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. Molly Gambhir tells you why NASA is going back to the moon.

WION Fineprint | Artemis: Nasa calls off new Moon rocket launch

A popular sheep will soon be off to space, and while "it might be a small step for a human, it's a giant leap for lambkind". Shaun, the title character from the animated television series "Shaun the Sheep" has been selected as the first 'astronaut' abroad the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency's (ESA) Artemis 1&nbsp;lunar mission. The clever sheep who is known for his misadventures will soon be flying off - in plushie form. Later this month he will travel far beyond the moon aboard NASA's unmanned Orion spacecraft before coming back to Earth in just over a month.&nbsp;As per an ESA statement, this voyage will be managed from the ground and will only have a woolly specialist as a passenger rather than a human crew.

Watch |&nbsp;Moon, Mars &amp; Beyond: NASA to embark upon new lunar odyssey

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"This is an exciting time for Shaun and for us at ESA," said ESA’s Director for Human and Robotic Exploration Dr David Parker in a statement, adding, "We’re woolly very happy that he’s been selected for the mission and we understand that, although it might be a small step for a human, it’s a giant leap for lambkind".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mission-to-moon-how-us-and-japan-plan-to-once-again-send-humans-to-the-lunar-surface-481528">Mission to Moon: How US and Japan plan to once again send humans to the lunar surface</a>

Shaun, who has a "keen passion for exploring", flew on the special Airbus 'Zero G' A310 aircraft&nbsp;which simulates the "weightlessness" conditions found in space on one of its parabolic flights.

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Shaun the Sheep in parabolic flight training. (Image credits: ESA)

Apparently, the mischievous sheep has undergone rigorous instruction which has been well documented, and in the run-up to launch, the ESA blog will publish a number of entries on this training.

Shaun's real-life space voyage has been organised by ESA in collaboration with Aardman, the animation company that created the stop-motion sheep.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/why-did-nasa-abort-important-artemis-mission-rocket-test-launch-with-just-29-seconds-left-on-clock-490930">Why did NASA abort important 'Artemis Mission' rocket test launch with just 29 seconds left on clock?</a>

Lucy Wendover, Marketing Director at Aardman says, “Aardman is excited to be joining ESA in making history by launching the first ‘sheep’ into space."

Calling the mission "a great honour for our woolly adventurer!" she said that Shaun is leading the way in lunar exploration. What better way to celebrate Shaun's debut TV series' 15th anniversary than by travelling farther than any sheep has ever gone, she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A popular sheep will soon be off to space, and while "it might be a small step for a human, it's a giant leap for lambkind". Shaun, the title character from the animated television series "Shaun the Sheep" has been selected as the first 'astronaut' abroad the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency's (ESA) Artemis 1 lunar mission.

A popular sheep will soon be off to space, and while "it might be a small step for a human, it's a giant leap for lambkind". Shaun, the title character from the animated television series "Shaun the Sheep" has been selected as the first 'astronaut' abroad the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and European Space Agency's (ESA) Artemis 1 lunar mission. The clever sheep who is known for his misadventures will soon be flying off - in plushie form. Later this month he will travel far beyond the moon aboard NASA's unmanned Orion spacecraft before coming back to Earth in just over a month. As per an ESA statement, this voyage will be managed from the ground and will only have a woolly specialist as a passenger rather than a human crew. Watch | Moon, Mars & Beyond: NASA to embark upon new lunar odyssey "This is an exciting time for Shaun and for us at ESA," said ESA’s Director for Human and Robotic Exploration Dr David Parker in a statement, adding, "We’re woolly very happy that he’s been selected for the mission and we understand that, although it might be a small step for a human, it’s a giant leap for lambkind". Also read | Mission to Moon: How US and Japan plan to once again send humans to the lunar surface Shaun, who has a "keen passion for exploring", flew on the special Airbus 'Zero G' A310 aircraft which simulates the "weightlessness" conditions found in space on one of its parabolic flights. Shaun the Sheep in parabolic flight training. (Image credits: ESA) Apparently, the mischievous sheep has undergone rigorous instruction which has been well documented, and in the run-up to launch, the ESA blog will publish a number of entries on this training. Shaun's real-life space voyage has been organised by ESA in collaboration with Aardman, the animation company that created the stop-motion sheep. Also read | Why did NASA abort important 'Artemis Mission' rocket test launch with just 29 seconds left on clock? Lucy Wendover, Marketing Director at Aardman says, “Aardman is excited to be joining ESA in making history by launching the first ‘sheep’ into space." Calling the mission "a great honour for our woolly adventurer!" she said that Shaun is leading the way in lunar exploration. What better way to celebrate Shaun's debut TV series' 15th anniversary than by travelling farther than any sheep has ever gone, she added. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

'A giant leap for lambkind': Shaun the Sheep will be ESA, NASA's first 'astronaut' to the Moon

With just 29 seconds left on the clock for its rocket launch, NASA aborted a crucial test that would've been monumental in placing humans on the moon. Why did this happen? Let's find out.&nbsp;

As per NASA, a hydrogen leak within the rocket was the reason behind this abrupt ending.

This was the fourth consecutive aborted attempt in the 'mega moon rocket' mission which is officially called the "Space Launch System (SLS)."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/mission-to-moon-how-us-and-japan-plan-to-once-again-send-humans-to-the-lunar-surface-481528">Mission to Moon: How US and Japan plan to once again send humans to the lunar surface</a>

However, in spite of the failed attempt, NASA has called the attempt a success as engineers for the first time completed more of their launch objectives beforehand, successfully fuelling the deep-space rocket for the first time. This is one of the last tests the rocket must pass to be cleared for its first flight to the moon.

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Today’s <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Artemis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Artemis</a> I wet dress rehearsal ended today at 7:37 p.m. at T-29 seconds. Read about today’s activities and next steps on the Artemis blog: <a href="https://t.co/LvYsdFpvgK">https://t.co/LvYsdFpvgK</a> <a href="https://t.co/TDal5KGgvF">https://t.co/TDal5KGgvF</a>
— NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAArtemis/status/1539050402737491975?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 21, 2022</a></blockquote>
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The earlier three rehearsals ended before the rocket was fully fuelled. The failed attempts also revealed malfunctioning valves, faulty fans, and leaks. Due to this, the crew had to remove the SLS from the launch pad for repairs.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Nasa is launching a probe into UFO sightings

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"I would say that the majority of our objectives were met," said launch director for the Artemis Mission, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson.

Speaking at a news briefing Thompson added that "there were maybe small pieces within that one primary objective that we came up a little short on."

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>

The unmet objectives were not specified in detail by NASA. Launch director Thompson said the team would determine if any repairs can be made at the launchpad and whether they need to roll the 322-foot rocket back to its storage facility.

SLS as per Live Science is NASA's most powerful rocket ever, and it aims to take the first woman and person of colour to the lunar surface and establish a permanent base there.

(With inputs from agencies)

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With just 29 seconds left on the clock for its rocket launch, NASA aborted a crucial test that would've been monumental in placing humans on the moon. Why did this happen?

