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In this image captured by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft in 2009, dramatic plumes of water ice and vapor are seen erupting from the south pole of Saturn’s moon Enceladus.NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute Researchers dove deep into information gathered from the ice grains that were collected during a close and super-fast flyby through a plume of Saturn’s icy moon. A new analysis of data from NASA’s Cassini mission found evidence of previously undetected organic compounds in a plume of ice particles ejected from the ocean that lies under the frozen shell of Saturn’s moon Enceladus. Researchers spotted not only molecules they’ve found before but also new ones that lay a potential path to chemical or biochemical activity. The ice grains studied were collected just 13 miles (21 kilometers) from the moon’s surface and mark the first time scientists have observed this diversity of organics in fresh particles ejected from the subsurface water of Enceladus. Published Wednesday in Nature Astronomy, the findings signal an important step toward confirming active organic chemistry below the moon’s surface. This is the kind of chemical activity that could support compounds that are important to biological processes and are an essential component of life on Earth. Besides increasing the diversity of detected organics, the recent work added a new layer to earlier findings by analyzing particles that the Cassini spacecraft collected when it flew directly through a plume — the next-best thing to diving directly into the moon’s ocean. “Previously, we detected organics in ice grains that were years old and potentially altered by the intense radiation environment surrounding them,” said Nozair Khawaja of the Freie Universität Berlin, lead author of the study. “These new organic compounds were just minutes old, found in ice that was fresh from the ocean below Enceladus’ surface.” Scientists knew from previous Cassini data-mining that nitrogen- and oxygen-bearing organic compounds were present in particles from Saturn’s E ring, a faint, wide outer band around the planet fed by the icy material that fans out from Enceladus’ plumes. But the new research analyzed ice grains from a moon plume itself — in other words, grains found closest to their subsurface origin. “These molecules we found in the freshly ejected material prove that the complex organic molecules Cassini detected in Saturn’s E ring are not just a product of long exposure to space, but are readily available in Enceladus’ ocean,” said coauthor Frank Postberg, also of Freie Universität Berlin. Fast and fruitful The data was collected and sent to Earth in 2008, when ice particles impacted Cassini’s Cosmic Dust Analyzer instrument. Besides being directly sourced from a plume, the ice grains had another thing going for them: They’d been smashed to smithereens as they struck the instrument during the spacecraft’s fast fly-through at 11 miles per second (about 18 kilometers per second relative to the moon). The energy of the impact vaporized the ice grains and ionized a substantial fraction of them. Those ions were then analyzed by the instrument’s mass spectrometer, which examined their chemical makeup. The study’s authors were able to analyze the tiniest of fragments — smaller than a thousandth of a millimeter, smaller even than a flu virus — and identify organic compounds they hadn’t seen before in plume particles. The newly detected compounds included those from the aliphatic and cyclic ester and ether families, some with double bonds in their molecular structures. Together with the confirmed aromatic, nitrogen- and oxygen-bearing compounds, these compounds can form the building blocks to support chemical reactions and processes that could have led to more complex organic chemistry — the kind that is of interest to astrobiology and narrows the focus of where we search for life in the solar system. After flying through the plume, the spacecraft, managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, explored the complex Saturn system for nearly another decade. More about Cassini The Cassini-Huygens mission was a cooperative project of NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), and the Italian Space Agency. A division of Caltech in Pasadena, JPL managed the mission for NASA’s Space Mission Directorate in Washington and designed, developed, and assembled the Cassini orbiter. To learn more about Cassini, visit: [Hidden Content] News Media Contacts Scott Hulme Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 818-653-9131 *****@*****.tld Alise Fisher / Molly Wasser NASA Headquarters, Washington 202-617-4977 / 240-419-1732 *****@*****.tld / *****@*****.tld 2025-127 Explore More 4 min read From City Lights to Moonlight: NASA Training Shows How Urban Parks Can Connect Communities with Space Science When you think about national park and public land astronomy programs, you might picture remote… Article 2 months ago 6 min read NASA’s Tally of Planets Outside Our Solar System Reaches 6,000 Article 2 months ago 4 min read What Would It Take to Say We Found Life? We Asked a NASA Expert: Episode 63 Article 2 months ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Missions Humans in Space Climate Change Solar System View the full article

Share Details Last Updated Nov 18, 2025 Location NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Contact Media Laura Betz NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Maryland laura.e*****@*****.tld Claire Blome Space Telescope Science Institute Baltimore, Maryland Hannah Braun Space Telescope Science Institute Baltimore, Maryland Related Terms James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) Nebulae Stars Related Links and Documents The science paper by Y. Han et al. The science paper by R. White et al.

9 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) Los miembros de la tripulación de Artemis II (de izquierda a derecha: el astronauta de la CSA o Agencia Espacial Canadiense Jeremy Hansen, y los astronautas de la NASA Christina Koch, Victor Glover y Reid Wiseman) salen de las instalaciones de alojamiento de astronautas en el Edificio de Operaciones y Verificación Neil Armstrong, dirigiéndose hacia los vehículos de transporte de la tripulación Artemis para ir a la Plataforma de Lanzamiento 39B como parte de una prueba integrada de sistemas terrestres en el Centro Espacial Kennedy en Florida el miércoles 20 de septiembre, para poner a prueba el horario de la tripulación para el día del lanzamiento. NASA/Kim Shiflett Los creadores digitales y usuarios de redes sociales están invitados a inscribirse para asistir al lanzamiento de la misión Artemis II de la NASA. El cohete Sistema de Lanzamiento Espacial (SLS, por sus siglas en inglés) de la agencia lanzará al espacio la nave espacial Orion desde el complejo de lanzamientos 39B en el Centro Espacial Kennedy de la NASA en Florida. Cuatro astronautas a bordo de la nave volarán alrededor de la Luna y regresarán a la Tierra tras permanecer unos 10 días en el espacio. ¿Eres un apasionado de las redes sociales y las comunicaciones? ¿Te entusiasma crear contenido para su público? ¿Eres fanático de experiencias nuevas y únicas? Si la respuesta a todo es sí, ¡este evento de NASA Social es para ti! Esta es tu oportunidad de tener un asiento de primera fila para presenciar esta misión histórica de Artemis que sentará la bases para futuros aterrizajes en la Luna y futuras misiones tripuladas a Marte. Este evento de NASA Social tendrá lugar durante dos días, incluyendo el día del lanzamiento. Está previsto que la misión Artemis II sea lanzada a más tardar en abril de 2026, **** posibles oportunidades desde febrero. Un máximo de 50 creadores digitales serán seleccionados para asistir a este evento de dos días, y tendrán un acceso similar al de los medios de comunicación. Los participantes de este NASA Social tendrán la oportunidad de: Recorrer el Centro Espacial Kennedy de la NASA Aprender directamente de nuestros expertos Conocer a otros creadores digitales y usuarios de redes sociales Compartir **** las personas que integran el equipo de redes sociales de la NASA Ver el lanzamiento de la misión Artemis II El plazo de inscripción a este evento de NASA Social para el lanzamiento de Artemis II comienza en esta página el miércoles 19 de noviembre y la fecha límite para presentar la solicitud es el lunes 24 de noviembre a las 5 p.m., hora del este. Todas las solicitudes serán consideradas individualmente. INSCRÍBETE YA ¿Necesito tener una cuenta de redes sociales para inscribirme? Sí. Este evento está diseñado para personas que: Utilizan activamente diferentes plataformas y herramientas de redes sociales para difundir información a una audiencia determinada. Producen **** regularidad nuevos contenidos que contienen elementos multimedia. Tienen el potencial de alcanzar un gran número de personas utilizando las plataformas digitales. Conectan **** una audiencia específica, independiente y diferente de la de los medios de comunicación tradicionales o la de la NASA. Tienen un historial acreditado de publicación de contenido en plataformas de redes sociales. Tienen publicaciones anteriores que han logrado una gran visibilidad y que son respetadas y ampliamente reconocidas. Se anima a los usuarios a seguir @NASAArtemis para las actualizaciones de la campaña Artemis en X, Facebook e Instagram (en inglés), así como las cuentas de la NASA en español en X, Facebook e Instagram. Las actualizaciones y la información sobre el evento se compartirán (en inglés) en X a través de la cuenta @NASA_Events. ¿Cómo me inscribo? El plazo de inscripción para este evento comienza el 19 de noviembre y termina el 24 de noviembre a las 5 p. m., hora del este de Estados Unidos. La inscripción es solo para una persona (tú) y no es transferible. Cada persona que desee asistir debe inscribirse por separado. Cada solicitud será considerada individualmente. ¿Puedo inscribirme si no tengo ciudadanía estadounidense? Sí, este evento está abierto para todos los que lo soliciten. ¿Cuándo sabré si he sido seleccionado? Después de que se hayan recibido y procesado las inscripciones, se enviará a la gente seleccionada un correo electrónico **** información de confirmación e instrucciones adicionales. Esperamos enviar las primeras notificaciones el lunes 8 de diciembre, y las notificaciones de lista de espera el lunes 15 de diciembre. ¿Cuáles son las credenciales de NASA Social? Todas las solicitudes para el evento de NASA Social serán consideradas individualmente. Aquellas personas elegidas deben demostrar a través del proceso de inscripción que cumplen **** los criterios específicos de participación. Aún si no consigues participar en este evento de NASA Social, puedes observar el lanzamiento fuera de las instalaciones de la NASA y participar en la conversación en línea. Descubre las formas en que puedes presenciar un despegue visitando el sitio web (en inglés) [Hidden Content]. ¿Cuáles son los requisitos para la inscripción? La inscripción debe indicar tu intención de viajar al Centro Espacial Kennedy de la NASA en Florida y de asistir en persona a este evento de dos días de duración. Tú serás responsable de tus propios gastos de viaje, alojamiento, comida y otros servicios. La programación de los eventos y la participación de invitados especiales están sujetas a cambios sin previo aviso. La NASA no se hace responsable de las pérdidas o daños ocasionados como resultado de tu visita. Además, la NASA no se hace responsable de las pérdidas o daños ocasionados si el evento es cancelado **** una anticipación limitada o sin previo aviso. Por favor, planifica tu asistencia como corresponda. El centro Kennedy es una instalación del gobierno. Aquellas personas seleccionadas podrían tener que completar algunos pasos de inscripción adicionales para recibir autorización para ingresar a áreas de acceso protegido. IMPORTANTE: No se admitirá a personas sin la debida identificación. Para ciudadanos estadounidenses: Se te pedirá que presentes la identificación de REAL ID o un pasaporte válido de Estados Unidos MÁS uno de los siguientes documentos: Documentos aceptables para acompañar la identificación federal o estatal: Pasaporte estadounidense Tarjeta de autorización de empleo no vencida (formulario I-688A) Documento de autorización de empleo no vencido emitido por el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional (DHS) que contenga una fotografía (formulario I-688B) Licencia de conducir o tarjeta de identificación expedida por un estado o territorio de Estados Unidos, siempre que contenga una fotografía o información como nombre, fecha de nacimiento, sexo, estatura, color de ojos y dirección Tarjeta de identificación expedida por organismos o entidades gubernamentales federales, estatales o locales, siempre que contenga una fotografía o información como nombre, fecha de nacimiento, sexo, estatura, color de ojos y dirección Tarjeta de identificación académica **** fotografía Tarjeta de registro electoral Tarjeta de identificación como dependiente de militar Tarjeta militar o registro de reclutamiento de Estados Unidos Tarjeta de miembro de la Marina Mercante de la Guardia Costera de Estados Unidos Documento tribal de identificación de nativo estadounidense Tarjeta del Seguro Social de Estados Unidos emitida por la Administración del Seguro Social (que no sea una tarjeta que indique que no es válida para el empleo) Original o copia certificada de la partida de nacimiento expedida por un estado, condado, autoridad municipal o territorio de Estados Unidos que contenga un sello oficial Tarjeta de identificación de ciudadanía estadounidense (formulario I-197) Tarjeta de identificación para uso de ciudadanos residentes en Estados Unidos (formulario I-179) Documento de autorización de empleo no vencido emitido por el DHS que contenga una fotografía (que sea diferente de los documentos indicados anteriormente) Para ciudadanos extranjeros: Se permiten los mismos documentos indicados para los ciudadanos estadounidenses (la tarjeta del seguro social, SSN, solo será solicitada cuando corresponda) Pasaporte extranjero no vencido, **** sello I-551 o formulario I-94 adjunto que indique autorización de empleo no vencida Número de pasaporte y fecha de registro Documento de ciudadanía Licencia de conducir emitida por una autoridad gubernamental canadiense Para extranjeros **** residencia legal en Estados Unidos: Se permiten los mismos documentos indicados para los ciudadanos estadounidenses y: Tarjeta de residencia permanente o tarjeta de recibo de registro de extranjero **** fotografía (formulario I-551) Tarjeta de residente temporal no vencida (formulario I-688) Certificado de nacimiento en el extranjero expedido por el Departamento de Estado (formulario FS-545 o formulario DS-1350) La Ley de REAL ID fue aprobada por el Congreso en 2005 para establecer estándares mínimos de seguridad para las licencias de conducir y tarjetas de identificación emitidas por los estados. Todas las personas inscritas deben tener al menos 18 años de edad. ¿Qué sucede si cambia la fecha de lanzamiento? Cientos de factores diferentes pueden hacer que una fecha de lanzamiento programada cambie varias veces. La fecha de lanzamiento no será oficial hasta después de la revisión de aptitud para el vuelo. Si la fecha de lanzamiento cambia antes de esta revisión, la NASA puede ajustar la fecha del evento de NASA Social en consecuencia para que coincida **** la nueva fecha de lanzamiento objetiva, y notificará a las personas inscritas por correo electrónico acerca de cualquier cambio que tenga lugar. Si el lanzamiento se pospone, se invitará a las personas seleccionadas a asistir a una fecha de lanzamiento posterior. Si el lanzamiento se pospone por más de 72 horas, el evento de NASA Social podría ser cancelado. Los asistentes al evento de NASA Social son responsables de todos los gastos adicionales ocasionados en relación **** cualquier retraso en el lanzamiento. Recomendamos encarecidamente a los participantes que hagan reservas de viaje reembolsables y/o flexibles. ¿Qué sucede si no puedo acudir al Centro Espacial Kennedy? Si no puedes venir al Centro Espacial Kennedy y asistir en persona, no debes inscribirte en el evento de NASA Social. Únete a la conversación siguiendo las cuentas de @NASAArtemis (en inglés) en X, Facebook e Instagram, o las cuantas de la NASA en español en X, Facebook e Instagram y mira el lanzamiento en nasa.gov/live (ofreceremos retransmisiones en inglés y en español). La NASA proporcionará actualizaciones periódicas sobre el lanzamiento y la misión en sus cuentas @NASA y @NASAArtemis y @NASA_ES. Si no puedes asistir a este evento de NASA Social, no te preocupes: ¡la NASA está planeando muchos otros eventos de NASA Social en el futuro cercano que se llevarán a ***** en diferentes lugares! Sigue nuestras noticias en las redes sociales de la NASA, o en nuestro boletín semanal en español: [Hidden Content]. Share Details Last Updated Nov 19, 2025 Related TermsGeneral Explore More 7 min read Experience the Launch of Artemis II Article 16 minutes ago 4 min read Guiding Artemis: Brian Alpert Turns Lessons Learned Into Lunar Progress Article 1 day ago 4 min read Astronaut Candidates Get to Work at Johnson Space Center Article 2 months ago Keep Exploring Discover Related Topics Missions Humans in Space Climate Change Solar System View the full article

