, making history as the first Saudi astronauts to go to space.
The mission is being led by Axiom Space, a private space exploration company that aims to make space accessible to a broader population. The successful launch of Ax-2 is a significant step forward in achieving this goal, as it opens up low-Earth orbit to both private and government-sponsored astronauts.
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying the Ax-2 crew is scheduled to dock with the ISS Harmony module on Monday, May 22. The crew will spend eight days onboard the ISS, conducting scientific experiments and performing maintenance tasks.
The success of the Ax-2 mission is a testament to the rapid advancement of private space exploration companies in recent years. With the increasing involvement of private companies in space exploration, we can expect to see more missions like Ax-2 in the future, opening up the possibility of space travel to a broader population.
Credits: Courtesy SpaceX
Overall, the successful launch of the Ax-2 mission is a significant achievement for the private space exploration industry and marks a new chapter in the history of space exploration. The inclusion of both private and government-sponsored astronauts in the mission highlights the growing collaboration between the public and private sectors in advancing space exploration. We can only imagine what new frontiers will be explored in the years to come as space exploration continues to evolve.
Coverage:
Beginning at 7:30 a.m. Monday, May 22, NASA will provide live coverage of SpaceX Dragon docking, hatch opening, and a ceremony to welcome the crew on NASA Television, the NASA app, and the agency’s website.
https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/
Learn more about how NASA is supporting a space economy in low Earth orbit:
News Brief
Earthquake Swarm Shakes Southern California Near Salton Sea
Earthquake Swarm: A swarm of earthquakes near California’s Salton Sea and Brawley area has prompted increased monitoring by seismologists as hundreds of tremors shake the region.
A swarm of earthquakes has been rattling Southern California near the Salton Sea, drawing attention from residents and seismologists across the region.
Salton Sea earthquake swarm?
The activity is centered near Brawley in Imperial County, an area known for frequent seismic movement due to its location within the Brawley Seismic Zone. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, hundreds of small earthquakes have been recorded over the past several days, with the strongest reaching a magnitude of approximately 4.7.
Residents throughout Imperial Valley, parts of Riverside County, and even portions of Arizona reported feeling shaking from several of the larger quakes. Minor incidents such as falling objects and brief power disruptions were also reported, though no major injuries or widespread structural damage have been confirmed at this time.
The region sits near the southern end of the San Andreas Fault and is considered one of California’s most geologically active areas. Scientists say earthquake swarms are relatively common near the Salton Sea because of the interaction between tectonic fault systems and geothermal activity beneath the surface.
While experts continue to monitor the situation closely, they emphasize that earthquake swarms do not necessarily indicate that a larger earthquake is imminent. However, officials encourage residents to review emergency preparedness plans, secure heavy furniture, and keep emergency supplies ready.
The Salton Sea region has experienced similar seismic swarms in the past, making it an important area of study for earthquake researchers and emergency management agencies.
For continued updates on this developing story and other regional news, visit STM Daily News.
Related External Links
- U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) – Earthquake Monitoring
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- California Earthquake Preparedness Guide
- Ready.gov – Earthquake Safety Tips
- USGS – Salton Trough and Seismic Activity
Stay informed with the latest breaking news, trending stories, and real-time updates from around the world on STM Daily News. Visit our Stories This Moment page for continuously updated coverage on major events, technology, transportation, science, entertainment, and more.
Last Updated on May 6, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Second Nature Brands has issued a voluntary recall for certain 10-ounce pouches of SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIX™ after discovering the product may contain undeclared cashews, pistachios, and cherries. For anyone with allergies or severe sensitivities—especially to tree nuts like cashews and pistachios—this is a serious safety issue.
The company says the affected product was distributed nationwide, both in retail stores and through online orders.
Why this matters
Undeclared allergens are one of the most urgent types of food safety alerts because consumers rely on labels to avoid ingredients that can trigger reactions. Second Nature Brands warns that people with allergies or severe sensitivity to cashews, pistachios, other tree nuts, or cherries could face serious or life-threatening allergic reactions if they consume the recalled product.
As of the announcement, no illnesses have been reported.
