Virgin Galactic chalks up fifth commercial flight to space in a row
The six-member crew included three paying customers: a planetary scientist, a popular STEM educator and an investment manager.
Virgin Galactic
Virgin Galactic launches its 4th "space tourist" flight
Virgin's Unity rocketplane completed its ninth piloted trip to space and its fourth with paying customers aboard.
10/6: CBS News Mornings
Biden administration to resume construction of border wall; Virgin Galactic launches its fourth commercial space flight.
Space Tourism: The Next Great Leap | CBS Reports
In the aftermath of the Titan submersible tragedy, extreme travel has come under fresh scrutiny. But one industry stands out for both its allure and the lack of regulation protecting participants' safety: space tourism. CBS Reports explores the next great leap for humankind and whether regulators and industry stakeholders are striking the right balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring safety.
Investigating space tourism safety regulation
As new space tour companies change the way we can see our world, a moratorium on spaceflight regulation and participant safety has come to the forefront. In the latest CBS Reports documentary, Mark Strassmann takes a close look at the next great leap for humankind -- and whether regulators and industry stakeholders are striking the right balance between encouraging innovation and ensuring safety.
Virgin Galactic launches first space tourist flight
A Virgin Galactic rocketplane made space tourism history Thursday when it carried its first group of tourists to the edge of space, 55 miles above the earth. The passengers included a former British Olympian.
Virgin Galactic launches space tourism flight
Virgin Galactic's first space flight with paying passengers aboard launched Thursday. CBS News space analyst William Harwood joins us with coverage of the VSS Unity Rocket and the three paying customers aboard.
Risks, pollution of Virgin Galactic flight
Virgin Galactic launched its first space tourism mission Thursday with an 80-year-old former British Olympian and a mother and daughter from Antigua and Barbuda onboard. Alain A. Grenier, a professor in the School of Management at the University of Quebec, joined CBS News to discuss some of the possible downsides of the flight.
Virgin Galactic launches its first flight with space tourists
Virgin Galactic's seventh sub-orbital spaceflight included three space tourists, its first fully commercial passengers.
SpaceX launches Intelsat communications satellite in 52nd flight this year
The new satellite will help free up bandwidth for emerging 5G cellular networks while maintaining uninterrupted C-band TV service.
Virgin Galactic completes commercial flight
The commercial space race is heating up. Virgin Galactic successfully completed its first flight with paying customers Thursday. Danya Bacchus has more.
Virgin Galactic launches first commercial flight
Virgin Galactic, the company founded by billionaire Richard Branson, launched a rocket plane carrying six people to the edge of space Thursday for its first-ever sub-orbital commercial flight.
Virgin Galactic launches commercial space flight
Richard Branson's Virgin Galactic launched its first commercial space flight Thursday, sending three Italian researchers, two company pilots and an astronaut trainer on a high-speed thrill ride to the edge of space aboard a winged rocket plane. CBS News space analyst Bill Harwood has more.
Virgin Galactic launches its first commercial space flight
Virgin Galactic successfully launched its first paying customers to the edge of space.
Virgin Galactic to launch commercial flight
Virgin Galactic will be sending its first commercial flight to space on Thursday. The Italy-based crew will take a 90-minute journey from New Mexico and reach an altitude of 55 miles. CBS News senior space consultant Bill Harwood joins "Prime Time" to discuss what to expect from the spaceflight.
SpaceX launches Indonesian communications satellite
The SATRIA broadband relay station will boost internet connectivity across the vast Indonesian archipelago.
Virgin Galactic's commercial flights prepare for takeoff
"Private astronauts" can soon begin their short trips to space – for just short of half a million dollars. Here's when Virgin Galactic's commercial spaceflights are going to be ready for takeoff.
Boeing again delays first piloted test flight of Starliner crew ferry ship
A new launch target was not announced, but Boeing officials said a flight this year is still feasible. In theory.
Commercial astronauts return to Earth after nine-day space station visit
It was the second commercial visit to the International Space Station by a crew from Houston-based Axiom Space, which is planning a station of its own.
Commercial crew wraps up flight to space station
The Ax-2 flight was the second "private astronaut mission" chartered by Houston-based Axiom Space and sanctioned by NASA.
Virgin Galactic returns to space with successful sub-orbital test flight
The first crewed flight of Virgin's spaceplane in two years sets the stage for customers to begin flights to the edge of space in June.
NASA launches two satellites to study tropical storms
Four TROPICS satellites will monitor tropical storm development and intensification on an hourly basis to improve forecasting.
After multiple delays, SpaceX launches powerful internet satellite for ViaSat
The third-generation satellite is the first of three designed to provide high-speed internet to customers anywhere in the world.
SpaceX launches one rocket, but glitch derails another
A Falcon Heavy flight was delayed, but another SpaceX launch went well as two SES satellites were successfully deployed.