NASA/Kim Shiflett Digital creators and social media users are invited to register to attend the launch of the NASA’s Artemis II mission. The agency’s SLS (Space Launch System) rocket will launch the Orion spacecraft from Launch Complex 39B at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Four astronauts aboard will fly around the Moon and return to Earth after about 10 days in space. Are you passionate about social media and communications? Do you love to create content for an audience? Are you a fan of new, unique experiences? If you said yes, this NASA Social event is for you! This is your opportunity to be on the front lines of this historic Artemis mission that will lay the groundwork for future Moon landings and crewed missions to Mars. The NASA Social event will take place over two days, including the day of launch. Artemis II is targeted to launch no later than April 2026, with potential opportunities as soon as February. A maximum of 50 digital creators will be selected to attend this two-day event and will be given access similar to news media. NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to: Tour NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Learn directly from subject matter experts Meet fellow digital creators and social media users Spend time with members of NASA’s social media team View the launch of the Artemis II mission NASA Social registration for the Artemis II launch opens on this page on Wednesday, Nov. 19 and the deadline to apply is 5 p.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 24. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. APPLY NOW Do I need to have a social media account to register? Yes. This event is designed for people who: Actively use multiple social networking platforms and tools to disseminate information to a unique audience. Regularly produce new content that features multimedia elements. Have the potential to reach a large number of people using digital platforms. Reach a unique audience, separate and distinctive from traditional news media and/or NASA audiences. Must have an established history of posting content on social media platforms. Have previous postings that are highly visible, respected, and widely recognized. Users are encouraged to follow @NASAArtemis for Artemis updates on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Updates and information about the event will be shared on X via @NASA_Events. How do I register? Registration for this event opens Nov. 19 and closes at 5 p.m. EST on Nov. 24. Registration is for one person only (you) and is non-transferable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen? Yes, this event is open for all to apply. When will I know if I am selected? After registrations have been received and processed, an email with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected. We expect to send the first notifications on Monday, Dec. 8, and waitlist notifications on Monday, Dec. 15. What are NASA Social credentials? All NASA social applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those chosen must prove through the registration process they meet specific engagement criteria. If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you still can attend the launch off site and participate in the conversation online. Find out about ways to experience a launch at [Hidden Content]. What are the registration requirements? Registration indicates your intent to travel to NASA Kennedy and attend the two-day event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food, and other amenities. The schedule of events and special guest appearances are subject to change without notice. NASA is not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA, moreover, is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is canceled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly. Kennedy is a government facility. Those who are selected may need to complete additional steps to receive clearance to enter the secure areas. Kennedy is a government facility. Those who are selected may need to complete additional steps to receive clearance to enter the secure areas. IMPORTANT: Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. For United States Citizens: You will be required to present a REAL ID compliant identification or valid U.S. passport PLUS one of the following: Acceptable documents to accompany federal or state identification: U.S. Passport Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (Form I-688A) Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS that contains a photograph (Form I-688B) Driver’s license or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address ID card issued by federal, state or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color and address School ID card with a photograph Voter’s Registration Card Military Dependent’s ID Card U.S. Military card or draft record U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card Native American Tribal Document U.S. Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration (other than a card stating it is not valid for employment) Original or Certified copy of birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possessions of the United States bearing an official seal U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) ID Card for use of Resident Citizens of the United States (Form I-179) Unexpired employment authorization document issued by DHS (other than those listed previously) For Foreign Nationals: Same items required of U.S. Citizens (SSN only when applicable) Unexpired foreign passport, with I-551 stamp or attached Form I-94 indicating unexpired employment authorization Passport number and registration date Citizenship Driver’s license issued by a ********* Government authority For Legal Resident Aliens: Same items required of U. S. Citizens, and: Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card with photograph (Form I-551) Unexpired Temporary Resident Card (Form I-688) Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350) The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. All registrants must be at least 18 years old. What if the launch date changes? Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change multiple times. The launch date will not be official until after the Flight Readiness Review. If the launch date changes prior to the review, NASA may adjust the date of the NASA Social accordingly to coincide with the new target launch date, and will notify registrants of any changes via email. If the launch is postponed, attendees will be invited to attend a later launch date. If the launch is postponed beyond 72 hours, the NASA Social event may be canceled. NASA Social attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any launch delay. We strongly encourage participants to make travel arrangements that are refundable and/or flexible. What if I cannot come to the Kennedy Space Center? If you cannot come to the NASA Kennedy and attend in person, you should not register for the NASA Social. Join the conversation by following @NASAArtemis on X, Facebook, and Instagram, and watch the launch at nasa.gov/live. NASA will provide regular launch and mission updates on @NASA and @NASAArtemis. If you cannot make this NASA Social, don’t worry; NASA is planning many other NASA Social events in the near future at various locations! Check for updates on NASA Socials. View the full article

Alyssa Yockey supports the International Space Station from NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston as a flight lead at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. The Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory is one of the world’s largest indoor pools where astronauts and support teams conduct trainings and other large-scale operations, both in the water and on the pool deck. In this role, Yockey guides teams through integration efforts, including test readiness reviews to ensure all requirements are met, and helps prepare for suited or other testing events. She ensures smooth planning and execution of each mission-focused activity. Yockey also serves as a safety diver during astronaut suited testing events, giving her a unique perspective on both the planning and execution of Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory operations. Read on to learn about Yockey’s career with NASA and more! Alyssa Yockey, flight lead at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in the Sonny Carter Training Facility in Houston. Alyssa Yockey Where are you from? Friendswood, Texas. How long have you been working for NASA? Eleven and a half years. What was your path to NASA? My path to NASA has been a unique blend of science and hands-on experience. I grew up in Friendswood, Texas, surrounded by the influence of NASA and the space community. While many around me were drawn to engineering, I knew early on that wasn’t the path I wanted to take. Instead, I followed my curiosity for the natural world and earned a master’s degree in marine biology, which gave me a strong foundation in research, problem-solving, and working in challenging environments. From there, I pursued opportunities that built on those skills, including completing offshore water survival training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory for the job I held at the time. This role also allowed me to learn more about the wide range of opportunities at the facility. In addition, I became a certified scuba diver during college, which strengthened my capability and confidence in underwater and extreme environments. Together, these experiences combined my academic background with practical training, and ultimately guided me toward my role at NASA. Alyssa Yockey and her younger brother with Space Shuttle Columbia at Ellington Field, early 1990s.Alyssa Yockey How would you describe your job to family or friends that may not be familiar with NASA? When I explain my job to family and friends, I usually say I help make sure “astronaut pool days” go smoothly. I work with different teams to get their projects ready for NASA’s giant pool – the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory – where astronauts practice for spacewalks both on the International Space Station and on the lunar surface. That means taking care of the paperwork, preparing checklists for mock-up setup, and ensuring everything’s ready before anyone puts on a suit and hops in the water. When I am not doing that, I sometimes have the opportunity to jump in myself as a safety diver, which essentially makes me an underwater lifeguard for the astronauts. Alyssa Yockey (right) supporting NASA astronaut Chris Cassidy (left) as a safety diver during his last suited event in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory prior to his retirement. NASA What advice would you give to young individuals aspiring to work in the space industry or at NASA? The space field is built on innovation and problem-solving, so don't be afraid to ask questions, explore different disciplines, and step outside your comfort zone. Alyssa Yockey Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Flight Lead Stay curious, be resilient, and never stop learning. Seek internships, research opportunities, and mentorships, as they can open doors and give you hands-on experience. Most importantly, remember that there is no single path into this industry. Whether you come from engineering, science, business, policy, or even the arts, your unique perspective can contribute to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in space exploration. Is there a space figure you’ve looked up to or someone that inspires you? For me, it hasn’t been about looking up to one individual but rather being inspired by the collective effort it takes to make space exploration possible. What inspires me most is seeing how different disciplines and perspectives unite toward a single goal, often under intense pressure. That kind of teamwork and dedication motivates me to give my best and reminds me that every role, no matter how big or small, contributes to the larger success of the space program. Every mission is the result of countless people—engineers, divers, scientists, technicians, trainers, flight controllers, and more—all bringing their expertise together to solve complex problems. Alyssa Yockey Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory Flight Lead What is your favorite NASA memory or the most meaningful project you’ve worked on during your time with NASA? My favorite NASA memory is getting to witness, over multiple years, the collaboration of various NASA groups in developing the choreography for the four Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer (AMS) spacewalks. It was incredible to be part of that process from the very beginning. I was lucky enough to see the very first development run at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, and then later watch as ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Luca Parmitano and NASA astronaut Drew Morgan performed those same spacewalks on orbit. Being able to see all that preparation, teamwork, and problem-solving come full circle was both rewarding and unforgettable. Alyssa Yockey in the Extravehicular Mobility Unit during a suited egress training at the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory.NASA What do you love sharing about station? I love sharing how the space station connects directly back to life on Earth. People often think of it only as a place for astronauts to live and work in space, but it’s really a one-of-a-kind laboratory that helps us solve problems here at home. From medical research that leads to new treatments, to technology that improves clean water and sustainability, to international cooperation that shows what we can achieve when we work together—the station is a powerful reminder that exploration drives innovation and benefits everyone on Earth. November 2, 2025, marks 25 years of continuous human presence. What does this milestone mean to you? This milestone is inspiring – it represents the innovation, persistence, and teamwork required to make the extraordinary seem routine. Personally, it reminds me why exploration matters: it connects us across nations, pushes the limits of what’s possible, and builds the foundation for the next steps in our journey beyond Earth. If you could have dinner with any astronaut, past or present, who would it be? I would choose Karen Nyberg. Not only did she contribute significantly as a NASA astronaut and engineer, but she also brought a very human and creative element to her time in space. I admire how she combined her professional expertise with her passion for sewing and quilting, even creating a quilt block while aboard the space station. As someone who enjoys quilting myself, I think it would be fascinating to hear about how she balanced technical work with creative expression in such a unique environment. I imagine our conversation would cover both science and stitching, which is the perfect blend of my own interests. Do you have a favorite space-related memory or moment that stands out to you? One of my favorite space-related memories is getting to meet and chat with former NASA flight director Gene Kranz during a book signing. It was fun to hear stories firsthand from someone who played such a pivotal role in NASA’s history, and to gain insight into the dedication, teamwork, and problem-solving that make spaceflight possible. Meeting him brought history to life and reinforced why I’m grateful to be part of this field. Alyssa Yockey (center) and her husband (left) meeting Gene Kranz (right) at a book signing event.Alyssa Yockey What are some of the key projects you have worked on during your time at NASA? What have been your favorite? During my time at NASA, I first served as a dive operations training officer, where I was responsible for training and supporting divers in the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory. From there, I took on the role of flight lead, supporting a range of projects including Axiom Space’s integration into the Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory, working with the Micro-G Neutral Buoyancy Experiment Design Teams (Micro-G NExT) student experiment design teams, and participating in various lunar operations testing events. Each of these projects has been rewarding in different ways, whether through helping commercial partners prepare for their missions, mentoring and guiding students as they see their concepts come to life, or contributing to the future of lunar exploration. I especially enjoy the challenges each project brings, as they push me to adapt, collaborate across disciplines, and continuously grow in my role. What are your hobbies/things you enjoy doing outside of work? Outside of work, I enjoy spending time outdoors with my husband and our pups, traveling and camping in different state and national parks. Hiking is one of our favorite ways to explore new places and take in the scenery together. At home, I like to unwind with a good book or by sewing and quilting. Quilting has become a truly rewarding creative outlet for me — I love selecting fabrics, experimenting with patterns, and watching a design come to life piece by piece. Each quilt has its own story, whether it’s made for a friend, a family member, or simply for the joy of creating something new. Left: “One Giant Stitch” quilt, crafted by Alyssa Yockey with unique modifications. Original pattern by Kelli Fannin Quilt Designs. Right: Signature Quilt made by Alyssa Yockey featuring fabric from retired astronaut Karen Nyberg’s “Earth Views” line, created from her favorite photos taken from space. Alyssa Yockey Day launch or night launch? Night launch! Favorite space movie? Hidden Figures. NASA Worm or Meatball logo? Worm! NASA and its partners have supported humans continuously living and working in space since November 2000. After nearly 25 years of continuous human presence, the space station remains a training and proving ground for the future of commercial space stations, deep space missions, enabling NASA’s Artemis campaign, lunar exploration, and future Mars missions. Every day, we are conducting exciting research aboard our orbiting laboratory that will help us explore farther into space and bring benefits back to people on Earth. You can keep up with the latest news, videos, and pictures about space station science on the Station Research & Technology news page. It is a curated hub of space station research digital media from Johnson and other centers and space agencies. Sign up for our weekly email newsletter to get the updates delivered directly to you. Follow updates on social media at @Space_Station on X, and on the space station accounts on Facebook and Instagram. Explore More 4 min read Guiding Artemis: Brian Alpert Turns Lessons Learned Into Lunar Progress Article 1 day ago 7 min read International Space Station: Launching NASA and Humanity into Deep Space Article 2 months ago 4 min read Astronaut Candidates Get to Work at Johnson Space Center Article 2 months ago View the full article

