Mark Davis has been with NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center since April 1990, as a Aerodynamics Engineer. Mark Currently leads the Small Business Innovative Research Program working with small businesses that contribute to NASA’s Research goals.
Category: Astronomie
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Michoud Recovering From Tornado on This Week @NASA – February 10, 2017
Recovery efforts are underway at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans, which was hit by a tornado Feb. 7. In accounting for all 3,500 employees at the facility, officials reported five suffered minor injuries. Buildings, structures and parked cars sustained damage, but there was no reported damage to hardware for NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, Orion spacecraft, or the barge Pegasus docked at Michoud. NASA will release updates on the facility’s status as they become available. Also, SpaceX Launch Targeted for Mid-February, SLS Booster Hardware Arrives at KSC, and NASA Aerospace Days!
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The Moon – ESA’s interactive guide
‘The Moon – ESA’s interactive guide’ is a web documentary with over 40 videos narrated by scientists involved in lunar research. The platform allows you to explore your own path and discover the science, technology and the missions around our moon. An engaging space to satisfy your curiosity, learn and be inspired.
Explore at http://lunarexploration.esa.int
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NEEMO 21: An analogue mission to Mars
In July 2016, ESA astronaut Matthias Maurer took part in NASA’s Extreme Environment Mission Operations, or NEEMO – a 16-day underwater sortie to enact a mission to Mars and test equipment for astronauts.
NEEMO’s underwater habitat off Florida acts as makeshift a space base for astronauts to make regular ‘waterwalks’ in full scuba gear. Both underwater missions plan sorties for the astronauts to simulate spacewalks.
For NEEMO 21, a rotating crew of four complemented Matthias and NASA astronaut Megan McArthur who tested new techniques, operation procedures and technology.
Connect with Matthias: http://matthiasmaurer.esa.int
More about NEEMO: https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/NEEMO/index.html
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NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility Impacted by Tornado
At 11:25 a.m. CST Feb. 7, a tornado impacted NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. At this time, only minor injuries have been reported and NASA employees and other tenants are being accounted for. There is still a threat of severe weather in the area and emergency officials are continuing to monitor the situation to ensure the safety of onsite personnel. The onsite Michoud emergency response team is also conducting damage assessments of buildings and facilities.
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Juno’s Latest Close Flyby of Jupiter on This Week @NASA – February 3, 2017
NASA’s Juno spacecraft made its latest close flyby of Jupiter Feb. 2 — passing about 2,700 miles above the planet’s clouds. This was the fourth close flyby since Juno began orbiting Jupiter last year on July 4. During these close passes instruments on the spacecraft probe beneath the cloud cover to collect scientific data about the planet’s structure, atmosphere and magnetosphere. This information could help us better understand the planetary systems being discovered around other stars. Also, Cassini Sees Saturn’s Rings in Greater Detail, The Most Extreme Blazars, NASA at Super Bowl Event, NASA at NBA Black Heritage Celebration, and
Day of Remembrance! -
BepiColombo status
BepiColombo, Europe’s first mission to Mercury, is currently being put through its paces at ESA’s European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in the Netherlands. Mechanical and vibration tests will get underway in April with a view to a launch in October 2018. BepiColombo will arrive at Mercury, the smallest planet in our Solar System, in December 2025.
The ESA-led joint European and Japanese mission consists of two spacecraft – the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO) – as well as a sunshield and a Mercury Transfer Module, which will power its seven year journey using its solar electric propulsion engine. It will be a mission of further discovery after NASA’s Messenger spacecraft uncovered a number of surprises – including evidence of water ice at the closest planet to the Sun and a magnetic dipole field.
This video covers the mission status as well and its plan to follow up on Mercury’s unexpected features and properties. It includes an interview with Johannes Benkhoff, ESA BepiColombo project scientist.
More about BepiColombo on our website: http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Space_Science/BepiColombo_overview2
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Yuksek x Thomas Pesquet
This music video, directed by Jérôme de Gerlache, is a collaboration between French musician Yuksek and ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet on the International Space Station.
The friends came up for the concept of this film to show both ships of creation: Yuksek’s studio where he composed the music inspired by Thomas Pesquet’s flight, and the spaceship where Thomas is performing science for the benefit of humanity.
Illustrating their everyday working life, they are brought together by music that crosses borders and travels easily from Earth to space. Music connects people anywhere, it is universal and that is its intrinsic beauty.
