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NASA JPL Launches New Rover Operations Center for Moon and Mars Missions

NASA JPL Launches New Rover Operations Center for Moon and Mars Missions

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has unveiled a new Rover Operations Center (ROC) designed to enhance the management of lunar and Martian missions. The center aims to integrate and innovate across JPL's planetary surface missions, leveraging over 30 years of experience in Mars exploration. A key focus of the ROC is the rapid infusion of higher-level autonomy into surface missions through partnerships with AI and commercial space industries. This initiative seeks to advance U.S. interests in the burgeoning space economy by delivering next-generation science and exploration capabilities.

Stanford Researchers Use AI to Navigate Robot on International Space Station

Stanford Researchers Use AI to Navigate Robot on International Space Station

Stanford researchers have successfully used artificial intelligence to pilot a free-flying robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS). The team worked with NASA's Astrobee robot to demonstrate how a machine-learning system can plan safe routes through the ISS's crowded modules more efficiently than existing methods. This development addresses a significant challenge in space robotics: moving quickly and safely with limited computing power and minimal human input. The AI model was trained on thousands of previously computed paths, allowing it to start each new plan with an informed 'warm start,' significantly reducing computation time. This approach was tested in orbit, where the AI-generated routes were 50% to 60% faster to compute than conventional plans.

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.

International Space Station Celebrates 25 Years of Technological Advancements

International Space Station Celebrates 25 Years of Technological Advancements

NASA and its international partners are celebrating 25 years of continuous human habitation and technological advancements aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Since November 2000, the ISS has served as a platform for developing technologies crucial for future lunar and Mars missions. Key advancements include robotic technologies like the Canadarm2 and Astrobee free-flyers, which assist in satellite maintenance and space debris reduction. The station's life support systems recycle air and water, crucial for long-duration missions. Additionally, the ISS has advanced 3D printing technology, enabling the production of tools and parts in space, and has contributed to solar power research, improving energy efficiency for future missions.

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Mars Orbiter, Investigating Communication Anomaly

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Mars Orbiter, Investigating Communication Anomaly

NASA has lost contact with its Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft, which has been orbiting Mars since 2014. The communication was lost on December 6, 2025, when MAVEN passed behind Mars, a routine part of its orbit. Despite normal operations before the event, NASA was unable to reestablish contact once the spacecraft re-emerged. MAVEN is one of seven orbiters currently studying Mars, focusing on the planet's upper atmosphere and ionosphere. The spacecraft has been instrumental in understanding atmospheric loss on Mars, contributing to theories about how Mars transitioned from a wet planet to its current dry state. NASA's operations teams are actively investigating the anomaly to restore communication.

NASA Celebrates 25 Years of Space Station Technology Advancements

NASA Celebrates 25 Years of Space Station Technology Advancements

NASA, along with its international partners, marks 25 years of continuous human habitation and technological advancements aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Since November 2000, the ISS has served as a critical platform for developing technologies that support NASA's Artemis campaign, future lunar missions, and human exploration of Mars. Key technological advancements include the use of robotic systems like Canadarm2 and Astrobee, which have enhanced operational capabilities and opened new exploration pathways. The station's life support systems have been pivotal in recycling air and water, reducing the need for resupply from Earth. Additionally, the ISS has been instrumental in advancing 3D printing technology, allowing for the creation of tools and parts in space, which is crucial for long-duration missions. The station's solar arrays have also been a focus of research, leading to more efficient solar power technologies.

NASA's MAVEN Mars Orbiter Loses Contact, Efforts to Reestablish Underway

NASA's MAVEN Mars Orbiter Loses Contact, Efforts to Reestablish Underway

NASA has lost contact with the MAVEN spacecraft, which is one of three missions currently orbiting Mars. The spacecraft, which serves as a communication relay for Mars rovers and studies the Martian atmosphere, went silent on December 6 after passing behind the planet. Despite routine expectations to regain contact, the Deep Space Network has been unable to reestablish communication. NASA is investigating the anomaly and working to determine the cause of the communication failure.

Scientists Map Ancient Mars River Basins, Potential Sites for Life

Scientists Map Ancient Mars River Basins, Potential Sites for Life

For the first time, scientists have mapped vast, continent-scale river drainage systems on Mars, which may be promising locations to search for signs of ancient life. These ancient networks, formed billions of years ago, suggest that Mars once had large, integrated river systems similar to those on Earth. Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin compiled data from NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft to trace these features, revealing cohesive, basin-spanning drainage networks. The study identified 16 major drainage basins, which once covered about 5% of Mars' ancient terrain, indicating that early Mars was a patchwork of isolated watersheds with a few mega-basins acting as planetary conveyor belts.

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Mars Orbiter, Impacting Mars Missions

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Mars Orbiter, Impacting Mars Missions

NASA has lost contact with the MAVEN Mars orbiter, a critical component of its Mars exploration program. The loss of signal occurred on December 6, 2025, as the spacecraft passed behind Mars. MAVEN, which has been orbiting Mars since 2014, plays a vital role in studying the planet's upper atmosphere and serves as a communications relay for the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers. NASA confirmed the loss of contact on December 9, and teams are actively working to diagnose the issue and restore communication. The cause of the anomaly has not been disclosed, and no major hardware failures have been identified. MAVEN's silence poses a challenge to Mars operations, as it is a key part of the relay network that supports data transmission from the Martian surface to Earth.

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.

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Mars Orbiter, Impacting Communication with Martian Missions

NASA Loses Contact with MAVEN Mars Orbiter, Impacting Communication with Martian Missions

NASA has lost contact with its MAVEN (Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN) orbiter, a critical satellite for both scientific research and communication with Mars surface missions. The loss occurred on December 6, 2025, when the orbiter was on the far side of Mars, a situation that typically results in a temporary loss of signal. However, the Deep Space Network (DSN) failed to reestablish contact as expected. MAVEN, which launched in November 2013, has been instrumental in studying Mars' atmospheric evolution and serves as a communication relay for NASA's rovers, including Perseverance and Curiosity. NASA is currently investigating the anomaly to restore communication.

NASA Astronaut and Roscosmos Cosmonauts Prepare for Departure from International Space Station

NASA Astronaut and Roscosmos Cosmonauts Prepare for Departure from International Space Station

NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky, are set to depart the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft. The crew will close the hatch between the spacecraft and the ISS at 5:10 p.m. EST, with undocking scheduled for approximately 8:41 p.m. The spacecraft is expected to land in Kazakhstan at 12:04 a.m. on December 9, local time. This mission marks the first spaceflight for both Kim and Zubritsky, while Ryzhikov concludes his third mission, bringing his total time in space to 603 days, ranking him 13th all-time. The crew's mission lasted 245 days, during which they orbited Earth 3,920 times and traveled nearly 104 million miles.