Curiosity Navigation Curiosity Home Mission Overview Where is Curiosity? Mission Updates Science Overview Instruments Highlights Exploration Goals News and Features Multimedia Curiosity Raw Images Images Videos Audio Mosaics More Resources Mars Missions Mars Sample Return Mars Perseverance Rover Mars Curiosity Rover MAVEN Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Odyssey More Mars Missions Mars Home 2 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4716-4722: Drilling Success at Nevado Sajama NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity acquired this image of the “Nevado Sajama” drill hole, using its Left Navigation Camera on Nov. 13, 2025 — Sol 4718, or Martian day 4,718 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission — at 19:46:43 UTC. NASA/JPL-Caltech Written by Michelle Minitti, MAHLI Deputy Principal Investigator at Framework Earth planning date: Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 From Curiosity’s ridge-top perch among the boxwork unit, the highlight of the week was the successful drilling of the “Nevado Sajama” target. The data collected by APXS, ChemCam, and MAHLI from the rover workspace and its immediate vicinity gave the team confidence to proceed with sampling. APXS and ChemCam data from two targets cleared by the DRT — Nevado Sajama (before it was drilled) and “Tesoro del Pangal” — demonstrated that the chemistry of the workspace was in family with the many ridge-top targets analyzed during the boxwork unit campaign. MAHLI imaging revealed the presence of fine veins in both targets, and also confirmed the structural soundness of the drill target after the rover engineers tested the strength of Nevado Sajama by pressing down on it with the drill tip. The types of veins observed by MAHLI were investigated by ChemCam on broken bedrock faces that exposed both bright white and gray materials. These targets, “Arenas Blancas,” “Camarones,” and “Exaltación,” will provide more insight into the fluids that penetrated the boxwork ridges, perhaps contributing to their erosion resistance. DAN collected data for long stretches across the sols over which all these activities occurred, gaining data on the hydrogen (and by extrapolation, water) content of the ridge. Mastcam began and will continue to build a large mosaic of our location which will include both Nevado Sajama and the drill target “Valle de la Luna” within an adjacent hollow. The rover payload was not only focused on studying the ridge and drill target, but also added to the systematic environmental dataset Curiosity has built over the last 13 years. REMS and RAD regularly recorded Martian and space weather, respectively, throughout the week. Mastcam and Navcam measured dust loading in the atmosphere, and looked for clouds and dust devils while ChemCam and APXS took turns measuring different chemical components in the atmosphere. The drill activity itself completed on Sol 4718. This weekend, the first portions of the drilled material will be delivered to and analyzed by CheMin. The whole team is anxiously awaiting the CheMin results in order to compare them to the Valle de la Luna mineralogy derived from the hollow below us. We hope their comparison will provide us with new insights into how the boxwork unit came to be. Want to read more posts from the Curiosity team? Visit Mission Updates Want to learn more about Curiosity’s science instruments? Visit the Science Instruments page NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity at the base of Mount Sharp NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS Share Details Last Updated Nov 18, 2025 Related Terms Blogs Explore More 3 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4709-4715: Drilling High and Low in the Boxwork Unit Article 23 minutes ago 4 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4702-4708: It’s Only Spooky Here on Earth Today! Article 5 days ago 3 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4695-4701: Searching for Answers at Monte Grande Article 5 days ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Mars Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest. It’s the only planet we know of inhabited… All Mars Resources Explore this collection of Mars images, videos, resources, PDFs, and toolkits. Discover valuable content designed to inform, educate, and inspire,… Rover Basics Each robotic explorer sent to the Red Planet has its own unique capabilities driven by science. Many attributes of a… Mars Exploration: Science Goals The key to understanding the past, present or future potential for life on Mars can be found in NASA’s four… View the full article

Curiosity Navigation Curiosity Home Mission Overview Where is Curiosity? Mission Updates Science Overview Instruments Highlights Exploration Goals News and Features Multimedia Curiosity Raw Images Images Videos Audio Mosaics More Resources Mars Missions Mars Sample Return Mars Perseverance Rover Mars Curiosity Rover MAVEN Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Odyssey More Mars Missions Mars Home 3 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4709-4715: Drilling High and Low in the Boxwork Unit NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity acquired this image of the “Nevado Sajama” drill site workspace, which is on the patch of more coherent ridge bedrock in front of the hollow, towards the right-hand side of the image. Curiosity used its Left Navigation Camera on Nov. 4, 2025 — Sol 4709, or Martian day 4,709 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission — at 15:10:44 UTC. NASA/JPL-Caltech Written by Catherine O’Connell-Cooper, APXS Strategic Planner and Payload Uplink/Downlink Lead, University of New Brunswick, Canada Earth planning date: Friday, Nov. 7, 2025 We are in the most intensive phase of the boxwork structures investigation — the drill campaign. The boxwork campaign group requested a pair of drilled targets — one in a hollow (the topographic low) and one on an adjacent ridge, surrounding the hollow. As we noted in a previous blog, finding a drill target in the hollows proved to be tricky, as the hollow floors are often covered by sand and pebbles, with minimal bedrock exposed. But over the past two weeks, we successfully drilled the bedrock target “Valle de la Luna” in a large hollow called “Monte Grande.” We finished up at Valle de la Luna on Monday and moved quickly up onto the ridge to get our second target, about 10 meters away (about 33 feet). We wanted to name our targets to reflect the difference in location — from the topographic low to the (relatively speaking) high point on the nearby ridge. Our hollow target, Valle de la Luna, was named after an area of valleys in the Atacama Desert, in Chile. This area is one of the driest on Earth, with a unique environment and an incredible sculpted landscape with geological formations that would not look out of place in Gale crater. Although there is a mere 2-meter difference in elevation (about 6½ feet) between the hollow floor and the ridge top, we decided to name our ridge target “Nevado Sajama,” which is an extinct volcano and the highest peak in Bolivia. Go big or go home! Wednesday’s plan centered around our “Drill Sol Zero” activities. We use this day to finesse our position for drilling with a small drive (we refer to this kind of positioning drive as a “bump” as it is usually less than a couple of meters, which is less than 6 feet) to the most suitable potential drill target. On Wednesday, we bumped our way forward very slightly on the workspace, and this morning (Friday) the best potential target for drilling was in the perfect location. Today we do our Drill Sol 1 activities, which focus on triaging the Nevado Sajama bedrock block for drilling (the center of this Mastcam image; the lower block in this Navcam image). The Rover Planners (RPs) will test the coherency of the rock, to assess how it will hold up under the pressure of drilling. APXS and ChemCam will analyze the brushed bedrock in the intended drill area. We can compare this to targets from the very nearby Wednesday workspace (“Volcan Isluga” for APXS and “Luna Muerte” for ChemCam), so we can determine how homogenous or heterogenous this area is. MAHLI will image the bedrock here too, and again compare to targets from the Wednesday workspace (Volcan Isluga and the MAHLI-only target “Sipe Sipe,” which was an area of freshly broken rock, broken as we drove over it). The drill campaign for the boxwork area has been two years in the planning. Over those years, the boxwork campaign focus group (including me) have had regular meetings and presentations and brainstorming sessions. It is so rewarding to finally be here, in the middle of this active drill campaign. Want to read more posts from the Curiosity team? Visit Mission Updates Want to learn more about Curiosity’s science instruments? Visit the Science Instruments page NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity at the base of Mount Sharp NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS Share Details Last Updated Nov 18, 2025 Related Terms Blogs Explore More 2 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4716-4722: Drilling Success at Nevado Sajama Article 19 minutes ago 4 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4702-4708: It’s Only Spooky Here on Earth Today! Article 5 days ago 3 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4695-4701: Searching for Answers at Monte Grande Article 5 days ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Mars Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest. It’s the only planet we know of inhabited… All Mars Resources Explore this collection of Mars images, videos, resources, PDFs, and toolkits. Discover valuable content designed to inform, educate, and inspire,… Rover Basics Each robotic explorer sent to the Red Planet has its own unique capabilities driven by science. Many attributes of a… Mars Exploration: Science Goals The key to understanding the past, present or future potential for life on Mars can be found in NASA’s four… View the full article

Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical/IR: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI (HST and JWST); Radio: NSF/NRAO/VLA; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/J. Schmidt and N. Wolk NGC 1068, a relatively nearby spiral galaxy, appears in this image released on July 23, 2025. The galaxy contains a ****** hole at its center that is twice as massive as the Milky Way’s. NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory data shows a million-mile-per-hour wind is being driven from NGC 1068’s ****** hole and lighting up the center of the galaxy in X-rays. The image contains X-rays from Chandra (blue), radio data from the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (pink), and optical data from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (yellow, grey and gold). Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO; Optical/IR: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI (HST and JWST); Radio: NSF/NRAO/VLA; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/J. Schmidt and N. Wolk View the full article

Brian Alpert’s path was always destined for the aerospace industry, but his journey turned toward NASA’s Johnson Space Center during his sophomore year in college. That was when Tricia Mack, who works in NASA’s Transportation Integration Office within the International Space Station Program, spoke to his aerospace seminar about planning spacewalks, training crews, and supporting operations from the Mission Control Center in Houston. Alpert was inspired to join the agency and later earned a spot as an engineering co-op student at Johnson. “My first stop after new employee orientation was Tricia’s office,” he said. Brian Alpert supports a spacewalk outside of the International Space Station from the Mission Control Center at Johnson Space Center in 2015. NASA/Bill Stafford Eighteen years later, Alpert is the cross-program integration deputy for NASA’s human landing system (HLS) – the mode of transportation that will take astronauts to the lunar surface as part of the Artemis campaign. In his role, Alpert is responsible for coordinating with other Artemis programs, like the Orion Program, on issue resolution, joint agreements, data exchanges, hardware integration, and reviews. He also co-leads the Exploration Atmospheres Issue Resolution Team, assessing risks to and impacts on space vehicle atmosphere, spacesuit pressure, and operational timelines for Artemis missions. Alpert has enjoyed the opportunity to participate in several proposal reviews for Artemis program contracts as well. “NASA’s model of embracing public-private partnerships to achieve its strategic goals and objectives is exciting and will continue to expand opportunities in space,” he said. He applies lessons learned and skills gained from his previous roles as a spacewalk crew instructor, flight controller, and systems engineer to his current work on HLS. “I hope to pass on to the next generation that skills and lessons you learn as a student or a young employee can and will help you in your future work,” he said. Brian Alpert routes cables in the Johnson Space Center’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory in preparation for a crew training run in 2011. Image courtesy of Brian Alpert Alpert’s prior NASA roles involved memorable experiences like working to address spacesuit and vehicle failures that occurred during a spacewalk on International Space Station Expedition 32. He was serving as the lead spacewalk systems flight controller in the Mission Control Center at the time and played a key role in getting NASA astronaut Suni Williams and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Aki Hoshide safely back aboard the space station. Since Williams and Hoshide did not complete the spacewalk’s primary objective – replacing a Main Bus Switching Unit – a backup spacewalk was scheduled several days later. Alpert was on console for that spacewalk, too. “One important lesson that I have learned through my career to date is how exceptionally talented, passionate, and hard-working everyone is here at NASA,” he said. “Whenever work gets stressful or problems get hard, there are teams of people that have your back, are willing to problem-solve with you, and can bring another perspective to finding a solution that you may not have considered.” He added that his colleagues are the best part of his job. “As much as I love what we do at NASA, what really gets me excited to come to work is all the outstanding people I get to work with every day.” Brian Alpert completes a dive in NASA Johnson Space Center’s Neutral Buoyancy Laboratory for a spacesuit familiarization exercise in 2009. Image courtesy of Brian Alpert Learning how to navigate change has been an important lesson for Alpert, as well. “NASA has been through a lot of change since I became a full-time employee in 2009,” he said. “Making sure that I have clear goals for myself, my work, and my team helps us all stay focused on the mission and the work at hand and helps us prioritize projects and tasks as questions or challenges inevitably arise.” One challenge Alpert especially enjoys? Johnson’s annual Chili Cookoff. He has participated in many cookoffs as part of the Cosmic Chili team, noting that he often dons a Wolverine costume as part of the festive fun. He also welcomes a space trivia challenge – and a chance to add to his collection of trivia trophies. Explore More 3 min read NASA signs US-Australia Agreement on Aeronautics, Space Cooperation Article 2 months ago 7 min read International Space Station: Launching NASA and Humanity into Deep Space Article 2 months ago 4 min read Astronaut Candidates Get to Work at Johnson Space Center Article 2 months ago View the full article

El cohete SLS (Sistema de Lanzamiento Espacial) y la nave espacial Orion de la misión Artemis I, en la plataforma móvil de lanzamiento en el Centro Espacial Kennedy de la NASA en Florida, **** la luna llena al fondo. Imagen tomada el 14 de junio de 2022.Crédito: NASA/Cory Huston Read this press release in English here. Ya está abierto el plazo de acreditación de medios de comunicación para el lanzamiento de la primera misión lunar tripulada de la campaña Artemis de la NASA. **** un lanzamiento previsto para principios de 2026, el vuelo de prueba Artemis II enviará a los astronautas de la NASA Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover y Christina Koch y al astronauta de la CSA (Agencia Espacial Canadiense) Jeremy Hansen en un viaje de aproximadamente 10 días alrededor de la Luna y de regreso. La tripulación despegará desde el Centro Espacial Kennedy de la agencia en Florida, a bordo de la nave espacial Orion de la NASA, transportada por el poderoso cohete Sistema de Lanzamiento Espacial (SLS, por sus siglas en inglés) de la agencia, **** el fin de ayudar a validar los sistemas y el hardware necesarios para la exploración humana del espacio profundo. Los miembros de los medios que no dispongan de ciudadanía estadounidense deben solicitar el acceso para ver el lanzamiento antes del domingo 30 de noviembre. Los miembros de medios **** ciudadanía estadounidense deben solicitarlo antes del lunes 8 de diciembre. Los periodistas que ya dispongan de acreditaciones anuales para el centro Kennedy de la NASA también deben solicitar acceso para este lanzamiento. Aquellos que estén acreditados para asistir al despegue de Artemis II recibirán también acreditación para asistir a eventos previos al lanzamiento, incluyendo la presentación del cohete y la nave espacial integrados, un evento que se dará varias semanas antes del despegue. Más adelante proporcionaremos detalles adicionales sobre las fechas del lanzamiento. Los medios de comunicación pueden enviar sus solicitudes de acreditación en línea, en: [Hidden Content] Debido al gran interés suscitado, la disponibilidad de plazas para asistir a las actividades del lanzamiento es limitada. Los medios acreditados recibirán un correo electrónico de confirmación tras la aprobación, junto **** información adicional sobre las actividades previas al lanzamiento y actividades del lanzamiento. La política de acreditación de medios de la NASA está disponible en línea (en inglés). Si tiene alguna pregunta sobre la acreditación, envíe un correo electrónico en inglés a: ksc*****@*****.tld. Para otras preguntas, póngase en contacto **** la sala de prensa del centro Kennedy de la NASA a través del número: +1 321-867-2468. Como parte de una edad dorada de innovación y exploración, Artemis allanará el camino para nuevas misiones tripuladas estadounidenses en la superficie lunar, en preparación para la primera misión tripulada a Marte. Para obtener más información (en inglés) sobre la misión Artemis II, visite: [Hidden Content] -fin- Rachel Kraft / María José Viñas Sede central, Washington 202-358-1100 rachel.h*****@*****.tld / *****@*****.tld Tiffany Fairley Centro Espacial Kennedy, Florida 321-867-2468 *****@*****.tld Share Details Last Updated Nov 17, 2025 EditorJessica TaveauLocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsNASA en españolArtemisArtemis 2Exploration Systems Development Mission DirectorateKennedy Space Center View the full article

The Artemis I SLS (Space Launch System) rocket and Orion spacecraft atop the mobile launcher at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida with a full Moon in the background on June 14, 2022.Credit: NASA/Cory Huston Lee este comunicado de prensa en español aquí. Media accreditation is open for the launch of the first crewed Moon mission under NASA’s Artemis campaign. Targeted to launch in early 2026, the Artemis II test flight will send NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and CSA (********* Space Agency) astronaut Jeremy Hansen on an approximately 10-day journey around the Moon and back. The crew will lift off from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida inside NASA’s Orion spacecraft on the agency’s powerful (SLS) Space Launch System rocket to help confirm the systems and hardware needed for human deep space exploration. International media without U.S. citizenship must apply to view the launch by Sunday, Nov. 30. U.S. media must apply by Monday, Dec. 8. Journalists who already have annual badges to NASA Kennedy also must apply. Those who are accredited to attend the Artemis II launch also will be accredited to attend pre-launch events, including rollout of the integrated rocket and spacecraft several weeks before launch. Additional details about launch dates will be provided later. Media may submit accreditation requests online at: [Hidden Content] Due to high interest, space is limited to attend launch activities. Credentialed media will receive a confirmation email upon approval, along with additional information about pre-launch and launch activities. NASA’s media accreditation policy is available online. For questions about accreditation, please email: ksc*****@*****.tld. For other questions, please contact the NASA Kennedy newsroom at: 321-867-2468. As part of a Golden Age of innovation and exploration, Artemis will pave the way for new U.S.-crewed missions on the lunar surface in preparation toward the first crewed mission to Mars. To learn more about the Artemis II mission, visit: [Hidden Content] -end- Rachel Kraft Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 rachel.h*****@*****.tld Tiffany Fairley Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-867-2468 *****@*****.tld Share Details Last Updated Nov 17, 2025 EditorJessica TaveauLocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsArtemis 2ArtemisExploration Systems Development Mission DirectorateKennedy Space Center View the full article

NASA/Christopher LC Clark NASA ER-2 pilot Kirt Stallings waits inside the transport vehicle moments before boarding the airborne science aircraft at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California, on Thursday, Aug. 21, 2025. Outside the window, the aircraft is being readied for a high-altitude mission supporting the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx), a multi-year NASA–U.S. Geological Survey campaign to map critical mineral resources across the Western United States. The GEMx team believes that undiscovered deposits of at least some of the 50 mineral commodities deemed essential to U.S. national security, to the tech industry, and to clean energy exist domestically, and modern mineral maps will support exploration by the private sector. In 2025 alone, the ER-2 flew 36 science missions, collecting more than seven billion measurements over 200 flight hours, contributing to the largest airborne surface mineralogy dataset ever gathered in a single NASA campaign. For this mission, pilots flew at approximately 65,000 feet altitude, requiring them to wear specially designed pressure suits to safely operate in the thin atmosphere. Image credit: NASA/Christopher LC Clark Text credit: Darin L. Dinius View the full article

El telescopio espacial Hubble captó esta imagen del cometa interestelar 3I/ATLAS el 21 de julio de 2025, cuando el cometa se encontraba a 445 millones de kilómetros (277 millones de millas) de la Tierra. Hubble muestra que el cometa tiene una envoltura de polvo en forma de lágrima que se desprende de su núcleo sólido y helado.Crédito: NASA, ESA, David Jewitt (UCLA); Procesamiento de imágenes: Joseph DePasquale (STScI) Read this press release in English here. La NASA ofrecerá un evento en vivo (en inglés) a las 3 p.m. EST del miércoles 19 de noviembre para compartir imágenes del cometa interestelar 3I/ATLAS captadas por varias misiones de la agencia. El evento tendrá lugar en el Centro de Vuelo Espacial Goddard de la NASA, en Greenbelt, Maryland. El cometa 3I/ATLAS, descubierto el 1 de julio por el observatorio ATLAS (por las siglas en inglés de Sistema de Última Alerta de Impacto Terrestre de Asteroides), financiado por la NASA. El cometa es el tercer objeto identificado hasta la fecha que ha entrado en nuestro sistema solar procedente de otra parte de la galaxia. Aunque no supone ninguna amenaza para la Tierra y no se acercará a menos de 273 millones de kilómetros (170 millones de millas) de nuestro planeta, el cometa pasó a menos de 30 millones de kilómetros (19 millones de millas) de Marte a principios de octubre. El evento se retransmitirá en NASA+, la aplicación de la NASA, el sitio web y el canal de YouTube de la agencia, y Amazon Prime. Entre los participantes en la sesión informativa, que proceden de la sede central de la NASA en Washington, se encuentran: Amit Kshatriya, administrador asociado de la NASA Nicky Fox, administradora asociada, Dirección de Misiones Científicas Shawn Domagal-Goldman, director interino, División de Astrofísica Tom Statler, científico jefe para cuerpos pequeños del sistema solar. Para participar virtualmente en el evento NASA Live, los miembros de los medios de comunicación deben enviar su nombre completo, afiliación mediática, dirección de correo electrónico y número de teléfono a más tardar dos horas antes del inicio del evento a Molly Wasser: *****@*****.tld. Los miembros del público también podrán hacer preguntas utilizando #AskNASA en las redes sociales, y sus preguntas podrían ser respondidas, en inglés y en tiempo real, durante la transmisión. También contamos **** un experto en la materia **** disponibilidad limitada para entrevistas de seguimiento en español. Para solicitar una entrevista en español, póngase en contacto **** María José Viñas: *****@*****.tld Recursos de misiones científicas de la NASA proporcionan a Estados Unidos la capacidad única de observar a 3I/ATLAS prácticamente durante todo el tiempo que permanecerá en nuestra vecindad celeste y estudiar, **** instrumentos científicos complementarios y desde diferentes direcciones, cómo se comporta el cometa. Estos instrumentos incluyen tanto naves espaciales en todo el sistema solar como observatorios terrestres. Para más información sobre 3I/ATLAS, visite: [Hidden Content] (español) [Hidden Content](inglés) -fin- Karen Fox / Molly Wasser / María José Viñas Sede central, Washington 202-358-1600 *****@*****.tld / *****@*****.tld / *****@*****.tld Share Details Last Updated Nov 17, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsNASA en españolAstrophysics DivisionScience & ResearchScience Mission DirectorateThe Solar System View the full article