Thomas is spending six months on the International Space Station as part of his Proxima mission. During Proxima, Thomas will perform around 50 scientific experiments for ESA and France’s space agency CNES as well as take part in many research activities for the other Station partners. The mission is part of ESA’s vision to use Earth-orbiting spacecraft as a place to live and work for the benefit of European society while using the experience to prepare for future voyages of exploration further into the Solar System.
Music: Yuksek « Live Alone feat Roman Rappak »
Directed by Jérôme de Gerlache
Director of photography [space] Thomas Pesquet
Director of photography [earth] Jacques Ballard
Editor Nicolas Capus
Colorgrading Arthur Paux
Thanks to Emilien Lazaron.Many thanks to Partyfine, Universal Music, Have a great day films, Sparks seeker
Connect with Thomas at http://thomaspesquet.esa.int
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NASA’s Day of Remembrance
On January 31, 2017, NASA observed its annual Day of Remembrance to commemorate the crews of Apollo 1, and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia, as well as other members of the NASA family who lost their lives furthering the cause of exploration. This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the accidental fire, that occurred inside an Apollo spacecraft on the launch pad at Cape Kennedy, that tragically claimed the lives of Apollo 1 astronauts, Virgil Grissom, Edward White and Roger Chaffee.
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ESA Euronews: Hunting Earth-like exoplanets
In this edition of Space, Euronews correspondent Jeremy Wilks reports from the Observatory of Geneva – home to experts in exoplanets, the name given to planets outside our solar system.
So far they have managed to find more than 3500, but they believe there could be literally billions of them across the Milky Way.
The first exoplanet to be discovered was what’s known as a hot Jupiter, a giant gas planet orbiting close to its star. That discovery, made by University of Geneva professor Michel Mayor in 1995, kick-started a revolution in astronomy, one which at the time of our interview put the number of exoplanets at 3559 and counting.
This video is also available in the following languages:
French https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0BzHpdyp3wY -
ESA Euronews: Voyage au coeur du mystère des exoplanètes
Dans Space, Jérémy Wilks vous emmène ce mois-ci à l’observatoire de Genève, la “maison” des experts en exoplanètes, ces planètes qui sont en dehors de notre système solaire. A ce jour, 3.559 d’entre elles ont été découvertes, mais les scientifiques pensent qu’il en existe des millions dans la Voie Lactée.
La première exoplanète qui a été découverte est une planète géante gazeuse similaire à Jupiter, en orbite autour de son étoile. Cette découverte, faite en 1995 par le professeur Michel Mayor de l’Université de Genève, a donné le coup d’envoi d’une révolution en astronomie. Une révolution qui part de l’existence prouvée d’une exoplanète, à la découverte de 3.559 exoplanètes aujourd’hui.
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ESA Euronews: Vadászat az emberiség lehetséges következő otthonára
Az exobolygók, vagyis a Naprendszeren kívüli bolygók keresése azon az emberi álmon alapszik, hogy a homo sapiens valaha elhagyhatja a Földet, és új hazát fog keresni. A bolygókat megtalálni azonban rendkívül nehéz, hiszen nem bocsátanak ki fényt, és olyan messze vannak, hogy a legerősebb távcsővel sem láthatók. Ezért sokáig a létezésükre sem volt bizonyíték.
Az első felfedezett exobolygó egy hatalmas gázbolygó volt, a genfi egyetemi professzor, Michel Mayor és csapatának 1995-ös felfedezése forradalmat hozott a csillagászatban. Húsz év alatt egyetlen exobolygótól eljutottunk 3599-ig.
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NASA Hosts News Conference, Interviews with Next Space Station Crew
NASA astronaut Randy Bresnik, Paolo Nespoli of ESA (European Space Agency), and Sergey Ryazanskiy of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, who are scheduled to launch to the International Space Station in late spring, participated in a news conference Jan. 25, at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.
This will be Bresnik’s second trip to the space station, the second expedition for Ryazanskiy, and Nespoli’s third trip to the space station. They will be part of Expeditions 52 and 53.
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(German) ESA’s Earth Observation Programmes: an introduction
High above us, satellites are looking down at our Earth. This video provides an introduction to ESA’s Earth observation programmes.
More about ESA’s Earth observation programmes on our website:
http://www.esa.int/eoThis video is also available in the following languages;
English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0G_3FWOOPA -
ESA’s Earth Observation Programmes: an introduction
High above us, satellites are looking down at our Earth. This video provides an introduction to ESA’s Earth observation programmes.
