At a meeting in Italy last month, roughly 200 scientists from a wide range of disciplines established the European Exo/astrobiology Network to coordinate their work. During the conference, the European Space Agency (ESA) anounced an astrobiology program called Aurora. The proposed effort will extend the search for life beyond Earth with human missions to other planets.
Aug 25, 2006 | TECHNOLOGIES
NASA Announces Contractor for Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle
(NASA) - NASA will hold a press conference on Aug 31st to announce the prime contractor chosen to develop the next spacecraft to carry humans into space.
Aug 16, 2006 | SCIENCE
NASA Presents Exploration Program Update
(NASA - ARC) - Emerging global space leaders will gather at NASA Ames on Friday to discuss the future of space exploration.
Jul 17, 2006 | MISSIONS
Discovery Lands in Florida
(NASA) - The STS-121 astronauts returned home safely today from a successful mission to the ISS.
Jul 05, 2006 | MISSIONS
Shuttle Launch Provides Fireworks
(NASA) - The Space Shuttle Discovery is on its way to the International Space Station.
Jun 28, 2006 | MISSIONS
NASA Sends Flies into Space to Test Changes in Immune System
(NASA - ARC) - Thousands of flies will journey into space to help scientists understand immune system changes caused by space flight.
May 31, 2006 | TECHNOLOGIES
Columbus Arrives in Florida
(ESA) - The European Space Agency's Columbus module has arrived at the Kennedy Space Center.
May 17, 2006 | MISSIONS
NASA Finalizes Crews for Upcoming Shuttle Missions
(NASA) - NASA has finalized the crew of two space shuttle missions scheduled for launch in 2007.
May 03, 2006 | MISSIONS
NASA Announces 14th International Space Station Crew
(NASA) - Two NASA astronauts and one Russian cosmonaut have been named as the 14th crew of the ISS.
May 02, 2006 | TECHNOLOGIES
NASA Testing Prototype Software for Future Spaceflight
(NASA - ARC) - Software that astronauts could use in future moon habitats is being tested in the Utah desert.
Feb 16, 2006 | TECHNOLOGIES
Module for Crew Life Support Delivered to Marshall Space Flight Center
(NASA - MSFC) - A module originally developed for use on the International Space Station will now help researchers study life support systems.
Feb 15, 2006 | TECHNOLOGIES
NASA's Exploration Systems Progress Report
(NASA) - Testing is underway to lay the foundation for developing NASA's next launch vehicle system.
Feb 14, 2006 | MISSIONS
NASA's Next Shuttle Crew Meets Media at Kennedy Space Center
(NASA) - The next space shuttle crew will take news media questions on Friday.
Jan 12, 2006 | TECHNOLOGIES
NASA Refines Design for Crew Exploration Vehicle
(NASA) - NASA is making progress toward selecting a prime contractor to design America's first new human spacecraft in 30 years.
Oct 27, 2005 | SCIENCE
NASA Marks Five Years on the International Space Station
(NASA) - Starting today, NASA is celebrating five years of human space flight on the International Space Station.
Oct 12, 2005 | SCIENCE
China's Second Space Flight
(NASA) - "We wish them well on their mission, and we look forward to the safe return of their astronauts."
Jul 20, 2005 | MISSIONS
Shuttle Launch at Least One Week Away
(NASA) - NASA is targeting Tuesday, July 26 as the earliest possible date to launch the Space Shuttle Discovery.
Jul 14, 2005 | MISSIONS
NASA Reschedules Shuttle Return to Flight
(NASA) - Next attempt will be no earlier than Saturday, July 16.
Apr 18, 2005 | MISSIONS
International Space Station Status Report: SS05-020
(NASA) - New residents arrived at the International Space Station this past weekend to begin a six-month stay.
Mar 25, 2005 | SCIENCE
NASA Scientists to Discuss Risks of Moon Dust
(NASA - ARC) - In an upcoming workshop, NASA scientists will discuss the medical risks that Moon dust may pose for astronauts.
Feb 11, 2005 | MISSIONS
Two Future Space Shuttle Crews Named
(NASA) - NASA has named Space Shuttle crews for missions to the International Space Station in 2006.
Oct 29, 2004 | TECHNOLOGIES
Tumbleweeds in the Bloodstream
(NASA) - Researchers are developing methods for detecting changes inside of individual cells while those cells are still inside your body.
