INSIDER
‘Something groundbreaking:’ World’s fully electric jet debuts in Houston
Read full article: ‘Something groundbreaking:’ World’s fully electric jet debuts in Houston“Houston is home to the world’s leading aerospace companies, and we’re thrilled to welcome Lilium and this next generation of aviation technology,” Kevin Tipton, Senior Director for Aerospace & Aviation at the Greater Houston Partnership said.
Catching up with modern-day hidden figure Sharon Caples McDougle
Read full article: Catching up with modern-day hidden figure Sharon Caples McDougleShe's a local Air Force veteran with an out-of-this-world life. Sharon Caples McDougle used to suit up astronauts before they went to space. Now, she's sharing her inspiring story. We caught up with her to see what she has been up to since her last visit to Houston Life.
‘Space Explorers: The Infinite’ returns to Houston for out of this world experience
Read full article: ‘Space Explorers: The Infinite’ returns to Houston for out of this world experienceInside the award-winning space-themed concept that lets guests roam freely inside a virtual life-size replica of the International Space Station.
Viral video explains all you need to know about the eclipse
Read full article: Viral video explains all you need to know about the eclipseIn preparation for this historic event, meteorologist Jonathan Kegges put together a viral video below to get you primed for the eclipse and address the basics of it.
Insider captures incredible photos past eclipses, hopes to do so again in April
Read full article: Insider captures incredible photos past eclipses, hopes to do so again in AprilAs is the case with others around the country, Barham is gearing up to try and photograph a historic eclipse that is set to hit North America on April 8.
Line of lights in the sky? How Starlink satellites are creating sense of wonder
Read full article: Line of lights in the sky? How Starlink satellites are creating sense of wonderStarlink satellites can be seen lined up in the night's sky, leaving people around the world wondering what their purpose is.
NASA’s Psyche Mission: First time to a metal asteroid
Read full article: NASA’s Psyche Mission: First time to a metal asteroidNASA's latest space mission launched Friday out of Kennedy Space Center. The mission is called 'Mission to Psyche' - Psyche is a metal based asteroid that scientist will study to understand the core of the Earth and other planets.
How rare is Wednesday’s Super Blue Moon?
Read full article: How rare is Wednesday’s Super Blue Moon?Wednesday night’s full moon will be spectacular for a number of reasons. It will appear bigger and brighter. We’ll have clear skies in Southeast Texas. And it has a unique name, Super Blue Moon. But how rare is it?
NASA invites public to sign poem that will fly aboard Europa Clipper
Read full article: NASA invites public to sign poem that will fly aboard Europa ClipperMembers of the public are invited to add their names to an original poem dedicated to NASA’s Europa Clipper mission before the spacecraft begins its journey to Jupiter’s moon Europa in October 2024.
Today is the anniversary of the 1st Space Shuttle launch in 1981
Read full article: Today is the anniversary of the 1st Space Shuttle launch in 1981In the early morning hours of April 12, 1981, NASA launched its first Space Transportation System, or space shuttle, mission, carrying astronauts John Young and Robert Crippen into orbit.
NASA ends support of cloud-studying spacecraft AIM after extra decade in orbit
Read full article: NASA ends support of cloud-studying spacecraft AIM after extra decade in orbitNASA says battery issues with their Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere spacecraft, known as AIM, have led to the agency ending operational support for the craft’s mission. NASA said AIM was originally slated to operate for two years. It completed its primary mission in 2009 and has been in extended operations status since that time.
This is why the Artemis launch director had her tie cut with scissors after the rocket’s liftoff
Read full article: This is why the Artemis launch director had her tie cut with scissors after the rocket’s liftoffArtemis launch director Charlie Blackwell-Thompson has made history before. She cemented her spot in space history as NASA’s first female launch director. Now she’s added to her story by leading the first test flight of the agency’s Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft.
Celebratory social posts launched after liftoff of Artemis mission
Read full article: Celebratory social posts launched after liftoff of Artemis missionWhen NASA launched the Artemis I mission early Wednesday morning, it was something people had waited weeks, months, years, and even decades to see happen. The flight is unmanned, but it marks a milestone in the work being done to return humans to the moon for the first time since the Apollo missions.
