NASA Space Scoop

NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) has one single instrument onboard – the Didymos Reconnaissance and Asteroid Camera for Optical Navigation, aka the DRACO camera. DRACO serves as the spacecraft’s eye and will guide DART to its final destination: impact with asteroid Dimorphos. The stream you’re watching is a real-time feed from the DART spacecraft enabled through the DRACO camera sending one image per second to Earth. For the DART impact broadcast with commentary, watch: https://youtu.be/4RA8Tfa6Sck In the hours before impact, the screen will appear mostly black, with a single point of light. That point is the binary asteroid system Didymos which is made up of a larger asteroid named Didymos and a smaller asteroid that orbits around it called Dimorphos. As the 7:14 p.m. EDT (23:14 UTC) impact of asteroid Dimorphos nears closer, the point of light will get bigger and eventually detailed asteroids will be visible. At 7:14 p.m., the DART spacecraft is slated to intentionally crash into asteroid Dimorphos. This stream will be delayed due to the time it takes the images to arrive at Earth, plus additional time for feeding the images to various platforms. For the most up-to-date DRACO camera feed, please tune into the NASA DART Impact Broadcast here: https://youtu.be/4RA8Tfa6Sck After impact, the feed will turn black – due to a loss of signal. After about 2 minutes, this stream will turn into a replay – showing the final moments leading up to impact. That replay file will also become available on NASA websites and social media accounts. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of technology. DART’s target asteroid is NOT a threat to Earth. This asteroid system is a perfect testing ground to see if intentionally crashing a spacecraft into an asteroid is an effective way to change its course, should an Earth-threatening asteroid be discovered in the future.

These are our explorers. They're the people who will get us to the Moon, collect Moon rocks, deliver them to Earth safely, and ensure that we can study them for years to come. On episode one of “NASA Explorers: Artemis Generation," meet astronaut Jessica Watkins, engineer Adam Naids, Moon rock curator Julie Mitchell, and astrobiologist Jose Aponte. They each had a different path to NASA, from conducting hazardous kitchen chemistry experiments in Lima, Peru, to exploring the Louisiana Bayou, to dissecting a cow’s eye in a science program in Colorado. Each person is a vital part of NASA’s goal to conduct science on the Moon’s surface. Series Executive Producers: Katy Mersmann/Lauren Ward Season Producers: Lonnie Shekhtman/Stephanie Sipila/James Tralie/Molly Wasser Explorers: Jose Aponte/Natalie Curran/Julie Mitchell/Adam Naids/Noah Petro/Kelsey Young/Jessica Watkins Music: a. “Blackbird” by Magnum Opus b. “Optimistic Attitude 1” by Joel Goodman and Vicente Julio Ortiz Gimeno c. “By the Moonlit Lake” by Mark Choi d. “Beside You” by Dominic Marsh and Giovanni Tria e. “Playground Intrigue” by Brice Davoli f. “Momentous” by Le Fat Club and Olivier Grim Credit: NASA #NASAExplorers #Artemis #NASA

NASA’s InSight lander detected seismic waves from a meteoroid and was able to capture the sound of the space rock striking the surface of Mars for the first time. The meteoroid – the term used for incoming space rocks before they hit the ground – entered Mars’ atmosphere on Sept. 5, 2021, exploding into at least three shards that each left craters behind. Mars’ atmosphere is just 1% as dense as Earth’s, allowing far more meteoroids to pass through and impact the Red Planet’s surface. This event marks the first time seismic and acoustic waves from an impact were detected on the Red Planet. Why does this meteoroid impact sound like a “bloop” in the video? It has to do with a peculiar atmospheric effect that’s also observed in deserts on Earth. After sunset, the atmosphere retains some heat accumulated during the day. Sound waves travel through this heated atmosphere at different speeds, depending on their frequency. As a result, lower-pitched sounds arrive before high-pitched sounds. An observer close to the impact would hear a “bang,” while someone many miles away would hear the bass sounds first, creating a “bloop.” NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter flew over the estimated impact site to confirm the location. The orbiter used its black-and-white Context Camera to reveal three darkened spots on the surface. After locating these spots, the orbiter’s team used the High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment camera, or HiRISE, to get a color close-up of the craters. Because HiRISE sees wavelengths the human eye can’t detect, scientists change the camera’s filters to enhance the color of the image. The areas that appear blue around the craters are where dust has been removed or disturbed by the blast of the impact. Martian dust is bright and red, so removing it makes the surface appear relatively dark and blue.