Oct 13, 2004 | MISSIONS
NASA Begins Full-Scale Rehearsals for Shuttle's Return to Flight
(NASA) - Astronauts and Mission Control began full-scale rehearsals for the Space Shuttle's return to flight.
Oct 11, 2004 | TECHNOLOGIES
Electronic Nose
(NASA) - NASA researchers are developing an exquisitely sensitive artificial nose for space exploration.
Sep 30, 2004 | SCIENCE
Study Suggests Spaceflight May Decrease Human Immunity
(NASA) - The conditions of space flight, as well as the stresses experienced before launch and after landing, may have adverse effects on the human immune system.
Aug 30, 2004 | SCIENCE
The Pathway Less Traveled
(NASA) - Altered gravity plays an unexpected role in obesity and weight loss.
Aug 27, 2004 | MISSIONS
Radar Test During Messenger Launch May Help 'Return To Flight'
(NASA - JSC) - Radar tracking data gathered during the launch of the Messenger spacecraft may benefit Discovery's Return to Flight mission.
Aug 23, 2004 | SCIENCE
Have Blood, Will Travel
(NASA) - Scientists work to understand the effects of space radiation on key blood-making cells in humans.
Aug 05, 2004 | TECHNOLOGIES
NASA Scientists Study Gene Functions to Treat Diseases
(NASA - ARC) - NASA scientists have discovered a way to identify the gene functions of all of an organism's genes simultaneously using 'bar codes.'
Jul 19, 2004 | TECHNOLOGIES
Engineers Test the First Engine for NASA's Return to Flight Mission
(NASA) - Engineers have successfully tested one of the engines that will carry the next Space Shuttle into orbit.
Apr 12, 2004 | SCIENCE
NASA Acknowledges Historic Space Flight
(NASA) - On April 12, 1961, Cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin became the first human to travel in space.
Oct 16, 2003 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
China Celebrates First Taikonaut
(CNN.com) - China's first taikonaut lands safely after orbiting the Earth 14 times.
Jun 04, 2003 | TECHNOLOGIES
Artificial Cells
(NASA) - NASA-supported researchers are learning to make blood cells that can carry more than oxygen.
Oct 24, 2002 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
Earth rocks on the Moon
(NASA) - At a recent conference, scientists discussed the possibility of finding ancient Earth rocks on the Moon, and what they may reveal about early life on Earth.
Oct 04, 2002 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
Space Medicine
(NASA) - In order for astronauts to safely travel to Mars and other planets, new technologies must be developed to dope with the ill effects of space.
Sep 17, 2002 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
One Small Step... but Only on a Hospitable Planet!
(ESA) - Robotic explorers in our solar system may pave the way for future human missions.
Aug 08, 2002 | SCIENCE
End of the Bedrest Campaign
(ESA) - A study on the long-term effects of microgravity on the human body was recently
completed in France.
May 08, 2002 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
Study Urges Caution about Possible Dangerous Martian Life
(Space.com) - The National Research Council has outlined planetary protection measures for a human trip to Mars.
May 01, 2002 | SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGIES
Biosphere 2: Scientists Transform One-Time Habitat into Experiment Lab
(NPR) - The simulated ecosystems of Biosphere 2 may help us understand how ecosystems respond to changes in the environment
Mar 22, 2002 | TECHNOLOGIES
Smart Mars Rovers to Think, Work as Team
(CNN) - NASA researchers have successfully demonstrated multiple rovers that coordinate with each other to grasp, lift , and move long objects, while navigating through obstacles.
Mar 19, 2002 | MISSIONS
Radiation Instrument Goes back to Work
(NASA) - Engineers have fixed the malfunctioning Martian
Radiation Environment experiment (MARIE) aboard the Mars Odyssey spacecraft.
Jan 08, 2002 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
Space Station Crew Completes Microgravity Experiments
(NASA) - The astronauts have conducted a number of experiments on the effects of spaceflight on cell biology and human health.
Dec 14, 2001 | MISSIONS
Shuttle Prepares to Separate from Space Station, Head for Home
(NASA) - Having transferred a new crew to the station, space shuttle Endeavour will undock Saturday and land Monday.
Nov 07, 2001 | TECHNOLOGIES
Computer Vision Test Holds Promise for Robotic Eye Doctor
(NASA) - A new method for detecting the onset of eye diseases and brain tumors may benefit
patients on Earth as well as in space.
