NASA

Expedition 69 Flight Engineers play chess with NASA mission controllersCredit NASA Jan. 16, 2024 RELEASE: 24-001 Four astronauts, including the current record holder for the longest single U.S. stay in space aboard the International Space Station, will make their first public appearance in Houston since returning to Earth. The crew also will be available for interviews before the event at 5 p.m. CST Thursday, Jan. 18, at Space Center Houston. Expedition 69 NASA astronauts Stephen Bowen, Woody Hoburg, and Frank Rubio, along with United Arab Emirates (UAE) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi, will be at NASA Johnson Space Center in Houston official visitor center to share accomplishments from their mission during a free, public event at 5:30 p.m. At 7 p.m., the crew, along NASA leadership, will help recognize key contributors to the mission’s success in an awards ceremony. Reporters may request an in-person interview no later than 12 p.m. Jan. 18 by emailing Dana Davis at dana.l.davis@nasa.gov. Expedition 69 NASA’s SpaceX Crew-6 mission launched in March 2023 with Bowen, Hoburg, and Alneyadi, as well as Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev, on the sixth commercial crew rotation mission to the space station. The crew spent 186 days in orbit, traveled 78,875,292 miles, and completed 2,976 Earth orbits, splashing down off the coast of Jacksonville, Florida, on Sept. 4, 2023. This was Bowen’s fourth spaceflight and the first spaceflight for Hoburg, Alneyadi, and Fedyaev. The crew helped improve power systems for the space station through a series of spacewalks. In June 2023, Bowen completed his 10th career spacewalk, tying the U.S. record for number of spacewalks. Alneyadi also completed the first long-duration mission for a UAE astronaut. The Dragon crew was welcomed aboard the station by the international crew that flew on the Soyuz spacecraft and served on Expeditions 68 and 69. NASA astronaut Frank Rubio and Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin launched six months earlier, on the Soyuz MS-22 spacecraft in September 2022. The Soyuz crew spent a total of 371 days aboard the space station, traveled 157,412,306 statute miles, and completed 5,963 Earth orbits, landing in Kazakhstan aboard the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft on Sept. 27, 2023. This was the second spaceflight for Prokopyev and Petelin. This was Rubio’s first spaceflight mission and it broke the U.S. record for a single spaceflight by an American. While aboard the station, the Expedition 69 crew contributed to hundreds of experiments and technology demonstrations, including conducting a student robotic challenge, studying plant genetic adaptations to space, and monitoring human health in microgravity to prepare for exploration beyond low Earth orbit and to benefit life on Earth. The crew released Saskatchewan’s first satellite, which tests a new radiation detection and protection system derived from Melanin that’s found in many organisms including humans. Stay current on space station activities by following @space_station and @ISS_Research on Twitter, as well as the station Facebook and Instagram accounts and the space station blog. -end- Chelsey Ballarte Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 chelsey.n.ballarte@nasa.gov Dana Davis Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-244-0933 dana.l.davis@nasa.gov View the full article

A set of NanoRacks CubeSats is photographed by an Expedition 38 crew member after the deployment by the Small Satellite Orbital Deployer (SSOD). The CubeSats program contains a variety of experiments such as Earth observations and advanced electronics testing.NASA NASA is collaborating with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force to offer a set of hands-on learning engagements that will help higher education institutions, faculty, and students learn more about what it takes to build small satellites and be selected for flight opportunities. Teams selected for the University Nanosatellite Program Mission Concepts 2024 Summer Series will receive systems engineering training that prepares them for the industrial workforce while developing small satellite expertise at U.S. universities. The program, which runs from May through August 2024, also enhances students’ potential to be selected for flights to space as part of NASA’s CSLI (CubeSat Launch Initiative) and the U.S. Air Force University Nanosatellite Program in 2024. The program allows faculty and students to form teams without draining university resources, and includes travel funding for kickoff, final event, and any in-person reviews, among other benefits. All U.S colleges and universities are eligible, and teams at minority-serving institutions and historically Black colleges and universities are strongly encouraged to apply for the Mission Concepts 2024 Summer Series in accordance with the criteria in the request for proposal. The solicitation will be available on Tuesday, Jan. 16, with a deadline to apply on Friday, Feb. 9. NASA’s CSLI and the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida university partnerships and small satellite capabilities manager conduct the program for NASA. The agency’s collaboration with the U.S Air Force and U.S. Space Force helps broaden access to space and strengthen the capabilities and knowledge of higher education institutions, faculty, and students. To attend an upcoming virtual question and answer session about Mission Concepts 2024, please email laura.aguiar@nasa.gov. For more information, visit: https://universitynanosat.org/solicitation/ View the full article

NASA and Lockheed Martin publicly unveil the X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft at a ceremony in Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility in Palmdale, California. The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which seeks to solve one of the major barriers to supersonic flight over land, currently banned in the United States, by making sonic booms quieter.NASA/Steve Freeman A climactic curtain drop reveals the newly painted red, white, and blue X-59 aircraft during its rollout ceremony on Jan. 12, 2024, at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California – a major milestone before its first flight. A long-standing aviation tradition, rollout ceremonies celebrate years of technical achievements. In the case of the X-59, not only does it celebrate groundbreaking technical work, but it honors the brilliant minds behind the research, development, and construction that went into a one-of-a-kind supersonic research aircraft. The X-59 is a research tool in NASA’s Quesst mission designed to prove quiet supersonic flight is possible. Through Quesst, NASA will fly the aircraft over select U.S. communities, working with them to collect data. NASA will provide that data to regulators so they may consider writing new sound-based rules that would amend the current ban on commercial supersonic flight over land. Next up, the X-59 team will conduct a series of integrated ground tests, including engine runs and taxi tests, to prepare for the aircraft’s first flight. Image Credit: NASA/Steve Freeman Text Credit: Sasha Ellis Read this story in Spanish: El avión X-59 de la NASA fue revelado durante una ceremonia Una caída culminante del telón revela el avión X-59 recién pintado de rojo, blanco y azul durante su ceremonia de lanzamiento el 12 de enero de 2024 en Lockheed Martin Skunk Works en Palmdale, California, un logro importante antes de su primer vuelo. Las ceremonias de lanzamiento vienen de una larga tradición en la aviación donde se celebran años de logros técnicos. En el caso del X-59, no sólo se celebra el trabajo técnico innovador, sino que también honra a las mentes brillantes detrás de la investigación, el desarrollo y la construcción de un avión de investigación supersónico único en su tipo. El X-59 es una herramienta de investigación de la misión Questt de la NASA diseñada para demostrar que es posible un vuelo supersónico silencioso. A través de Questt, la NASA volará el avión sobre comunidades seleccionadas de los Estados Unidos y trabajará con ellas para recopilar datos. La NASA proporcionará esos datos a los reguladores para que puedan redactar nuevas reglas de los vuelos supersónicos comerciales sobre tierra considerando los niveles de ruido en lugar de la velocidad. A continuación, el equipo del X-59 llevará a cabo una serie de pruebas en tierra integradas, incluidos funcionamientos del motor y pruebas de rodaje, para prepararse para el primer vuelo del avión. Crédito de la foto: NASA/Steve Freeman Crédito de texto: Sasha Ellis, NASA Traducido por: Jessica Arreola, NASA View the full article

