Space
Learn about the latest astronomy news and discoveries around humanity’s endeavor beyond the final frontier.
NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter makes history with its first flight on Mars
In an incredible space exploration feat, NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter successfully completed its first flight on Mars this week. The historic event took place on Monday, 3:34 a.m. ET, and marked the first powered, controlled flight on another planet. The small hopper, weighing no more than four Read More...
It’s International Dark Sky Week. Here’s how to celebrate
International Dark Sky week was established in 2003 by high-school student Jennifer Barlow. It aims to reduce light pollution and encourage people all around the world to appreciate the beauty of the night sky. This year, Dark Sky Week runs from April 5th through the 12th. We’re already part way Read More...
Scientists test new technology to clean up space junk from Earth’s orbit
From large rocket parts to tiny shards of metal from accidental collisions and explosions, space junk is becoming increasingly problematic. As these pieces of debris fly around at about 18,000 mph, they pose a real safety risk to the astronauts aboard the International Space Station and could cause Read More...
DC NASA headquarters renamed after agency’s first Black female engineer
Mary Jackson, NASA’s first Black female engineer, was one of the scientists featured in the film Hidden Figures. Now, the pioneering engineer will be honored as NASA renames their DC headquarters the Mary W Jackson Headquarters Building. The new name became official with a virtual ceremony Read More...
Mentorship program leads two students to discover new exoplanets
The Student Research Mentoring Program at the Center for Astrophysics, Harvard & Smithsonian trains local high school students for a month before pairing them with a scientist for a year-long research project. The program is a great opportunity to give students hands-on experience in the field Read More...
29-year-old cancer survivor to become youngest American to go to space
SpaceX is getting ready to send four civilians into orbit aboard its Crew Dragon capsule, and not a single professional astronaut will be on board (say what!?). The trip will happen courtesy of billionaire Jared Isaacman, who purchased the debut commercial astronaut rocket launch from Space X. Read More...
Three countries to reach Mars' orbit by the end of this month
The pandemic has restrained life here on Earth, but it hasn’t stopped humans from pushing boundaries in space. In fact, spacecraft from the United Arab Emirates, China, and The United States are all scheduled to reach Mars this month after launching from Earth last summer. All three countries Read More...
Startup launches first-ever commercial rocket using biofuel
Beyond being a thrill to watch, rocket launches are essential for blasting spacecraft and satellites into orbit. That said, there is a big environmental cost that comes with rocket launches as it requires an incredible amount of fuel to start the ascent. Space X’s Falcon Heavy, for instance, Read More...
This site lets you take control of Canon’s satellite and ‘take photos’
If you have ever wanted to take a photo from space, we have just the thing for you. Recently, Canon unveiled a new interactive site that lets you utilize its CE-SAT-1 satellite, which is equipped with a lightly modified 5D Mark III DSLR. Orbiting at 375 miles above the Earth, the camera provides Read More...
European Space Agency is engineering its first reusable spacecraft
The European Space Agency (ESA) is building a new spacecraft, but this one will have a special sustainable twist. The Space Rider craft is expected to be the agency’s first reusable spacecraft and is expected to be able to venture into orbit multiple times with safe returns to Earth. The Read More...