When the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano erupted on Jan. 15, it sent a tsunami racing around the world and set off a sonic boom that circled the globe twice. The underwater eruption in the South Pacific Ocean also blasted an enormous plume of water vapor into Earth’s stratosphere – enough to fill more than 58,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. The sheer amount of water vapor could be enough to temporarily affect Earth’s global average temperature. So outside of its sheer magnitude, what makes this eruption so unique? Well, it’s really a matter of our ability to see it through NASA and ESA satellites. Music credit: “Color Chart” and “Bright Horizons” from Universal Production Music Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Emily Watkins (GSFC Interns): Lead Producer Kathleen Gaeta(GSFC AIMMS): Producer Dr. James Garvin (NASA Chief Scientist Goddard): Lead Scientist This video can be freely shared and downloaded at https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14214. While the video in its entirety can be shared without permission, the music and some individual imagery may have been obtained through permission and may not be excised or remixed in other products. Specific details on such imagery may be found here: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14214. For more information on NASA’s media guidelines, visit https://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/guidelines/index.html. If you liked this video, subscribe to the NASA Goddard YouTube channel:

NASA's next outer solar system mission, Europa Clipper, will gather detailed measurements of Jupiter’s moon Europa. Scientists think the intriguing moon may contain a salty ocean below a miles-thick ice shell, and the Europa Clipper mission - which is scheduled for launch in 2024 - will investigate whether it could have conditions suitable for life. Join us Sept 28th at 1:00 pm PT for a live Q&A from JPL's High Bay 1 clean room and see Europa Clipper up close in the early stages of assembly. We'll discuss what we want to learn from Europa and what kind of instruments we will use to explore it with project staff scientist Cynthia Phillips and project system engineer Jennifer Dooley.

Countdown to impact as NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) attempts humanity’s first-ever test of planetary defense! The DART spacecraft will intentionally crash into asteroid Dimorphos at 7:14 p.m. ET on Monday, September 26, 2022 to see if kinetic force can change its orbit. Why? If this test is successful, the same technique could be used to deflect an Earth-threatening asteroid in the future, should one ever be discovered. The #DARTMission's target asteroid is NOT a threat to Earth before, during or after the impact event.

Meet NASA’s rock detectives. Using tiny samples of lunar rock brought back by Apollo astronauts, these NASA Explorers are looking into the origins of our Moon, our planet, and ourselves. They might be among the first scientists to study samples from the Moon’s South Pole that will be delivered to Earth by Artemis astronauts. In episode 2 of “NASA Explorers: Artemis Generation,” we’re joining scientists like Natalie Curran and Jose Aponte, who are looking at clues buried in Moon rocks. Series Executive Producers: Katy Mersmann/Lauren Ward Season Producers: Lonnie Shekhtman/Stephanie Sipila/James Tralie/Molly Wasser Explorers: Natalie Curran/Jose Aponte Music: 1. “Darwin’s Extraordinary Journey” by Laurent Dury 2. “From Small Beginnings” by Jay Price 3. “Life Eternal” by Enrico Cacace and Lorenzo Castellarin 4. “All is Good” by Anders Niska and Klas Johan Wahl 5. “Hyperion” by Gresby Race Nash Credit: NASA #NASAExplorers #Artemis #NASA

