Blog

ECF 2024 Quadchart Ilic.pdf Ognjen Ilic University of Minnesota This effort will aim to demonstrate the feasibility of directed-energy propulsion through a combination of computational simulations and prototype testing.

Posted April 18, 2025

Early Career Faculty (ECF)

Space Technology Research Grants

Development of a MW-Scale High-Voltage Multiphase Dual-Rotor Generator and Rectifier for a PMAD in an NEP System

ECF 2024 Quadchart Beik.pdf Omid Beik Colorado School of Mines This project will design a power management and distribution (PMAD) system that can be coupled with a megawatt-scale nuclear power generation system for nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) that is suitable for a Mars mission.

Posted April 18, 2025

Wallops Flight Facility

A Fond Farewell: NASA’s C-130 Begins New Mission in California

NASA’s C-130 Hercules, fondly known as the Herc, went wheels up at 9:45 a.m., Friday, April 18, as it departed from its decade-long home at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, for the final time. The aircraft is embarking on a new adventure to serve and protect in the state of California where it is […]

Posted April 18, 2025

Aeronautics

Aeronautics Research Mission Directorate

Armstrong Flight Research Center

Commercial Supersonic Technology

Low Boom Flight Demonstrator

Quesst (X-59)

Supersonic Flight

NASA Calibrates Second Shock-Sensing Probe for X-59 Testing

When you’re testing a cutting-edge NASA aircraft, you need specialized tools to conduct tests and capture data –but if those tools need maintenance, you need to wait until they’re fixed. Unless you have a backup. That’s why NASA recently calibrated a new shock-sensing probe to capture shock wave data when the agency’s X-59 quiet supersonic […]

Posted April 18, 2025

Glenn Research Center

Humans in Space

NASA Glenn to Test Air Quality Monitors Aboard Space Station

As NASA prepares to return to the Moon, studying astronaut health and safety is a top priority. Scientists monitor and analyze every part of the International Space Station crew’s daily life—down to the air they breathe. These studies are helping NASA prepare for long-term human exploration of the Moon and, eventually, Mars. As part of […]

Posted April 18, 2025

Origins Uncertain: ‘Skull Hill’ Rock

Written by Margaret Deahn, Ph.D. Student at Purdue University Last week, NASA’s Mars 2020 rover continued its journey down lower ‘Witch Hazel Hill’ on the Jezero crater rim. The rover stopped along a boundary visible from orbit dividing light and dark rock outcrop (also known as a contact) at a site the team has called […]

Posted April 18, 2025

Armstrong Flight Research Center

Advanced Air Mobility

Ames Research Center

Convergent Aeronautics Solutions

Drones & You

Flight Innovation

Glenn Research Center

Langley Research Center

Transformational Tools Technologies

Transformative Aeronautics Concepts Program

NASA Studies Wind Effects and Aircraft Tracking with Joby Aircraft

NASA engineers began using a network of ground sensors in March to collect data from an experimental air taxi to evaluate how to safely integrate such vehicles into airspace above cities – in all kinds of weather. Researchers will use the campaign to help improve tools to assist with collision avoidance and landing operations and […]

Posted April 18, 2025

Astronauts

Humans in Space

International Space Station (ISS)

ISS Research

Johnson Space Center

Nichole Ayers

STEM Engagement at NASA

NASA Astronaut to Answer Questions from Colorado Students

Students from Woodland Park, Colorado, will connect with NASA astronaut Nichole Ayers as she answers prerecorded science, technology, engineering, and mathematics-related questions from aboard the International Space Station. Watch the 20-minute space-to-Earth call at 11:55 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 21, on the NASA STEM YouTube Channel.

Posted April 17, 2025

Space Shuttle

STS-51D

Space Shuttle Discovery Lifts Off

The launch of space shuttle Discovery is captured in this April 12, 1985, photo. This mission, STS-51D, was the 16th flight of NASA’s Space Shuttle program, and Discovery’s fourth flight. Discovery carried out 39 missions, more than any other space shuttle.

Posted April 17, 2025

Opportunities For Students to Get Involved

Partner with NASA STEM

Science Activation

Building for a Better World: Norfolk Students Bring STEM to Life with NASA Partnership

At Norfolk Technical Center in Norfolk, Virginia, carpentry students in Jordan Crawford’s first-year class aren’t just learning how to measure and cut wood—they’re discovering how their skills can serve a greater purpose.

Posted April 17, 2025