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NASA's INCUS Satellites Near Launch, Aiming to Study Tropical Storm Dynamics

NASA's INCUS Satellites Near Launch, Aiming to Study Tropical Storm Dynamics

NASA's INCUS (Investigation of Convective Updrafts) mission is progressing towards its launch, with one of its three satellites completing testing at Blue Canyon Technologies in Lafayette, Colorado. The mission, set to launch in 2027 from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia, will conduct the first space-based survey of tropical convective storms. The satellites will fly in close coordination in low Earth orbit, equipped with radar to observe the vertical motion of air and water in developing storms. The mission is part of NASA's Earth System Observatory, aiming to study Earth's dynamic natural systems.

NASA's INCUS Satellites Prepare for 2027 Launch to Study Tropical Storm Dynamics

NASA's INCUS Satellites Prepare for 2027 Launch to Study Tropical Storm Dynamics

NASA is advancing its INCUS (Investigation of Convective Updrafts) mission, which involves three nearly identical satellites designed to study the dynamics of tropical convective storms. These satellites, currently undergoing testing at Blue Canyon Technologies in Colorado, are set to launch in 2027 from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. The mission aims to provide the first space-based survey of the vertical motion of air and water in storms, known as convective mass flux. The satellites will fly in close coordination, with the first and second separated by 30 seconds, and the second and third by 90 seconds. The middle satellite will also carry a microwave radiometer. This mission is part of NASA's Earth System Observatory, which seeks to understand Earth's dynamic natural systems.

NASA's Lunar Base Plans Impacted by Blue Origin's New Glenn Explosion

NASA's Lunar Base Plans Impacted by Blue Origin's New Glenn Explosion

NASA's plans to establish a lunar base have encountered a significant setback following the explosion of Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket during a static-fire test. The explosion, which occurred on May 28, caused extensive damage to Cape Canaveral's Launch Complex 36, including the destruction of a lightning tower and damage to the main tower. This incident has disrupted NASA's timeline for its Moon Base 1 mission, initially scheduled for 2027, as well as other related missions. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket was a critical component of NASA's lunar strategy, with multiple missions planned to utilize the rocket for transporting payloads to the moon. The explosion has necessitated a reevaluation of launch plans, potentially delaying the lunar base project and associated missions.

NASA taps US, Italian astronauts for Artemis mission with SpaceX, Blue Origin mooncraft

NASA taps US, Italian astronauts for Artemis mission with SpaceX, Blue Origin mooncraft

By Joey Roulette June 9 (Reuters) - NASA on Tuesday named three U.S. astronauts and an Italian astronaut to serve as the crew for its next Artemis mission, a spacecraft docking demonstration in Earth's orbit next year that will test landers from Elon Musk's SpaceX and Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin for the

NASA's Swift Observatory to Extend Mission with Atmospheric Boost

NASA's Swift Observatory to Extend Mission with Atmospheric Boost

NASA's Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, a pivotal tool in astrophysics, is set to receive a boost to extend its operational life. Originally launched in 2004 as the Swift Gamma-ray Observatory, it was renamed in 2018 to honor Neil Gehrels. The spacecraft, built by Northrop Grumman, is renowned for its ability to rapidly observe cosmic phenomena across multiple wavelengths, including gamma-ray bursts. In January 2025, NASA identified that Swift would re-enter Earth's atmosphere by summer 2026. To prevent this and continue its scientific contributions, NASA plans to boost the observatory, showcasing a key capability for future space exploration and private spacecraft servicing.

NASA's Swift Observatory to Extend Mission with Atmospheric Re-entry Boost

NASA's Swift Observatory to Extend Mission with Atmospheric Re-entry Boost

NASA's Swift Observatory, originally launched in 2004 as the Swift Gamma-ray Observatory, is set to receive a boost to extend its mission. The spacecraft, which was renamed in 2018 in honor of Neil Gehrels, is a multiwavelength observatory designed to study gamma-ray bursts. It has been a key player in time-domain astronomy and multimessenger astronomy, contributing to the study of cosmic phenomena such as black holes and comets. In January 2025, NASA identified that Swift would re-enter Earth's atmosphere by summer 2026. To prevent this and extend its operational life, NASA plans to boost the observatory, demonstrating a key capability for future space exploration.

Prada and Axiom Unveil Stylish Cooling Suit for Artemis Moon Mission

Prada and Axiom Unveil Stylish Cooling Suit for Artemis Moon Mission

Prada and Axiom Space have revealed a new liquid cooling and ventilation garment (LCVG) designed for astronauts participating in NASA's Artemis lunar missions. This garment, part of the AxEMU spacesuit, features advanced cooling technology and a stylish design, including stirrup pants and thumb holes. The LCVG is intended to provide comfort and temperature regulation for astronauts, particularly as they explore the moon's South Pole, a region with extreme temperature variations. The garment's design incorporates Prada's expertise in materials, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.

NASA Considers Hubble Space Telescope Reboost Amid Cost Concerns

NASA Considers Hubble Space Telescope Reboost Amid Cost Concerns

NASA is contemplating a reboost of the Hubble Space Telescope, contingent on reducing its operational costs. The agency is currently preparing to reboost the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory using the Link servicing spacecraft, which has arrived at the Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. This mission, if successful, could serve as a model for Hubble's reboost. The high cost of operating Hubble, which was $98.8 million in fiscal year 2025, poses a significant challenge. NASA's Science Mission Directorate is exploring ways to lower these costs to make the reboost feasible.

NASA's Swift Observatory to Receive Altitude Boost from Robotic Spacecraft

NASA's Swift Observatory to Receive Altitude Boost from Robotic Spacecraft

The LINK robotic servicing spacecraft, developed by Katalyst Space, has arrived at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia. This spacecraft is set to be integrated into a Pegasus XL rocket by Northrop Grumman engineers. The mission aims to capture and boost the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, which has been experiencing increased atmospheric drag due to heightened solar activity. This drag has caused the observatory to lose altitude faster than expected. The LINK spacecraft will help restore the observatory to a higher orbit, allowing it to continue its scientific observations. The Pegasus XL rocket, once loaded with LINK, will be attached to Northrop Grumman's Stargazer aircraft and launched from above Kwajalein Atoll in the South Pacific Ocean later this month.

Watch live here as NASA announces crew of Artemis III mission today

Watch live here as NASA announces crew of Artemis III mission today

Watch live here on USATODAY.com as NASA announces the names of the astronauts selected for the Artemis III missions targeted for 2027.

NASA Demonstrates Spacecraft Communication Across Multiple Satellite Networks

NASA Demonstrates Spacecraft Communication Across Multiple Satellite Networks

NASA has successfully completed the primary phase of an experimental mission to enable spacecraft to communicate across multiple satellite networks. The Polylingual Experimental Terminal (PExT) technology was tested aboard York Space Systems' BARD spacecraft, demonstrating the ability to transmit data through both government and commercial networks. This achievement marks a significant step towards more flexible and resilient space communications.