A new cold war is brewing in outer space. US and China are eyeing same landing site near Moon's South pole. With an aim to reconquer the moon, NASA is eyeing another launch attempt of Artemis 1.

NASA eyes another launch attempt of Artemis 1; aims to reconquer the moon

In pics - Why NASA is trying to send astronauts to the moon once again

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently announced the successful test of a supersonic 'Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator' (IAD). The IAD was indigenously designed by ISRO's lead facility, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC), and was realised by the Indian industry. WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, regarding the significance of this test; what went into the making, and the potential this technology holds.

Traditionally, rocket scientists think of ways and means to have their rockets travel faster and do so more efficiently. However, when it comes to performing interplanetary missions and recovering spent rocket stages(re-usability), it is crucial to slow down a rocket/spacecraft. The rocket stages that are re-entering earth's atmosphere travel at supersonic speeds and spacecraft entering other planets travel at hypersonic speeds.

The commonly used technology to slow down a descending spacecraft/rocket is the firing of a retro-rocket. Simply put, when a rocket is on the ground its engines are fired to lift it off and it functions like a typical rocket. In the case of re-entry, the rocket is travelling at high speeds owing to the energy added by its propulsion system and gravitational pull on its mass.&nbsp;

So, the same engines used for lift-off are fired again to slow it down to a suitable speed for landing. The IAD aims to do something similar without firing rocket engines. It just uses friction or aerodynamic drag.

"IAD is an inflatable structure made of kevlar fabric, coated with Polychloroprene. As the IAD is made of fabric, it can be packed into a small volume of 15litres and can be packed into the nosecone of RH300 rocket (which was used for the test). Once the test rocket reaches an altitude of about 84kilometre, the IAD is deployed and begins to slow down the rocket body(the component known as the payload part) as it undergoes atmospheric re-entry and finally splashes down in the sea" explained Dr Nair.

Read more:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/isro-pslv-to-be-entirely-made-by-industry-513462">ISRO PSLV to be entirely made by industry</a>

He added that the inflation of the IAD was carried out by compressed nitrogen gas stored in a gas bottle. Once the IAD falls into the sea, it is deflated by firing a pyro valve to prevent it from floating and thereby causing any harm to sea vehicles.&nbsp;

Notably, this is the first time that an IAD is designed specifically for spent stage recovery. The IAD has huge potential in a variety of space applications like recovery of spent stages of the rocket, landing payloads on Mars or Venus, and making space habitats for human space flight missions.

"This demonstration opens a gateway for cost effective spent stage recovery using the IAD technology. This technology can also be used in ISRO's future missions to Venus and Mars" said Dr S Somanath, Chairman ISRO, and Secretary DOS, who witnessed the successful launch.

Read more<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/emirates-mars-mission-discovers-new-patchy-proton-aurora-on-red-planet-512368">:&nbsp;Emirates Mars Mission discovers new 'patchy' Proton Aurora on the red planet</a>

Queried about the scalability of the IAD and the possibility of guided landings, Dr Nair said that it can be scaled up to recover even a spent rocket stage.&nbsp;

"It can be used to systematically decelerate a re-entering vehicle by gradually inflating the decelerator. As such, the IAD is not guided. For sea landing precise guidance is not a must. By suitably sizing the IAD, the need for a retro rocket can be avoided for spent stages of vehicle first stage, where energy of spent stage is comparatively less." said Dr Nair before adding that we are yet to do a scaled-up design.&nbsp;

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The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently announced the successful test of a supersonic 'Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator' (IAD). The IAD was indigenously designed by ISRO's lead facility, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC), and was realised by the Indian industry.

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) recently announced the successful test of a supersonic 'Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator' (IAD). The IAD was indigenously designed by ISRO's lead facility, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre(VSSC), and was realised by the Indian industry. WION spoke to Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, VSSC, regarding the significance of this test; what went into the making, and the potential this technology holds. Traditionally, rocket scientists think of ways and means to have their rockets travel faster and do so more efficiently. However, when it comes to performing interplanetary missions and recovering spent rocket stages(re-usability), it is crucial to slow down a rocket/spacecraft. The rocket stages that are re-entering earth's atmosphere travel at supersonic speeds and spacecraft entering other planets travel at hypersonic speeds. The commonly used technology to slow down a descending spacecraft/rocket is the firing of a retro-rocket. Simply put, when a rocket is on the ground its engines are fired to lift it off and it functions like a typical rocket. In the case of re-entry, the rocket is travelling at high speeds owing to the energy added by its propulsion system and gravitational pull on its mass. So, the same engines used for lift-off are fired again to slow it down to a suitable speed for landing. The IAD aims to do something similar without firing rocket engines. It just uses friction or aerodynamic drag. "IAD is an inflatable structure made of kevlar fabric, coated with Polychloroprene. As the IAD is made of fabric, it can be packed into a small volume of 15litres and can be packed into the nosecone of RH300 rocket (which was used for the test). Once the test rocket reaches an altitude of about 84kilometre, the IAD is deployed and begins to slow down the rocket body(the component known as the payload part) as it undergoes atmospheric re-entry and finally splashes down in the sea" explained Dr Nair. Read more: ISRO PSLV to be entirely made by industry He added that the inflation of the IAD was carried out by compressed nitrogen gas stored in a gas bottle. Once the IAD falls into the sea, it is deflated by firing a pyro valve to prevent it from floating and thereby causing any harm to sea vehicles. Notably, this is the first time that an IAD is designed specifically for spent stage recovery. The IAD has huge potential in a variety of space applications like recovery of spent stages of the rocket, landing payloads on Mars or Venus, and making space habitats for human space flight missions. "This demonstration opens a gateway for cost effective spent stage recovery using the IAD technology. This technology can also be used in ISRO's future missions to Venus and Mars" said Dr S Somanath, Chairman ISRO, and Secretary DOS, who witnessed the successful launch. Read more: Emirates Mars Mission discovers new 'patchy' Proton Aurora on the red planet Queried about the scalability of the IAD and the possibility of guided landings, Dr Nair said that it can be scaled up to recover even a spent rocket stage. "It can be used to systematically decelerate a re-entering vehicle by gradually inflating the decelerator. As such, the IAD is not guided. For sea landing precise guidance is not a must. By suitably sizing the IAD, the need for a retro rocket can be avoided for spent stages of vehicle first stage, where energy of spent stage is comparatively less." said Dr Nair before adding that we are yet to do a scaled-up design. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

ISRO: Indigenously designed and developed supersonic decelerator test successful

NASA's Artemis mission to the Moon has been marred by delays. The launch of Artemis-1 was scheduled and delayed again and again. Billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk now has a suggestion for NASA.

