Space Exploration

NASA's Artemis Astronauts to Wear New Spacesuits on the Moon Main Ideas: NASA is planning to land astronauts on the lunar surface during Artemis III to establish a long-term human presence on the Moon. The Artemis astronauts will be equipped with new spacesuits called the Exploration Extravehicular Mobility Unit (xEMU). The xEMU is an upgraded version of the previous Extravehicular Mobility Unit (EMU) used during the Apollo missions. The new spacesuits are designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the Moon's surface and provide enhanced mobility for the astronauts. NASA is conducting rigorous testing and evaluation of the xEMU to ensure its safety and functionality before the Artemis mission. Author's take: NASA's Artemis mission aims to establish a sustainable human presence on the ...

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope to Capture Detailed Images of Nearby Galaxies Main Ideas: NASA's James Webb Space Telescope will provide highly detailed images of nearby spiral galaxies. The telescope will capture the arms of the galaxies, filled with stars, as well as their centers where there may be old star clusters and active supermassive black holes. Observations from the telescope will help scientists study the structure, formation, and evolution of these galaxies. The telescope's capabilities will enable it to capture infrared light, which can penetrate cosmic dust and reveal hidden regions within the galaxies. Author's Take: NASA's upcoming James Webb Space Telescope is set to revolutionize our understanding of nearby galaxies by capturing highly detailed images. By ob...

NASA Completes Sixth RS-25 Engine Certification Test for SLS Rocket Key Points: NASA has completed the sixth out of twelve scheduled RS-25 engine certification tests for the agency's SLS (Space Launch System) rocket. This critical series of tests is aimed at ensuring the engine's performance and reliability for future missions. The full-duration hot fire test was successfully conducted at NASA's Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. The testing is part of a series of hot fire tests that will build upon previous tests conducted by NASA. Author's Take: NASA's latest RS-25 engine certification test marks significant progress in the agency's preparations for future missions using the SLS rocket. The successful completion of this critical series of hot fire tests demonstrates NASA's commitmen...

NASA Awards Contract to Booz Allen Hamilton for Maintenance and Operation of Incident Reporting Programs Main Points: NASA has awarded a contract to Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. for the maintenance and operation of incident reporting programs. The contract includes the development of new systems to improve current and future reporting. The contract is a cost-plus-fixed-fee indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. It will be managed by the Human Systems Integration Division at NASA's Author's Take: NASA has selected Booz Allen Hamilton to be responsible for maintaining and operating its incident reporting programs as well as developing future improvements. This contract will ensure that NASA's systems for reporting incidents and safety are up to date and efficient. It demonstrates N...

NASA Invites Public to Participate in Virtual Activities Ahead of Commercial Resupply Mission Launch Key Points: NASA is inviting the public to participate in virtual activities ahead of the launch of Northrop Grumman's 20th commercial resupply services mission. The mission is scheduled for launch on Monday, January 29, from Cape Canaveral. Northrop Grumman's Cygnus cargo spacecraft will be launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 40. The virtual activities include opportunities to learn about the science and technology behind the mission. NASA is providing live coverage of the launch, including commentary from experts. Author's take: With the advancement of technology and the increasing interest in space exploration, NASA is taking steps to engage the public in th...

JAXA's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) successfully landed on the lunar surface On January 19, 2024, JAXA's SLIM successfully landed on the moon NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) photographed SLIM on the lunar surface Five days after the landing, NASA's LRO spacecraft passed over the landing site LRO acquired an image of SLIM at an altitude of about 50 miles (80 km) Overall, JAXA's SLIM successfully landed on the moon and NASA's LRO captured an image of it JAXA's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) achieved a successful lunar landing on January 19, 2024. Five days later, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) captured an image of SLIM on the lunar surface. This successful landing and subsequent photograph by LRO contribute to our understanding of th...

Ten Teams Named Global Winners of 2023 NASA International Space Apps Challenge The Challenge is the largest annual global hackathon, engaging participants in real-world problem-solving - Ten teams from different parts of the world have been announced as the Global Winners of the 2023 NASA International Space Apps Challenge. - The challenge is considered the largest annual global hackathon organized by NASA. - Participants in the challenge have the opportunity to tackle real-world problems faced on Earth as well as in space. - The event encourages collaboration and innovation in finding solutions to various challenges in the fields of technology and space exploration. Author's Take This year's Global Winners showcase the incredible talent and dedication of participants in the NASA Interna...

NASA Installs Emergency Egress Baskets at Launch Pad 39B Summary: Teams from NASA's Exploration Ground Systems Program have started installing four emergency egress baskets at Launch Pad 39B at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. These baskets, similar to gondolas on ski lifts, will provide a safe way for astronauts to exit the pad in the event of an emergency during launch countdowns. The installation is part of the preparations for NASA's Artemis II crewed mission. Main Ideas: 1. Installation of emergency egress baskets: - Teams with NASA's Exploration Ground Systems Program have begun installing four emergency egress baskets at Launch Pad 39B. - These baskets will provide a safe way for astronauts to exit the pad during an emergency. 2. Similar to gondolas: - The emergency egress bas...

NASA and Roscosmos Prepare for SpaceX Crew-8 Mission to International Space Station Main Points: Four new crew members are set to launch to the International Space Station as part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission. The crew consists of NASA astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin. The team will perform various tasks during their time on the space station, including research, technology demonstrations, and maintenance. The launch will take place from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Author's take: NASA and Roscosmos continue their collaboration with the upcoming SpaceX Crew-8 mission. The team of experienced astronauts and cosmonauts will contribute to the ongoing research and maintenance effor...

Astronomers Discover Interacting Galaxies Main Ideas: NGC 5410, a large galaxy, was discovered in 1787 by astronomer William Herschel. NGC 5410 is part of a pair of interacting galaxies. Interacting galaxies are close enough to perturb each other through gravitational forces. NGC 5410 has a bright white bar of stars at its center. NGC 5410 spans 80,000 light-years across. Author's Take: Astronomers have captured a stunning image of two interacting galaxies, with NGC 5410 taking center stage. Discovered over two centuries ago, NGC 5410 boasts an impressive size, spanning 80,000 light-years across. Its unique feature, a bright white bar of stars at its center, adds to the visual spectacle. The discovery of interacting galaxies provides valuable insights into the effects of gravitational fo...