SWOT- Earth Science Satellite Will Help Communities Plan for a Better Future

The 18th Northrop Grumman commercial resupply services mission to the International Space Station carries scientific investigations of topics such as 3D printing of knee cartilage, plant mutations, and mudflow structure—along with a demonstration of camera technology and small satellites from Japan, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The Cygnus spacecraft carrying these investigations to the orbiting laboratory is scheduled for liftoff no earlier than Nov. 6, 2022 from the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport at NASA's Wallops Flight Facility on Wallops Island, Virginia. Learn more about some of the scientific research traveling to the station on this mission: https://go.nasa.gov/3rYCjvA CREDIT: NASA #NASA #SpaceStation #Science

A new NASA and Durham University simulation puts forth a different theory of the Moon’s origin – the Moon may have formed in a matter of hours, when material from the Earth and a Mars sized-body were launched directly into orbit after the impact. The simulations used in this research are some of the most detailed of their kind, operating at the highest resolution of any simulation run to study the Moon’s origins or other giant impacts. Learn more: https://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/lunar-origins-simulations Credit: NASA/Durham University/Jacob Kegerreis Music Provided by Universal Production Music: Genosequence by Alessandro Rizzo. This video can be downloaded from the NASA Image and Video Library at: https://images.nasa.gov/details-ARC-20221004-AAV3443-MoonOrigin-Social-NASAWeb-1080p NASA's Ames Research Center is located in California's Silicon Valley. Follow us on social media to hear about the latest developments in space, science, technology, and aeronautics.

New time-lapse movies from NASA’s NEOWISE mission give astronomers the opportunity to see objects, like stars and black holes, as they move and change over time. The videos include previously hidden brown dwarfs, a feeding black hole, a dying star, a star-forming region, and a brightening star. They combine more than 10 years of NEOWISE observations and 18 all-sky images, enabling a long-term analysis and a deeper understanding of the universe. 0:44 – NEOWISE all-sky scan animation 1:03 – Feeding black hole 1:14 – Pulsing star reaches the end of its life 1:21 – Protostars in star-forming region 1:34 – Brown dwarf moves across the sky 2:00 – Unexplained stellar brightening The NEOWISE mission uses a space telescope to hunt for asteroids and comets, including those that could pose a threat to Earth. Launched in December 2009 as the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer, or WISE, the space telescope was originally designed to survey the sky in infrared, detecting asteroids, stars and some of the faintest galaxies in space. WISE did so successfully until completing its primary mission in February 2011. Observations resumed in December 2013, when the telescope was taken out of hibernation and re-purposed for the NEOWISE project as an instrument to study near-Earth objects, or NEOs, as well as more distant asteroids and comets. For more information on the NEOWISE mission go to: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/neowise For more NEOWISE data go to: https://neowise.ipac.caltech.edu Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech WISE-NEOWISE movies compiled by Dan Caselden

After months aboard the International Space Station, the astronauts of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-4 mission are returning home. Traveling back to Earth inside a SpaceX Dragon capsule are NASA astronauts Kjell Lindgren, Robert Hines, and Jessica Watkins, along with ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Samantha Cristoforetti. During their time aboard the orbiting laboratory, these crew members contributed to ongoing and new scientific investigations and technology demonstrations, work that is helping to prepare humans for future space exploration missions and generating innovations and benefits for humanity on Earth. Learn more: https://go.nasa.gov/3Sv0vkE Credit: NASA #space #iss #spacex

