Years after Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams,&nbsp;a third woman of Indian origin,&nbsp;Sirisha Bandla, is all set to fly into space aboard ‘VSS Unity’ of Virgin Galactic, which is scheduled to fly off on July 11 from New Mexico.

The 34-year-old aeronautical engineer will be flying off into space with five other members in her team. Her role will be that of a researcher experience. The founder of Virgin Galactic Richard Branson will also be a part of the team.

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Our first fully crewed rocket powered test flight is planned to take place on July 11th with two pilots and four mission specialists including <a href="https://twitter.com/richardbranson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RichardBranson</a> onboard. 
 
If we were flying your crew, who’d be floating in zero gravity next to you? Tag your astronauts! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unity22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unity22</a> <a href="https://t.co/3FTCls7A4W">pic.twitter.com/3FTCls7A4W</a>
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"I am so incredibly honored to be a part of the amazing crew of #Unity22, and to be a part of a company whose mission is to make space available to all," Sirisha Bandla said on Twitter.

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Join us July 11th for our first fully crewed rocket powered test flight, and the beginning of a new space age. 
The countdown begins. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Unity22?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Unity22</a> 
<a href="https://t.co/5UalYT7Hjb">https://t.co/5UalYT7Hjb</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/richardbranson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RichardBranson</a> <a href="https://t.co/ZL9xbCeWQX">pic.twitter.com/ZL9xbCeWQX</a>
— Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) <a href="https://twitter.com/virgingalactic/status/1410727434530422784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 1, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Born in Andhra Pradesh, Bandla grew up in Houston, Texas and started working with Virgin Galactic&nbsp;in 2015. Before that, she used to work in space policy at the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) and as an aerospace engineer in Texas.

She has graduated in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University and also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University.

Bandla is the second Indian-born woman in space and fourth in general to travel to space.

Years after Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, a third woman of Indian origin, Sirisha Bandla, is all set to fly into space aboard ‘VSS Unity’ of Virgin Galactic, which is scheduled to fly off on July 11 from New Mexico.

Years after Kalpana Chawla and Sunita Williams, a third woman of Indian origin, Sirisha Bandla, is all set to fly into space aboard ‘VSS Unity’ of Virgin Galactic, which is scheduled to fly off on July 11 from New Mexico. The 34-year-old aeronautical engineer will be flying off into space with five other members in her team. Her role will be that of a researcher experience. The founder of Virgin Galactic Richard Branson will also be a part of the team. Our first fully crewed rocket powered test flight is planned to take place on July 11th with two pilots and four mission specialists including @RichardBranson onboard. If we were flying your crew, who’d be floating in zero gravity next to you? Tag your astronauts! #Unity22 pic.twitter.com/3FTCls7A4W — Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) July 2, 2021 × "I am so incredibly honored to be a part of the amazing crew of #Unity22, and to be a part of a company whose mission is to make space available to all," Sirisha Bandla said on Twitter. Join us July 11th for our first fully crewed rocket powered test flight, and the beginning of a new space age. The countdown begins. #Unity22 https://t.co/5UalYT7Hjb. @RichardBranson pic.twitter.com/ZL9xbCeWQX — Virgin Galactic (@virgingalactic) July 1, 2021 × Born in Andhra Pradesh, Bandla grew up in Houston, Texas and started working with Virgin Galactic in 2015. Before that, she used to work in space policy at the Commercial Spaceflight Federation (CSF) and as an aerospace engineer in Texas. She has graduated in aeronautical engineering from Purdue University and also holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Georgetown University. Bandla is the second Indian-born woman in space and fourth in general to travel to space.

Third Indian-origin woman, Sirisha Bandla, set to fly to space

A three-man crew of astronauts will blast off in June for a three-month mission on China's new space station, according to a space official, who was the country's first astronaut in orbit.

The plans for the station's first crew were confirmed to state television by Yang Liwei, the manned space programme's deputy chief designer, as an automated spacecraft was launched with fuel and supplies for the Tianhe station.

The Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony, is the third and largest space station launched by China's increasingly ambitious space programme. Its core module was launched into orbit on April 29.

The Shenzhou 12 capsule carrying the crew will be launched from the Jiuquan base in China's northwest next month, Yang said in comments broadcast on Saturday by China Central Television.

They will practice spacewalks and conduct repairs and maintenance as well as scientific operations.

Yang, who orbited Earth in 2003, gave no details of the astronauts' identities or a flight date and said the crew will come from the programme's two earliest groups of astronauts.

Asked whether women would be in the crew, Yang said, "On Shenzhou 12, we don't have them, but missions after that all will have them."

The Tianzhou-2 spacecraft that docked with Tianhe on Sunday carried 6.8 tonnes of cargo including space suits, food and equipment for the astronauts and fuel for the station, according to the space programme.

The space agency plans a total of 11 launches through the end of next year to deliver two more modules for the 70-tonne station, supplies and the crew.

Beijing doesn't participate in the International Space Station, largely due to US&nbsp;Objections. Washington is wary of the Chinese programme's secrecy and its military connections.

China has sent 11 astronauts, including two women, into space beginning with Yang's flight in October 2003. The first female astronaut was Liu Yang in 2012.

All of China's astronauts to date have been pilots from the ruling Communist Party's military wing, the People's Liberation Army.

Astronauts on the Tianhe will practice making spacewalks with two people outside the hull at one time, according to Yang. China's first spacewalk was made in 2008 by Zhai Zhigang outside the Shenzhou 7 capsule.

Also this month, the Chinese space programme landed a probe, the Tianwen-1, on Mars carrying a rover, the Zhurong.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A three-man crew of astronauts will blast off in June for a three-month mission on China's new space station, according to a space official, who was the country's first astronaut in orbit.

A three-man crew of astronauts will blast off in June for a three-month mission on China's new space station, according to a space official, who was the country's first astronaut in orbit. The plans for the station's first crew were confirmed to state television by Yang Liwei, the manned space programme's deputy chief designer, as an automated spacecraft was launched with fuel and supplies for the Tianhe station. The Tianhe, or Heavenly Harmony, is the third and largest space station launched by China's increasingly ambitious space programme. Its core module was launched into orbit on April 29. The Shenzhou 12 capsule carrying the crew will be launched from the Jiuquan base in China's northwest next month, Yang said in comments broadcast on Saturday by China Central Television. They will practice spacewalks and conduct repairs and maintenance as well as scientific operations. Yang, who orbited Earth in 2003, gave no details of the astronauts' identities or a flight date and said the crew will come from the programme's two earliest groups of astronauts. Asked whether women would be in the crew, Yang said, "On Shenzhou 12, we don't have them, but missions after that all will have them." The Tianzhou-2 spacecraft that docked with Tianhe on Sunday carried 6.8 tonnes of cargo including space suits, food and equipment for the astronauts and fuel for the station, according to the space programme. The space agency plans a total of 11 launches through the end of next year to deliver two more modules for the 70-tonne station, supplies and the crew. Beijing doesn't participate in the International Space Station, largely due to US Objections. Washington is wary of the Chinese programme's secrecy and its military connections. China has sent 11 astronauts, including two women, into space beginning with Yang's flight in October 2003. The first female astronaut was Liu Yang in 2012. All of China's astronauts to date have been pilots from the ruling Communist Party's military wing, the People's Liberation Army. Astronauts on the Tianhe will practice making spacewalks with two people outside the hull at one time, according to Yang. China's first spacewalk was made in 2008 by Zhai Zhigang outside the Shenzhou 7 capsule. Also this month, the Chinese space programme landed a probe, the Tianwen-1, on Mars carrying a rover, the Zhurong. (With inputs from agencies)

China to send 3 male astronauts to its space station in June

Four&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;just returned from the International Space Station described&nbsp;on&nbsp;Thursday their reentry into&nbsp;Earth's atmosphere and ocean splashdown after more than 160 days in space.

A&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;Crew Dragon&nbsp;capsule&nbsp;carrying the crew back to&nbsp;Earth&nbsp;splashed down off Florida early Sunday in NASA's first nighttime ocean landing in more than 50 years.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station">NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station</a>

"There was a point where I was just saying to myself, breathe. Inhale, because I&nbsp;felt&nbsp;really&nbsp;heavy&nbsp;-- I&nbsp;felt&nbsp;like those cartoons when they experience G and your face is just sagging down," said American Victor Glover, one of the&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;in the group called Crew-1.&nbsp;

It was the first regular mission to be taken and then returned from the ISS aboard a spacecraft built by billionaire Elon Musk's company.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket">Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket</a>

"I expected it to be so dynamic -- and so challenging -- that the actual event I think, was a little less than what I was expecting, and so it was enjoyable all around," Glover said.

The weight of acceleration was concentrated in the chest, making it difficult to breathe.

But then, "launch and entry are such unique experiences," he said.&nbsp; &nbsp;

NASA has contracted&nbsp;SpaceX&nbsp;to launch&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;into space from US soil, something that has not been possible since 2011 with the end of space shuttle program.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="'Touchdown confirmed': NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars">'Touchdown confirmed': NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars</a>

Since that time until now NASA was forced to pay for rides to the ISS aboard Russian Soyuz vessels, which land&nbsp;on&nbsp;dry land.

"Landing in the water was interesting because none of us&nbsp;really&nbsp;knew what to expect, but I would say from my standpoint, it&nbsp;felt&nbsp;a little bit softer than landing&nbsp;on&nbsp;land," said US astronaut Shannon Walker.

"You spend less time under a parachute&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Dragon than you do under the Soyuz," he said.

Soon, space "tourists" -- civilians who are not professional&nbsp;astronauts&nbsp;-- will take their places&nbsp;on&nbsp;Dragon.

US astronaut Mike Hopkins believes that space tourists will be able to handle the rough reentry rides.

After the civilians go through some centrifuge training "it's not going to be completely unique to them," he said.

Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi said the landing was pretty smooth.

"Impact was very, very minimal, and right after splashdown. We feel the waves, we come back to the water planet.

"That's a great feeling."

Four astronauts just returned from the International Space Station described on Thursday their reentry into Earth's atmosphere and ocean splashdown after more than 160 days in space.

Four astronauts just returned from the International Space Station described on Thursday their reentry into Earth's atmosphere and ocean splashdown after more than 160 days in space. A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the crew back to Earth splashed down off Florida early Sunday in NASA's first nighttime ocean landing in more than 50 years. Also read | NASA-SpaceX set to launch next 4-member crew to International Space Station "There was a point where I was just saying to myself, breathe. Inhale, because I felt really heavy -- I felt like those cartoons when they experience G and your face is just sagging down," said American Victor Glover, one of the astronauts in the group called Crew-1. It was the first regular mission to be taken and then returned from the ISS aboard a spacecraft built by billionaire Elon Musk's company. Also read | Touchdown! SpaceX successfully lands Starship rocket "I expected it to be so dynamic -- and so challenging -- that the actual event I think, was a little less than what I was expecting, and so it was enjoyable all around," Glover said. The weight of acceleration was concentrated in the chest, making it difficult to breathe. But then, "launch and entry are such unique experiences," he said. NASA has contracted SpaceX to launch astronauts into space from US soil, something that has not been possible since 2011 with the end of space shuttle program. Also read | 'Touchdown confirmed': NASA's Perseverance rover lands on Mars Since that time until now NASA was forced to pay for rides to the ISS aboard Russian Soyuz vessels, which land on dry land. "Landing in the water was interesting because none of us really knew what to expect, but I would say from my standpoint, it felt a little bit softer than landing on land," said US astronaut Shannon Walker. "You spend less time under a parachute on the Dragon than you do under the Soyuz," he said. Soon, space "tourists" -- civilians who are not professional astronauts -- will take their places on Dragon. US astronaut Mike Hopkins believes that space tourists will be able to handle the rough reentry rides. After the civilians go through some centrifuge training "it's not going to be completely unique to them," he said. Japanese astronaut Soichi Noguchi said the landing was pretty smooth. "Impact was very, very minimal, and right after splashdown. We feel the waves, we come back to the water planet. "That's a great feeling."