Science Launching to Space Station on NASA's 20th Northrop Grumman Mission

6 Min Read Science Launches to Space Station on NASA’s 20th Northrop Grumman Mission iss067e156135 (July 28, 2022) — Northrop Grumman's Cygnus space freighter is positioned away from the International Space Station in the grips of the Canadarm2 robotic arm prior to its release ending a four-month stay attached to the orbiting lab's Unity module. Credits: NASA Tests of a 3D metal printer, semiconductor manufacturing, and thermal protection systems for reentry to Earth’s atmosphere are among the scientific investigation that NASA and international partners are launching to the International Space Station on Northrop Grumman’s 20th commercial resupply services mission. The company’s Cygnus cargo spacecraft is scheduled to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida by late January. Read more about some of the research making the journey to the orbiting laboratory: 3D Printing in Space An investigation from ESA (European Space Agency), Metal 3D Printer tests additive manufacturing or 3D printing of small metal parts in microgravity. “This investigation provides us with an initial understanding of how such a printer behaves in space,” said Rob Postema of ESA. “A 3D printer can create many shapes, and we plan to print specimens, first to understand how printing in space may differ from printing on Earth and second to see what types of shapes we can print with this technology. In addition, this activity helps show how crew members can work safely and efficiently with printing metal parts in space.” Results could improve understanding of the functionality, performance, and operations of metal 3D printing in space, as well as the quality, strength, and characteristics of the printed parts. Resupply presents a challenge for future long-duration human missions. Crew members could use 3D printing to create parts for maintenance of equipment on future long-duration spaceflight and on the Moon or Mars, reducing the need to pack spare parts or to predict every tool or object that might be needed, saving time and money at launch. Advances in metal 3D printing technology also could benefit potential applications on Earth, including manufacturing engines for the automotive, aeronautical, and maritime industries and creating shelters after natural disasters. A team led by Airbus U.S. Space & Defense and Space SAS under a contract with ESA developed the investigation. Samples produced by the Metal 3D Printer prior to launch to the space station. ESA Semiconductor Manufacturing in Microgravity Manufacturing of Semiconductors and Thin-Film Integrated Coatings (MSTIC) examines how microgravity affects thin films that have a wide range of uses. “The potential for producing films with superior surface structures and the broad range of applications from energy harvesting to advanced sensor technology are particularly groundbreaking,” said Alex Hayes of Redwire Space, which developed the technology. “This represents a significant leap in space manufacturing and could herald a new era of technological advancements with wide-reaching implications for both space exploration and terrestrial applications.” This technology could enable autonomous manufacturing to replace the many machines and processes currently used to make a wide range of semiconductors, potentially leading to the development of more efficient and higher-performing electrical devices. Manufacturing semiconductor devices in microgravity also may improve their quality and reduce the materials, equipment, and labor required. On future long-duration missions, this technology could provide the capability to produce components and devices in space, reducing the need for resupply missions from Earth. The technology also has applications for devices that harvest energy and provide power on Earth. “While this initial pilot program is designed to compare thin films produced on Earth and in space, the ultimate goal is to expand to producing a diverse range of production areas within the semiconductor field,” Hayes said. The gas supply modules and production module for Redwire’s MSTIC investigation. Redwire Modeling Atmospheric Re-entry Scientists who conduct research on the space station often return their experiments to Earth for additional analysis and study. But the conditions that spacecraft experience during atmospheric reentry, including extreme heat, can have unintended effects on their contents. Thermal protection systems used to shield spacecraft and their contents are based on numerical models that often lack validation from actual flight, which can lead to significant overestimates in the size of system needed and take up valuable space and mass. Kentucky Re-entry Probe Experiment-2 (KREPE-2), part of an effort to improve thermal protection system technology, uses three capsules outfitted with different heat shield materials and a variety of sensors to obtain data on actual reentry conditions. “Building on the success of KREPE-1, we have improved the sensors to gather more measurements and improved the communication system to transmit more data,” said principal investigator Alexandre Martin at the University of Kentucky. “We have the opportunity to test several heat shields provided by NASA that have never been tested before, and another manufactured entirely at the University of Kentucky, also a first.” The capsules can be outfitted for other atmospheric re-entry experiments, supporting improvements in heat shielding for applications on Earth, such as protecting people and structures from wildfires. An artist’s rendering of one of the KREPE-2 capsules during re-entry. A. Martin, P. Rodgers, L. Young, J. Adams, University of Kentucky Remote Robotic Surgery Robotic Surgery Tech Demo tests the performance of a small robot that can be remotely controlled from Earth to perform surgical procedures. Researchers plan to compare procedures in microgravity and on Earth to evaluate the effects of microgravity and time delays between space and ground. The robot uses two “hands” to grasp and cut simulated surgical tissue and provide tension that is used to determine where and how to cut, according to Shane Farritor, chief technology officer at Virtual Incision Corporation, developer of the investigation with the University of Nebraska. Longer space missions increase the likelihood that crew members may need surgical procedures, whether simple stiches or an emergency appendectomy. Results from this investigation could support development of robotic systems to perform these procedures. In addition, the availability of a surgeon in rural areas of the country declined nearly a third between 2001 and 2019. Miniaturization and the ability to remotely control the robot may help to make surgery available anywhere and anytime. NASA has sponsored research on miniature robots for more than 15 years. In 2006, remotely operated robots performed procedures in the underwater NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations (NEEMO) 9 mission. In 2014, a miniature surgical robot performed simulated surgical tasks on the Zero-G parabolic airplane. The surgical robot during testing on the ground before launch. Virtual Incision Corporation Growing Cartilage Tissue in Space Compartment Cartilage Tissue Construct demonstrates two technologies, Janus Base Nano-Matrix (JBNm) and Janus Base Nanopiece (JBNp). JBNm is an injectable material that provides a scaffold for formation of cartilage in microgravity, which can serve as a model for studying cartilage diseases. JBNp delivers an RNA-based therapy to combat diseases that cause cartilage degeneration. Cartilage has a limited ability to self-repair and osteoarthritis is a leading cause of disability in older patients on Earth. Microgravity can trigger cartilage degeneration that mimics the progression of aging-related osteoarthritis but happens more quickly, so research in microgravity could lead to faster development of effective therapies. Results from this investigation could advance cartilage regeneration as a treatment for joint damage and diseases on Earth and contribute to development of ways to maintain cartilage health on future missions to the Moon and Mars. The Janus Base Nano-matrix anchors cartilage cells (red) and facilitates the formation of the cartilage tissue matrix (green). University of Connecticut Melissa Gaskill International Space Station Program Research Office Johnson Space Center Search this database of scientific experiments to learn more about those mentioned above. Keep Exploring Discover More Topics Latest News from Space Station Research Commercial Resupply Space Station Technology Demonstration Space Station Research and Technology View the full article

Kurt Vogel portrait, Tuesday, May 10, 2022, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters in Washington. Photo Credit: (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Dr. Kurt “Spuds” Vogel will serve as the new associate administrator of the Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced Tuesday. His appointment is effective immediately. Vogel succeeds James Reuter, who retired from the agency in June 2023. Dr. Prasun Desai has served as the acting associate administrator since and now will return to his previous role as deputy associate administrator for STMD. “With more than three decades of public service, including his most recent role as NASA’s director of Space Architecture, Spuds brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate,” said Nelson. “I am confident his leadership will help NASA continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with space technologies and advancing American leadership in space.” In this role, Vogel is responsible for executive leadership, overall strategic planning and direction, and effective management for all elements of the Space Technology Programs executed under STMD’s $1.2 billion budget. He plans, directs, coordinates, and evaluates the full range of space technology programs and activities including budget formulation and execution, and represents the program to appropriate officials within and outside the agency. Previously, Vogel was appointed as the director of space architectures within the Office of the Administrator at NASA Headquarters, a role he has served since July 19, 2021. He joined the agency with 34 years of government experience, primarily in the Department of Defense. Prior to his NASA appointment, Vogel served for six years at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), leading innovative research in stealth technology, electronic warfare, air-space integration, and space control systems. He managed a portfolio of classified, state-of-the-art, high-risk programs that spanned multiple DARPA offices. Before joining DARPA, Vogel led research and development efforts at the Air Force Research Lab’s Systems Technology Office where he directed a Defense Department science and technology portfolio. He also served as the acting chief technologist for the National Reconnaissance Office’s Survivability Assurance Office. He retired from active duty in 2010 after serving more than 21 years in the U.S. Air Force in both the air and space domains. Vogel holds a Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Astronautical Engineering from the U.S. Air Force Academy. He is a member of the national honor societies for both engineering and aerospace engineering. For more about Vogel’s experience, visit his full biography online at: https://www.nasa.gov/spacetech -end- Faith McKie / Jimi Russell Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 faith.d.mckie@nasa.gov / james.j.russell@nasa.gov Share Details Last Updated Jan 16, 2024 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsSpace Technology Mission DirectorateNASA Directorates View the full article

