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New Asteroid-Capture Mission Idea: Go After Earth's 'Minimoons'

Asteroid Capture Mission

October 1st, 2013

The best way for NASA to snag and study an asteroid may be to chase down one of the 'minimoons' that zip around our planet temporarily before zipping back off into deep space, some researchers say.

NASA Asteroid-Capture Mission Workshop Today: How to Watch Live

Asteroid Capturing Spacecraft Concept

September 30th, 2013

The workshop will discuss some fresh ideas about how to grab an asteroid and park it in orbit around the moon. You can watch a live stream of the workshop presentations, which begin today at 1 p.m. EDT, here at SPACE.com, courtesy of NASA TV.

Interplanetary Internet - New Satellite To Move Large Data Files | Orbit Animation

Interplanetary Internet - New Satellite To Move Large Data Files | Orbit Animation

September 27th, 2013

A new hybrid small satellite called CASSIOPE is scheduled to launch aboard a SpaceX rocket in 2013. It is carrying a payload named Cascade, whose purpose is to move high volume data anywhere in the world.

Wild Idea: Reusable 'Slingatron' Launch Concept Could Slingshot Probes to Space

An artist's concept of Hyper V Technologies Corp.'s Slingatron launch system, a 200-300 meter wide railroad into space.

October 1st, 2013

Large payloads are costly come launchtime, but one company is exploring how to throw them into space with technology based on the classical slingshot.

NASA May Slam Captured Asteroid Into Moon (Eventually)

Asteroid Redirect Vehicle with Capture Bag and EVA

September 30th, 2013

NASA's bold asteroid-capture mission may not end when astronauts leave the space rock for the last time. Seeing it through could require disposing of the asteroid in a safe — and possibly very dramatic — manner, experts say.

NASA Using the Moon to Understand the Sun: ARTEMIS Extended Mission | Video

NASA Using the Moon to Understand the Sun: ARTEMIS Extended Mission | Video

September 26th, 2013

As the Moon passes through Earth's magnetic field, two lunar-orbiting spacecraft look for turbulence, particle acceleration, and magnetic reconnection. These phenomena control how the solar wind interacts with Earth's magnetosphere.

NASA's Innovative Ion Space Thruster Sets Endurance World Record

Next Generation of Ion Engines

September 24th, 2013

After more than five years of testing, NASA's Evolutionary Xenon Thruster ion engine has set a new duration record. The project completed a continuous test the ion engine for more than 48,000 hours — over five and a half years.

Incredible Technology: How to Clean Up Dangerous Space Junk

Space Junk Currently Orbiting Earth

September 30th, 2013

The vast amount of manmade debris in orbit around Earth is untenable, but emerging and currently available technologies could be used to get this space junk under control.

CASSIOPE Satellite Will Observe Space Weather | Video

CASSIOPE Satellite Will Observe Spaceweather | Video

September 27th, 2013

The Canadian satellite carries two payloads. 1. ePOP: suite of instruments for research on the effects of phenomena such as solar storms in the upper polar atmosphere. 2. Cascade: will demonstrate a high-capacity digital courier system.

NASA Picks 10 Innovative Space Tech Ideas for Funding

Asteroid Capture in Progress

September 26th, 2013

NASA is awarding grants to 10 university-led projects that could help develop the advanced technologies needed for future science and long-duration manned missions. The Space Technology Research Grants Program will award $250,000 to teams.