NASA launches first female-led SpaceX mission to International Space Station, will include Russian astronaut
Read full article: NASA launches first female-led SpaceX mission to International Space Station, will include Russian astronautAfter a series of delays, NASA’s latest SpaceX mission made history Wednesday by launching American and Russian astronauts to the International Space Station with a female-led crew.
Step inside Department of Wonder, Sugar Land Town Square’s newest interactive experience
Read full article: Step inside Department of Wonder, Sugar Land Town Square’s newest interactive experienceThe 10,000 square-foot immersive experience is the first of its kind, and it opens to the public this weekend!
Popular University of Houston student-run coffeeshop Cougar Grounds moves into bigger space
Read full article: Popular University of Houston student-run coffeeshop Cougar Grounds moves into bigger spaceThe student-run shop has a hip vibe that perfectly fits the quality and originality of its menu and service.
Microchips made at Houston university aboard NASA’s moon-bound spacecraft
Read full article: Microchips made at Houston university aboard NASA’s moon-bound spacecraftThe University of Houston will have microchips that were created in one of their labs head to outer space during the Artemis 1 mission.
NASA’s Quesst Mission: Expanding supersonic flight
Read full article: NASA’s Quesst Mission: Expanding supersonic flightThe goal of NASA’s Quesst mission is to expand supersonic flight and provide regulators with data to provide regulators with data to help change existing national and international aviation rules that ban commercial supersonic flight over land. Central to the mission is NASA’s quiet supersonic X-59 aircraft, which is designed to produce a gentle thump instead of a sonic boom.
Houston Life Recap: Feel the rush of an ‘American Ninja Warrior’ veteran, music from a 10-year-old fiddler champion, rage through paint, and love that got away found on a reality show
Read full article: Houston Life Recap: Feel the rush of an ‘American Ninja Warrior’ veteran, music from a 10-year-old fiddler champion, rage through paint, and love that got away found on a reality showA recap on what happened on Houston Life, July 25, 2022. Today, we have a talented 10-year-old fiddler champion and a couple that found love on a reality series, The One that Got Away. Plus, Lauren Kelly shows a new way of creatively releasing stress and anger.
PHOTOS: ‘Out-of-this-world’ astronaut statue delights visitors, residents at this Clear Lake-area McDonald’s
Read full article: PHOTOS: ‘Out-of-this-world’ astronaut statue delights visitors, residents at this Clear Lake-area McDonald’sIf you’re headed to Space Center Houston this weekend or visiting the Clear Lake area in general, make sure to stop by this particular McDonald’s location -- but not just for the Big Mac’s or the McFlurry’s.
PHOTOS: ‘Out-of-this-world’ astronaut statue delights visitors, residents at Nassau Bay McDonald’s
Read full article: PHOTOS: ‘Out-of-this-world’ astronaut statue delights visitors, residents at Nassau Bay McDonald’sIf you’re headed to Space Center Houston this weekend or visiting the Clear Lake area in general, make sure to stop by this particular McDonald’s location -- but not just for the Big Mac’s or the McFlurry’s.
Moon 2 Mars Festival
Read full article: Moon 2 Mars FestivalThursday at 3:00 p.m. on Houston Life, we’re celebrating the Space Center Houston’s Moon2Mars Festival, June 9-12. The first annual Moon2Mars Festival celebrates the future of space from the Moon to Mars. The festival has something for everyone in your family. You can explore a space capsule, get up close with a spacesuit, enjoy food from Wolfgang Puck catering and live musical concerts on an outdoor stage! Joe Sam is live from the Festival Thursday at 3:00 p.m. on KPRC 2.
🔒 FULL INTERVIEW: Apollo 13 astronaut recounts harrowing journey
Read full article: 🔒 FULL INTERVIEW: Apollo 13 astronaut recounts harrowing journeyOn April 11, 1970, the Apollo 13 crew left Earth on a Saturn V rocket. Fifty-two years later at 88-years-old, Apollo 13 astronaut, and Lunar Module Pilot Fred Haise, remembers those harrowing moments, describing them vividly in his newly released book, memoir, Never Panic Early: An Apollo 13 Astronaut’s Journey.
