NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance rover lifted off successfully on July 30 aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The rover will take about seven months to travel to Mars and will search for signs of life, explore the planet's geology, and much more.

WION Dispatch: NASA's Helicopter to fly to Mars, NASA Mars Rover 2020

NASA sends a helicopter along with the rover to Mars

A piece of Martian meteorite will go back to Mars with NASA's robot rover Perseverance. The ancient rock has been donated by the Natural History Museum in London and the rover carrying it will be propelled towards the red planet on a seven-month journey after its launch on Thursday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/fungus-found-in-chernobyl-could-protect-humans-from-deadly-radiations-on-mars-316186" hreflang="en">Fungus found in Chernobyl could protect humans from deadly radiations on Mars</a>

According to space engineers, the rock will be used to calibrate detectors onboard the robot rover Perseverance after it lands and begins its search for signs of past life on the planet.

Professor Caroline Smith, the Natural History Museum’s principal curator of meteorites, said: “When you turn on instruments and begin to tune them up before using them for research, you calibrate them on materials that are going to be like the unknown substances you are about to study. So what better for studying rocks on Mars than a lump that originated there?”

Smith, who is also a part of the Mars 2020 science team, said that the scientists were confident that the rock they were returning was originated on the planet (Mars). “Tiny bubbles of gas trapped inside that meteorite have exactly the same composition as the atmosphere of Mars, so we know our rock came from there.”

According to the Natural History Museum in London, the Martian meteorite was created when an asteroid or comet hit the red planet about 600,000 to 700,000 years ago. The impact sprayed the debris into space. One of the pieces in the debris moved around the solar system, eventually crashing on to Earth.&nbsp;

The meteorite, now called the Sayh al Uhaymir 008 or SAU 008 was discovered in Oman in 1999 and have been in London's Natural History Museum since then.&nbsp;

The Perseverance rover has been fitted with a high-precision laser called Sherloc. This instrument will be used to decipher the chemical composition of rocks and determine if they might contain organic materials that indicate life once existed or still exists on Mars. This mission has included SAU 008 to ensure this is done with maximum accuracy.

“The piece of rock we are sending was specifically chosen because it is the right material in terms of chemistry, but also it is a very tough rock,” added Smith. “Some of the Martian meteorites we have are very fragile. This meteorite is as tough as old boots.”

A piece of Martian meteorite will go back to Mars with NASA's robot rover Perseverance. The ancient rock has been donated by the Natural History Museum in London and the rover carrying it will be propelled towards the red planet on a seven-month journey after its launch on Thursday.

A piece of Martian meteorite will go back to Mars with NASA's robot rover Perseverance. The ancient rock has been donated by the Natural History Museum in London and the rover carrying it will be propelled towards the red planet on a seven-month journey after its launch on Thursday. Also read: Fungus found in Chernobyl could protect humans from deadly radiations on Mars According to space engineers, the rock will be used to calibrate detectors onboard the robot rover Perseverance after it lands and begins its search for signs of past life on the planet. Professor Caroline Smith, the Natural History Museum’s principal curator of meteorites, said: “When you turn on instruments and begin to tune them up before using them for research, you calibrate them on materials that are going to be like the unknown substances you are about to study. So what better for studying rocks on Mars than a lump that originated there?” Smith, who is also a part of the Mars 2020 science team, said that the scientists were confident that the rock they were returning was originated on the planet (Mars). “Tiny bubbles of gas trapped inside that meteorite have exactly the same composition as the atmosphere of Mars, so we know our rock came from there.” According to the Natural History Museum in London, the Martian meteorite was created when an asteroid or comet hit the red planet about 600,000 to 700,000 years ago. The impact sprayed the debris into space. One of the pieces in the debris moved around the solar system, eventually crashing on to Earth. The meteorite, now called the Sayh al Uhaymir 008 or SAU 008 was discovered in Oman in 1999 and have been in London's Natural History Museum since then. The Perseverance rover has been fitted with a high-precision laser called Sherloc. This instrument will be used to decipher the chemical composition of rocks and determine if they might contain organic materials that indicate life once existed or still exists on Mars. This mission has included SAU 008 to ensure this is done with maximum accuracy. “The piece of rock we are sending was specifically chosen because it is the right material in terms of chemistry, but also it is a very tough rock,” added Smith. “Some of the Martian meteorites we have are very fragile. This meteorite is as tough as old boots.”

Martian rock to be sent back to Mars in NASA's rover mission after 700,000 years

A group of researchers have found&nbsp;that humans could live on Mars only if fungi found inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactor is used to protect against radiation.&nbsp;

According to researchers, a layer of fungus, that is around 21 centimetres thick, could "largely negate the annual dose-equivalent of the radiation environment on the surface of Mars".

Nils Averesch, Stanford researcher and study co-author told a science website called New Scientist: "What makes the fungus great is that you only need a few grams to start out."

"It self-replicates and self-heals, so even if there's a solar flare that damages the radiation shield significantly, it will be able to grow back in a few days."&nbsp;

The fungi have been able to absorb harmful cosmic rays on the International Space Station (ISS). It could be used to protect future colonies on Mars.&nbsp;

In 1986, a power station on the outskirts of Pripyat suffered a massive accident in which one of the reactors caught fire and exploded, spreading radioactive material into the surroundings. It was one of the biggest disasters in Ukraine. Five years later, in 1991 &nbsp;black fungi was found on the reactor which had been flooded with gamma.

The fungi not only survive the radiation, but it also grew towards it as if it was attracted. Large amounts of 'melanin' allow the fungi to absorb normally harmful rays which it then converts into chemical energy. &nbsp;&nbsp;

These fungi use the deadly rays to produce energy via radiosynthesis.&nbsp;

NASA's research scientist Kasthuri Venkateswaran leads the&nbsp;experiments on the Cryptococcus neoformans fungi. He believes that the radiation-absorbing power could be extracted from the fungi and manufactured in drug form so that it could be used as a 'sun block' against toxic rays.&nbsp;

A group of researchers have found that humans could live on Mars only if fungi found inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactor is used to protect against radiation. According to researchers, a layer of fungus, that is around 21 centimetres thick, could "largely negate the annual dose-equivalent of the radiation environment on the surface of Mars".

A group of researchers have found that humans could live on Mars only if fungi found inside the Chernobyl nuclear reactor is used to protect against radiation. According to researchers, a layer of fungus, that is around 21 centimetres thick, could "largely negate the annual dose-equivalent of the radiation environment on the surface of Mars". Nils Averesch, Stanford researcher and study co-author told a science website called New Scientist: "What makes the fungus great is that you only need a few grams to start out." "It self-replicates and self-heals, so even if there's a solar flare that damages the radiation shield significantly, it will be able to grow back in a few days." The fungi have been able to absorb harmful cosmic rays on the International Space Station (ISS). It could be used to protect future colonies on Mars. In 1986, a power station on the outskirts of Pripyat suffered a massive accident in which one of the reactors caught fire and exploded, spreading radioactive material into the surroundings. It was one of the biggest disasters in Ukraine. Five years later, in 1991 black fungi was found on the reactor which had been flooded with gamma. The fungi not only survive the radiation, but it also grew towards it as if it was attracted. Large amounts of 'melanin' allow the fungi to absorb normally harmful rays which it then converts into chemical energy. These fungi use the deadly rays to produce energy via radiosynthesis. NASA's research scientist Kasthuri Venkateswaran leads the experiments on the Cryptococcus neoformans fungi. He believes that the radiation-absorbing power could be extracted from the fungi and manufactured in drug form so that it could be used as a 'sun block' against toxic rays.

Fungus found in Chernobyl could protect humans from deadly radiations on Mars

China has launched a rover to Mars on a journey coinciding with a similar US mission.

The two countries are taking advantage of a period when Earth and Mars are closest to send their probes, with China's mission due to lift off by Saturday and the US spacecraft on July 30.

The Chinese mission has been named Tianwen-1 ("Questions to Heaven") in a nod to a classical poem that has verses about the cosmos. It was launched on a Long March 5 -- China's biggest space rocket -- from the southern island of Hainan on Thursday.

Tianwen-1 is expected to arrive in February 2021 after a seven-month, 55-million-kilometre (34-million-mile) voyage.

The mission includes a Mars orbiter, a lander and a rover that will study the planet's soil.

Tianwen-1 is not China's first attempt to go to Mars. A previous mission with Russia in 2011 ended prematurely as the launch failed.

Now, Beijing is trying on its own.

The United Arab Emirates launched a probe on Monday that will orbit Mars once it reaches the Red Planet.

The United States has already sent four rovers to Mars since the late 1990s.

The next one, Perseverance, is an SUV-sized vehicle that will look for signs of ancient microbial life, and gather rock and soil samples with the goal of bringing them back to Earth on another mission in 2031.

China has made huge strides in the past decade, sending a human into space in 2003. The Asian powerhouse has laid the groundwork to assemble a space station by 2022 and gain a permanent foothold in Earth orbit.

Also, China has already sent two rovers to the Moon. With the second, China became the first country to make a successful soft landing on the far side.

China has upgraded its monitoring stations in the far-western Xinjiang region and northeastern Heilongjiang province to meet the Mars mission requirements, state news agency Xinhua reported last week.

The majority of the dozens of missions sent by the US, Russia, Europe, Japan and India to Mars since 1960 ended in failure.

China has launched a rover to Mars on a journey coinciding with a similar US mission. The two countries are taking advantage of a period when Earth and Mars are closest to send their probes, with China's mission due to lift off by Saturday and the US spacecraft on July 30.

China has launched a rover to Mars on a journey coinciding with a similar US mission. The two countries are taking advantage of a period when Earth and Mars are closest to send their probes, with China's mission due to lift off by Saturday and the US spacecraft on July 30. The Chinese mission has been named Tianwen-1 ("Questions to Heaven") in a nod to a classical poem that has verses about the cosmos. It was launched on a Long March 5 -- China's biggest space rocket -- from the southern island of Hainan on Thursday. Tianwen-1 is expected to arrive in February 2021 after a seven-month, 55-million-kilometre (34-million-mile) voyage. The mission includes a Mars orbiter, a lander and a rover that will study the planet's soil. Tianwen-1 is not China's first attempt to go to Mars. A previous mission with Russia in 2011 ended prematurely as the launch failed. Now, Beijing is trying on its own. The United Arab Emirates launched a probe on Monday that will orbit Mars once it reaches the Red Planet. The United States has already sent four rovers to Mars since the late 1990s. The next one, Perseverance, is an SUV-sized vehicle that will look for signs of ancient microbial life, and gather rock and soil samples with the goal of bringing them back to Earth on another mission in 2031. China has made huge strides in the past decade, sending a human into space in 2003. The Asian powerhouse has laid the groundwork to assemble a space station by 2022 and gain a permanent foothold in Earth orbit. Also, China has already sent two rovers to the Moon. With the second, China became the first country to make a successful soft landing on the far side. China has upgraded its monitoring stations in the far-western Xinjiang region and northeastern Heilongjiang province to meet the Mars mission requirements, state news agency Xinhua reported last week. The majority of the dozens of missions sent by the US, Russia, Europe, Japan and India to Mars since 1960 ended in failure.