NASA air pollution monitor platform launched to space
The TEMPO spectrometer will measure air quality and pollution across North America to improve forecasting.
Latest News
Watch Live: College presidents testify about antisemitism on campuses
College campuses have been criticized for their handling of antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.
U.S. promises aid, field hospital in Gaza as Israel-Hamas war expands
The U.S. government says it will help establish a field hospital in Gaza as Israel expands its war against Hamas into the south of the Palestinian territory.
Patients expected Profemur artificial hips to last. Then they snapped in half.
The FDA and the manufacturer were alerted to Profemur titanium hips breaking inside U.S. patients as of 2005. It took 15 years to recall the devices. Many fractures could have been avoided.
Former top staffer slams ex-congressman George Santos
Naysa Woomer, the disgraced Republican's former communications director, advised Santos to own up to all his reported lies.
House explodes in Virginia as police try to execute search warrant
A house exploded in Arlington, Virginia, as police tried to execute a search warrant following reports of a suspect firing a flare gun.
Supreme Court hears major case that could upend tax code, doom "wealth tax"
The case before the justices Tuesday could have sweeping implications for the U.S. tax system and derail proposals from some Democrats to create a wealth tax.
Grand Theft Auto VI trailer: 7 things we learned from the teaser
Grand Theft Auto is one of the best-selling entertainment franchises of all time, with millions of fans awaiting its next release.
Man follows tracks of tiger that fatally attacked his dog — then it kills him
"The animal regarded this as a threat" and killed the man, who was found dead near the remains of his dog, officials said.
17 deaths blamed on Cyclone Michaung as it makes landfall in India
Severe Cyclone Michaung plows into India's east coast, forcing thousands to evacuate and killing at least 17 people amid flooding in Chennai.
U.S.
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Grand Theft Auto VI trailer: 7 things we learned from the teaser
Grand Theft Auto is one of the best-selling entertainment franchises of all time, with millions of fans awaiting its next release.
John Mayer opens up about his mission to help veterans with PTSD
John Mayer is on a mission that's about more than his music. In 2019, he launched the non-profit Heart and Armor Foundation with $3 million of his own money,
Watch Live: College presidents testify about antisemitism on campuses
College campuses have been criticized for their handling of antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.
Patients expected Profemur artificial hips to last. Then they snapped in half.
The FDA and the manufacturer were alerted to Profemur titanium hips breaking inside U.S. patients as of 2005. It took 15 years to recall the devices. Many fractures could have been avoided.
Body found in Indiana in 1982 ID'd as Wisconsin woman who vanished
Human remains found in rural Indiana in 1982 have been identified as those of Connie Lorraine Christensen, authorities said.
MoneyWatch
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Grand Theft Auto VI trailer: 7 things we learned from the teaser
Grand Theft Auto is one of the best-selling entertainment franchises of all time, with millions of fans awaiting its next release.
Fewer employers requiring job seekers to have a college degree
On career sites like ZipRecruiter, less than 15% of jobs list a bachelor's degree as a requirement for employment.
Hackers accessed 23andMe data of millions of users, company says
The company launched an investigation in October after a "threat actor" claimed to have access to 23andMe users' personal information.
The crypto biz is in the dumps. So why is bitcoin suddenly flying high?
Despite the woes of companies like FTX and Binance, bitcoin prices have surged 150% this year to top $40,000. Here's why.
Supreme Court hears major case that could upend tax code, doom "wealth tax"
The case before the justices Tuesday could have sweeping implications for the U.S. tax system and derail proposals from some Democrats to create a wealth tax.
Politics
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Biden, in the season of giving, is poised to raise big campaign money this month
While aides and donors declined to share specific figures early Tuesday, the December haul is poised to be "a big number," said one Biden-Harris campaign bundler.
Watch Live: College presidents testify about antisemitism on campuses
College campuses have been criticized for their handling of antisemitic incidents since the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel.
Which four Republicans will be on stage for the fourth presidential debate?
Four candidates have qualified for the fourth Republican presidential debate.
Former top staffer slams ex-congressman George Santos
Naysa Woomer, the disgraced Republican's former communications director, advised Santos to own up to all his reported lies.
6 weeks before Iowa caucuses, DeSantis super PAC sees more personnel departures
Another outside group, Fight Right, has been created to handle television ads supporting Gov. Ron DeSantis' presidential bid.
HealthWatch
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Patients expected Profemur artificial hips to last. Then they snapped in half.
The FDA and the manufacturer were alerted to Profemur titanium hips breaking inside U.S. patients as of 2005. It took 15 years to recall the devices. Many fractures could have been avoided.
Sushi topper wasabi linked to "substantial" memory boost, study finds
A researcher behind a study of wasabi's effect on cognition says he knew the fiery condiment had health benefits, but "the dramatic change" in memory was a surprise.
