NASA plans to use a robotic eel to explore one of Jupiter's moons
NASA has begun exploring new ways to explore planets through their Innovative Advanced Concepts program (NIAC). One of these is a robotic eel, which they can use to travel across Jupiter's gas giant of a moon 'Europa.'
#NRMPresents 'WREN.' A Crowdsourced Satellite You Can Directly Control
We've seen many efforts in bringing the world closer to space, all from a plethora of multi-billion pound companies. But imagine a mission to the stars ran by four guys in a garage and, possibly, you. Introducing WREN: the first satellite you can fly.
Over 100,000 People Have Applied For A One-Way Ticket To Mars
We've spoken about Mars One before, the one-way mission to the red planet that's open for applications. However, the fundamental question has been just who would sign up for this? Turns out that would be over 100,000 of you, and growing.
Japan Launches First Robot Astronaut Into Space
One small step for man, one giant leap for robot kind. Japanese researchers have launched a tiny walking talking robot, named Kirobo, up to the International Space Station, with the mission of providing friendly companionship to Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata.
#NRMPresents 'Pocket Spacecraft.' Send Your Own Spacecraft To The Moon
We've become closer to space than we could ever imagine recently. Through the likes of SpaceX and Virgin Galactic, it's fair to say the idea of taking the kids on a holiday excursion to deep space is becoming less far-fetched as the years pass by. However a recently launched Kickstarter, called Pocket Spacecraft, project doesn't hope to get you into "space tourism," rather give all backers their own "personalised spacecraft" to send into orbit.
Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo Breaks Speed Of Sound In First Rocket-Powered Test Flight
Virgin Galactic successfully completed the first rocket-powered test of its SpaceShipTwo (SS2) aircraft, the vehicle that the company will use to launch the world's first commercial space flights later this year.
Global Mission To Destroy Space Debris Under Way. Nets, Harpoons And Lasers Could Be Used
With approximately 27,000 pieces of space debris orbiting the Earth, the European Space Agency has declared an urgency to take them out and protect our planet and crucial communications satellites. How do they plan to do this? Weapons of choice vary from nets and harpoons, to suicide robots.
NASA Mars Rover Draws Giant Penis On The Surface Of Red Planet
Anybody who has kept up with the Curiosity Rover's antics on Twitter will know NASA has a cheeky sense of humour, but we never expected this. Looks like an employee has used the Rover to draw a giant penis on the surface of Mars. The photo in question shows one of Spirit’s or Opportunity’s tyre tracks leaving a very appendage-looking impression in the Martian dust.
The Search Officially Begins For The First Humans To Go To Mars
Non-profit group Mars One has announced the launch of its astronaut selection program. The search has begun for the first humans to set foot on Mars and make it their home, which begins with accepting online submissions running until 31st August 2013.
UK Scientists Will Launch A Smartphone Satellite Into Space
A team of scientists from the University of Surrey are preparing to send the world's first smartphone satellite into orbit.
Called STRaND-1 (the Surrey Training, Research and Nanosatellite Demonstrator), this 30cm CubeSat weighing 4.3kg is powered by the Google Nexus One smartphone, and will launch into a 785km sun-synchronous orbit.
NASA's 'RASSOR' Robot Could Help Us Colonise The Moon
NASA is working on a robot that will help them find water on the moon. Named RASSOR (Regolith Advanced Surface Systems Operations Robot), this excavator has been built to extract water, ice, and other resources from lunar soil.
'ATHLETE.' NASA's Next Robot Walker To Build A Moon Base
In NASA’s continued ambition to further space exploration, the Jet Propulsion Laboratory has designed the next rover to build and supply a future lunar base. The ATHLETE (All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer) is designed to tackle any terrain the moon could throw at it, while transporting tools, equipment and personnel in the process.
Manned Commercial Flights To The Moon By 2020. $1.4 Billion For A Ticket
Former NASA executives unveiled "The Golden Spike Company," which plans to send manned spaceflights to the moon by 2020, offering private expeditions to governments and private stakeholders for $1.4 billion per flight.
NASA Announces Multi-Year Mars Program. New Rover Mission In 2020
NASA has announced plans for a robust multi-year Mars program, including a new "robotic science rover" set to launch in 2020, and the launch of two spacecraft to research the atmosphere of the red planet, with a view to commence in 2013.
SpaceX Founder Reveals Plans To Start A Colony On Mars
Fresh from becoming the first private US company to deliver cargo to the International Space Station, the billionaire founder and CEO of SpaceX, Elon Musk, is now eyeing even further afield. According to Space.com, he's been speaking about his plans to start-up a colony (of around 80,000 people) on Mars in the not-too-distant future, with tickets to the planet likely to cost around half a million dollars each.
UK To Invest £60m More In Space Program
Britain intends to spend an extra £60 million per year on space technology, by increasing it's investment into the European Space Agency (ESA).
The Chancellor George Osborne, in a speech to the Royal Society, announced that the UK is willing to commit an average of £240m a year, over the next five years to the ESA, increased from the usual investment of £170m. This has been done in the hope of encouraging domestic job growth via attracting lucrative contracts.
Red Bull Stratos: The Jump That Puts Us On The Path To Dreaming Again
"NASA, as best as I can judge, is a force of nature like none other." Neil deGrasse Tyson, 2010.
On November 20th 1998, the first components of the International Space Station were launched, beginning the mission that continues to this day. This was the last time that many of us were excited about the exploration of frontiers beyond our grasp. As Dr. Tyson so eloquently said: "We stopped dreaming."
Warp Drive Is More Feasible Than First Thought, According To NASA Scientists
‘Warp drive’ – a concept popularised in our favourite sci-fi shows such as Star Trek – is not as unrealistic as it was first believed, according to top scientists from NASA. They say there is a distinct “hope” that we can reach faster-than-light travel in years to come following ‘breakthroughs’ in warp drive theory.
SkyCube: Crowdfunded Satellite Lets You Broadcast Tweets From Space
A Kickstarter campaign has begun to gather funding for the build and launch of the world's first socially connected nano-satellite. Going by the name of 'SkyCube,' users can view photos taken by the device in orbit and broadcast their tweets across the planet from it.