Science | Spacebound
First LookMoon rock samples brought to Earth for first time in 44 yearsChang’e 5 has delivered a capsule of the first rock samples from the moon, making China the third country to do so. The samples, thought to be billions of years younger than previous samples, could offer new insights into our solar system’s history.
First LookAsteroid samples: Japanese space capsule brings ‘treasure box’ to EarthJapan’s Hayabusa2 spacecraft dropped a capsule containing asteroid rock samples in Australia’s outback, with potential clues to solar-system origins.
First LookWhy China plans to drill an almost 7-foot-deep hole on the moonChina’s Chang’e 5 mission expects to collect moon samples for the first time since the American and Russian missions of the 1960s and 1970s. The undertaking could boost understanding of the solar system and pave the way for bringing samples from Mars back to Earth.
First LookEvidence of water on the moon opens new frontiersFor the first time, the presence of water on the moon’s sunlit surface has been confirmed. The latest findings could expand the possibilities for landing spots for robots and astronauts.
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First LookNASA spacecraft expertly lands on asteroid after 2-year orbitIn a first for the United States, NASA spacecraft Osiris-Rex tagged the asteroid Bennu to collect rubble samples, which could shed light on our solar system's history.
First LookChemical detected in Venus' clouds could point to lifeScientists have detected phosphine, a chemical usually associated with life on Earth, in Venus' atmosphere. While the finding is intriguing, they say more proof is needed to definitively point to life.
First LookSpaceX brings astronauts home, ending historic missionAfter a fast, bumpy, and hot ride from the International Space Station, SpaceX Endeavour capsule splashes down in the Gulf of Mexico.
First LookWhat the first snapshot of another solar system can teach usThe European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope photographed two planets orbiting a baby sun 300 light-years away. The observations can help scientists better understand the evolution of our own solar system.
First LookA first for the Arab world: UAE spacecraft en route to MarsThe United Arab Emirates, a space development newcomer, is celebrating the successful launch of its first interplanetary spacecraft, called Amal or Hope. Amal is expected to reach the red planet in February 2021, and will start transmitting data later that year.
First LookMission to Mars: 3 countries to launch rovers in search of lifeMars continues to captivate the human imagination despite many unsuccessful missions. Starting this week, the United Arab Emirates, then China and the U.S. later this month, will send unmanned spacecraft to explore the Red Planet.
First LookHistoric first: SpaceX delivers US astronauts to space stationAfter Saturday's historic liftoff, the SpaceX Dragon capsule arrived at the space station Sunday and docked automatically, no human help needed.
First LookSpaceX and NASA unite to return Americans to spaceOn Wednesday, collaboration between SpaceX and NASA will send two astronauts to the International Space Station, and it will be the first time that a private company operates a mission to space.
First LookApollo 13 turns 50: The space mission that gripped the worldAstronauts Jim Lovell and Fred Haise reminisce about NASA's "most successful failure" as their mission launch turns 50 on April 11. With calm, ingenuity, and "some divine help," its safe return to Earth after an explosion in space is still considered Mission Control's finest hour.
First LookAstronaut Christina Koch returns after setting space recordU.S. astronaut Christina Koch set the record for the longest stay in space by a woman, 328 days. Her record offers new insights into the affects of weightlessness and space radiation on long spaceflights.
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