Grassroots college networks distribute emergency contraceptives on campus
Peer-to-peer efforts can meet a clear need among students whose colleges may not make sexual health products accessible or affordable.
Gottlieb: likely a "typical winter pathogen season" ahead
Former FDA commissioner Dr. Scott Gottlieb tells "Face the Nation" that the U.S. is looking at a "more typical winter pathogen season" despite a cluster of unusual pneumonia in Ohio. Gottlieb says the CDC has looked into the cluster and found "it's a known bacteria that is epidemic every three to five years so we've seen epidemics of this in the past."
Eliminating the stigma surrounding suicide
On average, a staggering 132 Americans kill themselves every single day. Experts say addressing this major public health crisis requires ending the shame that can be attached to talking about mental health struggles, which prevents those suffering from finding help.
World
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Escaped kangaroo punches officer in face before being captured
The kangaroo was on the run for four days before officers found and captured her on Monday near Toronto.
Bodies of 5 university students found stuffed in a car in Mexico
The car and the bodies of the victims were found on the outskirts of the city of Celaya, which has seen a spate of drug cartel violence in recent years.
U.S. promises aid, field hospital in Gaza as Israel-Hamas war expands
The U.S. government says it will help establish a field hospital in Gaza as Israel expands its war against Hamas into the south of the Palestinian territory.
Man follows tracks of tiger that fatally attacked his dog — then it kills him
"The animal regarded this as a threat" and killed the man, who was found dead near the remains of his dog, officials said.
17 deaths blamed on Cyclone Michaung as it makes landfall in India
Severe Cyclone Michaung plows into India's east coast, forcing thousands to evacuate and killing at least 17 people amid flooding in Chennai.
Entertainment
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John Mayer opens up about his mission to help veterans with PTSD
John Mayer is on a mission that's about more than his music. In 2019, he launched the non-profit Heart and Armor Foundation with $3 million of his own money,
Amelia Dimoldenberg's awkward charm
Anthony Mason profiles internet sensation and comedian Amelia Dimoldenberg, creator and host of the viral interview series "Chicken Shop Date." She talks about running her own production company and her dream final date as she looks beyond the chicken shop.
Kennedy Center Honors held Sunday
The 2023 Kennedy Center Honors were held Sunday, recognizing Billy Crystal, Renee Fleming, Barry Gibb, Queen Latifah and Dionne Warwick. CBS will air the honors Wednesday night. "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell takes a look at this year's highlights.
Allison Williams' new podcast revisits America's first murder trial
The historical true-crime podcast, "Erased," is about the trial of Levi Weeks, who was accused of murdering 22-year-old Elma Sands in 1799.
Taylor Swift cheers on Chiefs as Simone Biles cheers on Packers
Taylor Swift was again spotted cheering on Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs – this time, in a box with Lyndsay Bell and Brittany Mahomes at an away game against the Green Bay Packers.
Technology
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Apple releases urgent update to fix iOS 17 security issues
The update patches two vulnerabilities, includes no new features to the operating system.
Spotify slashes 17% of jobs in third round of cuts this year
The popular music streaming service has reportedly eliminated 1,500 roles amid slowing economic growth.
Elon Musk's X platform fueled far-right riots in Ireland, experts say
Elon Musk's X platform has fueled far-right disinformation in Ireland and played a key role in last month's riots in Dublin, experts say.
The race to develop quantum computers
Quantum computing could change civilization as we know it with technology capable of solving complex problems in moments. Henry Yuen, assistant professor of computer science at Columbia University, joined CBS News to discuss what quantum computing is, its potential uses and how close we are to seeing the technology in action.
Automakers turn to subscription fees
Automakers, including General Motors, Ford and BMW, are charging drivers subscription fees to use certain state-of-the-art features, such as remote locking and hands-free cruise control. Carter Evans has details.
Science
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Science
Oil companies make methane reduction pledge
Monday at the COP28 climate summit, the president of Occidental Petroleum, Vicki Hollub, talked about the need for a collaborative effort to reduce emissions. And her peers at least seemingly appear to agree, with 50 oil and gas companies worldwide pledging to reach near-zero methane emissions by 2030. Angela Wilkinson, secretary general of the World Energy Council, joined CBS News to discuss the impact of that goal.
Video shows ship's "lucky" encounter with world's largest iceberg
The sighting came just days after scientists declared the iceberg was "on the move" for the first time in 37 years.
Ancient methane escaping from melting glaciers could warm the planet more
Spiking temperatures in the Arctic are rapidly melting glaciers. Scientists are now worried about underground methane, a potent greenhouse gas, leaking up to the surface.
