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NASA's Odyssey Team Celebrates 25 Years with Mars Map

NASA's Odyssey Team Celebrates 25 Years with Mars Map

NASA's 2001 Mars Odyssey orbiter team celebrated the 25th anniversary of the spacecraft's launch with a gathering at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The event featured a giant global map of Mars created using imagery from the Odyssey's THEMIS infrared camera. The Mars Odyssey mission has been instrumental in mapping the Martian surface and providing valuable data for future exploration. The celebration highlighted the mission's achievements and the contributions of team members over the years.

NASA's Lithium Plasma Engine Test Marks Milestone for Mars Missions

NASA's Lithium Plasma Engine Test Marks Milestone for Mars Missions

NASA has successfully tested a lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) thruster at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California. This test marks a significant advancement in electric propulsion technology, achieving power levels of 120 kilowatts, which surpasses any current electric propulsion system on U.S. spacecraft. The thruster uses lithium vapor, electromagnetically accelerated into plasma, to generate thrust. This development is part of NASA's long-term strategy for human missions to Mars, aiming to reduce travel time and launch mass requirements. The test is a result of over two years of development under NASA's Space Nuclear Propulsion program, in collaboration with Princeton University and NASA's Glenn Research Center.

NASA Successfully Tests Advanced Electric Thruster for Mars Missions

NASA Successfully Tests Advanced Electric Thruster for Mars Missions

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), in collaboration with Princeton University and NASA's Glenn Research Center, has successfully tested a prototype magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) electric propulsion thruster. This thruster is 25 times more powerful than the one used in NASA's Psyche mission and is part of the Space Nuclear Propulsion (SNP) program. The test marks the first time in the U.S. that an electric propulsion system has operated at such high power levels, reaching up to 120 kilowatts. The MPD thruster uses lithium metal vapor as a propellant and could potentially carry humans to Mars, offering significant cost savings over conventional rockets by using up to 90% less propellant.

NASA's Curiosity Rover Uncovers Organic Molecules on Mars, Suggesting Ancient Life-Supporting Chemistry

NASA's Curiosity Rover Uncovers Organic Molecules on Mars, Suggesting Ancient Life-Supporting Chemistry

NASA's Curiosity Rover has discovered a diverse collection of organic molecules on Mars, specifically from a rock sample named 'Mary Anning 3' collected in 2020. This sample, taken from Mount Sharp, contained 21 carbon-containing molecules, seven of which were detected for the first time on Mars. These findings suggest that ancient Mars had the right chemistry to support life, although it remains unclear whether these molecules were formed through biological or geological processes. The presence of clay minerals in the area, which are known for preserving organic compounds, has helped protect these molecules from the harsh Martian environment, including radiation exposure over billions of years.

NASA Astronauts Conduct Space Gardening and Health Research on ISS

NASA Astronauts Conduct Space Gardening and Health Research on ISS

NASA astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) are engaging in a variety of research activities, including space gardening and health monitoring. Chris Williams, a NASA flight engineer, is testing new exercise equipment and conducting plant growth experiments in the Columbus laboratory module. The European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device (E4D) is being evaluated for its effectiveness in supporting crew workouts during long-term missions. Additionally, Williams is involved in watering and photographing alfalfa plants to study plant-microbe interactions in microgravity. Meanwhile, ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and NASA's Jack Hathaway are performing health checks using the Ultrasound 3 device to monitor blood pressure and artery health. The crew is also involved in unpacking supplies from the Progress 95 cargo craft and maintaining spacesuits.

NASA's Curiosity Rover Discovers New Organic Molecules on Mars, Suggesting Potential for Life

NASA's Curiosity Rover Discovers New Organic Molecules on Mars, Suggesting Potential for Life

NASA's Curiosity rover has identified seven new organic molecules on Mars, marking the most diverse collection of such compounds found on the planet to date. These molecules were discovered in a rock sample from Mount Sharp, an area that was once covered by lakes and streams. The presence of these organic compounds, which include a nitrogen heterocycle, suggests that ancient Mars had the right chemistry to support life. The discovery adds to the growing evidence of Mars' potential to preserve organic materials despite harsh conditions.