China launches Mars probe in space race with US

China has launched the Tianwen-1 mission to planet Mars. This is China's first interplanetary spacecraft. With its ambitious Tianwen 1 mission, China will attempt to orbit and land on Mars on its first attempt, subsequently deploying a rover.

China's mission to Mars: A mission to collect data from Mars Tianwen-1

WION Fineprint: Beijing's attempt to join the elite global space club | China MARS Mission

In quest to beat US in space, China launches independent unmanned mission to Mars

The United Arab Emirates launched its first mission to Mars on Monday as it strives to develop its scientific and technological capabilities and reduce its reliance on oil.

The Hope Probe blasted off from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center at 1:58 a.m. UAE time/6:58 a.m. Japanese time Monday (2158 GMT Sunday) for a seven-month journey to the red planet, where it will orbit and send back data about the atmosphere.

The first Arab mission to Mars was initially due to launch on July 14, but has been delayed twice due to bad weather.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/uae-mars-mission-lift-off-on-japan-rocket-now-scheduled-for-july-20-313936" hreflang="en">UAE Mars mission lift-off on Japan rocket now scheduled for July 20</a>

Just over an hour after launch, the probe deployed solar panels to power its systems and established radio communication with the mission on earth.

There are currently eight active missions exploring Mars; some orbit the planet and some have landed on its surface. China and the United States each plan to send another this year.&nbsp;

The Emirates Mars Mission has cost $200 million, according to Minister for Advanced Sciences Sarah Amiri. It aims to provide a complete picture of the Martian atmosphere for the first time, studying daily and seasonal changes.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="/science/nasas-curiosity-rover-embarks-on-mars-road-trip-312520" hreflang="en">NASA's Curiosity rover embarks on Mars road trip</a>

The UAE first announced plans for the mission in 2014 and launched a National Space Programme in 2017 to develop local expertise. Its population of 9.4 million, most of whom are foreign workers, lacks the scientific and industrial base of the big spacefaring nations.

It has an ambitious plan for a Mars settlement by 2117. Hazza al-Mansouri became the first Emirati in space last September when he flew to the International Space Station.

To develop and build the Hope Probe, Emiratis and Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) worked with U.S. educational institutions.

The MBRSC space centre in Dubai will oversee the spacecraft during its 494 million km (307 milion mile) journey at an average speed of 121,000 km per hour.

The United Arab Emirates launched its first mission to Mars on Monday as it strives to develop its scientific and technological capabilities and reduce its reliance on oil.

The United Arab Emirates launched its first mission to Mars on Monday as it strives to develop its scientific and technological capabilities and reduce its reliance on oil. The Hope Probe blasted off from Japan's Tanegashima Space Center at 1:58 a.m. UAE time/6:58 a.m. Japanese time Monday (2158 GMT Sunday) for a seven-month journey to the red planet, where it will orbit and send back data about the atmosphere. The first Arab mission to Mars was initially due to launch on July 14, but has been delayed twice due to bad weather. Also read: UAE Mars mission lift-off on Japan rocket now scheduled for July 20 Just over an hour after launch, the probe deployed solar panels to power its systems and established radio communication with the mission on earth. There are currently eight active missions exploring Mars; some orbit the planet and some have landed on its surface. China and the United States each plan to send another this year. The Emirates Mars Mission has cost $200 million, according to Minister for Advanced Sciences Sarah Amiri. It aims to provide a complete picture of the Martian atmosphere for the first time, studying daily and seasonal changes. Also read: NASA's Curiosity rover embarks on Mars road trip The UAE first announced plans for the mission in 2014 and launched a National Space Programme in 2017 to develop local expertise. Its population of 9.4 million, most of whom are foreign workers, lacks the scientific and industrial base of the big spacefaring nations. It has an ambitious plan for a Mars settlement by 2117. Hazza al-Mansouri became the first Emirati in space last September when he flew to the International Space Station. To develop and build the Hope Probe, Emiratis and Dubai's Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) worked with U.S. educational institutions. The MBRSC space centre in Dubai will oversee the spacecraft during its 494 million km (307 milion mile) journey at an average speed of 121,000 km per hour.

In its first, United Arab Emirates launches 'hope' mission to Mars from Japan

You can see these 5 planets in the night skies all week long!

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has started a road trip that will continue across roughly a mile of terrain. By the end of the said trip, the rover will be able to ascend to the next section of the Martian mountain it's been exploring since 2014.

The rover will then search for conditions that may have supported ancient microbial life.

The rover's next stop is a part of Mount Sharp, located on the floor of Gale Crater, called the "sulfate-bearing unit." Sulfates, like gypsum and Epsom salts, usually form around water as it evaporates, and they are yet another clue to how the climate and prospects for life on the Red Planet changed nearly 3 billion years ago.

Rover planners, who are commanding Curiosity from home rather than their offices at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, expect to reach the area in early fall.

<img alt="Stitched together from 116 images, this view captured by NASA's Curiosity Mars rover shows the path it will take in the summer of 2020 as it drives toward the next region it will be investigating, the &quot;sulfate-bearing unit.&quot; (Courtesy: NASA)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c031705f-76ef-43b7-99b7-7ec001148b14" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/nasa%20mars%202.jpg" />

Scientists had been investigating on the mountain's "clay-bearing unit" since early 2019, and are interested in the watery environment that formed this clay and whether it could have supported ancient microbes.

Scientists are also interested in a feature between the clay unit and the sulfate unit, nicknamed the "Greenheugh pediment."

Curiosity will celebrate its eighth anniversary of landing on August 6.&nbsp;

NASA plans to send a new rover this summer to search for habitable samples in Jezero Crater.

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has started a road trip that will continue across roughly a mile of terrain. By the end of the said trip, the rover will be able to ascend to the next section of the Martian mountain it's been exploring since 2014.

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has started a road trip that will continue across roughly a mile of terrain. By the end of the said trip, the rover will be able to ascend to the next section of the Martian mountain it's been exploring since 2014. The rover will then search for conditions that may have supported ancient microbial life. The rover's next stop is a part of Mount Sharp, located on the floor of Gale Crater, called the "sulfate-bearing unit." Sulfates, like gypsum and Epsom salts, usually form around water as it evaporates, and they are yet another clue to how the climate and prospects for life on the Red Planet changed nearly 3 billion years ago. Rover planners, who are commanding Curiosity from home rather than their offices at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, expect to reach the area in early fall. Scientists had been investigating on the mountain's "clay-bearing unit" since early 2019, and are interested in the watery environment that formed this clay and whether it could have supported ancient microbes. Scientists are also interested in a feature between the clay unit and the sulfate unit, nicknamed the "Greenheugh pediment." Curiosity will celebrate its eighth anniversary of landing on August 6. NASA plans to send a new rover this summer to search for habitable samples in Jezero Crater.

NASA's Curiosity rover embarks on Mars road trip

The oil-rich United Arab Emirates plans to join another elite club by sending a probe to Mars -- after having built a nuclear power programme and sent a man to space.

It will mark the 50th anniversary of its unification with "Hope", an unmanned spacecraft expected to reach its target in February after being launched on July 15 from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre.

Only the United States, India, the former Soviet Union, and the European Space Agency have successfully sent missions to orbit the Red Planet, while China is preparing to launch its first Mars rover later this month.

The UAE is now pushing to join their ranks in what will be a first for the Arab world.

While the mission objective is to provide a comprehensive image of the weather dynamics in Mars' atmosphere and pave the way for scientific breakthroughs, the probe is a foundation for a much bigger goal -- building a human settlement on Mars within the next 100 years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/launch-of-nasa-mars-rover-delayed-again-309993">Also read |&nbsp;Launch of NASA Mars rover delayed again</a>

Dubai has hired architects to imagine what a Martian city might look like and recreate it in its desert as "Science City", at a cost of around 500 million dirhams (135 million dollars).

Over the last few decades, UAE has become a hub for young Arabs aspiring to build professional careers and raise families in a safe environment, in a region too often blighted by war and political crises.

Last September, Hazza al-Mansouri became the first Emirati in space, part of a three-member crew that blasted off on a Soyuz rocket from Kazakhstan, returning home after an eight-day mission in which he became the first Arab to visit the International Space Station.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-eyes-july-20-25-launch-for-mars-rover-309957">Also read |&nbsp;China eyes July 20-25 launch for Mars rover</a>

The oil-rich United Arab Emirates plans to join another elite club by sending a probe to Mars -- after having built a nuclear power programme and sent a man to space.

The oil-rich United Arab Emirates plans to join another elite club by sending a probe to Mars -- after having built a nuclear power programme and sent a man to space. It will mark the 50th anniversary of its unification with "Hope", an unmanned spacecraft expected to reach its target in February after being launched on July 15 from Japan's Tanegashima Space Centre. Only the United States, India, the former Soviet Union, and the European Space Agency have successfully sent missions to orbit the Red Planet, while China is preparing to launch its first Mars rover later this month. The UAE is now pushing to join their ranks in what will be a first for the Arab world. While the mission objective is to provide a comprehensive image of the weather dynamics in Mars' atmosphere and pave the way for scientific breakthroughs, the probe is a foundation for a much bigger goal -- building a human settlement on Mars within the next 100 years. Also read | Launch of NASA Mars rover delayed again Dubai has hired architects to imagine what a Martian city might look like and recreate it in its desert as "Science City", at a cost of around 500 million dirhams (135 million dollars). Over the last few decades, UAE has become a hub for young Arabs aspiring to build professional careers and raise families in a safe environment, in a region too often blighted by war and political crises. Last September, Hazza al-Mansouri became the first Emirati in space, part of a three-member crew that blasted off on a Soyuz rocket from Kazakhstan, returning home after an eight-day mission in which he became the first Arab to visit the International Space Station. Also read | China eyes July 20-25 launch for Mars rover

UAE plans to send a probe to Mars - a first for the Arab world

A planet has been spotted orbiting a distant star at breakneck speed, with astronomers concluding it may be the surviving core of a planet once perhaps larger than Jupiter that was stripped of its gaseous atmosphere.