4 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) This composite image of the Manatee Nebula captures the jet emanating from SS 433, a black hole devouring material embedded in the supernova remnant which spawned it. Radio emissions from the remnant are blue-green, whereas X-rays combined from IXPE, XMM-Newton, and Chandra are highlighted in bright blue-purple and pinkish-white against a backdrop of infrared data in red. The black hole emits twin jets of matter traveling in opposite directions at nearly the speed of light, distorting the remnant’s shape. The jets become bright about 100 light years away from the black hole, where particles are accelerated to very high energies by shocks within the jet. The IXPE data shows that the magnetic field, which plays a key role in how particles are accelerated, is aligned parallel to the jet – aiding our understanding of how astrophysical jets accelerate these particles to high energies.X-ray: (IXPE): NASA/MSFC/IXPE; (Chandra): NASA/CXC/SAO; (XMM): ESA/XMM-Newton; IR: NASA/JPL/Caltech/WISE; Radio: NRAO/AUI/NSF/VLA/B. Saxton. (IR/Radio image created with data from M. Goss, et al.); Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk & K.Arcand This composite image of the Manatee Nebula captures the jet emanating from SS 433, a black hole devouring material embedded in the supernova remnant which spawned it. Radio emissions from the remnant are blue-green, whereas X-rays combined from IXPE, XMM-Newton, and Chandra are highlighted in bright blue-purple and pinkish-white against a backdrop of infrared data in red. The black hole emits twin jets of matter traveling in opposite directions at nearly the speed of light, distorting the remnant’s shape. The jets become bright about 100 light years away from the black hole, where particles are accelerated to very high energies by shocks within the jet. The IXPE data shows that the magnetic field, which plays a key role in how particles are accelerated, is aligned parallel to the jet – aiding our understanding of how astrophysical jets accelerate these particles to high energies.X-ray: (IXPE): NASA/MSFC/IXPE; (Chandra): NASA/CXC/SAO; (XMM): ESA/XMM-Newton; IR: NASA/JPL/Caltech/WISE; Radio: NRAO/AUI/NSF/VLA/B. Saxton. (IR/Radio image created with data from M. Goss, et al.); Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/N. Wolk & K.Arcand The powerful gravity fields of black holes can devour whole planets’ worth of matter – often so violently that they expel streams of particles traveling near the speed of light in formations known as jets. Scientists understand that these high-speed jets can accelerate these particles, called cosmic rays, but little is definitively known about that process. Recent findings by researchers using data from NASA’s IXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer) spacecraft give scientists new clues as to how particle acceleration happens in this extreme environment. The observations came from a “microquasar,” a system comprised of a black hole siphoning off material from a companion star. The microquasar in question – Stephenson and Sanduleak 433, or SS 433 – sits in the center of the supernova remnant W50 in the constellation Aquila, some 18,000 light-years from Earth. SS 433’s powerful jets, which distort the remnant’s shape and earned it the nickname the “Manatee Nebula,” have been clocked at roughly 26% of the speed of light, or more than 48,000 miles per second. Identified in the late 1970s, SS 433 is the first microquasar ever discovered. IXPE’s three onboard telescopes measure a special property of X-ray light called polarization, which tells scientists about the organization and alignment of electromagnetic waves at X-ray frequencies. X-ray polarization helps researchers understand the physical processes taking place within extreme regions of our universe such as the environment around black holes, and how particles get accelerated in these regions. IXPE spent 18 days in April and May of 2023 studying one such acceleration site in the eastern lobe of SS 433, where emissions are made by energetic electrons spiraling in a magnetic field – a process called synchrotron radiation. “The IXPE data show that the magnetic field near the acceleration region points in the direction the jets are moving,” said astrophysicist Philip Kaaret of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, and principal investigator of the IXPE mission, along with lead author of a new paper about the findings at SS 433. “The high level of polarization seen with IXPE shows that the magnetic field is well ordered, with at least half of the field aligned in the same direction,” Kaaret said. That finding was unexpected, he said. Researchers have long theorized that the interaction between the jet and the interstellar medium – the environment of gas and dust between stars — likely creates a shock, leading to disordered magnetic fields. The data suggests a new possibility, Kaaret said – that the magnetic fields within the powerful jets may be “trapped” and stretched when they collide with interstellar matter, directly impacting their alignment in the region of particle acceleration. Since the 1980s, researchers have surmised that SS 433’s jets act as particle accelerators. In 2018, observers at the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Observatory in Puebla, Mexico, verified the jets’ acceleration effect, and scientists used NASA’s NuSTAR (Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array) and the European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton observatories to pinpoint the region of acceleration. As researchers continue to assess IXPE findings and study new targets in space, its data also could help determine whether the same mechanism acts to align magnetic fields in outflows expelled by a variety of phenomena – from black hole jets streaming away from supernova remnants to debris ejected from exploded stars such as blazars. “This very delicate measurement was made possible by the imaging capabilities of IXPE’s X-ray polarimeters, making possible the detection of the tenuous signal in a small region of the jet 95 light-years from the central black hole,” said Paolo Soffitta, Italian principal investigator for the IXPE mission. The new paper, detailing IXPE’s observations at SS 433, is available in the latest edition of The Astrophysical Journal. About the Mission IXPE is a collaboration between NASA and the Italian Space Agency with partners and science collaborators in 12 countries. IXPE is led by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center. Ball Aerospace, headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, manages spacecraft operations together with the University of Colorado’s Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics in Boulder. Learn more about IXPE’s ongoing mission here: https://www.nasa.gov/ixpe Elizabeth Landau NASA Headquarters elizabeth.r.landau@nasa.gov 202-358-0845 Jonathan Deal NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center jonathan.e.deal@nasa.gov 256-544-0034 Share Details Last Updated Jan 16, 2024 Related TermsIXPE (Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer)GeneralMarshall Space Flight Center Explore More 5 min read IXPE Unlocks Mysteries of Historic Tycho Supernova Article 11 months ago 5 min read Historic Nebula Seen Like Never Before With NASA’s IXPE Scientists have used IXPE to create a detailed, nuanced map of the Crab Nebula’s magnetic… Article 9 months ago 4 min read NASA’s IXPE Reveals Shape, Orientation of Hot Matter Around Black Hole Article 1 year ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Missions Humans in Space Climate Change Solar System View the full article

As the Space Food Systems manager at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Xulei Wu works with a team to create tasty, shelf-stable meals for astronauts aboard the International Space Station and, soon, for crews flying to the Moon as part of the Artemis program. What does it take to become a space food scientist at NASA? We met up with Wu to learn more about her journey from creating meals for camping in the deep woods, to making foods for exploring deep space. Preparation Meets Opportunity “I don’t consider myself very smart; I’m very hardworking,” said Wu, who was born and raised in China and is a first-generation immigrant. After rising through the ranks at a major U.S. freeze-dried food company, Wu was content in her job creating shelf-stable foods for people to rely on when the tools and conveniences of a modern kitchen aren’t available. Her work kept her busy – too busy to consider other careers or applications for her unique skillset. It took a flat tire to literally stop her in her tracks long enough to spot a job opening that sparked a new direction for her career. “I got a nail in my tire, so I broke down on the highway,” Wu said. While she was waiting for roadside assistance, she began to scroll through her phone. That’s when, she said, “I found out a freeze-dried food scientist position was opening at the NASA Space Food Systems Laboratory.” Even though Wu enjoyed working in the food industry, she said it was NASA’s larger mission that inspired her to apply. “My favorite part of this job is really to serve a large purpose, that I’m part of the effort to support human space exploration, so that one day we can go back to the Moon,” Wu said. Choosing From a Menu of Sciences “My education and my experience definitely prepared me to land a job in the Space Food System Laboratory, and I consider myself extremely lucky,” Wu said. Growing up, Wu enjoyed science so much that when she had to choose a college major, she had a hard time narrowing her choices between biology, chemistry, and physics. As she considered her options, reports of babies being sickened by infant formula gained national attention in China. Several formula companies were found to have deliberately contaminated their products with a chemical that gave the appearance of higher protein content but resulted in kidney problems for thousands of babies. The scandal piqued her interest in food safety. “That was the trigger,” Wu said. “I realized: I want to study more about food safety. And food science happened to involve multiple different disciplines in that process.” Wu earned a bachelor’s degree in food science and engineering from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, then a master’s degree in food science and technology from Oregon State University. After graduation, she went to work for North America’s largest supplier of freeze-dried foods where she created food products targeted for outdoor recreation, like camping, and also for emergency preparedness. In this role, she worked on similar challenges to those she works on today: how to keep food fresh, tasty, nutritious, and shelf-stable for long periods of time. “All of those are needed perspectives [for] working in the Space Food Systems Laboratory,” Wu said. “For the International Space Station, we’re targeting three years’ shelf life; for a Mars mission, we’re talking five to seven years’ shelf life.” Advice to Future Food Scientists Wu shared some advice to students: focus on what you really care about, work hard, and be ready to take your own giant leap. “It’s important to discover your true interest, your true passion, the subject you love the most, and then connect this to a career making a contribution to society.” But as with Wu’s experience, sometimes you get a nail in your tire on the path to your next big break. It’s what you do in those moments that can define you. “Don’t doubt yourself,” Wu said. “it's okay to have a difficult time. Give it a try. Give it a shot. Because as long as you work hard enough, you will find out what you're truly fit for.” Xulei Wu Space Food Systems Manager Lean more about Xulei Wu and her job at NASA in this episode of Surprisingly STEM. Explore More 1 min read NASA Astronaut, Congresswoman Discuss STEM Careers with Students Article 5 days ago 4 min read Advice from NASA Mentors to Students Starting Their Careers Article 6 days ago 5 min read Ham Radio in Space: Engaging with Students Worldwide for 40 Years Article 2 months ago View the full article