'I felt really heavy': Astronauts describe returning to Earth on SpaceX capsule

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's aerospace company Blue Origin is planning to conduct an 'astronaut rehearsal' during the 15th launch of its New Shepard rocket, dubbed NS-15, which is targeting liftoff on Wednesday from Launch Site One in West Texas.&nbsp;

This flight is a 'verification step' for the vehicle and operations prior to flying astronauts, Blue Origin said on Monday.&nbsp;

During the mission, astronaut operational exercises will be conducted in preparation for human space flight. &nbsp;

The primary operations will entail Blue Origin personnel standing in as astronauts entering into the capsule prior to launch. &nbsp;

These astronauts will climb the launch tower, get into their seats, buckle their harnesses, and conduct a communications check from their seat with CAPCOM, the Capsule Communicator.&nbsp;

The tower operations team will prepare the capsule cabin for launch and then briefly close the capsule hatch. &nbsp;

The astronauts will then exit the capsule prior to launch, Blue Origin said, adding that the launch window for the flight on Wednesday opens at 8 am CDT (Central Daylight Time).&nbsp;

Post-landing, the astronauts will get inside the capsule to rehearse hatch opening, and exiting the capsule at the landing site. &nbsp;

However, it is still not clear when Blue Origin will launch the first commercial flights.&nbsp;

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's aerospace company Blue Origin is planning to conduct an 'astronaut rehearsal' during the 15th launch of its New Shepard rocket, dubbed NS-15, which is targeting liftoff on Wednesday from Launch Site One in West Texas.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos's aerospace company Blue Origin is planning to conduct an 'astronaut rehearsal' during the 15th launch of its New Shepard rocket, dubbed NS-15, which is targeting liftoff on Wednesday from Launch Site One in West Texas. This flight is a 'verification step' for the vehicle and operations prior to flying astronauts, Blue Origin said on Monday. During the mission, astronaut operational exercises will be conducted in preparation for human space flight. The primary operations will entail Blue Origin personnel standing in as astronauts entering into the capsule prior to launch. These astronauts will climb the launch tower, get into their seats, buckle their harnesses, and conduct a communications check from their seat with CAPCOM, the Capsule Communicator. The tower operations team will prepare the capsule cabin for launch and then briefly close the capsule hatch. The astronauts will then exit the capsule prior to launch, Blue Origin said, adding that the launch window for the flight on Wednesday opens at 8 am CDT (Central Daylight Time). Post-landing, the astronauts will get inside the capsule to rehearse hatch opening, and exiting the capsule at the landing site. However, it is still not clear when Blue Origin will launch the first commercial flights.

Blue Origin's next launch to run 'astronaut rehearsal' 

Nora Al Matrooshi has become the first Arab Woman Astronaut. WION's Palki Sharma tells you why her selection comes as a ray of hope for women looking to venture beyond earth.

Gravitas: Meet the first Arab Woman Astronaut

In a first, the UAE leader has named its first female astronaut for a space programme.

Noura al-Matroushi has been named as the first-ever female astronaut of the country, who has been selected out of 4,000 other applicants in the UAE.

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Space was her passion since childhood... Nora AlMatrooshi, the new member of the UAE Astronaut Programme.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAEAstronauts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAEAstronauts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAEAstronautProgramme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAEAstronautProgramme</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Astronaut_Nora?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astronaut_Nora</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUAETRA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheUAETRA</a> <a href="https://t.co/TEW5uip0EK">pic.twitter.com/TEW5uip0EK</a>
— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) <a href="https://twitter.com/MBRSpaceCentre/status/1380820144675508224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, through a Twitter post.

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We announce the first Arab female astronaut, among two new astronauts, selected from over 4,000 candidates to be trained with NASA for future space exploration missions. Congratulations Noura Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla. <a href="https://t.co/bfyquyzqAJ">pic.twitter.com/bfyquyzqAJ</a>
— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) <a href="https://twitter.com/HHShkMohd/status/1380821550304223234?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"We announce the first Arab female astronaut, among two new astronauts, selected from over 4,000 candidates to be trained with NASA for future space exploration missions. Congratulations Noura Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla,"&nbsp;he tweeted.

Noura al-Matroushi will be accompanied by Mohammed al-Mulla. Both of the chosen astronauts will undergo training at NASA’s&nbsp;Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.

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Space was her passion since childhood... Nora AlMatrooshi, the new member of the UAE Astronaut Programme.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAEAstronauts?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAEAstronauts</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UAEAstronautProgramme?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UAEAstronautProgramme</a><a href="https://twitter.com/Astronaut_Nora?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Astronaut_Nora</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/TheUAETRA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TheUAETRA</a> <a href="https://t.co/TEW5uip0EK">pic.twitter.com/TEW5uip0EK</a>
— MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) <a href="https://twitter.com/MBRSpaceCentre/status/1380820144675508224?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 10, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Born in 1993,&nbsp;Noura al-Matroushi holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the United Arab Emirates University&nbsp;and worked as&nbsp;an engineer at the Abu Dhabi-based National Petroleum Construction Co., according to a promotional video posted.

She has also headed several committees and has an excellent record of volunteer work, along with other achievements such as Mathematics Olympiad and more.

In a first, the UAE leader has named its first female astronaut for a space programme. Noura al-Matroushi has been named as the first-ever female astronaut of the country, who has been selected out of 4,000 other applicants in the UAE.

In a first, the UAE leader has named its first female astronaut for a space programme. Noura al-Matroushi has been named as the first-ever female astronaut of the country, who has been selected out of 4,000 other applicants in the UAE. Space was her passion since childhood... Nora AlMatrooshi, the new member of the UAE Astronaut Programme.#UAEAstronauts #UAEAstronautProgramme@Astronaut_Nora @TheUAETRA pic.twitter.com/TEW5uip0EK — MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) April 10, 2021 × The announcement was made by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, through a Twitter post. We announce the first Arab female astronaut, among two new astronauts, selected from over 4,000 candidates to be trained with NASA for future space exploration missions. Congratulations Noura Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla. pic.twitter.com/bfyquyzqAJ — HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) April 10, 2021 × "We announce the first Arab female astronaut, among two new astronauts, selected from over 4,000 candidates to be trained with NASA for future space exploration missions. Congratulations Noura Al Matrooshi and Mohammed Al Mulla," he tweeted. Noura al-Matroushi will be accompanied by Mohammed al-Mulla. Both of the chosen astronauts will undergo training at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. Space was her passion since childhood... Nora AlMatrooshi, the new member of the UAE Astronaut Programme.#UAEAstronauts #UAEAstronautProgramme@Astronaut_Nora @TheUAETRA pic.twitter.com/TEW5uip0EK — MBR Space Centre (@MBRSpaceCentre) April 10, 2021 × Born in 1993, Noura al-Matroushi holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from the United Arab Emirates University and worked as an engineer at the Abu Dhabi-based National Petroleum Construction Co., according to a promotional video posted. She has also headed several committees and has an excellent record of volunteer work, along with other achievements such as Mathematics Olympiad and more.

UAE names Noura al-Matroushi as its first female astronaut

An Indian-American is among the 18 astronauts selected by NASA for its manned mission to the Moon and beyond.

NASA on Wednesday named the 18 astronauts -- half of them women -- who will train for its Artemis moon-landing programme.

Raja Jon Vurputoor Chari, 43, a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, MIT, and US Naval Test Pilot School, is the only Indian-American in the list.

He was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class.

He reported for duty in August 2017 and has completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for a mission assignment.

"My fellow Americans, I give you the heroes of the future who will carry us back to the Moon and beyond: the Artemis Generation," Vice President Mike Pence said at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday.

"It really is amazing to think that the next man and the first woman on the Moon are among the names that we just read. We started today reflecting on a great hero of the past. The Artemis Generation are the heroes of American space exploration in the future," Pence said after he introduced the members of the Artemis Team during the eighth National Space Council meeting.

The astronauts on the Artemis Team come from a diverse range of backgrounds, expertise and experience.

Most of the astronauts in the group are in their 30s or 40s.

The oldest is 55, the youngest 32.

The agency's modern lunar exploration programme will land the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024 and establish a sustainable human lunar presence by the end of the decade, NASA said.

NASA will announce flight assignments for astronauts later, pulling from the Artemis Team.

Additional Artemis Team members, including international partner astronauts, will join this group, as needed.

"We are incredibly grateful for the president and vice president's support of the Artemis program, as well as the bipartisan support for all of NASA's science, aeronautics research, technology development, and human exploration goals," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

"As a result, we're excited to share this next step in exploration, naming the Artemis Team of astronauts who will lead the way, which includes the first woman and next man to walk on the lunar surface," he added.

The selected astronauts will help NASA prepare for the coming Artemis missions, which begin next year working with the agency's commercial partners as they develop human landing systems; assisting in the development of training; defining hardware requirements, and consulting on technical development.

They also will engage the public and industry on NASA's exploration plans.

"There is so much exciting work ahead of us as we return to the moon, and it will take the entire astronaut corps to make that happen," Chief Astronaut Pat Forrester said.

"Walking on the lunar surface would be a dream come true for any one of us, and any part we can play in making that happen is an honour," he said.

The other members on the list include Christina Koch and Jessica Meir -- the two astronauts who performed the world's first all-female spacewalk last year.

An Indian-American is among the 18 astronauts selected by NASA for its manned mission to the Moon and beyond. NASA on Wednesday named the 18 astronauts -- half of them women -- who will train for its Artemis moon-landing programme.

An Indian-American is among the 18 astronauts selected by NASA for its manned mission to the Moon and beyond. NASA on Wednesday named the 18 astronauts -- half of them women -- who will train for its Artemis moon-landing programme. Raja Jon Vurputoor Chari, 43, a graduate of the US Air Force Academy, MIT, and US Naval Test Pilot School, is the only Indian-American in the list. He was selected by NASA to join the 2017 Astronaut Candidate Class. He reported for duty in August 2017 and has completed the initial astronaut candidate training is now eligible for a mission assignment. "My fellow Americans, I give you the heroes of the future who will carry us back to the Moon and beyond: the Artemis Generation," Vice President Mike Pence said at NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida on Wednesday. "It really is amazing to think that the next man and the first woman on the Moon are among the names that we just read. We started today reflecting on a great hero of the past. The Artemis Generation are the heroes of American space exploration in the future," Pence said after he introduced the members of the Artemis Team during the eighth National Space Council meeting. The astronauts on the Artemis Team come from a diverse range of backgrounds, expertise and experience. Most of the astronauts in the group are in their 30s or 40s. The oldest is 55, the youngest 32. The agency's modern lunar exploration programme will land the first woman and next man on the Moon in 2024 and establish a sustainable human lunar presence by the end of the decade, NASA said. NASA will announce flight assignments for astronauts later, pulling from the Artemis Team. Additional Artemis Team members, including international partner astronauts, will join this group, as needed. "We are incredibly grateful for the president and vice president's support of the Artemis program, as well as the bipartisan support for all of NASA's science, aeronautics research, technology development, and human exploration goals," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. "As a result, we're excited to share this next step in exploration, naming the Artemis Team of astronauts who will lead the way, which includes the first woman and next man to walk on the lunar surface," he added. The selected astronauts will help NASA prepare for the coming Artemis missions, which begin next year working with the agency's commercial partners as they develop human landing systems; assisting in the development of training; defining hardware requirements, and consulting on technical development. They also will engage the public and industry on NASA's exploration plans. "There is so much exciting work ahead of us as we return to the moon, and it will take the entire astronaut corps to make that happen," Chief Astronaut Pat Forrester said. "Walking on the lunar surface would be a dream come true for any one of us, and any part we can play in making that happen is an honour," he said. The other members on the list include Christina Koch and Jessica Meir -- the two astronauts who performed the world's first all-female spacewalk last year.

