Smooth ride ahead! 🚀
NASA engineers used powerful supercomputers + wind tunnel tests to refine the SLS rocket for Artemis II — the first crewed mission around the Moon.
Smarter design, safer flight, stronger rockets. 💪🌕
#NASA #Artemis #SLS #RocketScience #Engineering
VIPER’s next stop: the Moon 🌕
@NASA has chosen @blueorigin to deliver the rover to the lunar South Pole — where it’ll hunt for water ice and pave the way for future explorers.
#NASA #VIPER #MoonRover #Artemis
This black and white image shows the Moon’s gray, cratered surface against the backdrop of space. The prominent crater is Pythagoras, an impact crater about 80 miles in diameter, seen from 75,000 miles away during the Galileo flyby.
Credit: #NASAJPL
#Moon #Space #LunarPhotography #Crater
Galileo’s discoveries include the detection of a saltwater ocean beneath Europa’s icy surface, reshaping our understanding of potential extraterrestrial life. The orbiter plunged into Jupiter’s atmosphere in 2003 to avoid an impact with Europa.
#Europa #Jupiter #Galileo #SpaceExploration
The Galileo mission not only flew by the Moon but also became the first spacecraft to visit an asteroid. It provided the only direct observations of a comet colliding with a planet and captured Venus’ infrared images.
#Spacecraft #Galileo #Jupiter #Asteroids
I just came to say hello. This view of the north polar region of the Moon was captured by Galileo’s camera during its flyby of the Earth-Moon system on Dec 7 and 8, 1992. The mission paved the way for discoveries across our solar system.
#Hello #Moon #Galileo #Orbiter
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona. This image was captured on Dec. 25, 2016, by the HiRISE camera, showing dusty water ice lining the edges of Martian gullies. Such findings drive exploration on Mars for possible life-supporting environments.
#NASA #JPLCaltech #Mars #WaterIce
The blue at the bottom of Martian gullies, seen in this enhanced image, is likely coarse sand, not ice. HiRISE on the MRO can detect this color through far-infrared wavelengths, helping scientists study Mars in greater detail.
#Mars #HiRISE #NASA #MarsResearch
This image from NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter shows dusty water ice along Martian gullies. The enhanced-color image shows possible locations where meltwater may be present, opening the door for further scientific exploration.
#Meltwater #MarsReconnaissanceOrbiter #NASA #MarsExploration
Researchers believe the most likely places to find shallow Martian meltwater could be prime spots for future human and robotic missions. These areas may offer key insights into potential life on Mars.
#MarsExploration #LifeOnMars #NASA #SpaceResearch
NASA’s study suggests that beneath the ice on Mars, shallow pools of meltwater could harbor life. Just like on Earth, these pools could be home to algae, fungi, and microscopic cyanobacteria, all fueled by photosynthesis.
#Photosynthesis #Mars #MicrobialLife #NASA
The cold never bothered me anyway! A new NASA study proposes that meltwater beneath Martian ice could support microbial life. Researchers used computer modeling to demonstrate that sunlight can shine through water ice, allowing photosynthesis in shallow pools.
#Meltwater #NASAJPL #Frozen #Mars
Astronaut Christina Koch smiles at the camera through the open door of a model of the Orion spacecraft. She’s ready for the mission, testing the reliability of the hatch mechanism.
Credit: #LockheedMartin
#Astronaut #Spacecraft #NASA #Orion
During Artemis II, the crew won’t operate the hatch. #NASAKennedy team will help crew enter Orion at the launch pad, closing the hatch behind them. After splashdown, recovery teams will open the hatch for safe exit.
#ArtemisII #Orion #NASA #SpaceMission
The side hatch of the Orion module can be opened manually or in emergencies, using pyrotechnic devices that instantly release latch pins for quick access. Safety and quick operation are key for Artemis II.
#SpaceSafety #Orion #NASA #Astronaut
Astronauts practiced opening and closing the Orion crew module side hatch model to test its reliability and durability. This training is vital for their 10-day mission around the Moon during Artemis II.
