NASA’s micro-mission Lunar Trailblazer will make macro-measurements of the lunar surface in 2025
Lunar Trailblazer is planned to launch on the first Commercial Lunar Payload Services mission of 2025.
Dec. 29, 2024 • ~8 min
From new commercial Moon landers to asteroid investigations, expect a slate of exciting space missions in 2025
From exploring the Moon to revealing mysteries of the solar system, space agencies around the world are gearing up for an exciting year of launches and flybys.
Dec. 26, 2024 • ~11 min
2 populations of dark comets in the solar system could tell researchers where the Earth got its oceans
Comets without tails, called dark comets, are a newly discovered space object. Now, astronomers know they come in 2 classes.
Dec. 20, 2024 • ~8 min
In Disney’s ‘Moana,’ the characters navigate using the stars, just like real Polynesian explorers − an astronomer explains how these methods work
Disney’s ‘Moana’ movies have brought a new level of excitement for astronomy and wayfinding, says an astronomer who regularly hosts planetarium shows.
Dec. 20, 2024 • ~7 min
The Moon might be older than scientists previously thought − a new study shines light on its history
An extreme heating event may have interfered with scientists’ attempts to figure out the Moon’s age by dating lunar rock samples.
Dec. 18, 2024 • ~7 min
How does the International Space Station orbit Earth without burning up?
The International Space Station is an engineering feat that has led to countless scientific discoveries. Like the thousands of satellites in orbit, it manages to stay up in the atmosphere.
Dec. 16, 2024 • ~8 min
NASA’s crew capsule had heat shield issues during Artemis I − an aerospace expert on these critical spacecraft components
It’s a good idea to make sure your spacecraft can take the heat that comes with reentering Earth’s atmosphere before you put people in it.
Dec. 12, 2024 • ~8 min
Pearl Young, the first woman to work in a technical role at NASA, overcame barriers and ‘raised hell’ − her legacy continues today
Many of her male colleagues believed Pearl Young had an attitude problem based on her efforts to advocate for herself and her team.
Dec. 10, 2024 • ~8 min
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