TOI-849b, which is 39 times as massive as earth, is the largest rocky planet ever discovered and&nbsp;travels 10 times more quickly than Earth, completing an orbit every 18 hours.

According to researchers, this discovery&nbsp;offers a unique opportunity to better understand the interiors of gas giants like Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system.

“This planet could have been a gas giant like Jupiter, which then lost its outer envelope through some violent evolution. This could be because it collided with another planet towards the end of its formation, or later ventured too close to its host star and was stripped of its atmosphere,” said astronomer David Armstrong of the University of Warwick in England, lead author of the research published in the journal Nature. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/a-massive-star-in-a-far-off-galaxy-just-disappeared-leaving-behind-no-trace-310032">Also Read: A massive star in a far-off galaxy just disappeared, leaving behind no trace!</a>

“An alternative is that the planet got stuck while forming, building up a core but failing to collect the gas we would normally expect,” he said.

The team of astronomers observed that it's located around a star much like our own, approximately 730 light-years away. TOI-849b's diameter of 43,500 km is a bit less than Neptune, the smallest of our solar system’s four gas planets.&nbsp;

The team further said that the planet is much more massive than gas giant planetary cores and this might imply a new planet formation or evolution pathway. Gas planets are composed of a solid core surrounded by a vast atmosphere mostly of hydrogen and helium. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

A planet has been spotted orbiting a distant star at breakneck speed, with astronomers concluding it may be the surviving core of a planet once perhaps larger than Jupiter that was stripped of its gaseous atmosphere.

A planet has been spotted orbiting a distant star at breakneck speed, with astronomers concluding it may be the surviving core of a planet once perhaps larger than Jupiter that was stripped of its gaseous atmosphere. TOI-849b, which is 39 times as massive as earth, is the largest rocky planet ever discovered and travels 10 times more quickly than Earth, completing an orbit every 18 hours. According to researchers, this discovery offers a unique opportunity to better understand the interiors of gas giants like Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system. “This planet could have been a gas giant like Jupiter, which then lost its outer envelope through some violent evolution. This could be because it collided with another planet towards the end of its formation, or later ventured too close to its host star and was stripped of its atmosphere,” said astronomer David Armstrong of the University of Warwick in England, lead author of the research published in the journal Nature. Also Read: A massive star in a far-off galaxy just disappeared, leaving behind no trace! “An alternative is that the planet got stuck while forming, building up a core but failing to collect the gas we would normally expect,” he said. The team of astronomers observed that it's located around a star much like our own, approximately 730 light-years away. TOI-849b's diameter of 43,500 km is a bit less than Neptune, the smallest of our solar system’s four gas planets. The team further said that the planet is much more massive than gas giant planetary cores and this might imply a new planet formation or evolution pathway. Gas planets are composed of a solid core surrounded by a vast atmosphere mostly of hydrogen and helium. (With inputs from Reuters)

Surviving core of Jupiter-like planet found near distant star

As a mark of respect all the healthcare workers fighting coronavirus battle around the world, NASA's Next Mars rover revealed a commemorative plate attached to the rover,&nbsp;called the COVID-19 Perseverance plate.

Deputy project manager Matt Wallace of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said that medical workers have inspired them and he hopes that this Perseverance plate inspires them in return.

NASA's next Mars rover is scheduled to be launched on July 20, 2020. The launch is scheduled for 9.15 am ET with a two-hour window. If the rover isn’t launched by mid-August, it would need to wait until 2022 when Earth and Mars are back in proper alignment.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-postpones-mars-rover-perseverance-launch-to-july-20-305395">Also Read: NASA postpones Mars rover Perseverance launch to July 20</a>

In April, NASA developed high-pressure ventilator to fight COVID-19. &nbsp;The device called VITAL is intended to last three to four months and is specifically tailored for COVID-19 patients, according to NASA.

This high-pressure ventilator offers a simple, affordable option for treating critical patients while freeing up traditional ventilators for those with the most severe COVID-19 symptoms. Its flexible design means it also can be modified for use in field hospitals, the NASA statement read. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spacex-becomes-first-commercial-company-to-launch-nasa-astronauts-302454">Also Read: SpaceX becomes first commercial company to launch NASA astronauts</a>

Three Indian companies, apart from 18 other companies from other countries, have been selected by NASA to manufacture its indigenously developed ventilators.

(With inputs from agencies)

As a mark of respect all the healthcare workers fighting coronavirus battle around the world, NASA's Next Mars rover revealed a commemorative plate attached to the rover, called the COVID-19 Perseverance plate.

As a mark of respect all the healthcare workers fighting coronavirus battle around the world, NASA's Next Mars rover revealed a commemorative plate attached to the rover, called the COVID-19 Perseverance plate. Deputy project manager Matt Wallace of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, said that medical workers have inspired them and he hopes that this Perseverance plate inspires them in return. NASA's next Mars rover is scheduled to be launched on July 20, 2020. The launch is scheduled for 9.15 am ET with a two-hour window. If the rover isn’t launched by mid-August, it would need to wait until 2022 when Earth and Mars are back in proper alignment. Also Read: NASA postpones Mars rover Perseverance launch to July 20 In April, NASA developed high-pressure ventilator to fight COVID-19. The device called VITAL is intended to last three to four months and is specifically tailored for COVID-19 patients, according to NASA. This high-pressure ventilator offers a simple, affordable option for treating critical patients while freeing up traditional ventilators for those with the most severe COVID-19 symptoms. Its flexible design means it also can be modified for use in field hospitals, the NASA statement read. Also Read: SpaceX becomes first commercial company to launch NASA astronauts Three Indian companies, apart from 18 other companies from other countries, have been selected by NASA to manufacture its indigenously developed ventilators. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Next Mars rover honours healthcare workers battling coronavirus

Vaneeza Rupani, a 17-year-old from Alabama, United States, has named NASA’s first helicopter for Mars “Ingenuity”. 
 
The teenager had suggested the name in NASA’s “Name the Rover” essay contest which had received over 28,000 entries.

According to NASA’s website, Rupani’s submission read -&nbsp; "The ingenuity and brilliance of people working hard to overcome challenges of interplanetary travel are what allow us to experience wonders of space exploration”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/nasa-to-launch-uss-first-crewed-spaceflight-in-almost-a-decade-on-may-27-293290" hreflang="en">NASA to launch US's first crewed spaceflight in almost a decade on May 27</a>

NASA’s Mars Helicopter will become the first aircraft to attempt powered flight on another planet.

Rupani currently studies at the Tuscaloosa County High School in Alabama, and submitted one of the 28,000 essays received in connection with the helicopter.

The rover was also named employing similar tactics. A seventh grade student Alexander Mather’s essay won the contest, after which the Mars rover was officially named “Perseverance”.

NASA’s website claims that Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, made the choice for the rover's name, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine chose the name for the helicopter.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6i-UOl9yTJE" width="560"></iframe>

"Ingenuity encapsulates the values that our helicopter tech demo will showcase for everyone when it takes off next year as the first aircraft on another planet’s surface," said Bridenstine.

"I am proud that NASA’s Mars Helicopter will be named by Vaneeza Rupani of Northport, Alabama," said Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="wionews.com/world/need-some-space-nasa-has-got-the-job-for-you-280296" hreflang="en">Need some space? NASA has got the job for you</a>

"This is a unique privilege. Ms&nbsp;Rupani’s essay on why she chose the name 'Ingenuity' highlights her creativity, originality, and intelligence. Her grasp on the importance of exploration is extraordinary, and I am confident that she has a bright future ahead. Congratulations to Ms. Rupani on being selected for this prestigious honor."

NASA’s Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity, is set to arrive on Mars&nbsp;on February&nbsp;18, 2021. Its mission is&nbsp;to demonstrate the first powered flight on another world.

Vaneeza Rupani, a 17-year-old from Alabama, United States, has named NASA’s first helicopter for Mars “Ingenuity”. The teenager had suggested the name in NASA’s “Name the Rover” essay contest which had received over 28,000 entries.

Vaneeza Rupani, a 17-year-old from Alabama, United States, has named NASA’s first helicopter for Mars “Ingenuity”. The teenager had suggested the name in NASA’s “Name the Rover” essay contest which had received over 28,000 entries. According to NASA’s website, Rupani’s submission read - "The ingenuity and brilliance of people working hard to overcome challenges of interplanetary travel are what allow us to experience wonders of space exploration”. Also read: NASA to launch US's first crewed spaceflight in almost a decade on May 27 NASA’s Mars Helicopter will become the first aircraft to attempt powered flight on another planet. Rupani currently studies at the Tuscaloosa County High School in Alabama, and submitted one of the 28,000 essays received in connection with the helicopter. The rover was also named employing similar tactics. A seventh grade student Alexander Mather’s essay won the contest, after which the Mars rover was officially named “Perseverance”. NASA’s website claims that Thomas Zurbuchen, associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, made the choice for the rover's name, and NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine chose the name for the helicopter. "Ingenuity encapsulates the values that our helicopter tech demo will showcase for everyone when it takes off next year as the first aircraft on another planet’s surface," said Bridenstine. "I am proud that NASA’s Mars Helicopter will be named by Vaneeza Rupani of Northport, Alabama," said Senator Richard Shelby of Alabama. Also read: Need some space? NASA has got the job for you "This is a unique privilege. Ms Rupani’s essay on why she chose the name 'Ingenuity' highlights her creativity, originality, and intelligence. Her grasp on the importance of exploration is extraordinary, and I am confident that she has a bright future ahead. Congratulations to Ms. Rupani on being selected for this prestigious honor." NASA’s Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity, is set to arrive on Mars on February 18, 2021. Its mission is to demonstrate the first powered flight on another world.

Indian-origin teenager names NASA’s first Mars helicopter

NASA will launch a new Mars rover in July, and a student in 7th grade has won the contest to name it. Meet 'Perseverance' in this report.

Gravitas: Seventh grader names NASA's next Mars rover

NASA's Curiosity rover has captured its highest-resolution panorama yet of the Martian surface.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
How’s this for 2020 vision? Over the holidays, I took a series of high-res photos of my hometown on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mars</a>. This panorama is made up of a crisp 1.8 billion pixels. It’s my most detailed view to date. 
 
Zoom in: <a href="https://t.co/F2VAjvAVVV">https://t.co/F2VAjvAVVV</a> <a href="https://t.co/nTMhOTx2Di">pic.twitter.com/nTMhOTx2Di</a>
— Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarsCuriosity/status/1235275985865457665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The composition has stitched together more than 1,000 images taken during the Thanksgiving break between November 24 and December 1 and were then carefully assembled over the ensuing months.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-robotic-lander-insight-confirms-quakes-on-mars-282706">NASA robotic lander InSight confirms quakes on Mars</a>

Together, the images include a whopping 1.8 billion pixels.