More about ESA’s Earth observation programmes on our website:
http://www.esa.int/eoThis video is also available in the following languages:
German: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kvP-OdCqAJE
French: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q4QjxDIr81k -
(French) ESA’s Earth Observation Programmes: an introduction
High above us, satellites are looking down at our Earth. This video provides an introduction to ESA’s Earth observation programmes.
More about ESA’s Earth observation programmes on our website:
http://www.esa.int/eoThis video is also available in:
English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N0G_3FWOOPA -
Introducing ESA’s new astronaut Matthias Maurer
Matthias Maurer, from Germany, has started his astronaut training as part of ESA’s astronaut corps.
Matthias was among the 10 finalists in 2009 selection, and is now undergoing basic training at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne, Germany.
A new recruit for ESA’s astronaut corps:
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Human_Spaceflight/Astronauts/A_new_recruit_for_ESA_s_astronaut_corps -
NASA Television Provides Coverage of Service Celebrating Life, Legacy of Eugene Cernan
NASA Television provided live coverage of the Jan. 24 funeral service at Houston’s St. Martin’s Episcopal Church, celebrating the life and legacy of NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy Capt. Eugene A. Cernan. The former Gemini and Apollo astronaut died Jan. 16 at the age of 82.
Cernan left his mark on the history of exploration by flying three times in space, twice to the moon. He also holds the distinction of being the second American to walk in space and the last human to leave his footprints on the lunar surface.
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Ariane 6
Decided in Luxemburg by the European Space Agency council meeting at Ministerial level, Ariane 6 is a modular three-stage launcher (solid–cryogenic–cryogenic) with two configurations using: four boosters (A64) or two boosters (A62).
More about Ariane 6:
http://www.esa.int/Our_Activities/Launchers/Launch_vehicles/Ariane_6Credit: ESA-David Ducros
(January 2017)
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Spacewalker’s view
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet completed his first spacewalk 13 January 2017 together with NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough to complete a battery upgrade to the outpost’s power system.
Thomas recorded the spacewalk for the first time with a camera in a space-proof casing that was mounted to a bracket on his chest called the mini work station. This video shows scenes from the spacewalk using this camera.
The spacewalk went as planned and, even better, Shane and Thomas performed a number of extra tasks once they had installed the batteries. They retrieved a failed camera, installed a protective cover on an unused docking port, moved handrails in preparation for future spacewalks and took pictures of external facilities for ground control.
The duo spent five hours and 58 minutes outside the International Space Station.
Thomas is spending six months on the International Space Station as part of his Proxima mission. During Proxima, Thomas will perform around 50 scientific experiments for ESA and France’s space agency CNES as well as take part in many research activities for the other Station partners. The mission is part of ESA’s vision to use Earth-orbiting spacecraft as a place to live and work for the benefit of European society while using the experience to prepare for future voyages of exploration further into the Solar System.
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Citizens’ debate 2016: ESA Director General Jan Woerner’s Welcome (German)
On 10 September 2016, about 2000 Europeans helped to shape the future of space by taking part in a world first: the Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe. The future of ESA’s space missions were discussed and the different debate sites connected via video conferencing.
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Citizens’ debate 2016: ESA Director General Jan Woerner’s Welcome (Italian)
On 10 September 2016, about 2000 Europeans helped to shape the future of space by taking part in a world first: the Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe. The future of ESA’s space missions were discussed and the different debate sites connected via video conferencing.
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Citizens’ debate 2016: The role of Europe in space exploration and exploitation (Norwegian)
On 10 September 2016, about 2000 Europeans helped to shape the future of space by taking part in a world first: the Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe. The future of ESA’s space missions were discussed and the different debate sites connected via video conferencing.
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Citizens’ debate 2016: ESA Director General Jan Woerner’s Welcome (Greek)
On 10 September 2016, about 2000 Europeans helped to shape the future of space by taking part in a world first: the Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe. The future of ESA’s space missions were discussed and the different debate sites connected via video conferencing.
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Citizens’ debate 2016: ESA Director General Jan Woerner’s Welcome (Romanian)
On 10 September 2016, about 2000 Europeans helped to shape the future of space by taking part in a world first: the Citizens’ Debate on Space for Europe. The future of ESA’s space missions were discussed and the different debate sites connected via video conferencing.
