The AMADEE-18 Mars analog mission in Oman evaluated operational concepts and optimized strategies for future human missions. A benchmarking tool was developed to improve scientific output, mission safety, and efficiency.
Researchers at Stanford University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory propose a new explanation for the source of powerful eruptions on Europa's icy surface. The model suggests that water pockets embedded in the ice shell itself could be the origin of these eruptions, rather than the subsurface ocean.
The Spitzer Space Telescope made significant discoveries in the solar system during its 16-year mission, providing a never-before-possible look at the universe. New papers catalog these findings and offer guidance for future scientists studying exoplanets and planet formation.
The OSIRIS-REx mission has published findings on asteroid Bennu's surface, including widespread carbon-bearing materials, bright carbonate veins, weak boulders, and a heterogeneous mass distribution. These discoveries suggest that asteroids like Bennu may have brought organic molecules to Earth billions of years ago.
Syracuse University assistant professor Fanxin Kong has been awarded a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to develop a cross-layer framework for mission-critical IoT systems. The project aims to improve scalability, security, and intelligence in IoT infrastructures for various industries such as medical, energy, transportation, an...
A Boston College study found that 95% of Massachusetts high schools altered their mission statements between 2001 and 2019, with a focus on students' emotional development, cognitive development, and civic development. The research also showed an increase in career preparation and environmental challenges as school objectives.
The James Webb Space Telescope successfully completed a critical ground segment test, demonstrating the complete end-to-end flow from planning science observations to downlinking data. This milestone validates the observatory's ability to respond to commands and function in space.
TESS has found 66 new exoplanets, including an Earth-size world in the habitable zone of a star. The satellite has also observed comets, exploding stars, and black holes, contributing to our understanding of astrobiology.
Researchers reanalyzed image data from Voyager 1, 2 and Galileo spacecraft to investigate orientation and distribution of ancient tectonic troughs on Ganymede. A computer simulation suggests that the giant crater could have resulted from an asteroid impact with a radius of 150km.
Scientists have unexpectedly found lightning in Jupiter's upper atmosphere, with ammonia playing a crucial role. The discovery reveals a complex atmosphere that challenges previous predictions, indicating an unexpected process causing the phenomenon.
The James Webb Space Telescope will conduct pioneering observations of Jupiter, its ring system, and two intriguing moons Ganymede and Io. The study aims to investigate the moon's interaction with particles in Jupiter's magnetic field and its potential liquid saltwater ocean beneath its thick surface ice.
The Oak Ridge National Laboratory's production of ORNL-produced plutonium-238 enables the Perseverance rover to power its journey across Mars. The lab has been consistently increasing its Pu-238 production capabilities, aiming to produce 1.5 kilograms per year by 2026.
The USGS has created precise maps of the Mars 2020 landing site in Jezero crater, which will help the Perseverance rover steer itself to a safe landing. These high-resolution maps are essential for unlocking the mysteries of the red planet's past and searching for evidence of past life.
The Roman mission's ground system has successfully completed its preliminary design review, meeting all requirements for science operations. The new data system will enable scientists to conduct sweeping cosmic surveys, yielding a wealth of new information about the universe, including insights into dark matter and dark energy.
The University of Miami Rosenstiel School has been selected by NOAA to host the Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS), which will conduct collaborative research on Earth's oceans and atmosphere. CIMAS will focus on coastal resilience, ocean conservation, and tropical weather prediction.
A veteran NAU planetary scientist collaborates with UAE and US teams to develop Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer (EMIRS), providing a unique view of Martian atmosphere. The Emirates Mars Mission 'Hope' orbiter arrives at Mars in February 2021, collecting images and data for two years.
Researchers found that Europa's ocean could have been formed by tidal forces or radioactive decay, leading to a potentially habitable environment. The team's models suggest that the ocean's composition became more Earth-like, with high concentrations of carbon dioxide and calcium, making it suitable for life.
The Solar Ring mission aims to study the Sun and its influence on the inner heliosphere using a novel six-spacecraft configuration. The mission will provide unprecedented capabilities, including determining the photospheric vector magnetic field with unambiguity and resolving solar wind structures at multiple scales.
Dione will collect energy input and ionospheric-thermospheric data, providing insights into atmospheric drag and improving space weather forecasts. The mission complements the Geospace Dynamics Constellation and marks a new era for CubeSats in gathering similar data.
Researchers analyzed Marsquakes from InSight mission, finding moderate seismic activity intermediate between Earth and the Moon. The data revealed geological layers within the planet and identified areas of high geological activity, guiding future missions searching for potential life.