To snap these pictures and create a panorama, NASA's Curiosity rover used the photo lens on the rover's Mast Camera.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mushrooms-can-be-used-to-construct-habitats-on-mars-nasa-275937">Mushrooms can be used to construct habitats on Mars: NASA</a>

It relied on its medium-angle lens to produce a lower-resolution, nearly 650-million-pixel panorama that includes the rover's deck and a robotic arm.

Both panoramas reveal Curiosity's current home of Glen Torridon.

"This is the first time during the mission we've dedicated our operations to a stereo 360-degree panorama," said&nbsp;Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

On Mars, Glen Torridon is full of intriguing clay mineral deposits that Curiosity has been observing.&nbsp;

It's located in Gale Crater, a vast and dry ancient lake bed with a 16,404-foot mountain at its centre.&nbsp;

NASA's Curiosity rover has captured its highest-resolution panorama yet of the Martian surface. How’s this for 2020 vision? Over the holidays, I took a series of high-res photos of my hometown on #Mars.

NASA's Curiosity rover has captured its highest-resolution panorama yet of the Martian surface. How’s this for 2020 vision? Over the holidays, I took a series of high-res photos of my hometown on #Mars. This panorama is made up of a crisp 1.8 billion pixels. It’s my most detailed view to date. Zoom in: https://t.co/F2VAjvAVVV pic.twitter.com/nTMhOTx2Di — Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) March 4, 2020 × The composition has stitched together more than 1,000 images taken during the Thanksgiving break between November 24 and December 1 and were then carefully assembled over the ensuing months. Also read: NASA robotic lander InSight confirms quakes on Mars Together, the images include a whopping 1.8 billion pixels. To snap these pictures and create a panorama, NASA's Curiosity rover used the photo lens on the rover's Mast Camera. Also read: Mushrooms can be used to construct habitats on Mars: NASA It relied on its medium-angle lens to produce a lower-resolution, nearly 650-million-pixel panorama that includes the rover's deck and a robotic arm. Both panoramas reveal Curiosity's current home of Glen Torridon. "This is the first time during the mission we've dedicated our operations to a stereo 360-degree panorama," said Ashwin Vasavada, Curiosity's project scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. On Mars, Glen Torridon is full of intriguing clay mineral deposits that Curiosity has been observing. It's located in Gale Crater, a vast and dry ancient lake bed with a 16,404-foot mountain at its centre.

Watch: Mars rover captures its highest-resolution panorama yet

NASA's robotic InSight lander has for the first time established that Mars is seismically active.

The recent study claimed on Monday that Mars is a constantly tremoring "living" body as they unveiled measurements of seismic activity on the red planet showing similar tremble rates to Earth or the Moon.

The findings were published in the journals Nature Geoscience and Nature Communications.

<div class="photo-play">
Also see: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nasa-counts-down-to-landing-of-martian-quake-sensor-insight-178934#mars-insight-set-to-land-178924">NASA's InSight lands on Mars to peer into planet's deep interior</a>
</div>

For 15 months NASA's InSight robot craft scoured the surface of Earth's neighbour, and measured hundreds of so-called "Marsquakes".

These included several tremors that contained the same frequency patterns as tremors caused by the movement of Earth's own tectonic plates.

The InSight lander, which touched down on the planet's surface in November 2018 to begin the first mission to study the deep interior of Mars, has since detected around 450 marsquakes.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-insight-sends-first-picture-from-mars-surface-after-safe-landing-179824">NASA's InSight sends first picture from Mars surface after safe landing</a>

"This is the first mission focused on taking direct geophysical measurements of any planet besides Earth, and it's given us our first real understanding of Mars' interior structure and geological processes," said Nicholas Schmerr, an assistant professor of geology at the University of Maryland and a co-author of the study in Nature Geoscience.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Mars is alive, and I’m getting more of the big picture every day: 
 
✅ marsquakes! 
✅ whirlwinds! 
✅ mysterious magnetic pulses! 
 
Lots of new science, as my team releases findings from my experiments here on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Mars?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Mars</a>. Read all about it: <a href="https://t.co/bQ6uhIPusV">https://t.co/bQ6uhIPusV</a>
— NASA InSight (@NASAInSight) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAInSight/status/1231980579739930624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 24, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

Another team of researchers found that at least 20 of the quakes measured by the InSight lander had the equivalent strength of a magnitude 3-4 earthquake.

The scientists described two dozen marsquakes in a magnitude 3 to 4 range in the published findings.

The location of some of the larger marsquakes was a region called Cerberus Fossae that bears evidence of volcanic flows, faulting and water on the surface within the past 10 million years, considered recent in geological terms.

"Thus, this area still has activity at depth, perhaps including hot magma. This in turn shows that Mars has regional variability in activity, with some areas still quite active," JPL planetary geophysicist and InSight deputy principal investigator Suzanne Smrekar said.

The existence of seismic activity on Mars had long been suspected but until now had not been definitively detected.

NASA's robotic InSight lander has for the first time established that Mars is seismically active. The recent study claimed on Monday that Mars is a constantly tremoring "living" body as they unveiled measurements of seismic activity on the red planet showing similar tremble rates to Earth or the Moon.

NASA's robotic InSight lander has for the first time established that Mars is seismically active. The recent study claimed on Monday that Mars is a constantly tremoring "living" body as they unveiled measurements of seismic activity on the red planet showing similar tremble rates to Earth or the Moon. The findings were published in the journals Nature Geoscience and Nature Communications. Also see: NASA's InSight lands on Mars to peer into planet's deep interior For 15 months NASA's InSight robot craft scoured the surface of Earth's neighbour, and measured hundreds of so-called "Marsquakes". These included several tremors that contained the same frequency patterns as tremors caused by the movement of Earth's own tectonic plates. The InSight lander, which touched down on the planet's surface in November 2018 to begin the first mission to study the deep interior of Mars, has since detected around 450 marsquakes. Also read: NASA's InSight sends first picture from Mars surface after safe landing "This is the first mission focused on taking direct geophysical measurements of any planet besides Earth, and it's given us our first real understanding of Mars' interior structure and geological processes," said Nicholas Schmerr, an assistant professor of geology at the University of Maryland and a co-author of the study in Nature Geoscience. Mars is alive, and I’m getting more of the big picture every day: ✅ marsquakes! ✅ whirlwinds! ✅ mysterious magnetic pulses! Lots of new science, as my team releases findings from my experiments here on #Mars. Read all about it: https://t.co/bQ6uhIPusV — NASA InSight (@NASAInSight) February 24, 2020 × Another team of researchers found that at least 20 of the quakes measured by the InSight lander had the equivalent strength of a magnitude 3-4 earthquake. The scientists described two dozen marsquakes in a magnitude 3 to 4 range in the published findings. The location of some of the larger marsquakes was a region called Cerberus Fossae that bears evidence of volcanic flows, faulting and water on the surface within the past 10 million years, considered recent in geological terms. "Thus, this area still has activity at depth, perhaps including hot magma. This in turn shows that Mars has regional variability in activity, with some areas still quite active," JPL planetary geophysicist and InSight deputy principal investigator Suzanne Smrekar said. The existence of seismic activity on Mars had long been suspected but until now had not been definitively detected.

NASA robotic lander InSight confirms quakes on Mars

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mushroom-producer-suffers-heavy-loss-after-typhoon-hagibis-sweeps-by-257075">Mushrooms </a>can be used to build habitats in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-earth-designers-give-a-peek-into-what-life-could-look-like-on-mars-275336">Mars </a>according to a suggestion made in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-spacex-launch-with-nasa-most-probably-to-take-place-between-april-and-june-this-year-elon-musk-275498">NASA</a>'s new project.&nbsp;

This suggestion was made by the agency in a video released by it on Tuesday.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fabricating furniture with fungus may sound farfetched but it could be the future. 
Get the details: <a href="https://t.co/Fhyv9LFz3t">https://t.co/Fhyv9LFz3t</a> <a href="https://t.co/5WpVz6SaxM">pic.twitter.com/5WpVz6SaxM</a>
— NASA360 (@NASA360) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA360/status/1218516890227625984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 18, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The reason behind recommending it specifically is that it is easy to transport it into space and it is also sturdy when it grows.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/beyond-earth-designers-give-a-peek-into-what-life-could-look-like-on-mars-275336">Beyond Earth: Designers give a peek into what life could look like on Mars</a>

The key focus of this concept is on the mycelium parts of a fungus which comprise of branching thread-like structures.

The agency's program is called NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) and it will check the viability of myco-architecture that could use fungi to grow habitats on Mars and the Moon.

They can construct ''complex structures with immense accuracy branching out into larger structures like mushrooms,'' according to the space organization.

This concept revolves around a three-layered dome structure comprising of water and ice on the outside, a bacteria which produces oxygen and nutrients called cyanobacteria in the middle and a layer of mycelia inside which will be responsible for feeding and growing a framework for building a habitat in Mars.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/first-spacex-launch-with-nasa-most-probably-to-take-place-between-april-and-june-this-year-elon-musk-275498">SpaceX launch with NASA may take place between April-June: Elon Musk</a>

According to Lynn Rothschild, the chief investigator on the initial stage of the project, ''at the moment, traditional habitat designs for Mars incur huge energy costs. As an alternative, mycelia can be harnessed to grow these habitats ourselves''.&nbsp;

The scientists plan on carrying habitat build of lightweight substance preferably dormant mushrooms that can be unfolded and watered on landing.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nasa-counts-down-to-landing-of-martian-quake-sensor-insight-178934#mars-insight-set-to-land-178924">NASA's InSight lands on Mars to peer into planet's deep interior</a>

They will transform into a fully functional human habitat without contaminating the environment of Mars.&nbsp;The middle layer of the structure will provide oxygen to the astronauts on the mission.

The design for this concept is being prepared in California's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-mike-pompeo-warns-silicon-valley-on-china-ahead-of-trade-pact-274102">Silicon Valley</a> by NASA's Ames Research Center.

It is also envisioning a future where compact habitat can be constructed out of lightweight material with passive fungi that do not perish easily.

Mushrooms can be used to build habitats in Mars according to a suggestion made in NASA's new project. This suggestion was made by the agency in a video released by it on Tuesday.

