Spacecraft - Blog Posts
What is the weirdest thing you had to account for when building the perseverance rover?
I've been very curious about the basis on which the landing site is decided! I read that it will land in the Jerezo crater, so is there a particular reason behind choosing that place for the landing?
Will the robot be able to send vedio footage?
What kind of math is needed to get to Mars? How is the path of the lander calculated?
what is the biggest challenge in the preparation of such a mission and how do you handle it?
Is there any chance that something could go wrong?
Why is the final phase so difficult?Sorry if I sound dumb,I'm just curious.Also,what will be the rover's first task after landing?
How will the audio feed from Perseverance make its way back to Earth?
What do you hope to find on the mars? / What would be the best possible outcome?
Hello!! Its wonderful to be able to ask questions, thank you!
About Perseverance, does it have a self-repair option? And as Curiosity is still operational, will they run missions together? Or will they split up to cover more distance?
Is this a sign that we're close to being able to set foot on Mars?
My final question is how do you receive the messages from such a long distance?
Thanks for all your hard work! 加油/Good luck!
“Is this a sign that we are close to being able to set foot on Mars?”
That's a wrap! Thank you all for the wonderful questions.
NASA Mars Perseverance Rover Mission Engineer Chloe Sackier answered questions about how we prepared for the mission, Perseverance’s entry, descent, and landing, and what Perseverance will do once on Mars.
Check out her full Answer Time for more: Career | Preparation | Entry, Descent, & Landing | Operation
We hope you had fun today and learned a little bit about our robotic astrobiologist landing on Mars on February 18th. You won't want to miss this! Tune in to NASA TV HERE starting at 2:15 p.m. EST.
If today’s Answer Time got you excited, team up with us to #CoutdownToMars! We created a virtual Mars photo booth, have sounds of Mars to listen to and more for all you Earthlings to channel your inner Martian. Check out ways to participate HERE.
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Mission Precision
The Instrument was designed and built to meet a mission's precision.
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Soyuz Space Navigation Indicator
The space navigation indicator displayed the nadir of the spacecraft on a rotating terrestrial globe, indicating the spacecraft's location relative to Earth coordinates. It was also used to calculate day and night while in orbit, to plot landing coordinates, and to calculate open windows for communication.
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Vostok 1 Instrument Panel
This panel is of the instrument panel of Vostok 1 spacecraft. Vostok 1 was the first spacecraft to carry a human into space.
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the offering of water
europa clipper, launched 10/14/24
Humanity might now be ignoring its’ First Chance to send a Deep_Space Exploration Probe to a real Oort_Cloud Object for The Time in History!
NASA’s TESS Mission to Search for Lots More EXOPLANETS is now about to be Launched someday really soon!
The Hunt for New Worlds Continues with TESS
We’re getting ready to start our next mission to find new worlds! The Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) will find thousands of planets beyond our solar system for us to study in more detail. It’s preparing to launch from our Kennedy Space Center at Cape Canaveral in Florida.
Once it launches, TESS will look for new planets that orbit bright stars relatively close to Earth. We’re expecting to find giant planets, like Jupiter, but we’re also predicting we’ll find Earth-sized planets. Most of those planets will be within 300 light-years of Earth, which will make follow-up studies easier for other observatories.
TESS will find these new exoplanets by looking for their transits. A transit is a temporary dip in a star’s brightness that happens with predictable timing when a planet crosses between us and the star. The information we get from transits can tell us about the size of the planet relative to the size of its star. We’ve found nearly 3,000 planets using the transit method, many with our Kepler space telescope. That’s over 75% of all the exoplanets we’ve found so far!
TESS will look at nearly the entire sky (about 85%) over two years. The mission divides the sky into 26 sectors. TESS will look at 13 of them in the southern sky during its first year before scanning the northern sky the year after.
What makes TESS different from the other planet-hunting missions that have come before it? The Kepler mission (yellow) looked continually at one small patch of sky, spotting dim stars and their planets that are between 300 and 3,000 light-years away. TESS (blue) will look at almost the whole sky in sections, finding bright stars and their planets that are between 30 and 300 light-years away.
TESS will also have a brand new kind of orbit (visualized below). Once it reaches its final trajectory, TESS will finish one pass around Earth every 13.7 days (blue), which is half the time it takes for the Moon (gray) to orbit. This position maximizes the amount of time TESS can stare at each sector, and the satellite will transmit its data back to us each time its orbit takes it closest to Earth (orange).