4 min read Winter Stargazing Tips: Stay Warm and Cozy! Some parts of the country feel as if the winter will never end. Massive snows, polar vortexes, artic winds…it’s almost enough to make you forget that a spring thaw will eventually arrive! One thing that is guaranteed to warm an astronomers’ heart in these cold winter nights: the beautiful, sparking skies! Orion, Taurus, the Pleiades, Sirius, the Andromeda Galaxy, the Double Custer in Perseus: these are just a few of the gorgeous sights that are at their peak in the winters of the Northern Hemisphere, not to mention the clockwork actions of the Moon and planets. But how can you observe and stay comfortable outside when the weather seems determined to turn you into a popsicle? 1. Layers are your friend! You may already know this but remember to wear multiple layers of clothes! A super warm coat won’t help that much if all you are wearing underneath is a t-shirt. At the same time, moving around during your setup and observing may heat you up to an uncomfortable degree, so being able to peel off a sweater or overcoat would be very welcome. 2. Warm, wool socks Thick cozy socks are a must, especially as the night wears on. Your feet will thank you, especially if you are wearing good boots! Which brings us too… 3. Waterproof boots You will want warm boots, and if there is snow, make sure your boots are also waterproof. Any water soaking through your shoes to your boots is a sure way to make your toes icy and prematurely end your observing. 4. Clear out your observing area Is there snow on the ground where you usually set up? Bring a shovel and clear it out, even if there is just an inch or two of the white stuff. Your equipment and toes will thank you. 5. Ground padding Kitchen floor mats and yoga mats are great to stand on during winter months. They act as a great, inexpensive buffer between your feet and the cold ground. Why not add one to your winter set up? 6. Blankets Did you bring a blanket? Good. Even if you think you won’t need one…you very well may want one after the first hour or so, especially if you are seated very still. 7. Gloves Pack your gloves! Some astronomers prefer fingerless gloves that allow them to work on their instruments while outside, while others prefer combo mitten-gloves that allow you to flip the ends of the mittens off for fingerless glove access. Remember, you will be handling lots of cold metal as you set up your equipment in the cold so if you don’t want your fingers going numb within minutes, gloves are a must! 8. Heat pads Chemical or battery operated heating pads are your friend. Stick these little beauties into your gloves and boots to stay warm. If you use rechargeable heating pads, just make sure they are charged before you leave the house! 9. A big goofy hat and earmuffs A hat with ear flaps? Big fuzzy earmuffs? You will definitely want these! While they may look a bit silly, you will be toasty inside, with nice warm ears rather than frigid lobes in danger of frostbite. Besides, you will be in the dark: who cares what you look like? 10. A warm thermos A thermos full of your favorites warm liquid-hot chocolate, soup, coffee, tea- is your best friend during these long winter nights. One final thing to remember: however cold you think you are, there is probably someone somewhere else who is in an even colder location…like, say, an amateur astronomer in Antarctica: Karim Agabi bundled up for some observing in Antartica Credit: Guillaume Dargaud With these tips you are sure to have a much warmer and cozier time checking out the beautiful jewels of the winter night. Stay warm, and don’t let the frost bite! Originally posted by Dave Prosper: December 2016 Last Updated by Kat Troche: November 2023 View the full article

Axiom Mission 3 Launches to the International Space Station (Official NASA Broadcast)

Rollout of Our Experimental Supersonic X-Plane on This Week @NASA – January 12, 2024

“I started the Brightest Stars Foundation 16 years ago because I realized there were no little ones in the pipeline who looked like me coming up. Because I had accomplished so much, it was important for me to pay it forward. I’ve mentored scores and scores of young people – early career professionals in high school, in college, and from all over the world – so they could be inspired and empowered by my career and my journey. “It’s about hard work. It’s about determination. It’s about focus. It’s about tenacity. And most importantly, it’s about believing in yourself. Because sometimes others don’t believe in you, so it’s important to get into the zone and say, ‘I am going! I know my path, and I can do this!’ “My mentoring style is about being authentic but also being vulnerable and sharing all the ups and the downs, the trials and the tribulations of my journey and career. This is not an easy field, so as one of the few womenof color in the field, it is important to share in a way that empowers and inspires those that want to follow in my footsteps. “You must have grit, resilience, courage and strength. I’m able to really share all the wisdom and the lessons I’ve learned throughout my career with [the students I mentor], and that makes a difference.” — Dr. Camille Alleyne, Deputy Program Manager, Commercial LEO Development Program, NASA’s Johnson Space Center Image Credit: NASA / Kim Shiflett Interviewer: NASA / Thalia Patrinos Check out some of our other Faces of NASA. View the full article

NASA NASA will join an Astrobotic media teleconference at 12 p.m. EST, Thursday, Jan. 18, to discuss updates on their Peregrine Mission One, which is carrying science for the agency as part of its Commercial Lunar Provider Services (CLPS) initiative. The audio-only teleconference will stream live on the agency’s website. Following a successful launch on Jan. 8, Astrobotic’s Peregrine lander experienced a propulsion issue after the spacecraft entered its operational state. This is preventing Astrobotic from achieving a soft landing on the Moon. Aboard the Peregrine spacecraft are five NASA science instruments, several of which are receiving power and gathering data. Participants on the call include: Joel Kearns, deputy associate administrator for Exploration, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington John Thornton, CEO, Astrobotic, Pittsburgh To participate in the teleconference, media must RSVP online no later than two hours before the start of the call to Astrobotic. Learn more about CLPS at: https://nasa.gov/clps -end- Karen Fox Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 karen.c.fox@nasa.gov Nilufar Ramji Johnson Space Flight Center, Houston 281-383-5111 nilufar.ramji@nasa.gov Alivia Chapla Astrobotic 412-682-3282 alivia.chapla@astrobotic.com Share Details Last Updated Jan 12, 2024 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsNASA HeadquartersArtemisCommercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS)Johnson Space Center View the full article

NASA NASA has selected 12 companies to provide research, engineering, and mission integration services for the International Space Station Program. The $478 million Research, Engineering & Mission Integration Services-2 or REMIS-2 contract will support the work of the International Space Station Program based at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston. The companies will provide spaceflight, ground hardware and software, sustaining engineering functions and services, payload facility integration, and research mission integration operations services. Each company will receive a multiple-award, indefinite-quantity contract with firm-fixed price and cost-plus-fixed-fee task orders. The seven-year contract begins Friday and extends through Sept. 30, 2030, with an option to extend through Sept. 30, 2032. The companies selected are: Aegis Aerospace, Inc., Houston Axient Corp, Huntsville, Alabama Cimarron Software Services, Houston Consolidated Safety Services, Exploration Park, Florida JES Tech, Houston KBR Wyle, Fulton, Maryland Leidos, Webster, Texas Metis, Albuquerque, New Mexico Oceaneering, Houston Tec-Masters, Huntsville Teledyne Brown Engineering, Huntsville University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama The majority of the work will take place at contractor facilities across the country. Services also may be required at other NASA centers, contractor or subcontractor locations, or vendor facilities as requirements warrant. The contract also includes a small business reserve, which was fulfilled by selecting Aegis, Cimarron, Consolidated Safety Services, JES Tech, Metis, and Tec-Masters. For more information about NASA and its programs, visit: https://www.nasa.gov. – -end- Roxana Bardan Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 roxana.bardan@nasa.gov Sandra Jones Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 sandra.p.jones@nasa.gov Share Details Last Updated Jan 12, 2024 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsJohnson Space CenterNASA Headquarters View the full article

NASA’s Newly Unveiled X-59 Quiet Supersonic Plane Eyes First Flight (Trailer)

NASA’s X-59 quiet supersonic research aircraft sits on the apron outside Lockheed Martin’s Skunk Works facility at dawn in Palmdale, California. The X-59 is the centerpiece of NASA’s Quesst mission, which seeks to address one of the primary challenges to supersonic flight over land by making sonic booms quieter.Lockheed Martin Skunk Works NASA and Lockheed Martin formally debuted the agency’s X-59 quiet supersonic aircraft Friday. Using this one-of-a-kind experimental airplane, NASA aims to gather data that could revolutionize air travel, paving the way for a new generation of commercial aircraft that can travel faster than the speed of sound. “This is a major accomplishment made possible only through the hard work and ingenuity from NASA and the entire X-59 team,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. “In just a few short years we’ve gone from an ambitious concept to reality. NASA’s X-59 will help change the way we travel, bringing us closer together in much less time.” Melroy and other senior officials revealed the aircraft during a ceremony hosted by prime contractor Lockheed Martin Skunk Works at its Palmdale, California facility. The X-59 is at the center of NASA’s Quesst mission, which focuses on providing data to help regulators reconsider rules that prohibit commercial supersonic flight over land. For 50 years, the U.S. and other nations have prohibited such flights because of the disturbance caused by loud, startling sonic booms on the communities below. The X-59 is expected to fly at 1.4 times the speed of sound, or 925 mph. Its design, shaping and technologies will allow the aircraft to achieve these speeds while generating a quieter sonic thump. “It’s thrilling to consider the level of ambition behind Quesst and its potential benefits,” said Bob Pearce, associate administrator for aeronautics research at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “NASA will share the data and technology we generate from this one-of-a-kind mission with regulators and with industry. By demonstrating the possibility of quiet commercial supersonic travel over land, we seek to open new commercial markets for U.S. companies and benefit travelers around the world.” With rollout complete, the Quesst team will shift to its next steps in preparation for first flight: integrated systems testing, engine runs, and taxi testing for the X-59. The aircraft is set to take off for the first time later this year, followed by its first quiet supersonic flight. The Quesst team will conduct several of the aircraft’s flight tests at Skunk Works before transferring it to NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, which will serve as its base of operations. “Across both teams, talented, dedicated, and passionate scientists, engineers, and production artisans have collaborated to develop and produce this aircraft,” said John Clark, vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works. “We’re honored to be a part of this journey to shape the future of supersonic travel over land alongside NASA and our suppliers.” Once NASA completes flight tests, the agency will fly the aircraft over several to-be-selected cities across the U.S., collecting input about the sound the X-59 generates and how people perceive it. NASA will provide that data to the Federal Aviation Administration and international regulators. The X-59 is a unique experimental airplane, not a prototype – its technologies are meant to inform future generations of quiet supersonic aircraft. At 99.7 feet long and 29.5 feet wide, the aircraft’s shape and the technological advancements it houses will make quiet supersonic flight possible. The X-59’s thin, tapered nose accounts for almost a third of its length and will break up the shock waves that would ordinarily result in a supersonic aircraft causing a sonic boom. Due to this configuration, the cockpit is located almost halfway down the length of the aircraft – and does not have a forward-facing window. Instead, the Quesst team developed the eXternal Vision System, a series of high-resolution cameras feeding a 4K monitor in the cockpit. The Quesst team also designed the aircraft with its engine mounted on top and gave it a smooth underside to help keep shockwaves from merging behind the aircraft and causing a sonic boom. For more information about Quesst, visit: www.nasa.gov/Quesst -end- Rob Margetta Headquarters, Washington 202-763-5012 robert.j.margetta@nasa.gov Sasha Ellis Langley Research Center, Hampton, Virginia 757-864-5473 sasha.c.ellis@nasa.gov Share Details Last Updated Jan 12, 2024 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsAeronauticsAeronautics Research Mission DirectorateAmes Research CenterArmstrong Flight Research CenterCommercial Supersonic TechnologyGlenn Research CenterIntegrated Aviation Systems ProgramLangley Research CenterLow Boom Flight DemonstratorNASA AircraftQuesst (X-59)Quesst: The VehicleSupersonic Flight View the full article

