[ad_1] As expected, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine stopped by SpaceX HQ in California and then did a bit of Q&A with the media while standing next to Elon Musk and two astronauts. You can watch video of the entire session below as it was posted to Bridenstine’s Twitter feed, but some of the highlights included […]
Category: iss
Soyuz 61 leaves a ghostly trail as it tracks toward the ISS
[ad_1] What it looks like from @Space_Station when your best friend achieves her lifelong dream to go to space. Caught the second stage in progress! We can’t wait to welcome you onboard, crew of Soyuz 61! pic.twitter.com/Ws7tInY58P — Christina H Koch (@Astro_Christina) September 25, 2019 The photo shows the curling smoke plumes from the first […]
The ISS’ spherical robot helper has returned to Earth
[ad_1] The partners have been working on a successor that should build on the lessons learned from the first-generation robot. The new CIMON will have a “more robust” computer, better mics, improved flight control and a more conversational system that recognizes speech, determines intent and includes a call history. It’s expected to reach the ISS […]
Watch SpaceX launch a twice-used Dragon capsule at 6:24PM ET (updated)
[ad_1] There will be ample cargo aboard the capsule, including an experiment for 3D-printing human tissue, a study of the effects of tissue healing in microgravity, a test for how microbes interact with rocks and a second docking adapter for new capsules like the Crew Dragon and Boeing’s Starliner. It’s also a symbolic mission. The […]
How HoloLens is helping advance the science of spaceflight
[ad_1] Microsoft and NASA’s partnership began on June 28th, 2015 as part of Project Sidekick when a SpaceX supply rocket docked with the ISS and delivered the headsets to the waiting astronauts. “HoloLens and other virtual and mixed reality devices are cutting edge technologies that could help drive future exploration and provide new capabilities to […]
How NASA keeps its astronauts safe and sane in space
[ad_1] As such, NASA has spent decades working to ensure that, when it sends crews beyond the atmosphere, they’ll possess the talent and training required to do their duties and return safely. As we look towards Mars — and its two-plus year round trip — NASA faces an unprecedented challenge in doing so. Even on […]
NASA opens the International Space Station to commercial ventures
[ad_1] “Providing expanded opportunities at the International Space Station to manufacture, market and promote commercial products and services will help catalyze and expand space exploration markets for many businesses,” the agency said. Private astronauts will be granted missions of up to 30 days to work on commercial projects, and we might see products manufactured in […]
NASA’s Astrobee cube robot completes first hardware tests in space
[ad_1] The robot and one of its companions, Honey, flew to the station on April 17th. When in service, the Astrobee robots will effectively become spaceborne Roombas — they’ll test how well robots can handle day-to-day maintenance and assist the crew. Ideally, future robots will take care of this drudgery so that humans can focus […]
SpaceX says its Crew Dragon capsule was destroyed during test
[ad_1] During the briefing about the incident, SpaceX president of mission assurance Hans Koenigsmann highlighted how much of the test went right. The Dragon capsule powered up as expected and the Draco thrusters on the Cargo Dragon were fired off successfully for five seconds each. According to Koenigsmann, the anomaly occurred just before firing the […]
The ISS is crawling with nasty bacteria
[ad_1] The microbes come from humans and are similar to the ones in gyms, offices, and hospitals on Earth. They include so-called opportunistic pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus (commonly found on the skin and in the nasal passage) and Enterobacter (associated with the human gastrointestinal tract). Though they can cause diseases back on Earth, it’s […]