Mushrooms can be used to build habitats in Mars according to a suggestion made in NASA's new project. This suggestion was made by the agency in a video released by it on Tuesday. Fabricating furniture with fungus may sound farfetched but it could be the future. Get the details: https://t.co/Fhyv9LFz3t pic.twitter.com/5WpVz6SaxM — NASA360 (@NASA360) January 18, 2020 × The reason behind recommending it specifically is that it is easy to transport it into space and it is also sturdy when it grows. Also read: Beyond Earth: Designers give a peek into what life could look like on Mars The key focus of this concept is on the mycelium parts of a fungus which comprise of branching thread-like structures. The agency's program is called NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) and it will check the viability of myco-architecture that could use fungi to grow habitats on Mars and the Moon. They can construct ''complex structures with immense accuracy branching out into larger structures like mushrooms,'' according to the space organization. This concept revolves around a three-layered dome structure comprising of water and ice on the outside, a bacteria which produces oxygen and nutrients called cyanobacteria in the middle and a layer of mycelia inside which will be responsible for feeding and growing a framework for building a habitat in Mars. Also read: SpaceX launch with NASA may take place between April-June: Elon Musk According to Lynn Rothschild, the chief investigator on the initial stage of the project, ''at the moment, traditional habitat designs for Mars incur huge energy costs. As an alternative, mycelia can be harnessed to grow these habitats ourselves''. The scientists plan on carrying habitat build of lightweight substance preferably dormant mushrooms that can be unfolded and watered on landing. Also see: NASA's InSight lands on Mars to peer into planet's deep interior They will transform into a fully functional human habitat without contaminating the environment of Mars. The middle layer of the structure will provide oxygen to the astronauts on the mission. The design for this concept is being prepared in California's Silicon Valley by NASA's Ames Research Center. It is also envisioning a future where compact habitat can be constructed out of lightweight material with passive fungi that do not perish easily.

Mushrooms can be used to construct habitats on Mars: NASA

Ever wonder what life would be like on the Red Planet? An ongoing exhibition in London gives a taste of how integral design will be in humanity's journey to Mars.

'Moving to Mars' design exhibition is running till February 23 at the Design Museum in London and has more than 200 exhibits on display from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-trip-to-mars-begins-in-california-clean-room-270678">NASA</a>, SpaceX, the European Space Agency and many others.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I went to the moving to mars exhibition today at the London Design Museum &amp; it was awesome! I highly recommend it, they have good amount of history on spaceflight, as well as the tech being developed for future missions to Mars. It's really reinforced my eagerness to get to Mars! <a href="https://t.co/qT8vUqzc4n">pic.twitter.com/qT8vUqzc4n</a>
— Dr Maggie Lieu (@Space_Mog) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Mog/status/1198352326945394696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The exhibition is about all things Mars and what will it take for the mankind to reach and start a life on the Red Planet.

From Mars-inspired fashion collection, Mars city design, the first spacesuit designed for Mars surface to the first sustainable urban design for the planet - a lot more is on the display for the visitors and space enthusiasts at the exhibition.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unique-salt-formations-found-in-utah-can-provide-insights-regarding-life-on-mars-274462">Unique salt formations found in Utah provide insights regarding life on Mars</a>

Not just this, visitors will also get a delightful experience of gazing at the high-resolution imagery from Mars which has never been seen in public before, People can also visit a full-scale Mars home, learn about the evolution of space suits and meet the Mars rovers.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Moving to Mars @ The Design Museum is definitely worth checking out too, London has the best exhibitions during winter <a href="https://t.co/3rSzojv6Zl">pic.twitter.com/3rSzojv6Zl</a>
— DARNELL TEMENU (@DarnellTemenu) <a href="https://twitter.com/DarnellTemenu/status/1199384476272484352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 26, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Àlso read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-indian-software-analyst-writes-national-anthem-for-mars-271894">Former Indian software analyst writes ‘national’ anthem for Mars</a>

Designers have also installed their vision on what farming will look like on the Red Planet and how transporting food for the journey to Mars will be made possible.&nbsp;

Ever wonder what life would be like on the Red Planet? An ongoing exhibition in London gives a taste of how integral design will be in humanity's journey to Mars.

Ever wonder what life would be like on the Red Planet? An ongoing exhibition in London gives a taste of how integral design will be in humanity's journey to Mars. 'Moving to Mars' design exhibition is running till February 23 at the Design Museum in London and has more than 200 exhibits on display from NASA, SpaceX, the European Space Agency and many others. I went to the moving to mars exhibition today at the London Design Museum & it was awesome! I highly recommend it, they have good amount of history on spaceflight, as well as the tech being developed for future missions to Mars. It's really reinforced my eagerness to get to Mars! pic.twitter.com/qT8vUqzc4n — Dr Maggie Lieu (@Space_Mog) November 23, 2019 × The exhibition is about all things Mars and what will it take for the mankind to reach and start a life on the Red Planet. From Mars-inspired fashion collection, Mars city design, the first spacesuit designed for Mars surface to the first sustainable urban design for the planet - a lot more is on the display for the visitors and space enthusiasts at the exhibition. Also read: Unique salt formations found in Utah provide insights regarding life on Mars Not just this, visitors will also get a delightful experience of gazing at the high-resolution imagery from Mars which has never been seen in public before, People can also visit a full-scale Mars home, learn about the evolution of space suits and meet the Mars rovers. Moving to Mars @ The Design Museum is definitely worth checking out too, London has the best exhibitions during winter pic.twitter.com/3rSzojv6Zl — DARNELL TEMENU (@DarnellTemenu) November 26, 2019 × Àlso read: Former Indian software analyst writes ‘national’ anthem for Mars Designers have also installed their vision on what farming will look like on the Red Planet and how transporting food for the journey to Mars will be made possible.

Beyond Earth: Designers give a peek into what life could look like on Mars

Four rare salt formations have been discovered on the shores of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mexican-american-mormons-bad-blood-with-drug-cartels-260763#breakways-after-us-civil-war-260749">Great Salt Lake</a> for the first time that can provide an insight into&nbsp;salt structures found on Mars.

They were discovered by Park Rangers and Geologists and after investigation, it was found that the mounds of salt were ''mirabilite'' also known as Glauber's salt.

Guided tours of the mirabilite mounds were offered to the public on January 11 and 12 by the staff at the lake.

According to researchers, they are special because its precipitation can serve as analogues for conditions similar to that of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasas-trip-to-mars-begins-in-california-clean-room-270678">Mars</a>.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-indian-software-analyst-writes-national-anthem-for-mars-271894">Former Indian software analyst writes ‘national’ anthem for Mars</a>

They approximately 3 feet tall and are spread over several yards.

Their discovery at this place is highly unusual and has never been documented before.

They were found previously only in a few places across the globe, primarily in the Arctic and other polar regions due to the constant cold temperature of that place.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
A rare geologic wonder on the Great Salt Lake! 
 
Mirabilite mounds are rare and have never been documented at the Great Salt Lake. They have only been found at a few locations around the world - primarily in the Arctic. 
 
Learn more: <a href="https://t.co/fys6g33Xex">https://t.co/fys6g33Xex</a> <a href="https://t.co/PKlUwjk6dS">pic.twitter.com/PKlUwjk6dS</a>
— Utah State Parks (@UtahStateParks) <a href="https://twitter.com/UtahStateParks/status/1214687038722560001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 7, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The reason behind their sudden appearance is the exposed shoreline due to the lowered water levels caused by droughts and water diversion at the largest natural lake of the west of Mississipi.

According to Richard Socki, a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/eyeing-moon-nasa-hosts-first-public-astronaut-graduation-ceremony-273598">NASA </a>geochemist, ''the Glauber's salt is created from the water that bubbles up from the underground''.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/smoke-plummetted-from-australian-bushfire-will-take-a-full-circuit-and-return-to-the-nation-nasa-274181">Australian bushfire smoke will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation: NASA</a>

''The expanded shorelines along with the highly saline water of the lake means an increment in the number of places for water to bubble up from warm, sulphate-rich springs to the surface,'' he also added.

The flat terraces have been created over a period of the last few months by the concentration of tiny crystals at an individual place.

Four rare salt formations have been discovered on the shores of the Great Salt Lake for the first time that can provide an insight into salt structures found on Mars.

Four rare salt formations have been discovered on the shores of the Great Salt Lake for the first time that can provide an insight into salt structures found on Mars. They were discovered by Park Rangers and Geologists and after investigation, it was found that the mounds of salt were ''mirabilite'' also known as Glauber's salt. Guided tours of the mirabilite mounds were offered to the public on January 11 and 12 by the staff at the lake. According to researchers, they are special because its precipitation can serve as analogues for conditions similar to that of Mars. Also read: Former Indian software analyst writes ‘national’ anthem for Mars They approximately 3 feet tall and are spread over several yards. Their discovery at this place is highly unusual and has never been documented before. They were found previously only in a few places across the globe, primarily in the Arctic and other polar regions due to the constant cold temperature of that place. A rare geologic wonder on the Great Salt Lake! Mirabilite mounds are rare and have never been documented at the Great Salt Lake. They have only been found at a few locations around the world - primarily in the Arctic. Learn more: https://t.co/fys6g33Xex pic.twitter.com/PKlUwjk6dS — Utah State Parks (@UtahStateParks) January 7, 2020 × The reason behind their sudden appearance is the exposed shoreline due to the lowered water levels caused by droughts and water diversion at the largest natural lake of the west of Mississipi. According to Richard Socki, a NASA geochemist, ''the Glauber's salt is created from the water that bubbles up from the underground''. Also read: Australian bushfire smoke will take a 'full circuit' and return to the nation: NASA ''The expanded shorelines along with the highly saline water of the lake means an increment in the number of places for water to bubble up from warm, sulphate-rich springs to the surface,'' he also added. The flat terraces have been created over a period of the last few months by the concentration of tiny crystals at an individual place.

Unique salt formations found in Utah provide insights regarding life on Mars

NASA's Mars 2020 rover will head off for the Red Planet next year. But like Voyager, Galileo and Cassini before it, the mission's epic journey began in a "clean room" in California.

One of two ultra-sterile labs used for spacecraft assembly at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles, the eggshell-white room was briefly and exceptionally opened to journalists Friday.

"We need to keep the hardware as pristine and as safe as possible until we get to Mars," said David Gruel, operations manager for Mars 2020.

The Mars rover will collect samples on the planet in the search for traces of microbial life potentially dating back billions of years.

Journalists had to go through a lengthy sterilization process before entering the room "so we actually are bringing samples back from Mars, and not bringing back hair from my body or some skin from somebody else's body," explained Gruel.

Automated shoe brushes and sticky mats remove particles from shoes before guests even reach the locker room.