At the time of the launch of Artemis-1 NASA engineers could not overcome a hydrogen leak in a 'quick disconnect' phase of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket launch.

According to Eric Berger of Ars Technica, NASA has a tolerance for a small amount of hydrogen leakage and anything above a 4% concentration of hydrogen near the 'quick disconnect' is considered a flammability hazard.

Musk replied to Berger's 'accurate assessment', saying that "Raptor design started out using H2 (hydrogen), but switched to CH4 (hydrogen). Latter is the best combo of high efficiency and ease of operation in my opinion."

"Delta-v difference between H2 and CH4 is small for most missions, because the CH4 tank is much smaller &amp; no insulation is needed," Musk explained.

The delta-v is the difference of velocity that a rocket engine can impose on a spacecraft as a function of the specific impulse and the variation in the mass of the vehicle itself.

According to him, CH4 (methane) is easier to produce on Mars and is "very important" for launch missions. SpaceX is among the first companies to use liquid methane and hydrogen as fuel.

Elon Musk has plans for a self-sustaining city on Mars in 20 years' time. SpaceX is preparing the Starship mega rocket to take people and cargo to the moon, Mars and beyond.

According to the report, The NASA showstopper "was an 8-inch diameter line carrying liquid hydrogen into the rocket. It sprung a persistent leak at the inlet, known as a quick-disconnect, leading on board the vehicle".

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NASA's Artemis mission to the Moon has been marred by delays. The launch of Artemis-1 was scheduled and delayed again and again. Billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk now has a suggestion for NASA.

NASA's Artemis mission to the Moon has been marred by delays. The launch of Artemis-1 was scheduled and delayed again and again. Billionaire and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk now has a suggestion for NASA. At the time of the launch of Artemis-1 NASA engineers could not overcome a hydrogen leak in a 'quick disconnect' phase of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket launch. According to Eric Berger of Ars Technica, NASA has a tolerance for a small amount of hydrogen leakage and anything above a 4% concentration of hydrogen near the 'quick disconnect' is considered a flammability hazard. Musk replied to Berger's 'accurate assessment', saying that "Raptor design started out using H2 (hydrogen), but switched to CH4 (hydrogen). Latter is the best combo of high efficiency and ease of operation in my opinion." "Delta-v difference between H2 and CH4 is small for most missions, because the CH4 tank is much smaller & no insulation is needed," Musk explained. The delta-v is the difference of velocity that a rocket engine can impose on a spacecraft as a function of the specific impulse and the variation in the mass of the vehicle itself. According to him, CH4 (methane) is easier to produce on Mars and is "very important" for launch missions. SpaceX is among the first companies to use liquid methane and hydrogen as fuel. Elon Musk has plans for a self-sustaining city on Mars in 20 years' time. SpaceX is preparing the Starship mega rocket to take people and cargo to the moon, Mars and beyond. According to the report, The NASA showstopper "was an 8-inch diameter line carrying liquid hydrogen into the rocket. It sprung a persistent leak at the inlet, known as a quick-disconnect, leading on board the vehicle". You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Artemis-1 postponements: Elon Musk has a suggestion for NASA

NASA has postponed rocket launch to moon due to hydrogen leak. Artemis 1 launch has been disrupted for second time due to leaking fuel near base of rocket. NASA is yet to announce new date of launch.

Hydrogen leak thwarts second attempt for Artemis 1 launch

NASA postpones rocket launch to moon; Artemis 1 launch disrupted for second time

NASA is preparing for second launch of SLS rocket. However there are reports of possible fuel leak near base of rocket. NASA's 'Lunar Odyssey' in jeopardy again?

WION Fineprint: NASA's second attempt to launch Artemis 1

Mars is Earth's neighbour and favourite candidate of scientists to search for extra-terrestrial life. The planet is roughly the same size of Earth. It has an atmosphere and a large section of the scientific community thinks that millions of years ago, it had liquid water on its surface and even had life.&nbsp;

Mars surely does have an atmosphere. But it is very thin. It is 100 times thinner than Earth's atmosphere. And it is abundant in Carbon Dioxide. So a human trying to breathe-in Martian air would soon stop breathing.

But there is something that is making Oxtgen on the red planet. No, it is not some secret jungle but a briefcase-sized machine attached to NASA's Perseverance rover. The machine is called MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Experiment).

MOXIE uses Carbon Dioxide in Martian and splits it into Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen. In the year 2021, when Perseverance landed on the surface of Mars, MOXIE made Oxygen seven times.

"This is the first demonstration of actually using resources on the surface of another planetary body, and transforming them chemically into something that would be useful for a human mission," says former NASA astronaut and MOXIE deputy principal investigator Jeffrey Hoffman of MIT, as quoted by EurekaAlert.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Mars is Earth's neighbour and favourite candidate of scientists to search for extra-terrestrial life. The planet is roughly the same size of Earth. It has an atmosphere and a large section of the scientific community thinks that millions of years ago, it had liquid water on its surface and even had life.

