<p>Earth was seen engaged in a rare cosmic event last week when two huge asteroids made a flyby at a very close distance from the planet.</p>

<p>The asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, did not come so close to Earth to pose a hazard to the planet. However, both of them were within range of radar imaging systems.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two asteroids were tracked by the scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was found that one of the asteroids had a little moon orbiting it and the astronomers spotted the other only 13 days before it made its&nbsp;closest approach&nbsp;to Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The asteroids passed near the Earth on June 27. They made a flyby at a distance of 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometres) which is 17 times the distance between the Earth and the moon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroids-thrashing-mars-more-than-ever-thought-leaving-craters-on-red-planet-736281">Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet</a></p>

<p>In 2011, the asteroid 2011 UL21 was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey in Tucson, Arizona.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The term ‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroid’ (PHA) is a precise formal definition, referring to minor planets larger than approximately 140 metres [459 feet] that can come within 7.5 million km [4.6 million miles] from the Earth,” said Gianluca Masi, who is an astrophysicist and scientific director of the Virtual Telescope Project, in a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;before the flyby.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In other words, only the largest asteroids capable of approaching close enough to our planet are flagged as PHAs, which does not mean they are going to hit the Earth, but they nonetheless warrant better monitoring," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>NASA says asteroids belonged to a binary system</strong></h2>

<p>NASA's Deep Space Network’s Goldstone planetary radar was closely watching the asteroids and captured it seven times as it moved at a speed of 25 kilometres (16 miles) per second.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km</strong></p>

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<p>NASA got the first chance to image the asteroid by using radar and in that they found that the asteroid belonged to a binary system.</p>

<p>“It is thought that about two-thirds of asteroids of this size are binary systems, and their discovery is particularly important because we can use measurements of their relative positions to estimate their mutual orbits, masses, and densities, which provide key information about how they may have formed,” said Lance Benner, who is a principal scientist at JPL who helped lead the observations, in a&nbsp;statement.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Earth was seen engaged in a rare cosmic event last week when two huge asteroids made a flyby at a very close distance from the planet. The asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, did not come so close to Earth to pose a hazard to the planet.

Earth was seen engaged in a rare cosmic event last week when two huge asteroids made a flyby at a very close distance from the planet. The asteroids, named 2024 MK and 2011 UL21, did not come so close to Earth to pose a hazard to the planet. However, both of them were within range of radar imaging systems. The two asteroids were tracked by the scientists at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. It was found that one of the asteroids had a little moon orbiting it and the astronomers spotted the other only 13 days before it made its closest approach to Earth. The asteroids passed near the Earth on June 27. They made a flyby at a distance of 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometres) which is 17 times the distance between the Earth and the moon. Also Read: Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet In 2011, the asteroid 2011 UL21 was discovered by the Catalina Sky Survey in Tucson, Arizona. “The term ‘Potentially Hazardous Asteroid’ (PHA) is a precise formal definition, referring to minor planets larger than approximately 140 metres [459 feet] that can come within 7.5 million km [4.6 million miles] from the Earth,” said Gianluca Masi, who is an astrophysicist and scientific director of the Virtual Telescope Project, in a statement before the flyby. “In other words, only the largest asteroids capable of approaching close enough to our planet are flagged as PHAs, which does not mean they are going to hit the Earth, but they nonetheless warrant better monitoring," he added. NASA says asteroids belonged to a binary system NASA's Deep Space Network’s Goldstone planetary radar was closely watching the asteroids and captured it seven times as it moved at a speed of 25 kilometres (16 miles) per second. Watch: Asteroid 2024 MK passes Earth at 300,000 km NASA got the first chance to image the asteroid by using radar and in that they found that the asteroid belonged to a binary system. “It is thought that about two-thirds of asteroids of this size are binary systems, and their discovery is particularly important because we can use measurements of their relative positions to estimate their mutual orbits, masses, and densities, which provide key information about how they may have formed,” said Lance Benner, who is a principal scientist at JPL who helped lead the observations, in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA spots large asteroid with moon orbiting it, as it makes close flyby Earth

<p>The hunt for life on Mars has continued for decades as scientists try to find even the slightest hint of the presence of living creatures.</p>

<p>NASA’s&nbsp;Curiosity rover, which has been moving on the surface of Mars, has now spent nearly 12 years solving the mystery of life on the Red Planet.</p>

<p>At the moment, the rover has been digging up samples in a Martian crater and trying to find anything&nbsp;related to life on Mars and beyond.</p>

<h2><strong>Curiosity rover discovers organic matter</strong></h2>

<p>The rover, in a recent discovery, found organic matter which contains carbon isotopes and has left the scientists puzzled.</p>

<p>The presence of such materials on Earth hints at the presence of life. However, on Mars, these can be signs of life&nbsp;or just some chemicals reacting.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/asteroids-thrashing-mars-more-than-ever-thought-leaving-craters-on-red-planet-736281">Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet</a></p>

<p>University of Copenhagen's Department of Chemistry Professor Matthew Johnson said, “Such carbon-based complex molecules are the prerequisite of life, the building blocks of life one might say. So, this is a bit like the old debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg."</p>

<p>However, the experts at the University of Copenhagen and&nbsp;Tokyo Institute of Technology in their collaborative study had a different take on the discovery of organic matter.</p>

<p>According to them, the Martian samples confirmed the theory of atmospheric photolysis on the planet.</p>

<p>“We show that the organic material found on Mars has been formed through atmospheric photochemical reactions – without life that is. This is the ‘egg,’ a prerequisite of life. It still remains to be shown whether or not this organic material&nbsp;resulted in life on the Red Planet,” Professor Johnson said.</p>

<p>As per the study, the rays of the Sun broke down CO2 in the atmosphere of Mars billions of years ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The process is known as photodissociation and it leads to the splitting of the carbon dioxide molecules into carbon monoxide and oxygen.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: China space rocket blows up, causes massive fireball</strong></p>

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<p>After this, the carbon monoxide gets fused with other chemicals which are present in the atmosphere like hydrogen and nitrogen.</p>

<p>Through time, the complex chemical interaction leads to the creation of organic materials which are the building blocks of life.</p>

<p>The new discovery throws light on the planet's ancient atmospheric conditions and also gives valuable insights into the potential of Mars for supporting life.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The hunt for life on Mars has continued for decades as scientists try to find even the slightest hint of the presence of living creatures. NASA’s Curiosity rover, which has been moving on the surface of Mars, has now spent nearly 12 years solving the mystery of life on the Red Planet.

The hunt for life on Mars has continued for decades as scientists try to find even the slightest hint of the presence of living creatures. NASA’s Curiosity rover, which has been moving on the surface of Mars, has now spent nearly 12 years solving the mystery of life on the Red Planet. At the moment, the rover has been digging up samples in a Martian crater and trying to find anything related to life on Mars and beyond. Curiosity rover discovers organic matter The rover, in a recent discovery, found organic matter which contains carbon isotopes and has left the scientists puzzled. The presence of such materials on Earth hints at the presence of life. However, on Mars, these can be signs of life or just some chemicals reacting. Also Read: Asteroids thrashing Mars more than ever thought, leaving craters on Red Planet University of Copenhagen's Department of Chemistry Professor Matthew Johnson said, “Such carbon-based complex molecules are the prerequisite of life, the building blocks of life one might say. So, this is a bit like the old debate about which came first, the chicken or the egg." However, the experts at the University of Copenhagen and Tokyo Institute of Technology in their collaborative study had a different take on the discovery of organic matter. According to them, the Martian samples confirmed the theory of atmospheric photolysis on the planet. “We show that the organic material found on Mars has been formed through atmospheric photochemical reactions – without life that is. This is the ‘egg,’ a prerequisite of life. It still remains to be shown whether or not this organic material resulted in life on the Red Planet,” Professor Johnson said. As per the study, the rays of the Sun broke down CO2 in the atmosphere of Mars billions of years ago. The process is known as photodissociation and it leads to the splitting of the carbon dioxide molecules into carbon monoxide and oxygen. Watch: Gravitas: China space rocket blows up, causes massive fireball After this, the carbon monoxide gets fused with other chemicals which are present in the atmosphere like hydrogen and nitrogen. Through time, the complex chemical interaction leads to the creation of organic materials which are the building blocks of life. The new discovery throws light on the planet's ancient atmospheric conditions and also gives valuable insights into the potential of Mars for supporting life. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA finds organic matter in Mars crater. What does this mean about life on Red Planet?

<p>NASA and SpaceX are working together to find solutions to the issue of debris from the Dragon spacecraft's trunk section surviving re-entry and reaching the ground. This comes after several incidents where debris has been reportedly found in various locations, including Australia, Canada and North Carolina. Initially, the Dragon trunk was expected to fully burn up upon reentry, but recent discoveries have shown that this is not always the case.</p>

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<p>NASA has acknowledged that the models used to predict reentry breakup did not accurately account for the composite materials in the trunk structure, which behave more like a thermal protection system.</p>

<p>To address this problem, NASA and SpaceX are exploring changes to the deorbiting procedures. Currently, the trunk is released before the capsule performs its deorbit burn, allowing the trunk to remain in orbit for months before an uncontrolled reentry.</p>

<p>The agencies are examining the possibility of doing the deorbit burn with the trunk still attached, and then separating it in a way that would ensure any surviving debris lands in unpopulated areas.</p>

<p>This alternative approach presents challenges, such as the need for additional propellant and the precise timing of the trunk separation. However, the teams are confident they can find a solution that will improve the safety and sustainability of SpaceX's space operations.</p>

<p>The issue of falling space debris has gained attention after a piece of an ISS battery rack crashed through the roof of a house in Florida, causing an estimated $80,000 damage.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/malfunctioning-chinese-rocket-tianlong-3-launches-itself-crashes-in-gongyi-hills-736600">Malfunctioning Chinese rocket Tianlong-3 launches itself, crashes in Gongyi hills</a></p>

<p>While no injuries have been reported from the Dragon trunk debris incidents, the potential risks to property and aviation remain a concern.</p>

<h2><strong>Sustainable space operations</strong></h2>

<p>This has prompted calls for NASA to set a precedent of responsible and sustainable space operations by compensating victims, even in cases where no fault is determined.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study</strong></p>

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<p>NASA advised anyone who comes across space debris to avoid handling it and to contact local authorities immediately.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA and SpaceX are working together to find solutions to the issue of debris from the Dragon spacecraft's trunk section surviving re-entry and reaching the ground.

NASA and SpaceX are working together to find solutions to the issue of debris from the Dragon spacecraft's trunk section surviving re-entry and reaching the ground. This comes after several incidents where debris has been reportedly found in various locations, including Australia, Canada and North Carolina. Initially, the Dragon trunk was expected to fully burn up upon reentry, but recent discoveries have shown that this is not always the case. Also Read | Latest underwater discovery can help understand how life might emerge in other worlds NASA has acknowledged that the models used to predict reentry breakup did not accurately account for the composite materials in the trunk structure, which behave more like a thermal protection system. To address this problem, NASA and SpaceX are exploring changes to the deorbiting procedures. Currently, the trunk is released before the capsule performs its deorbit burn, allowing the trunk to remain in orbit for months before an uncontrolled reentry. The agencies are examining the possibility of doing the deorbit burn with the trunk still attached, and then separating it in a way that would ensure any surviving debris lands in unpopulated areas. This alternative approach presents challenges, such as the need for additional propellant and the precise timing of the trunk separation. However, the teams are confident they can find a solution that will improve the safety and sustainability of SpaceX's space operations. The issue of falling space debris has gained attention after a piece of an ISS battery rack crashed through the roof of a house in Florida, causing an estimated $80,000 damage. Also Read | Malfunctioning Chinese rocket Tianlong-3 launches itself, crashes in Gongyi hills While no injuries have been reported from the Dragon trunk debris incidents, the potential risks to property and aviation remain a concern. Sustainable space operations This has prompted calls for NASA to set a precedent of responsible and sustainable space operations by compensating victims, even in cases where no fault is determined. Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study × NASA advised anyone who comes across space debris to avoid handling it and to contact local authorities immediately. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA and SpaceX collaborate to address dragon spacecraft debris concerns

<p>NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi.</p>

<p>The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers.</p>

<p>The concept is based on using a lightweight, compact structure containing dormant fungi that can be activated by adding water, allowing them to grow around the framework and form a fully functional habitat.</p>

<p>This approach could be more feasible than transporting heavy building materials from Earth.</p>

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<p>"As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "NASA's space technology team and the NIAC programme unlock visionary ideas – ideas that make the impossible, possible."</p>

<p>The Mycotecture project has already demonstrated proof-of-concept by developing bricks made from mycelium, yard waste and wood chips.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/antikythera-mechanism-an-ancient-greek-computer-tracked-lunar-calendar-736318">Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar</a></p>

<p>These prototypes have been rigorously tested in a planetary simulator and the team has also drafted detailed design plans for a mycelium-based lunar habitat.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit</strong></p>

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<p>Beyond just providing a structure, the fungal habitat concept also incorporates other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem.</p>

<p>The cyanobacteria can use sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients for the mycelia, while the mycelia provide a sturdy, radiation-shielding home for the astronauts.</p>

<p>"Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions," said John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive. "As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life."</p>

<p>This research could not only benefit future space exploration but also have applications for more sustainable living on Earth.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi. The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers.

