11 articles
A sudden hull breach on a spacecraft poses a serious threat to astronaut survival. The rate of air loss and its impact on human physiology depend critically on the size of the hole and the spacecraft's internal volume. Historical incidents and current spaceflight knowledge highlight the critical importance of understanding these dynamics for mission safety.
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station are troubleshooting a problem with the onboard waste management system. Mission control is guiding Christina Koch through specific steps to repair the space toilet. This fix is crucial for upcoming Artemis II lunar missions.
Astronaut Mike Fincke detailed a recent medical emergency aboard the ISS that led to his return to Earth. While doctors ruled out serious conditions like stroke, the exact cause is still being studied, with theories pointing to a space-related anomaly. The experience is providing crucial data for future long-duration missions, including NASA's Artemis program.
New astronomical findings reveal Jupiter is smaller and flatter than previously thought, while scientists are developing innovative methods to resolve the Hubble tension in cosmic expansion measurements. Plus, the ISS receives a life extension and NASA's Artemis program sees strategic shifts.
Voyager probes continue their interstellar journey, while the concept of Dyson spheres evolves into a gradual, satellite-based energy harvesting strategy. The Extremely Large Telescope promises groundbreaking discoveries, and the challenges of lunar missions are being addressed through robotic precursors. Life aboard the ISS reveals the unromantic realities of maintaining a space habitat.
SpaceX has received a major boost with approval for 76 Starship launches from Florida's SLC-37, significantly increasing its launch capacity. Meanwhile, development continues at Starbase with upgrades and new hardware, while the ISS reaches full capacity and celebrates 25 years of continuous human presence.
SpaceX is rapidly advancing Starship's capabilities with significant upgrades to its Version 3 launch tower, including the installation of the crucial Ship Quick Disconnect arm and enhanced bumper systems. This progress is set against a backdrop of other space news, including an ISS medical evacuation and NASA's revised budget.
Veteran astronaut Don Pettit and his mentee Matthew Dominick share insights on astrophotography and life aboard the ISS from the iconic Cupola. They discuss camera gear, capturing Earth's beauty, and the challenges of orbital mechanics.
Crew-11 of the International Space Station is returning to Earth earlier than planned due to an unspecified medical situation. NASA emphasizes the crew member is stable and the return is precautionary, not an emergency.
From early cameras to the latest smartphones, everyday consumer technology has a long and vital history in space exploration. NASA's increasing reliance on these devices simplifies operations, enhances astronaut experience, and brings the cosmos closer to home.
