#space-exploration

#space-exploration

China launches a lunar mission to collect samples from the far side of the moon, with the goal of sending a crew by 2030. [ more ]

China's upcoming mission aims to land on the Moon, collect samples, and return to Earth, with potential future plans for a Mars sample return mission. [ more ]

China launched Queqiao-2 relay satellite for moon exploration competition with the U.S.

Chang'e-6 mission aims to collect samples from the moon's far side, returning them to Earth. [ more ]

China launches Queqiao-2 relay spacecraft for lunar missions.

Queqiao-2 to establish a data relay system for China's Moon program. [ more ]

Sustainability goes beyond the environment to consider long-term viability of actions. NASA aims to ensure space remains sustainable amidst increasing activities. [ more ]

The Boeing Starliner crew flight test is crucial for NASA to have a second spacecraft option for launching astronauts into space. [ more ]

A single gamma-ray burst could potentially sterilize 10% of the galaxy. [ more ]

One near-Earth asteroid, Kamo'oalewa, is believed to have originated from the Moon's Giordano Bruno crater, linking it to lunar material and suggesting more such asteroids exist. [ more ]

WASP-76b, an ultra-hot Jupiter exoplanet outside our solar system, reveals a rainbow-like effect known as 'glory' in its atmosphere.

Observation of 'glory' on WASP-76b provides unique insights into the extreme conditions and atmospheric dynamics of exoplanets. [ more ]

The first interstellar interloper detected in the solar system, 1I/'Oumuamua, was not gravitationally bound to the Sun, setting it apart from typical celestial bodies.

Discovery of 2I/Borisov, following 1I/'Oumuamua, implies interstellar objects may be more common than previously thought, with estimates suggesting thousands within Neptune's orbit. [ more ]

Hubble Space Telescope faced gyroscope issues, was put in safe mode, but can still function using fewer gyros. [ more ]

The Chinese Academy of Sciences released highly detailed geological maps of the Moon, crucial for future lunar research and exploration. [ more ]

NASA plans to send astronauts to the lunar surface using SpaceX's Starship as part of the Artemis mission, aiming for a human return to the Moon by 2026. [ more ]

NASA declared Artemis I mission successful but noted heat shield issue with Orion spacecraft. [ more ]

The space squad at Junipero Serra High School aims to expand scientific knowledge and advance technology by conducting experiments in microgravity conditions on the International Space Station. [ more ]

NASA engineers receive decipherable data from Voyager 1 after fixing communication problem. [ more ]

NASA engineers are pinpointing corrupted memory as the cause of Voyager 1's data transmission issues and are working on a remote fix for the hardware problem. [ more ]

Voyager 1 continues displaying incredible longevity despite exceeding its original mission duration.

Recent communication issues with Voyager 1 are causing concern among NASA scientists. [ more ]

Voyager 1 is the farthest human-made object in space, launched in 1977 with a golden record.

Encountered a problem due to its age, requiring risky measures from NASA to restore mission. [ more ]

British startup plans to launch science satellites, offering data directly to researchers through membership model. [ more ]

Ellen Stofan oversees scientific research institutions at the Smithsonian Institution and has a broad portfolio managing diverse topics from budgets to conservation efforts.

Stofan's work involves overseeing the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Zoo, and Conservation Biology Institute, reflecting her expertise in the fields of space exploration and conservation. [ more ]

A total solar eclipse is a unique and awe-inspiring experience, offering viewers a glimpse into space and an opportunity to see the sun's corona for over three minutes.

The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is special as the moon will be closer to Earth, resulting in a longer period of darkness for viewers. [ more ]

Astroforensics is a new field emerging from space exploration challenges.

Altered gravity in space has significant implications for forensic investigations. [ more ]

NASA seeks to revamp Mars Sample Return mission with cheaper cost and earlier return date by involving commercial providers. [ more ]

Mercury's surface resembles the moon, with large smooth areas and heavy core rich in iron, unlike the Earth's moon but similar to Earth in differentiation. [ more ]

Chandra X-Ray Observatory faces uncertain future due to budget constraints under NASA's 2025 budget request. [ more ]

NASA is committed to bringing back Mars samples but faces budget and time constraints, requesting industry input for quicker, cheaper alternatives. [ more ]

The U.S. and Japan announced plans for increased military coordination, seen as a significant upgrade in their alliance.

