Content for Space

Space

Outer space, or simply space, is the expanse that exists beyond the Earth and between celestial bodies. Outer space is not completely empty—it is a hard vacuum containing a low density of particles, predominantly a plasma of hydrogen and helium, as well as electromagnetic radiation, magnetic fields, neutrinos, dust, and cosmic rays. The baseline temperature of outer space, as set by the background radiation from the Big Bang, is 2.7 kelvins (−270.45 °C; −454.81 °F).

Brightest Cosmic Explosion Ever Detected Had Other Unique Features

“Observations by NASA’s NuSTAR X-ray telescope give astronomers new clues about the brightest and most energetic gamma-ray burst ever detected. When scientists detected the gamma-ray burst known as GRB 221009A on Oct. 9, 2022, they dubbed it the brightest …

Why – and How – NASA Gives a Name to Every Spot It Studies on Mars

“Martian maps are full of monikers recognizing places on Earth, explorers, and even cartoon characters. NASA’s Perseverance rover is currently investigating rock outcrops alongside the rim of Mars’ Belva Crater. Some 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) away, NASA …

China launches Shenzhou-16 mission to Chinese space station

“China sent three astronauts to its now fully operational space station as part of crew rotation on Tuesday in the fifth manned mission to the Chinese space outpost since 2021, state media reported. The spacecraft, Shenzhou-16, or “Divine Vessel”, and …

NASA Pursues Lunar Terrain Vehicle Services for Artemis Missions

“NASA is seeking industry proposals for a next-generation LTV (Lunar Terrain Vehicle) that will allow astronauts to go farther and conduct more science than ever before as they explore the south polar region of the Moon during Artemis missions. Artemis …

10-Month Voyage Proves Solar Cell Material Survives, Thrives in Space

“Dr. Lyndsey McMillon-Brown was hoping to see anything but mustard yellow. When the NASA research electrical engineer clicked open the photo of a small sample – a swatch of film no bigger than a sticky note – she let out a cheer …

NASA Scientists Make First Observation of a Polar Cyclone on Uranus

“Scientists used ground-based telescopes to get unprecedented views, thanks to the giant planet’s position in its long orbit around the Sun. For the first time, NASA scientists have strong evidence of a polar cyclone on Uranus. By examining radio …

Virgin Galactic aces final test spaceflight, eyes start of commercial service in June

“Today’s mission was Virgin Galactic’s first trip to space in nearly two years. Virgin Galactic aced its fifth test flight to suborbital space this morning (May 25), likely keeping the company on track to start commercial operations next …

NASA, Partners Achieve Fastest Space-to-Ground Laser Comms Link

“On April 28, NASA and its partners achieved another major milestone in the future of space communications – achieving 200 gigabit per second (Gbps) throughput on a space-to-ground optical link between a satellite in orbit and Earth, the highest data rate …

NASA’s Juno Mission Getting Closer to Jupiter’s Moon Io

“The gas giant orbiter has flown over 510 million miles and also documented close encounters with three of Jupiter’s four largest moons. NASA’s Juno spacecraft will fly past Jupiter’s volcanic moon Io on Tuesday, May 16, and …

NASA’s Spitzer, TESS Find Potentially Volcano-Covered Earth-Size World

“The gravitational tug of a neighboring planet may heat the world’s interior, creating the right conditions for volcanic activity on the surface. Astronomers have discovered an Earth-size exoplanet, or world beyond our solar system, that may be carpeted with …