Four small planets discovered around one of the closest stars to Earth – an expert explains what we know

The small worlds were particularly challenging to discover.

Coel Hellier, Professor of Astrophysics, Keele University • conversation
March 14, 2025 • ~6 min

3D printing will help space pioneers make homes, tools and other stuff they need to colonize the Moon and Mars

3D printing in outer space and on alien planets comes with otherworldly challenges.

Sven Bilén, Professor of Engineering Design, Electrical Engineering and Aerospace Engineering, Penn State • conversation
March 13, 2025 • ~9 min

Mission possible − parastronaut programs can make space travel more inclusive and attainable for all

Figuring out how to make spacecraft more accessible to astronauts with physical disabilities can also make them safer for long-duration missions.

Rebecca Rhoades, Researcher in Education, Health & Behavior, University of North Dakota • conversation
March 11, 2025 • ~7 min

Study: Climate change will reduce the number of satellites that can safely orbit in space

Increasing greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the atmosphere’s ability to burn up old space junk, MIT scientists report.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
March 10, 2025 • ~8 min

Jumping exercises could help astronauts avoid cartilage damage

A new study with mice hints at a likely way to counter cartilage damage in long space journeys.

Roberto Molar Candanosa-Johns Hopkins • futurity
Feb. 25, 2025 • ~8 min

Asteroid has a very small chance of hitting Earth in 2032, but a collision could devastate a city

The chances of asteroid 2024 YR4 hitting Earth are small but fluctuating.

Maggie Lieu, Research Fellow, School of Physics and Astronomy, University of Nottingham • conversation
Feb. 24, 2025 • ~8 min

Colliding plasma ejections from the Sun generate huge geomagnetic storms − studying them will help scientists monitor future space weather

While geomagnetic storms can lead to gorgeous aurora displays, they can also damage satellites and GPS.

Shirsh Lata Soni, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Michigan • conversation
Feb. 21, 2025 • ~6 min

Study reveals the Phoenix galaxy cluster in the act of extreme cooling

Observations from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope help to explain the cluster’s mysterious starburst, usually only seen in younger galaxies.

Jennifer Chu | MIT News • mit
Feb. 13, 2025 • ~8 min

Sofas that self-assemble when you heat them up? How 4D printing could transform manufacturing

This unsung research area involves 3D-printing smart materials that can change shape when they come into contact with stimuli like heat or light.

Mahdi Bodaghi, Associate Professor of Smart Materials & Manufacturing, Nottingham Trent University • conversation
Feb. 12, 2025 • ~8 min

MIT engineers develop a fully 3D-printed electrospray engine

Ideal for propelling tiny satellites, the lightweight devices could be produced on board a spacecraft and cost much less than traditional thrusters.

Adam Zewe | MIT News • mit
Feb. 12, 2025 • ~8 min

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