The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying them parachuted into the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Panama City, Florida, after a 12-hour return flight and blazing re-entry plunge through Earth's atmosphere.

The world's second-largest economy has invested billions of dollars in its military-run space programme in a push to catch up with the US and Russia.

Among eight satellites that were aboard the rocket, the main satellite made contact with a base station in Antarctica after successfully separating from the space vehicle, Science Minister Lee Jong-ho says.

Data obtained by Juno is providing fresh information on how the lightning processes on Jupiter are similar to those on Earth despite the dramatic differences between the two planets, according to scientists.

The Chang'e-7 mission will be launched around 2026 to explore lunar resources on the moon's south pole, with the aim of sustaining long-term human habitation.

It says it is currently developing two further attempts to land on the lunar surface and the setback will not change that.

The research, informed by the first detection of seismic waves traveling through the core of a planet other than Earth, showed that the innermost layer of Mars is slightly smaller and denser than previously known.

Oita prefecture, home to Japan's largest number of hot springs, partnered with Virgin Orbit in 2020 to create its first Asian spaceport at Oita Airport using a Boeing 747 for horizontal rocket launches.

Astronomer Shahrin Ahmad speaks about his hobby and its practical applications.

Shahrin Ahmad's interest in space, the solar system and even aliens has taken him on a long and fascinating journey through the years.

While it failed to reach orbit, the launch proved that the rocket – whose mass is 85% 3D-printed – could withstand the rigors of lift-off.

Terran 1 is said to be the largest ever 3D printed object.