Indian-American among 18 astronauts selected for NASA's manned Moon mission

Lightning during thunderstorms leave might leave many of us in awe but imagine if it looks so attractive sitting on the earth, how beautiful will it look from space. NASA astronaut Bob Behnken who is currently stationed at the International Space Station has given us a fair idea of it.&nbsp;

The astronaut took to Twitter to share a clip showing portion of earth's atmosphere from outer space and shows flashes among the dark clouds.&nbsp;

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Lightning from above. The violet fringes are mesmerizing. <a href="https://t.co/eLCGMTbfTY">pic.twitter.com/eLCGMTbfTY</a>
— Bob Behnken (@AstroBehnken) <a href="https://twitter.com/AstroBehnken/status/1285717390198792195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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He captioned the video: “Lightning from above. The violet fringes are mesmerizing.” &nbsp;

This video got him nearly 120,000 views and a variety of reactions from the netizens. While many were left appreciating the view, some asked questions to the astronaut. Here are some of the best reactions:&nbsp;

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I've loved thunderstorms since I was a small child. I would watch from the window, and cry when they stopped! 
I've been lucky enough to see some amazing storms, including experiencing a ground strike less than a mile away (bit too close TBH!), but the view from space beats all!
— Just Steve (@tankslappa) <a href="https://twitter.com/tankslappa/status/1285725770921508867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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🤔 Why is it purple, though?
— Judy Schmidt (@SpaceGeck) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceGeck/status/1285720737681223681?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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What area is this over?
— Gregg Palermo (@GreggPalermo) <a href="https://twitter.com/GreggPalermo/status/1285718676617007106?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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So pretty and peaceful 🥺 I would love to go to space but I would back out because I would start freaking out from heights 🤣
— Katelyn Marshall (@Kate_Marshall00) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kate_Marshall00/status/1285718944519782402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Lightning during thunderstorms leave might leave many of us in awe but imagine if it looks so attractive sitting on the earth, how beautiful will it look from space.

Lightning during thunderstorms leave might leave many of us in awe but imagine if it looks so attractive sitting on the earth, how beautiful will it look from space. NASA astronaut Bob Behnken who is currently stationed at the International Space Station has given us a fair idea of it. The astronaut took to Twitter to share a clip showing portion of earth's atmosphere from outer space and shows flashes among the dark clouds. Lightning from above. The violet fringes are mesmerizing. pic.twitter.com/eLCGMTbfTY — Bob Behnken (@AstroBehnken) July 21, 2020 × He captioned the video: “Lightning from above. The violet fringes are mesmerizing.” This video got him nearly 120,000 views and a variety of reactions from the netizens. While many were left appreciating the view, some asked questions to the astronaut. Here are some of the best reactions: I've loved thunderstorms since I was a small child. I would watch from the window, and cry when they stopped! I've been lucky enough to see some amazing storms, including experiencing a ground strike less than a mile away (bit too close TBH!), but the view from space beats all! — Just Steve (@tankslappa) July 21, 2020 × 🤔 Why is it purple, though? — Judy Schmidt (@SpaceGeck) July 21, 2020 × What area is this over? — Gregg Palermo (@GreggPalermo) July 21, 2020 × So pretty and peaceful 🥺 I would love to go to space but I would back out because I would start freaking out from heights 🤣 — Katelyn Marshall (@Kate_Marshall00) July 21, 2020 ×

'Violet fringes': Astronaut shares a clip of lightning seen from space

Hollywood hot-throb Brad Pitt plays a gun-wielding astronaut in his next film. He stops by NASA to make a call into space. He called someone who actually has a character of his on-screen character. Let's go through this.

Gravitas: An Interview That Is 'Out-of-this-World'

Former NASA astronaut Donald A Thomas has said that when India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan 2 will land on the surface of the moon then everyone at America's space agency and people around the world would be watching it.

The landing of Chandrayaan 2 spacecraft is scheduled to land on the surface of the moon on September 7.

"Chandrayaan 2 will be the first spacecraft to land near the South pole of the moon and this is where NASA hopes to land astronaut in about five years from now. Not just NASA, but the whole world would be interested in knowing about the moon and the universe by following Chandrayaan -2," he said.

Thomas said while speaking to reporters after attending an event at Park College of Engineering and Technology near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu.

He explained, "We have landed near the equator of the moon before but never at the South Pole. The South pole is a very special location, we think there is ice in some of the craters that are permanently shadowed."

"If we find ice there then we can have water and from that Oxygen and Hydrogen," he added.

On being asked about the conditions on the moon, the former NASA astronaut said, "The moon is a tough place to live. There is a lot of radiation out there. At day time temperature there could reach 100 degrees Celcius and during night time minus 100 degrees Celcius."

Chandrayaan 2 will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India, the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on the moon.

After revolving around the earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the craft began its journey to the moon on August 14.

The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.

Former NASA astronaut Donald A Thomas has said that when India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan 2 will land on the surface of the moon then everyone at America's space agency and people around the world would be watching it.

Former NASA astronaut Donald A Thomas has said that when India's ambitious lunar mission Chandrayaan 2 will land on the surface of the moon then everyone at America's space agency and people around the world would be watching it. The landing of Chandrayaan 2 spacecraft is scheduled to land on the surface of the moon on September 7. "Chandrayaan 2 will be the first spacecraft to land near the South pole of the moon and this is where NASA hopes to land astronaut in about five years from now. Not just NASA, but the whole world would be interested in knowing about the moon and the universe by following Chandrayaan -2," he said. Thomas said while speaking to reporters after attending an event at Park College of Engineering and Technology near Coimbatore in Tamil Nadu. He explained, "We have landed near the equator of the moon before but never at the South Pole. The South pole is a very special location, we think there is ice in some of the craters that are permanently shadowed." "If we find ice there then we can have water and from that Oxygen and Hydrogen," he added. On being asked about the conditions on the moon, the former NASA astronaut said, "The moon is a tough place to live. There is a lot of radiation out there. At day time temperature there could reach 100 degrees Celcius and during night time minus 100 degrees Celcius." Chandrayaan 2 will be the first Indian expedition to attempt a soft landing on the lunar surface. This mission will make India, the fourth country after the US, Russia, and China to carry out a soft landing on the moon. After revolving around the earth's orbit for nearly 23 days, the craft began its journey to the moon on August 14. The mission took off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on July 22.

NASA, whole world will be watching landing of India's Chandrayaan 2 on moon: Former astronaut

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-prime-minister-imran-khan-on-sponsoring-terror-238350&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie07-5itDjAhUE448KHbp2C8IQFjABegQIDxAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw1gldJXPBoPiGryxnb9PSG1">Pakistan</a> said on Thursday it aims to send its first astronaut into space by 2022 and will begin selecting candidates next year.

Neighbouring country India put its first astronaut into space in 1984 as part of a Soviet-led mission. It launched a rocket into space on Monday in an attempt to safely land a rover on the moon, its most ambitious mission yet.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hafiz-saeeds-ninth-time-arrest-pakistans-bid-to-curb-terror-a-mere-eyewash-reveals-former-envoy-238300&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwie07-5itDjAhUE448KHbp2C8IQFjADegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0W_ruVb9FrVDv2z17LSfz5">Pakistan</a>'s programme, announced 50 years after the US&nbsp;Apollo 11 mission put the first man on the moon, marks a new departure after focusing on developing communication satellites.

"This will be the biggest space event of our history," Science and Technology Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said in a tweet.

A selection committee would begin choosing candidates in February, he said.

Pakistan's National Space Agency SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) was set up in 1961. It launched its first communication satellite 50 years later with help from a subsidiary of China Aerospace and Technology Corporation.

Pakistan said on Thursday it aims to send its first astronaut into space by 2022 and will begin selecting candidates next year. Neighbouring country India put its first astronaut into space in 1984 as part of a Soviet-led mission.

Pakistan said on Thursday it aims to send its first astronaut into space by 2022 and will begin selecting candidates next year. Neighbouring country India put its first astronaut into space in 1984 as part of a Soviet-led mission. It launched a rocket into space on Monday in an attempt to safely land a rover on the moon, its most ambitious mission yet. Pakistan's programme, announced 50 years after the US Apollo 11 mission put the first man on the moon, marks a new departure after focusing on developing communication satellites. "This will be the biggest space event of our history," Science and Technology Minister Chaudhry Fawad Hussain said in a tweet. A selection committee would begin choosing candidates in February, he said. Pakistan's National Space Agency SUPARCO (Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission) was set up in 1961. It launched its first communication satellite 50 years later with help from a subsidiary of China Aerospace and Technology Corporation.

Pakistan aims to send first astronaut into space by 2022

July 20, 2019 marks&nbsp;50 years to the historic first moon landing by Apollo 11's module-the Eagle.

The spaceflight Apollo 11 lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 16, 1969, rocketing astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins into space. Four days later, on July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin landed the Eagle on the moon and stepped onto the lunar surface.

The historic move was live telecasted on TV and was watched by an estimated 650 million viewers.

The moment was declared as&nbsp;"one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" by Armstrong, NASA stated.

On their return to Earth, the three astronauts were welcomed as heroes.

Currently, the mission's only surviving members&nbsp;are Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins as their commander and the first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, passed away in 2012.

While speaking at the Apollo XI 50th Anniversary, Aldrin&nbsp;hit out at the lack of progress in space travel.

He said, "50 years ago, the Saturn V took the command module, the lunar module, the three of us to the moon. We landed, explored, got back up again, rendezvous-ed, came back. That's 50 years of non progress. I think we all ought to be a little ashamed that we can't do better than that."

Uncertain future

Since 1972, the year of the final Apollo mission, no other country including the US has been able to manage a return to the moon.

President George Bush promised to do so in 1989, as did his son president George W Bush in 2004, while pledging to also march forward to Mars.

But they both ran up against a Congress that wasn't inclined to fund the adventures, with public opinion markedly changed since the height of the Cold War.

For his part, President Donald Trump relaunched the race to re-conquer the Moon and Mars after taking office in 2017. But the immediate effect has been to create turbulence within the space agency.

Last week, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine fired the head of the human space exploration directorate Bill Gerstenmaier, likely over disagreements over the 2024 ultimatum set by Trump to return an American to the Moon.

Five years appears unlikely given that neither the rocket, capsule or lander are yet ready or even finalised.

(With inputs from Reuters)

July 20, 2019 marks 50 years to the historic first moon landing by Apollo 11's module-the Eagle. The spaceflight Apollo 11 lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 16, 1969, rocketing astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins into space.

