Results for: Space Travel

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, on its journey to explore a metal-rich asteroid in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, has recently activated its blue-glowing electric thrusters to propel it on the next leg of its mission. These solar-powered thrusters, known as Hall thrusters, provide efficient and gradual acceleration in the vacuum of space. The spacecraft carries 2,030 pounds of xenon fuel, allowing its thrusters to operate continuously for years. To reach its destination in 2029, Psyche will utilize a Mars gravity assist maneuver in 2026, boosting its speed. The spacecraft is currently traveling at around 84,000 mph, which will increase to 124,000 mph with the assistance of its thrusters. The Psyche mission is a testament to the advancements in space propulsion technology, enabling efficient and extended travel beyond Earth’s orbit.

Ed Dwight, a former Air Force test pilot and NASA astronaut candidate, has made history by becoming the oldest person to travel to space. At 90 years old, Dwight was part of the six-person crew that flew on Blue Origin’s NS-25 mission on May 19, 2023. The mission successfully reached the edge of space, known as the Kármán line, which is located approximately 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level. Dwight expressed his excitement and awe after landing, stating that the experience was life-changing. This mission marks another significant milestone in the growing commercial space industry and demonstrates the potential for space travel to become more accessible to individuals from diverse backgrounds.

In preparation for a permanent lunar base, NASA scientists are exploring novel ways to mitigate the effects of space travel on astronauts. One such method involves having astronauts perform the daring ‘Wall of Death’ stunt, where they run around the inside of a barrel-shaped wooden cylinder. This stunt, which requires a running speed of just 8 mph (13 km/h) on the moon’s low-gravity environment, has been shown to be effective in preventing muscle and bone loss induced by microgravity. While there are logistical challenges in transporting a giant ‘Wall of Death’ to the moon, alternative solutions such as running around the walls of circular lunar habitats are being considered.