Axiom Space successfully launches all-private astronaut crew to International Space Station
Read full article: Axiom Space successfully launches all-private astronaut crew to International Space StationAxiom Space has successfully launched its first-ever Ax-1 (Axiom Mission 1) crew to orbit on Friday morning.
50 years later, last sealed Apllo 17 lunar samples opened
Read full article: 50 years later, last sealed Apllo 17 lunar samples openedFifty years after Apollo 17, NASA’s Johnson Space Center is taking the lead in a major milestone – the opening of lunar sample from the last Apollo mission, Apollo 17.
Houston Newsmakers: Johnson Space Center Director embraces new role; ‘Artemis’ moon program nears starting line
Read full article: Houston Newsmakers: Johnson Space Center Director embraces new role; ‘Artemis’ moon program nears starting lineHouston Newsmakers: Johnson Space Center Director embraces new role; ‘Artemis’ moon program nears starting line
The Infinite: Get closer look at International Space Station through The Infinite VR Experience
Read full article: The Infinite: Get closer look at International Space Station through The Infinite VR ExperienceHouston is the home to human spaceflight, and it is fitting that it would be the first place in the US to feature a one-of-a-kind, multi-sensory, interactive virtual reality experience exploring inside and outside the world’s orbiting space laboratory--the International Space Station.
🔒 Insiders: Enter to win a 4-pack of tickets to The Infinite VR Experience
Read full article: 🔒 Insiders: Enter to win a 4-pack of tickets to The Infinite VR ExperienceTHE INFINITE is an out-of-this-world immersive experience inspired by NASA missions and we have your chance to win 4 tickets to discover life in orbit.
News headlines of 2021: How much do you remember? Take this quiz to find out.
Read full article: News headlines of 2021: How much do you remember? Take this quiz to find out.We might not be able to claim that 2021 was *the* wildest year in recent history (2020 will likely get that credit for quite some time), but it might be a close second.
Baylor College of Medicine’s TRISH Institute to facilitate science on SpaceX Inspiration4 mission
Read full article: Baylor College of Medicine’s TRISH Institute to facilitate science on SpaceX Inspiration4 missionIt may not be too long before many everyday people are able to make their way to space. As commercial spaceflight grows within American soil with companies like SpaceX creating milestones for space exploration, Space City is playing a major role in health research to help future missions.
SpaceX launches historic all-civilian crew on private Earth-circling trip
Read full article: SpaceX launches historic all-civilian crew on private Earth-circling tripSpaceX’s first private flight streaked into orbit Wednesday night with two contest winners, a health care worker and their rich sponsor, the most ambitious leap yet in space tourism.
Saturn will reach its closest point to Earth early Monday morning. Here’s how to see it
Read full article: Saturn will reach its closest point to Earth early Monday morning. Here’s how to see itThe ringed planet Saturn, already one of the solar system’s most dazzling sights, will shine bigger and brighter this month. On Monday, August 2, at around 1 a.m. the planet will reach alignment with the Earth and the sun in an event known as “opposition.” During this event, the sixth planet will reach its closest point to Earth and wil shine at its absolute brightest.
‘Best meteor shower of the year’ is upon us
Read full article: ‘Best meteor shower of the year’ is upon usWe’re lucky to get fleeting moments throughout the year when we can witness beautiful sights in the sky. Thanks to space experts, we’re fortunate enough to have a heads up as to when we’ll get the best view of them.
Blue Origin’s Launch and Landing: This is what people said on social media
Read full article: Blue Origin’s Launch and Landing: This is what people said on social mediaThose interested in the progress of space flight and space travel woke up Tuesday morning to watch Blue Origin's first human flight into space, so it's no surprise plenty of people were talking about it on social media too.
FAA opens Houston Space Safety office to help monitor testing programs, commercial space tourism in Texas, New Mexico
Read full article: FAA opens Houston Space Safety office to help monitor testing programs, commercial space tourism in Texas, New MexicoThe U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration has opened a safety field office in Houston to increase its oversight of commercial space operations in Texas and New Mexico.
