International Space Station

Norishige Kanai prior the launch of the Soyuz-FG rocket in Kazakhstan on Dec. 17. As is the norm, the Japanese astronaut grew in outer space, just not by as much as he initially thought.

Science

Astronomical Growth Turns Out To Be 'Fake News,' Says Japanese Astronaut

4:56pm January 10, 2018

by Amy Held

Norishige Kanai said he had grown up to 3 1/2 inches since arriving in space, sparking worry about whether he'd fit in the spacecraft home. Turns out, Kanai did grow, just not that much.

The unmanned Antares rocket launched from Wallops Island, Va. Sunday, carrying with it a Cygnus capsule containing some 7,400 pounds of supplies for astronauts at the International Space Station.

Science

3-Plus Tons Of Supplies Headed To International Space Station After Virginia Liftoff

10:19am November 12, 2017

by Jason Slotkin

The Sunday launch of an Antares rocket from Wallop Islands has some 7,400 pounds aboard. The rocket was developed by private firm Orbital ATK, which conducts supply missions for NASA.

The Best Item In An Astronaut's Care Package? Definitely The Ice Cream

5:46pm August 16, 2017

Unlike other cargo vehicles, the SpaceX spacecraft can return to Earth without burning up. So it's equipped with freezers for transporting medical samples — and the occasional frozen treat.

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"It's not just about making one German astronaut happy with fresh bread," Marcu explains. "There's really a deeper meaning to bread in space." Above, a photo illustration of bread in space.

3, 2, 1 ... Bake Off! The Mission To Make Bread In Space

1:09pm July 26, 2017

by Paige Pfleger

On Earth, crumbs are harmless, but in orbit they can be perilous. But bread is a big deal in Germany, so scientists and engineers there are teaming up to create an oven and dough fit for microgravity.

Flight engineer Kate Rubins checks out the Bigelow Expandable Activity Module, which is attached to the International Space Station.

After A Year In Space, The Air Hasn't Gone Out Of NASA's Inflated Module

11:56am July 26, 2017

by Joe Palca

The Bigelow Expandable Activity Module was pumped up after it arrived at the International Space Station in 2016. NASA says it's doing well in the harsh environment.

Astronaut Peggy Whitson became NASA's astronaut with the most time in orbit Monday. She is seen here earlier this year, along with fellow astronauts, in the Quest airlock of the International Space Station.

Astronaut Peggy Whitson Sets NASA Record For Most Days In Space

10:05pm April 24, 2017

by Bill Chappell

When she comes back down to Earth this year, Peggy Whitson will have logged more than 650 days in space. She spoke to President Trump Monday morning.

A Soyuz spacecraft carrying a new crew to the International Space Station, ISS, blasted off Thursday from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Astronaut, Cosmonaut And Stuffed Dog Arrive At International Space Station

1:16pm April 20, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

It's the first mission to space for American Jack Fischer, who says there is one aspect of space station life that you can't train for on Earth: using a zero-gravity toilet.

In July 2016, Rubins (left) and Jeff Williams (right), inside the International Space Station, maneuvered a supply spacecraft for docking.

A Microbe Hunter Plies Her Trade In Space

8:42am March 14, 2017

by Rae Ellen Bichell

Meet Kate Rubins, a virus-hunter turned astronaut. When she sequenced DNA in space for the first time, she opened the door to a new era in space biology.

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Trent Barton, a volunteer for the study looking at pressure inside the brain during space flights.

Doctor Launches Vision Quest To Help Astronauts' Eyeballs

7:09am March 04, 2017

by Lauren Silverman

Scientists are learning that some astronauts' eyes change shape after time in space, leading to vision problems. But a sleep sack being developed might offer relief.

SpaceX's Dragon cargo ship is captured by astronauts aboard the International Space Station early Thursday, one day after its initial docking attempt was aborted.

SpaceX Cargo Craft Is Now In Space Station's Grip, One Day After Aborted Docking

1:18pm February 23, 2017

by Bill Chappell

NASA had originally planned for the Dragon craft to reach the space station three days ago. It's carrying crew supplies and a range of scientific experiments.