International Space Station Crew Conducts Life Science and Space Gardening Research

International Space Station Crew Conducts Life Science and Space Gardening Research

The Expedition 74 crew aboard the International Space Station (ISS) focused on life science and space gardening research. NASA astronaut Chris Williams tested a new exercise device and conducted plant growth experiments in the Veggie facility. ESA astronaut Sophie Adenot and NASA's Jack Hathaway performed artery scans and blood pressure checks to monitor cardiovascular health. The crew also worked on spacesuit maintenance and unpacked supplies from the Progress 95 cargo craft. The research aims to understand the effects of microgravity on human health and plant growth, which is crucial for long-term space missions.

NASA Tests Lithium-Fed Thruster for Mars Missions, Achieving Record Power Levels

NASA Tests Lithium-Fed Thruster for Mars Missions, Achieving Record Power Levels

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California has successfully tested a prototype lithium-fed magnetoplasmadynamic thruster, marking a significant advancement in propulsion technology for potential crewed missions to Mars. Conducted on February 24, 2026, this test achieved power levels exceeding any previous electric thruster tests in the United States, reaching up to 120 kilowatts. The thruster, which operates using lithium metal vapor, was tested in JPL's Electric Propulsion Lab, a facility designed for high-power electric thruster testing. This development is part of NASA's broader efforts to advance nuclear electric propulsion systems, which could significantly enhance the efficiency and capability of spacecraft for long-duration missions.

Curiosity Rover's Six-Year Journey Captured in Timelapse by NASA

Curiosity Rover's Six-Year Journey Captured in Timelapse by NASA

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has captured a timelapse of its six-year journey on the Martian surface using its right navigation camera. The images, taken between January 2, 2020, and March 8, 2026, document the rover's path and are used by scientists to study the movement of sand grains on the rover's deck. This data helps distinguish between sand movement caused by the rover's drives and wind gusts, providing insights into seasonal atmospheric changes on Mars. The Curiosity mission, managed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is part of NASA's Mars Exploration Program, which aims to study the Martian environment and prepare for future human exploration.

NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers Uncover Mars' Geological History

NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers Uncover Mars' Geological History

NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance rovers are simultaneously exploring Mars, each uncovering different aspects of the planet's geological history. Curiosity, operating for nearly 15 years, is ascending Aeolis Mons in Gale Crater, revealing younger rock layers and discovering diverse organic molecules. Meanwhile, Perseverance is exploring ancient terrains beyond Jezero Crater, capturing images of some of the oldest rocks in the Solar System. The rovers' findings include evidence of past water activity and potential signs of ancient life, such as chemical reactions similar to those caused by microorganisms on Earth. These discoveries are crucial for understanding Mars' past environments and assessing its habitability.

NASA Shuts Down Voyager 1 Instrument to Conserve Power in Interstellar Space

NASA Shuts Down Voyager 1 Instrument to Conserve Power in Interstellar Space

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory has deactivated the Low-energy Charged Particles (LECP) experiment on Voyager 1 due to the spacecraft's diminishing power supply. This decision, made on April 17, aims to extend the operational life of the probe, which has been in space since 1977. The LECP, which has been active for nearly 49 years, provided valuable data on low-energy charged particles, including ions and cosmic rays, contributing to the understanding of the interstellar medium. The shutdown is part of a pre-planned sequence to prioritize the spacecraft's remaining instruments, ensuring Voyager 1 can continue its unique scientific observations. This step follows a similar action taken on Voyager 2 in March 2025.

NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers Capture Panoramic Views of Mars

NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance Rovers Capture Panoramic Views of Mars

NASA's Curiosity and Perseverance rovers have captured 360-degree panoramas of Mars, providing detailed insights into the planet's geological history. Curiosity's panorama, taken between November and December 2025, showcases boxwork formations created by ancient groundwater flows. Perseverance's panorama, captured between December 2025 and January 2026, focuses on the Jezero Crater rim, revealing some of the oldest rocks in the solar system. These images help scientists understand Mars' past environments and its potential to have supported life.