July 20, 2019 marks 50 years to the historic first moon landing by Apollo 11's module-the Eagle. The spaceflight Apollo 11 lifted off from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 16, 1969, rocketing astronauts Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins into space. Four days later, on July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin landed the Eagle on the moon and stepped onto the lunar surface. The historic move was live telecasted on TV and was watched by an estimated 650 million viewers. The moment was declared as "one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind" by Armstrong, NASA stated. On their return to Earth, the three astronauts were welcomed as heroes. Currently, the mission's only surviving members are Buzz Aldrin and Michael Collins as their commander and the first man on the Moon, Neil Armstrong, passed away in 2012. While speaking at the Apollo XI 50th Anniversary, Aldrin hit out at the lack of progress in space travel. He said, "50 years ago, the Saturn V took the command module, the lunar module, the three of us to the moon. We landed, explored, got back up again, rendezvous-ed, came back. That's 50 years of non progress. I think we all ought to be a little ashamed that we can't do better than that." Uncertain future Since 1972, the year of the final Apollo mission, no other country including the US has been able to manage a return to the moon. President George Bush promised to do so in 1989, as did his son president George W Bush in 2004, while pledging to also march forward to Mars. But they both ran up against a Congress that wasn't inclined to fund the adventures, with public opinion markedly changed since the height of the Cold War. For his part, President Donald Trump relaunched the race to re-conquer the Moon and Mars after taking office in 2017. But the immediate effect has been to create turbulence within the space agency. Last week, NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine fired the head of the human space exploration directorate Bill Gerstenmaier, likely over disagreements over the 2024 ultimatum set by Trump to return an American to the Moon. Five years appears unlikely given that neither the rocket, capsule or lander are yet ready or even finalised. (With inputs from Reuters)

50 years since the first moon landing, Astronaut laments '50 years of non-progress'

As Barbie turned 60 this year, it decided to take its doll-manufacturing business a notch higher and launching <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/astronaut-football-player-barbie-turns-60-with-career-dolls-and-role-models-202121">a new range of dolls</a>, including career women and role models, to inspire young girls.&nbsp;

In a bid to encourage girls to consider careers in the space industry, Barbie's new doll dons the avatar of Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti.

Cristoforetti Barbie has been manufactured in collaboration with toy-making giant Mattel and the European Space Agency.

Cristoforetti was the first Italian woman in space, she hoped the collaboration ''will help young girls and boys to dream about their future without limits," news agency Reuters reported.

The partnership is part of Barbie's ongoing Dream Gap Project, which the brand says is aimed at challenging young girls' beliefs about their possible futures.

To mark the 60th anniversary of the global doll-manufacturing giant, Mattel in March unveiled new-look, high-achieving Barbies that included an astronaut, a football player and a news anchor.

A series of successful women have also had dolls made in their image to mark six decades of Barbie, news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionew.com/sports/now-a-barbie-doll-named-after-indian-gymnast-dipa-karmakar-202588">Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar</a> was among the twenty female icons chosen by &nbsp;Mattel for a special edition Barbie dolls to celebrate the 60th birthday of the iconic character.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

As Barbie turned 60 this year, it decided to take its doll-manufacturing business a notch higher and launching a new range of dolls, including career women and role models, to inspire young girls.

As Barbie turned 60 this year, it decided to take its doll-manufacturing business a notch higher and launching a new range of dolls, including career women and role models, to inspire young girls. In a bid to encourage girls to consider careers in the space industry, Barbie's new doll dons the avatar of Italian astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. Cristoforetti Barbie has been manufactured in collaboration with toy-making giant Mattel and the European Space Agency. Cristoforetti was the first Italian woman in space, she hoped the collaboration ''will help young girls and boys to dream about their future without limits," news agency Reuters reported. The partnership is part of Barbie's ongoing Dream Gap Project, which the brand says is aimed at challenging young girls' beliefs about their possible futures. To mark the 60th anniversary of the global doll-manufacturing giant, Mattel in March unveiled new-look, high-achieving Barbies that included an astronaut, a football player and a news anchor. A series of successful women have also had dolls made in their image to mark six decades of Barbie, news agency AFP reported. Indian gymnast Dipa Karmakar was among the twenty female icons chosen by Mattel for a special edition Barbie dolls to celebrate the 60th birthday of the iconic character. (With inputs from agencies)

In a bid to encourage girls to think big, Barbie introduces doll on first Italian woman in space

A one-time NASA intern who bought a truckload of videotapes to resell them may end up a millionaire next month when Sotheby`s auctions what it says is the only surviving original recording of man`s first steps on the moon 50 years ago.&nbsp;

In the years after the July 20, 1969 moon landing during the Apollo 11 mission, NASA was recording over its tapes or selling them to cut costs, said Gary George, who was a college student when he bought more than 1,100 reels of NASA videotape for about $218 at a government surplus auction in 1976.

"I had no idea there was anything of value on them," said George, a 65-year-old retired mechanical engineer from Las Vegas, told Reuters in a telephone interview. "I was selling them to TV stations just to record over."

But three of the tapes turned out to be invaluable. One of them captures the images of the first steps on the moon by astronaut Neil Armstrong, along with his famous words, "That`s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind."&nbsp;

The recordings also show astronaut Buzz Aldrin bounding around in minimal lunar gravity, as well as their call with then US President Richard Nixon, the men planting the American flag on the lunar surface, collecting soil and rock samples and much more, said Sotheby`s spokeswoman Hallie Freer.&nbsp;

The tapes are expected to sell for as much as $2 million when they hit the New York auction block on July 20, Freer said. She declined to disclose the exact financial terms between Sotheby`s and the seller.&nbsp;

Collectors pay huge sums for space exploration artefacts. Sotheby’s in 2017 sold a zippered bag stamped with the words “Lunar Sample Return” laced with moon dust which was used by Armstrong on that 1969 mission, for $1.8 million.

After buying the tapes, George sold about eight reels to television stations for $50 each. It was not until he was packing his station wagon with tapes to donate to a church for a tax write-off that his father spotted the three tapes labeled "Apollo 11 EVA," an acronym for extra vehicular activity, NASA jargon for the moon landing.

"He was really into the space program and he said, `I think I’d hang onto those. They might be valuable someday,`" George recalled. "So, for that very reason, I pulled them out and hauled them around the country for the next 43 years. That’s how come they survived."&nbsp;

NASA admitted in 2006 that no one could find the original video recordings of the historic moon landing. The US space agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the upcoming auction.

In 2008, George was vacationing with a NASA friend who told him he was tasked with locating the lost videotapes.&nbsp;

He said, ‘It seems we’ve lost our original tapes of the Apollo 11 EVA,`” George told Reuters.

"Quite frankly, I was sitting at the table drinking a beer and I said, &nbsp;`Well damn, I have those," he recalled.&nbsp;

At the time, George did not have the proper equipment to view the tapes, and still did not known exactly what was on them. But after opening talks with NASA to turn them over, George said he visited a video studio in California where he watched them for the first time.

The sound and images were transmitted by a camera deployed by Armstrong that remains on the moon`s surface to this day.&nbsp;

A one-time NASA intern who bought a truckload of videotapes to resell them may end up a millionaire next month when Sotheby`s auctions what it says is the only surviving original recording of man`s first steps on the moon 50 years ago.

A one-time NASA intern who bought a truckload of videotapes to resell them may end up a millionaire next month when Sotheby`s auctions what it says is the only surviving original recording of man`s first steps on the moon 50 years ago. In the years after the July 20, 1969 moon landing during the Apollo 11 mission, NASA was recording over its tapes or selling them to cut costs, said Gary George, who was a college student when he bought more than 1,100 reels of NASA videotape for about $218 at a government surplus auction in 1976. "I had no idea there was anything of value on them," said George, a 65-year-old retired mechanical engineer from Las Vegas, told Reuters in a telephone interview. "I was selling them to TV stations just to record over." But three of the tapes turned out to be invaluable. One of them captures the images of the first steps on the moon by astronaut Neil Armstrong, along with his famous words, "That`s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind." The recordings also show astronaut Buzz Aldrin bounding around in minimal lunar gravity, as well as their call with then US President Richard Nixon, the men planting the American flag on the lunar surface, collecting soil and rock samples and much more, said Sotheby`s spokeswoman Hallie Freer. The tapes are expected to sell for as much as $2 million when they hit the New York auction block on July 20, Freer said. She declined to disclose the exact financial terms between Sotheby`s and the seller. Collectors pay huge sums for space exploration artefacts. Sotheby’s in 2017 sold a zippered bag stamped with the words “Lunar Sample Return” laced with moon dust which was used by Armstrong on that 1969 mission, for $1.8 million. After buying the tapes, George sold about eight reels to television stations for $50 each. It was not until he was packing his station wagon with tapes to donate to a church for a tax write-off that his father spotted the three tapes labeled "Apollo 11 EVA," an acronym for extra vehicular activity, NASA jargon for the moon landing. "He was really into the space program and he said, `I think I’d hang onto those. They might be valuable someday,`" George recalled. "So, for that very reason, I pulled them out and hauled them around the country for the next 43 years. That’s how come they survived." NASA admitted in 2006 that no one could find the original video recordings of the historic moon landing. The US space agency did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the upcoming auction. In 2008, George was vacationing with a NASA friend who told him he was tasked with locating the lost videotapes. He said, ‘It seems we’ve lost our original tapes of the Apollo 11 EVA,`” George told Reuters. "Quite frankly, I was sitting at the table drinking a beer and I said, `Well damn, I have those," he recalled. At the time, George did not have the proper equipment to view the tapes, and still did not known exactly what was on them. But after opening talks with NASA to turn them over, George said he visited a video studio in California where he watched them for the first time. The sound and images were transmitted by a camera deployed by Armstrong that remains on the moon`s surface to this day.

Sotheby's to auction rare videotape of Neil Armstrong's first steps on moon

The administrator of<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/nasa-captures-unprecedented-images-of-supersonic-shockwaves-201957"> NASA</a>, Jim Bridenstine, said Monday that the return to the moon is part of a "sustainable" project that will turn this satellite into a "test" base for an ambitious project: to organise the first manned mission to Mars and discover possible life on other planets.

With words of enthusiasm, Bridenstine revealed at a conference at the Kennedy Space Center the plans of the US space agency, which was made possible thanks to the fiscal year 2020 budget proposal of the White House, which has bipartisan support in Congress.

This next mission to the Moon aims to be, for the first time, "sustainable," which means that the human presence on its surface will be lasting. "This time, when we go to the Moon, we will stay. We will use what we learn as we move forward to the Moon to take the next giant leap - sending astronauts to Mars, " Bridenstine said in a statement.

"Beginning with a series of small commercial delivery missions to the Moon as early as this year, we will use new landers, robots and eventually humans by 2028 to conduct science across the entire lunar surface," he added.

NASA has embarked on the construction of the Gateway space base, which will orbit with "highly efficient" solar energy around the Moon and will have contributions from other space agencies and private companies.

The head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) pointed out that "this budget will build on our successes in low-Earth orbit to create a sustainable exploration campaign that combines NASA's expertise with that of our commercial and international partners."

Bridenstine made reference to the successful test trip to the International Space Station (ISS) carried out by the US company SpaceX, whose unmanned capsule Crew Dragon returned to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-rocket-to-image-earths-leaky-atmosphere-180849">Earth</a> on March 8.

This confirmed SpaceX's ability to send modules with astronauts into space and the possibility of making NASA its customer.

This success makes SpaceX approach the milestone of launching the first commercial flights into space with humans on board, following the launch last March of this unmanned capsule to the ISS.

But the "sustainable mission" to the Moon with "commercial and international partners" is much more than that. "We will continue planning and developing the first round-trip mission to the Red Planet with Mars Sample Return" Bridenstine said.

The return to the Moon and the exploration of Mars have been two of the objectives set by US president, Donald Trump, whose plans include the installation of the Gateway orbital platform whose initial construction price will be $500 million and which will be ready by the year 2024.