Set far away from residents and surrounded by dunes, the Remote Hypervelocity Test Laboratory at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, has supported every human spaceflight program from the Space Shuttle to Artemis. A team designing shields to protect NASA's Mars Earth Entry System from micrometeorites and space debris traveled to this facility to safely recreate dangerous impacts, and to test the team’s shields and computer models. Video Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center James Tralie (ADNET): Lead Producer Lead Editor Videographer Sam Molleur (NASA/JPL): Producer Videographer Dave Hendon (NASA/White Sands): White Sands Videographer Support Marcus Sandy (NASA/White Sands): Manager, White Sands Hypervelocity Testing Dennis Garcia (NASA/White Sands): .50-Caliber Test Conductor Russ Stein (NASA/Goddard): Micrometeoroid Protection System Product Design Lead Bruno Sarli (NASA/Goddard): System Engineer for CCRS Art Pardo (NASA/White Sands): White Sands Lead Electrical Technician Animations from NASA/CILabs, NASA/JPL, and ESA Music is "Tumbleweed" by Paul Osborne, "Old as the Hills" by Matthieu Ouaki, and "Texas Moon" by Anders Johan Greger Lewen of Universal Production Music. This video can be freely shared and downloaded at https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14219. While the video in its entirety can be shared without permission, the music and some individual imagery may have been obtained through permission and may not be excised or remixed in other products. Specific details on such imagery may be found here: https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/14219. For more information on NASA’s media guidelines, visit https://nasa.gov/multimedia/guidelines. If you liked this video, subscribe to the NASA Goddard YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/NASAGoddard Follow NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center · Instagram http://www.instagram.com/nasagoddard · Twitter http://twitter.com/NASAGoddard · Twitter http://twitter.com/NASAGoddardPix · Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NASAGoddard · Flickr http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsfc

When Artemis astronauts land on the Moon, they’ll travel to sites never before visited by humans. Namely, they'll explore the South Pole region, home to the Moon’s largest crater, areas of near-constant light and deep shadows, and some of the coldest temperatures in the solar system. Exploring the South Pole will teach us more about the Moon’s history, as well as the history of our solar system. It's home to frozen water, which is crucial for living sustainably on the lunar surface and exploring deeper into the solar system. Artemis astronauts will explore the Moon on behalf of all of us and bring back lunar rocks and soil for analyses by generations of scientists who will help us gain unimaginable insights into our cosmic history. Series Executive Producers: Katy Mersmann/Lauren Ward Season Producers: Lonnie Shekhtman/Stephanie Sipila/James Tralie/Molly Wasser Explorers: Jose Aponte/Natalie Curran/Julie Mitchell/Adam Naids/Noah Petro/Kelsey Young/Jessica Watkins Music: a. “Daylight Falls” by Jay Price b. “Good Omens” by Count Zero and Rohan Stevenson c. “Lightspeed” by Gresby Race Nash d. “Wonders of Life” by Enrico Cacace and Lorzeno Castellarin e. “Hold Still” by Enrico Cacace f. “We Shall Overcome” by Laurent Couson Credit: NASA #NASAExplorers #Artemis #NASA-

There may not be any humans aboard NASA's #Artemis I flight test, but there will be a special canine: Snoopy! Learn why Astronaut Snoopy is flying to space when Artemis launches on its historic mission around the Moon and back. Artemis I is the first integrated flight test of the Space Launch System rocket that will send the uncrewed Orion spacecraft around the Moon and back to Earth. The mission will check out all spacecraft systems for the first time before crew fly aboard Artemis II. It's one more step toward taking the next giant leap: sending the first astronauts to Mars.

As of my last update in September 2021, I don't have specific information about individual episodes of NASA Explorers beyond that point. However, "NASA Explorers" is a series produced by NASA that aims to share the stories of scientists, engineers, and researchers working on various projects related to space exploration and scientific discovery. Each episode typically focuses on a specific theme, mission, or project, and provides insights into the work being done at NASA and its impact on our understanding of space and the universe. The series often features interviews, behind-the-scenes looks at mission operations, and explanations of complex scientific concepts. If you're looking for information about a specific episode, such as Season 5, Episode 3 titled "Space School," I recommend checking the official NASA website, their YouTube channel, or other official NASA social media platforms where they might have released the episode or related content. You could also search for any press releases or news articles related to the specific episode to find more details.

Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope continue following the aftermath of the cosmic collision. A surprise is the discovery of several dozen boulders lifted off the asteroid after the smashup. In Hubble pictures, they look like a swarm of bees very slowly moving away from the asteroid.

