Latest Science News
NASA Launches Artemis II: First Crewed Moon Mission Since 1972
Four astronauts—Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hansen—lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1 aboard the SLS rocket for a 10-day mission around the Moon's far side. This marks the first woman, person of color, and non-US citizen to venture beyond low Earth orbit, following a free-return trajectory using lunar gravity.
Reentry at 25,000 mph poses the biggest challenge with a tested heat shield.
April's Full 'Pink Moon' Rises Tonight Amid Artemis II Launch Prep
The spectacular April full Pink Moon illuminates the early spring sky just as NASA's Artemis 2 rocket prepares to send four astronauts on a 10-day lunar mission. The launch window opened at 6:24 p.m. EDT on April 1 from Kennedy Space Center.
Surviving Apollo astronauts cheered the historic liftoff.
Artemis II Live Countdown Underway from Kennedy Space Center
Continuous live feed captures the Artemis II Moon rocket rollout and launch preparations starting from March 19, with liftoff on April 1. Mission management assesses readiness for the crewed flight, the first in 50 years.
The diverse crew heads 248,000 miles to the Moon's vicinity.
ISS Expedition 74 Crew Trains on Canadarm2 Robotics for Cygnus Capture
NASA flight engineers Chris Williams and Jack Hathaway practiced capturing Northrop Grumman’s Cygnus XL cargo spacecraft using the Canadarm2 robotic arm from the ISS cupola. Training simulates various approach scenarios ahead of Cygnus launch no earlier than April 8.
Crew refreshes skills every 60 days per mission rules.
Cygnus XL to Deliver Quantum Computing and Stem Cell Research to ISS
Upcoming Cygnus XL mission carries microgravity research gear for quantum computing, stem cell therapies, and astronaut health promotion. Launch targeted for April 8 at 8:49 a.m. EDT to the International Space Station.
This supports advanced experiments in orbit.
ISS Astronauts Conduct CIPHER Human Research Suite Investigations
Chris Williams drew blood samples and completed cognition tests to study microgravity's impact on physical and mental health via the CIPHER suite of 14 investigations. Real-time data helps doctors monitor adaptations in space.
Additional crew joined for artery scans using Ultrasound 3 in the Columbus module.
Artemis II Crew: Diverse Team Makes Historic Lunar Journey Firsts
Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, mission specialist Christina Koch (NASA), and Jeremy Hansen (CSA) form NASA's most diverse lunar crew. Glover becomes first person of color, Koch first woman, and Hansen first non-American beyond low Earth orbit.
They trained nearly three years for the Artemis program debut.
ISS Crew Monitors Noise Levels and Tests Water Dispenser Technology
Jack Hathaway measured noise in station living areas with a sound meter and checked the Exploration Potable Water Dispenser for sanitization and microbial control. These ensure a safe hearing environment and advance water tech for crew food.
Operations support long-duration spaceflight.
ESA and NASA Astronauts Refresh Spacesuit and Robotics Skills on ISS
Jessica Meir (NASA) and Sophie Adenot (ESA) trained on Canadarm2, reviewed humidity removal tech, and tested spacesuit components in the Quest airlock. Meir also checked wireless hardware spares.
Routine maintenance keeps crew proficient.
Orion Capsule Separates from SLS Three Hours Post-Artemis II Launch
Lockheed Martin's Orion capsule will detach from the SLS rocket about 3.5 hours after liftoff while in Earth orbit, heading toward the Moon. The mission tests systems for future lunar landings in the Artemis program.
SLS development spanned over a decade.
Full Moon Photographed from ISS as Artemis Preparations Peak
A 2023 full Moon image from the ISS over the Pacific highlights ongoing lunar focus, with current Expedition 74 activities aligning with Artemis II momentum. Earth observations continue alongside research.
Ties natural astronomy to human spaceflight advances.