Articles tagged with Space Flight
The NASA Space Network Ground Segment Sustainment project is upgrading the network's ground communications infrastructure with new, cutting-edge technology. The new architecture will enable easier technology refreshes, increased customer data rate capabilities, and lower operations costs.
The Dual-Frequency Precipitation Radar has arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, providing three-dimensional measurements of raindrop shapes and sizes to better understand storm physical properties. This instrument will be integrated into the GPM Core Observatory, enabling more accurate precipitation estimates globally.
A NASA experiment aboard the International Space Station has demonstrated remotely controlled robots can perform precise satellite-servicing tasks in space, marking a milestone in technology test bed use. The project is expected to reduce risks and encourage future robotic servicing missions, paving the way for satellite repair, refuel...
The NASA Robotic Refueling Mission (RRM) successfully demonstrated robotic satellite-servicing technology on the International Space Station, marking a significant milestone in space technology advancement. The mission used the Canadian Dextre robot and RRM tools to perform tasks such as gas fittings removal and satellite refueling.
Astronaut Drew Feustel recounts his experiences as a spacewalker on Endeavour's final mission to the International Space Station. He emphasizes the fragility of our planet's atmosphere and the need for protection.
Cyclone Giovanna re-strengthening and turning back toward southeastern Madagascar, bringing heavy rainfall and strong winds. The storm's passage in February 2012 caused significant flooding and reported deaths, with the eastern coast receiving over a foot of rainfall.
NASA's GPM Cold-season Precipitation Experiment will measure light rain and snow in Ontario from Jan. 17 to Feb. 29 using an airborne science laboratory, simulating the measurements to be taken by the planned GPM Core satellite in 2014.
The James Webb Space Telescope achieved significant milestones in 2011, including the completion of flight mirror testing and sunshield layer testing. The telescope's mirror segments were chilled to temperatures similar to those it will see in space, while the sunshield's deployment system was also tested.
NASA's WEBB Telescope has successfully completed cryogenic testing on its primary and secondary mirror segments, proving their ability to operate at extremely low temperatures. The testing, conducted at the X-ray and Cryogenic Facility, verified the mirrors' shape changes with temperature as expected, ensuring crisp focusing in space.
Tropical Storm Washi dumped heavy rains over Mindanao, triggering catastrophic flash floods and mudslides. Rainfall totals reached 200-400 mm along the east coast, equivalent to four months of rainfall in Washington, D.C.
Five NASA Goddard scientists have been selected to participate in the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and Cassini missions. Dr. Jennifer Eigenbrode will study high-energy ionizing radiation on Mars' sediments, while Dr. Daniel Glavin will investigate amines of biological origin using new Sample Analysis at Mars protocols. Dr. Michael Smi...
Matthew Ritsko, a Financial Manager at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, won the 2011 Presidential Securing Americans' Value and Efficiency (SAVE) award for his proposal to create a 'lending library' of space tools and hardware. The idea garnered over 19,000 votes from more than 48,000 Americans.
A recent study published in Ophthalmology found that astronauts who spent long durations in space experienced swollen optic nerves, distorted eyeball shapes, and retinal changes. The study also revealed that many astronauts experienced worsening of distance or near visual acuity after flight.
The 520-day Mars Mission simulated prolonged operational confinement on a six-member international crew, collecting over 4.5 million minutes of actiwatch data to evaluate the impact on sleep patterns and mental health. The study's findings will help scientists mitigate potential problems for future long-duration space missions.
The European Space Agency (ESA) will collaborate with NASA on the Solar Orbiter mission, a spacecraft designed to study the powerful influence of the sun. The mission aims to understand how solar activity affects Earth's magnetic environment and potentially damaging satellites.
NASA plans to demonstrate a new optical communications system that can transmit high-definition video and data at speeds of tens of gigabits per second. The Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aims to revolutionize the Agency's communication capabilities, making it possible to stream video from distances beyond the Moon.
NASA is testing an element of the sunshield that will protect the James Webb Space Telescope's mirrors and instruments during its mission. The sunshield will consist of five tennis court-sized layers to allow the telescope to cool to its cryogenic operating temperature.
Tropical Depression 12 strengthened into tropical storm Katia as daylight broke in the eastern Atlantic this morning. Katia is currently a compact tropical storm with maximum sustained winds near 40 mph and is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane due to warm sea surface temperatures.
Researchers confirmed that tropical cyclones with hot towers intensify faster than those without. Hurricane Irene featured multiple 'hot towers', leading to its intensification into a hurricane. The storm's heavy rainfall is expected across several Caribbean islands, with totals reaching up to 20 inches in some areas.