Hubble captured this image of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS on July 21, 2025, when the comet was 277 million miles from Earth. Hubble shows that the comet has a teardrop-shaped cocoon of dust coming off its solid, icy nucleus. Credit: NASA, ESA, David Jewitt (UCLA); Image Processing: Joseph DePasquale (STScI) Lee este comunicado de prensa en español aquí. NASA will host a live event at 3 p.m. EST, Wednesday, Nov. 19, to share imagery of the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS collected by a number of the agency’s missions. The event will take place at the NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Comet 3I/ATLAS, discovered by the NASA-funded ATLAS (Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System) observatory on July 1, is only the third object ever identified as entering our solar system from elsewhere in the galaxy. While it poses no threat to Earth and will get no closer than 170 million miles to Earth, the comet flew within 19 million miles of Mars in early October. The event will air on NASA+, the NASA app, the agency’s website and YouTube channel, and Amazon Prime. Briefing participants include: NASA Associate Administrator Amit Kshatriya Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate Shawn Domagal-Goldman, acting director, Astrophysics Division Tom Statler, lead scientist for solar system small bodies To participate virtually in the NASA Live event, members of the media must send their full name, media affiliation, email address, and phone number no later than two hours before the start of the event to Molly Wasser at: *****@*****.tld. Members of the public also may ask questions, which may be answered in real time during the broadcast, by using #AskNASA on social media. Assets within NASA’s science missions give the United States the unique capability to observe 3I/ATLAS almost the entire time it passes through our celestial neighborhood, and study – with complementary scientific instruments and from different directions – how the comet behaves. These assets include both spacecraft across the solar system, as well as ground-based observatories. For more information on 3I/ATLAS, visit: [Hidden Content] -end- Karen Fox / Molly Wasser Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 *****@*****.tld / *****@*****.tld Share Details Last Updated Nov 17, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsScience Mission DirectorateAstrophysics DivisionScience & ResearchThe Solar System View the full article

3 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) NASA’s research into the field of Advanced Air Mobility looks to enable autonomous aircraft with complex capabilities such as carrying cargo or providing medical aid, as seen in this artist’s concept. The Data and Reasoning Fabric project out of Ames Research Center tested delivery of programs and information to these kinds of vehicles.Credit: NASA One of the biggest goals for companies in the field of artificial intelligence is developing “agentic” or autonomous systems. These metaphorical agents can perform tasks without a guiding human hand. This parallels the goals of the emerging urban air mobility industry, which hopes to bring autonomous flying vehicles to cities around the world. One company got a head start on doing both with some help from NASA. Autonomy Association International Inc. (AAI) is a public benefit corporation based in Mountain View, California, near NASA’s Ames Research Center in Silicon Valley. In 2022, AAI signed a Space Act Agreement with Ames to support the agency’s Data and Reasoning Fabric project, which aimed to support the transportation of people and cargo to areas previously unserved or underserved by aviation, and to provide reliable, accurate, and current data for aeronautic decision-making. “Inspiration to lean into data fabric to solve certain complexities came from our NASA partnership,” said AAI cofounder and the project’s industry principal investigator Greg Deeds. “Working on this project was a great experience. Working with NASA engineers and leaders gave us experience that we’ll carry forward in all of our products.” Greg Deeds looks out the window of a helicopter flying over Arizona during a test of Autonomy Association International’s data fabric technology in collaboration with NASA. Through multiple evaluations above Phoenix, the testing proved the capabilities of the company’s Digital Infrastructure Platform. Credit: Autonomy Association International Inc. Similar to how clothing fabric is made of intertwined threads, a data fabric comprises intertwined data sources. While a data fabric built by a tech company may include data from a few different cloud service providers, NASA’s Data and Reasoning Fabric can also use information provided by local governments and other service providers. By viewing airspace as a large data fabric, an autonomous vehicle can take in data and requests from the cities and towns it flies over and prioritize responses between them. Working with Ken Freeman, principal investigator of the project at Ames, AAI and NASA performed four testing adaptations of the data fabric technology in the air over Arizona. Using hardware and software developed by AAI, the flights tested advanced air mobility passenger flights and the use of a drone for rapid delivery of medical supplies from urban to rural areas and back, while sending new tasks to the aircraft in flight. A helicopter stood in for the drone and air taxi, flying over towns, universities, tribal lands, and the airspace around Phoenix Sky Harbor airport and obtaining data and programs given to it from different places. “We’re focusing on the digital infrastructure building blocks of smart cities and regions of the future,” said Jennifer Deeds, chief operating officer and cofounder of AAI. In the years since the original NASA project, the company has cultivated relationships and customers abroad, including companies in agriculture, real estate development, and industrial food production using its system to aggregate and manage data. Released in 2024, the company’s Digital Infrastructure Platform uses the same technology originally designed for the NASA flight test. A new, “agentic” version followed not long after, able to retrieve necessary AI programs with minimal interaction. As AI unlocks innovation across American industries, NASA is equipping its commercial partners with the keys, using proven technology to generate breakthrough solutions. Learn more: [Hidden Content] Read More Share Details Last Updated Nov 17, 2025 Related TermsTechnology Transfer & SpinoffsAmes Research CenterSpinoffsTechnology Transfer Explore More 5 min read From Supercomputers to Wind Tunnels: NASA’s Road to Artemis II Article 2 months ago 3 min read NASA, Partners Push Forward with Remotely Piloted Airspace Integration Article 2 months ago 2 min read NASA Makes Webby 30s List of Most Iconic, Influential on Internet Article 2 months ago Keep Exploring Discover Related Topics Ames Research Center Advanced Air Mobility Mission NASA’s Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) research will transform our communities by bringing the movement of people and goods off the ground, on… Data and Reasoning Fabric Aeronautics View the full article

The Sentinel-6B satellite lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in central California at 9:21 p.m. PST on Nov. 16.Credit: NASA/Carla Thomas About the size of a full-size pickup truck, a newly launched satellite by NASA and its partners will provide ocean and atmospheric information to improve hurricane forecasts, help protect infrastructure, and benefit commercial activities, such as shipping. The Sentinel-6B satellite lifted off aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in central California at 9:21 p.m. PST on Nov. 16. Contact between the satellite and a ground station in northern Canada occurred about 1 hour and 30 minutes later at 10:54 p.m. All systems are functioning normally. “Understanding tidal patterns down to the inch is critical in protecting how we use our oceans every day on Earth,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Sentinel-6B will build upon the legacy of Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich by making sea level measurements that improve forecasts used by communities, businesses, and operations across the country. It also will support a safer reentry for our astronauts returning home, including crew from Artemis Moon missions.” Sea levels vary from place to place, and the satellite will provide accurate measurements at both local and global scales — all from hundreds of miles above in low Earth orbit. Those observations form the basis for U.S. flood predictions, which are crucial for safeguarding coastal infrastructure, real estate, energy storage sites, and other coastal assets. Sentinel-6B will take over for Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, which launched in 2020 and later became the official reference satellite for global sea level measurements, providing sea surface height measurements against which those from other satellites are compared for accuracy. The satellite comes from a collaboration between multiple partners, including NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It also is part of the European Union’s family of Copernicus missions. “Collaboration between partners is key to a mission such as Sentinel-6, and my thanks go to everyone involved in developing, launching, and operating this exceptional satellite, which follows in the footsteps of the first Sentinel-6, Michael Freilich,” said Simonetta Cheli, director, ESA’s Earth Observation Programmes. “This achievement demonstrates what can be accomplished when international agencies and industries work together toward a shared goal. Sentinel-6B will ensure we continue to collect the high-precision data needed to understand our changing climate, safeguard our oceans and support decisions that protect coastal communities around the world.” The two satellites make up the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission, the latest in a series of ocean-observing radar altimetry missions that have monitored Earth’s changing seas since the early 1990s. As with its predecessor, Sentinel-6B satellite also will provide key information about wind speeds, wave heights, atmospheric temperature, and humidity. Moreover, because water expands as its temperature increases, researchers can tell which parts of the ocean are warmer than others based on where the sea surface height is greater. Combined with data from other instruments, that knowledge can help in forecasting marine weather, including the development of hurricanes, which intensify with warmer water. Also, because large currents are taller than surrounding waters due to their higher temperatures, sea surface measurements can shed light on interactions between the Gulf Stream, for example, and nearby waves. Where they meet, seas can become rougher, presenting a hazard to even the largest ships. “Sentinel-6B is a testament to the value of NASA’s partnership missions to put actionable satellite information and science into the hands of decision-makers on the ground,” said Karen St. Germain, director, NASA Earth Science Division at the agency’s headquarters. “Sentinel-6B will collect ocean surface observations that will inform decisions critical to coastal communities, commercial shipping and fishing, national defense, and emergency preparedness and response. This is what NASA does — puts advanced technology and science into action for the benefit of the nation.” When Sentinel-6B reaches its operating elevation, the satellite will fly about 30 seconds behind Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, which carries identical science instruments. Once the mission finishes cross-calibrating the data collected by the two, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will move into a different orbit, and Sentinel-6B will take over the role of official reference satellite, orbiting Earth about 13 times a day at 830 miles (1,336 kilometers) above the surface. “Sentinel-6B demonstrates the versatile Earth science applications made possible by expertly engineered, space-based technology. The satellite’s powerful suite of instruments will measure about 90% of Earth’s oceans down to fractions of an inch — continuing to add to a vital dataset that America and a growing global community depend on,” said Dave Gallagher, director, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Southern California. More about Sentinel-6B Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS is a collaboration between ESA, the European Union, EUMETSAT, NASA, and NOAA. French space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) contributed technical support. Copernicus, which includes the Sentinel missions, is the European Union’s Earth observation program led by the European Commission. A division of Caltech in Pasadena, JPL contributed three science instruments for each Sentinel-6 satellite: the Advanced Microwave Radiometer, the Global Navigation Satellite System – Radio Occultation, and the laser retroreflector array. NASA also is contributing launch services, ground systems supporting operation of the NASA science instruments, the science data processors for two of these instruments, and support for the U.S. members of the international Ocean Surface Topography Science Team, and Sentinel-6 science teams. To learn more about Sentinel-6B, visit: [Hidden Content] -end- Elizabeth Vlock Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 *****@*****.tld Andrew Wang / Andrew Good Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 626-379-6874 / 626-840-4291 *****@*****.tld / *****@*****.tld Share Details Last Updated Nov 17, 2025 EditorJessica TaveauLocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsSentinel-6BEarth Science DivisionJet Propulsion LaboratoryScience Mission Directorate View the full article

