Space tourism – 20 years in the making – is finally ready for launch

The first space tourist left Earth 20 years ago aboard a Russian rocket. Now, private companies are on the cusp of offering trips off Earth for those who can pay.

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies • conversation
April 28, 2021 ~8 min

520-day simulated Mars mission changes crew’s gut bacteria

After completing a confined 520-day simulated mission to Mars, researchers discovered significant changes in the crew's gut microbiota.

Frederique Mazerolle-McGill • futurity
April 27, 2021 ~6 min


Synthetic gelatin-like material mimics lobster underbelly’s stretch and strength

The membrane’s structure could provide a blueprint for robust artificial tissues.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News Office • mit
April 23, 2021 ~8 min

Aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover, MOXIE creates oxygen on Mars

Thanks to an MIT-designed instrument, a NASA mission has produced oxygen on another planet for the first time.

Nancy Kotary | Sara Cody | Haystack Observatory | Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics • mit
April 21, 2021 ~3 min

Astronauts on Mars missions could suffer cognitive and emotional problems – new research

High levels of cognitive performance and effective teamwork are crucial to long-duration space missions.

Elisa Raffaella Ferrè, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway • conversation
March 17, 2021 ~6 min

How do astronauts go to the bathroom in space?

Going to the bathroom is much more complicated in space without any gravity. To solve this problem of tricky orbital potty breaks, NASA builds special toilets that work without gravity.

Tracy K.P. Gregg, Associate Professor of Geology, University at Buffalo • conversation
March 15, 2021 ~5 min

Algorithm helps artificial intelligence systems dodge “adversarial” inputs

Method builds on gaming techniques to help autonomous vehicles navigate in the real world, where signals may be imperfect.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News Office • mit
March 8, 2021 ~8 min

Space Force sounds like a joke thanks to pop culture – that could be a problem for an important military branch

Science fiction has often had an inspirational and positive relationship with space endeavors. But the new US Space Force is struggling with a pop culture public relations problem.

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, US Air Force School of Advanced Air and Space Studies • conversation
Feb. 19, 2021 ~7 min


Europe is recruiting astronauts: here's what it takes to become one

Many of people may have dreamed of becoming an astronaut since childhood, but do you have what it takes?

Elisa Raffaella Ferrè, Senior Lecturer, Department of Psychology, Royal Holloway • conversation
Feb. 17, 2021 ~7 min

Five ways artificial intelligence can help space exploration

Artificial intelligence can help us venture further in space.

Audrey Berquand, PhD Student in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Strathclyde • conversation
Jan. 25, 2021 ~8 min

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