The administrator of NASA then referred to the exciting commitment to reach Mars, a planet, he said, that was once covered with water, suggesting that it was habitable, with complex organic compounds detected on its surface.

He said that the possibility of finding life on other planets has increased when it comes to microbial life and the budget for 2020 will allow the search for life on other planets.

NASA, which began operations on October 1, 1958, already announced last year its intention to return to the Moon and then go to Mars with manned missions in the coming years.

The administrator of NASA, Jim Bridenstine, said Monday that the return to the moon is part of a "sustainable" project that will turn this satellite into a "test" base for an ambitious project: to organise the first manned mission to Mars and discover possible life on other planets.

The administrator of NASA, Jim Bridenstine, said Monday that the return to the moon is part of a "sustainable" project that will turn this satellite into a "test" base for an ambitious project: to organise the first manned mission to Mars and discover possible life on other planets. With words of enthusiasm, Bridenstine revealed at a conference at the Kennedy Space Center the plans of the US space agency, which was made possible thanks to the fiscal year 2020 budget proposal of the White House, which has bipartisan support in Congress. This next mission to the Moon aims to be, for the first time, "sustainable," which means that the human presence on its surface will be lasting. "This time, when we go to the Moon, we will stay. We will use what we learn as we move forward to the Moon to take the next giant leap - sending astronauts to Mars, " Bridenstine said in a statement. "Beginning with a series of small commercial delivery missions to the Moon as early as this year, we will use new landers, robots and eventually humans by 2028 to conduct science across the entire lunar surface," he added. NASA has embarked on the construction of the Gateway space base, which will orbit with "highly efficient" solar energy around the Moon and will have contributions from other space agencies and private companies. The head of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) pointed out that "this budget will build on our successes in low-Earth orbit to create a sustainable exploration campaign that combines NASA's expertise with that of our commercial and international partners." Bridenstine made reference to the successful test trip to the International Space Station (ISS) carried out by the US company SpaceX, whose unmanned capsule Crew Dragon returned to Earth on March 8. This confirmed SpaceX's ability to send modules with astronauts into space and the possibility of making NASA its customer. This success makes SpaceX approach the milestone of launching the first commercial flights into space with humans on board, following the launch last March of this unmanned capsule to the ISS. But the "sustainable mission" to the Moon with "commercial and international partners" is much more than that. "We will continue planning and developing the first round-trip mission to the Red Planet with Mars Sample Return" Bridenstine said. The return to the Moon and the exploration of Mars have been two of the objectives set by US president, Donald Trump, whose plans include the installation of the Gateway orbital platform whose initial construction price will be $500 million and which will be ready by the year 2024. The administrator of NASA then referred to the exciting commitment to reach Mars, a planet, he said, that was once covered with water, suggesting that it was habitable, with complex organic compounds detected on its surface. He said that the possibility of finding life on other planets has increased when it comes to microbial life and the budget for 2020 will allow the search for life on other planets. NASA, which began operations on October 1, 1958, already announced last year its intention to return to the Moon and then go to Mars with manned missions in the coming years.

NASA to send astronauts back to Moon, then Mars

NASA said on Friday it was weighing an option to buy two additional astronaut seats aboard a Russian rocket as a contingency plan against further delays in the launch systems being developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX and Boeing Co.

A possible purchase "provides flexibility and back-up capability" as the companies build rocket-and-capsule launch systems to return astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) from US soil for the first time since NASA's Space Shuttle program went dark in 2011.

The US space agency has since had to rely on Russia's Roscosmos program to ferry astronauts to the orbital space station at a cost of roughly $80 million per seat, NASA has said.

After 2019 there are no seats available on the spacecraft for US crew, and a NASA advisory panel recommended on Friday that the US space program develop a contingency plan to guarantee access to the station in case technical problems delay Boeing and SpaceX any further.

A NASA spokesman on Friday characterized a solicitation request NASA filed on Wednesday as a contingency plan. NASA said it could buy a seat for one astronaut in the fall and another seat in the spring of 2020.

"The absence of US&nbsp;crew members at any point would diminish ISS operations to an inoperable state," NASA wrote in its solicitation on Wednesday.

NASA awarded $6.8 billion to SpaceX, founded by Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, and aerospace giant Boeing to develop separate launch systems to fly astronauts to space, but both companies have faced technical challenges and delays.

NASA announced another slip last week, citing concerns for both contractors such as the need to complete hardware testing and other factors. The US space agency said SpaceX was now targeting March 2 instead of February 23 for its un-crewed Crew Dragon test flight, with its astronaut flight coming in July.

NASA said Boeing's un-crewed CST-100 Starliner would fly no sooner than April, with Boeing's crewed mission is currently slated for August.

"Typically, problems will be discovered during these test flights," NASA wrote.

NASA said on Friday it was weighing an option to buy two additional astronaut seats aboard a Russian rocket as a contingency plan against further delays in the launch systems being developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX and Boeing Co.

NASA said on Friday it was weighing an option to buy two additional astronaut seats aboard a Russian rocket as a contingency plan against further delays in the launch systems being developed by Elon Musk's SpaceX and Boeing Co. A possible purchase "provides flexibility and back-up capability" as the companies build rocket-and-capsule launch systems to return astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) from US soil for the first time since NASA's Space Shuttle program went dark in 2011. The US space agency has since had to rely on Russia's Roscosmos program to ferry astronauts to the orbital space station at a cost of roughly $80 million per seat, NASA has said. After 2019 there are no seats available on the spacecraft for US crew, and a NASA advisory panel recommended on Friday that the US space program develop a contingency plan to guarantee access to the station in case technical problems delay Boeing and SpaceX any further. A NASA spokesman on Friday characterized a solicitation request NASA filed on Wednesday as a contingency plan. NASA said it could buy a seat for one astronaut in the fall and another seat in the spring of 2020. "The absence of US crew members at any point would diminish ISS operations to an inoperable state," NASA wrote in its solicitation on Wednesday. NASA awarded $6.8 billion to SpaceX, founded by Tesla Chief Executive Elon Musk, and aerospace giant Boeing to develop separate launch systems to fly astronauts to space, but both companies have faced technical challenges and delays. NASA announced another slip last week, citing concerns for both contractors such as the need to complete hardware testing and other factors. The US space agency said SpaceX was now targeting March 2 instead of February 23 for its un-crewed Crew Dragon test flight, with its astronaut flight coming in July. NASA said Boeing's un-crewed CST-100 Starliner would fly no sooner than April, with Boeing's crewed mission is currently slated for August. "Typically, problems will be discovered during these test flights," NASA wrote.

NASA mulls buying new rides to space from Russia amid programme delays

Ivanka Trump, first daughter and US President's advisor, said that it has always been her dream to become an astronaut and travel to the space as she toured the Johnson Space Center here.

Ivanka, who visited the space centre on Thursday where human spaceflight training, research, and flight control are conducted, spoke to the crew of the International Space Station.

"You inspire us all. You actually have my dream job," Ivanka, 36, admitted.&nbsp;

'I always wanted to be an astronaut and I always wanted to go to space. You are fulfilling my dream up there," she said.

Astronaut Nicole Mann provided Ivanka with a guided tour of the space center, including the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility that holds a full-size copy of the International Space Station.&nbsp;

Ivanka posed outside the doors of the Mission Control Center and met chief Holly Ridings, who made history this week after becoming the first woman in NASA's 60-year history to become the chief flight director of the Johnson Space Center.

Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also was with Ivanka, along with US Senator Ted Cruz and US Rep Brian Babin, both Republicans from Texas, the Houston Chronicle reported.

Ivanka toured mock-ups of the station and of the Orion spacecraft which is being built to take astronauts back to the moon for the first time in 50 years, the report said.&nbsp;

She also spoke with students from Clear Creek Independent School District who, with the help of NASA engineers, are participating in an international robotics competition called FIRST Robotics, said the report.&nbsp;

Her visit to the center came during a stop of her campaign tour of Texas for Republican candidates in the November 6 midterm elections.&nbsp;

The White House said her appearance was intended to draw attention to students learning about science and technology.&nbsp;

Ivanka Trump, first daughter and US President's advisor, said that it has always been her dream to become an astronaut and travel to the space as she toured the Johnson Space Center here.

Ivanka Trump, first daughter and US President's advisor, said that it has always been her dream to become an astronaut and travel to the space as she toured the Johnson Space Center here. Ivanka, who visited the space centre on Thursday where human spaceflight training, research, and flight control are conducted, spoke to the crew of the International Space Station. "You inspire us all. You actually have my dream job," Ivanka, 36, admitted. 'I always wanted to be an astronaut and I always wanted to go to space. You are fulfilling my dream up there," she said. Astronaut Nicole Mann provided Ivanka with a guided tour of the space center, including the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility that holds a full-size copy of the International Space Station. Ivanka posed outside the doors of the Mission Control Center and met chief Holly Ridings, who made history this week after becoming the first woman in NASA's 60-year history to become the chief flight director of the Johnson Space Center. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick also was with Ivanka, along with US Senator Ted Cruz and US Rep Brian Babin, both Republicans from Texas, the Houston Chronicle reported. Ivanka toured mock-ups of the station and of the Orion spacecraft which is being built to take astronauts back to the moon for the first time in 50 years, the report said. She also spoke with students from Clear Creek Independent School District who, with the help of NASA engineers, are participating in an international robotics competition called FIRST Robotics, said the report. Her visit to the center came during a stop of her campaign tour of Texas for Republican candidates in the November 6 midterm elections. The White House said her appearance was intended to draw attention to students learning about science and technology.

Watch: I wanted to be an astronaut, says Ivanka Trump

Veteran actor Ellen Burstyn has joined the cast of Noah Hawley's upcoming astronaut drama, which features Natalie Portman and Jon Hamm in the lead.&nbsp;

According to a reporter, Burstyn will play Portman's characters grandmother in the Fox Searchlight project.

Dan Stevens is also on board to star in the film.

Hawley is directing from a script by Brian C Brown and Elliott DiGuiseppi. Reese Witherspoon, who was attached to star at one point, will produce with Bruna Papandrea.

The still-untitled project revolves around a female astronaut who, after coming back home from a mission in space, starts to unravel when confronted by her seemingly-perfect life.&nbsp;

The film focuses on the theory that astronauts who spend long periods of time in space lose their sense of reality when they return home.

Hamm will play Portman's fellow astronaut who she aggressively pursues after returning to Earth.

The film focuses on the theory that astronauts who spend long periods of time in space lose their sense of reality when they return home

Veteran actor Ellen Burstyn has joined the cast of Noah Hawley's upcoming astronaut drama, which features Natalie Portman and Jon Hamm in the lead. According to a reporter, Burstyn will play Portman's characters grandmother in the Fox Searchlight project. Dan Stevens is also on board to star in the film. Hawley is directing from a script by Brian C Brown and Elliott DiGuiseppi. Reese Witherspoon, who was attached to star at one point, will produce with Bruna Papandrea. The still-untitled project revolves around a female astronaut who, after coming back home from a mission in space, starts to unravel when confronted by her seemingly-perfect life. The film focuses on the theory that astronauts who spend long periods of time in space lose their sense of reality when they return home. Hamm will play Portman's fellow astronaut who she aggressively pursues after returning to Earth.

Ellen Burstyn to star in Noah Hawley's astronaut drama

US astronaut Alan Bean, the fourth person to walk on the moon, has died, his family announced in a statement released by NASA. He was 86 years old.

The moonwalker who went on to become a painter died Saturday in Houston after suddenly falling ill weeks before, the statement said.

