Searched for
SPACE SHUTTLE PROGRAM
NASA sent seeds into space for nearly 6 years; after they returned, 132,000 experiment kits reached 3.3 million students in 30 countriesIn April 1984, NASA launched a satellite carrying 12.5 million tomato seeds into orbit to test how space radiation affects biological life....
In 1975, NASA sent a pocket calculator on Apollo-Soyuz as a backup if its main computer failed; 37 years later, it ended up at the SmithsonianNASA utilized an HP-65 calculator as a crucial backup system during the Apollo-Soyuz mission. This programmable device carried essential gu...
In 1999, NASA sent 4 ladybugs aboard Columbia for 5 days to chase aphids; the aphids lost their ability to escape by falling, and the ladybugs still caught and ate themIn 1999, four ladybugs embarked on an extraordinary journey aboard the space shuttle Columbia to investigate their predatory habits in a we...
In 1984, NASA sent 12.5 million tomato seeds into orbit for nearly six years. After their return, 132,000 experiment kits were distributed across every US state and 30 countriesIn 1984, NASA sent 12.5 million tomato seeds into orbit for nearly six years. After their return, 132,000 experiment kits were distributed ...
Since 2014, NASA has recycled over 75,000 tons of clean steel and asphalt from Santa Susana demolition. The cleanup has restored more than 22 acres to natural habitatThe Santa Susana Field Laboratory presents a multifaceted narrative of space exploration and nuclear events. Years of intensive rocket engi...
In 1992, NASA studied C. elegans worms exposed to space radiation on IML-1; the experiment reported higher mutation rates than in ground controlsIn 1992, micro worms unveiled the troubling effects of space radiation on DNA, showcasing considerable genetic harm to these minuscule crea...
In 1983, NASA flew six rats in Challenger’s crew cabin for a 6-day test; the cage kept them healthy, but engineers called for a 20% more water safety marginIn 1983, six brave rats embarked on an experimental journey aboard the Challenger shuttle. Their specially designed enclosure ensured prote...
In 2000, a crew for the first time headed for the International Space Station aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket for four months to prepare ISS facility for researchIn 2000, a crew for the first time headed for the International Space Station aboard a Russian Soyuz rocket for four months to prepare ISS ...
US, China arm for space warfare: Hunter satellites and orbital weaponsChina and the United States are developing advanced military space capabilities. Both nations are preparing for potential conflict extendin...
In 1990, NASA recovered tomato seeds after nearly 6 years on LDEF; classroom tests found space seeds germinated at 73.8% versus 70.3% for Earth controlsAfter nearly six years aboard NASA's LDEF satellite, Rutgers tomato seeds returned to Earth to inspire young scientists. Millions of studen...
In 1994, the space shuttle Discovery held a Wake Shield disk behind it while still attached to its robot arm; the facility produced 5 good semiconductor filmsIn 1994, the space shuttle Discovery transported the Wake Shield Facility, designed to establish an ultra-clean vacuum environment. This gr...
NASA sent Pseudomonas aeruginosa on shuttle Atlantis to space, where it formed denser biofilms with an unusual “column-and-canopy” structureIn groundbreaking space experiments, bacteria grown in synthetic urine were sent aboard the Atlantis space shuttle on two occasions. These ...
In 1996, NASA sank a 132-foot shuttle booster training device off Port Canaveral to become an artificial reef; marine life was expected to establish itself there within four monthsA retired NASA training device became an artificial reef in the Atlantic Ocean. This structure provided a new underwater habitat for marine...
In 1986, Challenger broke apart 73 seconds after liftoff; 36 years later, a TV dive team found a shuttle artifact with 8-inch tiles off FloridaDivers found a large, tiled object while filming a documentary series. This unexpected discovery was later identified as space shuttle Chal...
In 1985, NASA astronauts built two giant “flyswatters” aboard Space Shuttle Discovery; they used them in an attempt to activate a stranded satelliteIn the remarkable year of 1985, astronauts faced a daunting challenge when they crafted makeshift tools from spare materials aboard their s...
On August 7, Elon Musk feared SpaceX’s Ship 40 was lost at sea. 11 days later, it became the first Starship upper stage ever recovered after returning from spaceSpaceX has made a remarkable achievement by successfully retrieving Starship Ship 40 from the depths of the Indian Ocean. The spacecraft em...
In 2006, NASA grew Salmonella in space; the bacteria returned more virulent than genetically identical germs cultivated on EarthIn a striking discovery, researchers found that Salmonella bacteria cultivated in space exhibited a heightened level of aggression, proving...
In 2003, NASA sent tiny worms aboard Space Shuttle Columbia. After the disaster, scientists discovered that an aluminium container had helped them survive the deadly impactWhen Space Shuttle Columbiabroke apart on February 1, 2003, all seven astronauts lost their lives. Yet one NASA experiment survived. Tiny C...
In the late 1990s, a hidden nanotechnology breakthrough helped clean dangerous chemicals from groundwaterJacqueline Quinn, inspired by her parents, pursued a career in science and engineering. She developed emulsified zero-valent iron, a ground...
In 1969, Apollo 10 astronauts set the fastest human speed record in space — here's why it still hasn't been brokenApollo 10 astronauts still hold the fastest human spaceflight speed record. Their return journey from lunar orbit reached nearly 40,000 kil...