Could we use an asteroid to shield astronauts on their way to Mars?
Radiation is a primary concern for long-duration human spaceflight, such as the planned trips to Mars, which are the stated goal of organizations such as NASA and SpaceX. Shielding is the standard way to protect astronauts from radiation during those.....»»
After Russian ship docks to space station, astronauts report a foul smell
Cosmonauts aboard the Russian segment of the station donned protective equipment. It should have been a routine mission to ferry about three tons of food, fuel, and supplies to th.....»»
A former Orion manager has surprisingly credible plans to fly European astronauts
"I know it's super hard, and I know it was crazy." It would be easy to be cynical about a German-French startup named The Exploration Company, which aims to build an increasingly.....»»
Oldest direct evidence of hot water activity on Mars found
New Curtin University-led research has uncovered what may be the oldest direct evidence of ancient hot water activity on Mars, revealing the planet may have been habitable at some point in its past......»»
A former Orion engineer has surprisingly credible plans to fly European astronauts
"I know it's super hard, and I know it was crazy." It would be easy to be cynical about a German-French startup named The Exploration Company, which aims to build an increasingly.....»»
Niagara fireball event leads to discovery of tiniest known asteroid
In an international study led by Western University and Lowell Observatory, scientists describe a pioneering, integrative approach for studying near-Earth asteroids based largely on a November 2022 fireball event that dropped meteorites in the Niagar.....»»
How does the Regen Shield work in Valorant?
Patch 9.10 of Valorant introduced a new type of armor called Regen Shields. But how does it even work? We'll explain what this armor does and if it's worth it......»»
Ryugu asteroid sample rapidly colonized by terrestrial life despite strict contamination control
Panspermia is the hypothesis that life can survive the transfer between planetary bodies as a secondary path for life to get started on planets throughout a solar system. The discovery of extraterrestrial life on asteroids or within meteorites would.....»»
Scientists construct first complete energy spectrum of solar high-energy protons in Martian space
Scientists have constructed the first complete proton energy spectrum observed during an eruptive solar event in Martian space, deepening our understanding of the radiation environment around Mars......»»
NASA is stacking the Artemis II rocket, implying a simple heat shield fix
NASA expects it to take about four months to fully assemble the main parts of the SLS rocket. The Space Launch System rocket that will dispatch four astronauts on the first Moon m.....»»
Iron-clad defense: How microbes shield tomato crops from bacterial wilt
Ralstonia solanacearum is a soil-borne pathogen that devastates tomato and other Solanaceae crops globally. Traditional chemical controls have proven inadequate and environmentally damaging......»»
Check out this incredible panorama of Mars taken by Curiosity
A stunning panorama shows the haunting terrain of the Gediz Vallis channel, where the Curiosity rover has been exploring......»»
Making Mars"s moons: Supercomputers offer "disruptive" new explanation
A NASA study using a series of supercomputer simulations reveals a potential new solution to a longstanding Martian mystery: How did Mars get its moons? The first step, the findings say, may have involved the destruction of an asteroid......»»
Astronauts found to process some tasks slower in space, but no signs of permanent cognitive decline
A stay in space exerts extreme pressures on the human body. Astronauts' bodies and brains are impacted by radiation, altered gravity, challenging working conditions, and sleep loss—all of which could compromise cognitive functioning. At the same ti.....»»
Mars Curiosity rover takes a last look at mysterious sulfur
NASA's Curiosity rover is preparing for the next leg of its journey, a months-long trek to a formation called the boxwork, a set of weblike patterns on Mars's surface that stretches for miles. It will soon leave behind Gediz Vallis channel, an area w.....»»
The new Mars landing approach: How we"ll land large payloads on the Red Planet
Back in 2007, I talked with Rob Manning, engineer extraordinaire at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and he told me something shocking. Even though he had successfully led the entry, descent, and landing (EDL) teams for three Mars rover missions, he sa.....»»
Volcanic caves research advances the search for life on Mars
Through the intricate study of lava tubes—caves formed following volcanic eruptions when lava cools down—an international team of researchers has uncovered clues about Earth's ancient environments that could be significant in the search for life.....»»
Selenoproteins open new strategies for treating certain cancers in children
Selenoproteins are crucial for several biological functions, including the breakdown of harmful substances, immune system support, and regulating metabolic processes. However, in specific contexts, these proteins can be misused and shield cancer cell.....»»
Big Bang: Trump and Musk could redefine US space strategy
Should NASA return to the moon, or go straight to Mars? Maintain its focus on climate science, or pivot away?.....»»
Saturday Citations: Cold dark matter takes a hit; a new paradigm for biology; those fracking earthquakes
This week, researchers formulated a new method to calculate the probability of generating intelligent life in the universe. Investigations of a meteorite that originated on Mars revealed that it once interacted with liquid water. And an analysis of f.....»»
Starliner astronauts are healthy and not losing weight, NASA says
NASA has denied rumors that two of its astronauts are losing weight on the ISS, saying they are in outstanding health......»»