4 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) January 15th, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a federal holiday designated as the National Day of Service. For the month of January, we will be celebrating OSBP in the Community! Join us as we spotlight how our advocacy extends beyond our commitment to small businesses. Truphelia M. Parker- Program Specialist, NASA Headquarters What organization do you volunteer with? Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) Minority Student Academic Achievement Committee (MSAAC) Why did you choose to volunteer with this organization? I am the product of the Columbus Public School System in Ohio and a life-long supporter of public education. I come from a family committed to justice and social change. As a parent of two sons, I serve as their advocate and as the MSAAC Vice Chair and MSAAC Delegate for my son’s schools, I can do the same for more than 80K+ students in Loudoun County. Many parents do not know how to advocate for their children nor that they have the right to. My role is to help provide guidance, resources, and support in a family’s education journey. What does volunteering mean to you? “It takes a village to raise a child” is a proverb that means a community of people must interact positively with children them to experience and grow in a safe and healthy environment. That is what volunteering means to me. Making a conscious decision to be a part of “the village” and positively impact change. Naeemah A. Lee- Program Specialist, NASA Headquarters What organization do you volunteer with? Meals on Wheels Why did you choose to volunteer with this organization? My faith and heart is dedicated to serving others that are in need. Volunteering with meals on wheels allows me to bring healthy food to seniors who are living independently without family and that are not mobile. What does volunteering mean to you? Volunteering is a voluntary act of an individual freely giving time to help the community. Robert O. Betts- Small Business Specialist, ITPO/Langley Research Center What organization do you volunteer with? York County VA Board of Elections Why did you choose to volunteer this organization? Following the lead of my mother. She volunteered for years serving as a local election official in our hometown. She always felt it was so important as an American to exercise your right to vote. What does volunteering mean to you? Volunteering to work at the election polls has been a very rewarding experience and gives me the opportunity to give back to my community and country. My wife volunteers at the polls too so it gives me an opportunity to serve with her. I also think it has set a good example for our kids on the importance of exercising your right to vote and volunteering. Djaataa Onanuga- Small Business Specialist, Goddard Space Flight Center What organization do you volunteer with? Lake Arbor Foundation Why did you choose to volunteer with this organization? I volunteer with the Lake Arbor Foundation because I am passionate about empowering the next generation. Through mentorship and support programs, I aim to contribute to the personal and educational development of young individuals. Witnessing their growth, resilience and enthusiasm is incredibly rewarding and I believe investing time in the youth today is an investment in a brighter future for our community. What does volunteering mean to you? Volunteering, to me, is a heartfelt commitment to making a positive impact without expecting anything in return. It embodies a sense of responsibility towards the well-being of others and the community. The act of volunteering allows me to contribute my time and skills to causes I care about, fostering a sense of connection, empathy, and fulfillment in the process. i i View the full article

1 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) NASA’s C-130 cargo aircraft releases a dart-shaped test vehicle above the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground on Jan. 9 to begin the testing sequence for a Boeing Starliner parachute system. Credit: U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground NASA’s C-130 Hercules, managed at Wallops Flight Facility’s Aircraft Office in Virginia, provided aerial delivery support for a successful commercial crew parachute airdrop test Jan. 9 at the U.S. Army’s Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona. This week’s testing was in support of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program and partner, Boeing, which are developing crew transportation capability to and from the International Space Station. Up for testing was a modified parachute system for Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft. The system, which involved two ringsail parachutes, required a demonstration set in stressed conditions to certify successful deployment. During the demonstration, the Wallops C-130 team deployed a 27,000-pound payload comprised of the Parachute Compartment Drop Test Vehicle and Mid-Altitude Deployment System. The team released the payload from an altitude of 13,000 feet while coordinating and timing their efforts with U.S. Army UH-60s and a NASA AFRC B-200 aircraft used to capture photos and video documentation of the mission. The Wallops C-130 team has supported 16 successful commercial crew parachute airdrop tests since 2018. For more information, visit nasa.gov/wallops. Share Details Last Updated Jan 12, 2024 EditorOlivia F. LittletonContactOlivia F. Littletonolivia.f.littleton@nasa.gov Related TermsCommercial CrewCommercial SpaceNASA AircraftWallops Flight Facility Explore More 5 min read Experience the Launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 Mission Article 7 days ago 4 min read NASA Adjusts Agreements to Benefit Commercial Station Development Article 1 week ago 2 min read NASA Wallops Signs Space Act Agreement to Support STEM Outreach Article 2 weeks ago View the full article