Kepler’s goal was to figure out how common Earth-size planets might be. TESS’s mission is to find exoplanets around bright, nearby stars so future missions, like our James Webb Space Telescope, and ground-based observatories can learn what they’re made of and potentially even study their atmospheres. TESS will provide a catalog of thousands of new subjects for us to learn about and explore.
The TESS mission is led by MIT and came together with the help of many different partners. Learn more about TESS and how it will further our knowledge of exoplanets, or check out some more awesome images and videos of the spacecraft. And stay tuned for more exciting TESS news as the spacecraft launches!
Watch the Launch + More!
Sunday, April 15 11 a.m. EDT - NASA Social Mission Overview
Join mission experts to learn more about TESS, how it will search for worlds beyond our solar system and what scientists hope to find! Have questions? Use #askNASA to have them answered live during the broadcast.
Watch HERE.
1 p.m. EDT - Prelaunch News Conference
Get an update on the spacecraft, the rocket and the liftoff operations ahead of the April 16 launch! Have questions? Use #askNASA to have them answered live during the broadcast.
Watch HERE.
3 p.m. EDT - Science News Conference
Hear from mission scientists and experts about the science behind the TESS mission. Have questions? Use #askNASA to have them answered live during the broadcast.
Watch HERE.
4 p.m. EDT - TESS Facebook Live
This live show will dive into the science behind the TESS spacecraft, explain how we search for planets outside our solar system and will allow you to ask your questions to members of the TESS team.
Watch HERE.
Monday, April 16 10 a.m. EDT - NASA EDGE: TESS Facebook Live
This half-hour live show will discuss the TESS spacecraft, the science of searching for planets outside our solar system, and the launch from Cape Canaveral.
Watch HERE.
1 p.m. EDT - Reddit AMA
Join us live on Reddit for a Science AMA to discuss the hunt for exoplanets and the upcoming launch of TESS!
Join in HERE.
6 p.m. EDT - Launch Coverage!
TESS is slated to launch at 6:32 p.m. EDT on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from our Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
Watch HERE.
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Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the launch of Apollo 6.
Promo video put together by my spouse. Thank you, Kimmy! @k1mberly0 #spaceopera #scifiauthor #booksofinstagram #furtherthanbefore #pathwaytothestars #politicalsciencefiction #longevity #CRISPR #physiology #neuroscience #biotechnology #physiology #physics #theoreticalphysics #biopods #spacecraft #architecture #preservationoflife #strongfemalelead #strongfemalerolemodel #strongmalerolemodel (at Papillion, Nebraska) https://www.instagram.com/p/BtmnWFLg52P/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=t7arij83thzf
https://www.amazon.com/author/matthewopdyke -- Link on Author Page, @matthewopdyke Now, together, Part 1, Vesha Celeste, and Part 2, Eliza Williams, have been paired together, and are available for those interested in the types of science, the directions of science, and the speculation that leads to well-being and quality of life, feel free to follow, message, and share ideas, and be a part of a positive future where, if we so choose, we can navigate the stars. This is just the beginning of this series and prequel, “Pathway to the Stars,” to a giant series, “Further than Before!” Please enjoy. https://www.amazon.com/author/matthewopdyke #sciencefiction #scifi #sciencefictionfantasy #scififantasy #politicalscifi #politicalsciencefiction #strongfemalelead #utopian #utopianscifi #technologyidealism #neuroscience #nanotech #nanotechnology #physics #theoreticalphysics #problemresolution #apoliticalscifi #biology #CRISPR #stemcellresearch #geneticmodification #spacemining #spaceforce #spacecraft #longevity #longevitysciences #longevityscifi #superheroes #healingnotharming #moonbase #techcities #advancedtechnology #neurologicaloptimizations #physiologicaloptimizations #neurology #physiology #humanitarianism #problemsolving #healthyenvironment #healthyemotionalenvironment #healthyphysicalenvironment #healthyearth #helpmothernature #givemothernaturearest #evolvingourselves #desiredresultsvsmixed #controlledchaos #balanceinlife #sportsindifferentgravityzones #advancedcivilization #evolutionofmind #evolutionofbody #preservetheearth #preservethesolarsystem #solarsystem #oortcloud #asteroids #asteroidmining #astrobiology #astrophysics #astronauts #bigdata #medicaladvancements #progeria #hutchisonguilfordprogeriasyndrome #cancercures #curesforcancer #diabetescures #curesfordiabetes #heartdisease #curesforheartdisease #lungdisease #curesforlungdisease #genetherapies #geneticdatastudies #genedata #databasemoons #seismicactivity #naturaldisasters #nonpredation #preservationoflife #cleanmeats #advancedarchitecture #biopods #virtualuniverse #smartsuits #holowardrobe #moonbase #planetaryshields #inhabitingtheuninhabitable #matthewopdyke #furtherthanbefore #pathwa https://www.instagram.com/p/BpUMW6ZgB1I/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1m6wsy3eldq7e
Spaceships Don’t Go to the Moon Until They’ve Gone Through Ohio
From the South, to the Midwest, to infinity and beyond. The Orion spacecraft for Artemis I has several stops to make before heading out into the expanse, and it can’t go to the Moon until it stops in Ohio. It landed at the Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport on Nov. 24, and then it was transferred to Plum Brook Station where it will undergo a series of environmental tests over the next four months to make sure it’s ready for space. Here are the highlights of its journey so far.
