Articles tagged with Manned Space Missions
The NASA Deep Space Optical Communications project has successfully demonstrated a new type of laser system that can transmit large amounts of data, including high-definition images and video, through space. The system uses a combination of flight and ground-based lasers to establish an optical link between spacecraft and Earth.
University of Central Florida researchers have discovered a method that uses microwaves to melt lunar soil, coupled with beneficiation technology, may be the best option for building safe and economical lunar landing pads. This approach could increase microwave absorption by up to 80% using magnetic fields, making it more energy-effici...
Researchers at USC's Keck School of Medicine are collaborating with Polaris Dawn to develop a novel method for collecting X-rays in outer space. They aim to harness ambient radiation to create images using analog X-ray film, which could improve medical care on long-duration spaceflights.
Scientists conducted two 15-day missions in the LunAres Research Base to investigate the psychological effects of isolation and confinement on astronauts. The studies revealed insights into stress responses, cognitive performance, group dynamics, and microbiota in response to living in a low-resource environment.
Researchers at Washington State University have created a strong and high-performance material by mixing Martian regolith with a titanium alloy. The composite showed better properties than the metal alone, making it suitable for making tools or rocket parts on Mars.
The MIT-led MOXIE experiment has successfully produced oxygen from Mars' thin atmosphere, producing six grams of oxygen per hour across various conditions. This achievement demonstrates the feasibility of in-situ resource utilization, which could support human missions on Mars by generating breathable oxygen and fuel for rockets.
Researchers from CU Boulder suggest that ancient moon volcanoes may have spewed out huge amounts of water vapor, forming stores of ice on the lunar surface. This discovery adds to evidence that the moon may be awash in more water than previously believed, with potential implications for future lunar missions.
Sandia researchers have designed a reliable and resilient microgrid for NASA's Artemis lunar base, which will sustain astronauts, mining, and fuel processing. The system utilizes distributed energy resources like solar panels and wind turbines, with a focus on efficient power management and scalability.
A new study by UC Berkeley scientists finds that solar photovoltaics can provide sufficient power for extended Mars missions, outperforming nuclear fusion reactors in over 50% of the planet's surface. This breakthrough provides a more practical solution for long-term human settlements on Mars.
Research reviews show that back pain in space is often sciatica, a form of back pain radiating down the legs. Astronauts experience changes in spine curvature due to microgravity, leading to acute and chronic pain upon return to Earth.
Researchers used Mars Odyssey data to identify sub-surface water ice deposits in temperate regions of Mars. Seasonal variations suggest significant quantities of water ice can be found beneath the surface, making them ideal resources for future human missions.
A study found that microgravity significantly impacts P-glycoprotein expression and function in rats, with higher levels of P-gp expression in long-term microgravity exposure. The researchers identified 26 proteins interacting with P-gp, which regulated ATP hydrolysis-coupled transmembrane transport and other functions.
Researchers at Skoltech have identified a favorable window of opportunity for manned Mars missions in the mid-2030s. The study suggests that launching during the decaying phase of solar activity can help shield astronauts from cosmic rays, allowing for longer flight durations.
An international team of space scientists finds that humans can travel to and from Mars safely if the spacecraft has sufficient shielding. The round trip should be shorter than four years. Scientists also recommend timing the mission during solar maximum to shield astronauts and the spacecraft from radiation.
Researchers have used synthetic biology to produce affordable alternatives to anti-malaria drugs, clean fuels, and pharmaceuticals. The technology has the potential to reduce costs by up to 85% for future long-duration space missions, including those to Mars and the Moon.
The NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has achieved significant milestones, including the launch of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Solar Dynamic Observatory. The center is also working on future missions to study global precipitation, Mars' lost atmosphere, and dark energy.
CSIRO research scientist Dr John Bunton is to receive a NASA Space Act Board Award for his work on a novel 'beamformer' capable of providing a live video link from Mars. His design involves dividing video signal data into narrow channels and summing the data from all 400 antennas to reconstruct a broadband signal.
Kenneth Baldwin will lead a $2.5 million NASA program to develop exercise programs for astronauts, addressing physical impacts of space travel. The research aims to enhance the new NASA Space Exploration Initiative, enabling humans to work for months on the International Space Station and potentially send humans to Mars.
Researchers at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and NASA have developed a process to convert inedible wheat grass into activated carbon, absorbing nitrogen oxides and producing fertilizer. This technology could support a crew of six astronauts on a three-year Mars mission by recycling waste and conserving materials.
Researchers found American astronauts and mission control personnel reported lower emotional health scores compared to their Russian counterparts. The study suggests steps NASA can take to boost morale, such as rotating leadership roles among three-person crews.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a genetic algorithm that optimizes low-thrust trajectories for interplanetary missions, increasing payload capability and flexibility.
UC Berkeley's Center for Extreme Ultraviolet Astrophysics will take over day-to-day operations of the Extreme Ultraviolet Explorer (EUVE) observatory, fostering space science and technology innovation. The transfer aims to reduce costs and increase educational outreach through project-based learning experiences.