5 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) Set to launch no earlier than Nov. 16, Sentinel-6B will continue the data record now being collected by its twin satellite Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, which lifted off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in November 2020 aboard the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket shown here.SpaceX Set to track sea levels across more than 90% of Earth’s ocean, the mission must first get into orbit. Here’s what to expect. Sentinel-6B, an ocean-tracking satellite jointly developed by NASA and ESA (European Space Agency), is ready to roll out to the launch pad, packed into the payload fairing of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Launch is targeted at 12:21 a.m. EST, Monday, Nov. 17 (9:21 p.m. PST, Sunday, Nov. 16). Once it lifts off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, the satellite will ride out a 57-minute sequence of events ending in spacecraft separation, when the satellite detaches from the rocket. Then Sentinel-6B’s real work begins. Orbiting Earth every 112 minutes at 4.5 miles (7.2 kilometers) per second, the satellite will eventually take over for its twin, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, launched five years ago, to continue a multidecade dataset for sea level measurements from space. Those measurements, along with atmospheric data the mission gathers, will help improve public safety and city planning while protecting coastal infrastructure, including power plants and defense interests. NASA will also use the data to refine atmospheric models that support the safe re-entry of Artemis astronauts. Get the Sentinel-6B Press Kit Here’s a closer look at what lies ahead for the satellite in the coming days. Launch timeline Measuring 19.1 feet (5.82 meters) long and 7.74 feet (2.36 meters) high (including the communications antennas), the satellite weighs in at around 2,600 pounds (1,200 kilograms) when loaded with propellant at launch. The satellite will lift off from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg. If needed, backup launch opportunities are available on subsequent days, with the 20-second launch window occurring about 12 to 13 minutes earlier each day. A little more than two minutes after the Falcon 9 rocket lifts off, the main engine cuts off. Shortly after, the rocket’s first and second stages separate, followed by second-stage engine start. The reusable Falcon 9 first stage then begins its automated boost-back burn to the launch site for a powered landing. About three minutes after launch, the two halves of the payload fairing, which protected the satellite as it traveled through the atmosphere, separate and fall safely back to Earth. The first cutoff of the second stage engine takes place approximately eight minutes after liftoff, at which point the launch vehicle and the spacecraft will be in a temporary “parking” orbit. The second stage engine fires a second time about 44 minutes later, and about 57 minutes after liftoff, the rocket and the spacecraft separate. Roughly seven minutes after that, the satellite’s solar panels deploy. Sentinel-6B is expected to make first contact with ground controllers about 35 minutes after separation (roughly an hour and a half after liftoff) — a major milestone indicating that the spacecraft is healthy. Science mission Following launch operations, the team will focus on its next challenge: getting the spacecraft ready for science operations. Once in orbit, Sentinel-6B will fly about 30 seconds behind its twin, the Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich satellite. When scientists and engineers have completed cross-calibrating the data collected by the two spacecraft, Sentinel-6B will take over the role of providing primary sea level measurements while Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich will move into a different orbit. From there, researchers plan to use measurements from Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich for different purposes, including helping to map seafloor features (variations in sea surface height can reveal variations in ocean floor features, such as seamounts). Sentinel-6B is part of a U.S.-European mission that will continue 30-year-plus record of sea-level measurements. Its observations will help build an accurate picture of local and global sea surface heights to support storm forecasting, secure coastal infrastructure, and help optimize commercial activities, such as shipping. NASA/JPL-Caltech Where to find launch coverage Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the agency’s website, including links to live streaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 11 p.m. EST, Nov. 16, as the countdown milestones occur. Streaming video and photos of the launch will be accessible on demand shortly after liftoff. Follow countdown coverage on NASA’s Sentinel-6B blog. For more information about NASA’s live programming schedule, visit plus.nasa.gov/scheduled-events. More about Sentinel-6B The Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission is a collaboration between NASA, ESA, EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The European Commission contributed funding support while France’s space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) provided technical expertise. The mission also marks the first international involvement in Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth Observation Programme. A division of Caltech in Pasadena, JPL built three science instruments for each Sentinel-6 satellite: the Advanced Microwave Radiometer, the Global Navigation Satellite System – Radio Occultation, and the Laser Retroreflector Array. NASA is also contributing launch services, ground systems supporting operation of the NASA science instruments, the science data processors for two of these instruments, and support for the U.S. members of the international Ocean Surface Topography and Sentinel-6 science teams. The launch service is managed by NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. How Sentinel-6B Will Help Ships at Sea How Sentinel-6B Will Help Improve Hurricane Forecasts How Do We Measure Sea Level? News Media Contacts Elizabeth Vlock NASA Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 *****@*****.tld Andrew Wang / Andrew Good Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 626-379-6874 / 626-840-4291 *****@*****.tld / *****@*****.tld 2025-125 Share Details Last Updated Nov 15, 2025 Related TermsSentinel-6BEarthEarth ScienceEarth Science DivisionJason-CS (Continuity of Service) / Sentinel-6 Explore More 6 min read 6 Things to Know From NASA About New US, European Sea Satellite Article 1 day ago 1 min read Inside the Visualization: Aerosols NASA uses satellites, ground measurements, and powerful computer models to track tiny particles floating in… Article 2 months ago 4 min read NASA Aircraft Coordinate Science Flights to Measure Air Quality Magic is in the air. No wait… MAGEQ is in the air, featuring scientists from… Article 2 months ago Keep Exploring Discover Related Topics Explore Earth Science From its origins, NASA has studied our planet in novel ways, using a fleet of satellites and ambitious airborne and ground-based… Earth Science at Work NASA Earth Science helps Americans respond to challenges and societal needs — such as wildland fires, hurricanes, and water supplies… Earth Science Data Earth Science Missions In order to study the Earth as a whole system and understand how it is changing, NASA develops and supports… View the full article

6 min read Preparations for Next Moonwalk Simulations Underway (and Underwater) Set to launch no earlier than Nov. 16, Sentinel-6B will continue a decades-long data record of sea level measurement that will help decision-makers manage coastal flooding, support hurricane intensity forecasts, and assist in the return of astronauts from space.NASA Data from Sentinel-6B will continue a decades-long record of sea surface height, helping to improve coastal planning, protect critical infrastructure, and advance weather forecasts. With launch set for no earlier than 12:21 a.m. EST Monday, Nov. 17, Sentinel-6B is the latest satellite in a series of spacecraft NASA and its partners have used to measure sea levels since 1992. Their data has helped meteorologists improve hurricane forecasts, managers protect infrastructure, and coastal communities plan. After launch, Sentinel-6B will begin the process of data cross-calibration with its predecessor, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, to provide essential information about Earth’s ocean. Sentinel-6B is the second of two satellites that constitute the Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission, a collaboration between NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The European Commission contributed funding support while France’s space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) provided technical expertise. Here are six things to know about Sentinel-6B and the broader Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission: 1. Sentinel-6B will deliver data on about 90% of Earth’s ocean, providing direct benefits to humanity. Sentinel-6B will contribute to a multidecade dataset for sea level measurements from space. This data is key to helping improve public safety, city planning, and protecting commercial and defense interests. Pioneered by NASA and its partners, the dataset enables users in government, industry, and the research community to better understand how sea levels change over time. Combined with information from other NASA satellites, data from Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS is vital for tracking how heat and energy move through Earth’s seas and atmosphere, as well as for monitoring ocean features such as currents and eddies. The measurements come courtesy of a radar altimeter that measures sea levels for nearly all of Earth’s ocean, providing information on large-scale currents that can aid in commercial and naval navigation, search and rescue, and the tracking of debris and pollutants from disasters at sea. Sentinel-6B is part of a U.S.-European mission that will continue 30-year-plus record of sea-level measurements. Its observations will help build an accurate picture of local and global sea surface heights to support storm forecasting, secure coastal infrastructure, and help optimize commercial activities, such as shipping. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech 2. Data from the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission helps NASA prepare for the next phase of space exploration. The better we understand Earth, the better NASA can carry out its mission to explore the universe. Data from the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission is used to refine the Goddard Earth Observing System atmospheric forecast models, which the NASA Engineering Safety Center uses to plan safer reentry of astronauts returning from Artemis missions. Additionally, changes to Earth’s ocean, observed by satellites, can have measurable effects beyond our planet. For instance, while the Moon influences ocean tides on Earth, changes in those tides can also exert a small influence on the Moon. Data from Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS can help improve understanding of this relationship, knowledge that can contribute to future lunar exploration missions. 3. The Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission helps the U.S. respond to challenges by putting actionable information into the hands of decision-makers. Data collected by the mission helps city planners, as well as local and state governments, to make informed decisions on protecting coastal infrastructure, real estate, and energy facilities. The mission’s sea level data also improves meteorologists’ weather predictions, which are critical to commercial and recreational navigation. By enhancing weather prediction models, data provided by Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS improves forecasts of hurricane development, including the likelihood of storm intensification, which can aid disaster preparedness and response. Get the Sentinel-6B Press Kit 4. Data from Sentinel-6B will support national security efforts. The ocean and atmosphere measurements from Sentinel-6B will enable decision-makers to better protect coastal military installations from such events as nuisance flooding while aiding national defense efforts by providing crucial information about weather and ocean conditions. The satellite will do so by feeding near-real time data on Earth’s atmosphere and seas to forward-looking weather and ocean models. Since the measurements are part of a long-term dataset, they also can add historical context that puts the new data in perspective. 5. The Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS mission’s direct observation of sea levels delivers information critical to protecting coastlines, where nearly half of the world’s population lives. Sea level rise varies from one area to another, meaning that some coastlines are more vulnerable than others to flooding, erosion, and saltwater contamination of underground freshwater supplies, the latter of which threatens farmland and drinking water. Sea level measurements from Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, and soon, Sentinel-6B, form the basis of U.S. flood predictions for coastal infrastructure, real estate, energy storage sites, and other coastal assets. Knowing which regions are more vulnerable to these risks will enable U.S. industries and emergency managers to make better-informed decisions about transportation and commercial infrastructure, land-use planning, water management, and adaptation strategies. 6. The international collaboration behind the mission enables the pooling of capabilities, resources, and expertise. The multidecadal dataset that this mission supports is the result of years of close work between NASA and several collaborators, including NASA, ESA, EUMETSAT, CNES, and NOAA. By pooling expertise and resources, this partnership has delivered cost-effective solutions that have made precise, high-impact data available to industry and government agencies alike. More about Sentinel-6B Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS was jointly developed by ESA, EUMETSAT, NASA, and NOAA, with funding support from the European Commission and technical support from CNES. The mission also marks the first international involvement in Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth Observation Programme. Managed for NASA by Caltech in Pasadena, JPL contributed three science instruments for each Sentinel-6 satellite: the Advanced Microwave Radiometer, the Global Navigation Satellite System – Radio Occultation, and the laser retroreflector array. NASA is also contributing launch services, ground systems supporting operation of the NASA science instruments, the science data processors for two of these instruments, and support for the international ocean surface topography community. For more about Sentinel-6B, visit: [Hidden Content] How Sentinel-6B Will Help Ships at Sea How Sentinel-6B Will Help Improve Hurricane Forecasts How Do We Measure Sea Level? News Media Contacts Elizabeth Vlock NASA Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 *****@*****.tld Andrew Wang / Andrew Good Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 626-379-6874 / 626-840-4291 *****@*****.tld / *****@*****.tld 2025-124 Share Details Last Updated Nov 14, 2025 Related TermsSentinel-6BEarthEarth ScienceEarth Science DivisionJason-CS (Continuity of Service) / Sentinel-6 Explore More 1 min read Inside the Visualization: Aerosols NASA uses satellites, ground measurements, and powerful computer models to track tiny particles floating in… Article 2 months ago 4 min read NASA Aircraft Coordinate Science Flights to Measure Air Quality Magic is in the air. No wait… MAGEQ is in the air, featuring scientists from… Article 2 months ago 6 min read NASA Data Powers New Tool to Protect Water Supply After Fires When wildfires scorch a landscape, the flames are just the beginning. NASA is helping U.S.… Article 2 months ago Keep Exploring Discover Related Topics About NASA’s Earth Science Division NASA applies ingenuity and expertise gained from decades of planetary and deep-space exploration to the study of our home planet.… Sentinel-6B Sentinel-6B will extend NASA’s sea level measurements gold-standard dataset into its fourth decade, providing an accurate picture of global and… Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM Jason-2) OSTM/Jason-2’s primary payload includes five instruments similar to those aboard Jason-1, along with three experimental instruments. Its main instrument is… Sea Level – Earth Indicator Global sea level rise is caused primarily by two factors: added fresh water from melting ice sheets and glaciers, and… View the full article