Cars swept away, Chennai airport flooded as cyclone churns toward India
Videos from Chennai, South India, show cars being carried off and airport workers checking planes in almost knee-deep water as Cyclone Michaung bears down.
Controversy at COP28 climate summit
Dr. Sultan al-Jaber, the president of the COP28 climate summit, is facing backlash after reportedly saying during an online event that "there is no science out there" that phasing out fossil fuels would achieve the climate goals outlined in the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement. Al-Jaber is also the CEO of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company. CBS News national correspondent Dave Malkoff has more.
Crime
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Bodies of 5 university students found stuffed in a car in Mexico
The car and the bodies of the victims were found on the outskirts of the city of Celaya, which has seen a spate of drug cartel violence in recent years.
Body found in Indiana in 1982 ID'd as Wisconsin woman who vanished
Human remains found in rural Indiana in 1982 have been identified as those of Connie Lorraine Christensen, authorities said.
Examining the first U.S. murder trial
The podcast "Erased: The Murder of Elma Sands" explores the first recorded murder trial in U.S. history. Actress Allison Williams, who is an executive producer of the podcast, and Allison Flom, the podcast's creator and narrator, joined CBS News to discuss the similarities the of the U.S. justice system then and now.
Weapon links L.A. serial killings to robbery
A weapon linked the suspect of an armed robbery in San Dimas to three murders involving people who were experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles County. CBS News correspondent Elise Preston is following the investigation into the shooting cases.
Opening statements at Jonathan Majors trial
Opening statements began in the case against Hollywood star Jonathan Majors, who is accused of domestic assault by his former girlfriend Grace Jabbari. CBS News New York's Zinnia Maldonado reports on the latest as the trial resumes.
Space
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Russian cargo ship docks at International Space Station
A guidance system problem during final approach prompted two space station cosmonauts to take over by remote control.
NASA "unlikely" to launch Artemis moon landing flight in 2025, GAO says
NASA is facing challenges with SpaceX's moon lander and the new Axiom spacesuits for moonwalkers.
New solar system with rare, perfectly in-sync planets found in Milky Way
Astronomers have discovered six planets orbiting a bright, nearby star in perfect synchrony like a grand cosmic orchestra.
Scientists discover "in-sync" solar system
Scientists have discovered a six-planet solar system in the Milky Way that astronomers say has been untouched by outside forces since its birth billions of years ago. The six planets orbit a star "perfectly" in sync. Derrick Pitts, chief astronomer at the Franklin Institute, joined CBS News to talk about the discovery.
Mars' landscape captured in newly released images
NASA revealed multiple new panoramic images of clouds and dust in Mars' skies, as well as one of its tiny two moons, taken last May.
Latest Galleries
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Matthew Trussler murder: Inside the case
Matthew Trussler was found dead at the home he shared with his fiancée Melissa Turner. See the evidence that led to authorities piecing together his death.
Catching a killer clown
Marlene Warren answered the door to her Wellington, FL, home and was fatally gunned down by a mysterious clown. Despite eyewitnesses, circumstantial evidence, and the identification a suspect early on, it would take more than 30 years for her killer to face justice.
Notable Deaths in 2023
A look back at the esteemed personalities who've left us this year, who'd touched us with their innovation, creativity and humanity.
Becky Bliefnick texted about fear of her estranged husband
The Illinois mom wrote, "If something ever happens to me, please make sure the number one person of interest is Tim." Take a look at the evidence that led to Tim Bliefnick's arrest.
The crime scene evidence that convicted Alex Murdaugh
Inside South Carolina's "trial of the century" — how investigators built their case
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12/4: CBS Evening News
Israel expands campaign into southern Gaza; Kennedy Center Honors held Sunday
Boston woman killed in Bahamas shark attack
A Bostom woman was killed in a shark attack near a Sandals resort on Nassau, Bahamas. She and a male relative were paddle boarding when she was attacked. Elaine Quijano reports.
Day 7 of 12 days of CBS Mornings Deals
Lifestyle expert Ashley Bellman joins us on day 7 of CBS Mornings Deals' special "12 Days of Gifting," where we're highlighting products with discounts of up to 70% off, just in time for the holidays. Visit cbsdeals.com to take advantage of these exclusive deals today. CBS earns commissions on purchases made through cbsdeals.com.
Investigating hip implant failures
Over the past two decades, more than 750 Profemur titanium hip implants have fractured at the neck, an attorney for the manufacturer has said in court. But it took years before the parts were recalled, our investigation with partner site KFF Health News found. CBS News consumer investigative national correspondent Anna Werner reports.
Battling loneliness with board games
CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. Jon LaPook recently joined a group of high school students for board games and conversation with residents at a New York City nursing facility. The weekly program is the brainchild of 17-year-old Max Hochman, who, along with his peers, pays weekly visits to homebound seniors to help them combat loneliness.