It’s a bird? It’s a whale? It’s the Super Guppy!
The 40-degree-and-extremely-windy weather couldn’t stop the massive crowd at Mansfield from waiting hours to see the Super Guppy land. Families huddled together as they waited, some decked out in NASA gear, including one astronaut costume complete with a helmet. Despite the delays, about 1,500 people held out to watch the bulbous airplane touch down.
Buckle up. It’s time for an extremely safe ride.
After Orion safely made it to Ohio, the next step was transporting it 41 miles to Plum Brook Station. It was loaded onto a massive truck to make the trip, and the drive lasted several hours as it slowly maneuvered the rural route to the facility. The 130-foot, 38-wheel truck hit a peak speed of about 20 miles per hour. It was the largest load ever driven through the state, and more than 700 utility lines were raised or moved in preparation to let the vehicle pass.
Calling us clean freaks would be an understatement.
Any person who even thinks about breathing near Orion has to be suited up. We’re talking “bunny” suit, shoe covers, beard covers, hoods, latex gloves – the works. One of our top priorities is keeping Orion clean during testing to prevent contaminants from sticking to the vehicle’s surface. These substances could cause issues for the capsule during testing and, more importantly, later during its flight around the Moon.
And liftoff of Orion… via crane.
On the ceiling of the Space Environments Complex at Plum Brook Station is a colossal crane used to move large pieces of space hardware into position for testing. It’s an important tool during pretest work, as it is used to lift Orion from the “verticator”—the name we use for the massive contraption used to rotate the vehicle from its laying down position into an upright testing orientation. After liftoff from the verticator, technicians then used the crane to install the spacecraft inside the Heat Flux System for testing.
It’s really not tin foil.
Although it looks like tin foil, the metallic material wrapped around Orion and the Heat Flux System—the bird cage-looking hardware encapsulating the spacecraft—is a material called Mylar. It’s used as a thermal barrier to help control which areas of the spacecraft get heated or cooled during testing. This helps our team avoid wasting energy heating and cooling spots unnecessarily.
Bake at 300° for 63 days.
It took a little over a week to prep Orion for its thermal test in the vacuum chamber. Now begins the 63-day process of heating and cooling (ranging from -250° to 300° Fahrenheit) the capsule to ensure it’s ready to withstand the journey around the Moon and back.
View more images of Orion’s transportation and preparation here.
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NASA Spotlight: Astronaut Soichi Noguchi
Soichi Noguchi was selected as an astronaut with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in 1996. A native of Yokohama, Kanagawa, he is currently a mission specialist for NASA’s SpaceX Crew-1 launch taking flight to the International Space Station on Nov. 14. Soichi will be the first international crewmember on Crew Dragon and the first international partner astronaut to fly aboard three types of orbital spacecraft – the U.S. space shuttle, the Russian Soyuz, and now the SpaceX Crew Dragon! Talk about impressive. He received a B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering in 1989, master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering in 1991, Doctor of Philosophy in Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies in 2020, all from the University of Tokyo.
Soichi took time from preparing for his historic mission to answer questions about his life and career:
You recently earned a doctorate in philosophy. What made you do it?
After my second flight, I started this research about your sensory system in zero gravity. I used a my own personal video, which I took during my last two flights at the International Space Station. I had a lot of interesting discussions amongst young professionals and students at the University of Tokyo about the research. It was a fun experience – but I would not do it again!
Space is a risky business. Why do it?
Space IS definitely a risky business. But the reward is higher than the risk so that’s why we take it.
Do you have a message for boys and girls in Japan who are interested in science and engineering?
Three words: Space. Is. Waiting.
Aside from mission objectives and tasks, what’s a personal goal for this mission?
We have a lot of interesting missions to do, but my personal goal is to return home with lots of fun stories.
What was it like to get the phone call to become an astronaut?
