NASA Scrubs Launch Of Orion Spacecraft
After several issues, including high winds, stuck engine valves and a boat downrange of the launch site, the space agency said it would cancel today's planned launch of the new vehicle.
Space
NASA To Test Orion Spacecraft For Long Future Missions
NASA plans to launch an unmanned capsule named "Orion" from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida on Thursday. NASA hopes that Orion will one day carry astronauts beyond Earth's orbit and even to Mars.
NASA's Orion Capsule Built To Take Humans Into Deep Space
This is the first time NASA will fly a spacecraft designed for humans since the space shuttle retired in 2011. The pod is similar to what the Apollo astronauts used in the 1960s and '70s.
NASA Prepares To Test New Spacecraft (That You've Likely Never Heard Of)
The new vehicle, named Orion, is designed to carry humans into deep space. But most Americans aren't aware it exists.
Astronauts Will Enjoy Thanksgiving Dinner In Space
Two NASA astronauts are aboard the International Space Station. Turkey is on the menu but not pumpkin pie. NASA can't make pumpkin pie in space because the crust doesn't come out right.
Neil DeGrasse Tyson Separates Fact From Fiction In 'Interstellar'
The astrophysicist has been tweeting about the science behind the film. In an interview with NPR, Tyson goes beyond those tweets, into wormholes, relativity and even some spoilers.
Comet Lander's Big Bounce Caught On Camera
An orbiting spacecraft caught the Philae lander bounding on the surface of Comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko. The lander sent home some scientific data before its batteries ran out.
Comet Lander, Firefighters Execute Dazzling Feats Above The Earth
The sky was full of wonders this week, NPR's Scott Simon muses, as a spacecraft landed on a comet and two window washers were rescued 69 stories above the streets at the new One World Trade Center.
'Shirtstorm' Leads To Apology From European Space Scientist
As the Rosetta mission made history by putting a lander on a comet, one of its leading scientists drew wide criticism for wearing a shirt featuring lingerie-clad women.
Comet Lander Deploys Drill, But Could Lose Power Tonight
Fearing that Philae's batteries won't last past Friday, engineers are looking at possible ways to help it get more power from its solar panels. One ray of hope: Its comet is heading toward the sun.