NASA

NASA Selects Voyager for Seventh Private Mission to Space Station

NASA and Voyager Technologies have signed an order for the seventh private astronaut mission to the International Space Station, targeted to launch no earlier than 2028 from Florida.

SPACE

How Massive Star Clusters Shape Galaxy Evolution

Stars are the basic units of a galaxy. But they form from gas, which is even more elemental. How star-forming gas moves around in a galaxy shapes star formation, and also shapes the galaxy and how it evolves.

TECHNOLOGY

Thinner than a hair and stretchy like rubber: New material could shield against radiation in next-gen space tech

TECHNOLOGY

Thinner than a hair and stretchy like rubber: New material could shield against radiation in next-gen space tech

Scientists have created an ultra-thin, rubber-like material that can block both electromagnetic waves and neutron radiation. Made using carbon and boron nitride nanotubes, it shields up to 99.999% of EM radiation while remaining lightweight and stretchable. This breakthrough could significantly improve protection for astronauts, satellites, and space technology without adding extra weight.

NASA

New Lithium-Plasma Engine Passes Key Mars Propulsion Test

You’re on the fourth human mission to Mars, and you’re told the Odyssey spacecraft designed to take you there will be the smoothest ride you’ll ever take. It features a newly christened electric propulsion engine which was in the late stages of testing during the first three missions. The mission starts and the spacecraft travels at a crawl, and you wonder if it’s broken. A week goes by and you’re now traveling at more than 400,000 kilometers (250,000 miles) per hour, and your mind is blown as to how fast you’re going, how quickly that happened, and that this mission might be more awesome than you thought.