as12-46-6728orig

On This Day: Apollo 12 Lands on the Moon

NASA NASA astronaut Alan Bean steps off the lunar module ladder in this photo from Nov. 19, 1969, joining astronaut Charles Conrad Jr. on the Moon in the area called the Ocean of Storms. The two would then complete two spacewalks on the lunar surface, deploying science instruments, collecting geology samples, and inspecting the Surveyor […]

Continue Reading
human-lunar-landing-systems-cargo-variants-conceptual-renderings

NASA Plans to Assign Missions for Two Future Artemis Cargo Landers

Early conceptual renderings of cargo variants of human lunar landing systems from NASA’s providers SpaceX, left, and Blue Origin, right. The large cargo landers will have the capability to land approximately 26,000 to 33,000 pounds (12-15 metric tons) of large, heavy payload on the lunar surface. Credit: SpaceX/Blue Origin NASA, along with its industry and […]

Continue Reading
jsc2022e045336large

Super Insulation Requires Super Materials 

2 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) The thermal protection system on the outside of the space shuttle included hundreds of ceramic tiles custom made for the orbiter. These reflected heat off the shuttle’s outside surface during atmospheric re-entry and were an inspiration for the ceramic ingredients in Super Therm. Credit: […]

Continue Reading
gcd-bigidea-inflatablesgraphic-labeled-final

Northwestern University Takes Top Honors in BIG Idea Lunar Inflatables Challenge 

Following eight months of intense research, design, and prototyping, six university teams presented their “Inflatable Systems for Lunar Operations” concepts to a panel of judges at NASA’s 2024 Breakthrough, Innovative and Game-Changing (BIG) Idea Challenge forum.  The challenge, funded by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and Office of STEM Engagement, seeks novel ideas from higher […]

Continue Reading
59-dsc-0274-1536x1021-1

Bob Swap Builds Bridges With ‘Science Diplomacy’

Associate Director for Mission Planning, Earth Sciences, and environmental scientist Robert J. “Bob” Swap makes a difference by putting knowledge into action. Name: Robert J. “Bob” SwapTitle: Associate Director for Mission Planning, Earth SciencesOrganization: Earth Science Division (Code 610) Robert Swap (right) and Karen St. Germain, NASA Earth science director (left) joined NASA’s Student Airborne […]

Continue Reading
2024-big-idea-photo-northwestern-university-1

NASA Engineer Carries Indigenous Roots into New Aviation Era

5 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) Abigail Reigner, a systems engineer at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, supports the agency’s research in electrified aircraft propulsion to enable more sustainable air travel. Behind her is a 25% scale model of NASA’s SUbsonic Single Aft eNgine (SUSAN) Electrofan aircraft concept used […]

Continue Reading
Kronebreen_glacier_seen_from_above_card_full

Space for Shore: Sentinel-1 reveals Arctic glacier retreat

As Arctic temperatures rise, marine-terminating glaciers—especially in places like Svalbard—are undergoing rapid retreat and intensified calving. The ESA-funded Space for Shore project utilises radar data from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 mission to provide precise, year-over-year insights into glacier retreat and calving intensity, particularly in areas like Kongsfjorden, where notable glaciers are experiencing significant retreat. To source

Continue Reading
Proba-3_s_journey_to_see_the_Sun_s_corona_card_full

Proba-3’s journey to see the Sun’s corona

Video: 00:04:31 The double-satellite Proba-3 is the most ambitious member yet of ESA’s Proba family of experimental missions. Two spacecraft will fly together as one, maintaining precise formation down to a single millimetre. One will block out the fiery disc of the Sun for the other, to enable prolonged observations of the Sun’s surrounding atmosphere, […]

Continue Reading
https___mars.nasa_.gov_msl-raw-images_proj_msl_redops_ods_surface_sol_04363_opgs_edr_ncam_NRB_784821152EDR_S1110708NCAM00591M_

Sols 4366–4367: One of Those Days on Mars (Sulfate-Bearing Unit to the West of Upper Gediz Vallis)

Curiosity Navigation Curiosity Home Mission Overview Where is Curiosity? Mission Updates Science Overview Instruments Highlights Exploration Goals News and Features Multimedia Curiosity Raw Images Images Videos Audio Mosaics More Resources Mars Missions Mars Sample Return Mars Perseverance Rover Mars Curiosity Rover MAVEN Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Odyssey More Mars Missions The Solar System The Sun […]

Continue Reading
52674646862-dbe4378754-k

NASA to Provide Coverage of Progress 90 Launch, Space Station Docking

The unpiloted Roscosmos Progress spacecraft pictured on Feb. 7, 2023, from the International Space Station. Credit: NASA NASA will provide live launch and docking coverage of a Roscosmos cargo spacecraft delivering nearly three tons of food, fuel, and supplies to the Expedition 72 crew aboard the International Space Station. The unpiloted Progress 90 spacecraft is […]

Continue Reading
binary-system-wide-shot-02-still

Station Science Top News: Nov. 15, 2024

Anthocyanins protect seeds in space After exposure to space outside the International Space Station, purple-pigmented rice seeds rich in anthocyanin had higher germination rates than non-pigmented white rice seeds. This result suggests that anthocyanin, a flavonoid known to protect plants from UV irradiation, could help preserve seed viability on future space missions. Plants are key […]

Continue Reading

Space, astronomy and science