Mars is Earth's neighbour and favourite candidate of scientists to search for extra-terrestrial life. The planet is roughly the same size of Earth. It has an atmosphere and a large section of the scientific community thinks that millions of years ago, it had liquid water on its surface and even had life. Mars surely does have an atmosphere. But it is very thin. It is 100 times thinner than Earth's atmosphere. And it is abundant in Carbon Dioxide. So a human trying to breathe-in Martian air would soon stop breathing. But there is something that is making Oxtgen on the red planet. No, it is not some secret jungle but a briefcase-sized machine attached to NASA's Perseverance rover. The machine is called MOXIE (Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) Experiment). MOXIE uses Carbon Dioxide in Martian and splits it into Carbon Monoxide and Oxygen. In the year 2021, when Perseverance landed on the surface of Mars, MOXIE made Oxygen seven times. "This is the first demonstration of actually using resources on the surface of another planetary body, and transforming them chemically into something that would be useful for a human mission," says former NASA astronaut and MOXIE deputy principal investigator Jeffrey Hoffman of MIT, as quoted by EurekaAlert. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Something is making Oxygen on Mars

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), the first interplanetary exploration undertaken by an Arab nation, has made first observations of a new type of proton aurora around Mars. The proton aurora captured on Mars by the Emirati Mars mission are comparable to the aurora that's visible near Earth's North Pole (Northern Lights). 
 
In simple terms, the Nothern lights occur on earth because of the Solar Wind getting attracted by Earth's magnetic field and eventually colliding with atoms in the atmosphere.&nbsp;

According to the UAE Space Agency, this new patchy type of Martian proton aurora is formed when the high-speed solar wind directly impacts Mars’ dayside upper atmosphere and emits ultraviolet light as it slows down. The discovery of the aurora was made in snapshots of the dayside disk obtained by the Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer (EMUS), which observes the planet’s upper atmosphere and exosphere, scanning for variability in atmospheric composition and atmospheric escape to space.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen emissions at these wavelengths before, thanks to proton aurora studies by NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) mission, but these EMM EMUS images represent the first time we’ve had a global view of spatial variability in proton aurora at Mars, and the first time we’ve been able to unambiguously observe this patchy structure,” said EMM science team member&nbsp;Mike Chaffin.&nbsp;

“We know that these wavelengths are only emitted by the Hydrogen atom, which tells us that super energetic Hydrogen atoms must be present in the atmosphere in order to produce the auroral emission. What we’re seeing is essentially a map of where the solar wind is raining down onto the planet" he added.&nbsp;

<img alt="UAE" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="90ba8d49-76f8-4658-97cd-3144fa86581c" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/No%20Logo_Patchy%20Proton%20Aurora%20Formation.%20Image%20Credit%20-%20Emirates%20Mars%20Mission%2C%20UAE%20Space%20Agency%20%281%29.png" />

(Image: UAE Space Agency)

The aurora manifests as bright regions scattered across the dayside of the planet in two ultraviolet wavelengths associated with the Hydrogen atom. Under normal conditions, the dayside disk of the planet at these wavelengths is uniform, and the planetary brightness results from Hydrogen atoms scattering sunlight. When the aurora occurs, small regions of the planet become much brighter at these wavelengths, signifying intense localized energy deposition in the atmosphere.

EMM's Science Lead Hessa Al Matroushi opines that the latest discovery adds a new kind of event to the long list of those currently being studied by EMM and challenges the scientific community's existing views of how the proton aurora on Mars’ dayside are formed.&nbsp;

“The EMM Hope probe has so far uncovered many unexpected phenomena that extend our understanding of Mars’ atmospheric and magnetospheric dynamics. These new observations, combined with MAVEN data, have lifted the lid on entirely new possibilities for scientific research" it was added.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/something-is-making-oxygen-on-mars-512195">Something is making Oxygen on Mars</a>

Martian proton auroras were originally discovered by NASA's MAVEN and subsequently found in data from ESA’s Mars Express mission, but most of these previous observations show uniform auroral emission across the dayside of the planet. However, the latest observations by UAE's Mars Mission is able to unambiguously reveal small-scale spatial structure. Scientists from both teams now believe the patchy aurora can only be produced by plasma turbulence in the space surrounding Mars.&nbsp;

“Whether we’ll see anything as spectacular as what we’ve already got is anyone’s guess, but I’m hopeful. Hope continues to far exceed our expectations for scientific discovery, and I can’t wait to see what we learn next.” said Chaffin.

The Emirates Mars Mission is the culmination of a knowledge transfer and development effort that started in 2006. The process saw Emirati engineers working with global partners to develop UAE’s spacecraft design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Known as 'Hope', the probe is a fully autonomous spacecraft, carrying three instruments to measure Mars’ atmosphere. Weighing some 1,350 kg, and approximately the size of a small SUV, the spacecraft was designed and developed by MBRSC engineers working with academic partners, including those at the University of Colorado, Boulder; Arizona State University and the University of California, Berkeley.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-find-water-modified-volcanic-rocks-on-mars-510463">Scientists find water-modified volcanic rocks on Mars</a>

The Emirates Mars Mission is studying the Martian atmosphere and the relationship between the upper layer and lower regions. The Hope Probe’s historic arrival at the Red Planet coincided with a year of celebrations to mark the UAE’s Golden Jubilee in 2021.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), the first interplanetary exploration undertaken by an Arab nation, has made first observations of a new type of proton aurora around Mars.