To prevent contamination, visitors must then don a "bunny suit" -- sleeves sealed with adhesive tape -- along with face masks, latex gloves and even beard protectors for the more hirsute.

Finally, they pass beneath a pulsating "air shower" that blasts away the last unwanted particles.

The rover itself is regularly scrubbed with isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber mop, and the lab's air is filtered 70 times per hour.

Journalists invited by NASA also had to remove foam covers from their microphones -- a breeding ground for germs. Specially approved paper and pens were provided, in place of traditional writing implements which can shed dust and other particles.

Guests are also told to refrain from wearing any makeup or perfume.

Technicians working on crucial sampling equipment are often subject to even more stringent protocols.

"They can't take a shower, bathe the day they work on the hardware," Gruel told AFP. "They can't put any hair products into their hair to style it, they can only wear one or two types of deodorant."

It is all a far cry from the early days of space exploration.&nbsp;

Engineers would frequently light up cigarettes while building the Ranger rockets that paved the way for the Apollo moon missions.&nbsp;

Costly mistakes have led to more caution. A bid to sterilize the Ranger 3 mission in 1962 accidentally fried the rocket's electronics, causing it to miss the Moon by more than 20,000 miles. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

NASA's Mars 2020 rover will head off for the Red Planet next year. But like Voyager, Galileo and Cassini before it, the mission's epic journey began in a "clean room" in California.

NASA's Mars 2020 rover will head off for the Red Planet next year. But like Voyager, Galileo and Cassini before it, the mission's epic journey began in a "clean room" in California. One of two ultra-sterile labs used for spacecraft assembly at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, on the outskirts of Los Angeles, the eggshell-white room was briefly and exceptionally opened to journalists Friday. "We need to keep the hardware as pristine and as safe as possible until we get to Mars," said David Gruel, operations manager for Mars 2020. The Mars rover will collect samples on the planet in the search for traces of microbial life potentially dating back billions of years. Journalists had to go through a lengthy sterilization process before entering the room "so we actually are bringing samples back from Mars, and not bringing back hair from my body or some skin from somebody else's body," explained Gruel. Automated shoe brushes and sticky mats remove particles from shoes before guests even reach the locker room. To prevent contamination, visitors must then don a "bunny suit" -- sleeves sealed with adhesive tape -- along with face masks, latex gloves and even beard protectors for the more hirsute. Finally, they pass beneath a pulsating "air shower" that blasts away the last unwanted particles. The rover itself is regularly scrubbed with isopropyl alcohol and a microfiber mop, and the lab's air is filtered 70 times per hour. Journalists invited by NASA also had to remove foam covers from their microphones -- a breeding ground for germs. Specially approved paper and pens were provided, in place of traditional writing implements which can shed dust and other particles. Guests are also told to refrain from wearing any makeup or perfume. Technicians working on crucial sampling equipment are often subject to even more stringent protocols. "They can't take a shower, bathe the day they work on the hardware," Gruel told AFP. "They can't put any hair products into their hair to style it, they can only wear one or two types of deodorant." It is all a far cry from the early days of space exploration. Engineers would frequently light up cigarettes while building the Ranger rockets that paved the way for the Apollo moon missions. Costly mistakes have led to more caution. A bid to sterilize the Ranger 3 mission in 1962 accidentally fried the rocket's electronics, causing it to miss the Moon by more than 20,000 miles.

NASA's trip to Mars begins in California 'clean room'

After announcing on Thursday that it would launch its first Mars exploration mission in 2020, China completed the first experiment in a series of many to come. The experiment included simulating a probe hovering, avoiding obstacles, and descending to Mars in Huailai County of north China's Hebei province.

According to the officials from the China National Space Administration, the mission intends to conduct a global and comprehensive exploration of Mars and make detailed surveys of key areas of the Martian surface.

Zhang Rongqiao, the chief designer of China's first Mars exploration mission, said the experiment simulated the process of landing on the red planet and verified the design accuracy.

"Today's test verified the procedures including the lander's separation with the main body of the spacecraft from a 70-meter altitude, and then hovering at 67 meters above the surface, searching for a safe landing spot, and then descending to 20 meters above the surface in an obstacle-avoiding mode," said Zhang.

The experiment was held on Asia's largest test ground for landing on extraterrestrial bodies. 
To test the design of the lander, the experiment simulated the gravity of Mars, about one-third of the gravity on Earth.

"The testing facility comprises three parts, a tower structure, a servo system and a Martian surface simulation area. The tower is 140 meters tall and the circle on top of the tower is 120 meters in diameter, offering sufficient space to simulate the process of landing on Mars," said Zhang.

A red platform in the middle of the tower is fixed by 36 steel cables. Through precise control, the platform is able to simulate the Martian gravitational environment for the lander and is able to follow the lander to move precisely.

On the ground underneath the tower, engineers created slopes and craters to simulate the environment of the Martian surface.

Ambassadors and diplomats from 19 countries including France, Italy and Brazil, as well as representatives from the European Union, the African Union and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation, were invited to visit the experiment.

Zhang Kejian, the administrator of the CNSA, said since the official kick-off in 2016, China's Mars exploration programme has progressed well. The hovering and obstacle avoidance test for the Mars lander is a crucial step of the project.

Zhang said China has been actively promoting international cooperation in space exploration. To date, China has signed over 140 space cooperation protocols with 45 countries and international organizations.

Earlier this month, China announced it would make the 16-meter optical data obtained by the Gaofen-1 and Gaofen-6 satellites available to global users.

"At present, China is also actively planning major follow-up space missions, including sampling and return from Mars, asteroid explorations and a number of lunar explorations. We have an open attitude and sincerely welcome space organizations, space science research institutions and foreign space science enthusiasts from various countries to participate in China's space projects in different ways to jointly promote the development of space technology," Zhang said.

(With inputs from Reuters)

After announcing on Thursday that it would launch its first Mars exploration mission in 2020, China completed the first experiment in a series of many to come. The experiment included simulating a probe hovering, avoiding obstacles, and descending to Mars in Huailai County of north China's Hebei province.

After announcing on Thursday that it would launch its first Mars exploration mission in 2020, China completed the first experiment in a series of many to come. The experiment included simulating a probe hovering, avoiding obstacles, and descending to Mars in Huailai County of north China's Hebei province. According to the officials from the China National Space Administration, the mission intends to conduct a global and comprehensive exploration of Mars and make detailed surveys of key areas of the Martian surface. Zhang Rongqiao, the chief designer of China's first Mars exploration mission, said the experiment simulated the process of landing on the red planet and verified the design accuracy. "Today's test verified the procedures including the lander's separation with the main body of the spacecraft from a 70-meter altitude, and then hovering at 67 meters above the surface, searching for a safe landing spot, and then descending to 20 meters above the surface in an obstacle-avoiding mode," said Zhang. The experiment was held on Asia's largest test ground for landing on extraterrestrial bodies. To test the design of the lander, the experiment simulated the gravity of Mars, about one-third of the gravity on Earth. "The testing facility comprises three parts, a tower structure, a servo system and a Martian surface simulation area. The tower is 140 meters tall and the circle on top of the tower is 120 meters in diameter, offering sufficient space to simulate the process of landing on Mars," said Zhang. A red platform in the middle of the tower is fixed by 36 steel cables. Through precise control, the platform is able to simulate the Martian gravitational environment for the lander and is able to follow the lander to move precisely. On the ground underneath the tower, engineers created slopes and craters to simulate the environment of the Martian surface. Ambassadors and diplomats from 19 countries including France, Italy and Brazil, as well as representatives from the European Union, the African Union and the Asia-Pacific Space Cooperation Organisation, were invited to visit the experiment. Zhang Kejian, the administrator of the CNSA, said since the official kick-off in 2016, China's Mars exploration programme has progressed well. The hovering and obstacle avoidance test for the Mars lander is a crucial step of the project. Zhang said China has been actively promoting international cooperation in space exploration. To date, China has signed over 140 space cooperation protocols with 45 countries and international organizations. Earlier this month, China announced it would make the 16-meter optical data obtained by the Gaofen-1 and Gaofen-6 satellites available to global users. "At present, China is also actively planning major follow-up space missions, including sampling and return from Mars, asteroid explorations and a number of lunar explorations. We have an open attitude and sincerely welcome space organizations, space science research institutions and foreign space science enthusiasts from various countries to participate in China's space projects in different ways to jointly promote the development of space technology," Zhang said. (With inputs from Reuters)

China completes Mars landing experiment, to launch mission in 2020

China announced Thursday that it will launch its first Mars exploration mission in 2020, as it has completed the first experiment simulating a probe hovering, avoiding obstacles and descending to Mars in Huailai County of north China's Hebei Province.

China's mars lander test ahead of 2020 mission

SpaceX shows off upcoming missions

Life on Mars? Tourists can now experience what a trip to the red planet would be like, thanks to Astroland's "Ares Station" which replicates a hostile Martian environment in a cave in northern Spain.

Tourists experience life on Mars in Spanish cave

SpaceX test-launched an early prototype of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/moving-fast-elon-musks-spacex-eyes-florida-for-launch-site-for-mars-rocket-240489">company's Mars rocket</a> on Tuesday, rattling the nerves of people living near the Texas site and clearing another key hurdle in billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's interplanetary ambitions.

The prototype, dubbed Starhopper, slowly rose about 500 feet (152m) off its launch pad in Brownsville, Texas, and propelled itself some 650 feet (198m) eastward onto an adjacent landing platform, completing a seemingly successful low-altitude test of SpaceX’s next-generation Raptor engine.

The Raptor is designed to power Musk’s forthcoming heavy-lift Starship rocket, a reusable two-stage booster taller than the Statue of Liberty that is expected to play a central role in Musk’s interplanetary space travel objectives, including missions to Mars.

The prototype "hopper" vehicle, resembling a chrome water tower with four landing legs, was originally slated for its test liftoff on Monday. But a “rather embarrassing” wiring issue with the single Raptor engine halted the countdown less than a second before ignition, Musk, the SpaceX founder and chief executive, said on Twitter.

About a dozen people living in the adjacent village of Boca Chica, just over a mile from the test site, had been urged in advance by local authorities to vacate their homes as a precaution at the sound of police sirens that blared minutes before launch.

“It almost looked like a cartoon or something,” nearby resident Cheryl Stevens told Reuters just after Starhopper’s flight. “After all the buildup, it was kind of nice to actually see it happen.”

The notices, circulated by sheriff's deputies three days in advance, warned of a possible "overpressure event" that could shatter windows and endanger anyone remaining inside their homes in the event of an explosive malfunction.