NASA has awarded $2 million in funding to a project that aims to grow habitats on the Moon and Mars using fungi. The "Mycotecture Off-Planet" project, led by researchers at NASA's Ames Research Center, is exploring the use of fungal mycelia to construct livable structures for future space explorers. The concept is based on using a lightweight, compact structure containing dormant fungi that can be activated by adding water, allowing them to grow around the framework and form a fully functional habitat. This approach could be more feasible than transporting heavy building materials from Earth. Also Read | Device inspired by Python teeth revolutionises rotator cuff repair surgery "As NASA prepares to explore farther into the cosmos than ever before, it will require new science and technology that doesn't yet exist," said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. "NASA's space technology team and the NIAC programme unlock visionary ideas – ideas that make the impossible, possible." The Mycotecture project has already demonstrated proof-of-concept by developing bricks made from mycelium, yard waste and wood chips. Also Read | Antikythera mechanism, an ancient Greek 'computer' tracked lunar calendar These prototypes have been rigorously tested in a planetary simulator and the team has also drafted detailed design plans for a mycelium-based lunar habitat. Watch | Lancet study claims half of Indian adults are physically unfit × Beyond just providing a structure, the fungal habitat concept also incorporates other lifeforms, such as cyanobacteria, to create a self-sustaining ecosystem. The cyanobacteria can use sunlight to produce oxygen and nutrients for the mycelia, while the mycelia provide a sturdy, radiation-shielding home for the astronauts. "Mycotecture Off Planet exemplifies how concepts can change how we envision future exploration missions," said John Nelson, NIAC Program Executive. "As NASA embarks on the next era of space exploration, NIAC helps the agency lay the necessary groundwork to bring innovative visions to life." This research could not only benefit future space exploration but also have applications for more sustainable living on Earth. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA backs plan to make homes with fungi on Moon and Mars

<p>Boeing's Starliner capsule return journey to Earth has gone on indefinite hold because of new thruster tests' pending results and the ongoing analysis of helium leaks which started during the capsule's journey to the International Space Station, stated NASA on Friday (June 28).</p>

<p>However, the space agency has said that Starliner commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore and his co-pilot Sunita Williams are not "stranded" in space.</p>

<p>"We don't have a targeted (landing) date today," said Steve Stich, who is &nbsp;NASA's Commercial Crew Programme manager, while speaking to the reporters during a teleconference.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeings-starliner-capsule-extends-iss-stay-again-to-assess-helium-system-leaks-thruster-performance-734121">Boeing's Starliner capsule extends ISS stay again, to assess helium system leaks &amp; thruster performance</a></p>

<p>"We're not going to target a specific date until we get that testing completed. So essentially, it's complete the testing, complete the fault tree, bring that analysis into (the mission management team), and then have an agency-level review. And then we'll lay out the rest of the plan from undocking to landing. I think we're on a good path," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>What is the issue with spacecraft?</strong></h2>

<p>NASA and Boeing have been troubled by the Starliner's service module, which has the helium lines, thrusters and other critical systems. It&nbsp;gets discarded before its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and ends getting burnt.</p>

<p>Because of this, engineers will not be able to study the hardware and hence, wish to collect as much data as possible before the two astronauts go back to the Earth.</p>

<p>However, the extended stay of the astronauts at the space station has made it appear to many that they are stranded in orbit.</p>

<p>Boeing's Starliner programme manager Stich and Mark Nappi stated that this is a mischaracterisation.</p>

<h2><strong>Astronauts 'not in any rush to come home': NASA&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>"It's pretty painful to read the things that are out there. We've got a really good test flight...and it's being viewed rather negatively. We're not stuck on ISS. The crew is not in any danger, and there's no increased risk when we decide to bring Suni and Butch back to Earth," Nappi said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA further delays return date of Boeing's Starliner on Earth</strong></p>

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<p>Stich further said that he wants "to make it very clear that Butch and Suni are not stranded in space. Our plan is to continue to return them on Starliner and return them home at the right time. We'll have a little bit more work to do to get there for the final return, but they're safe on the space station. Their spacecraft is working well, and they're enjoying their time on the space station."</p>

<p>“We're not in any rush to come home,” he added.</p>

<p>On June 5, the Starliner was launched on the first piloted test flight of the programme with a known helium leak. The other four leaks happened when the ship was headed to the space station.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Boeing's Starliner capsule return journey to Earth has gone on indefinite hold because of new thruster tests' pending results and the ongoing analysis of helium leaks which started during the capsule's journey to the International Space Station, stated NASA on Friday (June 28).

Boeing's Starliner capsule return journey to Earth has gone on indefinite hold because of new thruster tests' pending results and the ongoing analysis of helium leaks which started during the capsule's journey to the International Space Station, stated NASA on Friday (June 28). However, the space agency has said that Starliner commander Barry "Butch" Wilmore and his co-pilot Sunita Williams are not "stranded" in space. "We don't have a targeted (landing) date today," said Steve Stich, who is NASA's Commercial Crew Programme manager, while speaking to the reporters during a teleconference. Also Read: Boeing's Starliner capsule extends ISS stay again, to assess helium system leaks & thruster performance "We're not going to target a specific date until we get that testing completed. So essentially, it's complete the testing, complete the fault tree, bring that analysis into (the mission management team), and then have an agency-level review. And then we'll lay out the rest of the plan from undocking to landing. I think we're on a good path," he said. What is the issue with spacecraft? NASA and Boeing have been troubled by the Starliner's service module, which has the helium lines, thrusters and other critical systems. It gets discarded before its re-entry into Earth's atmosphere and ends getting burnt. Because of this, engineers will not be able to study the hardware and hence, wish to collect as much data as possible before the two astronauts go back to the Earth. However, the extended stay of the astronauts at the space station has made it appear to many that they are stranded in orbit. Boeing's Starliner programme manager Stich and Mark Nappi stated that this is a mischaracterisation. Astronauts 'not in any rush to come home': NASA "It's pretty painful to read the things that are out there. We've got a really good test flight...and it's being viewed rather negatively. We're not stuck on ISS. The crew is not in any danger, and there's no increased risk when we decide to bring Suni and Butch back to Earth," Nappi said. Watch: NASA further delays return date of Boeing's Starliner on Earth Stich further said that he wants "to make it very clear that Butch and Suni are not stranded in space. Our plan is to continue to return them on Starliner and return them home at the right time. We'll have a little bit more work to do to get there for the final return, but they're safe on the space station. Their spacecraft is working well, and they're enjoying their time on the space station." “We're not in any rush to come home,” he added. On June 5, the Starliner was launched on the first piloted test flight of the programme with a known helium leak. The other four leaks happened when the ship was headed to the space station. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth

<p>NASA researchers at the Armstrong Flight Research Centre in California have built a custom virtual reality (VR) flight simulator to study passenger comfort and experience in future air taxi services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The simulator features a movable platform that can realistically simulate the motion of an air taxi, combined with VR visuals and spatialized audio to create an immersive experience.</p>

<p>NASA test pilot Wayne Ringelberg recently completed test rides in the simulator, providing feedback to the research team on the realism of the visual, motion and audio cues.</p>

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<p>This simulator is the centerpiece of NASA Armstrong's VR passenger ride quality laboratory, which aims to gather data on how passengers respond to the motions, vibrations, noise and visual stimuli they may encounter during air taxi flights.</p>

<h2><strong>Human subject studies</strong></h2>

<p>Over the next four years, NASA will conduct a series of human subject studies using the simulator. Participants will wear VR headsets and be secured in the moving platform, then asked to indicate any discomfort they experience as they virtually fly through a simulated urban environment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-boeing-starliner-crew-not-stranded-in-space-but-has-no-date-of-their-return-to-earth-736169">NASA&nbsp;says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth</a></p>

<p>The data collected from these experiments will help design future air taxis, including elements like seat placement, window size and flight paths. This information will be shared with industry and government partners to ensure a positive experience for air taxi passengers.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study</strong></p>

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<p>"This project is leveraging our research and test pilot aircrew with vertical lift experience to validate the safety and accuracy of the lab in preparation for test subject evaluations," said Ringelberg.</p>

<p>"The experiments in the ride quality lab will inform the advanced air mobility community about the acceptability of the motions these aircraft could make, so the general public is more likely to adopt the new technology."&nbsp;</p>

<p>This work is part of NASA's Advanced Air Mobility mission, which aims to support the development of electric air taxis and drones by providing data and guidance to&nbsp;the&nbsp;industry.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA researchers at the Armstrong Flight Research Centre in California have built a custom virtual reality (VR) flight simulator to study passenger comfort and experience in future air taxi services.

NASA researchers at the Armstrong Flight Research Centre in California have built a custom virtual reality (VR) flight simulator to study passenger comfort and experience in future air taxi services. The simulator features a movable platform that can realistically simulate the motion of an air taxi, combined with VR visuals and spatialized audio to create an immersive experience. NASA test pilot Wayne Ringelberg recently completed test rides in the simulator, providing feedback to the research team on the realism of the visual, motion and audio cues. Also Read | Discovery of ancient stars and massive black holes in young galaxies challenges cosmic theories This simulator is the centerpiece of NASA Armstrong's VR passenger ride quality laboratory, which aims to gather data on how passengers respond to the motions, vibrations, noise and visual stimuli they may encounter during air taxi flights. Human subject studies Over the next four years, NASA will conduct a series of human subject studies using the simulator. Participants will wear VR headsets and be secured in the moving platform, then asked to indicate any discomfort they experience as they virtually fly through a simulated urban environment. Also Read | NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth The data collected from these experiments will help design future air taxis, including elements like seat placement, window size and flight paths. This information will be shared with industry and government partners to ensure a positive experience for air taxi passengers. Watch | Having Multivitamin supplements do not help us live longer: Study × "This project is leveraging our research and test pilot aircrew with vertical lift experience to validate the safety and accuracy of the lab in preparation for test subject evaluations," said Ringelberg. "The experiments in the ride quality lab will inform the advanced air mobility community about the acceptability of the motions these aircraft could make, so the general public is more likely to adopt the new technology." This work is part of NASA's Advanced Air Mobility mission, which aims to support the development of electric air taxis and drones by providing data and guidance to the industry. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA develops immersive simulator to optimise air taxi passenger experience

<p>NASA has announced to give SpaceX a $843 million contract to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) and land it safely back on Earth. The deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX will be used to push ISS out of its orbit after 2030 when its operational life ends.</p>

<p>The football field-sized space station will crash into the ocean after travelling at a speed of over 17,000 mph (27,500 km/h) in Earth's atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>

<p>ISS was first launched in 1998 and has been operated by space agencies in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Russia, all of which are responsible for its safe deorbiting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-says-boeing-starliner-crew-not-stranded-in-space-but-has-no-date-of-their-return-to-earth-736169">NASA&nbsp;says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth</a></strong></p>

<p>"This decision also supports NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth," Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA, said in a statement.</p>

<p>The space station has achieved more than 3,300 experiments while orbiting around our planet across various disciplines that could not be conducted on Earth. It has been a milestone in space exploration and a "blueprint for science" and "partnerships" that have proven to be advantageous for all, according to Bowersox.</p>

<p>However, ISS is nearing its end of life by 2030 as some technical faults and leaks have been causing problems for the crew and agencies working on it. After the end of the Cold War, ISS laid the path for a global collaboration in space.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earth-gets-another-moon-this-quasi-satellite-to-lurk-around-for-thousands-of-years-736029">Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years</a></strong></p>

<p>The ISS is also facing some dangers from the space junk, the debris orbiting around the Earth at high speeds from other defunct satellites. The nine crew members on board were forced to take cover in the docked Boeing Starliner crew capsule for about an hour when hundreds of pieces of a wrecked Russian satellite risked their safety at the space station on June 27.</p>

<p>The exact date when ISS will be brought back to Earth is not confirmed by NASA yet. However, the operation is to continue till 2030.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA has announced to give SpaceX a $843 million contract to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) and land it safely back on Earth. The deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX will be used to push ISS out of its orbit after 2030 when its operational life ends.