The Emirates Mars Mission (EMM), the first interplanetary exploration undertaken by an Arab nation, has made first observations of a new type of proton aurora around Mars. The proton aurora captured on Mars by the Emirati Mars mission are comparable to the aurora that's visible near Earth's North Pole (Northern Lights). In simple terms, the Nothern lights occur on earth because of the Solar Wind getting attracted by Earth's magnetic field and eventually colliding with atoms in the atmosphere. According to the UAE Space Agency, this new patchy type of Martian proton aurora is formed when the high-speed solar wind directly impacts Mars’ dayside upper atmosphere and emits ultraviolet light as it slows down. The discovery of the aurora was made in snapshots of the dayside disk obtained by the Emirates Mars Ultraviolet Spectrometer (EMUS), which observes the planet’s upper atmosphere and exosphere, scanning for variability in atmospheric composition and atmospheric escape to space. “We’ve seen emissions at these wavelengths before, thanks to proton aurora studies by NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) mission, but these EMM EMUS images represent the first time we’ve had a global view of spatial variability in proton aurora at Mars, and the first time we’ve been able to unambiguously observe this patchy structure,” said EMM science team member Mike Chaffin. “We know that these wavelengths are only emitted by the Hydrogen atom, which tells us that super energetic Hydrogen atoms must be present in the atmosphere in order to produce the auroral emission. What we’re seeing is essentially a map of where the solar wind is raining down onto the planet" he added. (Image: UAE Space Agency) The aurora manifests as bright regions scattered across the dayside of the planet in two ultraviolet wavelengths associated with the Hydrogen atom. Under normal conditions, the dayside disk of the planet at these wavelengths is uniform, and the planetary brightness results from Hydrogen atoms scattering sunlight. When the aurora occurs, small regions of the planet become much brighter at these wavelengths, signifying intense localized energy deposition in the atmosphere. EMM's Science Lead Hessa Al Matroushi opines that the latest discovery adds a new kind of event to the long list of those currently being studied by EMM and challenges the scientific community's existing views of how the proton aurora on Mars’ dayside are formed. “The EMM Hope probe has so far uncovered many unexpected phenomena that extend our understanding of Mars’ atmospheric and magnetospheric dynamics. These new observations, combined with MAVEN data, have lifted the lid on entirely new possibilities for scientific research" it was added. Also Read | Something is making Oxygen on Mars Martian proton auroras were originally discovered by NASA's MAVEN and subsequently found in data from ESA’s Mars Express mission, but most of these previous observations show uniform auroral emission across the dayside of the planet. However, the latest observations by UAE's Mars Mission is able to unambiguously reveal small-scale spatial structure. Scientists from both teams now believe the patchy aurora can only be produced by plasma turbulence in the space surrounding Mars. “Whether we’ll see anything as spectacular as what we’ve already got is anyone’s guess, but I’m hopeful. Hope continues to far exceed our expectations for scientific discovery, and I can’t wait to see what we learn next.” said Chaffin. The Emirates Mars Mission is the culmination of a knowledge transfer and development effort that started in 2006. The process saw Emirati engineers working with global partners to develop UAE’s spacecraft design, engineering and manufacturing capabilities. Known as 'Hope', the probe is a fully autonomous spacecraft, carrying three instruments to measure Mars’ atmosphere. Weighing some 1,350 kg, and approximately the size of a small SUV, the spacecraft was designed and developed by MBRSC engineers working with academic partners, including those at the University of Colorado, Boulder; Arizona State University and the University of California, Berkeley. Also Read | Scientists find water-modified volcanic rocks on Mars The Emirates Mars Mission is studying the Martian atmosphere and the relationship between the upper layer and lower regions. The Hope Probe’s historic arrival at the Red Planet coincided with a year of celebrations to mark the UAE’s Golden Jubilee in 2021. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Emirates Mars Mission discovers new 'patchy' Proton Aurora on the red planet

NASA called off a test flight on Monday of its largest-ever rocket in a setback to the ambitious program to send humans back to the Moon and eventually to Mars. NASA now says it will launch Artemis 1 mission on Friday.

NASA: Friday launch of Artemis 1 possible; launch signifies the Apollo mission's modern incarnation

NASA to launch Artemis 1 moon rocket and the mission will start on August 29th. NASA's eventual goal is to set up a colony on the moon and the moon mission is test for Mars exploration.

All eyes on NASA's moon rocket launch; Artemis 1 mission to launch on an uncrewed test flight

Planet Mars has been or great curiosity to humankind for centuries. The red planet not only makes for a unique sight in the night sky, but also is subject of immense facination with respect to posible alien life. Type 'martians' and you would get thousands of hits on Google.

Now, scientists have got&nbsp;a fascinating proof of rocks having been altered due to water on the martian surface.

NASA's Perseverance rover has found these rocks in Jezero Crater on Mars. Jezero Crater is where scientists think there was a lake millions of years ago.

Researchers who studied these Igneous rocks have published their findings in the scientific journal Science and Science Advances.&nbsp;

The scientists had expected to find sedimentary rocks in the Jezero Crater as it is the chief type of rocks found as a result of solidification of sediments brought in by the water.&nbsp;

“Before landing, there was quite a debate whether the crater floor was igneous or sedimentary,” Roger Wiens from the Los Alamos National Laboratory told Down To Earth. Wiens studied Mars’s under-surface features.

“The Perseverance rover collected rock samples, representing diverse rock types present on the crater floor,” said Amy Williams, assistant professor of geology at the University of Florida. She was quoted by Down To Earth.

The volcanic rocks showed presence of carbonates, which is a proof that they had interaction with carbon dioxide-rich water in the past.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Planet Mars has been or great curiosity to humankind for centuries. The red planet not only makes for a unique sight in the night sky, but also is subject of immense facination with respect to posible alien life.