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Launching satellites from Space Station – step one
ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet working in the Kibo laboratory to prepare a CubeSat launch – at 30 times increased speed.
The cylinder in the back is the mini-airlock that allows objects to be sent outside the Space Station. First Thomas and NASA astronaut Shane Kimbrough retrieved the Robotics External Leak Locator and wrapped it up for storage.
Afterwards Thomas installs the platform that the robotic arm grabs. The pointy bit is the connector for the robotic arm.
This video was recorded in December 2016 and was the first step for launching the CubeSats on 16 January 2017. Later Thomas put the satellite launcher on the platform and a third step is to connect the satellites themselves.Thomas is spending six months on the International Space Station as part of his Proxima mission. During Proxima, Thomas will perform around 50 scientific experiments for ESA and France’s space agency CNES as well as take part in many research activities for the other Station partners. The mission is part of ESA’s vision to use Earth-orbiting spacecraft as a place to live and work for the benefit of European society while using the experience to prepare for future voyages of exploration further into the Solar System.
Connect with Thomas Pesquet: http://thomaspesquet.esa.int
Music: Dynamic Systems – Gledden / Pedder
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Warmest Global Temperature on Record on This Week @NASA – January 20, 2017
NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) announced on Jan. 18, that global surface temperatures in 2016 were the warmest since modern record keeping began in 1880. The finding was based on results of independent analyses by both agencies. According to analysis by scientists at NASA’s Goddard Institute for Space Studies (GISS) in New York, 2016 is the third year in a row to set a new record for global average surface temperatures, further demonstrating a long-term warming trend. Also, Cygnus Cargo Module Arrives at KSC, Up in 30 Seconds, and Remembering Gene Cernan.
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NASA Administrator Bolden Remembers Gene Cernan
NASA Administrator Charles Bolden shared his thoughts on the life and legacy of Gemini and Apollo astronaut Gene Cernan, who passed away on Jan. 16 at the age of 82.
Cernan flew on three separate space missions. He was the second American to walk in space as the pilot on Gemini IX; ventured to the moon on Apollo 10, the pathfinder for the first lunar landing; and as commander of Apollo 17, Cernan holds the distinction of being the last person to leave his footprints on the surface of the moon.
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NASA Reflects on Legacy of Gene Cernan, Last Man to Walk on Moon
Former NASA astronaut Eugene Cernan, the last man to walk on the moon, died Monday, Jan. 16, following ongoing health issues, according to a statement from his family.
“It is with very deep sadness that we share the loss of our beloved husband and father,” said Cernan’s family. “Our family is heartbroken, of course, and we truly appreciate everyone’s thoughts and prayers. Gene, as he was known by so many, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.”
“Even at the age of 82, Gene was passionate about sharing his desire to see the continued human exploration of space and encouraged our nation’s leaders and young people to not let him remain the last man to walk on the Moon,” the family continued.Cernan, a Captain in the U.S. Navy, left his mark on the history of exploration by flying three times in space, twice to the moon. He also holds the distinction of being the second American to walk in space and the last human to leave his footprints on the lunar surface.
The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Charles Bolden on the passing of the Gemini and Apollo astronaut:
“Gene Cernan, Apollo astronaut and the last man to walk on the moon, has passed from our sphere, and we mourn his loss. Leaving the moon in 1972, Cernan said, ‘As I take these last steps from the surface for some time into the future to come, I’d just like to record that America’s challenge of today has forged man’s destiny of tomorrow.’ Truly, America has lost a patriot and pioneer who helped shape our country’s bold ambitions to do things that humankind had never before achieved.”
According to the family, details regarding services will be announced in the coming days.
Note: package may include some silent video.
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Paxi – Day, night, and the seasons
Join Paxi as he explores why we have day and night, and learn why the Earth has seasons.
More about Paxi:
http://www.esa.int/paxi/This video is available in the following languages:
German: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lY9VY_iq6M
French: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hIqGfq0_iQI
Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soQ5MN0nuMg
Portuguese: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fUEpgzg-6jk
Italian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcD5k4K_CEk
Dutch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zXovjSdtP4
Danish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IkZALmRy7_0
Norwegian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HKLg6U-pZq8
Swedish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pitWGwEqvls
Finnish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnRIno-1_cY
Czech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioCO2Pl7Xt0
Romanian: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X22p7YK2-Co
Polish: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ekY5oZDdQ4k -
Thomas Pesquet – EVA preparations
Thomas Pesquet from France has been onboard the International space Station since 19 November 2016. He is about to take part in his first Extra-Vehicular Activity (EVA, or spacewalk), performing maintenance outside the Space Station to upgrade its batteries to newer lithium-ion versions. Intensive preparations for this procedure took place in the months leading up to launch, with classroom sessions at NASA’s Johnson Space Centre in conjunction with underwater training in NASA’s Neutral Buoyancy Lab.