With just 29 seconds left on the clock for its rocket launch, NASA aborted a crucial test that would've been monumental in placing humans on the moon. Why did this happen? Let's find out. As per NASA, a hydrogen leak within the rocket was the reason behind this abrupt ending. This was the fourth consecutive aborted attempt in the 'mega moon rocket' mission which is officially called the "Space Launch System (SLS)." Also read | Mission to Moon: How US and Japan plan to once again send humans to the lunar surface However, in spite of the failed attempt, NASA has called the attempt a success as engineers for the first time completed more of their launch objectives beforehand, successfully fuelling the deep-space rocket for the first time. This is one of the last tests the rocket must pass to be cleared for its first flight to the moon. Today’s #Artemis I wet dress rehearsal ended today at 7:37 p.m. at T-29 seconds. Read about today’s activities and next steps on the Artemis blog: https://t.co/LvYsdFpvgK https://t.co/TDal5KGgvF — NASA Artemis (@NASAArtemis) June 21, 2022 × The earlier three rehearsals ended before the rocket was fully fuelled. The failed attempts also revealed malfunctioning valves, faulty fans, and leaks. Due to this, the crew had to remove the SLS from the launch pad for repairs. Watch | Gravitas: Nasa is launching a probe into UFO sightings "I would say that the majority of our objectives were met," said launch director for the Artemis Mission, Charlie Blackwell-Thompson. Speaking at a news briefing Thompson added that "there were maybe small pieces within that one primary objective that we came up a little short on." Also read | NASA to test 3 nuclear fission plant designs on the Moon to power Martian and deep space exploration The unmet objectives were not specified in detail by NASA. Launch director Thompson said the team would determine if any repairs can be made at the launchpad and whether they need to roll the 322-foot rocket back to its storage facility. SLS as per Live Science is NASA's most powerful rocket ever, and it aims to take the first woman and person of colour to the lunar surface and establish a permanent base there. (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Why did NASA abort important 'Artemis Mission' rocket test launch with just 29 seconds left on clock?

'World's most powerful rocket ever': NASA rolls out its mega Moon rocket

The first mission in NASA's program to take humans back to the Moon has been delayed until spring at the earliest, the US space agency said Wednesday, saying it needed more time to complete safety checks.

The Artemis I launch, initially scheduled for late 2021 and then postponed twice more, will now happen no earlier than April.

"Teams are taking operations a step at a time to ensure the integrated system is ready to safely launch the Artemis I mission. NASA is reviewing launch opportunities in April and May," NASA said in a statement.

Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight test, but will signal the real start of the program, which could eventually see the first woman and the first person of color to step foot on the Moon.

Artemis I also will be the first flight of the massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will carry the Orion capsule to the Moon, where it will be put into orbit before returning to Earth.

The testing of the SLS system, which had been set for this month, is now expected to take place at Kennedy Space Center in Florida in March, NASA said.&nbsp;

For that test, the rocket will be moved to the launch pad, fueled up and the launch sequence initiated -- except for the actual take-off.

This test will then help the US space agency set an actual launch date.

There is no "specific" issue that sparked the additional delays, Tom Whitmeyer, the deputy associate administrator for exploration systems development at NASA Headquarters in Washington, told reporters.

"It could be something as simple as a scratch that needs to be polished out or some paint that needs to be fixed. There's just a lot of that -- it's a really big vehicle," he said.

A few months ago, a government audit indicated that Artemis I would likely take place "in the summer of 2022." 
&nbsp;

The first mission in NASA's program to take humans back to the Moon has been delayed until spring at the earliest, the US space agency said Wednesday, saying it needed more time to complete safety checks.

The first mission in NASA's program to take humans back to the Moon has been delayed until spring at the earliest, the US space agency said Wednesday, saying it needed more time to complete safety checks. The Artemis I launch, initially scheduled for late 2021 and then postponed twice more, will now happen no earlier than April. "Teams are taking operations a step at a time to ensure the integrated system is ready to safely launch the Artemis I mission. NASA is reviewing launch opportunities in April and May," NASA said in a statement. Artemis I will be an uncrewed flight test, but will signal the real start of the program, which could eventually see the first woman and the first person of color to step foot on the Moon. Artemis I also will be the first flight of the massive Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, which will carry the Orion capsule to the Moon, where it will be put into orbit before returning to Earth. The testing of the SLS system, which had been set for this month, is now expected to take place at Kennedy Space Center in Florida in March, NASA said. For that test, the rocket will be moved to the launch pad, fueled up and the launch sequence initiated -- except for the actual take-off. This test will then help the US space agency set an actual launch date. There is no "specific" issue that sparked the additional delays, Tom Whitmeyer, the deputy associate administrator for exploration systems development at NASA Headquarters in Washington, told reporters. "It could be something as simple as a scratch that needs to be polished out or some paint that needs to be fixed. There's just a lot of that -- it's a really big vehicle," he said. A few months ago, a government audit indicated that Artemis I would likely take place "in the summer of 2022."

Uncrewed Artemis I mission to Moon pushed back

NASA has shared an iconic image of 'Earthrise' that was snapped on December 24 in 1968, when Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the first humans to witness the beautiful scenes of Earth rising above the Moon's barren surface.&nbsp;

Apollo 8 was the first mission when a manned spacecraft left Earth orbit and also reached another astronomical object. The crew orbited the Moon without landing and then returned home safely.&nbsp;

In a latest Instagram post, NASA re-shared one of the most iconic images of the planet Earth, celebrating fifty-three years of the event.&nbsp;

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On that particular evening, the astronauts held a live broadcast from lunar orbit. They showed pictures of the Earth and Moon as seen from their spacecraft.&nbsp;

The 'Earthrise' image was snapped by Anders, who had once told that despite all the training and preparation for an exploration of the moon, the astronauts ended up discovering Earth.&nbsp;

Here the message:

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The mission began on December 21 and after circling the moon 10 times on Christmas Eve, it was time to come home.&nbsp;

On Christmas morning, mission control waited for word that Apollo 8's engine initiated. They soon got confirmation when Lovell said, "Roger, please be informed there is a Santa Claus."

NASA has shared an iconic image of 'Earthrise' that was snapped on December 24 in 1968, when Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the first humans to witness the beautiful scenes of Earth rising above the Moon's barren surface.

NASA has shared an iconic image of 'Earthrise' that was snapped on December 24 in 1968, when Apollo 8 astronauts Frank Borman, Jim Lovell and Bill Anders became the first humans to witness the beautiful scenes of Earth rising above the Moon's barren surface. Apollo 8 was the first mission when a manned spacecraft left Earth orbit and also reached another astronomical object. The crew orbited the Moon without landing and then returned home safely. In a latest Instagram post, NASA re-shared one of the most iconic images of the planet Earth, celebrating fifty-three years of the event. ALSO READ | Dinosaurs-killing asteroid caused prolonged darkness on Earth, study reveals View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × ALSO READ | Christmas present? Finally, $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope reaches launch pad for lift-off On that particular evening, the astronauts held a live broadcast from lunar orbit. They showed pictures of the Earth and Moon as seen from their spacecraft. The 'Earthrise' image was snapped by Anders, who had once told that despite all the training and preparation for an exploration of the moon, the astronauts ended up discovering Earth. Here the message: × The mission began on December 21 and after circling the moon 10 times on Christmas Eve, it was time to come home. On Christmas morning, mission control waited for word that Apollo 8's engine initiated. They soon got confirmation when Lovell said, "Roger, please be informed there is a Santa Claus."

'Christmas at Moon': NASA celebrates iconic 'Earthrise' moment, re-shares Apollo 8's message

US space agency NASA has postponed its uncrewed Artemis 1 Moon mission. The mission has been delayed to March next year. The postponement has come about due to issue with the engine.

Artemis I is an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the Moon. It was initially slated for launch in February 2022 before missions with astronauts.

NASA is now targeting a launch in March or April 2022, the space agency said in a statement.

During a recent core stage power test, engineers identified an issue with one of the RS-25 engine flight controllers.

The flight controller works as the "brain" for each RS-25 engine, communicating with the SLS rocket to provide precision control of the engine as well as internal health diagnostics. Each controller is equipped with two channels so that there is a back-up, should an issue arise with one of the channels during launch or ascent. In the recent testing, channel B of the controller on engine four failed to power up consistently.

"After performing a series of inspections and troubleshooting, engineers determined the best course of action is to replace the engine controller, returning the rocket to full functionality and redundancy while continuing to investigate and identify a root cause," NASA officials said in the statement.