NASA has announced to give SpaceX a $843 million contract to destroy the International Space Station (ISS) and land it safely back on Earth. The deorbit vehicle designed by SpaceX will be used to push ISS out of its orbit after 2030 when its operational life ends. The football field-sized space station will crash into the ocean after travelling at a speed of over 17,000 mph (27,500 km/h) in Earth's atmosphere. ISS was first launched in 1998 and has been operated by space agencies in the US, Canada, Europe, Japan, and Russia, all of which are responsible for its safe deorbiting. Also Read | NASA says Boeing Starliner crew not 'stranded' in space, but has 'no date' of their return to Earth "This decision also supports NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and allows for the continued use of space near Earth," Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for the Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA, said in a statement. The space station has achieved more than 3,300 experiments while orbiting around our planet across various disciplines that could not be conducted on Earth. It has been a milestone in space exploration and a "blueprint for science" and "partnerships" that have proven to be advantageous for all, according to Bowersox. However, ISS is nearing its end of life by 2030 as some technical faults and leaks have been causing problems for the crew and agencies working on it. After the end of the Cold War, ISS laid the path for a global collaboration in space. Also Read | Earth gets another 'moon'. This 'quasi-satellite' to lurk around for thousands of years The ISS is also facing some dangers from the space junk, the debris orbiting around the Earth at high speeds from other defunct satellites. The nine crew members on board were forced to take cover in the docked Boeing Starliner crew capsule for about an hour when hundreds of pieces of a wrecked Russian satellite risked their safety at the space station on June 27. The exact date when ISS will be brought back to Earth is not confirmed by NASA yet. However, the operation is to continue till 2030. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX to receive $843 million contract from NASA to destroy the International Space Station

Astronauts aboard Boeing's Starliner are facing a delay in their return due to technical issues. The capsule's first crewed mission might need an extension, and SpaceX's crew dragon could be a backup option. Take a look at our next report...Watch in for more details!

Gravitas | NASA weighs options for safe return of astronauts

<p>NASA released stunning images showing gigantic jets soaring from a thunderstorm towards the Himalayas in China and Bhutan. Showing four extended jets within minutes of one another, the composite image was published on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day last week.</p>

<p>The ionosphere, or layer of the atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation and thunderstorms are separated by this lightning discharge, which NASA says was only recorded in the 21st century.</p>

<p>"Pictured here are gigantic jets shooting up from a thunderstorm last week toward the Himalayan Mountains in China and Bhutan. The composite image captured four long jets that occurred only minutes apart. Gigantic jets, documented only in this century, are a type of lightning discharge that occurs between some thunderstorms and the Earth's ionosphere high above them," NASA said in the image description.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA clarified that, in contrast to typical cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, these enormous jets are an uncommon form of lightning. "The bottoms of gigantic jets appear similar to a cloud-to-above strike called blue jets, while the tops appear similar to upper-atmosphere red sprites," claimed the space agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/eerie-glowing-spot-on-jupiter-holding-secrets-of-dark-matter-scientists-suggest-735614">Eerie glowing spot on Jupiter holding secrets of dark matter, scientists suggest</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, massive jets may reach up to 80 kilometres above Earth's surface and possess 50 times the strength of a typical lightning strike, according to weather.com.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite continued investigation, the specific mechanics and triggers for these beautiful jets remain unknown. However, the space agency clarified that their significance in balancing the electrical charge across different layers of the atmosphere is well known.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-can-coffee-save-you-from-the-risks-of-a-sedentary-lifestyle-735451">Gravitas | Can coffee save you from the risks of a sedentary lifestyle?</a></strong></p>

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<p>According to the NASA, the best opportunity to see this event is to see a severe but distant rainstorm from a clear vantage point. Under the correct conditions, these jets may be seen hundreds of kilometers distant as they often fly upwards from storm tops into the ionosphere, according to the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in a similar occurrence in 2019, a flying passenger captured a photo of a massive jet lightning visible beyond the plane's wing. NASA said that the jet lightning was taken in a single 3.2-second exposure above Bhadrak, India.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA released stunning images showing gigantic jets soaring from a thunderstorm towards the Himalayas in China and Bhutan. Showing four extended jets within minutes of one another, the composite image was published on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day last week.

NASA released stunning images showing gigantic jets soaring from a thunderstorm towards the Himalayas in China and Bhutan. Showing four extended jets within minutes of one another, the composite image was published on NASA's Astronomy Picture of the Day last week. The ionosphere, or layer of the atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation and thunderstorms are separated by this lightning discharge, which NASA says was only recorded in the 21st century. "Pictured here are gigantic jets shooting up from a thunderstorm last week toward the Himalayan Mountains in China and Bhutan. The composite image captured four long jets that occurred only minutes apart. Gigantic jets, documented only in this century, are a type of lightning discharge that occurs between some thunderstorms and the Earth's ionosphere high above them," NASA said in the image description. NASA clarified that, in contrast to typical cloud-to-cloud and cloud-to-ground lightning, these enormous jets are an uncommon form of lightning. "The bottoms of gigantic jets appear similar to a cloud-to-above strike called blue jets, while the tops appear similar to upper-atmosphere red sprites," claimed the space agency. Also read: Eerie glowing spot on Jupiter holding secrets of dark matter, scientists suggest Furthermore, massive jets may reach up to 80 kilometres above Earth's surface and possess 50 times the strength of a typical lightning strike, according to weather.com. Despite continued investigation, the specific mechanics and triggers for these beautiful jets remain unknown. However, the space agency clarified that their significance in balancing the electrical charge across different layers of the atmosphere is well known. Watch | Gravitas | Can coffee save you from the risks of a sedentary lifestyle? × According to the NASA, the best opportunity to see this event is to see a severe but distant rainstorm from a clear vantage point. Under the correct conditions, these jets may be seen hundreds of kilometers distant as they often fly upwards from storm tops into the ionosphere, according to the report. Meanwhile, in a similar occurrence in 2019, a flying passenger captured a photo of a massive jet lightning visible beyond the plane's wing. NASA said that the jet lightning was taken in a single 3.2-second exposure above Bhadrak, India. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA unveils breathtaking images of gigantic jets over Himalayan peaks

<p>The tiny space rock, known as asteroid Bennu continues to unravel unique insights into the history of the early Solar System. The samples of asteroid Bennu collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex revealed its past adds to the already-known information about the space rock.</p>

<p>Researchers have reported the detection of magnesium-sodium phosphate. This came as a sheer shock, as it was not detected earlier by the spacecraft from orbit. This bolsters the theory of Bennu being a splintered-off chunk of a much larger primitive ocean world.</p>

<p>Some phosphate minerals were found on the asteroid sample from Ryugu as well, as collected by the Japanese Space Agency’s Hayabusa-2. They have also been found in meteorites. But Bennu’s case is different because of its minuscule size.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-near-miss-mountain-size-asteroid-to-fly-by-at-close-range-heres-how-to-watch-it-live-735789">Earth’s near miss! Mountain-size asteroid to fly-by at close range; here’s how to watch it live</a></p>

<p>“The presence and state of phosphates, along with other elements and compounds on Bennu, suggest a watery past for the asteroid,” Dante Lauretta, co-lead author of the paper and principal investigator for OSIRIS-REx at the University of Arizona, Tucson said in a statement. “Bennu potentially could have once been part of a wetter world. However, this hypothesis requires further investigation.”</p>

<p>“OSIRIS-REx gave us exactly what we hoped: a large pristine asteroid sample rich in nitrogen and carbon from a formerly wet world,” added Jason Dworkin, a co-author on the paper and the OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.</p>

<h2><strong>Asteroid Bennu might actually be a piece of ocean world</strong></h2>

<p>There are many reasons for the team to consider Bennu a piece of an ocean world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>One is the presence of serpentinite, a type of rock that forms when molten rocks combine with water, just like in the mid-ocean ridges on Earth. There are also a lot of soluble substances, which appear to have been shifted by fluids; and we can add to that the confirmation of phosphates.</p>

<p>“We're still coming up with ideas on how to test [the wet parent body hypothesis]. But to me, it's the leading candidate for the geologic environment that these rocks formed in,” Professor Lauretta told IFLScience in an exclusive interview back in March.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronauts-hide-in-space-station-after-defunct-russian-satellite-break-into-more-than-100-pieces-735892">Astronauts hide in space station after defunct Russian satellite breaks into more than 100 pieces</a></p>

<p>The sample of Bennu continues to be distributed to labs in the US and around the world. In March the team presented 58 findings from the initial analysis of the asteroid, and new insights come out almost every week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Bennu samples are tantalizingly beautiful extraterrestrial rocks,” said Harold Connolly, co-lead author on the paper and OSIRIS-REx mission sample scientist at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey.</p>

<p>“Each week, analysis by the OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Team provides new and sometimes surprising findings that are helping place important constraints on the origin and evolution of Earth-like planets," he further said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The tiny space rock, known as asteroid Bennu continues to unravel unique insights into the history of the early Solar System. The samples of asteroid Bennu collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex revealed its past adds to the already-known information about the space rock.

The tiny space rock, known as asteroid Bennu continues to unravel unique insights into the history of the early Solar System. The samples of asteroid Bennu collected by NASA’s OSIRIS-Rex revealed its past adds to the already-known information about the space rock. Researchers have reported the detection of magnesium-sodium phosphate. This came as a sheer shock, as it was not detected earlier by the spacecraft from orbit. This bolsters the theory of Bennu being a splintered-off chunk of a much larger primitive ocean world. Some phosphate minerals were found on the asteroid sample from Ryugu as well, as collected by the Japanese Space Agency’s Hayabusa-2. They have also been found in meteorites. But Bennu’s case is different because of its minuscule size. Also Read | Earth’s near miss! Mountain-size asteroid to fly-by at close range; here’s how to watch it live “The presence and state of phosphates, along with other elements and compounds on Bennu, suggest a watery past for the asteroid,” Dante Lauretta, co-lead author of the paper and principal investigator for OSIRIS-REx at the University of Arizona, Tucson said in a statement. “Bennu potentially could have once been part of a wetter world. However, this hypothesis requires further investigation.” “OSIRIS-REx gave us exactly what we hoped: a large pristine asteroid sample rich in nitrogen and carbon from a formerly wet world,” added Jason Dworkin, a co-author on the paper and the OSIRIS-REx project scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Asteroid Bennu might actually be a piece of ocean world There are many reasons for the team to consider Bennu a piece of an ocean world. One is the presence of serpentinite, a type of rock that forms when molten rocks combine with water, just like in the mid-ocean ridges on Earth. There are also a lot of soluble substances, which appear to have been shifted by fluids; and we can add to that the confirmation of phosphates. “We're still coming up with ideas on how to test [the wet parent body hypothesis]. But to me, it's the leading candidate for the geologic environment that these rocks formed in,” Professor Lauretta told IFLScience in an exclusive interview back in March. Also Read | Astronauts hide in space station after defunct Russian satellite breaks into more than 100 pieces The sample of Bennu continues to be distributed to labs in the US and around the world. In March the team presented 58 findings from the initial analysis of the asteroid, and new insights come out almost every week. “The Bennu samples are tantalizingly beautiful extraterrestrial rocks,” said Harold Connolly, co-lead author on the paper and OSIRIS-REx mission sample scientist at Rowan University in Glassboro, New Jersey. “Each week, analysis by the OSIRIS-REx Sample Analysis Team provides new and sometimes surprising findings that are helping place important constraints on the origin and evolution of Earth-like planets," he further said. (With inputs from agencies)

More proof found that asteroid Bennu came from a wet world

<p>NASA is actively promoting ongoing scientific, educational, and technological advancements in low Earth orbit for the benefit of humanity, while simultaneously supporting deep space exploration efforts targeting the Moon and Mars. As the agency shifts towards commercially-operated space facilities in near-Earth orbit, it's vital to prepare for the safe and responsible deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS) in a controlled manner after its operational life concludes in 2030.</p>

<p>NASA has announced that SpaceX has been chosen to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. This spacecraft will be responsible for safely deorbiting the space station, ensuring that it poses no risk to populated areas during re-entry.</p>

<p>Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, emphasised the importance of this decision. He stated that selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the ISS will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit as station operations come to an end. This decision also aligns with NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and supports the continued use of near-Earth space.</p>

<p>While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership of it after development and operate it throughout its mission. The deorbit vehicle, along with the space station, is expected to break up during the re-entry process.</p>

<p>The International Space Station has been a collaborative effort since 1998, involving five space agencies: CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), NASA, and Roscosmos. Each agency is responsible for managing and controlling the hardware it provides. The station's design is interdependent, relying on contributions from all partners to function.&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
The United States, Japan, Canada, and participating ESA countries have committed to operating the station through 2030, while Russia has committed to continued operations through at least 2028. The safe deorbiting of the ISS is a shared responsibility among all five space agencies.</p>

<p>The contract awarded to SpaceX for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle has a total potential value of USD 843 million. The launch service for this vehicle will be procured separately in the future.</p>

<p>Currently in its 24 year of continuous crewed operations, the ISS serves as a unique scientific platform. Crew members conduct experiments across various research disciplines, including Earth and space science, biology, human physiology, physical sciences, and technology demonstrations that are not possible on Earth. The station has facilitated over 3,300 experiments in microgravity, with crews acting as the hands of thousands of researchers on the ground.</p>

<p>The ISS has become a cornerstone of space commerce, fostering partnerships in commercial crew and cargo operations, as well as commercial and national lab research. The lessons learned aboard the International Space Station are instrumental in paving the way for future commercial stations, ensuring the continued advancement of human presence and scientific discovery in space. &nbsp;</p>


NASA is actively promoting ongoing scientific, educational, and technological advancements in low Earth orbit for the benefit of humanity, while simultaneously supporting deep space exploration efforts targeting the Moon and Mars.