President Biden's efforts with Japan are aimed at countering China's actions in the Indo-Pacific region and creating enduring relationships in the region. [ more ]

Exploring icy ocean worlds like Europa or Enceladus for signs of extraterrestrial life requires navigating through thick ice covers.

NASA/JPL's EELS project is developing an AI-guided space snake robot to explore these alien oceans by utilizing existing vents in the ice. [ more ]

Supermassive black holes are concentrated masses in the centers of galaxies, with the 3D map revealing 1.3 million of them.

The map, created with data from the Gaia spacecraft, shows quasars - active supermassive black holes feeding on material, emitting bright radiation. [ more ]

Water absorbed during assembly is causing ice layers to disrupt Euclid's observations.

Engineers are working on a new de-icing procedure to address optical issues without affecting the spacecraft's delicate alignment. [ more ]

A rare and massive comet known as the 'devil comet' will pass by Earth during the April 8 total solar eclipse.

Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks is a cryovolcanic comet with 'horns' made of ice and gas, heading for its brightest point on April 21. [ more ]

SpaceX making progress with Starship's third orbital test flight.

SpaceX controversial employee stock award terms. [ more ]

SpaceX's Starship mission achieved key milestones in testing technology for future space exploration.

Partnership between SpaceX and NASA aims to land American astronauts on the moon using Starship technology. [ more ]

SpaceX's Starship successfully reached space for the second time despite a rough landing, showcasing progress in the company's launch system.

The spacecraft reached an altitude of 40 miles before losing contact and making a hard impact, marking a setback in the return journey. [ more ]

Starship, the powerful rocket built by SpaceX, aims for a third launch on a journey around Earth for future moon and Mars missions.

SpaceX seeks to achieve higher altitudes and speeds with the Starship rocket during the third launch, learning from past failures to improve performance. [ more ]

SpaceX's Starship undergoing its third flight test with upgrades and revised procedures.

Challenges in launching a rocket as large as Starship due to its unique design and scale. [ more ]

Starship rocket's test flight ended with the destruction of the rocket after losing part of the system on reentry.

SpaceX aims to reuse Starship system for multiple missions, with hopes of advancing missions to the moon and Mars. [ more ]

SpaceX's Starship spacecraft was lost during its descent back to Earth after a test flight, marking a significant setback.

The Starship rocket, the biggest and most powerful ever built, achieved a major milestone by successfully separating its booster from the spaceship. [ more ]

Starship spacecraft's test flight is SpaceX's third attempt to develop a powerful rocket for Mars.

Frequent flight testing is key to improving SpaceX's spacecraft prototypes and gathering valuable data. [ more ]

Utilizing microgravity for drug manufacturing in space can lead to purer and cheaper medications

Multiple companies and organizations are exploring the benefits of microgravity for drug development [ more ]

Former Blue Origin employees start company to extract helium-3 from the lunar surface.

Interlune receives $15 million in funding for lunar mining operations. [ more ]

Testing living conditions in simulated Mars habitat

Challenges of surviving on Mars [ more ]

National Park system in the U.S. protects wilderness from commercial ventures like construction and mining.

Ethical issues arise regarding space exploration and preservation, including ownership of the Moon. [ more ]

Primates with tails lack a specific DNA insertion found in humans and other apes.

Dwarf galaxies played a crucial role in clearing the cosmic fog after the Big Bang. [ more ]

The search for extraterrestrial life continues on moons like Titan and Europa.

NASA is planning missions to Saturn's moon Titan and Jupiter's moon Europa. [ more ]

Intuitive Machines' lunar lander lost power after historic moon landing.

The use of cryogenic liquid oxygen and liquid methane in the propulsion system is groundbreaking. [ more ]

Nuclear power is experiencing a resurgence both on Earth and in space.

Nuclear energy is crucial for powering long-haul space missions and establishing bases on other celestial bodies. [ more ]