"NASA is developing a plan and updated schedule to replace the engine controller while continuing integrated testing and reviewing launch opportunities in March and April."

(With inputs from agencies)

US space agency NASA has postponed its uncrewed Artemis 1 Moon mission. The mission has been delayed to March next year. The postponement has come about due to issue with the engine.

US space agency NASA has postponed its uncrewed Artemis 1 Moon mission. The mission has been delayed to March next year. The postponement has come about due to issue with the engine. Artemis I is an uncrewed flight test of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and Orion spacecraft around the Moon. It was initially slated for launch in February 2022 before missions with astronauts. NASA is now targeting a launch in March or April 2022, the space agency said in a statement. During a recent core stage power test, engineers identified an issue with one of the RS-25 engine flight controllers. The flight controller works as the "brain" for each RS-25 engine, communicating with the SLS rocket to provide precision control of the engine as well as internal health diagnostics. Each controller is equipped with two channels so that there is a back-up, should an issue arise with one of the channels during launch or ascent. In the recent testing, channel B of the controller on engine four failed to power up consistently. "After performing a series of inspections and troubleshooting, engineers determined the best course of action is to replace the engine controller, returning the rocket to full functionality and redundancy while continuing to investigate and identify a root cause," NASA officials said in the statement. "NASA is developing a plan and updated schedule to replace the engine controller while continuing integrated testing and reviewing launch opportunities in March and April." (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Artemis 1 Moon mission postponed

NASA released its first digital, interactive graphic novel Saturday to commemorate National Comic Book Day. "First Woman: NASA’s Promise for Humanity" envisions the story of Callie Rodriguez, the first woman to explore the Moon.

NASA wants to send a woman on Moon by 2024, Elon Musk sparks new race with his Mars mission

Aerospace firms on Thursday credited NASA with a successful test of engines on a Boeing-built rocket for Artemis missions that aim to return US&nbsp;astronauts to the moon by 2024, more than half a century since the last lunar walk.

NASA simulated a launch by firing the engines of the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket while it was anchored to a tower at its Stennis Space Center in Mississippi.

The four RS-25 engines roared to life for the full eight minutes of the test and filled the surrounding area and sky with clouds of white smoke. After the engines cut off, NASA employees could be heard applauding on the space agency`s live-streaming video, and many aerospace firms publicly congratulated NASA on a successful test.

A previous test in January ended after about a minute - well short of the roughly four minutes engineers needed to gather enough data.

The Space Launch System is now expected to go to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for integration with Lockheed Martin Corp`s Orion spacecraft.

NASA aims to send an uncrewed spacecraft to orbit the moon in November and return U.S. astronauts to the moon by 2024, but the SLS program is three years behind schedule and nearly $3 billion over budget.

President Joe Biden has tapped former Democratic senator and astronaut Bill Nelson to run the U.S. space agency, according to two people familiar with the decision.

It was a much-sought-after victory for Boeing after multiple setbacks.

Boeing lost a race for its Starliner crew capsule to be the first to carry astronauts from U.S. soil to the International Space Station in nearly a decade to Elon Musk`s SpaceX.

Jeff Bezos` Blue Origin is also racing to send its own crewed mission to space for the first time.

Aerospace firms on Thursday credited NASA with a successful test of engines on a Boeing-built rocket for Artemis missions that aim to return US astronauts to the moon by 2024, more than half a century since the last lunar walk.

Aerospace firms on Thursday credited NASA with a successful test of engines on a Boeing-built rocket for Artemis missions that aim to return US astronauts to the moon by 2024, more than half a century since the last lunar walk. NASA simulated a launch by firing the engines of the core stage of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket while it was anchored to a tower at its Stennis Space Center in Mississippi. The four RS-25 engines roared to life for the full eight minutes of the test and filled the surrounding area and sky with clouds of white smoke. After the engines cut off, NASA employees could be heard applauding on the space agency`s live-streaming video, and many aerospace firms publicly congratulated NASA on a successful test. A previous test in January ended after about a minute - well short of the roughly four minutes engineers needed to gather enough data. The Space Launch System is now expected to go to the Kennedy Space Center in Florida for integration with Lockheed Martin Corp`s Orion spacecraft. NASA aims to send an uncrewed spacecraft to orbit the moon in November and return U.S. astronauts to the moon by 2024, but the SLS program is three years behind schedule and nearly $3 billion over budget. President Joe Biden has tapped former Democratic senator and astronaut Bill Nelson to run the U.S. space agency, according to two people familiar with the decision. It was a much-sought-after victory for Boeing after multiple setbacks. Boeing lost a race for its Starliner crew capsule to be the first to carry astronauts from U.S. soil to the International Space Station in nearly a decade to Elon Musk`s SpaceX. Jeff Bezos` Blue Origin is also racing to send its own crewed mission to space for the first time.

NASA completes major test on rocket that could take humans back to the moon

Chandrayaan-3, India's third mission to Moon, is likely to be launched in 2022, ISRO chief K Sivan has said.

Unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3 will not have an orbiter.

Several projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) including Chandrayaan-3, which was scheduled to be launched in late 2020, and Gaganyaan, the country's first manned space mission, were hit by the pandemic-induced lockdown.

Chandrayaan-2, aimed at landing a rover on unchartered Lunar South Pole, was launched on July 22, 2019 on board the country's most powerful geosynchronous launch vehicle. However, the lander Vikram hard-landed on September 7, 2019, crashing India's dream to become the first nation to successfully land on the lunar surface in its maiden attempt.

Chandrayaan-3 is critical for ISRO as it will demonstrate India's capabilities to make landing for further interplanetary missions.

ISRO is targetting December to launch the first unmanned mission under the Gaganyaan project. The mission was originally scheduled to launch in December last year.

It will be followed by another unmanned mission and the third leg is the main module.

Gaganyaan envisages to send three Indians to space by 2022. The four test pilots selected for the mission are currently undergoing training in Russia.

Chandrayaan-3, India's third mission to Moon, is likely to be launched in 2022, ISRO chief K Sivan has said. Unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3 will not have an orbiter.

Chandrayaan-3, India's third mission to Moon, is likely to be launched in 2022, ISRO chief K Sivan has said. Unlike its predecessor, Chandrayaan-3 will not have an orbiter. Several projects of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) including Chandrayaan-3, which was scheduled to be launched in late 2020, and Gaganyaan, the country's first manned space mission, were hit by the pandemic-induced lockdown. Chandrayaan-2, aimed at landing a rover on unchartered Lunar South Pole, was launched on July 22, 2019 on board the country's most powerful geosynchronous launch vehicle. However, the lander Vikram hard-landed on September 7, 2019, crashing India's dream to become the first nation to successfully land on the lunar surface in its maiden attempt. Chandrayaan-3 is critical for ISRO as it will demonstrate India's capabilities to make landing for further interplanetary missions. ISRO is targetting December to launch the first unmanned mission under the Gaganyaan project. The mission was originally scheduled to launch in December last year. It will be followed by another unmanned mission and the third leg is the main module. Gaganyaan envisages to send three Indians to space by 2022. The four test pilots selected for the mission are currently undergoing training in Russia.

Chandrayaan-3 launch delayed further to 2022

The United States has become the first country to pass a law that aims to protect human artefacts in space.

The law -- 'One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act' -- was passed by the Congress on December 31. According to it, early remnants of human exploration in the space -- historic objects and traces from the first missions to the moon -- including Neil Armstrong’s boot print, are now protected by law.

The law was introduced to mark the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, and it officially establishes a perimeter around Tranquility Base – the site of the Apollo 11 landing – as well as the five other lunar landing sites visited by various Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972.

