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Soviet Canine Orbital Astronauts

The exploration of space stands as one of humanity’s most remarkable endeavors, yet the path to reaching the stars has often been paved with a myriad of trials, uncertainties, and ethical questions. One of the lesser-known yet significant aspects of early space exploration involves the contributions of canine astronauts, primarily sent into space by the Soviet Union during the initial years of the Space Age. These missions were conducted with the objective of understanding the physical and psychological impacts of space travel, gathering data that would be invaluable for future human missions.

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OSIRIS-REx: Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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OSIRIS-REx: A Journey to Asteroid Bennu and Back

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security – Regolith Explorer) is the first U.S. mission to collect a sample from an asteroid and return it to Earth. Launched on September 8, 2016, the spacecraft arrived at asteroid Bennu in December 2018 and collected a sample from its surface on October 20, 2020. The mission aims to deliver the largest asteroid sample ever received on Earth, estimated to hold about half a pound of Bennu’s material or 8.8 ounces +/- 3.6 ounces (250 grams +/- 101 grams).

Report: The United States Lunar Exploration Roadmap (LEAG 2016)

The Lunar Exploration Roadmap is a plan developed by engineers, planetary scientists, and policymakers to use the Moon and its resources to enable sustainable exploration of other destinations within the Solar System.

Report: China’s Role in Making Outer Space More Congested, Contested, and Competitive (CASI 2021)

China’s rapidly expanding space program contributes to making space more congested, contested, and competitive. This challenges U.S. access to space physically, militarily, and commercially.