NASA is actively promoting ongoing scientific, educational, and technological advancements in low Earth orbit for the benefit of humanity, while simultaneously supporting deep space exploration efforts targeting the Moon and Mars. As the agency shifts towards commercially-operated space facilities in near-Earth orbit, it's vital to prepare for the safe and responsible deorbiting of the International Space Station (ISS) in a controlled manner after its operational life concludes in 2030. NASA has announced that SpaceX has been chosen to develop and deliver the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle. This spacecraft will be responsible for safely deorbiting the space station, ensuring that it poses no risk to populated areas during re-entry. Ken Bowersox, associate administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington, emphasised the importance of this decision. He stated that selecting a U.S. Deorbit Vehicle for the ISS will help NASA and its international partners ensure a safe and responsible transition in low Earth orbit as station operations come to an end. This decision also aligns with NASA's plans for future commercial destinations and supports the continued use of near-Earth space. While SpaceX will develop the deorbit spacecraft, NASA will take ownership of it after development and operate it throughout its mission. The deorbit vehicle, along with the space station, is expected to break up during the re-entry process. The International Space Station has been a collaborative effort since 1998, involving five space agencies: CSA (Canadian Space Agency), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), NASA, and Roscosmos. Each agency is responsible for managing and controlling the hardware it provides. The station's design is interdependent, relying on contributions from all partners to function. The United States, Japan, Canada, and participating ESA countries have committed to operating the station through 2030, while Russia has committed to continued operations through at least 2028. The safe deorbiting of the ISS is a shared responsibility among all five space agencies. The contract awarded to SpaceX for the U.S. Deorbit Vehicle has a total potential value of USD 843 million. The launch service for this vehicle will be procured separately in the future. Currently in its 24 year of continuous crewed operations, the ISS serves as a unique scientific platform. Crew members conduct experiments across various research disciplines, including Earth and space science, biology, human physiology, physical sciences, and technology demonstrations that are not possible on Earth. The station has facilitated over 3,300 experiments in microgravity, with crews acting as the hands of thousands of researchers on the ground. The ISS has become a cornerstone of space commerce, fostering partnerships in commercial crew and cargo operations, as well as commercial and national lab research. The lessons learned aboard the International Space Station are instrumental in paving the way for future commercial stations, ensuring the continued advancement of human presence and scientific discovery in space.

NASA selects International Space Station US deorbit vehicle

NASA weighs options for safe return of astronauts Wilmore & Williams

<p>NASA has signed a deal with SpaceX at $843 million for the vehicle that will deorbit the International Space Station as its service life comes to an end. Even better is the fact that this is just as important a milestone as in space exploration, giving a whole lot more credence to SpaceX's increasing role in the aerospace sector.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The deorbit vehicle will be developed by the private company SpaceX-headed by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk-while the mission will be overseen by NASA. This will demonstrate how much faith NASA has in SpaceX technology. SpaceX is a 2002-born company that aggressively pursued progress in new frontiers regarding space exploration, which fattened its reputation within the aerospace community.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Space Station was launched in 1998, and has remained one of the prime symbolic projects in space. Inherited by the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Russia, it has had a continuous occupation of astronauts since the year 2000. The station has so far been a model for conducting scientific research, exploring space, and showcasing global partnership-thereby pitting it as a treasury of valuable data and building collaboration among nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The orbital laboratory remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all," according to NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate Ken Bowersox.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Space Station is expected to be deorbited by the year 2030. The United States, Europe, Japan, and Canada have pledged to operate the ISS until 2030; however, Russia has committed to its participation only until 2028. Therefore, this deorbiting mission is going to involve various international partners in such a coordinated effort.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The contract with SpaceX speaks volumes regarding the achievements made so far by the company, which is considered to be one of the pinnacles of the future of space exploration. Based in Hawthorne, California, SpaceX has made giant steps in rocket technology and space travel. Musk, who is also behind the success of Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has big ambitions for SpaceX. His vision has not only advanced the cause of space travel by leaps and bounds, but it has also accrued an estimated fortune of $220 billion.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thus, as such, the ISS is reaching the fag end of its operational life, and the mission for taking it safely out of orbit becomes critical. This mission marks another milestone in SpaceX's journey and forms a significant chapter in the annals of human space odyssey.&nbsp;</p>


NASA has signed a deal with SpaceX at $843 million for the vehicle that will deorbit the International Space Station as its service life comes to an end. Even better is the fact that this is just as important a milestone as in space exploration, giving a whole lot more credence to SpaceX's increasing role in the aerospace sector.

NASA has signed a deal with SpaceX at $843 million for the vehicle that will deorbit the International Space Station as its service life comes to an end. Even better is the fact that this is just as important a milestone as in space exploration, giving a whole lot more credence to SpaceX's increasing role in the aerospace sector. The deorbit vehicle will be developed by the private company SpaceX-headed by tech entrepreneur Elon Musk-while the mission will be overseen by NASA. This will demonstrate how much faith NASA has in SpaceX technology. SpaceX is a 2002-born company that aggressively pursued progress in new frontiers regarding space exploration, which fattened its reputation within the aerospace community. The International Space Station was launched in 1998, and has remained one of the prime symbolic projects in space. Inherited by the United States, Europe, Japan, Canada, and Russia, it has had a continuous occupation of astronauts since the year 2000. The station has so far been a model for conducting scientific research, exploring space, and showcasing global partnership-thereby pitting it as a treasury of valuable data and building collaboration among nations. The orbital laboratory remains a blueprint for science, exploration, and partnerships in space for the benefit of all," according to NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Mission Directorate Ken Bowersox. The International Space Station is expected to be deorbited by the year 2030. The United States, Europe, Japan, and Canada have pledged to operate the ISS until 2030; however, Russia has committed to its participation only until 2028. Therefore, this deorbiting mission is going to involve various international partners in such a coordinated effort. The contract with SpaceX speaks volumes regarding the achievements made so far by the company, which is considered to be one of the pinnacles of the future of space exploration. Based in Hawthorne, California, SpaceX has made giant steps in rocket technology and space travel. Musk, who is also behind the success of Tesla, the electric vehicle manufacturer, has big ambitions for SpaceX. His vision has not only advanced the cause of space travel by leaps and bounds, but it has also accrued an estimated fortune of $220 billion. Thus, as such, the ISS is reaching the fag end of its operational life, and the mission for taking it safely out of orbit becomes critical. This mission marks another milestone in SpaceX's journey and forms a significant chapter in the annals of human space odyssey.

NASA entrusts SpaceX with $843 million ISS deorbit mission

NASA's Boeing Starliner launch rocketed skyward on Wednesday, June 5th, carrying astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. After 14 days of delay NASA announced a further postponement in the Boeing Starliner's return to Earth from the International Space Station. Two NASA astronauts, the Indian origin Sunita Williams and Buch Wilmore were supposed to spend 9 days on Boeing's first manned space launch with their return date due on the 14th of June and now it is unclear when will the two leave the space station. Watch in for more details!

NASA further delays return date of Boeing's Starliner on Earth

<p>The Starliner rocket that carried two astronauts to the International Space Station is now stuck in space&nbsp;and its return to Earth has been postponed until at least July 2. A report has emerged saying that the US space agency NASA knew before the launch of a helium leak but it was deemed too minor to pose a safety risk. The situation worsened as the spacecraft developed four additional helium leaks after it reached the orbit, rendering one thruster unusable. It means that the return trip of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will not materialise unless all safety checks have been done.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: NASA scientists fix Voyager 1 from 30 billion kilometres away</strong></p>

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<p>CBS reported that NASA will further analyse and review the leaks and the thruster. The US space agency will conduct re-entry tests before determining the next return date. The report said the delay in return is unlikely to extend beyond July 2.</p>

<h2><strong>Are Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams safe?</strong></h2>

<p>Amid all speculations and rumours, NASA has stressed that both astronauts in the spacecraft are safe and not stranded. They are cleared to undock and return home at any time if any malfunction or problem arises.</p>

<p>But the situation might not be that easy for Boeing officials on Earth. The Starliner fiasco comes as salt into the company's wounds, as it is already facing criticism for high-profile malfunctions of its planes over the past year.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjWktCgsfOGAxULlK8BHRG-IZ4QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hirise-camera-captures-image-of-phobos-mars-space-potato-moon-734199" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-hirise-camera-captures-image-of-phobos-mars-space-potato-moon-734199&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjWktCgsfOGAxULlK8BHRG-IZ4QxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">NASA`s HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars` `space potato` Moon</a></strong></p>

<p>At least 20 whistleblowers have highlighted issues with the company's safety and quality standards and expressed concerns.</p>

<h2><strong>NASA 'taking its time' </strong></h2>

<p>Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, said, "We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process."</p>

<p>He said they make decisions based on data. They will do a review at the agency level like they did before when NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission returned from space after two months.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Starliner rocket that carried two astronauts to the International Space Station is now stuck in space and its return to Earth has been postponed until at least July 2.

The Starliner rocket that carried two astronauts to the International Space Station is now stuck in space and its return to Earth has been postponed until at least July 2. A report has emerged saying that the US space agency NASA knew before the launch of a helium leak but it was deemed too minor to pose a safety risk. The situation worsened as the spacecraft developed four additional helium leaks after it reached the orbit, rendering one thruster unusable. It means that the return trip of astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will not materialise unless all safety checks have been done. Watch: Gravitas: NASA scientists fix Voyager 1 from 30 billion kilometres away × CBS reported that NASA will further analyse and review the leaks and the thruster. The US space agency will conduct re-entry tests before determining the next return date. The report said the delay in return is unlikely to extend beyond July 2. Are Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams safe? Amid all speculations and rumours, NASA has stressed that both astronauts in the spacecraft are safe and not stranded. They are cleared to undock and return home at any time if any malfunction or problem arises. But the situation might not be that easy for Boeing officials on Earth. The Starliner fiasco comes as salt into the company's wounds, as it is already facing criticism for high-profile malfunctions of its planes over the past year. Also read: NASA`s HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars` `space potato` Moon At least 20 whistleblowers have highlighted issues with the company's safety and quality standards and expressed concerns. NASA 'taking its time' Steve Stich, manager of NASA's Commercial Crew Program, said, "We are taking our time and following our standard mission management team process." He said they make decisions based on data. They will do a review at the agency level like they did before when NASA's SpaceX Demo-2 mission returned from space after two months. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA ignored helium leak before Starliner launch, leaving astronauts now stuck in space

<p>NASA has released a striking new image of Phobos, Mars' larger and oddly shaped moon, often referred to as the "space potato" due to its lumpy and irregular shape.</p>

<p>Phobos, which measures about 17 by 14 by 11 miles (27 by 22 by 18 kilometres), lacks the gravitational strength to form a spherical shape like Earth's Moon.</p>

<p>This unique structure is a result of its small size and weak gravity, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a&nbsp;potato.</p>

<p>Phobos' peculiar form is highlighted in the image captured by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-simulates-massive-asteroid-impact-to-explore-emergency-response-734142">NASA simulates massive asteroid impact to explore emergency response</a></p>

<p>The image, taken against the backdrop of the dark expanse of space, shows the moon's brownish-red, crater-filled surface.</p>

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<p>Notably, a prominent white patch is visible next to Stickney crater, one of the largest craters on Phobos' right side. Even after its seemingly static presence, Phobos is on a slow yet inevitable collision course with Mars.</p>

<p>The moon is gradually inching closer to the Red Planet at a rate of about six feet (1.8 metres) every hundred years. At this pace, scientists predict that Phobos will either crash into Mars or break apart into a ring around the planet in approximately 50 million years.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeings-starliner-capsule-extends-iss-stay-again-to-assess-helium-system-leaks-thruster-performance-734121">Boeing's Starliner capsule extends ISS stay again, to assess helium system leaks &amp; thruster performance</a></p>

<p>The HiRISE camera, which has been studying Mars since 2006, continues to provide invaluable insights into the Martian environment and its moons.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Deimos</strong></h2>

<p>Deimos, the smaller and more distant moon, orbits Mars at an average distance of about 23,500 kilometres (14,600 miles).</p>

<p>It is also irregularly shaped but has a smoother appearance compared to Phobos, with fewer large craters and a more uniform surface covered by a thick regolith.</p>

<p>Its most significant features include two craters named Swift and Voltaire. Deimos' orbit is slowly moving it away from Mars, but this process is happening at a much slower rate.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA has released a striking new image of Phobos, Mars' larger and oddly shaped moon, often referred to as the "space potato" due to its lumpy and irregular shape.