How to identify the recalled product
Check your pantry (and any recent online snack orders) for the following details:
- Product: SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIX™
- Size: 10-ounce pouch
- UPC: 077034013405
- Best if used by date: 2/12/2027 (printed on the backside of the pouch)
Only pouches with the “Best if used by 2/12/2027” date are included. Other Best if used by dates are not affected, according to the company.
What happened
Second Nature Brands says the recall began after it was discovered that product containing cashews, pistachios, and cherries was placed into packaging that did not disclose those allergens. The company reports that a follow-up investigation indicates the issue was caused by a temporary breakdown in production and packaging processes.
The recall is being conducted with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
What consumers should do right now
If you have the affected product:
- Do not consume it.
- Keep the pouch (and take a photo of the UPC and Best if used by date if helpful).
- Contact Second Nature Brands for a full refund.
Contact information for refunds and questions
Second Nature Brands says consumers can reach them by phone or email:
- Phone: +1.800.651.7263
- Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET
- Saturday–Sunday: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM ET
- Email: recall@secondnaturebrandsus.com
Health & fitness note: “Keto” doesn’t equal “risk-free”
Keto-friendly snacks can be convenient for people managing carbs, training schedules, or busy workdays—but this alert is a reminder that label accuracy is non-negotiable, especially for anyone balancing nutrition goals with medical dietary restrictions.
If you or someone in your household has a tree nut or cherry allergy, consider doing a quick sweep of:
- Snack drawers at home and work
- Gym bags and travel kits
- Recent bulk orders or subscription deliveries
Bottom line
If you have a 10-ounce pouch of SECOND NATURE KETO CRUNCH SMART MIX™ with UPC 077034013405 and Best if used by 2/12/2027, do not eat it. Contact Second Nature Brands for a refund and share the alert with anyone who may have purchased the product—especially those with tree nut or cherry allergies.
Source
Welcome to the Consumer Corner section of STM Daily News, your ultimate destination for savvy shopping and informed decision-making! Dive into a treasure trove of insights and reviews covering everything from the hottest toys that spark joy in your little ones to the latest electronic gadgets that simplify your life. Explore our comprehensive guides on stylish home furnishings, discover smart tips for buying a home or enhancing your living space with creative improvement ideas, and get the lowdown on the best cars through our detailed auto reviews. Whether you’re making a major purchase or simply seeking inspiration, the Consumer Corner is here to empower you every step of the way—unlock the keys to becoming a smarter consumer today!
Last Updated on April 11, 2026 by Daily News Staff
April 10, 2026 — NASA’s Artemis II crew has safely returned to Earth, marking the successful completion of the first crewed mission to the Moon’s vicinity in more than 50 years.
Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky
The Orion spacecraft splashed down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California at 5:07 p.m. PDT, carrying NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen back home after a nearly 10-day journey through deep space.
🚀 A Mission for the Record Books
During the mission, the crew traveled a total of 694,481 miles, reaching a maximum distance of 252,756 miles from Earth—farther than any humans have ever gone, surpassing the Apollo 13 record set in 1970.
Launched on April 1 aboard NASA’s powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Artemis II tested critical systems needed for future missions, including life support, navigation, and deep space communication.
🌕 Science, Exploration, and Stunning Views
While orbiting the Moon, the astronauts captured more than 7,000 images, including views of the lunar far side, a rare solar eclipse, and detailed observations of craters, lava flows, and surface features.
The mission also included scientific experiments to better understand how the human body responds to deep space conditions, helping prepare for longer missions to the Moon and Mars.
🛰️ Safe Return and Recovery
Following splashdown, recovery teams quickly reached the spacecraft and transported the crew by helicopter to the USS John P. Murtha for initial medical evaluations. The astronauts are expected to return to NASA’s Johnson Space Center for further assessments.
🌍 What Comes Next
With Artemis II complete, NASA is now turning its focus to Artemis III, the next mission aimed at landing astronauts on the Moon and establishing a long-term human presence.
The success of Artemis II marks a major step forward in humanity’s return to deep space—and the beginning of a new era of exploration.
For more information on NASA’s Artemis program, visit the official NASA website.
🔗 Source & Further Reading
- NASA Blog: Artemis II Flight Day 10 – Re-entry Live Updates
- NASA Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA Artemis Program – Return to the Moon
- Orion Spacecraft Details and Technology
- NASA Image and Video Library (Artemis II Photos & Media)
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