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Thomas Pesquet soutient les enfants aux côtés de l’UNICEF
En tant qu’ambassadeur UNICEF, l’astronaute de l’ESA Thomas Pesquet, actuellement à bord de la Station spatiale internationale dans le cadre de l’Expédition 50, souhaite attirer l’attention sur le besoin de protéger et soutenir les jeunes générations, à l’heure où le changement climatique met toujours plus en péril leur avenir.
In his role as an ambassador for UNICEF France, ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, who is currently on the International Space Station as part of the Expedition 50 crew, spreads the message about the need to protect and support children in a time when climate change increasingly endangers their lives.
Connect with Thomas Pesquet at:
http://thomaspesquet.esa.int -
NASA Modern Figure: Andrea Razzaghi
Good advice: Don’t let the lack of confidence hide your true potential.
https://www.nasa.gov/modernfigures -
NASA Previews Spacewalks to Upgrade ISS Power System
On Jan. 4, NASA held a press briefing at the agency’s Johnson Space Center in Houston to preview a pair of planned spacewalks to perform a complex upgrade to the International Space Station’s power system. NASA’s Shane Kimbrough and Peggy Whitson will conduct the spacewalk on Jan. 6. The second spacewalk, on Jan. 13, will be performed by Kimbrough and Thomas Pesquet of ESA (European Space Agency). Working on the right side truss of the space station, the crew members will install adapter plates and hook up electrical connections for six new lithium-ion batteries that were delivered to the station in December.
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NASA’s New Discovery Missions
On Jan. 4, NASA announced the selection of two missions to explore previously unexplored asteroids. The first mission, called Lucy, will study asteroids, known as Trojan asteroids, trapped by Jupiter’s gravity. The Psyche mission will explore a very large and rare object in the solar system’s asteroid belt that’s made of metal, and scientists believe might be the exposed core of a planet that lost its rocky outer layers from a series of violent collisions. Lucy is targeted for launch in 2021 and Psyche in 2023. Both missions have the potential to open new windows on one of the earliest eras in the history of our solar system – a time less than 10 million years after the birth of our sun.
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The amazing adventures of Rosetta and Philae (German)
Watch the amazing cartoon adventures of Rosetta and Philae, now back-to-back in one special feature-length production.
Find out how Rosetta and Philae first got inspired to visit a comet, and follow them on their incredible ten-year journey through the Solar System to their destination, flying around planets and past asteroids along the way. Watch as Philae tries to land on the comet and deals with some unexpected challenges!
Learn about the fascinating observations that Rosetta made as she watched the comet change before her eyes as they got closer to the Sun and then further away again. Finally, wish Rosetta farewell, as she, too, finishes her amazing adventure on the surface of the comet. Keep watching for one last surprise!
This video is also available in
English: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HD2zrF3I_II -
NASA Modern Figure: Jeanette Epps
NASA Astronaut Jeanette Epps gives a little advice on moving forward in a STEM career.
Find out more about NASA’s Modern Figures at:
https://www.nasa.gov/modernfigures -
NASA 2017 – Building the Future
NASA looks forward to 2017.
For more information on NASA in 2016 and beyond, visit:
https://www.nasa.gov/press-release/nasa-reveals-the-unknown-in-2016 -
The amazing adventures of Rosetta and Philae (Spanish)
Watch the amazing cartoon adventures of Rosetta and Philae, now back-to-back in one special feature-length production.
Find out how Rosetta and Philae first got inspired to visit a comet, and follow them on their incredible ten-year journey through the Solar System to their destination, flying around planets and past asteroids along the way. Watch as Philae tries to land on the comet and deals with some unexpected challenges!
Learn about the fascinating observations that Rosetta made as she watched the comet change before her eyes as they got closer to the Sun and then further away again. Finally, wish Rosetta farewell, as she, too, finishes her amazing adventure on the surface of the comet. Keep watching for one last surprise!
