Topic: Missions

Building a Flying Saucer
A new 'flying saucer' design for a prototype aircraft could one day aid in the exploration of other planets and moons, including Saturn's moon Titan. The technology could be used to explore many interesting sites for astrobiology in our solar system.

Resistant Transistors
Transistors made from a new kind of material are now being tested in space. The durable new technology could benefit long duration missions to planets like Mars and aid in completing science objectives like the search for signs of life in our solar system.

Dexterous UMan
Researchers have built a mobile robotic arm that can 'see' its environment and learn to manipulate objects. The technology could play an important role in future robotic planetary exploration.

Mercury's Iron Snow
Scientific evidence suggests that iron 'snow' may form deep inside of Mercury. The movement of this iron snow could be responsible for Mercury's magnetic field. The finding has implications in our understanding of the nature and evolution of planets.

Building with DNA
Scientists are using DNA to make intricate nano-sized objects smaller than the tiniest speck of dust. DNA is a primary building block for life, but its ability to self-assemble could also help develop technologies for medical, electronic and space applications.

The Astrobiology Universe
The Astrobiology Science Conference, recently held in Santa Clara, California, was a complex universe teeming with topics and ideas. Although there were far too many interesting presentations to cover in full, this overview provides a few highlights.

Radiation Belt Storm
NASA will launch two probes into the radiation belts in order to study how violent space weather can affect astronauts and space equipment. The knowledge gained will be essential in designing safe future space missions.

Cassini to Continue
NASA is extending the Cassini-Huygens mission by two years. The mission has provided exciting and unexpected findings from locations like Titan and Enceladus, and will now continue is important observations of Saturn and the planet's unique moons.

ENDURANCE – Self Control
Researchers gathered last week in wintery Wisconsin to test a robotic probe under ice. Astrobiology Magazine’s Henry Bortman submits his final report on the probe’s progress in the field.

ENDURANCE Night Dive
Researchers have gathered this week in wintery Wisconsin to test a robotic probe under ice. Astrobiology Magazine’s Henry Bortman submits his second report on the probe’s progress in the field.