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NASA Initiates Plume-Surface Interaction Tests for Lunar Missions

NASA Initiates Plume-Surface Interaction Tests for Lunar Missions

NASA's Langley Research Center has begun a series of plume-surface interaction tests to gather data crucial for future lunar missions. These tests, conducted in a 60-foot spherical vacuum chamber, aim to understand the effects of lander engine plumes on the lunar surface. The data will help in developing safer human landing systems as part of NASA's Artemis campaign. The tests involve two types of propulsion systems, including an ethane plume simulation system and a 3D-printed hybrid rocket motor. These systems will be tested on simulated lunar regolith to measure crater formation and ejecta particle dynamics. The campaign, which will run through spring 2026, involves multiple NASA centers and commercial partners.

NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim Returns to Earth After 245-Day Space Mission

NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim Returns to Earth After 245-Day Space Mission

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, has safely returned to Earth after completing a 245-day mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The crew landed in Kazakhstan after departing the ISS on the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft. During their mission, they conducted various scientific experiments, including studies on bioprinted tissues and remote robotic command. This mission marked the first spaceflight for Kim and Zubritsky, while Ryzhikov completed his third space journey.

China Sets Record with Three Long March Rocket Launches in 19 Hours

China Sets Record with Three Long March Rocket Launches in 19 Hours

China has achieved a new milestone in its space exploration efforts by launching three Long March rockets within a 19-hour period. This achievement marks a new national record for launch frequency. The launches included a Long March 6A rocket carrying broadband satellites, a Long March 4B rocket with the classified Yaogan 47 satellite, and a Long March 3B rocket with another classified satellite, TJSW-22. These launches contribute to China's growing tally of orbital missions for 2025, which now stands at 83, surpassing last year's record of 68. The rapid succession of launches demonstrates China's increasing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to expanding its presence in orbit.

NASA's Hubble Telescope Captures Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS as It Passes Earth

NASA's Hubble Telescope Captures Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS as It Passes Earth

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured images of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS as it passed approximately 178 million miles from Earth. The images, released by NASA, show the comet's luminous nucleus and bright coma, with background stars appearing as streaks due to the telescope's tracking of the fast-moving object. This comet is only the third interstellar object confirmed to have entered our solar system, sparking significant interest among astronomers. The comet reached its closest point to the sun at the end of October and is expected to fly by Earth on December 19, maintaining a safe distance of about 170 million miles.

NASA Updates PRISM Guidelines for Lunar Science Missions

NASA Updates PRISM Guidelines for Lunar Science Missions

NASA has issued a correction and updated the FAQ for the F.10 PRISM (Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon) program. This initiative solicits the development and deployment of scientific instruments and technology demonstrations on the lunar surface. The update includes a new requirement for proposers leveraging survive-the-night services. The PRISM program aims to advance scientific, exploration, and commercial capabilities on the Moon, aligning with NASA's broader lunar exploration goals. The update is part of NASA's ongoing efforts to refine and enhance its lunar mission strategies.

NASA Updates PRISM Program with New Requirements for Lunar Science Missions

NASA Updates PRISM Program with New Requirements for Lunar Science Missions

NASA has announced updates to the F.10 Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) program, which is part of the ROSES-25 initiative. The program aims to develop and deploy a suite of scientific instruments and technology demonstration payloads for lunar missions. These updates include a new requirement for proposers to provide specific information if they plan to use survive-the-night services, as detailed in Section 4.1 of the program guidelines. The PRISM program supports the scientific goals of various NASA directorates, including the Science Mission Directorate and the Space Technology Mission Directorate, by advancing capabilities for lunar science, exploration, and commercial development. Interested parties can direct their questions to Ryan Watkins and Amanda Nahm via the provided NASA email address.