According to UNILAD, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, who was responsible for introducing the Bill in the House said that the law aims to 'protect and preserve the historic and scientific value of US government lunar artifacts' at a time when the lunar surface is increasingly growing crowded with multiple space missions competing over each other.&nbsp;

When the bill was first introduced in the Senate in 2019 it only extended protection to Tranquility Base, the Apollo 11 landing site.

The objects covered by the new law include artefacts in six ‘keep out zones’, such as vehicles and equipment, remnants of experiments, and traces of human and robotic presence.

Robotic presence includes tracks and boot prints.

At least six different countries have plans to launch lunar missions, including the United States, which is aiming to return humans to the moon through NASA’s Artemis program by 2024.

The act also includes a non-binding suggestion that the executive branch should draft an international agreement that would hold other nations to the same promise.

The US is planning to send the first woman to Moon by 20254 through it's ambitious NASA's project the Artemis Project.

The United States has become the first country to pass a law that aims to protect human artefacts in space. The law -- 'One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act' -- was passed by the Congress on December 31.

The United States has become the first country to pass a law that aims to protect human artefacts in space. The law -- 'One Small Step to Protect Human Heritage in Space Act' -- was passed by the Congress on December 31. According to it, early remnants of human exploration in the space -- historic objects and traces from the first missions to the moon -- including Neil Armstrong’s boot print, are now protected by law. The law was introduced to mark the 50th anniversary of the first moon landing, and it officially establishes a perimeter around Tranquility Base – the site of the Apollo 11 landing – as well as the five other lunar landing sites visited by various Apollo missions between 1969 and 1972. According to UNILAD, Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson of Texas, chair of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, who was responsible for introducing the Bill in the House said that the law aims to 'protect and preserve the historic and scientific value of US government lunar artifacts' at a time when the lunar surface is increasingly growing crowded with multiple space missions competing over each other. When the bill was first introduced in the Senate in 2019 it only extended protection to Tranquility Base, the Apollo 11 landing site. The objects covered by the new law include artefacts in six ‘keep out zones’, such as vehicles and equipment, remnants of experiments, and traces of human and robotic presence. Robotic presence includes tracks and boot prints. At least six different countries have plans to launch lunar missions, including the United States, which is aiming to return humans to the moon through NASA’s Artemis program by 2024. The act also includes a non-binding suggestion that the executive branch should draft an international agreement that would hold other nations to the same promise. The US is planning to send the first woman to Moon by 20254 through it's ambitious NASA's project the Artemis Project.

Apollo sites on the Moon are now protected from future missions by US law

NASA's deep space exploration rocket built by Boeing Saturday cut short a crucial test to advance a years-delayed US government programme to return humans to the moon in the next few years by briefly igniting all four engines of its behemoth core stage for the first time.

The engine test, the last leg of NASA’s nearly year-long “Green Run” test campaign, was a vital step for the space agency and its top SLS contractor Boeing before a debut unmanned launch later this year under NASA’s Artemis programme, the Trump administration’s push to return US astronauts to the moon by 2024.

Mounted in a test facility at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Space Launch System’s (SLS) 212-foot tall core stage roared to life at 4:27 pm local time (2227 GMT) for just over a minute — well short of the roughly four minutes engineers needed to stay on track for the rocket's first launch in November this year.

NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said at a press conference after the test that "we got lots of data that we're going to be able to sort through" to determine if a do-over is needed and whether a November 2021 debut launch date is still possible.

It was unclear whether Boeing and NASA would have to repeat the test, a prospect that could push the debut launch into 2022. NASA's SLS programme manager John Honeycutt, cautioning the data review from the test is ongoing, told reporters the turnaround time for another hot fire test could be roughly one month.

To simulate internal conditions of a real liftoff, the rocket’s four Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 engines ignited for roughly one minute and 15 seconds, generating 1.6 million pounds of thrust and consuming 700,000 gallons of propellants on NASA’s largest test stand, a massive facility towering 35 storeys tall.

The expendable super heavy-lift SLS is three years behind schedule and nearly $3 billion over budget. Critics have long argued for NASA to retire the rocket’s shuttle-era core technologies, which have launch costs of $1 billion or more per mission, in favour of newer commercial alternatives that promise lower costs.

By comparison, it costs as little as $90 million to fly the massive but less powerful Falcon Heavy rocket designed and manufactured by Elon Musk's SpaceX, and some $350 million per launch for United Launch Alliance's legacy Delta IV Heavy.

While newer, more reusable rockets from both companies - SpaceX's Starship and United Launch Alliance's Vulcan - promise heavier lift capacity than the Falcon Heavy or Delta IV Heavy potentially at lower cost, SLS backers argue it would take two or more launches on those rockets to launch what the SLS could carry in a single mission.

(with inputs)

NASA's deep space exploration rocket built by Boeing Saturday cut short a crucial test to advance a years-delayed US government programme to return humans to the moon in the next few years by briefly igniting all four engines of its behemoth core stage for the first time.

NASA's deep space exploration rocket built by Boeing Saturday cut short a crucial test to advance a years-delayed US government programme to return humans to the moon in the next few years by briefly igniting all four engines of its behemoth core stage for the first time. The engine test, the last leg of NASA’s nearly year-long “Green Run” test campaign, was a vital step for the space agency and its top SLS contractor Boeing before a debut unmanned launch later this year under NASA’s Artemis programme, the Trump administration’s push to return US astronauts to the moon by 2024. Mounted in a test facility at NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, the Space Launch System’s (SLS) 212-foot tall core stage roared to life at 4:27 pm local time (2227 GMT) for just over a minute — well short of the roughly four minutes engineers needed to stay on track for the rocket's first launch in November this year. NASA administrator Jim Bridenstine said at a press conference after the test that "we got lots of data that we're going to be able to sort through" to determine if a do-over is needed and whether a November 2021 debut launch date is still possible. It was unclear whether Boeing and NASA would have to repeat the test, a prospect that could push the debut launch into 2022. NASA's SLS programme manager John Honeycutt, cautioning the data review from the test is ongoing, told reporters the turnaround time for another hot fire test could be roughly one month. To simulate internal conditions of a real liftoff, the rocket’s four Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 engines ignited for roughly one minute and 15 seconds, generating 1.6 million pounds of thrust and consuming 700,000 gallons of propellants on NASA’s largest test stand, a massive facility towering 35 storeys tall. The expendable super heavy-lift SLS is three years behind schedule and nearly $3 billion over budget. Critics have long argued for NASA to retire the rocket’s shuttle-era core technologies, which have launch costs of $1 billion or more per mission, in favour of newer commercial alternatives that promise lower costs. By comparison, it costs as little as $90 million to fly the massive but less powerful Falcon Heavy rocket designed and manufactured by Elon Musk's SpaceX, and some $350 million per launch for United Launch Alliance's legacy Delta IV Heavy. While newer, more reusable rockets from both companies - SpaceX's Starship and United Launch Alliance's Vulcan - promise heavier lift capacity than the Falcon Heavy or Delta IV Heavy potentially at lower cost, SLS backers argue it would take two or more launches on those rockets to launch what the SLS could carry in a single mission. (with inputs)

NASA's Boeing moon rocket cuts short rare ground test

China will share data and samples from the moon obtained by its Chang`e 5 probe on the basis of international conventions though "unfortunate" U.S. restrictions on cooperation might prevent it getting any, the deputy head of its space agency said.

The probe landed in the northern region of Inner Mongolia in the early hours of Thursday, bringing back the first lunar rocks and soil retrieved by any country since the 1970s and making China the third country ever to obtain lunar samples.

The material collected during the Chang`e-5 mission, named after the mythical Chinese goddess of the moon, will further scientists` understanding of the moon`s origins.

The mission also tested China`s ability to remotely acquire samples from space, ahead of more complex missions in the solar system.

