Data from NASA’s Messenger Probe Reveals New Information About Mercury’s Magnetic Field

Medicine & Technology May 08, 2015

While NASA's Messenger Probe may be gone, having crashed into the surface of Mercury, the data it collected is still providing scientists with a wealth of knowledge on the planet that is closest to our Sun. According to data sent back from Messenger, the magnetic field of the little planet is almost four billion years old.

Future of Spaceflight Could Rest in the Hands of the Private Sector

May 07, 2015

NASA is increasing its reliance on the private sector for its space exploration endeavors and many companies are now capitalizing on the future of space travel thanks to an evolving partnership with U.S. space agency.

NASA Giving Away $29K To Someone Who Can Figure Out How To Protect Astronauts

May 06, 2015

Space radiation is one of the biggest problems that NASA faces if it wants to one day send humans to Mars. In a recent study, scientists found that exposure to this radiation can cause brain damage, meaning that astronauts making the journey may be unable to perform their duties once they arrive at the Red Planet. In an effort to come up with new ideas, NASA is offering prizes of up to $29,000 for anyone’s novel design concept that could keep crew members safe.

NASA Video Shows Giant Solar Filament Exploding from the Sun

May 06, 2015

A new video has been released by NASA that shows our very own Sun sending out a giant solar filament, extending its visible hemisphere by close to half. The incident occurred last week and demonstrates the raw power and influence the Sun has on Earth and the rest of the solar system.

NASA’s Charles Bolden Discusses Why “Mars Matters”

May 06, 2015

NASA Administrator and senior science advisor to President Obama, Charles Bolden told attendees at The Humans to Mars Summit in Washington that "Mars matters."

SpaceX Preps for Test of Dragon Capsule

May 05, 2015

The Dragon Capsule, a commercial spacecraft designed by SpaceX to ferry U.S. astronauts into orbit by 2017 is set for a major test on Wednesday, when the private space company plans to blast the capsule away from the launch mount at Cape Canaveral on a mile-high demo flight designed to test the craft's ability to protect occupants in the event of a catastrophic rocket failure on the pad.

Humanity Closer to Mars Than Ever According to NASA

May 05, 2015

While Mars may seem far away to you and me, NASA believe that humanity is actually closer than it has ever been to the Red Planet.

New Name for Space Launching System Could Be On The Way

May 04, 2015

We can all admit that NASA's new system for launching craft into space currently known as the Space Launching System, isn't very catchy. Now, there is a push to give this system a new name and has gained support from lawmakers who have written in the provisions that would order NASA to rename this system from a competition among schoolchildren.

Canada Extends Its Support for the International Space Station

May 04, 2015

The government has made a commitment to extend Canada's support and participation in the International Space Station mission for another four years, or until 2024. The announcement was included as part of the new federal budget.

Will Russia Dismantle the ISS?

May 04, 2015

Since 1998, the International Space Station has stood has a symbol of global cooperation even at times when the participating countries weren't seeing eye to eye. It's 15 modules have been inhabited continuously since 2000 and over the years it has played host to almost 200 astronauts and cosmonauts from 15 different nations. However, despite countries extending support until 2024, this could all still come to an end.

No Fuel? No Problem. New Technology May Make Interplanetary Travel On Electromagnetic Propulsion

May 03, 2015

One of the biggest hurdles to interplanetary space travel has always been fuel: how can you possibly carry enough to get you to the outer reaches of the solar system? Well, the fuel-conscious scientists at NASA may have cause to celebrate.

A Fond Farewell to NASA’s MESSENGER

May 03, 2015

More than 10 years ago NASA launched it’s MESSENGER spacecraft with a one-year long orbit mission in mind. But over the course of its 4.9 billion-mile-journey NASA came to find that the decade-long mission would exceed expectations far past their mark.

A Final Scene from Mercury—MESSENGER’s Last View

May 03, 2015

Before its crash-landing into the surface of its long-studied host planet, NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft sent back its final view of the surface of Mercury. And now NASA is sharing it with you. Exceeding all expectations and lasting more than 4 times its original mission timeline, the spacecraft has been instrumental to NASA’s vast studies of the other planets within our solar system, so with this image and a fiery display to end its mission with flair, the space agency is paying homage to MESSENGER and its long life in orbit.

Are Ceres' Bright Spots Signs of Alien Life? NASA Wants You to Weigh In

May 02, 2015

From the moment they were discovered by NASA's Dawn spacecraft, the two bright spots on Ceres have fascinated scientists and amateur astronomers across the world. What are they and why are they there? Scientists believed that once Dawn reached orbit they would be able to learn more about these two mysterious spots, but even now they remain a mystery. NASA has made an unusual move by inviting the public to weigh in on what they believe is the nature of these two bright spots.

Local Pacific Palisades NASA Team’s Satellite Technology Saving Lives in Nepal

May 02, 2015

A team at NASA located in the Pacific Palisades of Los Angeles is using the latest in satellite technology to assist with the rescue efforts of earthquake victims after last month's magnitude 7.9 quake that rocked Nepal.