Oct 25, 2001 | SCIENCE
NASA Looks for Sleepy Volunteers
(NASA) - NASA researchers are soliciting volunteers to to stay in bed for one month in order to simulate the effects of microgravity
on the human body.
Oct 16, 2001 | SCIENCE
Space Bones
(NASA Astrobiology Institute) - Weightlessness sure looks like a lot of fun, but prolonged exposure to zero-g in space can have some negative side effectsÂlike the weakening of human bones.
Oct 03, 2001 | SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGIES
Surviving the Stress of Extreme Environments
(European Space Agency) - At a recent conference in Toulouse, France, researchers discussed the ways in which stress may affect future missions beyond Earth orbit.
Sep 10, 2001 | SCIENCE
Space Station Astronauts: Trip to Mars is Doable
(CNN) - The recently returned crew of the International Space Station believe
humans would be able to adapt to Martian conditions despite the ill effects of spending
months in microgravity.
Sep 07, 2001 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
First Commercial Space Station Planned by MirCorp and Russians
(Space.com) - Astronauts and cosmonauts aboard the International Space Station may be getting new
neighbors in the near future.
Sep 04, 2001 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
Wide Awake in Outer Space
(NASA) - Life in Earth orbit may upset astronauts' biological clocks, disturbing their sleep patterns.
Sep 04, 2001 | SCIENCE
Sleeping Soundly in Space
(Space.com) - New research shows that a few sleep disorders are actually reduced in space.
Aug 22, 2001 | MISSIONS
Space Shuttle Returns to Earth
(NASA) - Three space station astronauts ended five months in space as the shuttle brought them home to Earth today.
Aug 20, 2001 | MISSIONS
With Final Spacewalk Complete, Shuttle Departs Space Station
(NASA) - Attention now turns to the Shuttle's return to Earth on Wednesday.
Aug 10, 2001 | SCIENCE
Mixed Up in Space
(NASA) - When moving from the surface of the Earth to zero gravity of space, the human body can become disoriented, causing symptoms ranging from mild headaches to vertigo and nausea.
Aug 08, 2001 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
Shuttle Prepares for Launch
(NASA) - Space Shuttle Discovery is set to lift off Thursday.
Aug 08, 2001 | SCIENCE
Eating Right for Long-Duration Space Missions
(SpaceDaily) - A recent study of astronauts has validated a tool for measuring astronauts' dietary intake during long space flights.
Aug 06, 2001 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
Next Space Station Crew Ready to Focus on Research
(Space.com) - The crew will set off for the International Space Station on Thursday. For four months they will study the effects of living in space.
Aug 06, 2001 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
Astronauts' Bodies Suffer Without Gravity
(NASA) - The absence of gravity in space can cause serious problems for astronauts, including muscle and bone loss, when they return to the EarthÂs surface.
Aug 01, 2001 | MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
Waste Not, Want Not on the Road to Mars
(ESA) - An artificial ecosystem prepares to undergo its first tests.
Jul 23, 2001 | MISSIONS
Shuttle Astronauts Complete Final Space Walk, Head for Home
(NASA) - The Space Shuttle is set to return to Earth tonight.
Jul 18, 2001 | MISSIONS
Second Space Walk Complete
(NASA) - Astronauts successfully attached oxygen and nitrogen tanks to the International Space Station's newly installed airlock.
Jul 18, 2001 | MISSIONS
Dust Storm Rages on Mars
(CNN) - NASAÂs Mars Global Surveyor has spotted a large dust storm on Mars, and researchers expect that the storm will continue to grow.
Jul 11, 2001 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS
Shuttle Launch Preparations Continue
(NASA) - The mission is scheduled to launch Thursday at 2:04 a.m. Pacific (5:04 a.m. Eastern/09:04 GMT).
Jul 09, 2001 | MISSIONS
First Crew of Simulated Mars Base Settles In
(The Mars Society) - A simulated Mars base is now open for business.
Jul 05, 2001 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
Space Station Sends Back First Radiation Data
(NASA) - The data, obtained by thermoluminescent detectors (TLDs), will help charactize the radiation environment aboard the International Space Station.
Jun 28, 2001 | MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
Simulating a Martian Colony in the Arctic
(Space.com) - A prototype Mars base will permit a full-dress rehearsal for a human trip to Mars
Jun 20, 2001 | SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGIES
Conference Addresses Effects of Space Travel
(NASA) - Can human beings endure the challenges of long-duration space travel?