NASA has released a striking new image of Phobos, Mars' larger and oddly shaped moon, often referred to as the "space potato" due to its lumpy and irregular shape. Phobos, which measures about 17 by 14 by 11 miles (27 by 22 by 18 kilometres), lacks the gravitational strength to form a spherical shape like Earth's Moon. This unique structure is a result of its small size and weak gravity, giving it an appearance reminiscent of a potato. Phobos' peculiar form is highlighted in the image captured by the High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera aboard NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Also Read | NASA simulates massive asteroid impact to explore emergency response The image, taken against the backdrop of the dark expanse of space, shows the moon's brownish-red, crater-filled surface. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × Notably, a prominent white patch is visible next to Stickney crater, one of the largest craters on Phobos' right side. Even after its seemingly static presence, Phobos is on a slow yet inevitable collision course with Mars. The moon is gradually inching closer to the Red Planet at a rate of about six feet (1.8 metres) every hundred years. At this pace, scientists predict that Phobos will either crash into Mars or break apart into a ring around the planet in approximately 50 million years. Also Read | Boeing's Starliner capsule extends ISS stay again, to assess helium system leaks & thruster performance The HiRISE camera, which has been studying Mars since 2006, continues to provide invaluable insights into the Martian environment and its moons. Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset × Deimos Deimos, the smaller and more distant moon, orbits Mars at an average distance of about 23,500 kilometres (14,600 miles). It is also irregularly shaped but has a smoother appearance compared to Phobos, with fewer large craters and a more uniform surface covered by a thick regolith. Its most significant features include two craters named Swift and Voltaire. Deimos' orbit is slowly moving it away from Mars, but this process is happening at a much slower rate. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's HiRISE camera captures image of phobos, Mars' 'space potato' Moon

<p>NASA and international partners, in a recent table-top simulation, explored the hypothetical scenario of a massive asteroid with a 72 per cent&nbsp;chance of hitting Earth in about 14 years.</p>

<p>This space rock, large enough to devastate a region, served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and response strategies for asteroid threats.</p>

<p>The exercise, held in April, involved asteroid experts, NASA personnel, federal emergency management officials, and their international counterparts.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/ai-savvy-gen-z-workers-likely-to-outpace-older-generations-at-workplace-study-734124">AI-savvy Gen-Z workers likely to outpace older generations at workplace: Study</a></p>

<p>Terik Daly, the planetary defense section supervisor at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory said, "We don't know of any asteroids of a substantial size that are going to hit the Earth for the next hundred years."</p>

<p>"But we also know... that we don't know where most of the asteroids are that are large enough to cause regional devastation," he added.</p>

<p>The asteroid in question was estimated to be between 60 metres and almost 800 metres across. Even a smaller asteroid could cause massive damage depending on its impact location.</p>

<p>Lindley Johnson, NASA’s Planetary Defense Officer Emeritus, noted that an asteroid of this size impacting land near a metropolitan area would be a "serious" situation.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-threatens-death-penalty-for-diehard-taiwan-separatists-734113">China threatens death penalty for 'diehard' Taiwan separatists</a></p>

<p>The simulation highlighted the uncertainties in predicting the asteroid's properties and the consequences of its impact. Scientists figured that they would be unable to gather more information about this threat for over six months until another asteroid is spotted and they could assess it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We're going to have very large uncertainties in the asteroid's properties, and that leads to very large uncertainties in what the consequences would be if it were to hit the ground," said Daly.</p>

<p>He said there is also uncertainty over "what it would take to stop that asteroid from hitting the ground.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset</strong></p>

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<p>Participants discussed three options for addressing the threat. First is waiting and doing nothing until more information could be gathered, second is starting a US-led space mission to gather more data or third is building a more expensive spacecraft capable of altering the asteroid's path.</p>

<p>NASA is set to launch a new asteroid-finding telescope in the fall of 2027 to improve the detection and tracking of near-Earth objects. “We’ve got to discover what’s out there, determine their orbits, and then determine whether they represent an impact hazard to the Earth over time,”&nbsp;Johnson said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA and international partners, in a recent table-top simulation, explored the hypothetical scenario of a massive asteroid with a 72 per cent chance of hitting Earth in about 14 years.

NASA and international partners, in a recent table-top simulation, explored the hypothetical scenario of a massive asteroid with a 72 per cent chance of hitting Earth in about 14 years. This space rock, large enough to devastate a region, served as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and response strategies for asteroid threats. The exercise, held in April, involved asteroid experts, NASA personnel, federal emergency management officials, and their international counterparts. Also Read | AI-savvy Gen-Z workers likely to outpace older generations at workplace: Study Terik Daly, the planetary defense section supervisor at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory said, "We don't know of any asteroids of a substantial size that are going to hit the Earth for the next hundred years." "But we also know... that we don't know where most of the asteroids are that are large enough to cause regional devastation," he added. The asteroid in question was estimated to be between 60 metres and almost 800 metres across. Even a smaller asteroid could cause massive damage depending on its impact location. Lindley Johnson, NASA’s Planetary Defense Officer Emeritus, noted that an asteroid of this size impacting land near a metropolitan area would be a "serious" situation. Also Read | China threatens death penalty for 'diehard' Taiwan separatists The simulation highlighted the uncertainties in predicting the asteroid's properties and the consequences of its impact. Scientists figured that they would be unable to gather more information about this threat for over six months until another asteroid is spotted and they could assess it. "We're going to have very large uncertainties in the asteroid's properties, and that leads to very large uncertainties in what the consequences would be if it were to hit the ground," said Daly. He said there is also uncertainty over "what it would take to stop that asteroid from hitting the ground.” Watch | Study finds AI can detect Parkinson's seven years before onset × Participants discussed three options for addressing the threat. First is waiting and doing nothing until more information could be gathered, second is starting a US-led space mission to gather more data or third is building a more expensive spacecraft capable of altering the asteroid's path. NASA is set to launch a new asteroid-finding telescope in the fall of 2027 to improve the detection and tracking of near-Earth objects. “We’ve got to discover what’s out there, determine their orbits, and then determine whether they represent an impact hazard to the Earth over time,” Johnson said. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA simulates massive asteroid impact to explore emergency response

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<p>A family in the United States&nbsp;is claiming more than $80,000 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) after&nbsp;a small piece of debris fell from&nbsp;space&nbsp;and smashed through the roof of their home in Florida, the news agency AFP reported on Friday (June 21).</p>

<p>According to&nbsp;law firm Cranfill Sumner, the incident occurred on March 8 when the debris weighing&nbsp;700 grams hit Alejandro Otero's home in Naples, Florida, making a hole in the roof. There were no injuries reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nearly-a-trillion-earth-like-planets-exist-in-universe-nasa-on-hunt-to-find-if-we-are-not-alone-731671">Are we alone in the cosmos? NASA chief says a trillion Earth-like planets are out there</a></strong></p>

<p>Cranfill Sumner pointed out that the problem of space trash has risen due&nbsp;to increased spatial traffic, and&nbsp;NASA's response could set a precedent for how future claims are handled.</p>

<h2><strong>'There could've been injury or fatality'</strong></h2>

<p>Cranfill Sumner said&nbsp;Otero's son was at the house at the moment of impact. Mica Nguyen Worthy, the family's lawyer, said, "My clients are seeking adequate compensation to account for the stress and impact that this event had on their lives."</p>

<p>"They are grateful that no one sustained physical injuries from this incident, but a ‘near miss’ situation such as this could have been catastrophic," Worthy said.</p>

<p>"There could have been serious injury or a fatality," the lawyer added.</p>

<h2><strong>A look at the debris</strong></h2>

<p>NASA confirmed that the debris&nbsp;was part of a cargo pallet of used batteries that was released from the International&nbsp;Space&nbsp;Station as waste in 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Instead of fully disintegrating before falling to Earth, a section remained intact when it reentered the atmosphere, the US&nbsp;space&nbsp;agency added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A family in the United States is claiming more than $80,000 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) after a small piece of debris fell from space and smashed through the roof of their home in Florida, the news agency AFP reported on Friday (June 21).

A family in the United States is claiming more than $80,000 from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) after a small piece of debris fell from space and smashed through the roof of their home in Florida, the news agency AFP reported on Friday (June 21). According to law firm Cranfill Sumner, the incident occurred on March 8 when the debris weighing 700 grams hit Alejandro Otero's home in Naples, Florida, making a hole in the roof. There were no injuries reported. Also read | Are we alone in the cosmos? NASA chief says a trillion Earth-like planets are out there Cranfill Sumner pointed out that the problem of space trash has risen due to increased spatial traffic, and NASA's response could set a precedent for how future claims are handled. 'There could've been injury or fatality' Cranfill Sumner said Otero's son was at the house at the moment of impact. Mica Nguyen Worthy, the family's lawyer, said, "My clients are seeking adequate compensation to account for the stress and impact that this event had on their lives." "They are grateful that no one sustained physical injuries from this incident, but a ‘near miss’ situation such as this could have been catastrophic," Worthy said. "There could have been serious injury or a fatality," the lawyer added. A look at the debris NASA confirmed that the debris was part of a cargo pallet of used batteries that was released from the International Space Station as waste in 2021. Instead of fully disintegrating before falling to Earth, a section remained intact when it reentered the atmosphere, the US space agency added. (With inputs from agencies)

US family claims over $80,000 from NASA after space debris hit their home

<p>The Boeing's Starliner capsule, which was launched into space with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams on board, will return to Earth after a week-long delay. US space agency NASA's commercial crew programme manager Steve Stich said the new date of arrival has been set as June 26 against the backdrop of a critical analysis regarding the safety of the spacecraft. Notably, when Starliner managed to dock at the International Space Station, it encountered several problems, including five failures of its 28 manoeuvring thrusters and at least four helium leaks.</p>

<h2><strong>Why Starliner's return has been delayed?</strong></h2>

<p>According to news agency CNN, the delay is attributed to two major factors—a scheduled spacewalk and thruster troubleshooting.</p>

<p>Stich said the delay would “give our team a little bit more time to look at the data, do some analysis and make sure we’re really ready to come home.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiyr7bW1eaGAxVsSGwGHUORC8gQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/science/atoco-point-nasas-rover-spots-strikingly-mysterious-rock-never-seen-before-on-mars-732906" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/science/atoco-point-nasas-rover-spots-strikingly-mysterious-rock-never-seen-before-on-mars-732906&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiyr7bW1eaGAxVsSGwGHUORC8gQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars</a></strong></p>

<p>“We look at that as an opportunity and in this case, a privilege to stay on station and do more work,” Boeing’s commercial crew programme lead Mark Nappi said, as per the Sentinel. “We’ve always said this is a test flight. We’re going to learn some things. So here we are,” he added.</p>

<p>Nappi added it was crucial to find out why the spacecraft's thrusters went off during docking. The NASA official said investigating helium leaks was also necessary.</p>

<h2><strong>Spacecraft's first human spaceflight</strong></h2>

<p>It is the first time that Starliner has been launched into space with humans on board. If the spaceflight is successfully completed, it will get the necessary certification which will allow it to launch NASA missions to the ISS. Currently, NASA has to solely rely on Elon Musk's SpaceX for such missions.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;NASA's Chandra telescope reveals stunning details of Milky Way's superstar cluster</strong></p>

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<p>The return flight, now scheduled for&nbsp;next week, will take around six hours to return to Earth.</p>

<p>According to an agreement, Boeing is set to launch six missions with the Starliner-1, beginning in February next year. However, Boeing is currently four years behind SpaceX, which has been transporting astronauts from the US since May 2020.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Boeing's Starliner capsule, which was launched into space with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams on board, will return to Earth after a week-long delay.