He was among the elite group NASA chose for its third group of astronauts in 1963, having served as a test pilot in the US Navy.

He twice ventured into space, originally in 1969 on the Apollo 12 moon landing mission, and later as commander of the second crew to fly to the first US space station Skylab in 1973.

His second foray outside of Earth's atmosphere saw Bean log a record-breaking 59-day, 24.4 million-mile flight (39.3 million kilometers).

He retired from NASA in 1981 to embark on a third career as an artist, creating Apollo-themed paintings textured with lunar boot prints or using acrylics infused with small bits of his mission patches sprinkled with moon dust.

Fellow astronaut Harrison Schmitt called Bean "one of the great renaissance men of his generation -- engineer, fighter pilot, astronaut and artist."

Born March 15, 1932 in Wheeler, Texas the future moonwalker earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Texas in 1955.

He is survived by his wife, sister and two children from a prior marriage.

Walt Cunningham, who flew on Apollo 7 and called Bean his best friend of 55 years, said "we are accustomed to losing friends in our business but this is a tough one."

"Alan and I never missed a month where we did not have a cheeseburger."

In 1994 Bean told The New York Times the otherworldly perspectives he got in space inspired him to devote the latter half of his life to art, to the surprise of many of his colleagues.

"Every artist has the Earth or their imaginations to inspire their paintings," he said.

"I've got the Earth and my imagination, and I'm the first to have the moon, too."

The moonwalker who went on to become a painter died Saturday in Houston after suddenly falling ill weeks before, the statement said

US astronaut Alan Bean, the fourth person to walk on the moon, has died, his family announced in a statement released by NASA. He was 86 years old. The moonwalker who went on to become a painter died Saturday in Houston after suddenly falling ill weeks before, the statement said. He was among the elite group NASA chose for its third group of astronauts in 1963, having served as a test pilot in the US Navy. He twice ventured into space, originally in 1969 on the Apollo 12 moon landing mission, and later as commander of the second crew to fly to the first US space station Skylab in 1973. His second foray outside of Earth's atmosphere saw Bean log a record-breaking 59-day, 24.4 million-mile flight (39.3 million kilometers). He retired from NASA in 1981 to embark on a third career as an artist, creating Apollo-themed paintings textured with lunar boot prints or using acrylics infused with small bits of his mission patches sprinkled with moon dust. Fellow astronaut Harrison Schmitt called Bean "one of the great renaissance men of his generation -- engineer, fighter pilot, astronaut and artist." Born March 15, 1932 in Wheeler, Texas the future moonwalker earned a degree in aeronautical engineering from the University of Texas in 1955. He is survived by his wife, sister and two children from a prior marriage. Walt Cunningham, who flew on Apollo 7 and called Bean his best friend of 55 years, said "we are accustomed to losing friends in our business but this is a tough one." "Alan and I never missed a month where we did not have a cheeseburger." In 1994 Bean told The New York Times the otherworldly perspectives he got in space inspired him to devote the latter half of his life to art, to the surprise of many of his colleagues. "Every artist has the Earth or their imaginations to inspire their paintings," he said. "I've got the Earth and my imagination, and I'm the first to have the moon, too."

Moonwalking astronaut-artist Alan Bean dies at 86

A recent study done&nbsp;by NASA has revealed that spending a year in space could change a person&#39;s&nbsp;DNA.

According to the research, 7% of astronaut&#39;s DNA does not return to normal after they land on earth.

The case study is based on an astronaut Scott Kelly&#39;s genes which involve information data gathered from before, during and after he spent one year in the International space station(ISS).

The data was later compared to his identical twins living on earth.

The research revelaed&nbsp;that after Kelly&#39;s return to earth he no longer shared the same genetics.

The official statement by NASA said&nbsp;&#39;&#39;researchers now know that 93% of Scott&rsquo;s genes returned to normal after landing. However, the remaining 7% point to possible long-term changes in genes related to his immune system, DNA repair, bone formation networks, hypoxia, and hypercapnia.&#39;&#39;

&quot;Increasing mission duration from the typical six-month ISS mission to one year resulted in no significant decreases in Scott&rsquo;s cognitive performance while inflight and relative to his twin brother Mark on the ground. However, a more pronounced decrease in speed and accuracy was reported post-flight, possibly due to re-exposure and adjustment to Earth&rsquo;s gravity, and the busy schedule that enveloped Scott after his mission.&quot;

The twin study research was done by ten research teams from around the country to discover what happens to the human body after spending a year in space.

According to the research, 7% of astronaut's DNA does not return to normal after they land on earth

A recent study done by NASA has revealed that spending a year in space could change a person's DNA. According to the research, 7% of astronaut's DNA does not return to normal after they land on earth. The case study is based on an astronaut Scott Kelly's genes which involve information data gathered from before, during and after he spent one year in the International space station(ISS). The data was later compared to his identical twins living on earth. The research revelaed that after Kelly's return to earth he no longer shared the same genetics. The official statement by NASA said ''researchers now know that 93% of Scott’s genes returned to normal after landing. However, the remaining 7% point to possible long-term changes in genes related to his immune system, DNA repair, bone formation networks, hypoxia, and hypercapnia.'' "Increasing mission duration from the typical six-month ISS mission to one year resulted in no significant decreases in Scott’s cognitive performance while inflight and relative to his twin brother Mark on the ground. However, a more pronounced decrease in speed and accuracy was reported post-flight, possibly due to re-exposure and adjustment to Earth’s gravity, and the busy schedule that enveloped Scott after his mission." The twin study research was done by ten research teams from around the country to discover what happens to the human body after spending a year in space.

Spending a year in space could change your DNA: NASA

Canadian researchers are leading an effort to grow crops in space, paving the way for humanity to live on other worlds and push the frontiers on Earth.

Food is the main obstacle to long-term space exploration. It limits how far away from Earth we can travel and how long we can stay in space.

We can stock enough food for inhabitants of the International Space Station or even for travel to the moon and back. But if we are to travel to Mars and support long-term exploration missions, we need bio-regenerative, self-sustaining food production systems. Or, in simpler terms, space farms.

Farming in space is probably one of the biggest challenges we will have to overcome if we are ever going to spend extended periods on the red planet within the next 150 years. But it&rsquo;s a challenge Canadians can definitely lead in tackling.

Although people have signed up to be a part of the first human settlement on Mars, our next home planet is more likely to be one with fewer environmental challenges.

Severe Mars environment resembles Northern Canada

Mars has a miserable climate. Its average temperature is below -60?, its atmospheric pressure is less than one percent of Earth&rsquo;s and made up largely of carbon dioxide, and it can be rather windy and dusty for long periods. There are also the dangers of radiation exposure, and without a molten core like ours on Earth &mdash; meaning virtually no magnetic field &mdash; the planet&rsquo;s environment would have to be significantly altered if we were to ever live there.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/174875/width754/file-20170621-30181-8ofilc.jpg" />
<figcaption>In the film The Martian, Matt Damon portrays a stranded exobotanist who builds a controlled environment to successfully grow food on Mars. <a class="source" href="https://s3.foxmovies.com/foxmovies/production/films/104/images/gallery/martian-gallery13-gallery-image.jpg">(20th Century Fox/Handout)</a></figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

However, that&rsquo;s not to say we won&rsquo;t be hanging out on the red planet. When Canada turns 300, we will have hundreds of space explorers spending decades searching for life on Mars. I say decades because a round trip takes two-and-a-half years, so when we do go, we will want to make it worth our while. This means setting up enclosed housing, research facilities and space farms. This is where controlled environment systems will come in.

Canada is among the world&rsquo;s leaders in biological life support research and technology development. This is because when it comes to farming, the severe conditions of space are similar to those in the northern parts of our country. Trying to grow a tomato on Mars is much like trying to grow a tomato in a snowbank: You can&rsquo;t without creating a controlled environment.

Mars needs vegetarians

At the <a href="http://arrellfoodinstitute.ca/feeding-the-mission-to-mars-2/">University of Guelph, we are moving toward growing crops in space</a> with the research we are conducting on controlled environment systems. Our ongoing work in this area has revealed that plants can function under some strange environmental conditions such as very low atmospheric pressures and much less oxygen than on Earth. This means we don&rsquo;t need enclosed structures that precisely replicate Earth&rsquo;s atmosphere for plant-based life support systems on Mars.

<figure class="align-center "><img alt="" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/files/174879/width754/file-20170621-30165-1k51cn5.jpg" />
<figcaption>Martian base would include inflatable structures to grow crops. (Shutterstock)</figcaption>
</figure>

&nbsp;

In 150 years, we will grow food on Mars in inflatable structures. Inside, everything will be designed to ensure the highest crop yield. The intensity of light &mdash; and even its colour or spectrum &mdash; will be tailored for each individual crop. Air flow and pressure, temperature, nutrients, carbon dioxide levels and humidity will be strictly controlled to create the ideal atmosphere in which plants can thrive.

We will grow a conventional array of crops associated with a balanced and nourishing vegetarian diet. Most of the vitamins and minerals we need are available in plants and we will get our protein from soybeans and similar crops.

This huge variety of plants, or &ldquo;candidate crops&rdquo;, will be neatly packed or layered into a small space &mdash; the opposite of the expansive Canadian prairies. These compact crops will be produced using limited amounts of water and zero waste because away from Earth, you can&rsquo;t afford to throw anything away. We must learn to recycle everything, as it will be a matter of life and death &mdash; extreme agriculture at its most challenging.

Benefits at home on Earth

The work we are doing at Guelph is designed not only for space but for Canadians and others worldwide who may live in places where food security is a problem and extreme agriculture is the only way to address it.

Today, we spend millions of dollars flying perishable food to Northern Canada, such as buying strawberries from Mexico for sale in Yellowknife. This doesn&rsquo;t make sense.

Sustaining our presence in the North depends on food production in the same way that sustaining our presence on Mars will. By creating these systems, we will be able to inhabit challenging parts of Canada, such as the North, and other parts of the world, such as the deserts of the Middle East.

Space exploration generates invaluable technology on all fronts. For food production, space exploration will enable us to learn how to grow crops almost anywhere and with as little impact on the environment as possible.

<img alt="The Conversation" height="1" src="https://counter.theconversation.edu.au/content/79394/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" width="1" />By the time Canada&rsquo;s 300th birthday rolls around, we will have overcome the challenge of living on Mars and the huge advancements we will have made to get there will serve not only space exploration but our own survival here on Earth.

This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/space-farms-will-feed-astronauts-and-earthlings-79394">original article</a>.

