The exhaust plume from the recent Space X launch when it (a) reaches the less dense layers of the atmosphere, and (b) is illuminated by reaction with sunlight that is no longer shining on the surface. The rocket is largely heading upward, but the Earth continues to rotate away from its trajectory. | Brandon Butcher

ISRO chief K. Sivan cleared the air regarding recent space sector reforms. The Indian Space Research Organisation is not being privatised, Sivan said. On June 24, Union Cabinet approved private sector participation in space projects. A new body called IN-SPACe will help private firms use Indian space infrastructure. | Hindustan Times

Here's a look at the last 25 years of spaceflight from 1999 to 2024 during the first 25 years of Space.com. From the retirement of NASA's space shuttle program, to the new giant leap that is NASA's Artemis moon missions, private space travel and more, see how spaceflight has changed over the last quarter century. | Space.com