Researchers develop framework to consider asteroid mass, momentum, and warning time to determine most successful deflection mission. The method could be used to design optimal mission configuration and campaign to deflect potentially hazardous near-Earth asteroids.
Researchers on Australia's first space research mission to the International Space Station will investigate how microgravity affects aggressive cancers like ovarian, breast, and lung cancer. The mission may lead to new treatments that enhance existing therapies.
Leslie Gonzalez, a Texas Heart Institute perfusion student, has been awarded the prestigious Perfusion Without Borders scholarship. She will travel with The Novick Cardiac Alliance to Medellin, Colombia in February 2020, gaining experience on global perfusion practices and preparing for lifelong involvement in mission work.
Researchers suggest that exercising before, during, and after treatment, like NASA astronauts, could reduce muscle mass loss, bone demineralization, and heart problems. Cancer patients may benefit from a similar routine to counteract long-term side effects of treatments.
A new approach to atom interferometers allows for highly sensitive measurements of gravity and could be used in tests of general relativity. The trapped atom design greatly enhances sensitivity and precision over previous iterations, improving the signal-to-noise ratio by over 10,000-fold.
A new study examines the effectiveness of artificial intelligence in mediating conflict among team members. Researchers found that while humans initially engaged with a virtual agent during mission planning, their engagement decreased as conflicts arose, suggesting a limit to trust in AI-mediated conflict resolution.
Researchers analyzed data from Galileo's 1995 fireball and found the recession rate exceeded predictions, highlighting issues with current heat shield models. New fluid dynamics models using faster computers and data from the probe have led to a better understanding of atmospheric entry vehicles.
The GLIDE spacecraft will reveal the structure and dynamic behavior of the Earth's outermost atmospheric layer, known as the exosphere. The mission will make unprecedented measurements of far ultraviolet light emitted by hydrogen atoms in the exosphere.
A new satellite mission, SWOT, will enhance flood modeling globally, even in extensively studied regions. It will provide more accurate floodplain maps and predictions for areas affected by snowmelt, hurricanes, and ice jam breakup.
Researchers have developed a laser prototype that nearly meets the stringent requirements for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. The laser system features a seed laser, YDFA amplifiers, and an optical reference cavity to improve spectral purity and stability.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected heavy rainfall northwest of the cyclone's center, exceeding 40 mm/h. The system is expected to produce up to 2-4 inches of total rainfall accumulations in the Bahamas and 2-4 inches along the U.S. Southeast Coast.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found heavy rainfall north of the center of Tropical Storm Gabrielle, with rates over 25 mm per hour. The storm is expected to weaken and dissipate over the far North Atlantic west of the British Isles on Thursday, Sept. 12.
Researchers developed an AI-powered decision-making system to streamline experiments, reducing measurement time and improving data quality. The algorithm selects the most uncertain step to measure next, maximizing information gain and ending experiments when additional measurements are unnecessary.
Tropical Depression 3 formed off central Florida's eastern coast, generating heavy rainfall northeast of its center. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found rain falling at a rate of 25 mm/hour in this area.
The China Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) has accomplished significant advancements in lunar research since its launch in 2007. The program plans to send the first sample-return mission to Earth, dubbed Chang'E 5, and establish a Lunar Scientific Research Station by 2030.
The SULIS mission aims to understand the nature of solar eruptions and track magnetic clouds of charged gas. It will also demonstrate new technologies in space and precision alignment of small satellites flying in formation.
The first mission involving 'Boaty McBoatface' has shed light on the connection between increasing Antarctic winds and rising sea temperatures. The data collected will help build more accurate predictions of climate change's impact on sea levels.
Researchers spot sodium chloride on the icy moon Europa, potentially indicating a hydrothermally active ocean floor and making it a geologically interesting planetary body. The discovery was made using visible light spectral analysis, which revealed distinct absorption patterns in the visible spectrum.
Scientists from IAC and ULL analyze MASCARA-2B/KELT-20b's atmosphere, revealing details on its composition and temperature. The team detected hydrogen beta, singly ionized iron, and magnesium using CARMENES spectrograph.
The GRACE twin satellite system has contributed nearly two decades of crucial data to our understanding of global climate patterns. The mission has recorded three times the mass of ice lost in polar and mountainous regions, and enabled a measure of heat added to oceans.
