Perseid Meteors over Turkey

The Perseid Meteor Shower, usually the best meteor shower of the year, will peak late next week. A person watching a clear sky from a dark location might see a bright meteor every minute. These meteors are actually specks of rock that have broken off Comet Swift-Tuttle and continued to orbit the Sun until they vaporize in Earth's atmosphere. The featured composite image shows a outburst of Perseids as they appeared over Turkey during last year's meteor shower. Enough meteors were captured to trace the shower's radiant back to the constellation of Perseus on the far left. The tail-end of the Perseids will still be going during the total solar eclipse on August 21, creating a rare opportunity for some lucky astrophotographers to image a Perseid meteor during the day. via NASA http://ift.tt/2hgcaXB

NASA’s Voyager Spacecraft Still Reaching for the Stars After 40 Years

Humanity’s farthest and longest-lived spacecraft, Voyager 1 and 2, achieve 40 years of operation and exploration this August and September. Despite their vast distance, they continue to communicate with NASA daily, still probing the final frontier.

July 31, 2017
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NASA Is Picking Older Astronauts Who Leave Earlier

Analysis of age as a factor in NASA astronaut selection and career landmarks, PLoS One

"NASA's periodic selection of astronauts is a highly selective process accepting applications from the general population, wherein the mechanics of selection are not made public. This research was an effort to determine if biases (specifically age) exist in the process and, if so, at which points they might manifest ... the most striking observation was the loss of age diversity at each stage of selection. Applicants younger or older than approximately 40 years were significantly less likely to receive invitations for interviews and were significantly less likely to be selected as an astronaut. Analysis of the public-source data for all selections since the beginning of the astronaut program revealed significant age trends over time including a gradual increase in selectee age and decreased tenure at NASA after last flight, with average age at retirement steady over the entire history of the astronaut program at approximately 48 years."

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NASA Awards $14.3 Million to Small Businesses, Research Institutions to Develop Innovative Technologies

NASA has selected 19 proposals from American small businesses and research institutions for Phase II of its competitive Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program, totaling $14.3 million in awards.

July 31, 2017
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Sunrise Through the Solar Arrays

On July 26, 2017, a member of the Expedition 52 crew aboard the International Space Station took this photograph of one of the 16 sunrises they experience every day, as the orbiting laboratory travels around Earth. One of the solar panels that provides power to the station is seen in the upper left. via NASA http://ift.tt/2vYsCPc

Did The U.S. Just Suggest Russia Should Sanction NASA?

The Kremlin is done betting on Trump and planning how to strike back against U.S. sanctions, Washington Post

"Of course it's very difficult for Russia to do anything to harm the U.S. interests unless Russia is ready to take steps which will harm ourselves," said Fyodor Lukyanov, chairman of the Council for Foreign and Defense Policies, an influential group of Russian foreign policy experts. Hawks poring over the U.S. sanctions say Moscow needs to break the rules. "It says that by no means shall sanctions apply to NASA projects," said Nikolay Platoshkin, a former Russian diplomat and professor at the Moscow University of the Humanities, referring to the bill passed by the Senate. "Here we go, a perfect tip, let them apply [to NASA], let American astronauts ride horses to the International Space Station."

H.R.3364 - Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act

"SEC. 237. EXCEPTION RELATING TO ACTIVITIES OF THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION.

(a) In General.--This Act and the amendments made by this Act shall not apply with respect to activities of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

(b) Rule Of Construction.--Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to authorize the imposition of any sanction or other condition, limitation, restriction, or prohibition, that directly or indirectly impedes the supply by any entity of the Russian Federation of any product or service, or the procurement of such product or service by any contractor or subcontractor of the United States or any other entity, relating to or in connection with any space launch conducted for--

(1) the National Aeronautics and Space Administration; or

(2) any other non-Department of Defense customer.

SEC. 238. RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.

Nothing in this part or the amendments made by this part shall be construed--

(1) to supersede the limitations or exceptions on the use of rocket engines for national security purposes under section 1608 of the Carl Levin and Howard P. "Buck" McKeon National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 (Public Law 113-291; 128 Stat. 3626; 10 U.S.C. 2271 note), as amended by section 1607 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2016 (Public Law 114-92; 129 Stat. 1100) and section 1602 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017 (Public Law 114-328; 130 Stat. 2582); or

(2) to prohibit a contractor or subcontractor of the Department of Defense from acquiring components referred to in such section 1608."

Keith's note: H.R.3364 was passed by the House, then the Senate, and has now been sent to the President who has said that he will sign it into law. According to the bill NASA and space activities are specifically exempted from being part of any sanctions that the U.S. might impose upon Russia. Yet the people quoted by the Washington Post suggest that by saying that these things are exempt from our sanctions, we're actually saying that these things are vital and that upsetting them would damage our interests. Russia is now talking about the actions that they will take in response to the impending implementation of this legislation. Has the United States given Russia a roadmap of things they can focus their responses at - even if it results in damage to Russia itself?

How long is the ISS going to be able to remain an orbital, Antarctic-like, politics-free zone? The longer it manages to remain apart from terrestrial turmoils, the more space exploration speaks to a way to transcend such things. But there has to be a breaking point sooner or later.

- How Long Will ISS Remain Isolated From Terrestrial Politics?, earlier post
- Will U.S. Sanctions On Russia Impact ISS Operations?, earlier post
- Cold War Echoes On Earth And In Space, earlier post
- Watching Turmoil On Earth From Serene Vantage of Space, earlier post
- Russia, earlier posts

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Aurora Slathers up the Sky

Like salsa verde on your favorite burrito, a green aurora slathers up the sky in this June 25 snapshot from the International Space Station. About 400 kilometers (250 miles) above Earth, the orbiting station is itself within the upper realm of the auroral displays. Aurorae have the signature colors of excited molecules and atoms at the low densities found at extreme altitudes. Emission from atomic oxygen dominates this view. The tantalizing glow is green at lower altitudes, but rarer reddish bands extend above the space station's horizon. The orbital scene was captured while passing over a point south and east of Australia, with stars above the horizon at the right belonging to the constellation Canis Major, Orion's big dog. Sirius, alpha star of Canis Major, is the brightest star near the Earth's limb. via NASA http://ift.tt/2eSjeJ1

Is TrumpSpace Just Another Journey To Nowhere?