The last supermoon of 2021 -- aka the Strawberry Moon -- is happening this week
Read full article: The last supermoon of 2021 -- aka the Strawberry Moon -- is happening this weekIf you’ve missed any of the celestial events that have happened this year already -- the Pink Moon in April or the recent solar eclipse, to name a couple -- you’ve got one more chance to witness a rare supermoon this year, and it’s happening this week.
Mayor Turner breaks ground on ‘incubator’ building at Houston Spaceport aiming to support future spaceflight
Read full article: Mayor Turner breaks ground on ‘incubator’ building at Houston Spaceport aiming to support future spaceflightHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner and the Houston Airport System will break ground on the new Collins Aerospace Building at the Houston Spaceport Monday.
Spidernauts and space dogs: What happens to the creatures of spaceflight
Read full article: Spidernauts and space dogs: What happens to the creatures of spaceflightAnimal spaceflights paved the way for the first human astronauts and today creatures big and small continue to space travel advancing our knowledge of how the zero-gravity environment impacts all beings and aiding research down on Earth.
Johnson Space Center director Mark Geyer moves to new role due to cancer diagnosis
Read full article: Johnson Space Center director Mark Geyer moves to new role due to cancer diagnosisMark Geyer, director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, is stepping down from his position leading the center to focus more time on his health and family in light of a cancer diagnosis, a news release said.
Behind the scenes: The making of Space Center Houston’s Apollo 13 bronze statue
Read full article: Behind the scenes: The making of Space Center Houston’s Apollo 13 bronze statueSpace Center Houston is honoring the dedication of the Apollo 13 crew and the flight controllers in Mission Control at NASA Johnson Space Center who worked around the clock to ensure the crew’s survival and safe return.
51 years later, Apollo 13 astronauts reflect on historic mission
Read full article: 51 years later, Apollo 13 astronauts reflect on historic missionOn April 11, 1970, three astronauts and a team here on Earth dared to attempt what was expected to be the third moon landing. However, just shy of 56 hours into the mission, the crew experienced a problem that would turn into a full-fledged effort to get the crew back to Earth alive.
George Observatory reopening this weekend after 2-year renovation
Read full article: George Observatory reopening this weekend after 2-year renovationFirst opened in the fall of 1989, the George Observatory has been closed since 2019. “We are so excited to welcome visitors back to the newly-remodeled George Observatory. While most are in remote areas, the George Observatory is uniquely placed within Brazos Bend State Park. The George Observatory will open to the public every Saturday at 3 p.m. The Gorge Observatory is located inside Brazos Bend State Park at 21901 FM 762 Rd.
Black History Month: Sharon McDougle ‘suited up’ the first black woman to travel into space
Read full article: Black History Month: Sharon McDougle ‘suited up’ the first black woman to travel into spaceHOUSTON – In 1992, Dr. Mae Jemison became the first black woman to travel into space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Her name is Sharon McDougle, a former suit tech for the space shuttle program who talked to Houston Life about her incredible story. Sharon McDougle and Dr. Mae Jemison (Sharon McDougle)McDougle was responsible for processing the orange launch and re-entry pressure suit assemblies worn by all NASA space shuttle astronauts, including Jemison. It was like they didn’t even see me,’” said McDougle, who worked with the Space Shuttle Program for 22 years. Sharon McDougle (Sharon McDougle)“Everybody is trainable, that’s one thing I preach.
Primary Paint Party Opens in Houston giving the community a creative outlet
Read full article: Primary Paint Party Opens in Houston giving the community a creative outletHOUSTON – Primary Paint Party is a Paint Party Studio and Creative Workspace. This is a space where community members can enjoy themed paint parties with their friends and family, teambuilding with co-workers, or special creative workshops with other artists. This creative space is also home to the unique Prime Art Gallery. Clients are drawn to the unlimited possibilities of art in its Prime state. Unframed Canvas Art is available throughout the Gallery that represents local artists in and around the Houston area.