The Boeing's Starliner capsule, which was launched into space with astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams on board, will return to Earth after a week-long delay. US space agency NASA's commercial crew programme manager Steve Stich said the new date of arrival has been set as June 26 against the backdrop of a critical analysis regarding the safety of the spacecraft. Notably, when Starliner managed to dock at the International Space Station, it encountered several problems, including five failures of its 28 manoeuvring thrusters and at least four helium leaks. Why Starliner's return has been delayed? According to news agency CNN, the delay is attributed to two major factors—a scheduled spacewalk and thruster troubleshooting. Stich said the delay would “give our team a little bit more time to look at the data, do some analysis and make sure we’re really ready to come home.” Also read: ‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars “We look at that as an opportunity and in this case, a privilege to stay on station and do more work,” Boeing’s commercial crew programme lead Mark Nappi said, as per the Sentinel. “We’ve always said this is a test flight. We’re going to learn some things. So here we are,” he added. Nappi added it was crucial to find out why the spacecraft's thrusters went off during docking. The NASA official said investigating helium leaks was also necessary. Spacecraft's first human spaceflight It is the first time that Starliner has been launched into space with humans on board. If the spaceflight is successfully completed, it will get the necessary certification which will allow it to launch NASA missions to the ISS. Currently, NASA has to solely rely on Elon Musk's SpaceX for such missions. Watch: NASA's Chandra telescope reveals stunning details of Milky Way's superstar cluster × The return flight, now scheduled for next week, will take around six hours to return to Earth. According to an agreement, Boeing is set to launch six missions with the Starliner-1, beginning in February next year. However, Boeing is currently four years behind SpaceX, which has been transporting astronauts from the US since May 2020. (With inputs from agencies)

Boeing Starliner's return to Earth delayed as NASA carries out critical safety investigation

Scientists at NASA have, once again, achieved a remarkable feat. They were able to fix 47 year old space probe, Voyager 1, from 15 billion miles away. The Voyager 1, is the farthest manmade object from the Earth.

Gravitas: NASA scientists fix Voyager 1 from 30 billion kilometres away

<p>NASA’s Perseverance rover made an unprecedented discovery while exploring the Jezero crater on Mars, that could give scientists insights into life that plausibly existed there aeons ago.</p>

<p>The rover discovered a striking light-coloured boulder that stood out among the dark rocks in its proximity while traversing Neretva Vallis on Mars, a region that was once an ancient river channel feeding into the Jezero crater.</p>

<p>"Every once in a while, you'll just see some strange thing in the Martian landscape, and the team is like, 'Oh, let's go over there,'" said Katie Stack Morgan, deputy project scientist for NASA's Mars 2020 mission.</p>

<p>"This was like the textbook definition of [chasing] the bright, shiny thing because it was so bright and white,” she added.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-uncover-universal-formula-for-bird-wing-flapping-frequencies-732870">Scientists uncover universal formula for bird wing flapping frequencies</a></p>

<p>NASA described the boulder as belonging to "a type never observed before on Mars."</p>

<p>What is the mystery of the uncanny rock?</p>

<p>The strange boulder nicknamed ‘Atoco Point’ measured roughly 18 inches across and 14 inches tall, was speckled and conspicuously light-toned.</p>

<p>It was spotted among a field of darker boulders on the ‘Mount Washburn’ hill.</p>

<p>"The diversity of textures and compositions at Mount Washburn was an exciting discovery for the team, as these rocks represent a grab bag of geologic gifts brought down from the crater rim and potentially beyond," said Brad Garczynski of Western Washington University, who co-leads the current Perseverance mission, in a statement.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/summer-triangle-of-three-stars-to-mark-the-beginning-of-summer-heres-how-to-spot-it-732764">'Summer Triangle' of three stars to mark the beginning of summer. Here's how to spot it</a></p>

<p>A deeper examination of the rock using the rover's instruments suggested it is presumably an anorthosite, a type of rock commonly found on the moon and in some of Earth's mountain ranges.&nbsp;<br />
However, it was previously undetected on Mars.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA said that the boulder was composed of the minerals pyroxene and feldspar, raising speculations from some scientists about its origin possibly being linked to magma that originated below the surface of Mars and may have become exposed on the rim of the Jezero crater over time because of erosion.</p>

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<p>Meanwhile, other scientists suggested that in case the boulder belonged to a different part of the red planet, it may have moved with the ancient river channel to its present location on the rim and therefore appears out of place on Washburn Hill.</p>

<p>All of the Perseverance scientists believe that more rocks with a similar composition must exist elsewhere on Mars, NASA said.</p>

<p>Scientists believe that learning about the makeup of Mars and its past could help them figure out whether the planet's current landscape could ever be habitable for humans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It could also offer important clues about the origins and evolution of&nbsp;life&nbsp;on&nbsp;Earth.</p>


NASA’s Perseverance rover made an unprecedented discovery while exploring the Jezero crater on Mars, that could give scientists insights into life that plausibly existed there aeons ago.

NASA’s Perseverance rover made an unprecedented discovery while exploring the Jezero crater on Mars, that could give scientists insights into life that plausibly existed there aeons ago. The rover discovered a striking light-coloured boulder that stood out among the dark rocks in its proximity while traversing Neretva Vallis on Mars, a region that was once an ancient river channel feeding into the Jezero crater. "Every once in a while, you'll just see some strange thing in the Martian landscape, and the team is like, 'Oh, let's go over there,'" said Katie Stack Morgan, deputy project scientist for NASA's Mars 2020 mission. "This was like the textbook definition of [chasing] the bright, shiny thing because it was so bright and white,” she added. Also Read | Scientists uncover universal formula for bird wing flapping frequencies NASA described the boulder as belonging to "a type never observed before on Mars." What is the mystery of the uncanny rock? The strange boulder nicknamed ‘Atoco Point’ measured roughly 18 inches across and 14 inches tall, was speckled and conspicuously light-toned. It was spotted among a field of darker boulders on the ‘Mount Washburn’ hill. "The diversity of textures and compositions at Mount Washburn was an exciting discovery for the team, as these rocks represent a grab bag of geologic gifts brought down from the crater rim and potentially beyond," said Brad Garczynski of Western Washington University, who co-leads the current Perseverance mission, in a statement. Also Read | 'Summer Triangle' of three stars to mark the beginning of summer. Here's how to spot it A deeper examination of the rock using the rover's instruments suggested it is presumably an anorthosite, a type of rock commonly found on the moon and in some of Earth's mountain ranges. However, it was previously undetected on Mars. NASA said that the boulder was composed of the minerals pyroxene and feldspar, raising speculations from some scientists about its origin possibly being linked to magma that originated below the surface of Mars and may have become exposed on the rim of the Jezero crater over time because of erosion. Watch | Exhibition on civilisation of ancient Egypt to open at Shanghai Museum × Meanwhile, other scientists suggested that in case the boulder belonged to a different part of the red planet, it may have moved with the ancient river channel to its present location on the rim and therefore appears out of place on Washburn Hill. All of the Perseverance scientists believe that more rocks with a similar composition must exist elsewhere on Mars, NASA said. Scientists believe that learning about the makeup of Mars and its past could help them figure out whether the planet's current landscape could ever be habitable for humans. It could also offer important clues about the origins and evolution of life on Earth.

‘Atoco Point’: NASA’s rover spots strikingly mysterious rock never seen before on Mars

<p>NASA's Voyager 1 has resumed full operations and ended its silence period. Notably, the spacecraft, which stopped sending usable data in November 2023, is now once again transmitting valuable information from its four scientific instruments.</p>

<p>Voyager 1, launched on September 5, 1977, had been sending garbled data instead of its usual binary code. It is presently more than 15 billion miles from Earth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Given the spacecraft's 46-year journey, such malfunctions weren't entirely unexpected. However, Voyager 1 team traced the problem to the flight data subsystem (FDS) that was responsible for packaging and sending data back to Earth.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/first-major-lunar-standstill-in-more-than-18-years-to-occur-this-year-heres-how-to-see-it-731784">First 'major lunar standstill' in more than 18 years to occur this year. Here's how to see it</a></p>

<p>A detailed investigation pinpointed the exact chip causing the trouble and enabled the team to develop a workaround. Voyager 1 began sending coherent data again on April 20, 2024, although initially only from two of its instruments.</p>

<p>But now, all four scientific instruments are operational and communicating effectively with mission control.</p>

<p>The primary mission of the aircraft from 1977 to 1980 was conducting flybys of Jupiter and Saturn to collect data on these planets and their moons. However, from 1980 onwards after its primary mission, Voyager 1 continued its journey towards interstellar space. It is currently providing valuable information about the outer regions of the Solar System and the interstellar medium.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-watery-planets-orbiting-dead-stars-may-be-hosting-alien-life-731761">Scientists say watery planets orbiting dead stars may be hosting alien life</a></p>

<p>With Voyager 1 back online, the team will focus on further restoration efforts. This will include resynchronising its timekeeping software and maintaining the digital tape recorder used to measure plasma waves.</p>

<h2><strong>Voyager 1&nbsp;journey&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>In 1979, Voyager 1 sent back detailed images and data of Jupiter, its rings and its moons, including volcanic activity on Io. The probe in 1980 provided unprecedented close-up images and data of Saturn, its rings and its largest moon, Titan.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already</strong></p>

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<p>In 1990, Voyager 1 took a famous photograph of Earth from a distance of about 6 billion kilometres that showed our planet as a tiny dot in the vastness of space. On August 25, 2012, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to enter interstellar space by crossing the heliopause, the boundary where the Sun's influence wanes and the interstellar medium begins.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA's Voyager 1 has resumed full operations and ended its silence period. Notably, the spacecraft, which stopped sending usable data in November 2023, is now once again transmitting valuable information from its four scientific instruments.

NASA's Voyager 1 has resumed full operations and ended its silence period. Notably, the spacecraft, which stopped sending usable data in November 2023, is now once again transmitting valuable information from its four scientific instruments. Voyager 1, launched on September 5, 1977, had been sending garbled data instead of its usual binary code. It is presently more than 15 billion miles from Earth. Given the spacecraft's 46-year journey, such malfunctions weren't entirely unexpected. However, Voyager 1 team traced the problem to the flight data subsystem (FDS) that was responsible for packaging and sending data back to Earth. Also Read | First 'major lunar standstill' in more than 18 years to occur this year. Here's how to see it A detailed investigation pinpointed the exact chip causing the trouble and enabled the team to develop a workaround. Voyager 1 began sending coherent data again on April 20, 2024, although initially only from two of its instruments. But now, all four scientific instruments are operational and communicating effectively with mission control. The primary mission of the aircraft from 1977 to 1980 was conducting flybys of Jupiter and Saturn to collect data on these planets and their moons. However, from 1980 onwards after its primary mission, Voyager 1 continued its journey towards interstellar space. It is currently providing valuable information about the outer regions of the Solar System and the interstellar medium. Also Read | Scientists say watery planets orbiting dead stars may be hosting alien life With Voyager 1 back online, the team will focus on further restoration efforts. This will include resynchronising its timekeeping software and maintaining the digital tape recorder used to measure plasma waves. Voyager 1 journey In 1979, Voyager 1 sent back detailed images and data of Jupiter, its rings and its moons, including volcanic activity on Io. The probe in 1980 provided unprecedented close-up images and data of Saturn, its rings and its largest moon, Titan. Watch | Study: Secret aliens could be here on Earth already × In 1990, Voyager 1 took a famous photograph of Earth from a distance of about 6 billion kilometres that showed our planet as a tiny dot in the vastness of space. On August 25, 2012, Voyager 1 became the first human-made object to enter interstellar space by crossing the heliopause, the boundary where the Sun's influence wanes and the interstellar medium begins. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA's Voyager 1 resumes full ops, transmits valuable data after overcoming malfunction

<p>NASA&nbsp;administrator Bill Nelson says that at least a trillion 'Earth-like' planets are there in the entire universe which increases the possibility of alien life.</p>

<p>He said that NASA has been planning to send back the astronauts to the lunar surface in the days ahead. Four astronauts are set to orbit the moon next year.</p>

<p>"We don't need to go back to the moon just for the moon. We're going back to learn new things. In order for us to go to Mars and beyond," Administrator Bill Nelson said.</p>

<p>The Jezero Crater&nbsp;on Mars, which once existed as a lake on the red planet, was being explored by the Perseverance Rover. According to scientists, several findings suggest that Mars once hosted life and was teeming with rivers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's getting samples and it's drilling with this drill, creating these core samples about the size of a cigar and sealing them up in these titanium tubes," explained Nelson.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/aliens-may-be-travelling-from-one-planet-to-another-via-meteorites-study-713790">Aliens may be travelling from one planet to another via meteorites: Study</a></p>

<p>"We're trying to figure out right now how we're going to go back and get them and bring them back to Earth so that we got an idea of whether or not there was life there," he added.</p>

<p>NASA has been working with various companies to develop a plan to bring them back which is likely to happen in the 2030s.</p>

<h2><strong>NASA's hunt for alien life</strong></h2>

<p>The agency, along with Firebird Diagnostics, has been hunting for signs of life on Mars. "NASA's mission is to go out, among other things, and discover whether or not we are alone," Firebird Diagnostics Founder Steven Benner said.</p>

<p>His company is selling a so-called alien DNA. The company uses synthetic properties and this has helped NASA understand the different forms of alternative DNA which might exist.</p>

<p>"It's a big question as to how molecular biology could be done if it was, done by an organism that does not share a common ancestor, a common origin, with you and me," said Benner.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Earth's inner core rotation slowing down; deceleration of core confirmed: study</strong></p>

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<p>Nelson said that they have been hunting for life on other planets. "If you ask me directly, do I think that there are aliens here&nbsp;on Earth? I don't think so. I don't absolutely know. And I don't think the US&nbsp;government is hiding anything from anybody. But if you ask me, 'do I think there's life out there in the cosmos?'"</p>

<p>"I ask our NASA scientists that question. 'How many possibilities in the vastness of this universe are there, that there's another planet like Earth that would be habitable for life as something like we know it?’ They said at least a trillion," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


NASA administrator Bill Nelson says that at least a trillion 'Earth-like' planets are there in the entire universe which increases the possibility of alien life.