As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, I'm not aware of any specific observations made by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope regarding cosmic dust rings. However, I can provide you with some general information about cosmic dust rings and the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). Cosmic dust rings are regions in space where dust particles are concentrated, often due to gravitational interactions with planets, moons, or other objects. These rings can sometimes be illuminated by nearby stars, creating a visible or infrared glow. The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) is a powerful space observatory developed by NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). It is designed to study the universe in the infrared spectrum, providing unprecedented insights into the formation of stars, galaxies, planetary systems, and more. Given that my knowledge is not up-to-date beyond September 2021, I recommend checking the official NASA website, space news sources, or the James Webb Space Telescope's mission updates for the latest information on any observations related to cosmic dust rings made by the JWST after that date.

International Observe the Moon Night (InOMN) is an annual event dedicated to the observation, appreciation, and study of Earth's natural satellite, the Moon. It encourages people all around the world to come together and observe the Moon, learn about its features, and engage in various lunar-related activities. InOMN typically takes place in the fall of each year and is organized by various space agencies, astronomy clubs, educational institutions, and other organizations interested in promoting lunar science and exploration. The event provides opportunities for people of all ages to use telescopes, binoculars, or even just their naked eyes to observe the Moon's craters, mountains, valleys, and other fascinating features. The goal of International Observe the Moon Night is not only to enjoy the beauty of the Moon but also to promote awareness and understanding of lunar science, space exploration, and the importance of our celestial neighbor. It often includes educational programs, workshops, lectures, and public outreach activities to engage people in learning about lunar geology, history, and future exploration plans. Remember that the details for each year's event may vary, so it's a good idea to check with local astronomy clubs, observatories, or space agencies for information about specific events, dates, and activities for the most recent International Observe the Moon Night.

"NASA's Mars Impact Challenge: Testing the Ultimate Red Planet Crash Landing Strategies" Dive into the heart-pounding world of Martian exploration with our gripping series, "NASA's Mars Impact Challenge." In this thrilling and educational journey, we explore the daring strategies and cutting-edge technologies that NASA is developing to successfully crash land on the rugged terrain of the Red Planet. Join us as we peel back the curtain on the intense testing, simulations, and innovations that go into devising the most robust crash landing techniques for future Mars missions. From parachute systems that must navigate the thin Martian atmosphere to precision landing technologies that must guide spacecraft through treacherous Martian landscapes, every step of this nail-biting challenge pushes the boundaries of human engineering and ingenuity. Through captivating visuals, expert interviews, and immersive simulations, we take you behind the scenes of NASA's mission planning, showcasing the determination and passion of the scientists and engineers who strive to conquer the complexities of Mars landing. Experience the tension, setbacks, and triumphs as teams tackle the ultimate challenge of ensuring our spacecraft and rovers touch down safely on the Martian surface. Whether you're an aspiring space enthusiast or simply curious about the extraordinary feats of modern space exploration, "NASA's Mars Impact Challenge" offers a front-row seat to the breathtaking adventure of reaching the Red Planet. Strap in as we delve into the science, technology, and audacity that propel us toward humanity's next giant leap in space exploration.

"Lucy Spacecraft's Earth Slingshot Adventure" is an exciting and pivotal event in the realm of space exploration. The Lucy spacecraft, named after the famous early human ancestor, is on a remarkable mission to study the Trojan asteroids – ancient remnants from the formation of our solar system that reside near Jupiter's orbit. In this extraordinary journey, Lucy will utilize Earth's gravity as a slingshot maneuver to gain the necessary speed and trajectory for its mission. During the Earth flyby, the spacecraft will come close to our planet, using its gravitational pull to increase its velocity and redirect its path toward the Trojan asteroids. This strategic maneuver saves fuel and accelerates the spacecraft, allowing it to reach its destination more efficiently. This flyby presents a unique opportunity for space enthusiasts and scientists alike to witness a precision-engineered planetary assist maneuver. As Lucy whizzes past Earth, it not only gains the necessary speed for its upcoming encounters with the Trojan asteroids but also provides a chance for astronomers and researchers to calibrate instruments, test systems, and capture valuable data. Join us in witnessing this celestial spectacle as Lucy spacecraft embarks on its Earth slingshot adventure. Learn about the intricacies of space navigation, gravitational assists, and the science behind this critical maneuver that propels us further into the mysteries of our cosmic history.

