Papa Johns delivers ‘space-flavored’ pizza inspired by flown chorizo

Pizza pies have been launched frozen into space and have been made by astronauts using the available ingredients on a space station. They have even been likened to the moon in song. Never before, though, has a pizza been said to be “space-flavored.” That is, not until now. Papa Johns is introducing the “world’s first space-inspired pizza (opens in new tab),” with chorizo as its space-flavored topping. “Spicy flavors like chorizo have long been a favorite space food among hungry astronauts, which is why it has enjoyed such a rich…

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A Month on ‘Mars’: Countdown to departure

The polar weather has turned on us.  When we arrived at the Haughton-Mars Project (HMP) base on Devon Island, it was cool but clear and dry, and the views in every direction were spectacular. These conditions persisted for the first week or so, then we began to see more overcast, rain, and cold.  For the past ten days or so, the gloomy days have persisted — cold, overcast mornings, with brief periods in the afternoon during which Mother Nature teases us with broken clouds spread out across chilly blue skies;…

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Weedo Tina2 review: a budget-priced, beginner-friendly gem

Getting into 3D printing can be a daunting prospect. Aside from choosing a printer, there’s the rigmarole of assembling it, ensuring it’s level, finding a place where it’ll both fit and won’t be interfered with, the list goes on. The Weedo Tina2, is aimed at simplifying this whole affair, and as a quick glance at the company’s website confirms, is targeted at both beginners and children.  Also sold under a couple of other brand names, including the Monoprice Cadet, the Weedo Tina2 is available as two models; the Tina2 Basic…

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Claim your space: Smithsonian offers free passes for Air and Space reopening

With just a month left before its long-awaited reopening, you can now claim your space to see the National Air and Space Museum’s new and reimagined galleries. The Smithsonian will begin distributing free, timed-entry passes (opens in new tab) beginning today (Sept. 14) at 12 p.m. EDT (1600 GMT). Closed since the end of March, the Air and Space Museum’s flagship building on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. is now more than halfway through (opens in new tab) a seven-year, $900 million exterior and interior renovation. On Oct. 14,…

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On This Day In Space: Sept. 14, 1966: Gemini 11 sets all-time altitude record

On Sept. 14, 1966, NASA’s Gemini 11 mission set an all-time spaceflight altitude record when two astronauts reached an orbit of 850 miles above the Earth. This remains the highest altitude ever achieved by a crewed, non-lunar mission. AL Project Gemini: NASA’s 2-Person Space Missions in Pictures Astronaut Richard F. Gordon Jr., pilot for the Gemini-11 spaceflight, returns to the hatch of the spacecraft following extravehicular activity (EVA) on Sept. 13, 1966. This picture was taken over the Atlantic Ocean at approximately 160 nautical miles above Earth’s surface.  (Image credit:…

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Supernova alert! Astronomers just found a way to predict explosive star deaths

Wouldn’t it be nice to know when a giant star is about to die in a cataclysmic supernova explosion? A team of astronomers has done just that. If you see a giant red star surrounded by a thick shroud of material, watch out — the star will likely explode within a few years. When a massive star approaches the end of its life, it goes through several violent phases. Deep in the star’s core, it shifts from fusing hydrogen to fusing heavier elements, starting with helium and moving up to…

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