In 2015, the naming of the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) became the subject of controversy when it was revealed that the namesake (NASA’s administrator between 1961 and 1968) was involved in the infamous “Lavender Scare.” This refers to the period in the late 1940s and early 50s when the U.S. State Department purged thousands of individuals from their positions due to allegations of homosexuality. In 2021, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson requested a formal and public report and tasked NASA’s Chief Historian Brian C. Odom with investigating the matter.
Space News & Blog Articles
Affinity Photo image editing software $20 off this Black Friday/Cyber Monday
A Black Friday/Cyber Monday deal on this standalone image editing software is now $20 off and a perfect replacement for Photoshop.
This Lego Star Wars deal gets you the rare, retiring Imperial Probe Droid for its lowest price ever
Save more than $18 on this Lego Star Wars Probe Droid, making it only $41.99. This IS the droid you're looking for!
This Canon EOS R5 bundle is now $500 cheaper this Black Friday/Cyber Monday
Get the Canon EOS R5 for much less than the RRP, and get a host of accessories to boot this Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
The 'Andor' penultimate Season 1 episode reminds us there are many threads in the fabric of this story
We've seen a bank heist, then a jail break and now the show is setting up what could turn into a deadly ambush
The new Canon EOS R10 is now $100 cheaper this Black Friday/Cyber Monday
Save $100 off the RRP on the Canon EOS R10 mirrorless camera at Walmart this Black Friday/Cyber Monday.
SpaceX supply ship docks at space station
SpaceX’s Dragon cargo ship during its rendezvous with the International Space Station on Sunday. Credit: NASA TV
A day after launching from Kennedy Space Center, SpaceX’s Dragon cargo capsule approached the International Space Station for an automated docking Sunday with more than 7,700 pounds of supplies and experiments.
Protons: The essential building blocks of atoms
Protons are ubiquitous in the universe. They are found in the nuclei of all atoms and play a crucial role in how stars shine.
Exclusive: Netflix's new 'Our Universe' docuseries combines natural history with ancient ties to the stars
Netflix has released a new six-part nature and science documentary, "Our Universe," narrated by Morgan Freeman.
Planet-killing stars can cover up their crimes. Here's how we could catch them.
Astronomers have found a way to catch planet-murdering stars red-handed and figured out how long we have until the case grows cold.
Gift the Force! Save up to 72% on Star Wars lightsaber gifts for your Jedi
These discount Star War lightsabers make great holiday gifts for any padawan or youngling, letting you recreate the magic of the movies or TV shows in your living room.
Gift these moon lamps to your astronomy fan for up to 30% less
Looking for beautiful discount decor? These moon lamps will shine brightly in your space fan's living quarters and are up to 30% off.
Spot your next holiday gift! Save 15% on Nikon ProStaff P3 8x42 waterproof binoculars
This bargain $20 deal on the Nikon ProStaff P3 8x42 waterproof binoculars will please your amateur astronomer.
Save 10% on a great beginner astronomy gift: Celestron 76mm Signature Series FirstScope
The Celestron 76mm Signature Series FirstScope is a compact choice for beginning observers that will let you look at the moon and the Milky Way, along with a handy ebook and software.
India launches satellite for ocean monitoring
India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle lifts off with the EOS 6 satellite. Credit: ISRO
India launched a satellite Saturday to measure ocean winds and water temperatures, adding a key data source for weather forecasters tracking tropical cyclone development around the world.
Asteroid Explodes Over Canada, Artemis I Updates, Very Large Telescope Improvements
Updates on Artemis I. NASA predicted an asteroid striking Canada. James Webb’s view of Titan. New adaptive optics for the Very Large Telescope.
SpaceX launches Dragon cargo ship to deliver new solar arrays to space station
SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon cargo capsule climb into space from Florida on Saturday. Credit: Stephen Clark / Spaceflight Now
SpaceX launched an all-new Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon cargo capsule Saturday from Kennedy Space Center on a mission to deliver new roll-out solar arrays, belated Thanksgiving treats, CubeSats, and a cornucopia of experiments to the International Space Station.
Orion capsule enters distant retrograde orbit, breaks Apollo distance record
A camera on NASA’s Orion spacecraft captured this view Saturday as the capsule flew a quarter-million miles from Earth. Credit: NASA
NASA’s unpiloted Orion spacecraft fired its main engine Friday to slip into a distant lunar orbit, putting it on course to range farther from Earth than any of the Apollo astronauts flew in humanity’s first exploration missions to the moon.
Air-Breathing ion Engines can Continuously Boost Spacecraft Anywhere There’s an Atmosphere
Staying in orbit can be challenging, at least for lower orbits that are more affected by Earth’s atmosphere. But, such orbits also come with advantages, such as better vantage points for new commercial operations such as Earth Observation and telecommunications connections. So there is an incentive for anyone who can figure out how to functionally keep a satellite in orbit at those lower altitudes for long periods. One of the best paths toward that goal seems to be an ion engine that takes in atmospheric particles and uses them for thrust. Now, a recently released paper explores potential use cases for such an engine and suggests a path toward their commercialization.
Watch SpaceX's Dragon cargo capsule arrive at space station Sunday morning
SpaceX's Dragon cargo capsule is scheduled to dock with the International Space Station on Sunday (Nov. 27) around 7:30 a.m. EST (1230 GMT). Watch live here.
At 20%-off, Black Friday's Lego Star Wars helmet deals are the perfect Holiday gift
Construct Mandalorian and Dark Trooper helmets for a huge discount.