Will Trump get a man to Mars?, Politico

"Even Trump's space policy adviser for his campaign and transition says getting a man or woman on the face of Mars by 2024 is virtually impossible. "I don't think you'll get there [to Mars]," former Pennsylvania Rep. Bob Walker said in an interview about the possibilities under the Trump White House. "I do think that we will probably have a flight to the moon, an Apollo 8-type flight where you go up and go around the moon in a fairly short period of time." A NASA official who served under former President Barack Obama shared Walker's prediction. "I think things could go very well for going to the moon, which I think is more likely to be a Trump agenda," said Lori Garver, Obama's deputy NASA administrator. During his first six months in office, Trump has laid out an ambitious -- if non-specific -- space agenda."

How Jonathan Dimock Auditioned To Be NASA White House Liaison, earlier post

"National Aeronautic Space Administration (NASA or Deep Space Exploration Administration or DSEA) -Aside from the fact this is based very heavily in science, there is also a large cry to reduce their $105.5b budget and even movements to roll our space program into DSEA. With the help of, and to the credit of, the administration there can be drastic cost cuttings for big wins for the administration."

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Casey Dreier • July 28, 2017

The Senate Makes Its Move: Nearly $200M less for NASA in 2018

$19.53 billion for NASA is more than the Trump Administration proposed, less than it received in 2017

The Senate has made its counteroffer on NASA's 2018 budget. The legislation, which was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee last Thursday, would provide $19.53 billion for NASA, $124 million below the space agency's 2017 appropriation but significantly higher than the $19.1 billion requested by the Trump Administration. It's also $343 million less than the House's proposal, which would provide a much-healthier $19.87 billion for NASA in 2018.

The funding discrepancy between the Senate and House proposals is not unusual in recent years. And notably NASA has ended up on the higher end of the funding range by the time a compromise was worked out between the two chambers of Congress.

The majority of the proposed increases above the President's request are to the usual suspects: the Space Launch System rocket and Orion crew capsule. And in a complete repudiation of the Trump Administration, the Senate fully rejects cuts to NASA's Earth Science Division and the Education Directorate. The accompanying committee report specifies the continuation of every Earth Science mission proposed for cancellation by the Trump Administration proposal, and states that it "does not agree with the proposed cancellation of the activities" of the Education Directorate, though they will consider proposals to move the programs to other areas of NASA if the Administration can make a good case for doing so.

Planetary Science would receive significant cuts in the Senate proposal, dropping by $234 million from 2017 levels to $1.61 billion. This is also significantly below the Administration's proposal of $1.9 billion. While disappointing, this is also represents a consistent tactic taken by the Senate in recent years, which has responded to the much-higher budgets for plaentary proposed in the House of Representatives.

So, did the Senate endorse a new Mars orbiter to replace the aging telecom and high-resolution imaging assets at the Red Planet? It's hard to say, but it's promising. While there was no explicit directive either way, the committee provided an additional $75 million to the Mars Exploration Program, which is what The Planetary Society had recommended in order to support the start of a new orbiter by 2022 and begin investing in Mars Ascent Vehicle technology development to enable future sample return. This is the only logical need for the additional funding provided by the Senate, though the flexibility would be left to NASA within the Mars program for its application.

Also left unmentioned was how the rest of the cuts to the Planetary Science Division would be applied. There was no clarity on support for Europa mission, something I always find to be an oddity, since it is, so far, the only science mission currently in development that could utilize the Space Launch System—a priority program for the committee's chair, Sen. Richard Shelby.

Though we cannot and will not take anything for granted, the House's proposals tend to be represented in the final compromise bill. The Planetary Society will continue to strongly argue increased funding for science and the restoration of the Planetary Science Division budget in the coming months.

	2017	Trump 2018	House 2018	Senate 2018
NASA total	19,653	19,092	19,872	19,530
Science	5,765	5,772	5,858	5,600
	1921	1,754	1,704	1,921
	1846	1,930	2,121	1,631
	750	8,17	822	817
	678	678	678	688
SLS	2,150	1,938	2,150	2,150
Orion	1,350	1,860	1,350	1,300
Education	100	37	90	100

Selected budget highlights from the Senate's 2018 NASA funding bill. All amounts in millions of dollars.

The timing of the next steps are unclear. Both the Senate and the House have yet to commit to formal budget resolutions, which set the total amounts of money available to be spent on government programs. Congress will soon recess for a long summer break, and it is unclear if the Senate or House will vote on non-national security spending bills, or even if these bills can pass either chamber. When Congress returns to session after Labor Day, they will have mere weeks to resolve their budget differences or pass a stop-gap funding measure before October 1st, the start of the 2018 fiscal year.

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NASA's Randy Bresnik, Crewmates Arrive at International Space Station

After a six-hour spaceflight, NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik, Sergey Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos and Paolo Nespoli of ESA (European Space Agency) arrived at the International Space Station at 5:54 p.m. EDT Friday to continue important scientific research in the orbiting laboratory.

July 28, 2017
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NASA Awards Safety, Mission Assurance Services II Contract

NASA has awarded a contract to Millennium Engineering and Integration Company of Arlington, Virginia, for Safety and Mission Assurance Services (SMAS) II for NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland.

July 28, 2017
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Expedition 52 Soyuz Launches to the Space Station

The Soyuz MS-05 rocket is launched with Expedition 52 flight engineer Sergei Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos, flight engineer Randy Bresnik of NASA, and flight engineer Paolo Nespoli of ESA (European Space Agency), Friday, July 28, 2017 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. via NASA http://ift.tt/2tKAz9d

NASA Selects Proposals to Study Sun, Space Environment

NASA has selected nine proposals under its Explorers Program that will return transformational science about the Sun and space environment and fill science gaps between the agency’s larger missions; eight for focused scientific investigations and one for technological development of instrumentation.