In this artist’s concept, the ocean-observing satellite Sentinel-6B orbits Earth with its deployable solar panels extended. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech NASA will provide live coverage of prelaunch and launch activities for Sentinel-6B, an international mission delivering critical sea level and ocean data to protect coastal infrastructure, improve weather forecasting, and support commercial activities at sea. Launch is targeted at 12:21 a.m. EST, Monday, Nov. 17 (9:21 p.m. PST, Sunday, Nov. 16) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. Watch coverage beginning at 11:30 p.m. EST (8:30 p.m. PST) on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and more. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media. The Sentinel-6B mission continues a decades-long effort to monitor global sea level and ocean conditions using precise radar measurements from space. Since the early 1990s, satellites launched by NASA and domestic and international partners have collected precise sea level data. The launch of Sentinel-6B will extend this dataset out to nearly four decades. NASA’s mission coverage is as follows (all times Eastern and subject to change based on real-time operations): Saturday, Nov. 15 4 p.m. – NASA Prelaunch Teleconference on International Ocean Tracking Mission Karen St. Germain, director, Earth Science Division, NASA Headquarters in Washington Pierrik Veuilleumier, Sentinel-6B project manager, ESA Parag Vaze, Sentinel-6B project manager, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California Tim Dunn, senior launch director, Launch Services Program, NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida Julianna Scheiman, director, NASA Science Missions, SpaceX 1st Lt. William Harbin, launch weather officer, U.S. Air Force Audio of the teleconference will stream on the NASA Video YouTube channel. Media interested in participating by phone must RSVP no later than two hours prior to the start of the call at: ksc*****@*****.tld. A copy of NASA’s media accreditation policy is online. Sunday Nov. 16 11:30 p.m. – Launch coverage begins on NASA+, Amazon Prime, and more. Audio-only coverage Audio-only of the launch coverage will be carried on the NASA “V” circuits, which may be accessed by dialing 321-867-1220 or -1240. On launch day, “mission audio” countdown activities without NASA+ launch commentary will be carried at 321-867-7135. NASA website launch coverage Launch day coverage of the mission will be available on the agency’s website. Coverage will include links to live streaming and blog updates beginning no earlier than 11 p.m. EST, Nov. 16, as the countdown milestones occur. Streaming video and photos of the launch will be accessible on demand shortly after liftoff. Follow countdown coverage on NASA’s Sentinel-6/Jason-CS blog. For questions about countdown coverage, contact the NASA Kennedy newsroom at: 321-867-2468. Attend launch virtually Members of the public can register to attend this launch virtually. NASA’s virtual guest program for this mission includes curated launch resources, notifications about related opportunities or changes, and a stamp for the NASA virtual guest passport following launch. Watch, engage on social media Let people know you’re watching the mission on X, Facebook, and Instagram by following and tagging these accounts: X: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASAJPL, @NASAEarth Facebook: NASA, NASA Kennedy, NASA JPL, NASA Earth Instagram: @NASA, @NASAKennedy, @NASAJPL, @NASAEarth Sentinel-6B is the second of twin satellites in the Copernicus Sentinel-6/Jason-CS (Continuity of Service) mission, a collaboration among NASA, ESA (European Space Agency), EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites), and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The first satellite in the mission, Sentinel-6 Michael Freilich, launched in November 2020. The European Commission contributed funding support, while France’s space agency CNES (Centre National d’Études Spatiales) provided technical expertise. The mission also marks the first international involvement in Copernicus, the European Union’s Earth Observation Programme. For more information about these missions, visit: [Hidden Content] -end- Elizabeth Vlock NASA Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1600 *****@*****.tld Leejay Lockhart Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-747-8310 *****@*****.tld Andrew Wang / Andrew Good Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 626-379-6874 / 818-393-2433 *****@*****.tld / *****@*****.tld Share Details Last Updated Nov 14, 2025 LocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsSentinel-6BEarthEarth ScienceEarth Science DivisionJason-CS (Continuity of Service) / Sentinel-6Jet Propulsion LaboratoryKennedy Space CenterNASA HeadquartersOceansScience & ResearchScience Mission DirectorateSentinel-6 Michael Freilich Satellite View the full article

NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, CXC This image released on June 30, 2025, combines data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope and NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory to visualize dark matter. Researchers used Webb’s observations to carefully measure the mass of the galaxy clusters shown here as well as the collective light emitted by stars that are no longer bound to individual galaxies. Learn more. Image credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, CXC View the full article

Artistic rendering of the High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking protocol being used on the Laser Communications Relay Demonstration to transfer radio and optical communications between Earth and space. Credit: NASA NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has earned 2025 R&D 100 Awards for developing a system that delivers high-speed internet for space and co-inventing technology for a new class of soft magnetic nanocrystalline materials designed to operate at extreme temperatures. This brings NASA Glenn’s total to 130 R&D 100 Awards. High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking NASA Glenn’s Daniel Raible and Rachel Dudukovich led their team of engineers to create High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking (HDTN), a cutting-edge software solution designed to revolutionize data streaming and communication in space. HDTN enables reliable, high-speed transmission of data between space and Earth — even under the extreme conditions of space — minimizing loss and system delay. High-Rate Delay Tolerant Networking team photo, left to right: Tad Kollar, Eric Brace, Brian Tomko, José Lombay-González, Nadia Kortas, Daniel Raible, John Nowakowski, Shaun McKeehan, Ethan Schweinsberg, Prash Choksi, and Rachel Dudukovich. Credit: NASA/Jef Janis “The HDTN software protocol allows faster, automated, and seamless data transfer between spacecraft, even across communication systems operating on different link speeds,” Raible said. “It’s up to 10 times faster than current delay-tolerant networking (DTN).” This advanced technology has far-reaching implications beyond NASA. With its open-source code, HDTN paves the way for collaboration, innovation, and adoption across the rapidly expanding commercial space industry, offering near real-time communication capabilities. Looking ahead, HDTN could form the foundation of a solar system-wide internet, supporting data exchange between Earth, spacecraft, and even future missions involving human travel to the Moon and Mars. VulcanAlloy In a project led by the University of Pittsburgh, researchers at NASA Glenn, including Nick Bruno, Grant Feichter, Vladimir Keylin, Alex Leary, and Ron Noebe, partnered with CorePower Magnetics to develop VulcanAlloy — a breakthrough soft magnetic nanocrystalline material. NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland tested high-temperature inductors using VulcanAlloy technology in the NASA Glenn Extreme Environments Rig, which simulates the conditions on Venus’ surface, on May 13, 2025. Credit: NASA VulcanAlloy, developed under NASA’s High Operating Temperature Technology Program using processing capability established by the Advanced Air Transport Technology project, operates above 500°C, far beyond the limits of conventional soft magnetic materials. Its nano-engineered structure maintains efficiency at high temperatures and frequencies. With adjustable magnetic properties, it can replace multiple materials in components like inductors, transformers, motors, and sensors while reducing the need for bulky cooling systems — ideal for extreme environments. Raytheon has tested VulcanAlloy cores, highlighting their potential in electrified aircraft, defense, and aerospace systems. This innovation also promises major impact in electric vehicles, data centers, microgrids, and energy systems, where smaller, lighter, and more efficient components are key to advancing next-generation power electronics. The R&D 100 Awards, a worldwide science and innovation competition, received entries from organizations around the world. Now in its 63rd year, this year’s judging panel included industry professionals from across the globe who evaluated breakthrough innovations in technology and science. Return to Newsletter Explore More 2 min read NASA Glenn Reinforces Role in Aerospace Innovation During Ohio Space Week Article 2 months ago 3 min read NASA Glenn’s AeroSpace Frontiers Newsletter Takes a Bow Article 2 months ago 1 min read Glenn Highlights Space Exploration at Minnesota State Fair Article 2 months ago View the full article

Explore Hubble Hubble Home Overview About Hubble The History of Hubble Hubble Timeline Why Have a Telescope in Space? Hubble by the Numbers At the Museum FAQs Impact & Benefits Hubble’s Impact & Benefits Science Impacts Cultural Impact Technology Benefits Impact on Human Spaceflight Astro Community Impacts Science Hubble Science Science Themes Science Highlights Science Behind Discoveries Universe Uncovered Hubble’s Partners in Science AI and Hubble Science Explore the Night Sky Observatory Hubble Observatory Hubble Design Mission Operations Science Operations Astronaut Missions to Hubble Hubble vs Webb Team Hubble Team Career Aspirations Hubble Astronauts Multimedia Images Videos Sonifications Podcasts e-Books Online Activities 3D Hubble Models Lithographs Fact Sheets Posters Hubble on the NASA App Glossary News Hubble News Social Media Media Resources More 35th Anniversary Online Activities 2 min read Hubble Studies Star Ages in Colorful Galaxy This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image features the spiral galaxy called NGC 6000. ESA/Hubble & NASA, A. Filippenko; Acknowledgement: M. H. Özsaraç Stars of all ages are on display in this NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image of the sparkling spiral galaxy called NGC 6000, located 102 million light-years away in the constellation Scorpius. NGC 6000 has a glowing yellow center and glittering blue outskirts. These colors reflect differences in the average ages, masses, and temperatures of the galaxy’s stars. At the heart of the galaxy, the stars tend to be older and smaller. Less massive stars are cooler than more massive stars, and somewhat counterintuitively, cooler stars are redder, while hotter stars are bluer. Farther out along NGC 6000’s spiral arms, brilliant star clusters host young, massive stars that appear distinctly blue. Hubble collected the data for this image while surveying the sites of recent supernova explosions in nearby galaxies. NGC 6000 hosted two recent supernovae: SN 2007ch in 2007 and SN 2010as in 2010. Using Hubble’s sensitive detectors, researchers can discern the faint glow of supernovae years after the initial explosion. These observations help constrain the masses of supernovae progenitor stars and can indicate if they had any stellar companions. By zooming in to the right side of the galaxy’s disk in this image, you can see a set of four thin yellow and blue lines. These lines are an asteroid in our solar system that was drifting across Hubble’s field of view as it gazed at NGC 6000. The four lines are due to four different exposures recorded one after another with slight pauses in between. Image processors combined these four exposures to create the final image. The lines appear dashed with alternating colors because each exposure used a filter to collect very specific wavelengths of light, in this case around red and blue. Having these separate exposures of particular wavelengths is important to study and compare stars by their colors — but it also makes asteroid interlopers very obvious! Facebook logo @NASAHubble @NASAHubble Instagram logo @NASAHubble Media Contact: Claire Andreoli (*****@*****.tld) NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MD Share Details Last Updated Nov 14, 2025 Editor Andrea Gianopoulos Location NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Related Terms Hubble Space Telescope Astrophysics Astrophysics Division Galaxies Goddard Space Flight Center Spiral Galaxies Stars The Universe Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From Hubble Hubble Space Telescope Since its 1990 launch, the Hubble Space Telescope has changed our fundamental understanding of the universe. Hubble News Hubble Science Highlights Hubble Online Activities View the full article

