NASA

National Aeronautics and Space Administrion

Since its inception in 1958, NASA has accomplished many great scientific and technological feats in air and space. NASA technology also has been adapted for many nonaerospace uses by the private sector. NASA remains a leading force in scientific research and in stimulating public interest in aerospace exploration, as well as science and technology in general. Perhaps more importantly, our exploration of space has taught us to view Earth, ourselves, and the universe in a new way. While the tremendous technical and scientific accomplishments of NASA demonstrate vividly that humans can achieve previously inconceivable feats, we also are humbled by the realization that Earth is just a tiny "blue marble" in the cosmos. Check out our "Thinking About NASA History" folder online as an introduction to how history can help you.

Tuesday, July 14, 2026

Cosmic Sugar

"The latest discovery in the galactic center strengthens the Milky Way's resemblance to a mouth-watering treat."

https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-find-the-first-true-sugar-ever-detected-in-interstellar-space?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=66c4c92f5d78644b3ac5d5b4

Falcon 9

"The world's first commercially built nuclear-powered satellite has reached orbit aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket."https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacex-just-launched-the-1st-ever-nuclear-powered-commercial-satellite?utm_source=join1440&utm_medium=email&utm_placement=newsletter&user_id=66c4c92f5d78644b3ac5d5b4

Monday, July 13, 2026

Artemis III mission

"It is full steam ahead at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida as teams process and assemble flight hardware in preparation for the upcoming crewed Artemis III mission."

https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/07/13/nasas-artemis-iii-flight-hardware-stacks-up-at-kennedy/

Eärendil-1

"Reflect Orbital, a California startup that markets itself as “The Sunlight Company” and aims to make “clean, abundant energy available on demand,” has just received approval from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to launch the Eärendil-1."

https://www.tomshardware.com/tech-industry/fcc-approves-orbital-space-mirrors-first-test-satellites-will-launch-this-year-large-spacecraft-reflects-sunlight-to-earths-surface-for-construction-sites-search-and-rescue-lighting-and-more

Meteors

"Here comes a classic crescent moon-and-meteors week."

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiecartereurope/2026/07/13/perseid-meteor-shower-returns-this-week-under-an-earthshine-moon/

Tianwen-2

"The China National Space Administration’s asteroid probe Tianwen-2 successfully reached the asteroid Kamo’oalewa, which orbits the sun in a path nearly identical to Earth’s."

https://www.wired.com/story/chinas-tianwen-2-space-probe-earth-quasi-moon/

Sunday, July 12, 2026

Up close to different asteroids

"Within just three days of each other, Chinese and Japanese spacecraft got up close and personal with two different asteroids."https://mashable.com/science/jaxa-hayabusa2-torifune-china-tianwen-2-kamooalewa-images