July 28, 2017
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Soyuz MS-05 Launched to the ISS

Soyuz Launches to the International Space Station With Expedition 52/53 Crew (With video)

"About four minutes prior to launch, the space station flew over the launch site and was flying about 250 miles above south central Russia, just over the northeast border of Kazakhstan, at the time of launch. NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik, Sergey Ryazanskiy of Roscosmos and Paolo Nespoli of ESA (European Space Agency) are now safely in orbit."

"The crew will orbit Earth four times en route to the spacecraft's arrival and docking to the space station's Rassvet module, at 6 p.m. Tune in at 5:15 p.m. to NASA Television or the agency's website to watch the docking live."

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NASA Wants You To Know Crew on EM-1 Is Doable - Just Send Money

NASA Internal Memo: EM-1 Crew Study Results Summary

"NASA determined it was feasible to fly crew on EM-1. However, in the balancing of the cost, schedule, and technical risks, and the fact this is a long-term exploration program, it was determined that the current baseline program was the better long-term solution. The study was beneficial and has improved NASA's overall planning for SLS, Orion, and ground systems. Given the decision not to fly crew on EM-1, NASA continues working toward an uncrewed first flight as the first mission in a series of deep space missions beyond the Moon in preparation for sending humans to Mars in the 2030s."

- Original Memo via Buzzfeed

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ISS Daily Summary Report – 7/27/2017

Fluid Shifts:  A crew member performed the second of two days of Chibis operations in the Russian Segment for the Fluid Shifts investigation. Subject donned the Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP/Chibis) device while the operator, with ground support in Moscow, assisted in the medical monitoring.  While the subject was in the LBNP and experiencing the negative pressure (pulling the fluid feetward), the Crew Medical Officer performed Ultrasound measurements. The Fluid Shifts experiment investigates the causes for severe and lasting physical changes to astronaut’s eyes.  Because the headward fluid shift is a hypothesized contributor to these changes, reversing this fluid shift with a lower body negative pressure device is being evaluated as a possible intervention. Results from this study may help to develop preventative measures against lasting changes in vision and to prevention of eye damage. Two Phase Flow:  The crew deactivated the Two Phase Flow experiment in the Multi-Purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR).  Boiling normally removes heat by turning liquid into vapor at the heated surface, and that vapor returns to a liquid by way of a condenser which continues to cycle and make a cooling system. In the microgravity of space, the heat transfer rate must be changed because liquid and bubble behavior is drastically different than on Earth. This investigation seeks to build a database on the heat transfer efficiency of liquids in space that can be used in the design of high-performance thermal management systems for future space platforms.  Capillary Structures:  The crew performed a Capillary Structures sorbent demonstration of flow through two parallel microgravity air-liquid contactor wedges with a viscous fluid. Life-support systems on the ISS require special equipment to separate liquids and gases including rotating or moving devices that could cause contamination if they break or fail. The Capillary Structures for Exploration Life Support (Capillary Structures) investigation studies a new method using structures of specific shapes to manage fluid and gas mixtures.  The investigation studies water recycling and carbon dioxide removal, benefitting future efforts to design lightweight, more reliable life support systems for future space missions. Plant Experiment Units (PEUs): The crew set up the PEU laptop, photographed the PEUs for checkout, attached them to the CBEF Incubator Unit and performed checkout steps. Later they removed and stowed the PEUs.  These activities are being performed to verify ISS capability to support an upcoming JAXA plant experiment. Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) Latching End Effector (LEE) Survey: Ground teams positioned the SPDM LEE near the P1 Lower Outboard External High Definition Camera (EHDC) and are currently performing a survey of the LEE. Imagery from this survey will be used to perform a SPDM LEE snare cable health assessment.  Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Preparation of Reports for Roscosmos Web Site and Social Media URAGAN. Observation and Photography ECON-M. Observation and Photography Tropical Cyclone Hardware Closeout FLUID SHIFTS Capillary Structures Hardware Gather JEM Airlock Depressurization Capillary Structures MWA Prep Multi-purpose Small Payload Rack (MSPR) Two-Phase Flow Experiment Equipment Deactivation Electronic Nose. Experiment Session Experiment Laptop Terminal 2 (ELT2) Relocation HRF Ultrasound Battery Removal Plant Exp Unit (PEU) Experiment Laptop Terminal (ELT) 2 Setup Ultrasound 2 HRF Rack 1 Power On JEM Airlock Vent Capillary Structures Sorbent Demonstration Setup Plant Exp Unit (PEU) Photo Checkout Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Micro-G Plant Exp Unit (PEU) Attachment Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) 1G Plant Exp Unit (PEU) Attachment Replacement of ПФ1, ПФ2 Dust Filters and Cleaning В1, B2 Fan Screens in MRM2 (ФГБ1ПГО_2_224_1, bag 432-7 (00069509R)).  Discard the removed items Inventory Management System (IMS) Conference CONTROL. Switching INDICATOR Measuring Mode. Photography Capillary Structures Sorbent Viscous Flow Demonstration Ops Photo/TV Camcorder Setup Verification Habitability Human Factors Post-Questionnaire PI Conference – Subject Bone Densitometer Setup and Calibration Photo/TV Camcorder Setup Verification Cell Biology Experiment Facility (CBEF) Plant Exp Unit (PEU) Detachment Plant Exp Unit (PEU) Experiment Laptop Terminal (ELT) 2 Closeout Plant Exp Unit Checkout Item Closeout Completed Task List Items None  Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. JEMAL Depress Fluid Shifts Ultrasound Ops Rodent Research Habitat video SSRMS LEE HD Survey Three-Day Look Ahead: Friday, 07/28: 51S Launch, RR gather/procedure review Saturday, 07/29: Crew off duty Sunday, 07/30: Rodent Research ops, crew adaptation QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:   Component Status Elektron Off Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) Off           [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) On Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Operate Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Standby Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Standby Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Full up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Off  

July 28, 2017 at 12:00AM
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NASA Announces 2017 MUREP Awards to Tribal Colleges and Universities

NASA's Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) awarded approximately $1.8 million in new cooperative agreements to three Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) across the United States.