Canadian researchers are leading an effort to grow crops in space, paving the way for humanity to live on other worlds

Canadian researchers are leading an effort to grow crops in space, paving the way for humanity to live on other worlds and push the frontiers on Earth. Food is the main obstacle to long-term space exploration. It limits how far away from Earth we can travel and how long we can stay in space. We can stock enough food for inhabitants of the International Space Station or even for travel to the moon and back. But if we are to travel to Mars and support long-term exploration missions, we need bio-regenerative, self-sustaining food production systems. Or, in simpler terms, space farms. Farming in space is probably one of the biggest challenges we will have to overcome if we are ever going to spend extended periods on the red planet within the next 150 years. But it’s a challenge Canadians can definitely lead in tackling. Although people have signed up to be a part of the first human settlement on Mars, our next home planet is more likely to be one with fewer environmental challenges. Severe Mars environment resembles Northern Canada Mars has a miserable climate. Its average temperature is below -60?, its atmospheric pressure is less than one percent of Earth’s and made up largely of carbon dioxide, and it can be rather windy and dusty for long periods. There are also the dangers of radiation exposure, and without a molten core like ours on Earth — meaning virtually no magnetic field — the planet’s environment would have to be significantly altered if we were to ever live there. In the film The Martian, Matt Damon portrays a stranded exobotanist who builds a controlled environment to successfully grow food on Mars. (20th Century Fox/Handout) However, that’s not to say we won’t be hanging out on the red planet. When Canada turns 300, we will have hundreds of space explorers spending decades searching for life on Mars. I say decades because a round trip takes two-and-a-half years, so when we do go, we will want to make it worth our while. This means setting up enclosed housing, research facilities and space farms. This is where controlled environment systems will come in. Canada is among the world’s leaders in biological life support research and technology development. This is because when it comes to farming, the severe conditions of space are similar to those in the northern parts of our country. Trying to grow a tomato on Mars is much like trying to grow a tomato in a snowbank: You can’t without creating a controlled environment. Mars needs vegetarians At the University of Guelph, we are moving toward growing crops in space with the research we are conducting on controlled environment systems. Our ongoing work in this area has revealed that plants can function under some strange environmental conditions such as very low atmospheric pressures and much less oxygen than on Earth. This means we don’t need enclosed structures that precisely replicate Earth’s atmosphere for plant-based life support systems on Mars. Martian base would include inflatable structures to grow crops. (Shutterstock) In 150 years, we will grow food on Mars in inflatable structures. Inside, everything will be designed to ensure the highest crop yield. The intensity of light — and even its colour or spectrum — will be tailored for each individual crop. Air flow and pressure, temperature, nutrients, carbon dioxide levels and humidity will be strictly controlled to create the ideal atmosphere in which plants can thrive. We will grow a conventional array of crops associated with a balanced and nourishing vegetarian diet. Most of the vitamins and minerals we need are available in plants and we will get our protein from soybeans and similar crops. This huge variety of plants, or “candidate crops”, will be neatly packed or layered into a small space — the opposite of the expansive Canadian prairies. These compact crops will be produced using limited amounts of water and zero waste because away from Earth, you can’t afford to throw anything away. We must learn to recycle everything, as it will be a matter of life and death — extreme agriculture at its most challenging. Benefits at home on Earth The work we are doing at Guelph is designed not only for space but for Canadians and others worldwide who may live in places where food security is a problem and extreme agriculture is the only way to address it. Today, we spend millions of dollars flying perishable food to Northern Canada, such as buying strawberries from Mexico for sale in Yellowknife. This doesn’t make sense. Sustaining our presence in the North depends on food production in the same way that sustaining our presence on Mars will. By creating these systems, we will be able to inhabit challenging parts of Canada, such as the North, and other parts of the world, such as the deserts of the Middle East. Space exploration generates invaluable technology on all fronts. For food production, space exploration will enable us to learn how to grow crops almost anywhere and with as little impact on the environment as possible. By the time Canada’s 300th birthday rolls around, we will have overcome the challenge of living on Mars and the huge advancements we will have made to get there will serve not only space exploration but our own survival here on Earth. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.

Space farms will feed astronauts and the world population too

:John Glenn, who died on December 8, 2016 at the age of 95, was the last survivor among the group of astronauts known as the &quot;Mercury 7,&quot; who led the pioneering first American space program in 1959.

The legendary astronaut and veteran of two wars went on to become a symbol of the space age, as well as serving two decades as a US senator.

Paying a tribute to him, here we bring you some of his most memorable quotes:

<h1 style="text-align: left;">On February 20, 1962, as he became the first American to orbit Earth:</h1>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/2-20161209084050.png" />
<div class="media-description">
The first man to orbit Earth was Russia&#39;s Yuri Gagarin in 1961. On February 20, 1962, Glenn became the first American to accomplish the same feat, uttering the memorable phrase: &quot;Zero G and I feel fine.&quot; (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<h1 style="text-align: left;">Describing his 1962 flight after splashing back into the ocean near Grand Turk Island:</h1>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/3-20161209084208.png" />
<div class="media-description">
John Glenn served in the Pacific during World War II, and later in the Korean War, flying a total of 149 combat missions and downing three fighter jets over the Yalu River in the final nine days of fighting. (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<h1 style="text-align: left;">On October 3, 1997, speaking at Ohio State University:</h1>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/1-20161209083708.png" />
<div class="media-description">
John Glenn, who made history twice as the first American to orbit Earth and the first senior citizen to venture into space, died at the age of 95. (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<h1 style="text-align: left;">Announcing his US Senate retirement in 1997:</h1>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/4-image-20161209085815.png" />
<div class="media-description">
In November 2011, then 90 years old, Glenn was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, with three others, the first time the prize was bestowed upon astronauts. (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<h1 style="text-align: left;">In a 2012 interview published in People Magazine, when asked how he would like to be remembered:</h1>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false"><img alt="" draggable="false" src="http://wion.azureedge.net/photos/5-20161209085609.png" />
<div class="media-description">
Glenn became a symbol of strength and the nation&#39;s pioneering spirit, drawing admirers from all walks of life over a long career in the military, then NASA, and the US Senate. (WION)
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="javascript:void(0)" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

(WION with inputs from AFP)

&nbsp;

John Glenn died on December 8, 2016 at the age of 95

:John Glenn, who died on December 8, 2016 at the age of 95, was the last survivor among the group of astronauts known as the "Mercury 7," who led the pioneering first American space program in 1959. The legendary astronaut and veteran of two wars went on to become a symbol of the space age, as well as serving two decades as a US senator. Paying a tribute to him, here we bring you some of his most memorable quotes: On February 20, 1962, as he became the first American to orbit Earth: The first man to orbit Earth was Russia's Yuri Gagarin in 1961. On February 20, 1962, Glenn became the first American to accomplish the same feat, uttering the memorable phrase: "Zero G and I feel fine." (WION) × Describing his 1962 flight after splashing back into the ocean near Grand Turk Island: John Glenn served in the Pacific during World War II, and later in the Korean War, flying a total of 149 combat missions and downing three fighter jets over the Yalu River in the final nine days of fighting. (WION) × On October 3, 1997, speaking at Ohio State University: John Glenn, who made history twice as the first American to orbit Earth and the first senior citizen to venture into space, died at the age of 95. (WION) × Announcing his US Senate retirement in 1997: In November 2011, then 90 years old, Glenn was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, with three others, the first time the prize was bestowed upon astronauts. (WION) × In a 2012 interview published in People Magazine, when asked how he would like to be remembered: Glenn became a symbol of strength and the nation's pioneering spirit, drawing admirers from all walks of life over a long career in the military, then NASA, and the US Senate. (WION) × (WION with inputs from AFP)

5 memorable quotes from American space legend John Glenn

John Glenn, who became one of the 20th century&#39;s greatest explorers as the first American to orbit Earth and later as the world&#39;s oldest astronaut, in addition to a long career as a US senator, died on Thursday at age of 95.

Glenn, the last surviving member of the original seven American &quot;Right Stuff&quot; Mercury astronauts, died at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University, said Hank Wilson, a spokesman at the university&#39;s John Glenn College of Public Affairs, which Glenn helped found.

Glenn was credited with reviving US pride after the Soviet Union&#39;s early domination of manned space exploration. His three laps around the world in the Friendship 7 capsule on Feb. 20, 1962, forged a powerful link between the former fighter pilot and the Kennedy-era quest to explore outer space as a &quot;New Frontier.&quot;

President Barack Obama said that &quot;with John&#39;s passing, our nation has lost an icon.&quot;

&quot;When John Glenn blasted off from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas rocket in 1962, he lifted the hopes of a nation,&quot; Obama said in a statement. &quot;And when his Friendship 7 spacecraft splashed down a few hours later, the first American to orbit the Earth reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there&#39;s no limit to the heights we can reach together.&quot;

President-elect Donald Trump said in a tweet that the nation had lost &quot;a great pioneer of air and space in John Glenn. He was a hero and inspired generations of future explorers.&quot;

As the third of seven astronauts in NASA&#39;s solo-flight Mercury program to venture into space, Glenn became more of a media fixture than any of the others and was known for his composure and willingness to promote the program.

Glenn&#39;s astronaut career, as well as his record as a fighter pilot in World War Two and the Korean War, helped propel him to the US Senate in 1974, where he represented his home state of Ohio for 24 years as a moderate Democrat.

But his star was dimmed somewhat by a Senate investigation of several senators on whether special favours were done for a major campaign contributor.

He was cleared of wrongdoing.Glenn&#39;s entry into history came in early 1961 when fellow astronaut Scott Carpenter bade him &quot;Godspeed, John Glenn&quot; just before the Ohio native was rocketed into space for a record-breaking trip that would last just under five hours.

&#39;View is tremendous&rsquo;

&quot;Zero-G (gravity) and I feel fine,&quot; was Glenn&#39;s succinct assessment of weightlessness several minutes into his mission. &quot;... Oh, and that view is tremendous.&rdquo;

After splashdown and recovery in the Atlantic, Glenn was treated as a hero, addressing a joint session of Congress and being feted in a New York ticker-tape parade.

The US space agency said on Twitter, &quot;We are saddened by the loss of Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. A true American hero. Godspeed, John Glenn. Ad Astra.&quot; Ad Astra is Latin for &quot;To the stars.&quot;

US Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, who orbited Earth aboard space shuttle Columbia in 1986, said, &quot;On top of paving the way for the rest of us, he was also a first-class gentleman and an unabashed patriot.&quot;

Glenn&#39;s experiences as a pioneer astronaut were chronicled in the book and movie &quot;The Right Stuff,&quot; along with the other Mercury pilots. The book&#39;s author, Tom Wolfe, called Glenn &quot;the last true national hero America has ever had.&quot;

&quot;I don&rsquo;t think of myself that way,&quot; Glenn told the New York Times in 2012 to mark the 50th anniversary of his flight.

&quot;I get up each day and have the same problems others have at my age. As far as trying to analyse all the attention I received, I will leave that to others.&quot;

Glenn&#39;s historic flight made him a favourite of President John Kennedy and his brother Robert, who encouraged him to launch a political career that finally took off after a period as a businessman made him a millionaire.

Hero status

Even before his Mercury flight, Glenn qualified for hero status, earning six Distinguished Flying Crosses and flying more than 150 missions in World War Two and the Korean War.

After Korea, Glenn became a test pilot, setting a transcontinental speed record from Los Angeles to New York in 1957.

The determination and single-mindedness that marked Glenn&#39;s military and space career did not save him from misjudgments and defeat in politics. He lost his first bid for the Senate from Ohio in 1970, after abandoning a race in 1964 because of a head injury suffered in a fall.

He was elected in 1974 and was briefly considered as a running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter in 1980. But a ponderous address at the Democratic National Convention - people walked out - caused Carter to remark that Glenn was &quot;the most boring man I ever met.&quot;

Glenn sought the Democratic presidential nomination himself in 1984 but was quickly eliminated by eventual nominee Walter Mondale, Carter&#39;s vice president.

His failure was all the more stinging because he had been touted as an early front-runner.

In the Senate, Glenn was respected as a thoughtful moderate with expertise in defence and foreign policy. But his career&#39;s lustre was dulled by a Senate investigation of the &quot;Keating Five&quot; - five senators suspected of doing favours for campaign contributor Charles Keating Jr. The panel eventually found Glenn did nothing improper or illegal.

Back to space

He took a leading role in seeking to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, especially to Pakistan.

He was the author of a law that forced the United States to impose sanctions on India and Pakistan in 1998 after both countries conducted nuclear tests.

He also was a staunch advocate of a strong military and took a keen interest in strategic issues. He retired from the Senate in 1999.

