On Sept. 24, 2023, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx became the first U.S. mission to deliver a sample of an asteroid to Earth. This article provides answers to frequently asked questions about the mission.
Read More OSIRIS-REx: Frequently Asked QuestionsThe Rare Earth Hypothesis is a perspective that posits the emergence of complex, multicellular life on Earth required a highly improbable combination of astrophysical and geological events and circumstances. This hypothesis suggests that while simple, microbial life might be relatively common in the Universe, complex life forms are exceedingly rare. This article explores the foundations of the Rare Earth Hypothesis, its key arguments, how it fits into the larger conversation about extraterrestrial life, and the implications and criticisms it faces.
Read More The Rare Earth Hypothesis: Assessing the Scarcity of Complex Life in the UniverseSevere space weather can have catastrophic impacts… how is the United States preparing?
Read More Preparing for Severe Space Weather: The United States’ Strategy and Past Case StudiesThis National Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan for Near-Earth Object Hazards and Planetary Defense (2023 Planetary Defense Strategy) updates the United States’ first comprehensive Near-Earth Object Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan, released in 2018. The 2023 Planetary Defense Strategy builds on existing efforts by Federal Departments and Agencies to address the hazard of NEO impacts, includes evaluation of where progress has been made since 2018, and focuses future work on planetary defense across the U.S. government.
Read More National Preparedness Strategy and Action Plan for Near-Earth Object Hazards and Planetary Defense (2023)In a landmark presentation to the Space Task Group on August 4, 1969, Dr. Wernher von Braun, one of the leading figures in rocket development and space exploration, outlined a comprehensive plan for a manned Mars landing. This article explores the contents of that presentation, revealing the vision, strategy, and scientific goals behind this ambitious mission.
Read More Manned Mars Landing in 1982: A Look at the Mission Plan Proposed in 1969