Making Mars’ Moons: Supercomputers Offer ‘Disruptive’ New ExplanationA NASA study using a series of supercomputer simulations reveals a potential new solution to a longstanding Martian mystery: How did Mars get its moons? The first step, the findings say, may have involved the destruction of an asteroid. The research team, led by Jacob Kegerreis, a postdoctoral research scientist at NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s […]
NASA’s Swift Reaches 20th Anniversary in Improved Pointing ModeAfter two decades in space, NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory is performing better than ever thanks to a new operational strategy implemented earlier this year. The spacecraft has made great scientific strides in the years since scientists dreamed up a new way to explore gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful explosions in the universe. “The idea […]
Gateway Tops OffGateway’s Power and Propulsion Element is now equipped with its xenon and liquid fuel tanks.
About the Office of the Chief Knowledge Officer (OCKO)The overarching purpose of the OCKO is to cultivate and sustain a learning culture at Goddard in support of mission success. We have instituted various processes and programs for lessons learned and critical knowledge identification, sharing, and application. The focus of the OCKO is to promote local learning practices that enhances domain-specific expertise within an […]
From Houston to the Moon: Johnson’s Thermal Vacuum Chamber Tests Lunar Solar Technology Imagine designing technology that can survive on the Moon for up to a decade, providing a continuous energy supply. NASA selected three companies to develop such systems, aimed at providing a power source at the Moon’s South Pole for Artemis missions. Three companies were awarded contracts in 2022 with plans to test their self-sustaining solar […]
On This Day: Apollo 12 Lands on the MoonNASA astronaut Alan Bean steps off the lunar module ladder in this photo from Nov. 19, 1969, joining astronaut Charles Conrad Jr. on the Moon in the area called the Ocean of Storms. The two would then complete two spacewalks on the lunar surface, deploying science instruments, collecting geology samples, and inspecting the Surveyor 3 […]
NASA Plans to Assign Missions for Two Future Artemis Cargo LandersNASA, along with its industry and international partners, is preparing for sustained exploration of the lunar surface with the Artemis campaign to advance science and discovery for the benefit of all. As part of that effort, NASA intends to award Blue Origin and SpaceX additional work under their existing contracts to develop landers that will […]
Northwestern University Takes Top Honors in BIG Idea Lunar Inflatables Challenge Following eight months of intense research, design, and prototyping, six university teams presented their “Inflatable Systems for Lunar Operations” concepts to a panel of judges at NASA’s 2024 Breakthrough, Innovative and Game-Changing (BIG) Idea Challenge forum. The challenge, funded by NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate and Office of STEM Engagement, seeks novel ideas from higher […]
Super Insulation Requires Super Materials NASA researchers helped create an insulation coating that blocks heat and sunlight
Bob Swap Builds Bridges With ‘Science Diplomacy’Associate Director for Mission Planning, Earth Sciences, and environmental scientist Robert J. “Bob” Swap makes a difference by putting knowledge into action. Name: Robert J. “Bob” SwapTitle: Associate Director for Mission Planning, Earth SciencesOrganization: Earth Science Division (Code 610) What do you do and what is most interesting about your role here at Goddard? I […]