Kepler 90

Astronomers have established the Kepler 90 star system has at least eight planets, the last two being found using artificial intelligence.

There may be even more planets in the system.

SpaceX Success

SpaceX successfully launched a Dragon cargo ship to ISS today.

It was done with a previously flown booster-- a step forward.

Ceres

A new study suggests the dwarf planet Ceres may still be active.

It also suggests the mysterious bright spots on Ceres could indicate the little world once had a global ocean.

Moving Out

Space industry experts have argued recently that humanity's expansion into deep space is inevitable.

They didn't say how or when, though..

New Space Policy

President Trump signed a new space policy order yesterday which says America will return to the Moon and go on to Mars.

The policy has broad support in industry and in Congress.

Intellectual Infrastructure

There are many challenges to overcome-- scientific, technological, financial, political-- before we colonize Mars.

Legal questions of sovereignty, jurisdiction, property rights, and commercial rights all have to be answered, as well.

Mullenberg

Boeing CEO Dennis Mullenberg responded to Elon Musk, saying he was confident the first person to set foot on Mars will fly there on a Boeing rocket.

We'll see.