May 31, 2001 | MISSIONS
What Space Needs: the Human Touch
(Science@NASA) - NASA's Human Exploration and Development of Space enterprise tackles the problem of sending humans into space.
May 23, 2001 | MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
Canadian University Works to Sustain Life in Deep Space
(Space.com) - A new laboratory will help researchers design renewable life support systems for long-duration space missions.
May 15, 2001 | MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
Human Travel to Mars May Happen Sooner Than Expected, Scientists Say
(National Georaphic) - Researchers are considering the feasibility of a human mission to Mars.
May 14, 2001 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
Remote Devon Island Is Site of Mars Research
(Space.com/Florida Today) - Researchers will spend the summer living in a simulated Mars base.
May 08, 2001 | MISSIONS
Humans to Mars in 20 Years or Less, NASA Chief Says
(Space.com/Reuters) - According to NASA administrator Daniel Goldin, research conducted aboard the International Space Station will help make travel to Mars possible.
May 04, 2001 | SCIENCE, MISSIONS, TECHNOLOGIES
The Phantom Torso
(Science@NASA) - An unusual space traveler named Fred is orbiting Earth aboard the International Space Station. His job? To keep astronauts safe from space radiation.
May 02, 2001 | MISSIONS
Space Weather on Mars
(NASA Astrobiology Institute) - Future human explorers of Mars can leave their umbrellas back on Earth, but perhaps they shouldn't forget their Geiger counters! A NASA experiment en route to the Red Planet aims to find out.
May 01, 2001 | MISSIONS
Space Shuttle Touches Down
(Space.com) - During their mission, the Shuttle crew installed a large robotic arm on the International Space Station.
May 01, 2001 | MISSIONS
Shuttle Begins Descent
(NASA) - Due to bad weather at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the landing has been diverted to California. Preparations for the landing are underway at Edwards Air Force Base in the Mojave Desert.
Apr 30, 2001 | MISSIONS
Soyuz Docks with Station; Endeavour Prepares for Landing
(NASA) - The crew of Space Shuttle Endeavor are preparing for a landing at Kennedy Space Center in Florida tomorrow.
Apr 19, 2001 | MISSIONS
Shuttle blasts off
(NASA) - The spacecraft is on its way to the International Space Station.
Apr 18, 2001 | MISSIONS
The amazing Canadarm2
(Science@NASA) - The newest Canadian robotic arm will be essential for building and maintaining the International Space Station.
Mar 23, 2001 | MISSIONS
Life on the Space Station: Not Too Hot, Not Too Cold
(NASA) - The space station's thermal control systems maintain a delicate balance between the deep-freeze of space and the Sun's blazing heat so that people can live and work comfortably.
Mar 13, 2001 | MISSIONS
2nd Space Walk Complete
(NASA) - Mission Specialists Andy Thomas and Paul Richards wrapped up the second spacewalk of STS-102 early this morning. The astronauts spent more than six hours preparing the outside of the International Space Station for arrival of its robot arm in April.
Mar 08, 2001 | MISSIONS
Discovery Lifts off Carrying New Station Crew
(NASA) - Space Shuttle Discovery roared into the dawn sky at the Kennedy Space Center, FL, this morning on a mission to deliver the second long-term crew to the International Space Station.
Mar 06, 2001 | MISSIONS
Discovery Returns Expedition One to Earth; Launches Second Crew
(NASA) - The next flight of Space Shuttle Discovery will carry the three members of the Expedition Two crew to their new home on orbit; the launch is now scheduled for 6:42 a.m. EST, Thursday, March 8.
Feb 20, 2001 | MISSIONS
Shuttle Atlantis lands in California
(NASA) - Space Shuttle Atlantis landed at Edwards Air Force Base, California to wrap up a successful mission to the International Space Station.
Feb 20, 2001 | MISSIONS
Shuttle's landing hopes turn to California and New Mexico
(NASA) - With bad weather in Florida delaying its landing for two days, Shuttle Atlantis now looks to California or New Mexico for an opptortunity to return to Earth today.
Feb 16, 2001 | MISSIONS
Shuttle Atlantis prepares to come home
(NASA) - Their mission to the International Space Station complete, the crew returns to Earth on Sunday.