Este mapa de la Tierra en 2023 muestra las anomalías de la temperatura global de la superficie, es decir, cuánto más cálida o más fría estuvo cada región del planeta en comparación con el promedio del período de 1951 a 1980. Las temperaturas normales se muestran en blanco, las superiores a las normales en rojo y naranja, y las inferiores a las normales en azul. Una versión animada de este mapa muestra la evolución de las anomalías de la temperatura global a lo largo del tiempo, desde 1880. Descarga esta visualización del Estudio de Visualización Científica Goddard de la NASA: https://svsdev.gsfc.nasa.gov/5207.Credits: Estudio de Visualización Científica del Centro Goddard de la NASA Read this release in English here. En el año 2023, la temperatura promedio de la superficie de la Tierra fue la más cálida que se haya registrado, según un análisis de la NASA. Las temperaturas globales del año pasado estuvieron alrededor de 1,2 grados Celsius (2,1 grados Fahrenheit) por encima del promedio para el período de referencia de la NASA (de 1951 a 1980), informaron científicos del Instituto Goddard de Investigaciones Espaciales (GISS, por sus siglas en inglés) de la NASA en Nueva York. “El informe de la temperatura global de la NASA y la NOAA confirma lo que miles de millones de personas alrededor del mundo experimentaron el año pasado: estamos frente a una crisis climática”, dijo el administrador de la NASA Bill Nelson. “Desde calor extremo, a incendios forestales, hasta el aumento del nivel del mar, podemos ver que nuestra Tierra está cambiando. Todavía queda trabajo por hacer, pero el presidente Biden y comunidades de todo Estados Unidos están tomando más medidas que nunca para reducir los riesgos climáticos y ayudar a las comunidades a ser más resistentes, y la NASA seguirá utilizando nuestra posición estratégica en el espacio para traer a la Tierra datos climáticos críticos que sean comprensibles y accesibles para todas las personas. La NASA y la Administración Biden-Harris están trabajando para proteger nuestro planeta y a sus habitantes, para esta generación y para la siguiente”. En 2023, cientos de millones de personas en todo el planeta experimentaron calor extremo, y cada mes, de junio a diciembre, estableció un récord mundial para el mes respectivo. Julio fue el mes más caluroso jamás registrado. En general, la Tierra fue alrededor de 1,4 grados Celsius (o unos 2,5 grados Fahrenheit) más calurosa en 2023 que el promedio de finales del siglo XIX, cuando comenzó el mantenimiento de los registros modernos. “El calentamiento excepcional que estamos experimentando no es algo que hayamos visto en la historia de la humanidad”, dijo Gavin Schmidt, director del GISS. “Se debe principalmente a nuestras emisiones de combustibles fósiles, y estamos observando sus impactos en las olas de calor, las lluvias intensas y las inundaciones costeras”. Si bien los científicos tienen pruebas concluyentes de que la tendencia del planeta al calentamiento a largo plazo está impulsada por la actividad humana, siguen examinando otros fenómenos que pueden afectar los cambios anuales o plurianuales del clima, como El Niño, los aerosoles y la contaminación, y las erupciones volcánicas. Normalmente, la mayor fuente de variabilidad interanual es el patrón climático oceánico El Niño-Oscilación del Sur, en el océano Pacífico. El patrón tiene dos fases, El Niño y La Niña, cuando las temperaturas de la superficie del mar a lo largo del ecuador cambian entre temperaturas más cálidas, promedio y más frías. En el período de 2020 a 2022, el océano Pacífico experimentó tres fenómenos consecutivos de La Niña, los cuales tienden a enfriar las temperaturas globales. En mayo de 2023, el océano pasó de La Niña a El Niño, lo que a menudo coincide con los años más calurosos en los registros. Sin embargo, las temperaturas récord en la segunda mitad de 2023 ocurrieron antes del pico del actual fenómeno de El Niño. Los científicos esperan observar los mayores impactos de El Niño en febrero, marzo y abril. Esta visualización de datos, que se actualiza mensualmente, muestra el ciclo estacional de variación de la temperatura en la superficie de la Tierra, y cómo esas temperaturas se desvían de la media entre 1951 y 1980. Los datos proceden del Análisis de la Temperatura Superficial del GISS y son de acceso público aquí. Las desviaciones estacionales de temperatura se basan en los datos del reanálisis MERRA-2 aquí. Credits: Estudio de Visualización Científica del Centro Goddard de la NASA Los científicos también han investigado los posibles impactos de la erupción de enero de 2022 del volcán submarino Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai, el cual arrojó vapor de agua y partículas finas, o aerosoles, a la estratosfera. Un estudio reciente descubrió que los aerosoles volcánicos, al reflejar la luz solar lejos de la superficie de la Tierra, provocaron un ligero enfriamiento general de unos 0,1 grados Celsius (menos de 0,2 grados Fahrenheit) en el hemisferio sur después de la erupción. “Incluso con factores de enfriamiento ocasionales, como volcanes o aerosoles, seguiremos batiendo récords mientras las emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero sigan aumentando”, afirmó Schmidt. “Y, desafortunadamente, el año pasado nuevamente volvimos a establecer un nuevo récord de emisiones de gases de efecto invernadero”. “El año récord de 2023 subraya la importancia de tomar medidas urgentes y continuadas para hacer frente al cambio climático”, declaró Pam Melroy, administradora adjunta de la NASA. “La legislación reciente ha proporcionado la mayor inversión climática del gobierno de EE.UU., incluyendo miles de millones para fortalecer la resiliencia de EE.UU. a los crecientes impactos de la crisis climática. En su calidad de agencia centrada en el estudio de nuestro clima cambiante, la flota de satélites de observación de la Tierra de la NASA seguirá proporcionando datos críticos de nuestro planeta a escala para ayudar a toda la gente a tomar decisiones informadas”. Ciencia abierta en acción La NASA prepara su registro de temperaturas utilizando los datos de la temperatura del aire de la superficie recopilados de decenas de miles de estaciones meteorológicas, así como datos de la temperatura de la superficie del mar adquiridos por instrumentos en barcos y boyas. Estos datos son analizados utilizando métodos que toman en cuenta el variado distanciamiento de las estaciones de temperatura en todo el mundo y los efectos del calor urbano que podrían sesgar los cálculos. Los análisis independientes de la Administración Nacional Oceánica y Atmosférica (NOAA, por sus siglas en inglés) y el Centro Hadley (parte de la Oficina Meteorológica del Reino Unido) concluyeron que las temperaturas globales de la superficie para 2023 fueron las más altas desde que comenzaron los registros modernos. Estos científicos utilizan gran parte de los mismos datos de temperatura en sus análisis, pero emplean diferentes metodologías. Aunque las clasificaciones pueden diferir ligeramente entre los registros, estos coinciden en términos generales y muestran el mismo calentamiento continuo a largo plazo en las últimas décadas. Aprovechando medio siglo de investigaciones, observaciones, y modelos, la Administración Biden-Harris, incluyendo la NASA y varios socios federales, recientemente lanzaron el Centro de Gases de Efecto Invernadero de EE.UU. para que los responsables de la toma de decisiones y los ciudadanos puedan acceder fácilmente a datos climáticos críticos. Este centro apoya la colaboración entre agencias gubernamentales de EE.UU. y socios del sector privado y organizaciones sin fines de lucro, para poner a disposición en línea datos aéreos, terrestres y espaciales y recursos. El conjunto completo de datos de la NASA sobre las temperaturas de la superficie global hasta 2023, así como los detalles con el código de cómo los científicos de la NASA llevaron a cabo sus análisis, están disponibles públicamente en el GISS. GISS es un laboratorio de la NASA administrado por la División de Ciencias de la Tierra en el Centro de Vuelo Espacial Goddard de la agencia en Greenbelt, Maryland. Este laboratorio está afiliado al instituto de la Tierra y la Escuela de Ingeniería y Ciencias Aplicadas de la Universidad de Columbia en Nueva York. Para más información sobre la NASA, visita: https://www.nasa.gov/es María José Viñas / Karen Fox Sede, Washington 240-458-0248 / 202-358-1600 maria-jose.vinasgarcia@nasa.gov / karen.fox@nasa.gov Peter Jacobs Centro de Vuelo Espacial Goddard de la NASA Greenbelt, MD 301-286-0535 peter.jacobs@nasa.gov Share Details Last Updated Jan 12, 2024 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsNASA HeadquartersClimate ChangeEarthGoddard Institute for Space StudiesGoddard Space Flight Center View the full article

5 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) Credit: NASA/Chris Hartenstine At NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland, we pride ourselves on making the seemingly impossible, possible. From creating more fuel-efficient jet engines and exploring advances in air mobility, to enhancing radio frequency and optical communications technology, Glenn plays an important role in many of NASA’s most prestigious missions. Each year, Glenn highlights its research and technology at a variety of events across the county. We invite you to engage with us during our 2024 outreach season to learn more. Visit us at the following events: Jan. 15: Martin Luther King Jr. Day at Great Lakes Science Center — Cleveland, Ohio Join us as we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day with Great Lakes Science Center on Jan. 15 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Learn about NASA’s Fluids and Combustion Facility on the International Space Station and the microgravity research NASA Glenn supports. Eclipse glasses will be available at this event. Jan. 20 – 21: Monster Jam! — Milwaukee, Wisconsin Come learn about how NASA Glenn is reinventing the wheel during Monster Jam! Glenn’s work with shape memory alloy is redefining how we look at developing tires for lunar and Mars rovers. Eclipse glasses will be available at this event. Feb. 17: Monster Jam! — Cleveland, Ohio Come learn about how NASA Glenn is reinventing the wheel during Monster Jam! Glenn’s work with shape memory alloy is redefining how we look at developing tires for lunar and Mars rovers. Eclipse glasses will be available at this event. March 3: Cleveland Cavaliers’ Score with STEM — Cleveland, Ohio NASA will be present at the Cleveland Cavaliers’ Score with STEM event to showcase the Graphics and Visualization Lab, which develops graphics visualizations to provide researchers, engineers, and scientists with visual tools to develop scientific solutions for their work. Experience 3D visualizations and virtual reality firsthand as we aim to inspire the next generation of explorers. Eclipse glasses will be available at this event. April 6-8: Total Eclipse Festival at Great Lakes Science Center — Cleveland, Ohio On April 8, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, and Cleveland is in the path of totality. Join us at Great Lakes Science Center during their three-day festival to celebrate this celestial event, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about the testing and research happening right here in Cleveland. Eclipse glasses will be available at this event. May 4: COSI Science Festival — Columbus, Ohio We’re heading to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) Science Festival. Be sure to find us as we highlight Glenn’s role in supporting NASA’s Artemis missions, our work in power and propulsion, and the support we provide to the International Space Station through microgravity research. May 18-19: Duluth Air and Aviation Expo — Duluth, Minnesota The first “A” in NASA stands for Aeronautics. Join us at the Duluth Air and Aviation Expo to learn about our work to create more fuel-efficient jet engines and make flight safer, faster, and quieter. June 8-9: Selfridge Open House STEAM Expo — Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan The first “A” in NASA stands for Aeronautics. Join us at the Selfridge Open House to learn about our work to create more fuel-efficient jet engines and make flight safer, faster, and quieter. June 22-23: U.S. Air and Trade Show — Vandalia, Ohio The first “A” in NASA stands for Aeronautics. Join us at the U.S. Air and Trade Show (Dayton Air Show) to learn about our work to create more fuel-efficient jet engines and make flight safer, faster, and quieter. June 29 – July 6: National Cherry Festival — Traverse City, Michigan Join us at this summer celebration to hear about NASA’s current missions. From the Artemis program, which will take the first woman and first person of color to the Moon, to our work on creating safer, faster, and quieter aircraft – there is something for everyone to learn. July 22 – 28: AirVenture — Oshkosh, Wisconsin Each year, more than 650,000 flight enthusiasts and professionals – including NASA’s aeronautical innovators – descend upon Oshkosh, Wisconsin, for one of the largest aviation events in the world. NASA will be in attendance again at this year’s event. July 25 – 28: Fiesta Del Sol — Chicago, Illinois We hope to see you at Fiesta Del Sol as we celebrate how diversity enables NASA to reach new heights and explore the unknown. Aug 31 – Sept. 2: Cleveland Air Show — Cleveland, Ohio The first “A” in NASA stands for Aeronautics. Join us at the Cleveland Air Show to learn about our work to create more fuel-efficient jet engines and make flight safer, faster, and quieter. Sept. 27: Ingenuity Cleveland — Cleveland, Ohio Join us at IngenuityFest to learn about the innovative technology Glenn develops to support NASA’s top missions. Meet members of Glenn’s Graphics and Visualization Lab and our researchers working on the Power and Propulsion Element for NASA’s Gateway lunar space station, which will be the first component to launch to the Moon. Explore More 1 min read NASA Astronaut, Congresswoman Discuss STEM Careers with Students Article 24 hours ago 1 min read Early Stage Innovations (ESI) 2023 Article 2 days ago 1 min read Continuous Bending-mode Elastocaloric Composite Refrigeration System for Compact, Lightweight, High-Efficiency Cooling Article 2 days ago View the full article