KPRC 2 reporter Rose-Ann Aragon reflects on memorable stories, her background and the future of space travel
Read full article: KPRC 2 reporter Rose-Ann Aragon reflects on memorable stories, her background and the future of space travelHOUSTON – A passion for storytelling led Rose-Ann Aragon into the world of journalism. KPRC 2's Rose-Ann Aragon on location for the launch of SpaceX Starship Prototype. This was a very memorable experience for Aragon and she enjoyed having a front-row seat to space history. AdKPRC 2's Rose-Ann Aragon talks about her involvement with the Lumikha Arts Showcase. To learn more or to connect with Rose-Ann Aragon, click here.
Houston Spaceport to be home to world’s first commercially built space station
Read full article: Houston Spaceport to be home to world’s first commercially built space stationHOUSTON – The Houston Spaceport will be home to the world’s first space station to built by a commercial space company. Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner announced Tuesday that Axiom Space will build a 14-acre headquarters at the city’s spaceport next year and provide 1,000 high-paying jobs. Suffredini said the first module of the Axiom space station is set to be launched in late 2024 and will be the first commercial module to be attached to the International Space Station. Once the ISS is retired, the Axiom modules will detach and remain in low-earth orbit. Axiom will also provide commercial missions to the space station, the first of which is expected to launch late next year, Suffredini said.
WATCH LIVE: SpaceX to launch SXM-7 mission from Florida
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: SpaceX to launch SXM-7 mission from FloridaA Falcon 9 rocket at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station Launch Complex 40 with the SiriusXM-7 satellite ready for launch. (Image: SpaceX)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SpaceX is preparing for the launch of the SXM-7 mission from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral. The Falcon 9 first stage rocket booster supporting this launch previously supported Crew Dragon’s first flight to the International Space Station (Demo-1), launch of the RADARSAT Constellation Mission and four Starlink launches in 2020. Following stage separation, SpaceX will land Falcon 9′s first stage on the “Just Read the Instructions” droneship, which will be located in the Atlantic Ocean. SpaceX said half of Falcon 9′s fairing previously supported the ANASIS-II mission in July 2020.
Delta IV Heavy rocket launches from Cape Canaveral
Read full article: Delta IV Heavy rocket launches from Cape CanaveralCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – A nighttime rocket launch lit up the skies over Cape Canaveral, Florida, on Thursday. The United Launch Alliance Delta IV Heavy carrying the NROL-44 mission for the National Reconnaissance Office was originally set to launch about 5:15 p.m., from the Space Launch Complex-37. The launch was rescheduled for 7:09 p.m.You can watch again in the video below:
SpaceX’s Starship SN8 blows up during landing phase of high-altitude test flight
Read full article: SpaceX’s Starship SN8 blows up during landing phase of high-altitude test flightSpaceX’s high-altitude test flight for its prototype Starship SN8 ended in an explosion Wednesday as the spacecraft attempted to land in Boca Chica. It was the first test of its kind for the Starship, running all three raptor engines in an attempt to reach a height of more than 41,000 feet. The prototype came in for a landing at an angle before exploded at what appeared to be touchdown. “Fuel header tank pressure was low during landing burn, causing touchdown velocity to be high & RUD, but we got all the data we needed! Successful ascent, switchover to header tanks & precise flap control to landing point!
‘Most stunning show in 2020′: Social media reacts to SpaceX’s Starship SN8 explosion
Read full article: ‘Most stunning show in 2020′: Social media reacts to SpaceX’s Starship SN8 explosionElon Musk, the founder and CEO of SpaceX, marked Wednesday’s test flight of the Starship SN8 a success, despite it blowing up during the landing phase. Can't wait for SN9. @elonmusk @SpaceX #starshipsn8 — nikkcolas (@Nikkcolas) December 9, 2020Congratulations @SpaceX and @elonmusk for the #starshipsn8 launch. It was a spectacular event, the landing was almost a success. SN9 will be the one I guarantee you :D — VAJDAD4M (@vajdad4m) December 9, 2020
First woman, next man on moon will come from these NASA 18
Read full article: First woman, next man on moon will come from these NASA 18CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – NASA has named the 18 astronauts — half of them women — who will train for its Artemis moon-landing program. The first woman and next man on the moon will come from this elite group. Half of the NASA astronauts have spaceflight experience. Two are at the International Space Station right now: Kate Rubins and Victor Glover. The other experienced members on the list include Kjell Lindgren, Anne McClain and Scott Tingle, all former space station residents.
