Next Step in Launching Astronauts from U.S. Soil
NASA announced the next step in its plan to launch American astronauts from U.S. soil, selecting three companies to conduct activities under contracts that will enable future certification of commercial spacecraft as safe to carry humans to the International Space Station.
Under the contract, a certification plan will be developed to achieve safe, crewed missions to the space station.
Apollo 17: 40 Years Later
On Dec. 11, 1972, astronauts Eugene Cernan and Harrison "Jack" Schmitt descended in the Lunar Module "Challenger" to explore the moon. Astronaut Ronald Evans, command module pilot, remained with the Command and Service Modules "America" in lunar orbit. Upon leaving the surface, Cernan noted: "as we came ... with peace and hope for all mankind."
Expedition 34: New Trio Dress Rehearsal
In Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Flight Engineers Chris Hadfield, Roman Romanenko and Tom Marshburn continue final training and preparations for their mission to join Expedition 34. The trio conducted a dress rehearsal and suited up in their Sokol launch and entry suits and entered their Soyuz TMA-07M spacecraft.
The trio is waiting to launch for the International Space Station on Dec. 19.
Forecast System Helps Flights Avoid Storms
A new NASA-funded prototype system developed by the National Center for Atmospheric Research of Boulder, Colo., now is providing weather forecasts that can help flights avoid major storms as they travel over remote ocean regions. The eight-hour forecasts of potentially dangerous atmospheric conditions are designed for pilots, air traffic controllers and others involved in transoceanic flights.
Unprecedented New Look at Our Planet at Night
A global composite image, constructed using cloud-free night images from a new NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) satellite, shows the glow of natural and human-built phenomena in greater detail than ever before.
Global View and Animation of Earth's City Lights