6 Min Read Accounts Payable Welcome to NSSC Accounts Payable where we process all accounts payable invoices, centrally billed accounts, and government charge card transactions for the Agency. Vendor Payment NASA is committed to expedient and accurate payment of invoices. Any questions or inquiries should be addressed to the Contracting Officer designated on your award or to the NSSC Customer Contact Center. NSSC Customer Contact Center telephone: 1-877-677-2123 (1-877-NSSC123) Fax: 1-866-779-6772 (1-866-779-NSSC) Vouchers and invoices are to be submitted in the Treasury’s Invoice Processing Platform for awards that include the new voucher or invoice submission clause, 48 CFR § 1852.232-80. **NOTES: In the case of commercial item contracts, electronic invoicing is allowed via the IPP Portal. Invoices for awards in closeout should be submitted via hardcopy/e-mail/fax to one of the addresses at the bottom of the page. For assistance with IPP, please use the contact information below: IPP Help Desk Information: https://www.ipp.gov/ IPP telephone: (866) 973-3131 IPP e-mail: IPPCustomerSupport@fiscal.treasury.gov If your award does not include 48 CFR § 1852.232-80, invoices are to be submitted in one of the following ways until you receive a modification from the NASA Contracting Officer to change your invoice/voucher submission: via e-mail to: NSSC-AccountsPayable@nasa.gov via hardcopy paper to: NSSC – FMD Accounts Payable Building 1111, Jerry Hlass Road Stennis Space Center, MS 39529 via fax number: 1-866-209-5415 Payment Status For payment status questions or problems, vendors and employees should contact the NSSC Customer Contact Center. How to Avoid Delayed Payment from the NSSC We try very hard to ensure all payments arrive in a timely fashion. Occasionally, payments take longer to process than expected. Sometimes, invoices are returned to the vendor because they do not comply with the payment terms of the contract or problems processing the invoice delay payment. To facilitate processing of your invoice and to expedite your payment, we compiled the following list of reasons payments are delayed: The invoice does not contain the following information per the Prompt Payment Act: Vendor name Contract/purchase order number Date Amount Shipping and/or payment terms Invoice number Description of service/good invoiced The invoice was not sent to the correct Designated Billing Office (DBO). Check your contract/purchase order to ensure that the NSSC is the proper Designated Billing Office. Incorrect banking information for payment Partial shipments or billings not stated in terms or conditions of contract Submission of multiple invoices in one e-mail or fax Encryption of email Embedding multiple invoices or instructions and complicated attachments in e-mails Invoice or file is not in a standard print format (Word, Excel or PDF) Submission of documents as Microsoft Document Writer images and some TIFF applications If your invoice form does not contain this information you may want to use the Standard Form (SF) 1034. Check the Status of an Invoice Payment from NASA To check the status of your payment or if you have a payment problem, you can contact the NSSC by: Calling the NSSC Customer Contact Center at: 1-877-677-2123 (1-877-NSSC123) Faxing your inquiry to: 1-866-829-6772 When you contact the NSSC, please have the following information on hand: Vendor Name Contract/Purchase Order Number Date Submitted to Designated Billing Office Invoice Number Invoice Amount Applicable NASA Center Collections for NASA Vendor Over-Payments Vendor overpayments that are due back to NASA can be made via cash, checks, or electronically at the Pay NASA link. Pay.gov Payments Payments may also be made using the Pay.gov payment system. Pay.gov has been developed to meet the Department of the Treasury’s Financial Management Service Division’s commitment to process collections electronically. Pay.gov is a secure, government-wide, internet collection portal. Pay.gov provides the ability to make payments by check, credit card, or debit card 24 hours a day. Pay.gov is web based, allowing customers to make payments from any computer with Internet access. Pay.gov does NOT require a login ID or password to use the service. For check payments in Pay.gov you will need: Company/Contact Information ABA Routing Number Checking Account Number Check Number NASA Center to be paid Bill or Debt ID # For credit or debit card payments, you will need: Company/Contact Information Debit or Credit Card NASA Center to be paid Bill or Debt ID # For more information, please visit the Accounts Receivable page. Payment Cut-Off Dates In order for the NSSC to receive confirmation of vendor disbursements by Treasury, payments are cut off (not processed) three business days prior to the last day of the month. For FY2023 the last day for processing vendor payments to Treasury is September 26, 2023. The next day for payments will begin on October 2, 2023. The established monthly cut-off dates for payments are listed below: Vendor References IRS 1099-MISC Form Instructions Prompt Payment Rule NASA FAR Supplement Small Business Administration Submitting Proper Invoices to NASA Make certain your invoice contains all the information stipulated in the Invoicing clause of your contract to avoid delays and expedite the payment process. Generally, each Invoicing clause requires the following: Name and Address Invoice Date/Number Contract/Purchase Order Number Description of Goods or Services (CLIN, QTY, U/P), Quantity, Unit Price, Total Amount of Invoice Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN) (if applicable) All vouchers for cost reimbursable contracts have to be submitted through IPP. Before you submit your invoice for payment, please check each contract/purchase order to see where invoices for each contract/purchase order are to be submitted. System for Award Management (SAM) for NASA Vendors System for Award Management (SAM) for NASA Vendors Payments against NASA contracts and other procurement actions are made by the NSSC. In order to better align with Federal-wide vendor databases, NASA uses the System for Award Management (SAM) to validate vendor information across all of the Agency’s Integrated Enterprise Management (IEM) business systems. NASA payments to vendors are processed using the banking information in SAM. To ensure continued accurate and prompt payments, please maintain a current registration, including banking information in SAM. SAM can be accessed at www.sam.gov. If you need assistance registering or have questions about SAM, contact the SAM Help Desk at www.fsd.gov. NASA will use the clause at FAR 52.232-33 in contracts as the default Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) requirement. Please note that any information provided in your registration may be shared with authorized federal government offices. Registration does not guarantee business with the federal government. View the full article

