Space

Science

Where Did Earth's Water Come From?

4:19pm August 27, 2020

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

Scientists have long debated whether the Earth's water was here when the planet formed or whether it arrived later. A study suggests much of the water originated in rocks from which Earth is built.

The Arecibo Observatory in Puerto Rico is seen after Hurricane Maria hit it in September 2017.

Science

Puerto Rico's Arecibo Radio Telescope Damaged By Falling Cable

7:44pm August 12, 2020

by Scott Neuman

The cable tore a gaping 100-foot hole in one of the largest radio telescope dishes in the world, taking the instrument offline until repairs can be made.

A satellite image from Planet Labs, a private satellite company, shows the exhaust from a North Korean missile test on May 4, 2019.

From Desert Battlefields To Coral Reefs, Private Satellites Revolutionize The View

4:40pm August 08, 2020

by Greg Myre

Satellite images were once restricted to governments. Now anyone can get them, creating a new world of possibilities for environmentalists, human rights groups and those monitoring nuclear weapons.

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News Brief: Coronavirus Crisis, Biden's VP Process, SpaceX Landing

6:59am August 03, 2020

Dr. Deborah Birx says COVID-19 has entered a new phase. Presumptive Democratic nominee Joe Biden is close to naming a running mate. What the successful SpaceX landing means for space exploration.

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The SpaceX capsule sits aboard a recovery ship in the Gulf of Mexico.

Science

Splashdown! SpaceX And NASA Astronauts Make History

7:12pm August 02, 2020

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

NASA and SpaceX are welcoming home two astronauts who splashed down safely in the Gulf of Mexico after several months on the International Space Station.

National

NASA 'Dads' Make Successful SpaceX Splashdown

5:25pm August 02, 2020

by Brendan Byrne

The NASA astronauts who flew on the SpaceX craft to the International Space Station in May returned to Earth on Sunday. They splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico due to bad weather in the Atlantic.

NASA astronauts (from left) Bob Behnken, Doug Hurley and Chris Cassidy are the U.S. members of the Expedition 63 crew aboard the International Space Station. Behnken and Hurley are scheduled to return to Earth on Aug. 2.

Science

Astronauts Set To Return To Earth In First U.S. Splashdown In Decades

5:51pm July 31, 2020

by Nell Greenfieldboyce

The two NASA astronauts who flew on the SpaceX craft to the International Space Station in May are scheduled to return to Earth on Sunday. But there's a hurricane forecast for the splashdown vicinity.

Kickstarter Campaign Raises Money For Perfume That Smells Like Space

7:06am July 31, 2020

Astronauts have compared the smell of space to gun powder, seared steak and hot metal. The Kickstarter campaign has raised more than $500,000 for the effort to sell space perfume.

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Microphone Aboard NASA's Rover Aims To Pick Up Sounds From Mars

5:53am July 30, 2020

by Brendan Byrne

The Perseverance rover launches Thursday, the last of three missions leaving in July while the planets' orbits are favorable. It is carrying technology that doesn't often go to space: a microphone.

Gen. John "Jay" Raymond, with President Trump and Defense Secretary Mark Esper during a ceremony to establish the U.S. Space Command last summer.

National

U.S. Space Force Accuses Russia Of In-Orbit Testing Of Anti-Satellite Weapon

8:17pm July 23, 2020

by David Welna

A Russian satellite hatched from another satellite fired a projectile last week that American military officials say is meant to take out other satellites. Moscow says it's an inspection tool.