For generations, humans have dreamed of the day when we might set foot on Mars. For many others, the dream has been one of settling on Mars and creating an outpost of human civilization there. Today, it looks as though both of these dreams are getting closer to becoming a reality, as space agencies and the commercial space industry are deep into planning regular crewed missions to the Red Planet. And when planning for long-duration missions to destinations in deep space, a vital aspect is assessing the local environment.
Space News & Blog Articles
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Life Could Make Habitable Pockets in Venus’ Atmosphere
The tantalizing possibility that life exists in the clouds of Venus is once again causing a stir amongst planetary scientists this week. Researchers out of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cardiff University, and the University of Cambridge have proposed that some longstanding ‘anomalies’ in the composition of Venus’ atmosphere might be explained by the presence of ammonia. But ammonia itself would be a strange compound to discover there, unless some unknown process – such as biological life – was actively producing it. Perhaps more intriguingly, ammonia can remove the acidity from Venus’ hostile cloud-tops, suggesting that an airborne, ammonia-producing microbe might have evolved the ability to turn its hostile surroundings into something habitable.
NASA is tracking two explorers across Antarctica to prepare humans for Mars
NASA is tracking two explorers on a 2,268-mile (3,650 kilometers) journey across Antarctica to learn more about humanity's ability to survive on Mars.
H-2A rocket deploys powerful satellite for mobile telecom operator Inmarsat
A Japanese H-2A rocket takes off from Tanegashima Space Center with the Inmarsat 6 F1 satellite. Credit: MHI
The first in a new line of powerful dual-band satellites for Inmarsat’s communications network linking ships, airplanes, and other mobile customers successfully launched Wednesday aboard a Japanese H-2A rocket.
Winner of Blue Origin's $28 million auction to fly with 5 'space warriors' next year
Justin Sun, the founder and CEO of the blockchain platform Tron, announced today (Dec. 22) that he's the person who paid $28 million for a seat aboard Blue Origin's first crewed spaceflight.
Daniel Abraham and Ty Franck on sticking the landing for final 'The Expanse' novel, 'Leviathan Falls' (exclusive)
The award-winning authors take the Rocinante out for a final flight in the conclusion of "The Expanse" novel series.
Webb launch date confirmed for 25 December
The target launch date for the James Webb Space Telescope is confirmed for 25 December, as early as possible within the launch window starting at 12:20 GMT / 13:20 CET.
Meteorites reveal how Earth and Mars formed
Earth and Mars must have formed from collisions between giant moon-sized rocks rather than from clumping together of a huge amount of tiny pebbles, a new study found.
Solar storm may amp up northern lights before Christmas
A solar storm that erupted from the sun on Monday (Dec. 20) may boost northern lights displays around the north pole just ahead of Santa's trip this weekend.
Best beginner drones
We've tried, tested and ranked all of this year's best beginner drones.
Astronomers find record-breaking haul of starless 'rogue' planets
Astronomers have discovered dozens of new "rogue" planets, nearly doubling the known number of these mysterious free-roaming worlds.
Venus Farewell, Moonless Skies for the Quadrantids
Venus presents a stunning crescent at dusk before switching over to the morning sky early next month. After dodging the Moon for the Geminids, it's dark skies all around for the Quadrantid meteor shower.
Best DSLR cameras
These are some of the best DSLR cameras you can buy right now, whether you're a beginner or a pro.
Experiments, holiday gifts delivered by SpaceX to International Space Station
SpaceX’s Cargo Dragon spacecraft, set against the blackness of space, arrived at the International Space Station early Wednesday. SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Endurance capsule is pictured in the foreground docked at the station. Credit: NASA/Raja Chari
A SpaceX Dragon cargo capsuled pulled into port at the International Space Station Wednesday, a day after launch from Florida’s Space Coast with 3.2 tons of experiments, holiday gifts, and external instruments developed by NASA and the U.S. military to help improve hurricane forecasts.
Live coverage: Japanese rocket counting down to launch with Inmarsat satellite
Live coverage of the countdown and launch of a Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center in Japan. The mission will launch the commercial Inmarsat 6 F1 communications satellite. Follow us on Twitter.
MHI webcast
Testing radar to peer into Jupiter’s moons
Image: Testing radar to peer into Jupiter’s moons
ESA highlights 2021
Video: 00:07:25
We’re almost ready to say goodbye to 2021, a year in which ESA once more succeeded in continuing operations in a challenging global situation, and creating some important milestones in the field of European spaceflight.
The Matrix streaming guide: Where to watch The Matrix online
Looking to jump into The Matrix? Our The Matrix streaming guide tells you how to stream, rent, or buy the movies right now.
Best camera straps
The best camera straps for theft-protection, comfortable carrying, and accident prevention.
Comet Leonard's discoverer explains how the unusual object was found
Discovered nearly a year ago, Comet Leonard is on its final tour of Earth's neighborhood, lighting up the night sky for viewers this holiday season.
Science and music collide with the James Webb Space Telescope
What's the secret ingredient that has supported scientists at NASA in creating the most powerful space telescope in history? Music.