#Spacecraft #Orion #NASA #ArtemisII
Step into my office! #NASAAstronauts Victor Glover, #Astro_Christina, #Astro_Reid, and #CanadianSpaceAgency astronaut #AstroJeremy traveled to #LockheedMartinSpace in Littleton, Colorado to practice opening and closing an Orion crew module side hatch model for Artemis II.
#ArtemisII #Orion #NASA
A close-up of the Artemis II core stage and Spider hardware shows the details of the mating process. These operations are essential for the upcoming Artemis II mission.
#KennedySpaceCenter #SpaceInnovation #RocketScience #Launch
An aerial view shows the teams moving the Spider and Transportation Integration Fixture to the Artemis II core stage for mating. This operation is key to ensuring successful mission assembly.
#NASA #MoonMission #Artemis #SpaceLaunchSystem
The Spider, held by the Transportation Integration Fixture, is moved toward the Artemis II core stage on a self-propelled modular transporter. This is a crucial step in the mating operations for the mission.
#Rocket #ArtemisII #SpaceExploration #Launch
A not-so-spooky Spider 🕷️🕸️ has been mated to the Space Launch System (SLS) core stage for Artemis II at @NASAKennedy. The Spider is connected at the top of the core stage, helping with lifting operations using the Vehicle Assembly Building crane.
#NASA #Artemis #SpaceLaunchSystem #KennedySpaceCenter
Orion spacecraft is being tested in deep space conditions at Kennedy Space Center to ensure it’s ready for Artemis II. This test is key for the upcoming mission to orbit the Moon and back.
#DeepSpaceTesting #ArtemisII #SpaceInnovation #NASA
Orion is inside the altitude chamber at Kennedy Space Center, simulating deep space conditions. These tests validate spacecraft systems for the upcoming Artemis II mission.
#SpaceTesting #Orion #NASAExploration #MoonJourney
NASA’s Orion spacecraft is undergoing vacuum tests at Kennedy Space Center to ensure readiness for deep space. Artemis II will be a new chapter in space travel as astronauts orbit the Moon before returning to Earth.
#MoonMission #DeepSpace #OrionSpacecraft #NASA
Orion spacecraft is undergoing vacuum tests at NASA Kennedy Space Center to prepare for Artemis II. The mission will send four astronauts on a 10-day journey around the Moon, paving the way for deep space exploration.
Credit:Lockheed Martin/David Wellendorf
#ArtemisII #Orion #SpaceExploration #NASA
On Feb. 1, 2003, Columbia STS-107 broke apart during re-entry after launch damage to its wing. Seven astronauts lost their lives. As we embark on new missions, we carry their spirit with us, ensuring that their sacrifice was not in vain.
#Columbia #STS107 #SpaceShuttle #MissionToMoon #InMemory
On Jan. 28, 1986, Challenger STS-51L was lost just 73 seconds after launch due to a booster failure. Seven crew members, including teacher Christa McAuliffe, perished. Their courage and dedication to education and exploration continue to inspire us today.
#STS51L #NeverForget #SpaceHeroes #NASA
On Jan. 27, 1967, the Apollo 1 tragedy claimed the lives of Gus Grissom, Ed White, and Roger Chaffee during a prelaunch test. A cabin fire erupted, and all three astronauts perished. Their loss reshaped NASA’s safety protocols, influencing generations of future missions.
#Apollo1 #NASAHistory
We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in space exploration, including the crews of Apollo 1, Challenger STS-51L, and Columbia STS-107. Their legacy fuels our pursuit of discovery and reminds us to stay vigilant in our journey to the stars.
Credit: NASA
#NASARemembers #Apollo1 #NASA
This Apollo 13 image captures a crater on the Moon’s farside, highlighting the rugged lunar surface. Despite its challenges, the mission provided invaluable insights and remains a testament to human resilience.
#Lunar #Moon #BlackAndWhite