Planet Mars has been or great curiosity to humankind for centuries. The red planet not only makes for a unique sight in the night sky, but also is subject of immense facination with respect to posible alien life. Type 'martians' and you would get thousands of hits on Google. Now, scientists have got a fascinating proof of rocks having been altered due to water on the martian surface. NASA's Perseverance rover has found these rocks in Jezero Crater on Mars. Jezero Crater is where scientists think there was a lake millions of years ago. Researchers who studied these Igneous rocks have published their findings in the scientific journal Science and Science Advances. The scientists had expected to find sedimentary rocks in the Jezero Crater as it is the chief type of rocks found as a result of solidification of sediments brought in by the water. “Before landing, there was quite a debate whether the crater floor was igneous or sedimentary,” Roger Wiens from the Los Alamos National Laboratory told Down To Earth. Wiens studied Mars’s under-surface features. “The Perseverance rover collected rock samples, representing diverse rock types present on the crater floor,” said Amy Williams, assistant professor of geology at the University of Florida. She was quoted by Down To Earth. The volcanic rocks showed presence of carbonates, which is a proof that they had interaction with carbon dioxide-rich water in the past. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Scientists find water-modified volcanic rocks on Mars

Humans are all set to aim for the moon again with the Artemis program. The program will also pave way for the humans to embark on manned Mars missions.

Artemis I Explained: NASA's first mission to land humans on the moon after 50 years

Detonating a nuclear bomb on Mars has many backers and opposers. Some advocate it by saying it will make the red planet habitable while others oppose it by saying it may cause a nuclear winter.

What will happen if humans were to nuke mars?

Have you ever thought of what a house on mars could be like? Well, in the British city of Bristol, an inflatable house has been designed to explore how people would potentially live on mars.

Public art project explores what a house on Mars could be like

In pics: NASA's gigantic SLS moon rocket, a 'practice' for future Mars mission

In 2013, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission became the first Asian spacecraft to be launched successfully in the first attempt.

India@75: India's journey to Mars at Rs 7/km

Let us take a look at stories generating interest across WION's social media channels.

Trending on WION: NASA solves mystery of 'Spaghetti-like' object found on surface of Mars

Scientists were left puzzled when a weird “spaghetti-like” object was spotted on Mars by the Perseverance rover. It sparked a lot of debate online and a number of experts came up with their own explanations about the “alien” material found on July 12. However, NASA has released an official statement about the object, and they said that it was actually a part of the rover itself.

According to the official briefing by the US space agency, the Dacron netting got detached from the entry, descent and landing (EDL) gear when the rover landed on the planet in February 2021.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/watch-casper-the-ghostly-octopus-discovered-in-waters-off-hawaii-is-likely-new-specie-505115" hreflang="en">WATCH | Casper, the ghostly octopus discovered in waters off Hawaii is likely new species</a>

“This particular piece of netting appears to have undergone significant unravelling/shredding, suggesting that it was subjected to strong forces,” the blog published by NASA stated.

It also said that Dacron is “a synthetic fiber embedded with resin often used in high performance sail cloth, but in the case of Perseverance was likely a part of a thermal protection blanket”.

This is not the first time that a debris from the rover was found on Mars. Earlier, parts of the EDL were found around the site where Perseverance landed, and the Ingenuity helicopter also pictured a protective shell and its parachute near a collection of rocks on the Mars surface.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-surfing-dogs-take-to-waves-at-world-dog-surfing-championship-in-california-505064" hreflang="en">IN PICS | Surfing dogs take to waves at World Dog Surfing Championship in California</a>

The main task assigned to Perseverance is to collect rock and soil samples from Mars which will be studied by experts once the rover returns around 2030. The scientists will be looking for proof of life or early habitation on the planet and that is why they are trying to keep the data as ‘clean’ as possible.

“The sampling teams will also continue to monitor potential sources of contamination to ensure the integrity of the returned sample cache,” the blog said according to The Independent.

Scientists were left puzzled when a weird “spaghetti-like” object was spotted on Mars by the Perseverance rover. It sparked a lot of debate online and a number of experts came up with their own explanations about the “alien” material found on July 12.

Scientists were left puzzled when a weird “spaghetti-like” object was spotted on Mars by the Perseverance rover. It sparked a lot of debate online and a number of experts came up with their own explanations about the “alien” material found on July 12. However, NASA has released an official statement about the object, and they said that it was actually a part of the rover itself. According to the official briefing by the US space agency, the Dacron netting got detached from the entry, descent and landing (EDL) gear when the rover landed on the planet in February 2021. Also read | WATCH | Casper, the ghostly octopus discovered in waters off Hawaii is likely new species “This particular piece of netting appears to have undergone significant unravelling/shredding, suggesting that it was subjected to strong forces,” the blog published by NASA stated. It also said that Dacron is “a synthetic fiber embedded with resin often used in high performance sail cloth, but in the case of Perseverance was likely a part of a thermal protection blanket”. This is not the first time that a debris from the rover was found on Mars. Earlier, parts of the EDL were found around the site where Perseverance landed, and the Ingenuity helicopter also pictured a protective shell and its parachute near a collection of rocks on the Mars surface. Also read | IN PICS | Surfing dogs take to waves at World Dog Surfing Championship in California The main task assigned to Perseverance is to collect rock and soil samples from Mars which will be studied by experts once the rover returns around 2030. The scientists will be looking for proof of life or early habitation on the planet and that is why they are trying to keep the data as ‘clean’ as possible. “The sampling teams will also continue to monitor potential sources of contamination to ensure the integrity of the returned sample cache,” the blog said according to The Independent.

NASA solves mystery of 'spaghetti-like' object found on surface of Mars

NASA is not only going to scrap their original plan of sending another rover to Mars, but they’re also going to send two new helicopter drones.

NASA plans to send  2 more drones to Mars

When we say Mars, the first thing that crosses our minds is a red wasteland. Mars is almost always associated with the colour red. It's quite natural as the red colour of the planet is perceptible in the night sky even with naked eyes. If someone says Mars is blue, we are sure to dismiss the opinion almost instantly.

But now NASA, the space agency which has multiple rovers on the red planet and an orbitter around it has released some images in which clear blue streaks are visible on the planet's surface. The image has been captured by Mars Reconnaissance Orbitter (MRO) so it has captured an area on the martian surface that spans hundreds of metres. Each pixel in this image is equal to 25 feet on martian surface.

The blue streaks on the martian surface are a beautiful sight. The martian region visible in these images is called Gamboa Crater. It is located in the northern hemisphere of the planet.