"In accordance with international cooperation conventions and multilateral and bilateral cooperation pacts, we will issue rules on managing the moon samples and data," said Wu Yanhua, deputy head of the China National Space Administration.

"We will share with the relevant countries and scientists overseas, and some of them may be given as national gifts in accordance with international practices."

When asked if China would share any samples with the United States, which limits its NASA space agency from directly cooperating with China, Wu said existing U.S. restrictions were "unfortunate".

"The Chinese government is willing to share lunar samples with like-minded institutions and scientists from various countries," Wu said.

"To be able to cooperate or not depends on U.S. policy," Wu said.

China was willing to cooperate with U.S. agencies and scientists on the basis of equal benefit and win-win cooperation, he said.

China has not disclosed the amount of samples that it had retrieved. The plan was to collect 2 kg (4.41 lb) of rocks and soil.

"We will announce this soon," Hu Hao, chief designer of the third phase of China`s lunar exploration programme, told Reuters on the sidelines of the briefing.

"We have not taken them out (of the probe) yet."

China will share data and samples from the moon obtained by its Chang`e 5 probe on the basis of international conventions though "unfortunate" U.S. restrictions on cooperation might prevent it getting any, the deputy head of its space agency said.

China will share data and samples from the moon obtained by its Chang`e 5 probe on the basis of international conventions though "unfortunate" U.S. restrictions on cooperation might prevent it getting any, the deputy head of its space agency said. The probe landed in the northern region of Inner Mongolia in the early hours of Thursday, bringing back the first lunar rocks and soil retrieved by any country since the 1970s and making China the third country ever to obtain lunar samples. The material collected during the Chang`e-5 mission, named after the mythical Chinese goddess of the moon, will further scientists` understanding of the moon`s origins. The mission also tested China`s ability to remotely acquire samples from space, ahead of more complex missions in the solar system. "In accordance with international cooperation conventions and multilateral and bilateral cooperation pacts, we will issue rules on managing the moon samples and data," said Wu Yanhua, deputy head of the China National Space Administration. "We will share with the relevant countries and scientists overseas, and some of them may be given as national gifts in accordance with international practices." When asked if China would share any samples with the United States, which limits its NASA space agency from directly cooperating with China, Wu said existing U.S. restrictions were "unfortunate". "The Chinese government is willing to share lunar samples with like-minded institutions and scientists from various countries," Wu said. "To be able to cooperate or not depends on U.S. policy," Wu said. China was willing to cooperate with U.S. agencies and scientists on the basis of equal benefit and win-win cooperation, he said. China has not disclosed the amount of samples that it had retrieved. The plan was to collect 2 kg (4.41 lb) of rocks and soil. "We will announce this soon," Hu Hao, chief designer of the third phase of China`s lunar exploration programme, told Reuters on the sidelines of the briefing. "We have not taken them out (of the probe) yet."

China says will share lunar samples with other countries

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

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

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

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

A Chinese probe carrying samples from the lunar surface successfully docked Sunday with a spacecraft orbiting the moon. The manoeuvre was a part of the ambitious Chang'e-5 mission to bring back the first lunar samples in four decades.&nbsp;

The cargo capsule carrying lunar rocks and soil lifted off from the surface on Thursday, and docked with the orbiter on Sunday morning, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said.

The official Xinhua news agency said it was China's first "rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit". The cargo capsule's departure from the lunar surface on Thursday was also a first: the first liftoff of a Chinese craft from an extraterrestrial body.

The capsule transferred the moon samples to the orbiter, which will separate and return to Earth, Xinhua said.

China is looking to catch up with the United States and Russia after taking decades to match their achievements, and has poured billions into its military-run space programme. Its space agency said previously that "before liftoff, the Chinese flag was raised on the moon's surface".

If the return journey is successful, China will become only the third country to have retrieved samples from the Moon, following the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s.

(with inputs)

A Chinese probe carrying samples from the lunar surface successfully docked Sunday with a spacecraft orbiting the moon. The manoeuvre was a part of the ambitious Chang'e-5 mission to bring back the first lunar samples in four decades.

A Chinese probe carrying samples from the lunar surface successfully docked Sunday with a spacecraft orbiting the moon. The manoeuvre was a part of the ambitious Chang'e-5 mission to bring back the first lunar samples in four decades. The cargo capsule carrying lunar rocks and soil lifted off from the surface on Thursday, and docked with the orbiter on Sunday morning, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said. The official Xinhua news agency said it was China's first "rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit". The cargo capsule's departure from the lunar surface on Thursday was also a first: the first liftoff of a Chinese craft from an extraterrestrial body. The capsule transferred the moon samples to the orbiter, which will separate and return to Earth, Xinhua said. China is looking to catch up with the United States and Russia after taking decades to match their achievements, and has poured billions into its military-run space programme. Its space agency said previously that "before liftoff, the Chinese flag was raised on the moon's surface". If the return journey is successful, China will become only the third country to have retrieved samples from the Moon, following the United States and the Soviet Union in the 1960s and 1970s. (with inputs)

China completes its first-ever docking in lunar orbit

China's Chang'e-5 lunar vehicle has finished collecting samples of lunar rocks and soil ahead of schedule.

China launched a robotic spacecraft on November 24 to bring back rocks from the moon in the first bid by any country to retrieve samples since 1976.

The robotic vehicle has stored the samples and will now dock with the orbiting Chang'e-5 for the return journey to Earth, the country's space agency said on Thursday.

The sample collection was completed after 19 hours, the space agency said in its statement, without disclosing the total weight of the samples collected.

Late on Tuesday, the Chang'e-5 spacecraft successfully deployed a pair of landing and ascending vehicles onto the moon's surface. The plan was to collect 2 kg (4.4 pounds) of samples. China had planned to collect the samples over a period of about two days, with the entire mission taking around 23 days.

The ascending vehicle would lift off from the lunar surface with the samples, and dock with a module currently orbiting around the moon. The samples would then be transferred to a return capsule onboard the orbiting module for delivery back to Earth.

If successful, the mission will make China only the third country to have retrieved lunar samples after the United States and the Soviet Union.

China made its first lunar landing in 2013.

In January 2019, the Chang'e-4 probe landed on the far side of the moon, the first space probe from any nation to do so.

China's Chang'e-5 lunar vehicle has finished collecting samples of lunar rocks and soil ahead of schedule. China launched a robotic spacecraft on November 24 to bring back rocks from the moon in the first bid by any country to retrieve samples since 1976.

China's Chang'e-5 lunar vehicle has finished collecting samples of lunar rocks and soil ahead of schedule. China launched a robotic spacecraft on November 24 to bring back rocks from the moon in the first bid by any country to retrieve samples since 1976. The robotic vehicle has stored the samples and will now dock with the orbiting Chang'e-5 for the return journey to Earth, the country's space agency said on Thursday. The sample collection was completed after 19 hours, the space agency said in its statement, without disclosing the total weight of the samples collected. Late on Tuesday, the Chang'e-5 spacecraft successfully deployed a pair of landing and ascending vehicles onto the moon's surface. The plan was to collect 2 kg (4.4 pounds) of samples. China had planned to collect the samples over a period of about two days, with the entire mission taking around 23 days. The ascending vehicle would lift off from the lunar surface with the samples, and dock with a module currently orbiting around the moon. The samples would then be transferred to a return capsule onboard the orbiting module for delivery back to Earth. If successful, the mission will make China only the third country to have retrieved lunar samples after the United States and the Soviet Union. China made its first lunar landing in 2013. In January 2019, the Chang'e-4 probe landed on the far side of the moon, the first space probe from any nation to do so.

China completes lunar sample collection ahead of schedule

China is slated to launch an unmanned spacecraft to the moon this week to bring back lunar rocks in the first attempt by any nation in decades.