SpaceX aborts first attempt of Starship SN8′s high-altitude test flight
Read full article: SpaceX aborts first attempt of Starship SN8′s high-altitude test flightBOCA CHICA, Texas – Space fans will just have to wait another day after SpaceX aborted its first attempt at a high-altitude test flight for its SN8 Starship Prototype in Boca Chica on Tuesday. Starship SN8 is expected to fly more than 41,000 feet into the air, do a now-iconic bellyflop or skydiving-like maneuver and then correct itself just before landing on the launchpad. The spacecraft is a two-stage vehicle that founder Elon Musk hopes will one day take as many as 100 people to Mars. It’s the first Starship to be fully outfitted with a nosecone and flaps. You can watch a replay of the first attempt below.
Gen. Chuck Yeager, first person to break sound barrier, dies at 97
Read full article: Gen. Chuck Yeager, first person to break sound barrier, dies at 97HOUSTON – Gen. Chuck Yeager, a fighter pilot best known as becoming the first person to break the sound barrier, died Monday. Born in West Virginia, Yeager enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1941 and flew during World War II and shot down more than a dozen German planes. On Oct. 14, 1947, Yeager flew a rocket plan called “Glamorous Glennis” over the Mojave Desert to break the sound barrier. Yeager went on to become a trainer of some of the first American astronauts. He made an appearance in the movie “The Right Stuff,” which is about the early days of the American space program.
First attempt of Starship SN8′s high-altitude flight test to take place in South Texas
Read full article: First attempt of Starship SN8′s high-altitude flight test to take place in South TexasThe two Dragon parking spots are just 15 feet (4.5 meters) or so apart. SpaceX redesigned its cargo ships to be as big as its spacious crew capsules in order to pack more in. The cargo Dragon will remain at the space station for a month, before parachuting into the Atlantic with science samples and discarded gear. The crew Dragon will stay up until spring. ___The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Department of Science Education.
WATCH: NASA, SpaceX launch CRS-21 Dragon cargo spacecraft to International Space Station
Read full article: WATCH: NASA, SpaceX launch CRS-21 Dragon cargo spacecraft to International Space StationThe Dragon — packed with Christmas treats and presents — should reach the space station on Monday, joining the Dragon that delivered four astronauts last month. “Dragons everywhere you look,” said Kenny Todd, NASA’s deputy space station program manager. With NASA’s commercial crew program officially under way, SpaceX expects to always have at least one Dragon capsule at the space station. I fear it might mess up my own Christmas,” Todd said late last week. This is SpaceX’s 21st station supply run for NASA since 2012.
South Padre Island expected to be crowded for SpaceX Starship SN8 test launch
Read full article: South Padre Island expected to be crowded for SpaceX Starship SN8 test launchSOUTH PADRE ISLAND, Texas – The shores at Isla Blanca Park are expected to be the place where hundreds of space enthusiasts and islanders go to watch a test launch across the water at SpaceX’s Starship facility in Boca Chica, Texas. With the Starship SN8 launch teasingly imminent, South Padre Island has found a lot more tourists walking the streets. The view of the SpaceX launch facility just a few miles across the water. “Everybody wants to see it happening,” said James Baxter, a Houston native and South Padre Island transplant. I was so excited!”They don’t think they will leave South Padre Island.
Houstonian creates ultimate space Airbnb in Boca Chica
Read full article: Houstonian creates ultimate space Airbnb in Boca ChicaOne Houstonian experienced this first-hand and turned his own vision into reality -- creating the ultimate space pad Airbnb for many space enthusiasts to rent. However, 400 miles away in the rugged terrain of Boca Chica, just 8 miles from the SpaceX Launch Facility, he’s managed to create the ultimate space lover’s experience, Rocket Ranch. The multi-room ranch has a full-kitchen, coffeeroom area, living room and outside amenities, filled with decor space enthusiasts would appreciate. Photos of different planets, milestone space exploration achievements and touches of trivial space gadgets fill the space. This all started when he went to see a SpaceX launch at the Cape.
