Health
A NASA-funded study on rats reveals that galactic cosmic radiation, a key hazard of deep space missions, can cause lasting erectile dysfunction, with effects persisting over a year after exposure. The findings highlight a new health risk for astronauts, though treatments targeting specific biological pathways showed promise in the animal model.
Space
NASA, the Department of Energy, and Los Alamos National Laboratory are developing Kilopower, a compact nuclear reactor that could provide reliable electricity for future Mars and Moon missions. The reactor, tested in 2018, offers a scalable power solution for habitats, with plans for multiple units to meet mission needs.
Space
A UK-led experiment, RemoveDEBRIS, is aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule heading to the International Space Station to test net-based and harpoon-based methods for capturing orbital debris. The mission aims to prove that cleaning up space junk can be done affordably, addressing a growing threat to satellites.
Space
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian on Tuesday accused the United States of militarizing outer space, citing espionage and the development of space weapons. The criticism follows the Pentagon's request for a 40% budget increase for the Space Force, raising concerns about a new arms race beyond Earth.
Space
NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine outlines a bold new approach to lunar exploration, emphasizing a sustainable presence and collaboration with private companies. The plan involves the Lunar Gateway and aims to prepare for future Mars missions.
Space
An Israeli spacecraft is carrying a disc with 25,000 books, Wikipedia, and language guides to the Moon, part of a project to preserve human knowledge for billions of years. The archive, created by the Arch Mission Foundation, launched Thursday on a SpaceX Falcon 9. It is one of several planned backups across the solar system.
Space
A legal expert argues that current international treaties banning nuclear weapons in space could hinder humanity's ability to deflect a catastrophic asteroid. He proposes establishing a new global framework now to authorize nuclear strikes on threatening space rocks, avoiding political gridlock during an actual crisis.
Space
A NASA safety review panel revealed that Boeing's first uncrewed Starliner test in December nearly ended in a catastrophic failure due to a valve mapping software issue. The problem could have caused incorrect thruster firing during re-entry, risking the spacecraft's loss. NASA is now deciding whether to require another uncrewed test before allowing astronauts on board.
Space
SpaceX has positioned its latest Starship prototype, SN9, on the launch pad, following the explosive conclusion of the SN8 test flight. The company is preparing for another high-altitude attempt, though no official date has been set. Road closures hint at a possible test before year's end.
Space
NASA has released video footage documenting the Perseverance rover's landing on Mars, revealing the intricate sequence of parachute deployment, heat shield separation, and the skycrane maneuver that delivered the rover safely. The footage captures the tension at mission control, where cheers erupted upon confirmation of the successful touchdown.
Space
A new animation depicting two SpaceX Starships meeting in orbit for propellant transfer has drawn approval from Elon Musk. The visual comes as SpaceX prepares for a NASA-funded demonstration of orbital refueling, a key step for deep-space missions.
Space
NASA has selected five U.S. companies, including Blue Origin, for contracts supporting the Artemis Moon program. Blue Origin will receive $25.6 million for studies and risk reduction, despite its ongoing lawsuit against the agency over the human landing system award. The funding is part of a broader effort to mature lunar lander concepts.
Space
NASA's Curiosity rover, using a wet chemistry experiment on a 2017 Martian soil sample, has detected benzoic acid and ammonia—molecules not previously found on the Red Planet. While not proof of past life, the results expand the known inventory of Martian organics and validate a technique for future searches.
Space
NASA's Parker Solar Probe is set to make its closest-ever pass by the Sun on Christmas Eve, plunging into the corona to study the origins of solar wind. The spacecraft will come within 3.8 million miles of the solar surface, enduring extreme heat to gather data that could explain why the corona is hotter than the Sun's surface.
Space
The SETI Post-Detection Hub at the University of St Andrews is developing protocols for humanity's response to alien contact. Coordinator John Elliott warns that without preparation, society could react chaotically, as seen during the COVID pandemic.
Space
NASA is deploying a software patch to Voyager 2 to address thruster fuel residue and a glitch that affected Voyager 1, aiming to extend the nearly 50-year mission. Engineers are running out of backup options, but the team hopes to reach the 50-year milestone and celebrate.
Space
A water leak forced NASA to cut short a spacewalk, highlighting the aging shuttle-era suits. Adding to the concern, contractor Collins Aerospace has abandoned its work on a replacement, leaving Axiom and SpaceX as potential alternatives.
Space
According to a New York Times report, Elon Musk has offered his own sperm to help establish a Martian settlement, underscoring his deep commitment to making humanity multi-planetary. The report also details Musk's concerns about global fertility rates and his company's ongoing plans for a city on the Red Planet.
Space
Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket suffered a structural failure during testing, jeopardizing its planned October launch for NASA's EscaPADE Mars mission. The mishap adds to years of delays and technical issues, raising doubts about meeting the tight deadline.
Space
A small asteroid, 2024 PT5, has completed its temporary gravitational interaction with Earth, ending a two-month sojourn. The 33-foot object, possibly a chip off the Moon, will return for a brief visit in January before a 30-year hiatus.