It was 25 years ago, but I still remember the voice vividly. I got a call from Dr. Mamoru Mohri, the very first JAXA astronaut, and he said “Welcome to the Astronaut Corps.” When I got the call to be part of the Crew-1 mission, I was a lot less nervous than when I was assigned to my first mission, but the excitement remains the same.
Can you describe your crew mate Mike Hopkins in one sentence?
He is a natural leader that takes care of the team really well, and he’s fun to play around with.
Star Trek or Star Wars?
Star Wars… just because!
Can you share your favorite photo or video that you took in space?
My favorite photo is Mount Fuji because I see the mountain almost every day when I was a child. It’s definitely breathtaking to see Mount Fuji from space.
What personal items did you decide to pack for launch and why?
I have lots of family photos, and I would put it inside my sleep station. Definitely one of the most challenging things about spaceflight is not experiencing zero gravity, not the rocket, but time away from family.
How would you describe spacewalking outside the space station?
It’s an excursion. The view of the Earth is just breathtaking because you are just one glass away from the vacuum of space. There’s nothing between you and Earth.
What are you most excited about for the future of human space exploration?
I would say I’m most excited for interplanetary travel to become more common so that the school kids can go to Mars on their field trip.
What would you say to someone looking to follow in your footsteps?
Don’t worry, be happy!
How has spaceflight evolved since your first launch and stay aboard the International Space Station in 2005?
This is definitely an exciting moment. We’re starting to see more players in the game. SpaceX is the frontrunner, but soon we’ll see Boeing, Sierra Nevada and Axiom. So the International Space Station will soon have more players involved, and it will be a lot more fun!
Thank you for your time, Soichi, and good luck on your historic mission! Get to know a bit more about Soichi and his NASA astronaut crew mates Victor Glover, Michael Hopkins, and Shannon Walker in the video above.
Watch LIVE launch coverage beginning at 3:30 p.m. EST on Nov. 14 HERE.
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5 Facts About Earth's Radiation Donuts 🍩
Did you know that our planet is surrounded by giant, donut-shaped clouds of radiation?
Here’s what you need to know.
1. The radiation belts are a side effect of Earth’s magnetic field
The Van Allen radiation belts exist because fast-moving charged particles get trapped inside Earth’s natural magnetic field, forming two concentric donut-shaped clouds of radiation. Other planets with global magnetic fields, like Jupiter, also have radiation belts.
2. The radiation belts were one of our first Space Age discoveries
Earth’s radiation belts were first identified in 1958 by Explorer 1, the first U.S. satellite. The inner belt, composed predominantly of protons, and the outer belt, mostly electrons, would come to be named the Van Allen Belts, after James Van Allen, the scientist who led the charge designing the instruments and studying the radiation data from Explorer 1.
3. The Van Allen Probes have spent six years exploring the radiation belts
In 2012, we launched the twin Van Allen Probes to study the radiation belts. Over the past six years, these spacecraft have orbited in and out of the belts, providing brand-new data about how the radiation belts shift and change in response to solar activity and other factors.
4. Surprise! Sometimes there are three radiation belts
Shortly after launch, the Van Allen Probes detected a previously-unknown third radiation belt, created by a bout of strong solar activity. All the extra energy directed towards Earth meant that some particles trapped in our planet’s magnetic field were swept out into the usually relatively empty region between the two Van Allen Belts, creating an additional radiation belt.
5. Swan song for the Van Allen Probes
Originally designed for a two-year mission, the Van Allen Probes have spent more than six years collecting data in the harsh radiation environment of the Van Allen Belts. In spring 2019, we’re changing their orbit to bring the perigee — the part of the orbit where the spacecraft are closest to Earth — about 190 miles lower. This ensures that the spacecraft will eventually burn up in Earth’s atmosphere, instead of orbiting forever and becoming space junk.
Because the Van Allen Probes have proven to be so hardy, they’ll continue collecting data throughout the final months of the mission until they run out of fuel. As they skim through the outer reaches of Earth’s atmosphere, scientists and engineers will also learn more about how atmospheric oxygen can degrade satellite measurements — information that can help build better satellites in the future.
Keep up with the latest on the mission on Twitter, Facebook or nasa.gov/vanallenprobes.
was doodling this as part of a wip artwork...juice and europa clipper are my favorite pair of platonic work spouses
didnt chandrapost this chandra it seems!
JUICE bday!
ESA: Rosetta was decommissioned and landed on the surface of 67P. It has been inactive since.
Rosetta, right now, at this very moment whilst posting:
Psyche (spacecraft) over Psyche (asteroid)