The NSF is seeking proposals for research on transport phenomena and fluid dynamics in space, leveraging the ISS National Lab's microgravity environment. Selected projects will receive funding to advance fundamental and translational research benefiting humanity.
Nearly 50 ISS National Lab-sponsored payloads splashed down safely on SpaceX’s CRS-31 mission, including research for early cancer detection and neurodegenerative conditions treatments. The investigations leveraged the space station's unique environment to improve life on Earth.
The development of magnetometers by Southwest Research Institute will measure the interplanetary magnetic field carried by the solar wind and provide critical data for NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center. The instruments will help mitigate space weather impacts on electrical power grids, satellite communication, and navigation systems.
Researchers from the University of Granada and the Public Health Agency of Canada identified the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents, with a degree of scientific agreement exceeding 85%. The top tests include the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index.
Researchers at UT will create a wind tunnel to test high-temperature ceramics under hypersonic conditions, crucial for space shuttle development. The project aims to develop new thermal protection system materials and improve workforce capabilities.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has launched the Center for Space Technology and Operations Research, which will advance engineering, technology, and operations supporting space missions. The center will address growing demands from civil, commercial, and national security space agencies and companies.
The Roman Space Telescope has successfully integrated its telescope, instruments, and spacecraft components at NASA Goddard. The observatory will focus cosmic light and send it to its instruments, revealing billions of objects in space and time.
The AstroRad vest employs high-density polymers to shield vital organs from radiation exposure, addressing cancer and radiation sickness risks. The wearable technology has undergone extensive testing through the ISS National Lab, leading to significant enhancements in its design and functionality.
Loral O'Hara, a NASA astronaut, visited the Naval Research Laboratory to share her 200+ day mission aboard the International Space Station. She discussed her daily routine, scientific research, and the challenges faced by the crew, highlighting the importance of space exploration for advancing human knowledge.
A team of researchers has designed a servicing plan for future space observatories, inspired by current missions like the James Webb Space Telescope and the European Space Agency's Gaia. The plan aims to address the enormous challenges of implementing serviceability in modern space telescopes, including distance and delicate structures.
Researchers identified the 20-meter shuttle run test, handgrip strength test, standing long jump test, and body mass index as the most important physical fitness tests for children and adolescents. These tests are reliable indicators of aerobic capacity, muscular strength, and overall health status.
The American College of Lifestyle Medicine has partnered with the US Space Force to provide lifestyle medicine education, training, and certification to Guardian Resilience Team members. This initiative aims to enhance Space Force service members' health and performance through evidence-based lifestyle interventions.
The In-Space Physical AI Workshop, held at Rice University's Ion District, brought together top scientists and experts to explore AI applications in space. Key findings included the potential of AI to streamline spacecraft navigation and crew health management.
The telescope will focus cosmic light and send it to Roman's instruments, revealing billions of objects in space. The assembly underwent rigorous tests simulating launch conditions, temperature control, and gas handling.
Research suggests that a 1% increase in green space in deprived urban areas could lead to 40% fewer preventable deaths. The study found that access to green space is poorest in the most deprived areas, with significant associations between green space and preventable deaths in England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Dr. James Walker has received the Distinguished Scientist Award for his significant contributions to hypervelocity impact science and penetration modeling. His research applications include body armor, ground vehicle armor, and shielding against orbital debris.
The SpaceX CRS-31 mission to the International Space Station includes studies on in-space manufacturing, cardiac health, and a method for repairing spacecraft damaged by debris. Multiple payloads sponsored by the ISS National Laboratory are bound for the orbiting outpost.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have developed a system that uses a silent amplifier and record-sensitive receiver to pave the way for faster and improved space communication. The system opens up new communication opportunities in space, allowing for error-free data transmission over long distances.
Researchers have developed a catalytic approach to enhance the compatibility between carbonate electrolytes and sulfur cathodes in lithium-sulfur batteries. The use of dual-nitrogen and oxygen-containing groups on a porous carbon host stabilizes polysulfides, preventing side reactions with the electrolytes.
The University of Texas at Arlington has been awarded a $1.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation to train scientists in space physics and data science. The grant will also enable UTA to create a specialization in space physics for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in physics.
