Planetary Society Blog

Rosetta is gone

Fri, 30 Sep 2016 08:13:28 -0500

Today there is one less spacecraft returning science data from beyond Earth. The European Space Operations Centre received the final transmission from Rosetta at 11:19 September 30, UT.

Rosetta spacecraft may be dying, but Rosetta science will go on

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:47:15 -0500

The Rosetta mission will end tomorrow when the spacecraft impacts the comet. ESA took advantage of the presence of hundreds of members of the media to put on a showcase of Rosetta science. If there’s one thing I learned today from all the science presentations, it’s this: Rosetta data will be informing scientific work for decades to come.

Dawn Journal: 9th Anniversary

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 12:05:15 -0500

Nine years ago today, Dawn set sail on an epic journey of discovery and adventure. The intrepid explorer has sailed the cosmic seas and collected treasures that far exceeded anything anticipated or even hoped for.

OSIRIS-REx’s cameras see first light

Thu, 29 Sep 2016 03:34:49 -0500

As OSIRIS-REx speeds away from Earth, it’s been turning on and testing out its various engineering functions and science instruments. Proof of happy instrument status has come from several cameras, including the star tracker, MapCam, and StowCam.

SpaceX and the Blank Slate

Wed, 28 Sep 2016 10:20:09 -0500

SpaceX's plans to colonize Mars differ considerably from NASA's Journey to Mars ambitions. But direct comparison is difficult. SpaceX is able to wipe the slate clean and start fresh with a bold new approach to humans in space. NASA has no such luxury, and must use existing pieces and people to make their goals a reality.

A million people in 40 to 100 years: SpaceX unveils plan to colonize Mars

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 22:46:55 -0500

After much anticipation, Elon Musk revealed his plans to colonize Mars. Here are the details, some questions yet to be answered, and a few thoughts on how this could change the way we think about human spaceflight.

Rosetta end-of-mission event schedule

Tue, 27 Sep 2016 11:45:15 -0500

A schedule of what to expect during Rosetta's final hours September 29 and 30, and how you can follow online.

New Findings are Conclusive: Europa is crying out for exploration

Mon, 26 Sep 2016 13:36:00 -0500

New scientific findings add to the evidence that Europa is spouting its liquid ocean into space. NASA has a mission to Europa in the works, but it wouldn't launch for at least a decade. Congress can make it faster, but it all depends on whether they can pass a budget this year.

Juno and Marble Movie update at Apojove 1

Thu, 22 Sep 2016 12:51:55 -0500

Juno is on its second of two long orbits around Jupiter, reaching apojove (its farthest distance from the planet) today.

Where to find rapidly released space image data

Wed, 21 Sep 2016 19:06:07 -0500

Interested in playing with recent space image data? Here's a list of places to get the freshest photos from space.

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