Blog

Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory
Spitzer Space Telescope
Stars
This Oct. 4, 2017, illustration shows a hypothetical uneven ring of dust orbiting KIC 8462852, also known as Boyajian’s Star or Tabby’s Star. The star has experienced unusual dips in brightness over a matter of days, as well as much subtler but longer-term dimming trends.
Posted November 21, 2024
General
Ames Research Center
Heliophysics
Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO)
Sunspots
The Sun
NASA supercomputers are shedding light on what causes some of the Sun’s most complex behaviors.
Posted November 21, 2024
Astrobiology
The mystery of why life uses molecules with specific orientations has deepened with a NASA-funded discovery that RNA — a key molecule thought to have potentially held the instructions for life before DNA emerged — can favor making the building blocks of proteins in either the left-hand or the right-hand orientation. Resolving this mystery could […]
Posted November 21, 2024
Astrophysics
Astrophysics Division
Goddard Space Flight Center
Hubble Space Telescope
Stars
In 1936, astronomers saw a puzzling event in the constellation Orion: the young star FU Orionis (FU Ori) became a hundred times brighter in a matter of months. At its peak, FU Ori was intrinsically 100 times brighter than our Sun. Unlike an exploding star though, it has declined in luminosity only languidly since then. […]
Posted November 21, 2024
Early Stage Innovations (ESI)
Back to ESI Home Computational Materials Engineering for Lunar Metals Welding Passive Lunar Dust Control through Advanced Materials and Surface Engineering
Posted November 21, 2024
Space Technology Research Grants
ESI24 Li Quadchart Wei LiUniversity of Texas at Dallas Internal defects are always formed in laser welding process due to the keyhole instability, molten pool collapse, and rapid solidification. The extreme lunar environment complicates the reliable implementation of welding, thereby enhancing the welding defects formation.
Posted November 21, 2024
General
ESI24 Haghighi Quadchart Azadeh HaghighiUniversity of Illinois, Chicago In-space manufacturing and assembly are vital to NASA’s long-term exploration goals, especially for the Moon and Mars missions. Deploying welding technology in space enables the assembly and repair of structures, reducing logistical burdens and supply needs from Earth.
Posted November 21, 2024
Space Technology Research Grants
ESI24 Nam Quadchart SungWoo NamUniversity of California, Irvine Lunar dust may seem unimposing, but it presents a significant challenge for space missions. Its abrasive and jagged particles can damage equipment, clog devices, and even pose health risks to astronauts.
Posted November 21, 2024
Space Technology Research Grants
ESI24 Chang Quadchart Chih-Hao ChangUniversity of Texas at Austin Establishing a permanent base on the moon is a critical step in the exploration of deep space. One significant challenge observed during the Apollo missions was the adhesion of lunar dust, which can build up on vehicle, equipment, and space suit.
Posted November 21, 2024
Space Technology Research Grants
ESI24 Zhai Quadchart Lei ZhaiUniversity of Central Florida Lunar dust, with its chemical reactivity, electrostatic charge, and potential magnetism, poses a serious threat to astronauts and equipment on the Moon’s surface.
Posted November 21, 2024
Sign up for our newsletter:

Categories

189
16
12
1
1
4
1
6
1
10
114
36
1
3
10
35
1
11
1
2
3
5
203
1
3
28
1
80
3
6
560
1
4
49
27
2
5
249
1
1
20
17
3
Io
3
2
6
2
10
1
5
165
4
304
1
2
1
2
1
13
3
1
6
1
42
1
8
2
2
4
1
1
10
4
2