While it’s true that space radiation is one of the biggest challenges for a human journey to Mars, it’s also true that NASA is developing technologies and countermeasures to ensure a safe and successful journey to the red planet. “Some people think that radiation will keep NASA from sending people to Mars, but that’s not…
How Stressful Will a Trip to Mars Be on the Human Body?
Preliminary research results for the NASA Twins Study debuted at NASA’s Human Research Program’s annual Investigators’ Workshop in Galveston, Texas, the week of Jan. 23. NASA astronaut Scott Kelly returned home last March after nearly one year in space living on the International Space Station. His identical twin brother, Mark, remained on Earth. Researchers found…
One-Year Mission Investigators Debut PreliminaryResults at NASA Workshop
Preliminary research results for the NASA One-Year Mission debuted last week at an annual NASA conference. Last March, two men landed back on Earth after having spent nearly one year in space. NASA and Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, teamed up for an unprecedented One-Year Mission. One crewmember from each agency lived on the International…
Gravity, Who Needs It?
What happens to your body in space? NASA’s Human Research Program has been unfolding answers for over a decade. Space is a dangerous, unfriendly place. Isolated from family and friends, exposed to radiation that could increase your lifetime risk for cancer, a diet high in freeze-dried food, required daily exercise to keep your muscles and…
NASA Is Laser-Focused on Deep Space Communication
Today’s technology has all but eliminated time delays in telecommunication on Earth, but when they do occur they can be frustrating, especially when trying to communicate complex or time sensitive information. The same type of delay could happen when communicating with spacecraft and crew members in deep space on the journey to Mars. For example,…
From Fluids to Flames, Research on the Space Station is Helping Advance Technology
The International Space Station enables technological advances that benefit the planet and people who live on it. The new ISS Benefits for Humanity 2015 book highlights the contributions of this unique science laboratory orbiting more than 200 miles above Earth. One of the studies explored the finer points of fluid dynamics, something that is experienced…
How to train your astronauts
Training an astronaut is no easy task. Astronauts go through years of rigorous technical, health and safety training to learn simple and complex tasks for a typical four to six month mission. They develop skills in systems, robotics, spacecraft operations, space engineering activities and even learn Russian. As NASA develops deep space exploration missions on…
Monitoring Meteor Showers from Space
Those who enjoy the spectacle of the Perseids, Geminids or other annual meteor showers likely aren’t thinking about where these shooting stars originated or whether they might pose a danger. Scientists, however, think about such things and will use the vantage point of a special window on the International Space Station to learn more about…
Largest Flock of Earth-imaging Satellites Launch from Space Station
It is often said that if everyone had the opportunity to see Earth from the perspective of astronauts in space, respect and admiration for our planet would grow and the environment would be better protected. A new fleet of 28 small satellites, called Flock 1, may help provide this perspective to people like never before.…
Rugged, Rapid Monitor Safeguards Space Crews
There are few things as important on, and especially off, Earth as breathable, quality air. When air quality is compromised, we often don’t have seconds to spare, which is why development of the Multi-Gas Monitor is so important. This shoebox-sized, battery-powered monitor can measure the concentrations of multiple gases within the air inside of it…
Photo of the Day: Space Station Debuts CATS Laser Technology
Roughly the size of a refrigerator, CATS will use the same two laser wavelengths on NASA’s CALIPSO mission, 1064 and 532 nanometers, and it will incorporate a third laser wavelength — 355 nanometers. This will provide more detailed information about the particles in Earth’s atmosphere. (NASA) Read: Testing CATS in Space: Laser Technology to…
Testing CATS in Space: Laser Technology to Debut on Space Station
While felines in space may be what you’re thinking, the Cloud-Aerosol Transport System (CATS) is a much more helpful accompaniment planned for the International Space Station. CATS will study the distribution of aerosols, the tiny particles that make up haze, dust, air pollutants, and smoke. View: Photo of the Day: Space Station Debuts CATS Laser…