So why is the red planet so blue?

The answer lies in the way this image was processed. This is what is called a 'false colour'. The blue region is actually as red as the planet is but has been coloured blue due to slight variations in the frequency of the reflected light. The region is NOT actually blue.

So is it just a way to make an image more beautiful and nothing else? No.

The regions streaked in blue colour indicate presence of geologic structures. When an analyst studies this image it will be helpful for him or her to quickly know where are these geologic structures located. This may help us to understand martian geology in greater detail.

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When we say Mars, the first thing that crosses our minds is a red wasteland. Mars is almost always associated with the colour red. It's quite natural as the red colour of the planet is perceptible in the night sky even with naked eyes.

When we say Mars, the first thing that crosses our minds is a red wasteland. Mars is almost always associated with the colour red. It's quite natural as the red colour of the planet is perceptible in the night sky even with naked eyes. If someone says Mars is blue, we are sure to dismiss the opinion almost instantly. But now NASA, the space agency which has multiple rovers on the red planet and an orbitter around it has released some images in which clear blue streaks are visible on the planet's surface. The image has been captured by Mars Reconnaissance Orbitter (MRO) so it has captured an area on the martian surface that spans hundreds of metres. Each pixel in this image is equal to 25 feet on martian surface. The blue streaks on the martian surface are a beautiful sight. The martian region visible in these images is called Gamboa Crater. It is located in the northern hemisphere of the planet. So why is the red planet so blue? The answer lies in the way this image was processed. This is what is called a 'false colour'. The blue region is actually as red as the planet is but has been coloured blue due to slight variations in the frequency of the reflected light. The region is NOT actually blue. So is it just a way to make an image more beautiful and nothing else? No. The regions streaked in blue colour indicate presence of geologic structures. When an analyst studies this image it will be helpful for him or her to quickly know where are these geologic structures located. This may help us to understand martian geology in greater detail. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NASA posts beautiful martian image showing 'blue' region of the red planet 

We Earth-dwellers have Earth-centric idea of the Universe and that's probably fine. From sunrise to sunset (and beyond), we eat, drink, work and sleep on one single planet. Human colonies on Moon and Mars are still in the concept stage. Till then, its one blue planet for us.

Due to our Earth-centric thoughts, its hard to imagine that the largest canyon in the Solar System is not on Earth. Sorry Grand Canyon but a canyon system on Mars takes the cake here. And European Space Agency has clicked a picture of it.

Valles Marineris, the canyon system on Mars, is longer, wider and deepr than Grand Canyon. It is 4000 kilometres long, 200 kilometre wide and upto 7 km deep. These dimensions are much greater than the Grand Canyon. To put things in Indian perspective, the length of Valles Marineris is greater than the distance between Kashmir to Kanyakumari.

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Image of the Valles Marineris has been captured by ESA's Mars Express. The image shows two trenches, called Chasma in the western region of Valles Marineris. Left portion of the image is southern direction. 840-kilometre-long lus Chasma is visible there and 805-kilometre-long Tithonium Chasma is visible in the right side of the image. Incredible surface details are present in this high resolution image that captures Valles Marineris that is up to 7 kilometres deep.

The blackened portion in the Tithonium Chasma is black sand. Scientists think that the sand must have come from Tharsis volcanic region.

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We Earth-dwellers have Earth-centric idea of the Universe and that's probably fine. From sunrise to sunset (and beyond), we eat, drink, work and sleep on one single planet.

We Earth-dwellers have Earth-centric idea of the Universe and that's probably fine. From sunrise to sunset (and beyond), we eat, drink, work and sleep on one single planet. Human colonies on Moon and Mars are still in the concept stage. Till then, its one blue planet for us. Due to our Earth-centric thoughts, its hard to imagine that the largest canyon in the Solar System is not on Earth. Sorry Grand Canyon but a canyon system on Mars takes the cake here. And European Space Agency has clicked a picture of it. Valles Marineris, the canyon system on Mars, is longer, wider and deepr than Grand Canyon. It is 4000 kilometres long, 200 kilometre wide and upto 7 km deep. These dimensions are much greater than the Grand Canyon. To put things in Indian perspective, the length of Valles Marineris is greater than the distance between Kashmir to Kanyakumari. Image of the Valles Marineris has been captured by ESA's Mars Express. The image shows two trenches, called Chasma in the western region of Valles Marineris. Left portion of the image is southern direction. 840-kilometre-long lus Chasma is visible there and 805-kilometre-long Tithonium Chasma is visible in the right side of the image. Incredible surface details are present in this high resolution image that captures Valles Marineris that is up to 7 kilometres deep. The blackened portion in the Tithonium Chasma is black sand. Scientists think that the sand must have come from Tharsis volcanic region. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

'Grand Canyon on Mars': ESA clicks Martian feature that's bigger than the original thing

The NASA is now getting ready to send man to the moon, mars and beyond. NASA is ready for the next lunar odyssey, it has concluded its test for its Artemis program rockets.

Moon, Mars & Beyond: NASA to embark upon new lunar odyssey

Can we form human colonies on Moon and Mars? We do have concept designs ready but travel to space is in itself an extremely expensive enterprise. Space agencies and billionaires like Elon Musk are working in this direction but if a Japanese concept is implemented perfectly, we can possibly hop on to a bullet train and travel to Moon or Mars. After all, it was Japanese who gave the world bullet trains.

Researchers from Japan's Kyoto University and Kajima Construction are planning to make artificial space environment with Earth-like atmosphere in specially made habitable zones on Moon and Mars. They also working on the concept of bullet trains to travel there. For this, the transportation system called 'Hexagon Space Track System' is in the works.

“There is no plan like this in other countries' space development plans. Our plan represents important technologies crucial to ensuring human beings will be able to move to space in the future,” said Yosuke Yamashiki, director of the SIC Human Spaceology Center of Kyoto University in a press conference earlier this month.