NASA’s ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) mission launched at 3:55 p.m. EST atop a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket at Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.Credit: Blue Origin A pair of NASA spacecraft ultimately destined for Mars will study how its magnetic environment is impacted by the Sun. The mission also will help the agency prepare for future human exploration of Mars. NASA’s ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) spacecraft launched at 3:55 p.m. EST, Thursday, aboard a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket from Launch Complex 36 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. “Congratulations to Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, UC Berkeley, and all our partners on the successful launch of ESCAPADE. This heliophysics mission will help reveal how Mars became a desert planet, and how solar eruptions affect the Martian surface,” said acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy. “Every launch of New Glenn provides data that will be essential when we launch MK-1 through Artemis. All this information will be critical to protect future NASA explorers and invaluable as we evaluate how to deliver on President Trump’s vision of planting the Stars and Stripes on Mars.” The twin spacecraft, built by Rocket Lab, will investigate how a never-ending, million-mile-per-hour stream of particles from the Sun, known as the solar wind, has gradually stripped away much of the Martian atmosphere, causing the planet to cool and its surface water to evaporate. The mission is led by the University of California, Berkeley. Ground controllers for the ESCAPADE mission established communications with both spacecraft by 10:35 p.m. EST. “The ESCAPADE mission is part of our strategy to understand Mars’ past and present so we can send the first astronauts there safely,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters in Washington. “Understanding Martian space weather is a top priority for future missions because it helps us protect systems, robots, and most importantly, humans, in extreme environments.” New Glenn also carried a space communications technology demonstration from Viasat Inc., supporting NASA’s efforts to commercialize next-generation satellite relay services for science missions. Funded by the agency’s Communications Services Project, the demonstration transmitted launch telemetry data from the rocket’s second stage to an operations center on Earth through Viasat’s geostationary satellite network. Blazing new trails Recent solar activity, which triggered widespread auroras on Earth, caused a slight delay in launch to prevent solar storms from negatively impacting post-launch spacecraft commissioning. When ESCAPADE arrives at Mars, it will study present-day effects of the solar wind and solar storms on the Red Planet in real time. This will provide insights about Martian space weather and help NASA better understand the conditions astronauts will face when they reach Mars. “The ESCAPADE spacecraft are now about to embark on a unique journey to Mars never traversed by any other mission,” said Alan Zide, ESCAPADE program executive at NASA Headquarters. Rather than heading directly to Mars, the twin spacecraft will first head to a location in space a million miles from Earth called Lagrange point 2. Right now, Earth and Mars are on opposite sides of the Sun, which makes it harder to travel from one planet to the other. In November 2026, when Earth and Mars are closely aligned in their orbits, the ESCAPADE spacecraft will loop back to Earth and use Earth’s gravity to slingshot themselves toward Mars. In the past, Mars missions have waited to launch during a brief window of time when Earth and Mars are aligned, which happens roughly every two years. However, with the type of trajectory ESCAPADE is using, future missions could launch nearly anytime and wait in space, queueing up for their interplanetary departure, until the two planets are in position. This original “Earth-proximity” or “loiter” orbit also will make ESCAPADE the first mission to ever pass through a distant region of Earth’s magnetotail, part of our planet’s magnetic field that gets stretched out away from the Sun by the solar wind. Studying Mars in stereo After a 10-month cruise, ESCAPADE is expected to arrive at Mars in September 2027, becoming the first coordinated dual-spacecraft mission to enter orbit around another planet. Over several months, the two spacecraft will arrange themselves in their initial science formation, in which the twin spacecraft will follow each other in the same “string-of-pearls” orbit, passing through the same areas in quick succession to investigate for the first time how space weather conditions vary on short timescales. This science campaign will begin in June 2028. Six months later, both spacecraft will shift into different orbits, with one traveling farther from Mars and the other staying closer to it. Planned to last for five months, this second formation aims to study the solar wind and Mars’ upper atmosphere simultaneously, allowing scientists to investigate how the planet responds to the solar wind in real time. In addition, ESCAPADE will provide more information about Mars’ ionosphere — a part of the upper atmosphere that future astronauts will rely on to send radio and navigation signals around the planet. The ESCAPADE mission is funded by NASA’s Heliophysics Division and is part of NASA’s Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration program. NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, and Advanced Space support the mission. NASA’s Launch Services Program, based at Kennedy Space Center in Florida, secured the launch service with Blue Origin under the Venture-class Acquisition of Dedicated and Rideshare contract. To learn more about the ESCAPADE mission, visit: [Hidden Content] -end- Abbey Interrante Headquarters, Washington 301-201-0124 *****@*****.tld Leejay Lockhart Kennedy Space Center, Fla. 321-747-8310 *****@*****.tld Share Details Last Updated Nov 13, 2025 EditorJennifer M. DoorenLocationNASA Headquarters Related TermsEscaPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers)HeliophysicsScience & ResearchScience Mission Directorate View the full article

Curiosity Navigation Curiosity Home Mission Overview Where is Curiosity? Mission Updates Science Overview Instruments Highlights Exploration Goals News and Features Multimedia Curiosity Raw Images Images Videos Audio Mosaics More Resources Mars Missions Mars Sample Return Mars Perseverance Rover Mars Curiosity Rover MAVEN Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Odyssey More Mars Missions Mars Home 4 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4702-4708: It’s Only Spooky Here on Earth Today! NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity acquired this image at the start of the drilling activity at the “Valle de la Luna” site, “caught in the act” as this image was taken on Oct. 19, 2025. Curiosity used its Front Hazard Avoidance Camera (Front Hazcam) on Sol 4693, or Martian day 4,693 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission, at 01:54:37 UTC. NASA/JPL-Caltech By Susanne P. Schwenzer, Professor of Planetary Mineralogy at The Open University, U.K. Earth planning date: Friday, Oct. 31, 2025 I am writing this blog and it’s still daytime — and I am looking forward to accompanying one of my favorite kids to trick-and-treating afterwards. That’s a new feeling for me because I am usually in the U.K., which means my Curiosity shifts start in the late afternoon when everyone else finishes working. But for now, I am in the U.S. (Houston, Texas), and it’s daytime, which is a lovely change, especially today as I don’t have to hide from trick-and-treaters’ interruptions but instead can give out all the candy they can possibly eat! Looking forward to that… but before, let’s see what Curiosity was up to this week! You’ll have seen the blog by my colleague Bill, “Searching for Answers at Monte Grande,” about our analysis of the “Valle de la Luna” sample with CheMin and SAM EGA. This week we were continuing the SAM analysis of the 44th drilled sample, which always takes a lot of power, so that leaves less room for other investigations. Hence, you might notice that there were fewer ChemCam and Mastcam activities. The rover also did not drive while sample is still in the turret ready for delivery of the next SAM activities. Curiosity has now completed the deliveries to CheMin and SAM, though, and the last action in Friday’s plan was to clean out the remaining sample from the drill in preparation for driving away here in Monday’s plan. In Monday’s plan we’ll reposition the rover to get a very good look at the potential next drill targets on the ridge. We’ve been able to scout them already in previous images and have a few candidates, but decision-making will require images from Monday’s parking position, since we are currently parked in a hollow and cannot really see what’s up on the ridge. That said, being stationary has always been a golden opportunity for looking at wind action, and this week was no difference as Mastcam looked at the drill fines several times over the time we were stationary, to ascertain the safety for MAHLI to approach — and of course to use those images for atmospheric science, too. In addition, Mastcam took the opportunity to get comprehensive imaging of the entire area. There are several mosaics that document the near-field, for example at target “Nazareth.” In the mid- and far-field distances, Mastcam assembled a large mosaic on “Monte Grande” and “Ticaco” to document the different rocks in the surrounding ridge walls and wider afield. There are so many interesting textures and alteration features, alongside troughs and fractures, that the team will have a fun time analyzing them all in great detail individually, as well as their relationships to each other. ChemCam has investigated the Valle de la Luna drill hole and tailings as per the usual cadence of post-drilling activities, and in addition investigated target Nazareth to understand how the block that Curiosity drilled might vary chemically. Another ChemCam target was “Pachica,” as the team observed many nodules in this target and we are interested in their chemical variability and “Palpana,” a more smooth block. Further investigations of the Valle de la Luna drill hole with ChemCam are targets “Anapia” and “Bandara” to further investigate the chemical diversity of the drill target block. ChemCam Remote Micro Imager (RMI) observations were also taken in the near-field and farther away. In the near-field, RMI images are documenting further details on the Valle de la Luna drill hole and its tailings, while further afield the Monte Grande Wall is one of the RMI targets alongside with other details in the boxwork ridges around us. On Friday, the RMI was pointed far uphill to continue imaging the yardang unit, which is one of our next goals in the longer term future. In addition to all the drill activities and rock investigations, the atmosphere received attention too. We have the usual cadence of environmental investigations, building our long-term pressure, temperature, and humidity record of Mars; and we observe the atmospheric opacity, dust-****** activities, and clouds. Of course, we are all looking forward to next week, when we will decide on the second drill target in this area, this time on the ridge. Let’s see what block will be looking best, both from a science and an engineering point of view – we’ve got a short list of candidates; the detailed images are for Monday’s plan. Meanwhile, we’ll enjoy trick-and-treating here on Earth and our weekends while Curiosity finishes the drill activities at Valle de la Luna. Want to read more posts from the Curiosity team? Visit Mission Updates Want to learn more about Curiosity’s science instruments? Visit the Science Instruments page NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity at the base of Mount Sharp NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS Share Details Last Updated Nov 13, 2025 Related Terms Blogs Explore More 3 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4695-4701: Searching for Answers at Monte Grande Article 40 minutes ago 3 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4689-4694: Drill in the Boxwork Unit is GO! Article 43 minutes ago 4 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4682-4688: Seven Mars Years Article 50 minutes ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Mars Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest. It’s the only planet we know of inhabited… All Mars Resources Explore this collection of Mars images, videos, resources, PDFs, and toolkits. Discover valuable content designed to inform, educate, and inspire,… Rover Basics Each robotic explorer sent to the Red Planet has its own unique capabilities driven by science. Many attributes of a… Mars Exploration: Science Goals The key to understanding the past, present or future potential for life on Mars can be found in NASA’s four… View the full article

Curiosity Navigation Curiosity Home Mission Overview Where is Curiosity? Mission Updates Science Overview Instruments Highlights Exploration Goals News and Features Multimedia Curiosity Raw Images Images Videos Audio Mosaics More Resources Mars Missions Mars Sample Return Mars Perseverance Rover Mars Curiosity Rover MAVEN Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mars Odyssey More Mars Missions Mars Home 3 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4695-4701: Searching for Answers at Monte Grande NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity acquired this image of the “Valle de la Luna” drill hole using its Mast Camera (Mastcam) on Oct. 19, 2025 — Sol 4693, or Martian day 4,693 of the Mars Science Laboratory mission — at 02:04:29 UTC. NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS Written by William Farrand, Senior Research Scientist, Space Science Institute Earth planning date: Friday, Oct. 24, 2025 Curiosity has successfully drilled its 44th hole on Mars, which is a major milestone in our investigation of the enigmatic “boxwork unit,” a region of resistant ridges surrounding pits or “hollows” of less-resistant rock. The drilling took place over the past weekend within the “Monte Grande” hollow at the “Valle de la Luna” target. Rover planning this week consisted of ensuring that the granular drill tailings from Valle de la Luna were transferred to the SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) and CheMin (X-ray diffraction) instruments, and analyzing the results. Results from these instruments, which will provide mineralogical and other compositional information, will be especially critical for determining how the boxwork features formed, since chemistry from the APXS and ChemCam instruments and reflectance spectra from ChemCam have revealed subtle, but not striking, differences between the rocks making up the ridges and those making up the hollows. Thus, a compositional explanation for the differences between the two terrain types has yet to be determined. While these internal studies of the Valle de la Luna samples were going on, remote sensing data were collected by Mastcam of a series of targets, as well as atmospheric remote sensing. Among the Mastcam studies being conducted is a photometry study, a kind of study usually only carried out during an extended stationary *******, such as the current drill campaign. Photometry is the study of changes in the apparent reflected brightness of rocks and soils based on the illumination geometry (for example, whether the Sun is low on the horizon or high in the sky). During this photometry campaign, multiple images are collected of the same target regions at different times of day. In the final plan of the week, as part of the ongoing assessment of the Valle de la Luna sample, material will undergo an evolved gas analysis (EGA) in which the drilled sample is baked in an oven in SAM and volatile molecules including H2O, CO2, and SO2 are released and used to further aid in the characterization of the target materials. Mastcam observations will include further images collected as part of the photometry campaign. Also mosaics of the west wall of the Monte Grande hollow will be collected as well as several atmospheric measurements. Next week the rover will continue analyzing the drilled sample with more SAM experiments, and also analyze the tailings. The team is also starting to search for a suitable drilling location on a ridge as the next drilling site, in order to compare with the results from the Monte Grande hollow. Want to read more posts from the Curiosity team? Visit Mission Updates Want to learn more about Curiosity’s science instruments? Visit the Science Instruments page NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity at the base of Mount Sharp NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS Share Details Last Updated Nov 13, 2025 Related Terms Blogs Explore More 4 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4702-4708: It’s Only Spooky Here on Earth Today! Article 38 minutes ago 3 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4689-4694: Drill in the Boxwork Unit is GO! Article 43 minutes ago 4 min read Curiosity Blog, Sols 4682-4688: Seven Mars Years Article 50 minutes ago Keep Exploring Discover More Topics From NASA Mars Mars is the fourth planet from the Sun, and the seventh largest. It’s the only planet we know of inhabited… All Mars Resources Explore this collection of Mars images, videos, resources, PDFs, and toolkits. Discover valuable content designed to inform, educate, and inspire,… Rover Basics Each robotic explorer sent to the Red Planet has its own unique capabilities driven by science. Many attributes of a… Mars Exploration: Science Goals The key to understanding the past, present or future potential for life on Mars can be found in NASA’s four… View the full article