NASA’s Earth Observatory

For those who haven’t yet discovered it, may I recommend spending some time browsing through the Web site of NASA’s Earth Observatory? It offers a fascinating look from space at this earth of ours, including an Image Of The Day that can sometimes be quirky, sometimes, scientific, and sometimes spectacularly beautiful. They’ve got archives running… Continue reading NASA’s Earth Observatory

To go where like no man has gone before?

The Pink Tentacle Blog (and no, I have no idea why it’s named that!) has an interesting report on a new-generation human waste disposal device for use in space. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has teamed up with engineers from the private sector to develop a next-generation space toilet, which they hope to complete… Continue reading To go where like no man has gone before?

36 years ago . . .

. . . on December 14th, 1972, the Apollo 17 mission left the Moon. It was the last manned space mission to our nearest celestial body. The mission was notable for its spectacular night launch (click to enlarge – it’s worth it!); and for the longest and most distant excursions from the lunar landing module… Continue reading 36 years ago . . .

A 10th birthday that’s (literally) out of this world

The International Space Station turned 10 a few days ago. The first module, the Russian Zarya FCB (for ‘Functional Cargo Block’), was launched on November 20th, 1998. (Click the pictures for a larger view.) The US space shuttle Endeavour launched mission STS-88 on December 4th, 1998, carrying the Unity ISS module. Between December 7th and… Continue reading A 10th birthday that’s (literally) out of this world

An anniversary worth remembering

Tomorrow, Saturday, October 4th, 2008, is the 51st anniversary of the launch of Sputnik 1. This first orbital satellite only remained operational for three weeks, but began the Space Race in earnest, and has been followed by thousands of more and more sophisticated descendants. One of those descendants is also making headlines at present. ISEE-3… Continue reading An anniversary worth remembering