NASA crashed a spacecraft into an asteroid – photos show the last moments of the successful DART mission

The Double Asteroid Redirection Test successfully showed that it is possible to crash a spacecraft into a small asteroid. Whether the approach could save Earth from a future threat remains to be seen.

David Barnhart, Professor of Astronautics, University of Southern California • conversation
Sept. 27, 2022 • ~6 min

NASA is crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid to test a plan that could one day save Earth from catastrophe

Crashing the 1,340-pound DART probe into the small moonlet orbiting the asteroid Didymos should redirect its trajectory – and could be a model for how to save Earth in the future.

Svetla Ben-Itzhak, Assistant Professor of Space and International Relations, Air University • conversation
Sept. 20, 2022 • ~10 min

Super-Earths are bigger, more common and more habitable than Earth itself – and astronomers are discovering more of the billions they think are out there

Newly discovered super-Earths add to the list of planets around other stars that offer the best chance of finding life. An astronomer explains what makes these super-Earths such excellent candidates.

Chris Impey, University Distinguished Professor of Astronomy, University of Arizona • conversation
Sept. 19, 2022 • ~8 min

NASA's Artemis 1 mission to the Moon sets the stage for routine space exploration beyond Earth's orbit – here's what to expect and why it's important

When the Orion Crew Capsule orbits the Moon there will be no one on board. But the mission will mark a key step in bringing humans back to Earth’s dusty sidekick.

Jack Burns, Professor of Astrophysical and Planetary Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
Aug. 26, 2022 • ~8 min

War in Ukraine highlights the growing strategic importance of private satellite companies – especially in times of conflict

Private satellite companies have boomed in recent years, and many experts have wondered what role they would play in a conflict. They have proved to be invaluable to Ukraine in recent months.

Mariel Borowitz, Associate Professor of International Affairs, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
Aug. 15, 2022 • ~9 min

Russia’s withdrawal from the International Space Station could mean the early demise of the orbital lab – and sever another Russian link with the West

The head of the Russian space agency announced that the country will withdraw from the International Space Station after 2024. A space policy expert explains what this means and why it’s happening now.

Wendy Whitman Cobb, Professor of Strategy and Security Studies, Air University • conversation
July 26, 2022 • ~7 min

Russians reportedly building a satellite-blinding laser – an expert explains the technology

Build a powerful enough laser, and you can shine it into space. Aim it well, and you can blind satellites.

Iain Boyd, Professor of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder • conversation
July 26, 2022 • ~9 min

Astronomers have found an especially sneaky black hole – discovery sheds light on star death, black hole formation and gravitational waves

Astronomers have discovered the first dormant black hole outside of the Milky Way. These black holes are not absorbing matter from a nearby star, making them incredibly hard to find.

Idan Ginsburg, Academic Faculty in Physics & Astronomy, Georgia State University • conversation
July 25, 2022 • ~7 min

James Webb Space Telescope: An astronomer explains the stunning, newly released first images

NASA released five new images from the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing incredible details of ancient galaxies, stars and the presence of water in the atmosphere of a distant planet.

Silas Laycock, Professor of Astronomy, UMass Lowell • conversation
July 13, 2022 • ~9 min

NASA's head warned that China may try to claim the Moon – two space scholars explain why that's unlikely to happen

A comment by Bill Nelson, the NASA administrator, sparked a strong public response from the Chinese government. But due to legal and practical reasons, no country could take over the Moon anytime soon.

R. Lincoln Hines, Assistant Professor, West Space Seminar, Air University, Air University • conversation
July 8, 2022 • ~7 min

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