Tropical Storm Emily was formed and morphed into an elongated area of low pressure over the Caribbean Sea. A 60% chance of a comeback is given by the National Hurricane Center due to favorable upper-level winds on the weekend.
NASA's GOES-13 satellite captured the formation of Tropical Storm Don, which strengthened into a tropical depression and then storm over two days. The storm is expected to bring isolated showers and tropical storm-force winds to Texas coast, potentially providing drought relief.
The NASA Visualization Explorer app allows users to interact with extraordinary images, video, and information about NASA's Earth science research. The app features high-resolution movies, short written stories, and interviews with scientists, all designed to be easily accessible to the general public.
Hurricane Dora's eye was visible on multiple NASA satellites, including Aqua and GOES-11, providing forecasters with clear views of the storm's intensification. The National Hurricane Center expects some weakening by tonight and rapid weakening on Friday as Dora battles wind shear and cooler waters.
The University of Tennessee is part of a $800 million NASA mission to collect samples from asteroid 1999 RQ36, which may hold clues to the origin of life. The mission aims to investigate organic molecules and water on the asteroid, potentially hazardous to Earth.
A hydrogen fuel cell-powered mobile lighting system was deployed at the Kennedy Space Center for the final Space Shuttle Atlantis launch, providing clean and quiet power. The system has the potential to drastically reduce dependence on diesel-fueled mobile lighting across the US, offsetting up to 900 gallons of fuel per year.
Tropical Storm Arlene made landfall near Cabo Rojo in northeastern Mexico on June 30 at 7 a.m. EDT, moving westward with maximum sustained winds of 65 mph. The storm caused significant rainfall, leading to flash flooding and mudslides in mountainous areas.
A daily intake of resveratrol in red wine may prevent insulin resistance and loss of bone mineral density in rats exposed to simulated weightlessness. The study suggests that resveratrol could help mitigate the negative effects of sedentary behaviors in humans.
The Puyehue-Cordón volcano in Chile continues to spew ash, affecting air travel in Australia, New Zealand, and other countries. The GOES Project's satellite imagery shows the steady stream of ash three weeks after the initial eruption.
Hurricane Adrian's rapid dissipation was captured by NASA's Aqua satellite on June 10, revealing a rounded-pinwheel shape with a visible eye. The storm weakened to remnant low pressure area status by Sunday, June 12, with maximum sustained winds between 20-30 knots.
Tropical Storm Sarika is bringing heavy rainfall to the South China Sea, with satellite imagery showing strongest thunderstorms south of the storm's center. Infrared satellite imagery reveals a fully exposed low-level circulation center, weakening the storm's circulation.
System 94L is making slow progress in a north-northeasterly direction, bringing clouds to eastern Cuba and the Bahamas. A 60% chance of showers and thunderstorms is forecast for the Bahamas as the low approaches, with a northeasterly track expected over the weekend.
NASA satellite imagery shows Adrian's eye despite overcast clouds, revealing strong thunderstorms and a minimum central pressure of 948 millibars. The storm is expected to stay at sea but will stir up rough surf along the southwestern coast of Mexico.
Puyehue-Cordón Volcano in Chile erupted on June 4, prompting 3,500 evacuations. NASA's Terra Satellite, GOES-13, and GOES-11 captured images of the massive ash plume blowing northeast and southeast across the Atlantic Ocean.
New research in the FASEB Journal suggests that flawed antibody production could compromise resistance to infections during long-term missions. Scientists found that antibodies produced in space are less effective than those produced on Earth, posing a serious risk for astronauts.
Researchers create comprehensive maps of the moon's slopes and roughness, revealing insights into crater formation and volcanic activity. The study provides clues about the impact processes that shaped the moon's surface over billions of years.
Dr. Joseph V. Brady, a pioneer in spaceflight training, is being honored by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute (NSBRI) with its Pioneer Award. NSBRI recognizes his role in launching early US human spaceflights and his contributions to the field of behavioral biology.
Pharmaceuticals flown on space missions may have shorter shelf-life due to radiation and vibration, according to a NASA study. The researchers found that exposure to chronic low-dose ionizing radiation and repackaging of solid medications can compromise stability.
Two unique types of mirrors, Primary and Secondary EDUs, have arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The mirrors will work together to observe distant galaxies and unexplored planets. The Primary mirror is composed of 18 hexagonal segments, while the Secondary mirror directs light from the Primary mirror to Webb's instruments.
Research on space-bound bacteria like Pseudomonas aeruginosa could lead to improved treatments for people with compromised immune systems. The study reveals that spaceflight affects common regulators in both disease-causing bacteria.