July 27, 2017
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TESS Has A Hubble Problem But NASA Will Launch It Anyway

Cameras on NASA exoplanet spacecraft slightly out of focus, Space News

"NASA confirmed July 26 that the focus of the four cameras on the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) spacecraft will drift when the spacecraft cools to operating temperatures after launch next March. The problem was noticed in recent tests when the cameras were chilled to approximately -75 degrees Celsius. "Recent tests show the cameras on TESS are slightly out of focus when placed in the cold temperatures of space where it will be operating," NASA spokesperson Felicia Chou said in response to a SpaceNews inquiry. "After a thorough engineering evaluation, NASA has concluded TESS can fully accomplish its science mission with the cameras as they are, and will proceed with current integration activities." ... "The question is how much science degradation will there be in the results," Boss said. "The TESS team thinks there will be a 10 percent cut in terms of the number of planets that they expect to be able to detect."

Keith's note: Strange that NASA will fly a flawed spacecraft that can only accomplish 90% of what it is supposed to do. Maybe NASA will explain this in a little more detail.

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Podcast with Bob Richards of Moon Express

Mission Approved - Bob Richards on the Moon Express Plan to Commercialize the Moon, SpaceQ

"Moon Express has raised $45 million(US), built hardware, tested some of it, and gotten the FAA and other government agencies to approve of its first commercial mission to the moon, and in less than a year might have its first spacecraft on the moon."

"In this episode of the SpaceQ podcast Bob Richards, CEO and co-founder of Moon Express talks about the latest news from the company, including how lunar samples they return could be worth tens of millions, possibly even hundreds of millions. If true, and if Moon Express can return those samples, then an important part of their business plan will have been accomplished and a new commercial frontier will have been opened up."

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Haze on the Horizon

This false-color view from NASA's Cassini spacecraft gazes toward the rings beyond Saturn's sunlit horizon. via NASA http://ift.tt/2uFPXVE

Julie Seven Sage • July 27, 2017

Cubes in Space

4...3...2...1. The rocket shot up into the air. A few seconds later, we heard the large boom. Even though we were miles away, we could feel the force in our chests. All were in awe. It was happening after months of hard work—our experiments were getting sent into space. This year was the fifth year of the Cubes in Space program. Overall, 59 countries have participated and tens of thousands of proposals submitted to the program thus far. The rocket only gets 60 cubes and the balloon holds 100 cubes. That’s only 160 proposals selected to fly out of the thousands that are submitted. The Cubes in Space program is run by a company called idoodle Learning, who partners with NASA. The idea behind the program is that students design experiments and write up scientific proposals for those experiments, then they send them to Cubes in Space for them to review. There is a certain format that they ask for, and they do provide guide sheets on how to write the proposal. Other than that, the students must do everything else themselves. Once the final decisions have been made, the students that were approved need to create their experiments inside the 4-cm cube that Cubes In Space provides to them. The rocket launch was on June 22^nd from the NASA Wallops Flight Center, and the balloon will launch in late September from NASA’s Columbia Scientific Balloon Facility in Ft. Sumner, NM.

NASA Wallops

Cubes in Space launch

Photo of the launch of the sounding rocket from a NASA Wallops photographer on June 22

^nd

.

My group that participated in the Cubes In Space program is the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club at Dexter Southfield School in Brookline, Massachusetts. We sent in six proposals, and all six were accepted. Two went on the rocket and four are going up on the balloon. I’ll give a quick, brief description for each experiment.

Supernova Style Science News

Clay Center Amateur Radio Club

Students and advisors from the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club that participated in the Cubes In Space program.

One of our cubes that went on the rocket was testing the time dilation that would happen from the rocket's acceleration. Another one that went on the rocket—and will also be on the balloon—is testing the data rate change and error rate in the data due to the effects of vibration, g-forces, and acceleration during launch of the rocket. We submitted this experiment for both because the conditions it will see are different between the rocket and the balloon. On the balloon, it will be subjected to extreme temperature, micro-gravity, and high levels of radiation. I was co-lead on this experiment. Another experiment I was also co-lead on that is going on the balloon is testing different common fabrics to see which fabrics people could wear in space when space tourism becomes more common. There’s also a cube that is testing what happens to solder after being exposed to cosmic radiation. Lastly, there’s the cube I’m lead on. It’s testing the difference in strength radiation absorption between aluminum metal foam and solid aluminum after going up into space and being subjected to cosmic radiation.

Julie Sage

Our experiments

Six experiements from the Clay Center Amateur Radio Club that were accepted for the Cubes In Space program.

Supernova Style Science News

Cubes in Space

Julie Seven Sage holding the 3 experiements where she was lead and/or co-lead.

Other groups from around the world also did some very interesting experiments. Ivanna H. and many more kids from Barranquilla, Columbia, sent up Bitter Palm seeds and tardigrades on the rocket to see if there was a difference when they came back. There are also experiments from Ecuador. One that went up on the rocket was testing how kinetic sand could hold up during rocket launch because kinetic sand is used in relieving stress, and astronauts have a lot of stress while in space. Canada also had a large group representing. Their experiment was testing how vibration and acceleration would affect the density of teeth. Another experiment I really liked was by Dagmar D. from Pennsylvania. Her experiment was testing the intraocular pressure to eyes during spaceflight looking to see if glaucoma might arise. I think this is a smart experiment because this could be very detrimental to astronauts if there is an increased chance of getting glaucoma. This is the second experiment she’s had with Cubes In Space; last year she did the same experiment, but this year she revised her experiment slightly. Her sister, Diamante D., also had an experiment going up on the rocket. Her experiment was testing different kinds of fish scales to see if the fish eating algae made a difference in how they held up in space conditions. An experiment that is similar to our computer cube was done by Alexander Caylor, also from Pennsylvania. He was looking at which kind of storage is better: analog or digital. It’s like ours because both are looking at data storage, except ours is powered during flight while his is not. This year was also the third year for one of the participants, Emerson Dycus from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Her experiment this year is testing organism dormancy for growing food on future planetary colonies, such as Mars.