What’s that thing orbiting the Earth in 90 minutes? A guide to what the International Space Station is, does
Read full article: What’s that thing orbiting the Earth in 90 minutes? A guide to what the International Space Station is, doesThis year, the International Space Station celebrated 20 years of having a continuous human presence on it. But what exactly is the International Space Station and what does it do? Over a 13-year period from 1998-2011, different modules were launched into space and attached to each other in orbit by astronauts. That mission was successful to create an initial base, and in subsequent years, other modules were launched into orbit and connected. The ISS is aging -- and if it’s not eventually destroyed or taken down by humans, space obstacles might arise, according to space.com.
SpaceX capsule with 4 astronauts aboard arrives at International Space Station
Read full article: SpaceX capsule with 4 astronauts aboard arrives at International Space StationIn this frame grab from NASA TV, the SpaceX Dragon is seen after docking at the International Space Station, late Monday, Nov. 16, 2020. (NASA TV via AP)CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – SpaceX’s newly launched capsule with four astronauts arrived Monday at the International Space Station, their new home until spring. The Dragon capsule pulled up and docked late Monday night, following a 27-hour, completely automated flight from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. “Oh, what a good voice to hear,” space station astronaut Kate Rubins called out when the Dragon's commander, Mike Hopkins, first made radio contact. As they prepared for the space station linkup, the Dragon crew beamed down live window views of New Zealand and a brilliant blue, cloud-streaked Pacific 250 miles below.
WATCH: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts to space station, kicking off regular crew flights from the US
Read full article: WATCH: SpaceX launches 4 astronauts to space station, kicking off regular crew flights from the USIt is due to reach the space station late Monday and remain there until spring. NASA policy at Kennedy Space Center requires anyone testing positive for coronavirus to quarantine and remain isolated. Even the two astronauts on the first SpaceX crew flight stayed behind at Johnson Space Center in Houston. The four astronauts will be joining two Russians and one American who flew to the space station last month from Kazakhstan. NASA turned to private companies to haul cargo and crew to the space station, after the shuttle fleet retired in 2011.
One giant leap of faith: Meet the first African American to walk in space
Read full article: One giant leap of faith: Meet the first African American to walk in spaceIt marked the first rendezvous of the American space shuttle with Russia’s space station Mir. Also on board, Eileen Collins, an American, became the first woman to pilot a space shuttle, and C. Michael Foale became the first British-born American astronaut to walk in space. “I saw that as an avenue for me to go to space,” Harris said. In August 1990, Harris began a year of training and evaluation with 22 classmates at Johnson Space Center. We have liftoffSpace Center Houston, the official visitor center of NASA’s Johnson Space Center, reopened in July after a temporary closure due to COVID-19.
Your best bet for catching a breathtaking glimpse of the Leonid meteor shower this month
Read full article: Your best bet for catching a breathtaking glimpse of the Leonid meteor shower this monthHave you heard of the Leonid meteor shower? It comes around every November, but the chances of seeing it this year are much higher than last year. The shower happens at the same time every year, when Earth’s orbit crosses the orbit of Comet Tempel-Tuttle, according to Space.com. A trail of dust is left behind the comet, and when Earth’s orbit crosses that trail, pieces of the comet fall toward our planet’s surface. Luckily for us, meteors are visible to the naked eye, and the shower will peak overnight Monday into Tuesday (Nov. 16-17) around 3 a.m.
Telescope confirms existence of water molecules on moon’s sunlit surface
Read full article: Telescope confirms existence of water molecules on moon’s sunlit surfaceCAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. – The moon’s shadowed, frigid nooks and crannies may hold frozen water in more places and in larger quantities than previously suspected. And for the first time, the presence of water on the moon’s sunlit surface has been confirmed, scientists reported Monday. While previous observations have indicated millions of tons of ice in the permanently shadowed craters of the moon’s poles, a pair of studies in the journal Nature Astronomy take the availability of lunar surface water to a new level. The presence of water in sunlit surfaces had been previously suggested, but not confirmed. For now, Sofia can analyze only the moon's outermost surface, but these water molecules could be buried yards (meters) deep, Honniball noted.