The mission will test China's ability to remotely acquire samples from space, ahead of more complex missions. If successful, the mission will make China only the third country to have retrieved lunar samples, following the United States and the Soviet Union.

The Chang'e-5 probe, named after the ancient Chinese goddess of the moon, will seek to collect material that can help scientists understand more about the moon's origins and formation.&nbsp;

China's probe, scheduled to launch in coming days, will attempt to collect 2 kg (4 1/2 pounds) of samples in a previously unvisited area in a massive lava plain known as Oceanus Procellarum, or "Ocean of Storms".

The Chang'e-5 mission may help answer questions such as how long the moon remained volcanically active in its interior and when its magnetic field - key to protecting any form of life from the sun's radiation - dissipated.

CHINA'S MISSION

Once in the moon's orbit, the probe will aim to deploy a pair of vehicles to the surface: a lander will drill into the ground, then transfer its soil and rock samples to an ascender that will lift off and dock with an orbiting module.

If this is successful, the samples will be transferred to a return capsule that will return them to Earth.

China made its first lunar landing in 2013. In January 2019, the Chang'e-4 probe touched down on the far side of the moon, the first by any nation's space probe.

Within the next decade, China plans to establish a robotic base station to conduct unmanned exploration in the south polar region.

It is to be developed through the Chang'e-6,7 and 8 missions through the 2020s and expanded through the 2030s ahead of manned landings.

China plans to retrieve samples from Mars by 2030.

In July, China launched an unmanned probe to Mars in its first independent mission to another planet.

PREVIOUS MISSIONS

Since the Soviet Union crash-landed the Luna 2 on the moon in 1959, the first human-made object to reach another celestial body, a handful of other countries including Japan and India have launched moon missions.

In the Apollo programme, which first put men on the moon, the United States landed 12 astronauts over six flights from 1969 to 1972, bringing back 382 kg (842 pounds) of rocks and soil.

The Soviet Union deployed three successful robotic sample return missions in the 1970s. The last, the Luna 24, retrieved 170.1 grams (6 ounces) of samples in 1976 from Mare Crisium, or "Sea of Crises".

China is slated to launch an unmanned spacecraft to the moon this week to bring back lunar rocks in the first attempt by any nation in decades. The mission will test China's ability to remotely acquire samples from space, ahead of more complex missions.

China is slated to launch an unmanned spacecraft to the moon this week to bring back lunar rocks in the first attempt by any nation in decades. The mission will test China's ability to remotely acquire samples from space, ahead of more complex missions. If successful, the mission will make China only the third country to have retrieved lunar samples, following the United States and the Soviet Union. The Chang'e-5 probe, named after the ancient Chinese goddess of the moon, will seek to collect material that can help scientists understand more about the moon's origins and formation. China's probe, scheduled to launch in coming days, will attempt to collect 2 kg (4 1/2 pounds) of samples in a previously unvisited area in a massive lava plain known as Oceanus Procellarum, or "Ocean of Storms". The Chang'e-5 mission may help answer questions such as how long the moon remained volcanically active in its interior and when its magnetic field - key to protecting any form of life from the sun's radiation - dissipated. CHINA'S MISSION Once in the moon's orbit, the probe will aim to deploy a pair of vehicles to the surface: a lander will drill into the ground, then transfer its soil and rock samples to an ascender that will lift off and dock with an orbiting module. If this is successful, the samples will be transferred to a return capsule that will return them to Earth. China made its first lunar landing in 2013. In January 2019, the Chang'e-4 probe touched down on the far side of the moon, the first by any nation's space probe. Within the next decade, China plans to establish a robotic base station to conduct unmanned exploration in the south polar region. It is to be developed through the Chang'e-6,7 and 8 missions through the 2020s and expanded through the 2030s ahead of manned landings. China plans to retrieve samples from Mars by 2030. In July, China launched an unmanned probe to Mars in its first independent mission to another planet. PREVIOUS MISSIONS Since the Soviet Union crash-landed the Luna 2 on the moon in 1959, the first human-made object to reach another celestial body, a handful of other countries including Japan and India have launched moon missions. In the Apollo programme, which first put men on the moon, the United States landed 12 astronauts over six flights from 1969 to 1972, bringing back 382 kg (842 pounds) of rocks and soil. The Soviet Union deployed three successful robotic sample return missions in the 1970s. The last, the Luna 24, retrieved 170.1 grams (6 ounces) of samples in 1976 from Mare Crisium, or "Sea of Crises".

China to launch unmanned spacecraft to the moon this week

A firm in the UK has won a European Space Agency contract to develop the technology to turn moon dust and rocks into oxygen.

The said process will leave behind aluminium, iron and other metal powders for lunar construction workers to build with.

This process, if proved successful, stands to pave the way for extraction facilities on the moon that make oxygen and valuable materials on the surface.

Analyses of rocks brought back from the moon reveal that oxygen makes up about 45% of the material by weight. The remainder is largely iron, aluminium and silicon.

In a separate study published this year, researchers found they could extract 96% of the oxygen from simulated lunar soil, leaving useful metal alloy powders behind.

The Esa contract will fund Metalysis for nine months to perfect an electrochemical process that releases oxygen from lunar dust and rocks by sending an electrical current through the material.

The process, already used on Earth, released oxygen as a byproduct of mineral extraction. To make it work for lunar explorers, the oxygen must be captured and stored.

Under the contract, the firm will try to boost the yield and purity of oxygen and metals from the rock.

The oxygen released from the lunar surface can be combined with other gases to produce breathable air.

A firm in the UK has won a European Space Agency contract to develop the technology to turn moon dust and rocks into oxygen. The said process will leave behind aluminium, iron and other metal powders for lunar construction workers to build with.

A firm in the UK has won a European Space Agency contract to develop the technology to turn moon dust and rocks into oxygen. The said process will leave behind aluminium, iron and other metal powders for lunar construction workers to build with. This process, if proved successful, stands to pave the way for extraction facilities on the moon that make oxygen and valuable materials on the surface. Analyses of rocks brought back from the moon reveal that oxygen makes up about 45% of the material by weight. The remainder is largely iron, aluminium and silicon. In a separate study published this year, researchers found they could extract 96% of the oxygen from simulated lunar soil, leaving useful metal alloy powders behind. The Esa contract will fund Metalysis for nine months to perfect an electrochemical process that releases oxygen from lunar dust and rocks by sending an electrical current through the material. The process, already used on Earth, released oxygen as a byproduct of mineral extraction. To make it work for lunar explorers, the oxygen must be captured and stored. Under the contract, the firm will try to boost the yield and purity of oxygen and metals from the rock. The oxygen released from the lunar surface can be combined with other gases to produce breathable air.

UK firm plans to turn moon rock into oxygen, building materials

Researchers have developed a process to make bricks on the moon for habitation.

The research was led by a team of scientists from the premier Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

The Indian space agency launched two unmanned missions to the moon in 2008 and 2019 as part of its inter-planetary exploration to study the earth's natural satellite, though it failed to land on the lunar surface.

The making of space bricks brings biology and mechanical engineering together and using them to assemble structure for habitation on the moon's surface.

As guar gum is used instead of cement for structures, space bricks will also lower carbon footprint in the lunar atmosphere.

Since micro-organisms produce minerals through metabolism, one bacterium called 'sporosarcina pasteurii' can be used to form calcium carbonate crystals through a metabolic pathway called the ureolytic cycle.

The team mixed the bacteria with a simulant of lunar soil and added urea and calcium with gum extracted from guar beans to increase the strength of the material for carbonate precipitation. The product after a few days of incubation was strong and resilient.

The expertise can also be used to make interlocking structures for construction on the moon without additional fastening mechanism.