This map of Earth in 2023 shows global surface temperature anomalies, or how much warmer or cooler each region of the planet was compared to the average from 1951 to 1980. Normal temperatures are shown in white, higher-than-normal temperatures in red and orange, and lower-than-normal temperatures in blue. An animated version of this map shows global temperature anomalies changing over time, dating back to 1880. NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio Earth’s average surface temperature in 2023 was the warmest on record, according to an analysis by NASA. Global temperatures last year were around 2.1 degrees Fahrenheit (1.2 degrees Celsius) above the average for NASA’s baseline period (1951-1980), scientists from NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York reported. “NASA and NOAA’s global temperature report confirms what billions of people around the world experienced last year; we are facing a climate crisis,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “From extreme heat, to wildfires, to rising sea levels, we can see our Earth is changing. There’s still more work to be done, but President Biden and communities across America are taking more action than ever to reduce climate risks and help communities become more resilient – and NASA will continue to use our vantage point of space to bring critical climate data back down to Earth that is understandable and accessible for all people. NASA and the Biden-Harris Administration are working to protect our home planet and its people, for this generation – and the next.” In 2023, hundreds of millions of people around the world experienced extreme heat, and each month from June through December set a global record for the respective month. July was the hottest month ever recorded. Overall, Earth was about 2.5 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 1.4 degrees Celsius) warmer in 2023 than the late 19th-century average, when modern record-keeping began. “The exceptional warming that we’re experiencing is not something we’ve seen before in human history,” said Gavin Schmidt, director of GISS. “It’s driven primarily by our fossil fuel emissions, and we’re seeing the impacts in heat waves, intense rainfall, and coastal flooding.” Though scientists have conclusive evidence that the planet’s long-term warming trend is driven by human activity, they still examine other phenomena that can affect yearly or multi-year changes in climate such as El Niño, aerosols and pollution, and volcanic eruptions. Typically, the largest source of year-to-year variability is the El Niño – Southern Oscillation ocean climate pattern in the Pacific Ocean. The pattern has two phases – El Niño and La Niña – when sea surface temperatures along the equator switch between warmer, average, and cooler temperatures. From 2020-2022, the Pacific Ocean saw three consecutive La Niña events, which tend to cool global temperatures. In May 2023, the ocean transitioned from La Niña to El Niño, which often coincides with the hottest years on record. However, the record temperatures in the second half of 2023 occurred before the peak of the current El Niño event. Scientists expect to see the biggest impacts of El Niño in February, March, and April. This data visualization, which is updated monthly, shows the seasonal cycle of temperature variation on the Earth’s surface, and how those temperatures deviate from the average from 1951 to 1980. The data come from the GISS Surface Temperature Analysis and are publicly accessible here. The seasonal temperature offsets are based on the MERRA-2 reanalysis data here. NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio Scientists have also investigated possible impacts from the January 2022 eruption of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai undersea volcano, which blasted water vapor and fine particles, or aerosols, into the stratosphere. A recent study found that the volcanic aerosols – by reflecting sunlight away from Earth’s surface – led to an overall slight cooling of less than 0.2 degrees Fahrenheit (or about 0.1 degrees Celsius) in the Southern Hemisphere following the eruption. “Even with occasional cooling factors like volcanoes or aerosols, we will continue to break records as long as greenhouse gas emissions keep going up,” Schmidt said. “And, unfortunately, we just set a new record for greenhouse gas emissions again this past year.” “The record-setting year of 2023 underscores the significance of urgent and continued actions to address climate change,” said NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy. “Recent legislation has delivered the U.S. government’s largest-ever climate investment, including billions to strengthen America’s resilience to the increasing impacts of the climate crisis. As an agency focused on studying our changing climate, NASA’s fleet of Earth observing satellites will continue to provide critical data of our home planet at scale to help all people make informed decisions.” Open Science in Action NASA assembles its temperature record using surface air temperature data collected from tens of thousands of meteorological stations, as well as sea surface temperature data acquired by ship- and buoy-based instruments. This data is analyzed using methods that account for the varied spacing of temperature stations around the globe and for urban heating effects that could skew the calculations. Independent analyses by NOAA and the Hadley Centre (part of the United Kingdom Met Office) concluded the global surface temperatures for 2023 were the highest since modern record-keeping began. These scientists use much of the same temperature data in their analyses but use different methodologies. Although rankings can differ slightly between the records, they are in broad agreement and show the same ongoing long-term warming in recent decades. Building on a half century of research, observations, and models, the Biden-Harris Administration including NASA and several federal partners recently launched the U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center to make critical climate data readily available to decisionmakers and citizens. The center supports collaboration across U.S. government agencies and the non-profit and private sectors to make air-, ground-, and space-borne data and resources available online. NASA’s full dataset of global surface temperatures through 2023, as well as details with code of how NASA scientists conducted the analysis, are publicly available from GISS. GISS is a NASA laboratory managed by the Earth Sciences Division of the agency’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. The laboratory is affiliated with Columbia University’s Earth Institute and School of Engineering and Applied Science in New York. For more information on NASA, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/. -end- Karen Fox / Katherine Rohloff Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 karen.fox@nasa.gov / Katherine.a.rohloff@nasa.gov Peter Jacobs NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, Md 301-286-0535 peter.jacobs@nasa.gov Share Details Last Updated Jan 12, 2024 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsEarthClimate ChangeGoddard Institute for Space Studies View the full article

NASA/Joshua Stevens; USGS The Operational Land Imager-2 on Landsat 9 captured this image of Simsbury, Connecticut on September 15, 2022. Martin Luther King Jr. and other students from Morehouse College worked summers on a tobacco farm, Meadowood, in Simsbury in 1944 and 1947 to earn money for tuition. King’s time in Connecticut impacted his outlook and trajectory as a minister and civil rights activist, according to King scholars. Text Credit: Adam Voiland Image Credit: NASA/Joshua Stevens; USGS View the full article

2 min read NASA Volunteers Shine at American Astronomical Society Meeting The American Astronomical Society (AAS) met in New Orleans this week, attended by thousands of astronomers and reporters, and NASA volunteers were in the spotlight. Prof. Amy Lien from the University of Tampa (center) announces the launch of NASA’s new Burst Chaser at an AAS press conference. Credit: Jacob Hansman (University of Tampa) Austin Rothermich began his journey as a NASA volunteer when he was an undergraduate at the University of Central Florida. He spoke at an AAS press conference about 89 brown dwarfs discovered via the Backyard Worlds: Planet 9 citizen science project. These brown dwarfs—Jupiter-sized balls of gas that never turned into stars—are special because they are ultracool, and because they appear to be orbiting stars and other objects, which makes it possible to learn much more about them. At the same conference, Dr. Jackie Faherty from the American Museum of Natural History announced another breakthrough discovery from NASA’s Backyard Worlds team: a brown dwarf that appears to have aurorae! This remarkable object was discovered by NASA volunteer Dan Caselden. Then, later in the week, Caselden himself was awarded the Chambliss amateur achievement award from the AAS for his work as a NASA volunteer. This is Caselden’s second major prize in the last four months! Zooniverse, a key NASA’s partner, made a big announcement at the meeting. The Zooniverse citizen science platform has now surpassed 2.5 million participants, 750 million classifications, 400 publications, and 20 NASA-funded projects. Dr. Laura Trouille highlighted NASA’s Daily Minor Planet project in her presentation. As if that weren’t enough, this same conference saw the launch of NASA’s new Burst Chaser project. This project aims to unveil the largest explosions in the universe! You can join the fun here. Wow! Big congratulations to everyone involved! Facebook logo @DoNASAScience @DoNASAScience Share Details Last Updated Jan 12, 2024 Related Terms Astrophysics Citizen Science View the full article

2 min read Hubble Captures a Monster Merger This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features Arp 122, a peculiar galaxy that in fact comprises two galaxies – NGC 6040, the tilted, warped spiral galaxy and LEDA 59642, the round, face-on spiral – that are in the midst of a collision. ESA/Hubble & NASA, J. Dalcanton, Dark Energy Survey/DOE/FNAL/DECam/CTIO/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA Acknowledgement: L. Shatz This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features Arp 122, a peculiar galaxy that in fact comprises two galaxies – NGC 6040, the tilted, warped spiral galaxy and LEDA 59642, the round, face-on spiral – that are in the midst of a collision. This dramatic cosmic encounter is located at the very safe distance of roughly 570 million light-years from Earth. Peeking in at the lower-left corner is the elliptical galaxy NGC 6041, a central member of the galaxy cluster that Arp 122 resides in, but otherwise not participating in this monster merger. Galactic collisions and mergers are monumentally energetic and dramatic events, but they take place on a very slow timescale. For example, the Milky Way is on track to collide with its nearest galactic neighbor, the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), but these two galaxies have a good four billion years to go before they actually meet. The process of colliding and merging will not be a quick one either: it might take hundreds of millions of years to unfold. These collisions take so long because of the truly massive distances involved. Galaxies are composed of stars and their solar systems, dust, gas, and invisible dark matter. In galactic collisions, therefore, these constituent components may experience enormous changes in the gravitational forces acting on them. In time, this completely changes the structure of the two (or more) colliding galaxies, and sometimes ultimately results in a single, merged galaxy. That may well be what results from the collision pictured in this image. Galaxies that result from mergers are thought to have a regular or elliptical structure, as the merging process disrupts more complex structures (such as those observed in spiral galaxies). It would be fascinating to know what Arp 122 will look like once this collision is complete… but that will not happen for a long, long time. Text credit: European Space Agency Media Contact: Claire Andreoli NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD claire.andreoli@nasa.gov Share Details Last Updated Jan 12, 2024 Editor Andrea Gianopoulos Related Terms Astrophysics Astrophysics Division Galaxies Goddard Space Flight Center Hubble Space Telescope Science Mission Directorate The Universe Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Hubble Space Telescope Since its 1990 launch, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. Galaxies Stories Stars Stories James Webb Space Telescope Webb is the premier observatory of the next decade, serving thousands of astronomers worldwide. It studies every phase in the… View the full article