China's space science has achieved significant breakthroughs with soft landings on the moon, extraterrestrial samples, and Mars exploration. Future missions will focus on five scientific themes: Extreme Universe, Space-Time Ripples, Panoramic View of the Sun and Earth, Habitable Planets, and Biological & Physical Science in Space.
Researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder have discovered a link between lightning storms on Earth and high-energy electrons in space. The team found that lightning strikes can knock these 'killer electrons' out of the inner radiation belt, which could pose a threat to satellites and astronauts.
Researchers found that low gravity conditions in space weaken and disrupt the normal rhythmic beats of human bioengineered heart tissue samples. The tissues on the International Space Station beat about half as strong as those on Earth, and developed irregular beating patterns that can cause a human heart to fail.
A new study suggests a novel way to prevent mold growth on future space stations by understanding the exposures that happen in the space environment. Repeated elevated humidity exposures can lead to rapid microbial growth and composition changes in dust, making it easier for microbes to thrive.
Researchers have achieved data rates of up to 424Gbit/s using plasmonic modulators for free-space optical communication. This technology could provide high-speed, high-capacity data transmission for space missions with lower latency and less interference.
A McGill-led study found significant shifts in certain gut bacteria corresponding to changes in liver and intestinal genes, suggesting spaceflight may suppress the immune system and alter metabolism. The research could help ensure the success of future space missions and medical advancements on Earth.
A research study by UCD and McGill University in collaboration with NASA found that spaceflight profoundly alters the gut microbiome, leading to immune and metabolic dysfunction. The study offers new insights into how these changes may affect astronaut health during extended missions.
A new course launched with funding from the UK Space Agency to address the growing skills gap in software, data, and AI for the UK space sector. The Securing the future of space: Space Software and Data/AI CPD programme will equip mid-career professionals with expertise in AI and data-science.
The International Space Station National Laboratory is collaborating with NASA to fund up to $4 million in research addressing significant diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease. The joint solicitation aims to leverage microgravity to improve existing or develop new technologies for health problems ...
Two proposed UK space missions, led by the University of Leicester, will investigate the Sun's impact on atmospheres, space weather and habitability. Elfen will study Earth's magnetosphere, while SIRIUS will analyze stellar winds and their effects on exoplanetary environments.
Researchers studied how astronauts used and adapted the International Space Station by creating one-meter squares and documenting them with daily photographs. The findings provide insights into life and work in space, international cooperation, and adaptation to microgravity.
A team of archaeologists conducted the first-ever archeological survey in space on the International Space Station, using daily photos to document how astronauts actually used areas. The study found discrepancies between the intended and actual use of certain areas, with some being used for storage or personal items.
The Ariel Data Challenge 2024 aims to extract faint exoplanetary signals from noisy space telescope observations, with a focus on overcoming noise sources like 'jitter noise'. The competition offers a unique chance for data scientists and AI enthusiasts to contribute to cutting-edge research in exoplanet atmospheres.
A new study by Duke University Medical Center finds that over half of commonly used medications for astronauts might expire before a three-year journey to Mars. The study highlights the need for space agencies to plan for expired medications, which could pose a challenge for crew health.
The study found that MCT1 regulates mitochondrial biogenesis and exercise activity in skeletal muscle, improving exercise endurance and metabolic phenotypes. MCT1 also plays a crucial role in the 'lactate shuttle' between muscle fibers, enabling efficient energy metabolism.
Researchers analyzed blood samples from six astronauts before and after a 120-day mission on the ISS to identify changes in their bodies. The study found that extracellular DNA and RNA can be used to monitor responses to the space environment, including muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and fluid distribution fluctuations.
Researchers used a model of the heart and lung system to simulate how microgravity could affect space tourists with underlying health issues, such as heart conditions. The study found that entry into microgravity increases cardiac output in all individuals, but for heart failure patients, this increase is accompanied by a dangerous ris...
A team of researchers, including OHIO's Nate Szewczyk and students, published a comprehensive package of papers in Nature journals that transform our understanding of human space biology. The studies reveal how molecular biology and precision medicine can guide humanity into more challenging missions beyond Earth.
A new study found that astronauts' kidneys are 'remodelled' by space flight, with permanent damage and loss of function possible after extended periods. The researchers' findings highlight the importance of kidney health in space travel and may lead to the development of new technologies or pharmaceutical measures to protect astronauts.
