Robotic “SuperLimbs” could help moonwalkers recover from falls

A new MIT system could help astronauts conserve energy and extend missions on the lunar surface.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
May 15, 2024 ~8 min

Astronomers spot a giant planet that is as light as cotton candy

The new world is the second-lightest planet discovered to date.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
May 14, 2024 ~8 min


Starliner: Boeing prepares to launch its first crewed spacecraft as it chases after SpaceX

Starliner is only the second vehicle to launch astronauts from US soil since the retirement of the shuttle in 2011.

Gareth Dorrian, Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Space Science, University of Birmingham • conversation
May 3, 2024 ~8 min

China set to blast off to the far side of the Moon – here’s what it could discover

China’s new mission could answer longstanding questions about the Moon.

Ben Rider-Stokes, Post Doctoral Researcher in Achondrite Meteorites, The Open University • conversation
May 1, 2024 ~5 min

Nasa’s planned mission to retrieve rocks from Mars is in trouble – but it’s a vital step to sending humans to the red planet

New ideas will be key to making the mission happen after a report criticised its timescale and cost.

Yang Gao, Professor of Robotics, Head of Centre for Robotics Research, King's College London • conversation
April 30, 2024 ~7 min

A Nasa rover has reached a promising place to search for fossilised life on Mars

The Perseverance rover has arrived at what’s thought to be an ancient shoreline on Mars.

Sean McMahon, Chancellor's Fellow in Astrobiology, The University of Edinburgh • conversation
April 23, 2024 ~7 min

Erin Kara named Edgerton Award winner

The award recognizes exceptional distinction in teaching, research, and service at MIT.

Sandi Miller | Department of Physics • mit
April 17, 2024 ~5 min

Eclipses aren’t just visual spectacles, they are at the heart of scientific efforts to understand distant planets

A type of eclipse is crucial for measuring what’s in the atmospheres of planets orbiting distant stars.

Oisin Creaner, Assistant Professor of Physical Sciences, Dublin City University • conversation
April 8, 2024 ~6 min


If life exists on Jupiter’s moon Europa, scientists might soon be able to detect it

An instrument on the Europa Clipper mission might be able to detect biological cells from space.

Lucinda King, Space Projects Manager & Mission Design Lead, University of Portsmouth • conversation
April 5, 2024 ~7 min

Why there may be oceans inside dwarf planets beyond Pluto – and what this means for the likely abundance of life

The Solar System could be awash with oceans, not on the surface but hidden inside the most surprising bodies

David Rothery, Professor of Planetary Geosciences, The Open University • conversation
April 4, 2024 ~8 min

/

17