The scientists also plan to enhance the strength of the bricks and test them under varied loading conditions like impacts and possibly moonquakes.

Researchers have developed a process to make bricks on the moon for habitation. The research was led by a team of scientists from the premier Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Researchers have developed a process to make bricks on the moon for habitation. The research was led by a team of scientists from the premier Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the state-run Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The Indian space agency launched two unmanned missions to the moon in 2008 and 2019 as part of its inter-planetary exploration to study the earth's natural satellite, though it failed to land on the lunar surface. The making of space bricks brings biology and mechanical engineering together and using them to assemble structure for habitation on the moon's surface. As guar gum is used instead of cement for structures, space bricks will also lower carbon footprint in the lunar atmosphere. Since micro-organisms produce minerals through metabolism, one bacterium called 'sporosarcina pasteurii' can be used to form calcium carbonate crystals through a metabolic pathway called the ureolytic cycle. The team mixed the bacteria with a simulant of lunar soil and added urea and calcium with gum extracted from guar beans to increase the strength of the material for carbonate precipitation. The product after a few days of incubation was strong and resilient. The expertise can also be used to make interlocking structures for construction on the moon without additional fastening mechanism. The scientists also plan to enhance the strength of the bricks and test them under varied loading conditions like impacts and possibly moonquakes.

Indian scientists develop space bricks for lunar habitation

NASA is calling on innovators from around the world to develop a new space toilet that would work not just in microgravity such as aboard the ISS.

The big challenge of moon missions; How do astronauts answer nature's call?

Amid the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/covid-19-outbreak-why-china-is-wrong-to-blame-india-for-rejecting-the-faulty-test-kits-296781">coronavirus</a> pandemic, China on Tuesday successfully test-fired the Long March 5B rocket which took off from the Wenchang launch site on the southern island of Hainan.

The rocket is capable of operating a permanent space station and send astronauts to the Moon, according to the country's Xinhua news agency.

Yang Qing, designer of the spaceship with the China Academy of Space Technology told the Xinhua news agency that "the mission will test the key technologies of the new manned spaceship such as the control of its re-entry into the atmosphere, heat shielding and recovery technology."

China's earlier launch of 7A model in March and 3B model in April had failed.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, China on Tuesday successfully test-fired the Long March 5B rocket which took off from the Wenchang launch site on the southern island of Hainan.

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, China on Tuesday successfully test-fired the Long March 5B rocket which took off from the Wenchang launch site on the southern island of Hainan. The rocket is capable of operating a permanent space station and send astronauts to the Moon, according to the country's Xinhua news agency. Yang Qing, designer of the spaceship with the China Academy of Space Technology told the Xinhua news agency that "the mission will test the key technologies of the new manned spaceship such as the control of its re-entry into the atmosphere, heat shielding and recovery technology." China's earlier launch of 7A model in March and 3B model in April had failed.

Amid coronavirus pandemic, China eyes moon trip with successful rocket launch

China's lunar rover Yutu-2, or Jade Rabbit-2, that has become the first rover to land on the far side of the moon, is unveiling new lunar secrets, according to a study.&nbsp;

The Chang'e 4 spacecraft landed on Moon on January 2, 2019, becoming the first probe to reach moon's far wide surface that has always turned away from the Earth.&nbsp;

Watch: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-chinas-lunar-rover-change-4-begins-work-shows-moon-landscape-189503">China's lunar rover Chang'e-4 begins work, shows Moon landscape</a>

Jade Rabbit-2 that has completed more than a year on the lunar surface, is revealing new insights about it, as per the study published on Wednesday in the journal Science Advances.

The study conducted by a research team led by Li Chunlai and Su Yan at the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) sheds light on what exists below the lunar surface.

The rover found out that the crater is full of loose deposits of pulverized rock and dust, 40 feet thick, similar to what astronauts from Apollo mission discovered.&nbsp;

Jade Rabbit-2 consists of Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR), through which it could probe the moon using radio signals to a depth of 131 feet beneath lunar surface. Its depth was three times that of China's previous mission, Chang'E-3.

The results from the LPR during the first two lunar days of the operation provide the first electromagnetic image of the subsurface structure of the far side of the Moon and the first "ground truth" of the stratigraphic architecture of an ejecta deposit, said Chunlai.&nbsp;

"The first layer is a fine 12-meter soil layer below the surface. The second layer between 12 and 24 meters under the ground has a lot of stones and the strongest radar echo. It even forms a stone layer and stacks of loose stones. There are three gravel stacks. The third layer is 24-40 meters under the surface. Radar echo shows its dark and bright parts, so there are granules and scattered stones," said Su Yan.&nbsp;

Embedded boulders, in a lot of sizes, were found along with porous, granular material, which is likely caused as the moon was often hit by meteors and other debris during the initial days of our solar system. &nbsp;

Scientists have now been trying to understand the composition of the lunar mantle, which exists between the crust and the core, and when asteroids and other objects collide with the moon, the crust is cracked and pieces of the mantle reach the surface.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Chang'e 4 rover is continuing its probe and the team is working out the possibility of bringing back samples to Earth.&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs)

China's lunar rover Yutu-2, or Jade Rabbit-2, that has become the first rover to land on the far side of the moon, is unveiling new lunar secrets, according to a study.

China's lunar rover Yutu-2, or Jade Rabbit-2, that has become the first rover to land on the far side of the moon, is unveiling new lunar secrets, according to a study. The Chang'e 4 spacecraft landed on Moon on January 2, 2019, becoming the first probe to reach moon's far wide surface that has always turned away from the Earth. Watch: China's lunar rover Chang'e-4 begins work, shows Moon landscape Jade Rabbit-2 that has completed more than a year on the lunar surface, is revealing new insights about it, as per the study published on Wednesday in the journal Science Advances. The study conducted by a research team led by Li Chunlai and Su Yan at the National Astronomical Observatories of China (NAOC) sheds light on what exists below the lunar surface. The rover found out that the crater is full of loose deposits of pulverized rock and dust, 40 feet thick, similar to what astronauts from Apollo mission discovered. Jade Rabbit-2 consists of Lunar Penetrating Radar (LPR), through which it could probe the moon using radio signals to a depth of 131 feet beneath lunar surface. Its depth was three times that of China's previous mission, Chang'E-3. The results from the LPR during the first two lunar days of the operation provide the first electromagnetic image of the subsurface structure of the far side of the Moon and the first "ground truth" of the stratigraphic architecture of an ejecta deposit, said Chunlai. "The first layer is a fine 12-meter soil layer below the surface. The second layer between 12 and 24 meters under the ground has a lot of stones and the strongest radar echo. It even forms a stone layer and stacks of loose stones. There are three gravel stacks. The third layer is 24-40 meters under the surface. Radar echo shows its dark and bright parts, so there are granules and scattered stones," said Su Yan. Embedded boulders, in a lot of sizes, were found along with porous, granular material, which is likely caused as the moon was often hit by meteors and other debris during the initial days of our solar system. Scientists have now been trying to understand the composition of the lunar mantle, which exists between the crust and the core, and when asteroids and other objects collide with the moon, the crust is cracked and pieces of the mantle reach the surface. Meanwhile, Chang'e 4 rover is continuing its probe and the team is working out the possibility of bringing back samples to Earth. (With Reuters inputs)

Chang'e 4 rover reveals new details of the lunar surface

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa grabbed eyeballs when a few days ago he gave an advertisement&nbsp;that said he was in search of a girlfriend to accompany him on a voyage around moon in a SpaceX rocket.