A UCF researcher is developing algorithms to track space objects and predict their orbits, which will also aid in maritime domain awareness. The computational framework will enable spacecraft to operate autonomously without intervention from Earth.
Free-space QSDC enables secure communication over long distances without fiber cables, ideal for the
A new study has challenged existing theories on the behavior of particles in the Van Allen belt, a hazardous region near Earth. The research has implications for predicting and analyzing particle movement, which is crucial for understanding space environments.
Researchers discovered that astronauts without prior headache history experienced migraine and tension-type headaches during extended space missions. The study of 24 astronauts showed a significant increase in headaches during space flight compared to pre-flight reports.
Researchers at Staffordshire University and the University of Hull studied bloodstain patterns in microgravity, revealing unique challenges for forensic investigators. The study found that amplified surface tension and cohesion cause blood droplets to stick to surfaces, leading to slower spread rates and altered shapes.
Researchers develop AI-based system to track small metallic objects in Low Earth Orbit, outperforming classical detection methods. The system's high detection rate and low false alarm rates make it suitable for proactive decision-making and intervention strategies.
Experts warn space tourists lack crucial information on cosmic radiation exposure risks, which could lead to DNA damage and cancer. The University of Surrey recommends regulations, international standards, and clearer information for safe space travel.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering and Applied Science have invented a new way to synthesize key components of lipid nanoparticles, simplifying their manufacture while boosting efficacy. The new method involves combining three chemicals to create branched lipidoids that promote mRNA delivery to target c...
The commercial space sector has seen significant growth, with over 2,660 satellites launched into orbit in recent years. International collaborations are also expanding, enabling diverse perspectives and new ideas to emerge in science and space exploration.
Researching astronauts' microbiomes is vital for long-term space missions, as the space environment can disrupt balance and have adverse consequences. Studying microorganisms in space can also aid in developing technologies like space agriculture and antimicrobial agents.
Research suggests that high aerobic fitness in children with overweight or obesity is linked to improved executive functions, academic performance, and larger brain volume. The 20-meter shuttle run test is a reliable predictor of brain health outcomes in this population.
Researchers from the University of Delaware found that plants grown in simulated microgravity conditions are more prone to infections from Salmonella, a human pathogen. The study suggests that space-grown lettuce may not be as healthy for astronauts as previously thought due to its increased susceptibility to bacterial contamination.
Researchers have discovered that bacteria use mobile components of the injectisome to search for and transport specific proteins to be injected into host cells. This mechanism allows for efficient and specific protein delivery, enabling potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.
A team of researchers has designed a fresh and nutritious vegetarian salad as the ideal 'space meal' for astronauts on long-term missions. The salad combines soybeans, poppy seeds, barley, kale, peanuts, sweet potato, and sunflower seeds to meet the nutritional needs of male astronauts while minimizing farming inputs.
A research team developed an innovative optical technique, 'spectrum shuttle,' to produce and shape GHz burst pulses. The method facilitates ultrafast imaging within subnanosecond timescales, enabling analysis of rapid phenomena.
The University of Texas at El Paso is leading a research effort to detect and study Unresolved Resident Space Objects (URSOs) using spectroscopy. The team aims to extract properties such as material composition and structural health to monitor the health of government-owned and commercial space assets.
The new centre, NESST, will support the creation of over 350 jobs and inject £260m into the North East economy. It will be a hub for collaborative research, technology development, and STEM engagement activities.
Researchers at Beijing Institute of Technology propose a human-like variable admittance control method to increase the safety, robustness, and adaptability of robot space assembly. The team successfully verified the effectiveness of their method through space satellite assembly simulation verification.
A six-year study of a satellite found that low-cost solar panels can withstand harsh space conditions and generate power, opening the door to large-scale solar farms in orbit. The technology has been developed by researchers at the Universities of Surrey and Swansea.
Texas A&M University is collaborating on a research project to track objects in high Earth orbits, expanding space domain awareness capabilities. The Space University Research Initiative aims to develop new technology and systems to monitor objects influenced by the moon's gravity.
A coordinated network of space lasers could prevent collisions with manned and unmanned space assets by nudging debris off potential collision courses. The artificial intelligence-powered lasers can maneuver and work together to respond rapidly to debris of any size.