NASA administrator Bill Nelson says that at least a trillion 'Earth-like' planets are there in the entire universe which increases the possibility of alien life. He said that NASA has been planning to send back the astronauts to the lunar surface in the days ahead. Four astronauts are set to orbit the moon next year. "We don't need to go back to the moon just for the moon. We're going back to learn new things. In order for us to go to Mars and beyond," Administrator Bill Nelson said. The Jezero Crater on Mars, which once existed as a lake on the red planet, was being explored by the Perseverance Rover. According to scientists, several findings suggest that Mars once hosted life and was teeming with rivers. "It's getting samples and it's drilling with this drill, creating these core samples about the size of a cigar and sealing them up in these titanium tubes," explained Nelson. Also Read: Aliens may be travelling from one planet to another via meteorites: Study "We're trying to figure out right now how we're going to go back and get them and bring them back to Earth so that we got an idea of whether or not there was life there," he added. NASA has been working with various companies to develop a plan to bring them back which is likely to happen in the 2030s. NASA's hunt for alien life The agency, along with Firebird Diagnostics, has been hunting for signs of life on Mars. "NASA's mission is to go out, among other things, and discover whether or not we are alone," Firebird Diagnostics Founder Steven Benner said. His company is selling a so-called alien DNA. The company uses synthetic properties and this has helped NASA understand the different forms of alternative DNA which might exist. "It's a big question as to how molecular biology could be done if it was, done by an organism that does not share a common ancestor, a common origin, with you and me," said Benner. Watch: Earth's inner core rotation slowing down; deceleration of core confirmed: study Nelson said that they have been hunting for life on other planets. "If you ask me directly, do I think that there are aliens here on Earth? I don't think so. I don't absolutely know. And I don't think the US government is hiding anything from anybody. But if you ask me, 'do I think there's life out there in the cosmos?'" "I ask our NASA scientists that question. 'How many possibilities in the vastness of this universe are there, that there's another planet like Earth that would be habitable for life as something like we know it?’ They said at least a trillion," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Are we alone in the cosmos? NASA chief says a trillion Earth-like planets are out there

On June 13, 1983, NASA'S Pioneer 10 became the first man-made object to cross the solar system. Here's a Gravitas recall.

Gravitas | The story of Pioneer 10: First man-made object to cross the solar system

<p>On June 12, (Wednesday) at around 5:30 pm CDT, NASA accidentally aired audio from a&nbsp;medical drill being&nbsp;conducted at the International Space Station on its live stream. This created a panic amongst the audience as they thought a crew member was in a critical condition.</p>

<p>Due to some glitch, NASA's live stream was interrupted by a message, "temporarily interrupted" and the audience was able to hear the audio of a medical drill which caused grave concern among the viewers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-employees-sue-elon-musk-and-space-x-over-alleged-sexual-harassment-731278">Former employees sue Elon Musk and Space X over alleged sexual harassment</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">There is no emergency situation going on aboard the International Space Station. At approximately 5:28 p.m. CDT, audio was aired on the NASA livestream from a simulation audio channel on the ground indicating a crew member was experiencing effects related to decompression…</p>
— International Space Station (@Space_Station) <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station/status/1801043194253127963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gauging the severity of the situation, NASA was forced to deny that there was an emergency at the International Space Station (ISS). NASA's ISS account took to X and wrote, “There is no emergency situation going on aboard the International Space Station. Audio was inadvertently misrouted from an ongoing simulation where crew members and ground teams train for various scenarios in space.”</p>

<p>“So if we could get the commander back in his suit, get it sealed … for suited hyperbaric treatment … Prior to sealing, closing the visor and pressurising the suit, I would like you to check his pulse one more time,” a flight surgeon working at the SpaceX centre was heard saying in the audio that was accidentally aired on YouTube.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/denmark-recalls-south-korean-noodles-over-threat-of-developing-acute-poisoning-731111">Denmark recalls South Korean noodles over threat of 'developing acute poisoning'</a></strong></p>

<p>NASA assured that the audio was from a simulation to prepare the team for any adversity they may encounter aboard and not a real crisis. Putting the viewers at ease, they said that the crew was healthy and safe and in fact in their 'sleeping period' when this audio aired.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


On June 12, (Wednesday) at around 5:30 pm CDT, NASA accidentally aired audio from a medical drill being conducted at the International Space Station on its live stream.

On June 12, (Wednesday) at around 5:30 pm CDT, NASA accidentally aired audio from a medical drill being conducted at the International Space Station on its live stream. This created a panic amongst the audience as they thought a crew member was in a critical condition. Due to some glitch, NASA's live stream was interrupted by a message, "temporarily interrupted" and the audience was able to hear the audio of a medical drill which caused grave concern among the viewers. Also read | Former employees sue Elon Musk and Space X over alleged sexual harassment There is no emergency situation going on aboard the International Space Station. At approximately 5:28 p.m. CDT, audio was aired on the NASA livestream from a simulation audio channel on the ground indicating a crew member was experiencing effects related to decompression… — International Space Station (@Space_Station) June 13, 2024 × Gauging the severity of the situation, NASA was forced to deny that there was an emergency at the International Space Station (ISS). NASA's ISS account took to X and wrote, “There is no emergency situation going on aboard the International Space Station. Audio was inadvertently misrouted from an ongoing simulation where crew members and ground teams train for various scenarios in space.” “So if we could get the commander back in his suit, get it sealed … for suited hyperbaric treatment … Prior to sealing, closing the visor and pressurising the suit, I would like you to check his pulse one more time,” a flight surgeon working at the SpaceX centre was heard saying in the audio that was accidentally aired on YouTube. Also read | Denmark recalls South Korean noodles over threat of 'developing acute poisoning' NASA assured that the audio was from a simulation to prepare the team for any adversity they may encounter aboard and not a real crisis. Putting the viewers at ease, they said that the crew was healthy and safe and in fact in their 'sleeping period' when this audio aired. (With inputs from agencies)

NASA audio leak detailing emergency on ISS creates panic; space agency dismisses concerns

As mission analysts look into potential problems that could delay Starliner's return, NASA and Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab, said they anticipate having Starliner and its first astronaut crew back on Earth from the International Space Station as soon as June 18, later than originally planned.

Starliner's crewed return pushed back to June 18 by NASA

NASA and Boeing (BA.N), opens new tab said they expect to bring Starliner and its first astronaut crew back to Earth from the International Space Station as soon as June 18, later than previously scheduled as mission analysts examine issues that could affect its return.

NASA and Boeing push back Starliner's crewed return to June 18

NASA pushes back Starliner's crewed return to June 18

<p>After multiple delays in its journey from Earth to the International Space Station (ISS), now, the Boeing Starliner's return journey&nbsp;to our planet has been jinxed.</p>

<p>NASA and Boeing have announced a delay in the return of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on which NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams travelled to the ISS.</p>

<h2><strong>When will NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore come home?</strong></h2>

<p>As per Reuters, the return spaceflight has been pushed back to June 18.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Originally, Starliner was expected to undock from the ISS on Friday (June 14) and return to Earth after launching its inaugural crew of two NASA astronauts from Florida on June 5.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The delay comes as mission analysts examine issues that could potentially affect the spacecraft's return.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/boeing-starliner-suffered-helium-leaks-before-historic-space-station-docking-729538">Boeing Starliner suffered helium leaks before historic space station docking</a></strong></p>

<p>Several factors are being considered in scheduling Starliner's return, including fixes to faulty components on the spacecraft, weather conditions, and ISS scheduling matters such as spacewalks by other astronauts aboard the station. More changes to Starliner's return date could be announced during its mission.</p>

<p>As of Tuesday, mission officials were targeting June 18 for Starliner's undocking from the station.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Where will it land?</strong></h2>

<p>The spacecraft would land in the desert of White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Willcox Playa in Arizona, or other similar pre-determined locations roughly six hours after undocking, pending weather conditions.</p>

<p>NASA's deputy programme manager for the ISS, Dina Contella, told reporters on Tuesday (June 11) that a new issue has cropped up on Starliner while it remained docked to the station - a "sticky" oxidizer valve.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/russian-cosmonaut-makes-world-history-by-spending-1000-days-in-space-729098">Russian Cosmonaut makes world history by spending 1,000 days in space</a></strong></p>

<p>Furthermore, an additional helium leak on Starliner's propulsion system was mentioned in a NASA blog on Monday, on top of four already identified during its journey to the space station last week.</p>

<p>Despite these challenges, NASA and Boeing were able to regain four of the five manoeuvring thrusters that went dead during the flight to the ISS before docking to the orbital laboratory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Starliner can stay docked to the ISS for a maximum of 45 days, according to NASA officials. This mission is a crucial test before NASA can certify Starliner for routine flights.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


After multiple delays in its journey from Earth to the International Space Station (ISS), now, the Boeing Starliner's return journey to our planet has been jinxed.

After multiple delays in its journey from Earth to the International Space Station (ISS), now, the Boeing Starliner's return journey to our planet has been jinxed. NASA and Boeing have announced a delay in the return of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft on which NASA astronauts Barry "Butch" Wilmore and Sunita "Suni" Williams travelled to the ISS. When will NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore come home? As per Reuters, the return spaceflight has been pushed back to June 18. Originally, Starliner was expected to undock from the ISS on Friday (June 14) and return to Earth after launching its inaugural crew of two NASA astronauts from Florida on June 5. The delay comes as mission analysts examine issues that could potentially affect the spacecraft's return. Also read | Boeing Starliner suffered helium leaks before historic space station docking Several factors are being considered in scheduling Starliner's return, including fixes to faulty components on the spacecraft, weather conditions, and ISS scheduling matters such as spacewalks by other astronauts aboard the station. More changes to Starliner's return date could be announced during its mission. As of Tuesday, mission officials were targeting June 18 for Starliner's undocking from the station. Where will it land? The spacecraft would land in the desert of White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico, Willcox Playa in Arizona, or other similar pre-determined locations roughly six hours after undocking, pending weather conditions. NASA's deputy programme manager for the ISS, Dina Contella, told reporters on Tuesday (June 11) that a new issue has cropped up on Starliner while it remained docked to the station - a "sticky" oxidizer valve. Also read | Russian Cosmonaut makes world history by spending 1,000 days in space Furthermore, an additional helium leak on Starliner's propulsion system was mentioned in a NASA blog on Monday, on top of four already identified during its journey to the space station last week. Despite these challenges, NASA and Boeing were able to regain four of the five manoeuvring thrusters that went dead during the flight to the ISS before docking to the orbital laboratory. Starliner can stay docked to the ISS for a maximum of 45 days, according to NASA officials. This mission is a crucial test before NASA can certify Starliner for routine flights. (With inputs from agencies)

Boeing jinx?: Starliner spacecraft carrying Sunita Williams won't return to Earth till June 18