Thirty-six years after his maiden space voyage, Glenn became America&#39;s first geriatric astronaut on Oct. 29, 1998. He was 77 years old when he blasted off as a mission specialist aboard the shuttle Discovery. He saw it as a blow to stereotyping of the elderly.

&quot;Maybe prior to this flight, we were looked at as old geezers who ought to get out of the way,&quot; Glenn said after his nine-day shuttle mission. &quot;Just because you&#39;re up in years some doesn&#39;t mean you don&#39;t have hopes and dreams and aspirations just as much as younger people do.&quot;

John Herschel Glenn Jr. was born on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio.

In his latter years he was an adjunct professor at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

He had a knee replacement operation in 2011 and underwent heart surgery in 2014.

Glenn is survived by his wife of 73 years, his childhood sweetheart, Annie Castor. They had two children, David and Lyn.

(Reuters)

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Former astronaut and senator John Glenn was also the first American to orbit Earth

John Glenn, who became one of the 20th century's greatest explorers as the first American to orbit Earth and later as the world's oldest astronaut, in addition to a long career as a US senator, died on Thursday at age of 95. Glenn, the last surviving member of the original seven American "Right Stuff" Mercury astronauts, died at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State University, said Hank Wilson, a spokesman at the university's John Glenn College of Public Affairs, which Glenn helped found. Glenn was credited with reviving US pride after the Soviet Union's early domination of manned space exploration. His three laps around the world in the Friendship 7 capsule on Feb. 20, 1962, forged a powerful link between the former fighter pilot and the Kennedy-era quest to explore outer space as a "New Frontier." President Barack Obama said that "with John's passing, our nation has lost an icon." "When John Glenn blasted off from Cape Canaveral atop an Atlas rocket in 1962, he lifted the hopes of a nation," Obama said in a statement. "And when his Friendship 7 spacecraft splashed down a few hours later, the first American to orbit the Earth reminded us that with courage and a spirit of discovery there's no limit to the heights we can reach together." President-elect Donald Trump said in a tweet that the nation had lost "a great pioneer of air and space in John Glenn. He was a hero and inspired generations of future explorers." As the third of seven astronauts in NASA's solo-flight Mercury program to venture into space, Glenn became more of a media fixture than any of the others and was known for his composure and willingness to promote the program. Glenn's astronaut career, as well as his record as a fighter pilot in World War Two and the Korean War, helped propel him to the US Senate in 1974, where he represented his home state of Ohio for 24 years as a moderate Democrat. But his star was dimmed somewhat by a Senate investigation of several senators on whether special favours were done for a major campaign contributor. He was cleared of wrongdoing.Glenn's entry into history came in early 1961 when fellow astronaut Scott Carpenter bade him "Godspeed, John Glenn" just before the Ohio native was rocketed into space for a record-breaking trip that would last just under five hours. 'View is tremendous’ "Zero-G (gravity) and I feel fine," was Glenn's succinct assessment of weightlessness several minutes into his mission. "... Oh, and that view is tremendous.” After splashdown and recovery in the Atlantic, Glenn was treated as a hero, addressing a joint session of Congress and being feted in a New York ticker-tape parade. The US space agency said on Twitter, "We are saddened by the loss of Sen. John Glenn, the first American to orbit Earth. A true American hero. Godspeed, John Glenn. Ad Astra." Ad Astra is Latin for "To the stars." US Senator Bill Nelson of Florida, who orbited Earth aboard space shuttle Columbia in 1986, said, "On top of paving the way for the rest of us, he was also a first-class gentleman and an unabashed patriot." Glenn's experiences as a pioneer astronaut were chronicled in the book and movie "The Right Stuff," along with the other Mercury pilots. The book's author, Tom Wolfe, called Glenn "the last true national hero America has ever had." "I don’t think of myself that way," Glenn told the New York Times in 2012 to mark the 50th anniversary of his flight. "I get up each day and have the same problems others have at my age. As far as trying to analyse all the attention I received, I will leave that to others." Glenn's historic flight made him a favourite of President John Kennedy and his brother Robert, who encouraged him to launch a political career that finally took off after a period as a businessman made him a millionaire. Hero status Even before his Mercury flight, Glenn qualified for hero status, earning six Distinguished Flying Crosses and flying more than 150 missions in World War Two and the Korean War. After Korea, Glenn became a test pilot, setting a transcontinental speed record from Los Angeles to New York in 1957. The determination and single-mindedness that marked Glenn's military and space career did not save him from misjudgments and defeat in politics. He lost his first bid for the Senate from Ohio in 1970, after abandoning a race in 1964 because of a head injury suffered in a fall. He was elected in 1974 and was briefly considered as a running mate for Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter in 1980. But a ponderous address at the Democratic National Convention - people walked out - caused Carter to remark that Glenn was "the most boring man I ever met." Glenn sought the Democratic presidential nomination himself in 1984 but was quickly eliminated by eventual nominee Walter Mondale, Carter's vice president. His failure was all the more stinging because he had been touted as an early front-runner. In the Senate, Glenn was respected as a thoughtful moderate with expertise in defence and foreign policy. But his career's lustre was dulled by a Senate investigation of the "Keating Five" - five senators suspected of doing favours for campaign contributor Charles Keating Jr. The panel eventually found Glenn did nothing improper or illegal. Back to space He took a leading role in seeking to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons, especially to Pakistan. He was the author of a law that forced the United States to impose sanctions on India and Pakistan in 1998 after both countries conducted nuclear tests. He also was a staunch advocate of a strong military and took a keen interest in strategic issues. He retired from the Senate in 1999. Thirty-six years after his maiden space voyage, Glenn became America's first geriatric astronaut on Oct. 29, 1998. He was 77 years old when he blasted off as a mission specialist aboard the shuttle Discovery. He saw it as a blow to stereotyping of the elderly. "Maybe prior to this flight, we were looked at as old geezers who ought to get out of the way," Glenn said after his nine-day shuttle mission. "Just because you're up in years some doesn't mean you don't have hopes and dreams and aspirations just as much as younger people do." John Herschel Glenn Jr. was born on July 18, 1921, in Cambridge, Ohio. In his latter years he was an adjunct professor at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. He had a knee replacement operation in 2011 and underwent heart surgery in 2014. Glenn is survived by his wife of 73 years, his childhood sweetheart, Annie Castor. They had two children, David and Lyn. (Reuters)

World's oldest astronaut dies at 95

Three astronauts blasted off into the early morning sky in an upgraded Soyuz spacecraft from Russia&#39;s Baikonur cosmodrome on Thursday, heading towards the International Space Station (ISS). 
 
First-time astronauts Kathleen Rubins of NASA and Takuya Onishi of the Japanese space agency set off for a four-month mission at the ISS with Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin at around 0136 GMT. 
 
&quot;All is well on board!&quot; said mission control in comments relayed by NASA TV, which broadcast footage of the launch in Kazakhstan. 
 
Footage also showed Ivanishin and Onishi giving each other fist bumps to celebrate the successful launch. 
 
Features of the new Soyuz series include upgraded boosters, an improved navigation system, strengthened shielding from debris and more cells on the craft&#39;s solar panels. 
 
The trio&#39;s launch was delayed by two weeks as Russian space officials carried out further software tests on the modified vehicle. 
 
The craft&#39;s journey to dock at the ISS will take two days - longer than the usual six-hour flight - to give ground control more time to monitor the tweaked system&#39;s performance. 
 
NASA&#39;s Kate Rubins will be the first woman aboard the ISS since Italian Samantha Cristoforetti returned to earth with the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (199 days) in June last year. 
 
The molecular biologist-turned astronaut will also become the first person to sequence DNA in space during her mission. 
 
&quot;Rocket is on the launchpad, crew is ready to go! #AstroKate&quot; the NASA Astronauts Twitter handle tweeted prior to her launch. 
 
Rubins&#39; launch caps an exciting week for NASA as the US space agency&#39;s unmanned Juno spacecraft entered orbit around distant Jupiter on Tuesday after a journey of nearly five years. 
 
Onishi, who trained as a pilot on Japan&#39;s largest commercial airliner, is the eleventh Japanese national to enter space. 
 
His journey to the ISS, where he will participate in experiments connected to the Japanese space agency&#39;s Kibo program, coincides with the Tanabata star festival celebrated across his homeland. 
 
The last Japanese astronaut to spend time at the ISS, Kimiya Yui, returned to earth from the ISS in December alongside NASA&#39;s Kjell Lindgren and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko. 
 
Flight engineer Anatoly Ivanishin has already logged over 165 days in space following his first mission at the ISS in 2011 and 2012 and has a background as a military pilot. 
 
Following docking at ISS, Rubins, Ivanishin and Onishi will join current ISS commander Jeff Williams of NASA and Russian cosmonauts Oleg Skripochka and Alexey Ovchinin. 
 
The ISS space laboratory has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour since 1998. 
 
Space travel has been one of the few areas of international cooperation between Russia and the West that has not been wrecked by geopolitical tensions over Ukraine. 
 
(AFP)

The launch was delayed by two weeks as Russian space officials carried out further software tests on the modified vehicle

Three astronauts blasted off into the early morning sky in an upgraded Soyuz spacecraft from Russia's Baikonur cosmodrome on Thursday, heading towards the International Space Station (ISS). First-time astronauts Kathleen Rubins of NASA and Takuya Onishi of the Japanese space agency set off for a four-month mission at the ISS with Russian cosmonaut Anatoly Ivanishin at around 0136 GMT. "All is well on board!" said mission control in comments relayed by NASA TV, which broadcast footage of the launch in Kazakhstan. Footage also showed Ivanishin and Onishi giving each other fist bumps to celebrate the successful launch. Features of the new Soyuz series include upgraded boosters, an improved navigation system, strengthened shielding from debris and more cells on the craft's solar panels. The trio's launch was delayed by two weeks as Russian space officials carried out further software tests on the modified vehicle. The craft's journey to dock at the ISS will take two days - longer than the usual six-hour flight - to give ground control more time to monitor the tweaked system's performance. NASA's Kate Rubins will be the first woman aboard the ISS since Italian Samantha Cristoforetti returned to earth with the record for the longest single spaceflight by a woman (199 days) in June last year. The molecular biologist-turned astronaut will also become the first person to sequence DNA in space during her mission. "Rocket is on the launchpad, crew is ready to go! #AstroKate" the NASA Astronauts Twitter handle tweeted prior to her launch. Rubins' launch caps an exciting week for NASA as the US space agency's unmanned Juno spacecraft entered orbit around distant Jupiter on Tuesday after a journey of nearly five years. Onishi, who trained as a pilot on Japan's largest commercial airliner, is the eleventh Japanese national to enter space. His journey to the ISS, where he will participate in experiments connected to the Japanese space agency's Kibo program, coincides with the Tanabata star festival celebrated across his homeland. The last Japanese astronaut to spend time at the ISS, Kimiya Yui, returned to earth from the ISS in December alongside NASA's Kjell Lindgren and Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko. Flight engineer Anatoly Ivanishin has already logged over 165 days in space following his first mission at the ISS in 2011 and 2012 and has a background as a military pilot. Following docking at ISS, Rubins, Ivanishin and Onishi will join current ISS commander Jeff Williams of NASA and Russian cosmonauts Oleg Skripochka and Alexey Ovchinin. The ISS space laboratory has been orbiting Earth at about 28,000 kilometres per hour since 1998. Space travel has been one of the few areas of international cooperation between Russia and the West that has not been wrecked by geopolitical tensions over Ukraine. (AFP)

Three astronauts blast off for International Space Station in upgraded Soyuz craft

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