Maria Pointer, another resident, set up cameras and invited photographers to her home. She said excitement surrounding the launch reminded her of "feeling like you’re going on a Ferris wheel.”

Other residents bemoaned SpaceX’s presence on the Texas coast, frustrated with road closures and confusing public notices worrisome to those unaccustomed to the trials of spaceflight experimentation.

“It’s kind of like a double-edged sword,” said resident Terry Heaton, adding that access to the nearby beach was blocked off every time SpaceX attempted an engine test.

The next step for Raptor will be to carry out additional ground-based firings of the engine bolted to a stationary test stand, Musk said.

SpaceX test-launched an early prototype of the company's Mars rocket on Tuesday, rattling the nerves of people living near the Texas site and clearing another key hurdle in billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's interplanetary ambitions.

SpaceX test-launched an early prototype of the company's Mars rocket on Tuesday, rattling the nerves of people living near the Texas site and clearing another key hurdle in billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk's interplanetary ambitions. The prototype, dubbed Starhopper, slowly rose about 500 feet (152m) off its launch pad in Brownsville, Texas, and propelled itself some 650 feet (198m) eastward onto an adjacent landing platform, completing a seemingly successful low-altitude test of SpaceX’s next-generation Raptor engine. The Raptor is designed to power Musk’s forthcoming heavy-lift Starship rocket, a reusable two-stage booster taller than the Statue of Liberty that is expected to play a central role in Musk’s interplanetary space travel objectives, including missions to Mars. The prototype "hopper" vehicle, resembling a chrome water tower with four landing legs, was originally slated for its test liftoff on Monday. But a “rather embarrassing” wiring issue with the single Raptor engine halted the countdown less than a second before ignition, Musk, the SpaceX founder and chief executive, said on Twitter. About a dozen people living in the adjacent village of Boca Chica, just over a mile from the test site, had been urged in advance by local authorities to vacate their homes as a precaution at the sound of police sirens that blared minutes before launch. “It almost looked like a cartoon or something,” nearby resident Cheryl Stevens told Reuters just after Starhopper’s flight. “After all the buildup, it was kind of nice to actually see it happen.” The notices, circulated by sheriff's deputies three days in advance, warned of a possible "overpressure event" that could shatter windows and endanger anyone remaining inside their homes in the event of an explosive malfunction. Maria Pointer, another resident, set up cameras and invited photographers to her home. She said excitement surrounding the launch reminded her of "feeling like you’re going on a Ferris wheel.” Other residents bemoaned SpaceX’s presence on the Texas coast, frustrated with road closures and confusing public notices worrisome to those unaccustomed to the trials of spaceflight experimentation. “It’s kind of like a double-edged sword,” said resident Terry Heaton, adding that access to the nearby beach was blocked off every time SpaceX attempted an engine test. The next step for Raptor will be to carry out additional ground-based firings of the engine bolted to a stationary test stand, Musk said.

SpaceX's Mars rocket prototype rattles nerves of nearby residents in Texas flight test

What if we were to watch a movie that was inspired by true events while being seated along with the person or the team whose achievement the film is based on?&nbsp;

It was the same exhilarating feeling that swept nearly 100 students and faculty of Chennai’s MCN government-aided school while watching the film ‘<a href="http://wionews.com/entertainment/mission-mangal-box-office-collections-akshay-vidyas-film-set-to-cross-rs-100-crore-mark-244008">Mission Mangal</a>’ along with Padma Shri Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the Programme Director of Mangalyaan or India’s Mars Orbiter Mission.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/mission-mangal-review-akshay-kumar-vidya-balans-film-makes-science-easy-and-entertaining-243069">Read the film's review here.&nbsp;</a>

Aimed at arousing the children’s curiosity and interest in Space science and its applications, the screening was organized by SpaceKidz India at a private theatre in the city. The Spacekidz team has launched 9 balloon satellites, 2 sub-orbital satellites, and 1 orbital satellite.

The students who had gathered at the theatre erupted in cheer and jubilation on seeing Dr Mylswamy Annadurai who was accompanied by his wife.&nbsp;

When he quizzed them about the movie that they were to watch, the students enthusiastically replied ‘Mangalyaan’ and ‘Mars Mission’ and ‘Red Planet’. “I had heard of this movie on our Mars Mission that had received a good response, but like you, I am also watching it for the first time. You children need to understand the opportunities available in India in the field of Space technology and its allied streams”, he told the students.&nbsp;

Speaking to WION after the screening, Dr Annadurai said, “the theme of the film looks reasonably good and certain portions were depicted creatively, while some parts are very dramatized as is the case with commercial cinema. The larger than life effect of the cinema had a great impact on the kids and they were cheering and clapping.”

He appreciated the film for having juxtaposed and the failure of the Russian and Chinese missions, with the Indian mission that succeeded in its maiden attempt.&nbsp;

“Many actions and dialogues delivered by the protagonists were uttered by me during the mission - like the cake cutting scenes, shouting at the team and later appreciating them. However, the pub sequence, smoking and the role of a NASA scientist in the ISRO mission are far from reality”, he said.

When asked if the film got him emotional, he reminisced, “nobody believed that PSLV could be used for a Mars mission as the rocket could only lift 1.35 tons, and the satellite alone would need to carry 850 kilograms of fuel and the equipment needed to weigh within 500 kilograms in order to be launched. We also had to get the job done within the available budget and in the stipulated timeframe. When everybody thought it was impossible, we made the team believe that it was possible to succeed.”&nbsp;

Speaking to WION on the sacrifices made by the family, Vasanthi Annadurai, the scientist’s wife recalled that this was their first movie in over two years. “During the missions, he used to spend entire months in the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota and that is the nature of the ISRO scientist’s work. Once when he had a fracture in his leg in the middle of a crucial mission, he went to work the next day on a wheelchair,” she told WION.

Dr Srimathy Kesan, CEO of Spacekidz said, “People should understand that scientists are also human beings with an emotional side and like us all, they have a kid within them. While watching the scene where some of his own words and phrases&nbsp;were uttered, Dr Annadurai cheerfully said, yes this is how I said it. I wanted every child to see that and watch it with a man behind this mission. That’s a seed sown in their mind”.&nbsp;

As they emerged out of the screening, the kids were visibly elated and inspired. Sarath, a student of class six said that he aspires to be a Space scientist and contribute to India’s progress. Lakshmi, a student of class nine said that she was delighted to see women in the field of space science and serving the country in significant ways.&nbsp;

What if we were to watch a movie that was inspired by true events while being seated along with the person or the team whose achievement the film is based on? It was the same exhilarating feeling that swept nearly 100 students and faculty of Chennai’s MCN government-aided school while watching the film ‘Mission Mangal’ along with Padma Shri Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the Programme Director of Mangalyaan or India’s Mars Orbiter Mission.

What if we were to watch a movie that was inspired by true events while being seated along with the person or the team whose achievement the film is based on? It was the same exhilarating feeling that swept nearly 100 students and faculty of Chennai’s MCN government-aided school while watching the film ‘Mission Mangal’ along with Padma Shri Dr Mylswamy Annadurai, the Programme Director of Mangalyaan or India’s Mars Orbiter Mission. Read the film's review here. Aimed at arousing the children’s curiosity and interest in Space science and its applications, the screening was organized by SpaceKidz India at a private theatre in the city. The Spacekidz team has launched 9 balloon satellites, 2 sub-orbital satellites, and 1 orbital satellite. The students who had gathered at the theatre erupted in cheer and jubilation on seeing Dr Mylswamy Annadurai who was accompanied by his wife. When he quizzed them about the movie that they were to watch, the students enthusiastically replied ‘Mangalyaan’ and ‘Mars Mission’ and ‘Red Planet’. “I had heard of this movie on our Mars Mission that had received a good response, but like you, I am also watching it for the first time. You children need to understand the opportunities available in India in the field of Space technology and its allied streams”, he told the students. Speaking to WION after the screening, Dr Annadurai said, “the theme of the film looks reasonably good and certain portions were depicted creatively, while some parts are very dramatized as is the case with commercial cinema. The larger than life effect of the cinema had a great impact on the kids and they were cheering and clapping.” He appreciated the film for having juxtaposed and the failure of the Russian and Chinese missions, with the Indian mission that succeeded in its maiden attempt. “Many actions and dialogues delivered by the protagonists were uttered by me during the mission - like the cake cutting scenes, shouting at the team and later appreciating them. However, the pub sequence, smoking and the role of a NASA scientist in the ISRO mission are far from reality”, he said. When asked if the film got him emotional, he reminisced, “nobody believed that PSLV could be used for a Mars mission as the rocket could only lift 1.35 tons, and the satellite alone would need to carry 850 kilograms of fuel and the equipment needed to weigh within 500 kilograms in order to be launched. We also had to get the job done within the available budget and in the stipulated timeframe. When everybody thought it was impossible, we made the team believe that it was possible to succeed.” Speaking to WION on the sacrifices made by the family, Vasanthi Annadurai, the scientist’s wife recalled that this was their first movie in over two years. “During the missions, he used to spend entire months in the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota and that is the nature of the ISRO scientist’s work. Once when he had a fracture in his leg in the middle of a crucial mission, he went to work the next day on a wheelchair,” she told WION. Dr Srimathy Kesan, CEO of Spacekidz said, “People should understand that scientists are also human beings with an emotional side and like us all, they have a kid within them. While watching the scene where some of his own words and phrases were uttered, Dr Annadurai cheerfully said, yes this is how I said it. I wanted every child to see that and watch it with a man behind this mission. That’s a seed sown in their mind”. As they emerged out of the screening, the kids were visibly elated and inspired. Sarath, a student of class six said that he aspires to be a Space scientist and contribute to India’s progress. Lakshmi, a student of class nine said that she was delighted to see women in the field of space science and serving the country in significant ways.

Mangalyaan Programme Director watches 'Mission Mangal' with school students

Scientists said Tuesday they might have <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-spacecraft-nears-red-planet-on-mission-to-detect-marsquakes-179340">detected the first known seismic tremor</a> on Mars in a discovery that could shed light on the ancient origins of Earth's neighbour.&nbsp;

A dome-shaped probe known as SEIS landed on the surface of Mars in December after hitching a ride on NASA's InSight spacecraft.&nbsp;

Its instruments measure surface vibrations caused by weather but are also capable of detecting movement from deep within the planet -- so called "marsquakes" -- or those caused by meteorite impacts.&nbsp;

The French space agency Cnes, which operates SEIS, said it had detected "a weak but distinct seismic signal" from the probe.