“As the idea of living in space becomes more realistic, the problem with the low gravity, which I intuitively became aware of when I was a child, is an issue we must overcome. We are committed to achieving the plan so it will be useful for human beings,” said Takuya Ono, a project associate professor with the Center and a senior researcher at Kajima.

Researchers said that the project is expected to be completed by 2050.

Can we form human colonies on Moon and Mars? We do have concept designs ready but travel to space is in itself an extremely expensive enterprise. Space agencies and billionaires like Elon Musk are working in this direction but if a Japanese concept is implemented perfectly, we can possibly hop on to a bullet train and travel to Moon or Mars.

Can we form human colonies on Moon and Mars? We do have concept designs ready but travel to space is in itself an extremely expensive enterprise. Space agencies and billionaires like Elon Musk are working in this direction but if a Japanese concept is implemented perfectly, we can possibly hop on to a bullet train and travel to Moon or Mars. After all, it was Japanese who gave the world bullet trains. Researchers from Japan's Kyoto University and Kajima Construction are planning to make artificial space environment with Earth-like atmosphere in specially made habitable zones on Moon and Mars. They also working on the concept of bullet trains to travel there. For this, the transportation system called 'Hexagon Space Track System' is in the works. “There is no plan like this in other countries' space development plans. Our plan represents important technologies crucial to ensuring human beings will be able to move to space in the future,” said Yosuke Yamashiki, director of the SIC Human Spaceology Center of Kyoto University in a press conference earlier this month. “As the idea of living in space becomes more realistic, the problem with the low gravity, which I intuitively became aware of when I was a child, is an issue we must overcome. We are committed to achieving the plan so it will be useful for human beings,” said Takuya Ono, a project associate professor with the Center and a senior researcher at Kajima. Researchers said that the project is expected to be completed by 2050.

Bullet train to Mars? Such a research is indeed going on in Japan

The European Space Agency is formally ending its partnership with Russia on a rover mission to explore the surface of Mars, citing Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. Molly Gambhir tells how earthly tensions are now impacting the space race.

WION Fineprint | Ukraine war tensions boil over in space

Search for alien life has been of interest for centuries. Movies and books are full of alien attacks on Earth. Mars has always been in focus for alien life. But our other neighbour Venus needs a good look as well.

Is there life on Venus? Here's what Cambridge University researchers say

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is terminating his bid to purchase the microblogging platform Twitter, with this also putting an end to the most talked-about business stories in recent years. On Friday, Musk sent a letter to Twitter saying he was pulling out of the controversial deal he made in April to buy the platform for $54.20 per share, or $44 billion in total.&nbsp;

The world was expecting that he will weigh in on his decision, explaining why he pulled out. But he avoided any possible discussion over the collapsed Twitter deal when he addressed an audience of moguls on Saturday in Sun Valley.&nbsp;

News agency Reuters spoke to two sources who attended the conference. They said that Musk spent most of his time talking about colonising Mars and extolling the virtues of boosting birth rates on Earth.&nbsp;

The world's richest man spoke about how birth rates are declining in wealthy countries. The billionaire entrepreneur took the stage at the Allen &amp; Co Sun Valley Conference, an annual gathering of media and technology executives in Idaho.&nbsp;

The interview was conducted by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company founded by Musk and several others.&nbsp;

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Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is terminating his bid to purchase the microblogging platform Twitter, with this also putting an end to the most talked-about business stories in recent years.

Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk is terminating his bid to purchase the microblogging platform Twitter, with this also putting an end to the most talked-about business stories in recent years. On Friday, Musk sent a letter to Twitter saying he was pulling out of the controversial deal he made in April to buy the platform for $54.20 per share, or $44 billion in total. The world was expecting that he will weigh in on his decision, explaining why he pulled out. But he avoided any possible discussion over the collapsed Twitter deal when he addressed an audience of moguls on Saturday in Sun Valley. News agency Reuters spoke to two sources who attended the conference. They said that Musk spent most of his time talking about colonising Mars and extolling the virtues of boosting birth rates on Earth. The world's richest man spoke about how birth rates are declining in wealthy countries. The billionaire entrepreneur took the stage at the Allen & Co Sun Valley Conference, an annual gathering of media and technology executives in Idaho. The interview was conducted by Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research company founded by Musk and several others. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Elon Musk talks about Mars and birth rates but no comments on Twitter

NASA has revealed details of how it is planning to bring samples from Mars to Earth. According to an update posted on the space agency's website, the compact, lightweight Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) will be used for launching rock, sediment, and air samples from the surface of Mars. The award for its construction has been awarded to Lockheed Martin Space, of Littleton, Colorado. This move takes&nbsp;the Mars Sample Return Program's goal of making the first robotic round trip to safely return samples to Earth one step closer to success. If successful, this mission would be the first to launch a rocket off of another planet.

Watch |&nbsp;All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens

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"We've never launched a rocket from Mars, so there's a lot of technology involved here," said Steve Sides, Lockheed Martin's senior program manager for the Mars Ascent Vehicle Integrated System (MAVIS).&nbsp;

"But we're also going to get a lot of science from those Mars samples."
</div>

This strategic NASA-ESA alliance would be the first to return samples from another planet. The MAV will be humanity's first rocket to be fired off from another planet and it will further NASA's attempts to better understand the red planet.

"This groundbreaking endeavor is destined to inspire the world when the first robotic round-trip mission retrieves a sample from another planet – a significant step that will ultimately help send the first astronauts to Mars," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-captures-mid-boggling-photo-of-ufo-like-object-on-mars-take-a-look-474921">NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look!</a>

"America’s investment in our Mars Sample Return program will fulfill a top priority planetary science goal and demonstrate our commitment to global partnerships, ensuring NASA remains a leader in exploration and discovery."

Cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing of the contract for the Mars Ascent Vehicle Integrated System (MAVIS) is estimated to be around $194 million. The performance period will start around February 25 and last for six years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-sample-collection-risks-bringing-to-earth-deadly-alien-virus-heres-what-you-should-know-478730">Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know</a>

"The campaign would fulfill a solar system exploration goal, a high priority since the 1970s and in the last two National Academy of Sciences Planetary Decadal Surveys," said NASA.

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NASA has revealed details of how it is planning to bring samples from Mars to Earth. According to an update posted on the space agency's website, the compact, lightweight Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) will be used for launching rock, sediment, and air samples from the surface of Mars.

NASA has revealed details of how it is planning to bring samples from Mars to Earth. According to an update posted on the space agency's website, the compact, lightweight Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV) will be used for launching rock, sediment, and air samples from the surface of Mars. The award for its construction has been awarded to Lockheed Martin Space, of Littleton, Colorado. This move takes the Mars Sample Return Program's goal of making the first robotic round trip to safely return samples to Earth one step closer to success. If successful, this mission would be the first to launch a rocket off of another planet. Watch | All the times humanity tried to communicate with aliens "We've never launched a rocket from Mars, so there's a lot of technology involved here," said Steve Sides, Lockheed Martin's senior program manager for the Mars Ascent Vehicle Integrated System (MAVIS). "But we're also going to get a lot of science from those Mars samples." This strategic NASA-ESA alliance would be the first to return samples from another planet. The MAV will be humanity's first rocket to be fired off from another planet and it will further NASA's attempts to better understand the red planet. "This groundbreaking endeavor is destined to inspire the world when the first robotic round-trip mission retrieves a sample from another planet – a significant step that will ultimately help send the first astronauts to Mars," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. Also read | NASA captures mind-boggling photo of UFO-like object on Mars. Take a look! "America’s investment in our Mars Sample Return program will fulfill a top priority planetary science goal and demonstrate our commitment to global partnerships, ensuring NASA remains a leader in exploration and discovery." Cost-plus-fixed-fee pricing of the contract for the Mars Ascent Vehicle Integrated System (MAVIS) is estimated to be around $194 million. The performance period will start around February 25 and last for six years. Also read | Mars sample collection risks bringing to Earth deadly alien virus. Here's what you should know "The campaign would fulfill a solar system exploration goal, a high priority since the 1970s and in the last two National Academy of Sciences Planetary Decadal Surveys," said NASA. Watch WION LIVE HERE: You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NASA prepares for the first rocket launch from a foreign planet

The U.S. and China are racing to bring back samples from Mars. Both are trying to do what no country has ever done- blast off a rocket from the surface of another planet. Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas: Mission to bring back samples from Mars

Tianwen-1: Chinese spacecraft acquires images of entire planet of Mars - see stunning images

&nbsp;An uncrewed Chinese spacecraft has acquired imagery data covering all of Mars, including visuals of its south pole, after circling the planet more than 1,300 times since early last year, state media reported on Wednesday.

China's Tianwen-1 successfully reached the Red Planet in February 2021 on the country's inaugural mission there. A robotic rover has since been deployed on the surface as an orbiter surveyed the planet from space.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-planning-to-bring-mars-sample-to-earth-before-nasa-esa-joint-mission-490054">&nbsp;China planning to bring Mars sample to Earth before NASA, ESA joint mission</a>

Among the images taken from space were China's first photographs of the Martian south pole, where almost all of the planet's water resources are locked.

In 2018, an orbiting probe operated by the European Space Agency had discovered water under the ice of the planet's south pole.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Mysterious rocks to reveal secrets of Mars?

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Locating subsurface water is key to determining the planet's potential for life, as well as providing a permanent resource for any human exploration there.

Other Tianwen-1 images include photographs of the 4,000 kilometres (2,485-mile) long canyon Valles Marineris, and impact craters of highlands in the north of Mars known as Arabia Terra.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-to-test-3-nuclear-fission-plant-designs-on-the-moon-to-power-martian-and-deep-space-exploration-490657">NASA to test 3 nuclear fission plant designs on the Moon to power Martian and deep space exploration</a>

Tianwen-1 also sent back high-resolution imagery of the edge of the vast Maunder crater, as well as a top-down view of the 18,000 metres (59,055-foot) Ascraeus Mons, a large shield volcano first detected by NASA's Mariner 9 spacecraft more than five decades ago.

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An uncrewed Chinese spacecraft has acquired imagery data covering all of Mars, including visuals of its south pole, after circling the planet more than 1,300 times since early last year, state media reported on Wednesday.

An uncrewed Chinese spacecraft has acquired imagery data covering all of Mars, including visuals of its south pole, after circling the planet more than 1,300 times since early last year, state media reported on Wednesday. China's Tianwen-1 successfully reached the Red Planet in February 2021 on the country's inaugural mission there. A robotic rover has since been deployed on the surface as an orbiter surveyed the planet from space. Also read | China planning to bring Mars sample to Earth before NASA, ESA joint mission Among the images taken from space were China's first photographs of the Martian south pole, where almost all of the planet's water resources are locked. In 2018, an orbiting probe operated by the European Space Agency had discovered water under the ice of the planet's south pole. Watch | Gravitas: Mysterious rocks to reveal secrets of Mars? Locating subsurface water is key to determining the planet's potential for life, as well as providing a permanent resource for any human exploration there. Other Tianwen-1 images include photographs of the 4,000 kilometres (2,485-mile) long canyon Valles Marineris, and impact craters of highlands in the north of Mars known as Arabia Terra. Also read | NASA to test 3 nuclear fission plant designs on the Moon to power Martian and deep space exploration Tianwen-1 also sent back high-resolution imagery of the edge of the vast Maunder crater, as well as a top-down view of the 18,000 metres (59,055-foot) Ascraeus Mons, a large shield volcano first detected by NASA's Mariner 9 spacecraft more than five decades ago. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Chinese spacecraft acquires images of entire planet of Mars

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