IJR News — today's news from every sideSam Okafor for a Mars orbiter is ambitious given they're still sorting out New Glenn's launchpad issues. NASA's Roman Space Telescope launches aboard Falcon Heavy — Aug 30, 2026The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has launched aboard SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, progressing through key milestones such as stage separation, a second-stage burn, and approaching orbit, while SpaceX’s boosters execute controlled returns as part of the mission’s reusable-launch strategy. The mission aims to answer major questions in cosmology, including dark energy, dark matter, and exoplanets, with science observations expected to begin in the coming years, complemented by market and tech context around SpaceX and the telescope’s $4.3 billion price tag and hardware capabilities.
Cuba sanctions expansion targets nine entities, two officials — Jul 23, 2026The United States imposed a fresh round of sanctions on nine Cuban-linked entities and two individuals under Executive Order 14404, targeting the energy sector, GAESA-related evasion, the Port of Mariel, and the overseas medical missions program. U.S. officials say these measures aim to curb Cuba's access to foreign currency by limiting energy imports, financial services, remittance flows, and the medical missions system, while warning businesses of secondary sanctions.