The team hopes to be able to gather information about the activity at the centre of Mars, hopefully providing insight into its formation billions of years ago.&nbsp;

"It's great to finally have a sign that there's still seismic activity on Mars," said Philippe Lognonne, a researcher at Paris' Institut de Physique du Globe.&nbsp;

"We've waited for our first Martian quake for months."&nbsp;

According to NASA's Bruce Banerdt, the quake detection "marks the birth of a new discipline: Martian seismology."&nbsp;

The team said they were still working to confirm the cause of the tremor, picked up on April 6, and ensure it came from the planet's interior rather than wind or noise distortion.&nbsp;

It said three other similar but weaker signals of tremors had been picked up by the apparatus.&nbsp;

Scientists said Tuesday they might have detected the first known seismic tremor on Mars in a discovery that could shed light on the ancient origins of Earth's neighbour.

Scientists said Tuesday they might have detected the first known seismic tremor on Mars in a discovery that could shed light on the ancient origins of Earth's neighbour. A dome-shaped probe known as SEIS landed on the surface of Mars in December after hitching a ride on NASA's InSight spacecraft. Its instruments measure surface vibrations caused by weather but are also capable of detecting movement from deep within the planet -- so called "marsquakes" -- or those caused by meteorite impacts. The French space agency Cnes, which operates SEIS, said it had detected "a weak but distinct seismic signal" from the probe. The team hopes to be able to gather information about the activity at the centre of Mars, hopefully providing insight into its formation billions of years ago. "It's great to finally have a sign that there's still seismic activity on Mars," said Philippe Lognonne, a researcher at Paris' Institut de Physique du Globe. "We've waited for our first Martian quake for months." According to NASA's Bruce Banerdt, the quake detection "marks the birth of a new discipline: Martian seismology." The team said they were still working to confirm the cause of the tremor, picked up on April 6, and ensure it came from the planet's interior rather than wind or noise distortion. It said three other similar but weaker signals of tremors had been picked up by the apparatus.

'Marsquake': First tremor detected on Red Planet

Israel's attempt at a moon landing failed at the last minute on Thursday when the craft suffered an engine failure as it prepared to land and apparently crashed onto the lunar surface.

"We didn't make it, but we definitely tried," project originator and major backer Morris Kahn said in a live videocast from mission control near Tel Aviv.

"I think that the achievement of getting to where we got is really tremendous, I think we can be proud," he said.

During the broadcast, control staff could be heard saying that engines meant to slow the craft's descent and allow a soft landing had failed and contact with it had been lost.

"We are on the moon but not in the way we wanted," one unidentified staffer said.

"We are the seventh country to orbit the moon and the fourth to reach the moon's surface," said another.

Only Russia, the United States and China have made the 384,000-kilometre (239,000-mile) journey and landed safely on the Moon.

"If at first you don't succeed, you try again," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the control room, where he had been watching along with US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman.

"We reached the moon but we'd like to land more comfortably," he added. "That will be for the next attempt."

The 585-kilogramme (1,290-pound) unmanned spacecraft named Beresheet, which means "Genesis" in Hebrew, resembles a tall, oddly shaped table with round fuel tanks under the top.

Israeli NGO SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the project's two main partners, have described it as the "world's first spacecraft built in a non-governmental mission".&nbsp;

Khan, a philanthropist and chairman of SpaceIL, put up $40 million of the project's $100 million budget.

Other partners who joined later are from "the private sector, government and academia," according to the IAI website.

Just before the landing attempt Netanyahu said that he was thinking about initiating a national space project.

"I am seriously considering investing in a space programme," he said in the webcast.&nbsp;

"It has national implications for Israel and implications for humanity."

The country's president, Reuven Rivlin, viewed the broadcast with 80 middle school space buffs at his official Jerusalem residence, his office said in a statement.&nbsp;

"We are full of admiration for the wonderful people who brought the spacecraft to the moon," he said after the crash. "True, not as we had hoped, but we will succeed in the end. This is a great achievement that we have not yet completed."

Although the journey is 384,000 kilometres, Beresheet will have travelled a total of 6.5 million kilometres due to a series of orbits.

It was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on February 22 with a Falcon 9 rocket from Elon Musk's private US-based SpaceX company.

Its speed has reached 10 kilometres per second, (36,000 kilometres per hour).

The one-way trip was to have included an attempt to measure the lunar magnetic field, which would have helped understanding of the moon's formation.

Google prize

The project began as part of the Google Lunar XPrize, which in 2010 offered $30 million in awards to encourage scientists and entrepreneurs to come up with relatively low-cost moon missions.

Although the Google prize expired in March without a winner, Israel's team pledged to push forward.

The Israeli mission came amid renewed global interest in the moon, 50 years after American astronauts first walked on its surface.

China's Chang'e-4 made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3, after a probe sent by Beijing made a lunar landing elsewhere in 2013.

US President Donald Trump's administration announced in March it was speeding up plans to send American astronauts back to the moon, bringing forward the target date from 2028 to 2024.

India hopes to become the next lunar country in the spring with its Chandrayaan-2 mission. It aims to put a craft with a rover onto the moon's surface to collect data.

Japan plans to send a small lunar lander, called SLIM, to study a volcanic area around 2020-2021.

The United States remains the only country to have walked on the moon, with 12 astronauts have taken part in six missions between 1969 and 1972. 
&nbsp;

Israel's attempt at a moon landing failed at the last minute on Thursday when the craft suffered an engine failure as it prepared to land and apparently crashed onto the lunar surface.

Israel's attempt at a moon landing failed at the last minute on Thursday when the craft suffered an engine failure as it prepared to land and apparently crashed onto the lunar surface. "We didn't make it, but we definitely tried," project originator and major backer Morris Kahn said in a live videocast from mission control near Tel Aviv. "I think that the achievement of getting to where we got is really tremendous, I think we can be proud," he said. During the broadcast, control staff could be heard saying that engines meant to slow the craft's descent and allow a soft landing had failed and contact with it had been lost. "We are on the moon but not in the way we wanted," one unidentified staffer said. "We are the seventh country to orbit the moon and the fourth to reach the moon's surface," said another. Only Russia, the United States and China have made the 384,000-kilometre (239,000-mile) journey and landed safely on the Moon. "If at first you don't succeed, you try again," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from the control room, where he had been watching along with US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman. "We reached the moon but we'd like to land more comfortably," he added. "That will be for the next attempt." The 585-kilogramme (1,290-pound) unmanned spacecraft named Beresheet, which means "Genesis" in Hebrew, resembles a tall, oddly shaped table with round fuel tanks under the top. Israeli NGO SpaceIL and state-owned Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), the project's two main partners, have described it as the "world's first spacecraft built in a non-governmental mission". Khan, a philanthropist and chairman of SpaceIL, put up $40 million of the project's $100 million budget. Other partners who joined later are from "the private sector, government and academia," according to the IAI website. Just before the landing attempt Netanyahu said that he was thinking about initiating a national space project. "I am seriously considering investing in a space programme," he said in the webcast. "It has national implications for Israel and implications for humanity." The country's president, Reuven Rivlin, viewed the broadcast with 80 middle school space buffs at his official Jerusalem residence, his office said in a statement. "We are full of admiration for the wonderful people who brought the spacecraft to the moon," he said after the crash. "True, not as we had hoped, but we will succeed in the end. This is a great achievement that we have not yet completed." Although the journey is 384,000 kilometres, Beresheet will have travelled a total of 6.5 million kilometres due to a series of orbits. It was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on February 22 with a Falcon 9 rocket from Elon Musk's private US-based SpaceX company. Its speed has reached 10 kilometres per second, (36,000 kilometres per hour). The one-way trip was to have included an attempt to measure the lunar magnetic field, which would have helped understanding of the moon's formation. Google prize The project began as part of the Google Lunar XPrize, which in 2010 offered $30 million in awards to encourage scientists and entrepreneurs to come up with relatively low-cost moon missions. Although the Google prize expired in March without a winner, Israel's team pledged to push forward. The Israeli mission came amid renewed global interest in the moon, 50 years after American astronauts first walked on its surface. China's Chang'e-4 made the first-ever soft landing on the far side of the moon on January 3, after a probe sent by Beijing made a lunar landing elsewhere in 2013. US President Donald Trump's administration announced in March it was speeding up plans to send American astronauts back to the moon, bringing forward the target date from 2028 to 2024. India hopes to become the next lunar country in the spring with its Chandrayaan-2 mission. It aims to put a craft with a rover onto the moon's surface to collect data. Japan plans to send a small lunar lander, called SLIM, to study a volcanic area around 2020-2021. The United States remains the only country to have walked on the moon, with 12 astronauts have taken part in six missions between 1969 and 1972.

Israeli spacecraft crashes during moon landing

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-to-send-astronauts-back-to-moon-then-mars-202800">The first person to set foot on Mars</a> is likely to be a woman, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has said.

While Bridenstine did not identify a specific person, he said that women are at the forefront of the US space agency's upcoming plans.

Asked if a woman will go to the moon for the first time, Bridenstine said "The answer is absolutely. In fact, it is likely to be a woman, the first next person on the moon."

"It is also true that the first person on Mars is likely to be a woman," Bridenstine said during a recent interview on the science and technology radio talk show "Science Friday."

NASA recently announced that it will have its first all-female spacewalk at the end of the month, when astronauts Anne McClain and Christina Koch will get to float around in space.

"We have the first all-female spacewalk happening this month at the end of March, which is of course, National Women's Month. So NASA is committed to making sure that we have a broad and diverse set of talent. And we are looking forward to the first woman on the moon," he said.&nbsp;

The first person to set foot on Mars is likely to be a woman, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has said. While Bridenstine did not identify a specific person, he said that women are at the forefront of the US space agency's upcoming plans.

The first person to set foot on Mars is likely to be a woman, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine has said. While Bridenstine did not identify a specific person, he said that women are at the forefront of the US space agency's upcoming plans. Asked if a woman will go to the moon for the first time, Bridenstine said "The answer is absolutely. In fact, it is likely to be a woman, the first next person on the moon." "It is also true that the first person on Mars is likely to be a woman," Bridenstine said during a recent interview on the science and technology radio talk show "Science Friday." NASA recently announced that it will have its first all-female spacewalk at the end of the month, when astronauts Anne McClain and Christina Koch will get to float around in space. "We have the first all-female spacewalk happening this month at the end of March, which is of course, National Women's Month. So NASA is committed to making sure that we have a broad and diverse set of talent. And we are looking forward to the first woman on the moon," he said.

First person to set foot on Mars is likely to be a woman: NASA chief

mars

Mars, News on Mars, stories on Mars, articles on Mars, Mars stories at Wion, Mars news, Mars latest news