Scientists will study Uranus and Neptune's poorly understood regions with greater accuracy using a new, improved net flux radiometer. The instrument, developed for NASA's Planetary Concepts for the Advancement of Solar System Observations program, features thermopile sensors and seven infrared channels to measure heat.
NASA has launched the AZURE mission, carrying instruments to measure atmospheric density and temperature in auroral regions. The mission will release colorful gas tracers to track particle flow and provide valuable data on ionosphere dynamics.
Tropical Cyclone Joaninha generated heavy rainfall in the Southern Indian Ocean, with rates exceeding 0.75 inches per hour around its center. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission data used by NASA's IMERG provided a comprehensive analysis of the cyclone's precipitation patterns.
The OSIRIS-REx mission revealed unexpected discoveries on asteroid Bennu, including particle plumes and a rugged terrain. The team adjusted their flight plans due to the rough surface, which challenges their sample collection strategies.
Researchers at Northwestern University found that schools with diverse mission statements show improved cardiovascular health in students of color. These environments tend to be more supportive and inclusive, leading to better academic success and reduced discipline rates.
Researchers in the EPic Lab have made a breakthrough in developing a crucial element of an atomic clock, improving efficiency by 80%. The technology has the potential to revolutionize navigation systems, potentially replacing satellite mapping like GPS within 20 years.
The study predicts that WFIRST will find about 100 of those not-yet-discovered planets could have the same or lower mass as Earth. The telescope will map the Milky Way and other galaxies 100 times faster than Hubble Space Telescope, scanning a small piece of the universe with high resolution.
SNoOPI will validate remote-sensing technique called signals of opportunity to measure soil moisture from space, a crucial step towards determining water stored in snowpack and soil root zones. The mission will reuse existing telecommunications signals, eliminating the need for large antennas.
Researchers at Northwestern University are developing a predictive model to help NASA assemble ideal teams for the Mission to Mars. The study, conducted in two analog environments, reveals that crews experience diminished abilities to think creatively and solve problems, with successful task completion rates between 20-60%.
The SPHEREx mission, led by Caltech and managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, will conduct an all-sky spectroscopic mapping of the universe. Argonne researchers will contribute to the mission's cosmological simulations, galaxy identification, and large-scale structure analysis.
Rochester Institute of Technology professor Michael Zemcov is contributing to NASA's SPHEREx mission, which will map galaxies across the universe to study inflation and galaxy formation. The mission aims to answer questions about the origin and evolution of key biogenic molecules like water and carbon monoxide.
NASA's MAVEN mission is shrinking its Mars orbit to prepare for the upcoming Mars 2020 rover launch. The spacecraft will tighten its orbit from 3,850 to 2,800 miles above the surface, allowing it to circle Mars more frequently and communicate with rovers more often.
The Kepler 107 system's inner planets may have formed from a massive impact that stripped away their outer layers. This study uses seismic analysis to support the hypothesis that Kepler 107c, the densest planet, was created by such an event. The findings highlight the importance of stellar physics in understanding exoplanetary research.
A recent study published by the American Psychological Association found that employees who frame their arguments in moral language are more successful in getting buy-in from management when the issue aligns with the company's values and mission. The study suggests that using moral language without explicit links to the organization's ...
A group of researchers proved that whether an object exhibits quantum features depends on the reference frame. The physical laws, however, are still independent of it. This insight might play a role at the interplay of quantum mechanics and gravity.
The CAPER-2 mission aims to understand how particles are accelerated in the aurora borealis by studying the interaction between electrons and atmospheric gases. The team hopes to uncover the fundamental physics behind this process, which is crucial for understanding space radiation and astrophysical phenomena.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have developed a new theory that allows thin sheets to conform to 'geometrically incompatible' shapes by developing microscopic wrinkles, reducing the need for stretching and increasing efficiency. This breakthrough has significant implications for biotechnologists working on flexible and wearable sensors f...
Researchers developed a new technique to visualize historic solar data, providing context for understanding the Sun's past and future. The study suggests that changes in solar activity may impact Earth's surface, with possible connections to climate change.
The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft has made groundbreaking observations of asteroid Bennu, revealing the presence of water molecules and hydrated minerals. The findings confirm that Bennu is an excellent specimen for the mission, which aims to return a sample of surface material to Earth in 2023.
Scott Bolton, associate vice president of SwRI's Space Science and Engineering Division, receives the 2018 American Ingenuity Award from Smithsonian Magazine for his work on NASA's Juno mission. The mission has revealed complex, turbulent structures around Jupiter, including iconic belts and zones, Earth-sized cyclones, and a lumpy mag...