<p>Our Sun is going through major mood swings, called solar maximum in technical words, which is the season of peak activity on solar surface. During this period, the Sun produces a lot of solar flares which eventually turn into solar storms that can cause&nbsp;atmospheric phenomenon&nbsp;like auroras or northern lights.</p>

<p>Recently, we saw auroras being brought down to many far south places, like in Alabama, due to these solar storms. Scientists were on standby to observe such an event on Mars as well.</p>

<p>Finally, on May 20, NASA recorded a solar flare, which they are calling “the biggest event”, whose details were released on Monday (June 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/mars-lake-discovery-debunked-new-study-challenges-evidence-of-subsurface-water-730743">Mars lake discovery debunked? New study challenges evidence of subsurface water</a></p>

<p>On May 20, a solar flare of X12 class was detected by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft, which is a joint mission between ESA and NASA. X-class flares are known to be the strongest of several types of them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The May 20 flare released X-rays and gamma rays toward Mars, while a coronal mass ejection or CME launched the charged particles. Moving at the speed of light, the X-rays and gamma rays from the flare arrived first, while the charged particles trailed slightly behind, reaching Mars in just tens of minutes.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As solar storms pummel the Red Planet, <a href="https://twitter.com/MarsCuriosity?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MarsCuriosity</a> and its radiation detector are preparing for future human explorers.<br />
<br />
On May 20, Curiosity received a radiation dose equivalent to 30 chest X-rays. <a href="https://t.co/TDz6Nsm3Lz">https://t.co/TDz6Nsm3Lz</a> <a href="https://t.co/L5c0faLqe7">pic.twitter.com/L5c0faLqe7</a></p>
— NASA Mars (@NASAMars) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAMars/status/1800233531374997626?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“If astronauts had been standing next to NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover at the time, they would have received a radiation dose of 8,100 micrograys — equivalent to 30 chest X-rays. While not deadly, it was the biggest surge measured by Curiosity’s Radiation Assessment Detector, or RAD, since the rover landed 12 years ago,” revealed NASA in its official report.</p>

<h2><strong>Were Auroras seen over Mars?</strong></h2>

<p>As per data from the Solar Orbiter, so much energy from the storm was released on May 20 that the surface of the planet in black-and-white images from the Curiosity’s navigation cameras appears to be “dancing with snow”. These dancing snow particles were actually&nbsp;white streaks and specks caused by&nbsp;charged particles when they hit the cameras.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/earths-collision-with-interstellar-space-clouds-triggered-ice-age-and-existence-of-humans-study-730745">Earth's collision with interstellar space clouds triggered Ice Age and existence of humans: study</a></p>

<p>High above Curiosity, NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) orbiter captured another effect of the recent solar activity- glowing auroras over the planet. However, the way these auroras occur is different than those seen on Earth.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">See those moving specks?<br />
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Recently, my routine dust monitoring coincided with a major solar event hitting the Red Planet, and the charged particles that hit my camera caused distortions. It's the biggest radiation surge I've detected since landing in 2012! <a href="https://t.co/rmowp0RmT4">https://t.co/rmowp0RmT4</a> <a href="https://t.co/TAZUghtlhe">pic.twitter.com/TAZUghtlhe</a></p>
— Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) <a href="https://twitter.com/MarsCuriosity/status/1800204031308271999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Our planet is protected from charged particles by a robust magnetic field, which normally limits auroras to regions near the poles. But Mars lost its internally generated magnetic field in the past, so there’s no protection from the barrage of energetic particles. When charged particles hit the Martian atmosphere, it results in auroras that engulf the entire planet.</p>

<p>"During solar events, the Sun releases a wide range of energetic particles. Only the most energetic can reach the surface to be measured by RAD. Slightly less energetic particles, those that cause auroras, are sensed by MAVEN’s Solar Energetic Particle instrument," said NASA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This was the largest solar energetic particle event that MAVEN has ever seen,” said MAVEN Space Weather Lead, Christina Lee of the University of California, Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Our Sun is going through major mood swings, called solar maximum in technical words, which is the season of peak activity on solar surface. During this period, the Sun produces a lot of solar flares which eventually turn into solar storms that can cause atmospheric phenomenon like auroras or northern lights.

Our Sun is going through major mood swings, called solar maximum in technical words, which is the season of peak activity on solar surface. During this period, the Sun produces a lot of solar flares which eventually turn into solar storms that can cause atmospheric phenomenon like auroras or northern lights. Recently, we saw auroras being brought down to many far south places, like in Alabama, due to these solar storms. Scientists were on standby to observe such an event on Mars as well. Finally, on May 20, NASA recorded a solar flare, which they are calling “the biggest event”, whose details were released on Monday (June 10). Also Read | Mars lake discovery debunked? New study challenges evidence of subsurface water On May 20, a solar flare of X12 class was detected by the Solar Orbiter spacecraft, which is a joint mission between ESA and NASA. X-class flares are known to be the strongest of several types of them. The May 20 flare released X-rays and gamma rays toward Mars, while a coronal mass ejection or CME launched the charged particles. Moving at the speed of light, the X-rays and gamma rays from the flare arrived first, while the charged particles trailed slightly behind, reaching Mars in just tens of minutes. As solar storms pummel the Red Planet, @MarsCuriosity and its radiation detector are preparing for future human explorers. On May 20, Curiosity received a radiation dose equivalent to 30 chest X-rays. https://t.co/TDz6Nsm3Lz pic.twitter.com/L5c0faLqe7 — NASA Mars (@NASAMars) June 10, 2024 × “If astronauts had been standing next to NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover at the time, they would have received a radiation dose of 8,100 micrograys — equivalent to 30 chest X-rays. While not deadly, it was the biggest surge measured by Curiosity’s Radiation Assessment Detector, or RAD, since the rover landed 12 years ago,” revealed NASA in its official report. Were Auroras seen over Mars? As per data from the Solar Orbiter, so much energy from the storm was released on May 20 that the surface of the planet in black-and-white images from the Curiosity’s navigation cameras appears to be “dancing with snow”. These dancing snow particles were actually white streaks and specks caused by charged particles when they hit the cameras. Also Read | Earth's collision with interstellar space clouds triggered Ice Age and existence of humans: study High above Curiosity, NASA’s MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution) orbiter captured another effect of the recent solar activity- glowing auroras over the planet. However, the way these auroras occur is different than those seen on Earth. See those moving specks? Recently, my routine dust monitoring coincided with a major solar event hitting the Red Planet, and the charged particles that hit my camera caused distortions. It's the biggest radiation surge I've detected since landing in 2012! https://t.co/rmowp0RmT4 pic.twitter.com/TAZUghtlhe — Curiosity Rover (@MarsCuriosity) June 10, 2024 × Our planet is protected from charged particles by a robust magnetic field, which normally limits auroras to regions near the poles. But Mars lost its internally generated magnetic field in the past, so there’s no protection from the barrage of energetic particles. When charged particles hit the Martian atmosphere, it results in auroras that engulf the entire planet. "During solar events, the Sun releases a wide range of energetic particles. Only the most energetic can reach the surface to be measured by RAD. Slightly less energetic particles, those that cause auroras, are sensed by MAVEN’s Solar Energetic Particle instrument," said NASA. “This was the largest solar energetic particle event that MAVEN has ever seen,” said MAVEN Space Weather Lead, Christina Lee of the University of California, Berkeley’s Space Sciences Laboratory. (With inputs from agencies)

Auroras over Mars? NASA observes Mars flare-up during epic solar storm

<p>Beta Pictoris, the second brightest star in the constellation Pictor has been an object of observation for astronomers for years. The star, which is 63 light-years away from us, first came under the radar of astronomers some 20 years ago when they saw a significant amount of dust around it, shining in infrared. The observation was carried out with the help of Spitzer space telescope.</p>

<p>Now, using the much advanced version of Sptizer (which was deactivated in 2020), NASA took to James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to look for the same dust around Beta Pictoris. To their surprise, this infrared shinning dust around the star was gone!</p>

<p>The researchers believe it happened because the dust was pushed away by the radiation of the young star, Beta Pictoris. The Beta Pictoris system is very young, only 20 to 26 million years old.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/auroras-over-mars-nasa-observes-mars-flare-up-during-epic-solar-storm-730754">Auroras over Mars? NASA observes Mars flare up during epic solar storm</a></p>

<p>This push resulted in the cooling off of the dust, which eventually became untraceable. And if dust can be just swept away like this, it means it is not a standard or constant feature of the star and something might have caused it. Astronomers believe this “something” is actually an asteroid collision.</p>

<p>The collision is likely the results of planetesimals colliding on their way to form planets, that might one day be like Earth, or Mars, or Venus.</p>
<img alt="Beta Pictoris Star System" data-align="center" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="87ba96ba-0ab3-4cf5-8b2f-84fa920aeaf5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/GPxdo4vXIAEuC_F.jpg" />
<p>“Beta Pictoris is at an age when planet formation in the terrestrial planet zone is still ongoing through giant asteroid collisions, so what we could be seeing here is basically how rocky planets and other bodies are forming in real time,” lead author Christine Chen, a Johns Hopkins University astronomer, said in a statement.</p>

<p>As per the team, the collision released an enormous amount of dust, equivalent to about 100,000 times the asteroid that brought an end to the non-avian dinosaurs. Beta Pictoris has two gas giant planets that have already formed, but no known terrestrial planets yet.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/are-birds-really-dinosaurs-fossils-of-largest-feathered-dinosaur-show-some-similarity-730700">Did birds evolve from dinosaurs? Fossils of largest feathered dinosaur hint at ancestry</a></p>

<p>“The question we are trying to contextualise is whether this whole process of terrestrial and giant planet formation is common or rare, and the even more basic question: Are planetary systems like the solar system that rare?” said co-author Kadin Worthen, a doctoral student in astrophysics at Johns Hopkins.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With JWST, the team was able to see the infrared universe to discover such an incredible insight into astronomy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Most discoveries by JWST come from things the telescope has detected directly,” said co-author Cicero Lu, a former Johns Hopkins doctoral student in astrophysics.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In this case, the story is a little different because our results come from what JWST did not see.”</p>

<p>The research was presented by Chen at the 244th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Madison, Wisconsin.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Beta Pictoris, the second brightest star in the constellation Pictor has been an object of observation for astronomers for years. The star, which is 63 light-years away from us, first came under the radar of astronomers some 20 years ago when they saw a significant amount of dust around it, shining in infrared.

Beta Pictoris, the second brightest star in the constellation Pictor has been an object of observation for astronomers for years. The star, which is 63 light-years away from us, first came under the radar of astronomers some 20 years ago when they saw a significant amount of dust around it, shining in infrared. The observation was carried out with the help of Spitzer space telescope. Now, using the much advanced version of Sptizer (which was deactivated in 2020), NASA took to James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) to look for the same dust around Beta Pictoris. To their surprise, this infrared shinning dust around the star was gone! The researchers believe it happened because the dust was pushed away by the radiation of the young star, Beta Pictoris. The Beta Pictoris system is very young, only 20 to 26 million years old. Also Read | Auroras over Mars? NASA observes Mars flare up during epic solar storm This push resulted in the cooling off of the dust, which eventually became untraceable. And if dust can be just swept away like this, it means it is not a standard or constant feature of the star and something might have caused it. Astronomers believe this “something” is actually an asteroid collision. The collision is likely the results of planetesimals colliding on their way to form planets, that might one day be like Earth, or Mars, or Venus. “Beta Pictoris is at an age when planet formation in the terrestrial planet zone is still ongoing through giant asteroid collisions, so what we could be seeing here is basically how rocky planets and other bodies are forming in real time,” lead author Christine Chen, a Johns Hopkins University astronomer, said in a statement. As per the team, the collision released an enormous amount of dust, equivalent to about 100,000 times the asteroid that brought an end to the non-avian dinosaurs. Beta Pictoris has two gas giant planets that have already formed, but no known terrestrial planets yet. Also Read | Did birds evolve from dinosaurs? Fossils of largest feathered dinosaur hint at ancestry “The question we are trying to contextualise is whether this whole process of terrestrial and giant planet formation is common or rare, and the even more basic question: Are planetary systems like the solar system that rare?” said co-author Kadin Worthen, a doctoral student in astrophysics at Johns Hopkins. With JWST, the team was able to see the infrared universe to discover such an incredible insight into astronomy. “Most discoveries by JWST come from things the telescope has detected directly,” said co-author Cicero Lu, a former Johns Hopkins doctoral student in astrophysics. “In this case, the story is a little different because our results come from what JWST did not see.” The research was presented by Chen at the 244th Meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Madison, Wisconsin. (With inputs from agencies)

Lost in space? NASA's Webb Telescope reveals the disappearance of dust around Beta Pictoris star

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