Supernova Style Science News

Canadian student group

Student group from Canada whose experiment is looking at the effects of launch on teeth.

Supernova Style Science News

Students from Columbia

Julie Seven Sage with students from Columbia at the Cubes In Space cookout on June 21st.

Artists also partake in the program. One experiment by Hannah S. and Rebecca P. from Stafford, Virginia tested four different types of clay to look at which kind would be best for astronauts to use in the space environment. There were two experiments that received a lot of press before the launch: the smallest pacemaker in the world, Micra, by Shelbi from Nebraska, and the KalamSat from India. These are just a few of the many amazing experiments.

I recommend kids to get involved in the Cubes in Space program. This program teaches you a lot of good lessons that you’ll need to know if you want a job in science such as how to write a proposal, teamwork, and definitely time management. Also, it’s not every day you get to send up something you designed and built into space!

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ISS Daily Summary Report – 7/26/2017

Microbial Tracking-2 (MT-2):  The crew collected saliva and body samples for the Microbial Tracking-2 investigation and placed them inside a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI).  After the samples are returned to Earth, a molecular analysis of the RNA and DNA will be conducted to identify the specific microbes that are present on ISS.  MT-2 monitors the different types of microbes that are present on ISS over a 1-year period and how they change over time.   Efficacy and Metabolism of Azonafide Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Microgravity (ADCs in Microgravity):  The crew viewed ADC cells with a microscope and fixated the BioCells. The ADCs in Microgravity investigation evaluates new antibody-drug conjugates that combine an immune-activating drug with antibodies in order to target only cancer cells, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reducing its side effects.  In microgravity, cancer cells grow in three-dimensional, spheroid structures that closely resemble their form in the human body, allowing for better drug testing. This investigation may accelerate development of targeted therapies for cancer patients. Sprint Volume of Oxygen Utilized (VO2) Maximum: The crew set up and performed a Sprint VO2 Max exercise protocol today. The subject completed their Flight Day 105 session with assistance from the other USOS crewmember.  The Sprint investigation evaluates the use of high intensity, low volume exercise training to minimize loss of muscle, bone, and cardiovascular function in ISS crewmembers during long-duration missions.  Habitability: The crew narrated a task video while they tore down the microscope hardware used for the ADCs in Microgravity investigation. The Habitability investigation collects observations about the relationship between crewmembers and their environment on the ISS. Observations can help spacecraft designers understand how much habitable volume is required, and whether a mission’s duration impacts how much space crew members need. Node 3 to Node 1 Sample Delivery Systems (SDS) Power Jumper Installation: The crew installed the SDS Power Jumper in the Node 1 to Node 3 Vestibule and mated the SDS Power Cable to the Node 3 bulkhead. This activity is part of the ISS Reconfiguration plan and is required to provide samples for the Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) in support of visiting vehicles berthed to Node 1. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Microbial Tracking-2 Sample MELFI Insert Combustion Integrated Rack Alignment Guide Removal Antibody Conjugates Microscope Operations Voice check in S/G1 from Baikonur JEM System Laptop Terminal (SLT) swapping from SLT 4 to SLT 6 Part 1. Collect SM and FGB Air Samples Using АК-1М Sampler Antibody Conjugates Biocells Fixation JEM System Laptop Terminal (SLT) swapping from SLT 4 to SLT 6 Part 2. SM Air Sampling for FREON Using АК-1М Sampler ИПД Air Sample Collection for Ammonia in SM В3 Fan Screen Cleaning in DC1 JEM System Laptop Terminal (SLT) swapping from SLT 4 to SLT 6 Part 3. JEM System Laptop Terminal (SLT) Activation Antibody Conjugates MELFI Sample Insertion Habitability Narrated Task Video Setup – Subject Plant Exp Unit Checkout Item Gather Microscope Hardware Teardown SPLANKH. Termination EGEG Recording and Closeout Ops Galley Rack Configure Habitability Narrated Task Video End – Subject HRF2 PC 2 USB Load Installation Preparation Food Acceptability Questionnaire – Subject Sprint Portable Pulmonary Function System Setup Partial Sprint Portable Pulmonary Function System Power Up RS2, RS3 Laptops Inspection And Cleaning Crew Medical Officer (CMO) Proficiency Training Sprint VO2 Operations – Subject On MCC Go RS1 Laptop Inspection and Cleaning MARES Ultrabay Hard Disk installation Crew Support LAN (CSL) 3 hard drive swap & Reload Sprint Portable Pulmonary Function System Stow Partial Measuring CO partial pressure at Central Post using CSA-CP analyzer Replacement of CO2 Filter Unit ИК0501. Antibody Conjugates MSG Hardware Teardown ADC Thaw System Trash Emergency OBT iPad Network Connectivity Test HRF2 PC 2 USB Load Installation Conclude Tropical Cyclone Untended Operations RADIOSKAF. Closeout Ops RADIOSKAF. Nanosatellite Prep Ops prior to EVA  Completed Task List Items Node 3 Sample Delivery System Power Jumper Installation [In Work] Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. ADC B Cell fixation support Rodent Research habitat video Three-Day Look Ahead: Thursday, 07/27: Capillary Structures, CBEF ops Friday, 07/28: 51S Launch, RR gather/procedure review Saturday, 07/29: Crew off duty QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:   Component Status Elektron Off Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) Off           [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) On Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Operate Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Standby Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Standby Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Full up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Off  

July 27, 2017 at 12:00AM
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A Sagittarius Triplet

These three bright nebulae are often featured on telescopic tours of the constellation Sagittarius and the crowded starfields of the central Milky Way. In fact, 18th century cosmic tourist Charles Messier cataloged two of them; M8, the large nebula above and left of center, and colorful M20 near the bottom of the frame. The third emission region includes NGC 6559, right of M8 and separated from the larger nebula by a dark dust lane. All three are stellar nurseries about five thousand light-years or so distant. Over a hundred light-years across the expansive M8 is also known as the Lagoon Nebula. M20's popular moniker is the Trifid. Glowing hydrogen gas creates the dominant red color of the emission nebulae. In striking contrast, blue hues in the Trifid are due to dust reflected starlight. The colorful composite skyscape was recorded with two different telescopes to capture a widefield image of the area and individual close-ups at higher resolution. via NASA http://ift.tt/2eMrsT6