"How to Bring Mars Sample Tubes Safely to Earth" is a captivating and informative Mars news report that delves into the intricate process of safely transporting precious Martian sample tubes back to Earth. Join us as we explore the groundbreaking mission that aims to unravel the mysteries of the Red Planet like never before. In this in-depth news report, we break down the complexities and challenges involved in bringing these invaluable samples from Mars to our home planet. From the moment these tubes are collected by rovers on the Martian surface to their anticipated arrival on Earth, we delve into the meticulous planning, advanced technologies, and scientific precautions that are being taken to ensure the safe and secure retrieval of these extraterrestrial specimens. Through expert interviews, immersive visuals, and clear explanations, we shed light on the innovative engineering behind the mission. Learn about the protective measures in place to prevent any potential contamination, the spacecraft that will ferry the samples across the vast expanse of space, and the cutting-edge facilities that await their arrival for analysis. Join us as we follow the journey of discovery that will rewrite our understanding of Mars and its potential for harboring signs of life. "How to Bring Mars Sample Tubes Safely to Earth" is your front-row seat to one of the most ambitious and exciting space endeavors of our time. Get ready to witness the future of space exploration and scientific breakthroughs in this captivating news report that bridges the gap between worlds.

"LOFTID Sixty-Second Science: Heat Shields" is a dynamic and concise channel that delves into the intricate world of heat shields, exploring their crucial role in protecting spacecraft during reentry and high-temperature environments. In each swift 60-second episode, we unlock the science behind these remarkable technologies that enable safe space travel and exploration. Join us as we demystify the design, materials, and engineering principles that go into creating heat shields capable of withstanding the extreme heat generated during a spacecraft's reentry into Earth's atmosphere. From thermal protection systems used on space shuttles to innovative designs for upcoming Mars missions, "LOFTID Sixty-Second Science: Heat Shields" breaks down complex concepts into bite-sized, easily digestible explanations. Through engaging visuals, animations, and expert insights, we shed light on the challenges faced by engineers and scientists in developing heat shields that keep astronauts and payloads secure. Discover the evolution of heat shield technology, the physics behind heat dissipation, and the cutting-edge materials that make these shields efficient safeguards against the searing temperatures of space travel. Whether you're a space enthusiast, a student interested in engineering, or simply curious about the science that makes space exploration possible, "LOFTID Sixty-Second Science: Heat Shields" offers a quick yet enriching journey into the world of thermal protection. Join us for a series of micro-learning experiences that leave you with a deeper understanding of the critical role heat shields play in pushing the boundaries of human exploration.

"How Do Spacecraft Slow Down - We Asked a NASA Technologist" is an intriguing episode of our channel, where we delve into the fascinating realm of space travel and the intricate maneuvers involved in slowing down a spacecraft. In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned NASA technologist to unravel the secrets behind the complex art of deceleration in space. Join us as we demystify the science and engineering behind spacecraft braking techniques. From the intense heat generated during atmospheric reentry to the precise calculations required for gravity assists, our expert guest takes us on an enlightening journey through the various methods employed to bring a speeding spacecraft to a controlled halt. Through insightful explanations and real-life examples of past space missions, we shed light on the challenges and solutions that engineers and scientists face when it comes to managing velocity in the vacuum of space. Whether it's using a planet's gravitational pull for a slingshot effect or deploying specialized propulsion systems, we explore the ingenious strategies that have enabled humanity to explore distant worlds and celestial bodies. Prepare to be captivated by the intricacies of space navigation as we break down complex concepts into easily understandable insights. "How Do Spacecraft Slow Down - We Asked a NASA Technologist" promises to satisfy your curiosity about the physics, technology, and innovation that drive our ability to control the speed of spacecraft, making space exploration a triumph of human ingenuity.