As per the advertisement, the entrepreneur is looking for a "single woman aged 20 or over". The matchmaking exercise will also be streamed on the internet.&nbsp;

But who is Maezawa? Here's an article to declutter all your questions related to this flamboyant entrepreneur.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/billionaire-maezawa-seeks-for-a-life-partner-for-moon-spacex-voyage-273811">Fly me to the moon: Japanese billionaire Maezawa seeks girlfriend for SpaceX voyage</a>

Who is Yusaku Maezawa?&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Maezawa, is a former chief of online fashion company Zozo, Japan's largest fashion retailer. He sold the company last year to Yahoo! for purchasing pricey art. Maezawa came to fore in 2018 when it was announced that he would be the first private passenger to fly around the moon by 
Elon Musk's SpaceX. The entrepreneur is also known for his flamboyant purchases.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wanted-girlfriend-to-travel-to-the-moon-with-japanese-billionaire-274011/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">How did he become so rich?&nbsp;</div>

As per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Maezawa has a net worth of $3.6 billion. Zozotown, an e-commerce website for Japanese and Western brands largely contributed to Maezawa's wealth. Zozotown is the largest mall in Japan and features nearly 7,300 brands.&nbsp;

Maezawa sold his 30 per cent stake from the company last year in September to Yahoo Japan, which is owned by SoftBank, for $2.3 billion.&nbsp;

Why did he want to take a girlfriend for a moon voyage?

Maezawa recently split up with actress girlfriend Ayame Goriki. He said that "as feelings of loneliness and emptiness slowly begin to surge upon me", he wants to continue "love one woman". "I want to find a 'life partner'. "With that future partner of mine, I want to shout our love and world 
peace from outer space."&nbsp;

How will Maezawa select his girlfriend?

The billionaire will feature in the documentary titled "Full Moon Lovers", which will stream on AbemaTV. Applicants must "be interested in going into space and able to participate in the preparation for it" and "be someone who wishes for world peace", as per the website inviting applications.&nbsp;

The girlfriend-hunt exercise will be shown in this documentary.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa grabbed eyeballs when a few days ago he gave an advertisement that said he was in search of a girlfriend to accompany him on a voyage around moon in a SpaceX rocket.

Japanese billionaire Yusaku Maezawa grabbed eyeballs when a few days ago he gave an advertisement that said he was in search of a girlfriend to accompany him on a voyage around moon in a SpaceX rocket. As per the advertisement, the entrepreneur is looking for a "single woman aged 20 or over". The matchmaking exercise will also be streamed on the internet. But who is Maezawa? Here's an article to declutter all your questions related to this flamboyant entrepreneur. Also read: Fly me to the moon: Japanese billionaire Maezawa seeks girlfriend for SpaceX voyage Who is Yusaku Maezawa? Maezawa, is a former chief of online fashion company Zozo, Japan's largest fashion retailer. He sold the company last year to Yahoo! for purchasing pricey art. Maezawa came to fore in 2018 when it was announced that he would be the first private passenger to fly around the moon by Elon Musk's SpaceX. The entrepreneur is also known for his flamboyant purchases. Watch: How did he become so rich? As per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Maezawa has a net worth of $3.6 billion. Zozotown, an e-commerce website for Japanese and Western brands largely contributed to Maezawa's wealth. Zozotown is the largest mall in Japan and features nearly 7,300 brands. Maezawa sold his 30 per cent stake from the company last year in September to Yahoo Japan, which is owned by SoftBank, for $2.3 billion. Why did he want to take a girlfriend for a moon voyage? Maezawa recently split up with actress girlfriend Ayame Goriki. He said that "as feelings of loneliness and emptiness slowly begin to surge upon me", he wants to continue "love one woman". "I want to find a 'life partner'. "With that future partner of mine, I want to shout our love and world peace from outer space." How will Maezawa select his girlfriend? The billionaire will feature in the documentary titled "Full Moon Lovers", which will stream on AbemaTV. Applicants must "be interested in going into space and able to participate in the preparation for it" and "be someone who wishes for world peace", as per the website inviting applications. The girlfriend-hunt exercise will be shown in this documentary.

Who is Japanese billionaire Maezawa seeking girlfriend for Moon voyage

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-investigating-first-crime-committed-in-space-report-245418">National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)</a> on Monday earmarked almost $3 billion to Lockheed Martin to build three Orion capsules, to allow US astronauts to return to the moon by 2024.

The megadeal calls for the&nbsp;first phase including three capsules for $2.7 billion, for Artemis missions III to V - to take astronauts back to the moon.

Each capsule can carry four astronauts.

The space agency plans to order three more capsules during the fiscal year 2022 for missions VI to VIII, for a total of $1.9 billion, said a NASA statement.

Six other capsules can be ordered later.

"This contract secures Orion production through the next decade, demonstrating NASA's commitment to establishing a sustainable presence at the Moon to bring back new knowledge and prepare for sending astronauts to Mars," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine.

The Orion capsule must be able to take astronauts to the Moon and bring them back, and it must also be capable of travelling to Mars and beyond.

"Orion is a highly capable, state-of-the-art spacecraft, designed specifically for deep space missions with astronauts, and an integral part of NASA's infrastructure for Artemis missions and future exploration of the solar system," Bridenstine added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-to-open-international-space-station-to-tourists-from-2020-225333">NASA </a>believes that ordering in groups of three capsules - up to a dozen of which are now envisaged &nbsp;-&nbsp;should help it save money.

The service module - the part of the ship that has the main elements to keep astronauts alive during their flight - is the responsibility of the European Space Agency.

Orion capsules must also be reusable at least once.

In addition to the capsule that will orbit around the Moon attached to a mini-station (the Gateway), NASA has asked the aerospace sector at the end of July to propose detailed vehicle projects to land two astronauts on the Moon by 2024, including the first woman.

For now, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasa-unveils-schedule-for-artemis-2024-moon-mission-221139">Artemis programme</a> is running behind schedule, mainly because of the construction delays of the SLS heavy rocket, piloted by NASA.

The flight of the Artemis I mission - unmanned - is scheduled for 2020. The first manned Artemis II flight is scheduled for 2022.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Monday earmarked almost $3 billion to Lockheed Martin to build three Orion capsules, to allow US astronauts to return to the moon by 2024.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) on Monday earmarked almost $3 billion to Lockheed Martin to build three Orion capsules, to allow US astronauts to return to the moon by 2024. The megadeal calls for the first phase including three capsules for $2.7 billion, for Artemis missions III to V - to take astronauts back to the moon. Each capsule can carry four astronauts. The space agency plans to order three more capsules during the fiscal year 2022 for missions VI to VIII, for a total of $1.9 billion, said a NASA statement. Six other capsules can be ordered later. "This contract secures Orion production through the next decade, demonstrating NASA's commitment to establishing a sustainable presence at the Moon to bring back new knowledge and prepare for sending astronauts to Mars," said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. The Orion capsule must be able to take astronauts to the Moon and bring them back, and it must also be capable of travelling to Mars and beyond. "Orion is a highly capable, state-of-the-art spacecraft, designed specifically for deep space missions with astronauts, and an integral part of NASA's infrastructure for Artemis missions and future exploration of the solar system," Bridenstine added. NASA believes that ordering in groups of three capsules - up to a dozen of which are now envisaged - should help it save money. The service module - the part of the ship that has the main elements to keep astronauts alive during their flight - is the responsibility of the European Space Agency. Orion capsules must also be reusable at least once. In addition to the capsule that will orbit around the Moon attached to a mini-station (the Gateway), NASA has asked the aerospace sector at the end of July to propose detailed vehicle projects to land two astronauts on the Moon by 2024, including the first woman. For now, the Artemis programme is running behind schedule, mainly because of the construction delays of the SLS heavy rocket, piloted by NASA. The flight of the Artemis I mission - unmanned - is scheduled for 2020. The first manned Artemis II flight is scheduled for 2022.

NASA in megadeal with Lockheed Martin for moon missions

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