NASA Is Doing Something To The GISS Website

#NASA says "GISS websites may be unavailable due to network reconfiguration"
Does this mean data will be removed? https://t.co/7VmNwzWtln http://pic.twitter.com/7FMfNKsK9F

— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) July 26, 2017

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Expedition 52 Soyuz Rollout

The Soyuz MS-05 spacecraft is seen as it is raised into a vertical position on the launch pad at the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, Wednesday, July 26, 2017. The Expedition 52 crew is scheduled to launch to the International Space Station aboard the Soyuz on Friday, July 28, at 11:41 a.m. EDT (9:41 p.m. Baikonur time). via NASA http://ift.tt/2vIFr0f

Starship Precursors Conduct Orbital Test Flight

In Quest to Reach Alpha Centauri, Breakthrough Starshot Launches World's Smallest Spacecraft

"Breakthrough Starshot, a multi-faceted program to develop and launch practical interstellar space missions, successfully flew its first spacecraft -- the smallest ever launched. On June 23, a number of prototype "Sprites" - the world's smallest fully functional space probes, built on a single circuit board -- achieved Low Earth Orbit, piggybacking on OHB System AG's 'Max Valier' and 'Venta' satellites. The 3.5-by-3.5 centimeter chips weigh just four grams but contain solar panels, computers, sensors, and radios. These vehicles are the next step of a revolution in spacecraft miniaturization that can contribute to the development of centimeter- and gram-scale "StarChips" envisioned by the Breakthrough Starshot project."

Larger view

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ISS Daily Summary Report – 7/25/2017

Fluid Shifts:  A crew member completed the first of two days of Chibis operations in the Russian Segment for the Fluid Shifts investigation. They donned the Lower Body Negative Pressure (LBNP/Chibis) device while the operator, with ground support in Moscow, assisted in taking measurements for Cerebral and Cochlear Fluid Pressure (CCFP) and performed a Distortion Product Otoacoustic Emission (DPOAE) test, Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), and a Tonometry examination. The Fluid Shifts experiment investigates the causes for severe and lasting physical changes to astronaut’s eyes.  Because the headward fluid shift is a hypothesized contributor to these changes, reversing this fluid shift with a lower body negative pressure device is being evaluated as a possible intervention. Results from this study may help to develop preventative measures against lasting changes in vision and to prevention of eye damage. Rodent Research-5 (RR-5) Systemic Therapy of NELL-1 for Osteoporosis: The crew cleaned and restocked the Animal Habitats in support of the RR-5 investigation.  Because spaceflight has significant and rapid effects on the musculoskeletal system it is important to investigate targeted therapies that could ameliorate some of the detrimental effects of spaceflight. The NELL-1 drug being studied in the RR-5 investigation has the potential to slow or reverse bone loss during spaceflight. Lighting Effects: The crew set up and configured the light meter hardware and took readings in the Cupola and the Columbus. The Lighting Effects investigation hopes to better quantify and qualify how lighting can effect habitability of spacecraft. The light bulbs on the ISS are being replaced with a new system designed for improved crew health and wellness. The Lighting Effects investigation studies the impact of the change from fluorescent light bulbs to solid-state light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with adjustable intensity and color and aims to determine if the new lights can improve crew circadian rhythms, sleep, and cognitive performance. Results from this investigation also have implications for people on Earth who use electric lights.  Crew Medical Officer (CMO) Training: FE-2 completed this training which is an onboard refresher for long duration missions. Medical procedures and hardware were reviewed to ensure continuing basic knowledge of the Health Maintenance System. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Fluid Shifts Experiment On MCC GO Regeneration of Micropurification Unit (БМП) Ф2 Cartridge (start) Combustion Integrated Rack Alignment Guide Install Virus Definition File Update on Auxiliary Computer System (ВКС) Laptops RADIOSKAF. Disconnecting of ТПУ 120 nanosatellite from charger and connecting Tanysha-SWSU-1 and Tanysha-SWSU-2 Service Module Data Collection – Operator Verification of ИП-1 Flow Sensor Position Vacuum Cleaning of ВД1 and ВД2 air ducts in DC1 METEOR Hardware Check JEM Wireless Instrumentation System Environmental Monitor Remote Sensor Unit Battery R&R Microbial Tracking-2 Saliva Setup Rodent Research Node 2 Camcorder Video Setup Lighting Effects Light Meter Readings Alternate 1 Rodent Research Habitat 3 & 4 Restock Rodent Research Access Unit Clean SPLANH. Preparation for experiment RADIOSKAF. Monitoring Tanysha-SWSU-1 and Tanysha-SWSU-2 nanosatellites charge level status.  Photo/Video Ops Antibody Conjugates MELFI Sample Retrieve  Completed Task List Items None Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Fluid Shifts support Rodent Research Support SSRMS walkoff to MBS3/SPDM unstow Three-Day Look Ahead: Wednesday, 07/26: T2 monthly inspection, ELF sample swap, ADC B cell fixation Thursday, 07/27: Spring VO2 ops, Capillary Structures, CBEF ops Friday, 07/28: 51S Launch, RR gather/procedure review QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:   Component Status Elektron Off Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) Off           [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) On Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Operate Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Standby Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Standby Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Full up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Off

July 26, 2017 at 12:00AM
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Predicting The Future of SLS

Prediction: @NASA_SLS may well be launched - but humans will never fly into space on it.

— NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) July 25, 2017

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Senate Gives NASA More Money Than Trump Did

Senate Appropriations Subcommittee Approves $19.5 Billion for NASA, SpacePolicyOnline

"The Senate Appropriations Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS) subcommittee approved $19.5 billion for NASA in FY2018 according to a committee press release. The figure was rounded, but the press release also said it is $437 million more than President Trump requested and $124 million less than FY2017. That would make $19.529 billion a more precise figure. The request was $19.092 billion. NASA's FY2017 funding level is $19.653 billion. The House Appropriations Committee was more generous, approving $19.872 billion. The bill has not gone to the House floor for debate yet. Only a few details were released by the Senate committee following the markup today. More information will be available after the full committee marks up the bill on Thursday."

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Watching the Aurora From Orbit

Expedition 52 Flight Engineer Jack Fischer of NASA shared photos and time-lapse video of a glowing green aurora seen from his vantage point 250 miles up, aboard the International Space Station. This aurora photo was taken on June 26, 2017. via NASA http://ift.tt/2uU3SKy

ISS Daily Summary Report – 7/24/2017

Efficacy and Metabolism of Azonafide Antibody-Drug Conjugates in Microgravity (ADCs in Microgravity):  With assistance from the Payload Developer, the crew viewed ADC cells with a microscope and fixated the BioCells.  The crew also performed additional viewing of the cells with the microscope. The ADCs in Microgravity investigation evaluates new antibody-drug conjugates that combine an immune-activating drug with antibodies in order to target only cancer cells, increasing the effectiveness of chemotherapy and reducing its side effects.  In microgravity, cancer cells grow in three-dimensional, spheroid structures that closely resemble their form in the human body, allowing for better drug testing. This investigation may accelerate development of targeted therapies for cancer patients. Meteor Hard Drive Swap: The crew performed a regular changeout of the Meteor hard drive located in the Window Observational Research Facility (WORF). The Meteor payload is a visible spectroscopy instrument with the primary purpose of observing meteors in Earth orbit. Meteor uses image analysis to provide information on the physical and chemical properties of the meteoroid dust, such as size, density, and chemical composition. Since the parent comets or asteroids for most of the meteor showers are identified, the study of the meteoroid dust on orbit provides information about the parent comets and asteroids.   Waste and Hygiene Compartment (WHC) Pump Separator Replacement:  On June 30th, the crew reported that the Pump Separator was making unusual noises and running longer after they shut off the urine valve. The Pump Separator had been installed since November 2016, past its expected life of ~180 days.  Today the crew R&Rd the Pump Separator and the system is performing nominally.  Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization (CEVIS) Troubleshooting #3:  On Saturday, the crew replaced the CEVIS Ergometer and Control Panel with “degraded” spares. This third round of troubleshooting was performed to determine if functionality still existed with Ergometer (S/N 1002) and Control Panel (S/N 1006). The crew had been using CEVIS with a Contingency Controller since June 3, 2017 and had recently reported that it had become cumbersome to use.  CEVIS is currently functioning nominally utilizing the spares. Today’s Planned Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain On MCC GO БМП Ф1 absorption cartridge regeneration; (init) FLUID SHIFTS [Deferred] Solution Crystallization Observation Facility (SCOF) Cable Connection Combustion Integrated Rack Alignment Guide Removal Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED) Cylinder Flywheel Evacuation Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Drain Part 2 Antibody Conjugates MELFI Sample Retrieve Antibody Conjugates Microscope Operations Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Water Recovery System (WRS) Sample Analysis SSC Auxiliary Laptop Computer System Virus Definition File Update Antibody Conjugates Biocells Fixation AQM Sieve Cartridge Remove and Replace Antibody Conjugates MELFI Sample Insertion Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill Polar Hardware Install into Express Rack Commercial Generic Bioprocessing Apparatus 4, Unit Relocation Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (RGN) Wastewater Storage Tank Assembly (WSTA) Fill Meteor Hard Drive Swap out Medical Laptop (MDLT) Relocate Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record XF305 Camcorder Setup Mouse Habitat Unit (MHU) Removal Antibody Conjugates Microscope Operations Evening Preparation Work Regenerative Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) Recycle Tank Fill Part 3 ABOUT GAGARIN FROM SPACE. Hardware Deactivation and closeout ops RADIOSKAF. ТПУ-120 small satellite battery setup and connection to HAM radio station power supply for recharge Environmental Health System (EHS) Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Waste Water Bag (WWB) Changeout Completed Task List Items Treadmill 2 System (T2) Monthly Inspection [Completed GMT 203] Crew Medical Officer (CMO) Proficiency Training [Completed GMT 203] Ground Activities All activities were completed unless otherwise noted. Nominal System Commanding Three-Day Look Ahead: Tuesday, 07/25: Fluid Shifts Chibis ops, Lighting Effects meter ops, RR habitat restock Wednesday, 07/26: T2 monthly inspection, ELF sample swap, ADC B cell fixation Thursday, 07/27: Spring VO2 ops, Capillary Structures, CBEF ops QUICK ISS Status – Environmental Control Group:   Component Status Elektron Off Vozdukh Manual [СКВ] 1 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV1”) Off           [СКВ] 2 – SM Air Conditioner System (“SKV2”) On Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab Operate Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 Standby Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab Idle Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 Operate Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) Standby Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab Full up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 Off  

July 25, 2017 at 12:00AM
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Tim Evans • July 25, 2017

HERA team completes 45-day mission to explore asteroid, from Texas

Editor's note:

In May, Tim Evans shared his thoughts with The Planetary Society ahead of the HERA XIII mission, which simulated a 45-day mission to visit an asteroid. On June 19, the four-person crew completed their mission, and Evans wrote a follow-up story about the experience. 

For more information about the program, visit the HERA website, where you can also apply for a future mission.

---

After 45 days of confinement, we emerged from the Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) on the evening of June 19. The mission was interesting, fun and challenging, although I am glad to now be able to get more sleep (more on that shortly!). Our crew of four (James Titus, John Kennard, Mark Settles, and myself) managed to complete the mission, and hopefully we provided lots of useful data for the research teams that were studying us and our interactions.  

