In a series of flights between June 1-6, 2021, Stratodynamics Inc. launched its HiDRON stratospheric glider from a high-altitude balloon to study turbulence.
Read MoreMonth: June 2021
NASA Administrator Statement on China Crewed Launch
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson released the following statement Thursday regarding the China National Space Agency’s launch of the first crew to its Tiangong space station:
Read MoreRussia, China reveal moon base roadmap but no plans for astronaut trips yet
China and Russia have invited international partners to join them in building a moon base but revealed they don’t plan to send astronauts to the moon in the next decade. The International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) will consist of a space station in lunar orbit, a moon base on the surface and a set of mobile rovers and intelligent “hopping” robots, according to representatives of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos and China National Space Administration (CNSA). Speaking at the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX) in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Wednesday (June…
Read MoreTantalizing Pluto views suggest active surface but won’t be seen again for 161 years
For a brief moment in time in July 2018, the solar system aligned to show Earth the fully sunlit disk of Pluto, an arrangement that won’t occur again for 161 years. Planetary scientist Bonnie Buratti was ready: She had been waiting for a decade for the opportunity to catch the rare sight in hopes of filling a gap in knowledge that even the carefully planned New Horizons mission couldn’t tackle. The result is an enigmatic plot of light from Pluto and its moon, Charon. “We grasped this once-in-a-lifetime — well…
Read MoreIndia’s human spaceflight plans coming together despite delays
So far, sending humans into space has been limited to the space programs of only three countries: the U.S., Russia (inheriting that of the former Soviet Union), and, joining them in the 21st century, China. But a fourth is poised to follow: the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), India’s space exploration agency. ISRO isn’t afraid to dream big. The agency’s head, K. Sivan, has talked about space stations and moonwalks. ISRO hopes that the long arc toward those goals can begin with its first program of crewed missions, Gaganyaan (derived…
Read MoreSummer Nights Offer Splendid Sights in Lyra
Lyra, the Lyre, offers a wonderful assortment of double stars and deep-sky objects to keep you up at night. Break out your binoculars and telescope and join me for a summertime ramble. The post Summer Nights Offer Splendid Sights in Lyra appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreTwisters in the Cosmic Web
Astronomers have found that the largest structures in the universe spin, making twister-like strings of galaxies and dark matter in the cosmic web. The post Twisters in the Cosmic Web appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreWatch astronauts install new space station solar arrays in a spacewalk today
[embedded content] Astronauts working hundreds of miles above Earth will install a new solar array on the International Space Station today (June 16) — and you can watch all the action live. NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough and European Space Agency astronaut Thomas Pesquet will spend about 6.5 hours working together in the vacuum of space for today’s spacewalk, or extravehicular activity (EVA). NASA will provide a live broadcast starting at 6:30 a.m. EDT (1030 GMT), and the EVA is scheduled to start around 8 a.m. EDT (1200 GMT) when the…
Read MoreGet ‘Down to Earth’ with former NASA astronaut Terry Virts in new podcast
Former NASA astronaut Colonel Terry Virts’ has launched an entertaining new podcast that promotes discussions about issues that matter here on Earth. “Down to Earth with Terry Virts” covers a range of topics including science, politics, film, sport, and of course space, with a variety of fascinating guests. So if you want to hear about how the universe will end, what life is like as a Navy SEAL or what a former deputy assistant secretary of defense has to say about UFOs, this podcast is for you. Related: Retired NASA…
Read MoreA Purposeful Passenger Prepares for Mission Aboard Orion Spacecraft
When NASA’s Orion spacecraft launches around the Moon later this year, a suited manikin will be its passenger.
Read More