Cassini was a highly complex interplanetary spacecraft. Featuring 12 scientific instruments like imaging cameras, radar, spectrometers, magnetometers and spectrographs – its primary mission was to conduct in-depth studies of Saturn, its rings, and moons. Its orbiter was powered by three radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs). These produced electricity using plutonium-238 decay. It was a joint NASA/ESA […]
Cassini – The Last Experiment Read More »
Most people mistakenly assume Mercury to be Earth’s closest planet – however this is often not accurate; Venus actually tends to be closer. Our solar system contains eight planets – including Pluto which was recently demoted due to its eccentric orbit. Let’s cover each one in order, starting with Mercury. Mercury Mercury, our closest planet
The Planets Closest to Earth in Order Read More »
In 1969, planetary science was still relatively young. One of its most famous moments occurred on July 20, when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin left Columbia and entered their lunar module, Eagle. Armstrong used Eagle’s reaction control system to guide their landing site in the Sea of Tranquility. Mission Overview Nasa embarked on its most
1969 – The Apollo Mission Read More »
Humanity longs to feel as if we can travel amongst the stars, yet this image of an astronaut looking back towards Earth illustrates just how far that goal really is. NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is on its way to visit Bennu asteroid, taking this black-and-white image en route. Red Rectangle Astronomers have for more than three
Spacecraft Pictures – Looking Back at Earth Read More »
Spacecraft designers craft hardware specifically tailored for outer space travel. Ranging from orbiting satellites and space vehicles that travel between planets to missions that explore distant corners of space, each piece must withstand its challenging surroundings. After adopting a mission, detailed designs are drawn up and Engineering Models (EM) and Qualification Models (QM) constructed. These
Spacecraft Design – What Goes Into a Spacecraft? Read More »
Mercury and Venus, unlike most rocky planets in our Solar System, are typically not considered suitable places for life to exist; their harsh conditions make them unsuitable as candidates for life support systems. Yet engineers have created spacecraft capable of withstanding these inhospitable worlds’ harsh environment. Scientists have recently discovered that Venus’ atmosphere contains phosphine,
Planets Like Mercury and Venus Are Not Considered to Be Possible Candidates for Life Read More »
Have you noticed how the sky is an endless sea of blue? Closer to the sun, its hue becomes lighter while moving further from it. Light travelling through Earth’s atmosphere collides with molecules and particles such as oxygen and nitrogen, scattering light in various directions. Shorter wavelengths like blue are scattered more than longer ones
Why is the Sky Blue? – Chemistry Read More »
Birds that travel together often have names unique to their kind. A murder of crows comes from old folk tales which suggest that flock members could judge one of their members and execute it. Traveling in large groups protects birds from predators while also offering them companionship and warmth from fellow travelers. Murmuration Murmurations of
Murmuration of Birds – A Spectacular Sight to Behold Read More »
Orion is the spacecraft designed to transport astronauts between Earth, the International Space Station, lunar orbit and Mars. It was specifically developed with safety, durability and affordability in mind. Orion will launch on top of a Space Launch System rocket and feature an escape tower to protect astronauts during reentry. When Orion returns to Earth,
Orion – The Spacecraft That Will Carry Astronauts to the Moon and Mars Read More »