One of the broad research goals for our mission was to observe the effects of chronic sleep restriction on our individual and team performance. As such, we were limited to 5 hours of sleep for most nights (lights out at 2:00 a.m. and on at 7:00 a.m.), along with limited caffeine consumption (we had coffee, but we were limited in how much of it we could drink and when we could drink it). I knew this would be challenging, and I was not disappointed! After a couple weeks of limited sleep, I felt tired nearly any time I was awake. It was actually interesting to observe how the limited sleep made things such as reading a book or maintaining focus for extended periods of time more difficult. In order to stay awake and a bit more alert, I found myself doing many of my tasks while standing or pacing in the limited space. Even just a little bit of movement was helpful in perking myself up throughout the day.

NASA

HERA habitat

HERA, the Human Exploration Research Analog, is a three-story, closed habitat at NASA’s Johnson Space Center used to simulate long-duration human spaceflight missions.

During a typical day, portions of our schedule were filled with various cognitive tests, simulations, and surveys, interspersed with free time (some days we had very little free time and others we had more). One of the simulations that the crew enjoyed the most was the extravehicular activity (EVA) practice. As our mission was a simulated visit to an asteroid, we spent a considerable amount of time training for the asteroid rendezvous. In these simulations, two crew members piloted a simulated spacecraft from the main habitat to the asteroid. They would then release the other two crew members from the spacecraft, and those two people would maneuver down to the surface of the asteroid in their simulated space suits to conduct various studies. The people conducting the EVA wore virtual reality headsets that gave the illusion of being in a space suit and floating through space or moving around on the surface of the asteroid. We enjoyed these particular simulations not only because they felt somewhat realistic, but also because they were challenging and they required us to work closely together as a team in order to complete the various objectives. 

The food during the mission was generally delicious. Most of it was either freeze dried or thermally sealed in foil pouches. For the freeze dried foods, the galley was equipped with an injection system that allowed us to add a measured amount of hot or cold water, depending on the particular food item. The foods that were sealed in foil pouches were heated in a small oven and eaten directly out of the bag. We were all impressed with the variety of foods that were available. A couple of our favorite foods were Turkish fish stew (not one I would have thought I would like, but it was very good!) and bread pudding. We were a little bit less excited about the freeze-dried eggs, but they did the job of filling us up.

NASA / JSC

Hera XIII crew portrait

From left: Mark Settles, Tim Evans, John Kennard, James Titus.

As the end of the mission approached, I was both excited to get out and a little disappointed that it was coming to an end. I was particularly looking forward to having the freedom to move around, setting my own daily schedule, and eating whatever I wanted (I was especially craving pizza). I was satisfied with having completed the mission, though, and happy that we were able to provide data that will help NASA develop their plans to send people to deep space (i.e., Mars) and return them home safely. If you are looking for not just a challenge, but also an opportunity to participate in the long-term exploration of space in a meaningful way, I would strongly recommend you consider applying to participate in the HERA program!

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Int Ball Drone Activated on the Space Station

What if you were followed around by a cute floating ball that kept taking your picture? Then you might be an astronaut on today's International Space Station (ISS). Designed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the JEM Internal Ball Camera -- informally "Int-Ball" -- is a bit larger than a softball, can float and maneuver by itself but also be controlled remotely, can take high resolution images and videos, and is not related to Hello Kitty. Int-Ball was delivered to the ISS in early June and is designed to allow ground-control to increase the monitoring of ISS equipment and activities while decreasing time demands on human astronauts. Int-Ball moves by turning on small internal fans and sees with a camera located between its two dark eyes. via NASA http://ift.tt/2urdlX8

Hubble’s Hunting Dog Galaxy

Tucked away in the small northern constellation of Canes Venatici (The Hunting Dogs) is the galaxy NGC 4242. via NASA http://ift.tt/2twOBzs

A Hybrid Solar Eclipse over Kenya

Chasing solar eclipses can cause you to go to the most interesting places and meet the most interesting people. Almost. For example, chasing this eclipse brought this astrophotographer to Kenya in 2013. His contact, a member of the Maasai people, was to pick him up at the airport, show him part of southern Kenya, and even agreed to pose in traditional warrior garb on a hill as the hopefully spectacular eclipse set far in background. Unfortunately, this contact person died unexpectedly a week before the astrophotographer's arrival, and so he never got to participate in the shoot, nor know that the resulting image went on to win an international award for astrophotography. Pictured in 2013 from Kenya, the Moon covers much of the Sun during a hybrid eclipse, a rare type of solar eclipse that appears as total from some Earth locations, but annular in others. During the annular part of the eclipse, the Moon was too far from the Earth to block the entire Sun. Next month a total solar eclipse will cross the USA. via NASA http://ift.tt/2tQTQVG

Spitzer Space Telescope May Be Up For Grabs

NASA might turn over management of the Spitzer Space Telescope, one of the Great Observatories, to private operator. https://t.co/tCXmQyJHjf http://pic.twitter.com/p8aMdrzwgB

— Spaceflight Now (@SpaceflightNow) July 22, 2017

At @NASA, we continue to explore new ways to maximize science/$. Wonder whether there are interested parties, finding the next #TRAPPIST1 .. https://t.co/O0M1ez40Qa

— Thomas Zurbuchen (@Dr_ThomasZ) July 22, 2017

Keith's note: It would seem that the precedents set by GALEX and ISEE-3 Reboot have found resonance at NASA's Science Mission Directorate. I wonder how one might apply to take over Spitzer? Will there be a formal call for proposals, a NASA procurement notice, or some other formal mechanism to solicit ideas? If so, when? I sent a request to NASA. Stay tuned.

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Mercury as Revealed by MESSENGER

Mercury had never been seen like this before. In 2008, the robotic MESSENGER spacecraft buzzed past Mercury for the second time and imaged terrain mapped previously only by comparatively crude radar. The featured image was recorded as MESSENGER looked back 90 minutes after passing, from an altitude of about 27,000 kilometers. Visible in the image, among many other newly imaged features, are unusually long rays that appear to run like meridians of longitude out from a young crater near the northern limb. MESSENGER entered orbit around Mercury in 2011 and finished its primary mission in 2012, but took detailed measurements until 2015, at which time it ran out of fuel and so was instructed to impact Mercury's surface. via NASA http://ift.tt/2vKLEaX