UKSA Grant Supports Oxygen Extraction Project for Moon Missions

UKSA Grant Supports Oxygen Extraction Project for Moon Missions

A multinational project aimed at extracting oxygen from lunar soil has received a grant of £410,000 (approximately $294,000) from the UK Space Agency (UKSA). The initiative, known as OXYGEN, is led by Added Value Solutions (AVS)-UK and the University of Glasgow. The project seeks to develop technology that can produce oxygen from lunar-like materials, which could be crucial for future Artemis Moon missions. This technology would allow astronauts to carry less air and fuel, making more room for essential equipment needed for sustainable living on the Moon. The project builds on previous work by the European Space Agency (ESA) and other partners, who have successfully extracted oxygen from simulated Moon dust using molten salt electrolysis. The ongoing research includes developing a new reactor to enhance the oxygen extraction process.

NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim Returns to Earth After 8-Month Mission on ISS

NASA Astronaut Jonny Kim Returns to Earth After 8-Month Mission on ISS

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, along with Russian cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, safely returned to Earth after completing an eight-month mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The crew landed in Kazakhstan on December 9, 2025, after departing the ISS aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft. During their 245-day mission, the crew orbited Earth 3,920 times and traveled nearly 104 million miles. Kim participated in various scientific investigations, including studies on bioprinted tissues and remote command of robots, which aim to advance space-based technologies and improve healthcare on Earth. The mission marked Kim's first spaceflight, while Ryzhikov completed his third journey, accumulating a total of 603 days in space.

Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Off Japan's Northern Coast Triggers Tsunami Alert

Magnitude 7.6 Earthquake Off Japan's Northern Coast Triggers Tsunami Alert

A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck off the northern coast of Japan late Monday, prompting a tsunami alert. The Japanese Meteorological Agency reported that the quake occurred at approximately 11:15 p.m. local time, about 80 kilometers off the coast of Aomori, the northernmost prefecture of Japan's main Honshu island. The earthquake resulted in a tsunami measuring up to 50 centimeters in some areas, with warnings of potential surges up to 3 meters. Several injuries were reported, including incidents at a hotel in Hachinohe and a car accident in Tohoku. The government has set up an emergency task force to assess the damage, and nuclear power plants in the region are undergoing safety checks.

AI Advances in Spacecraft Propulsion: Potential to Revolutionize Space Missions

AI Advances in Spacecraft Propulsion: Potential to Revolutionize Space Missions

Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) are poised to significantly enhance spacecraft propulsion technologies. A team of scientists, including engineers and graduate students, is exploring how AI, particularly machine learning, can transform propulsion systems. This initiative aims to address common issues faced by spacecraft, such as malfunctioning fuel pumps and software glitches, by simulating complex propulsion scenarios. AI's ability to optimize nuclear thermal engines and manage plasma confinement in fusion systems is seen as a breakthrough for future space missions. The study highlights AI's potential to ensure spacecraft can navigate unpredictable space environments with precision.

NASA Updates PRISM Guidelines for Lunar Science Proposals

NASA Updates PRISM Guidelines for Lunar Science Proposals

NASA has released updates to the F.10 Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon (PRISM) program, which solicits proposals for science-driven instruments and technology demonstrations for lunar missions. The updates include a new requirement for proposers to provide specific information if they plan to use 'survive-the-night' services, as detailed in Section 4.1 of the guidelines. Additionally, the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section has been updated to assist potential proposers. The PRISM program aims to advance scientific, exploration, and commercial capabilities on the Moon, aligning with the goals of various NASA directorates.

Three Astronauts Return to Earth After 245 Days on ISS

Three Astronauts Return to Earth After 245 Days on ISS

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim and cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky are set to return to Earth after spending nearly 245 days aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The mission, which began in April 2025, involved the astronauts orbiting Earth nearly 4,000 times and traveling over 100 million miles. During their time on the ISS, they conducted numerous scientific experiments in a microgravity environment, contributing to research in biology, physics, and Earth sciences. The astronauts are scheduled to undock from the ISS at 8:15 p.m. EST, with their spacecraft expected to land in Kazakhstan early the following morning.