The TRMM satellite measured record rainfall totals of over 300 mm (~11 inches) in Alabama and Mississippi, with eastern US experiencing 50 mm (~2 inches) or more. Flooding was reported from Louisiana to northern New York, with some areas receiving daily records
The 2011 conference attracted over 100 presentations, showcasing proposals to exploit next-gen suborbital spaceflight capabilities. The event demonstrated growing interest in commercial suborbital spacecraft among researchers and educators.
Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has signed agreements for eight suborbital flights with payload specialists on board reusable launchers, enabling new research opportunities and advancing space exploration. The program aims to provide affordable access to space for scientists, conducting experiments in microgravity environments.
Researchers used NASA's THEMIS spacecraft to track energetic particles in Earth's magnetic atmosphere during a substorm, gaining insights into their origin and behavior. The study supports the betatron acceleration model, which explains how electrons gain energy from changing magnetic fields far from the reconnection site.
Tropical Storm Zelia forms in the South Pacific after strengthening from System 94P; NASA's TRMM satellite captures heavy rainfall on its northwestern and southwestern sides. The storm is expected to continue moving southeastward, strengthen into a cyclone, and impact New Caledonia with winds and rains.
Astronomers have discovered unexpected changes in the Crab Nebula's X-ray emission, revealing it is not as stable as previously thought. The findings indicate the nebula has brightened and faded by up to 3.5% a year since 1999.
NASA's space shuttle Discovery will carry two CU-Boulder-built biomedical payload devices, one testing the virulence of MRSA bacteria in microgravity. The experiments aim to help researchers prevent or control infectious diseases and improve our understanding of gene and protein changes in pathogens.
Tropical Storm Richard is expected to intensify in the western Caribbean before making landfall, bringing maximum storm totals of 5-7 inches of rain and potentially flash flooding and mudslides. Residents in eastern Honduras, Guatemala, Belize and Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula are bracing for its impacts as it approaches
System 99L is showing increased organization in the Caribbean Sea, with improved cloud structure and rainfall patterns. Heavy rainfall is expected for the Cayman Islands and Jamaica over the next couple of days.
The James Webb Space Telescope's sunshield has successfully completed launch depressurization tests, validating its flight design. The tests, conducted in vacuum chambers, simulated the rapid change in air pressure during launch and proved that the stowed sunshield will retain its shape and allow trapped air to escape safely.
Tropical Storm Nicole brought heavy rain and flooding to the US East Coast, with rainfall totals reaching up to 550 mm in Jamaica and 500 mm in North Carolina. The storm caused significant damage and loss of life, with 4 deaths reported in North Carolina and 12 in Jamaica.
Tropical Storm Nicole strengthened with NASA's satellite data revealing high thunderstorm clouds and heavy rainfall. The storm is expected to produce life-threatening flash floods and mudslides over the Cayman Islands, Jamaica, and Cuba.
System 92L is developing a tropical depression signature with organized showers and thunderstorms. The system has a 40% chance of becoming a tropical depression over the next couple of days, posing life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides in the Caribbean region.
Tropical Storm Fiona is weakening and stretching out in a north-south direction, according to NASA satellite data. Forecasters expect her to dissipate over the holiday weekend in the Atlantic Ocean.
GOES-13 satellite captures powerful Hurricane Earl, growing Tropical Storm Fiona, and fading Danielle in the Atlantic. The satellite imagery shows Earl's large size and high winds, while Fiona appears disorganized with no apparent center.
A team of researchers has developed a system that uses electrical trickery on the brain to induce realistic spaceflight effects. The Galvanic vestibular stimulation (GVS) system safely simulates the sensory and mobility disturbances experienced by astronauts after returning to Earth's gravity.
NASA satellites have been tracking Tropical Depression 5's remnants, which are bringing heavy rainfall to southeastern Louisiana and coastal Mississippi. The National Weather Service has issued a Flash Flood Watch and Coastal Flood Advisory due to the expected heavy rainfall and coastal flooding.
NASA's TRMM satellite is monitoring heavy rainfall and potential flooding in southeastern Louisiana and coastal Mississippi due to Tropical Depression Five's remnants. Rainfall amounts of up to five inches are possible, with isolated areas experiencing even more intense downpours.
Tropical Storm Chanthu has a large area of moderate to very heavy rainfall near the southeast China coast, with rain rates reaching up to 2 inches per hour. The storm is forecast to pass just north of Hainan Island and make landfall near Luichow Peninsula in southern China mainland on July 22.
System 96E is showing signs of tropically organizing in visible imagery from the GOES-11 satellite. The system is located approximately 300 miles south of Manzanillo, Mexico, with its center near 14.3 North and 104.0 West.
Heavy rainfall was detected in Hurricane Alex using data from NASA's TRMM satellite on June 29, 2010. The analysis revealed a heavy band of precipitation spiraling into the center of the storm, with rain falling at over 2 inches per hour in some areas.