Historical Events tagged with "nasa"
Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.
Cygnus CRS Orb-3 Mission Explosion
A launch vehicle carrying NASA's Cygnus CRS Orb-3 exploded seconds after liftoff from Wallops Island, Virginia. The Antares rocket was set to deliver supplies to the International Space Station when the incident occurred shortly after takeoff. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as the launch pad was uncrewed at the time of the explosion. This event highlighted the risks associated with space missions and sparked discussions on launch safety protocols.
Continue ReadingKepler Telescope Confirms Earth-Size Planet Discovery
NASA's Kepler Space Telescope confirmed the discovery of Kepler-186f, the first Earth-size planet found in the habitable zone of another star. Located about 500 light-years from Earth in the constellation Cygnus, Kepler-186f orbits its host star, Kepler-186, which is smaller and cooler than the Sun. The confirmation was made after intensive data analysis over several years, revealing the potential for life as we know it beyond our solar system.
Continue ReadingNASA launches the MAVEN probe to Mars
NASA successfully launched the MAVEN probe towards Mars to study its atmosphere and climate. The Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) spacecraft was designed to gather data on how the Martian environment has lost much of its atmosphere, providing insight into the planet's habitability. Launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, MAVEN was set to arrive at Mars in September 2014 after a ten-month journey, aiming to help scientists understand the planet's meteorological history.
Continue ReadingVoyager 1 Enters Interstellar Space
NASA confirmed that its Voyager 1 probe has officially entered interstellar space, making it the first human-made object to do so. Launched in 1977, Voyager 1 was designed to study the outer planets of our solar system. As of September 12, 2013, it crossed the heliopause, the boundary where the solar wind from the Sun slows down and merges with the interstellar medium. This milestone marks a significant achievement in human exploration and understanding of the cosmos.
Continue ReadingCuriosity Rover Successfully Touches Down on Mars
NASA's Curiosity rover landed on Mars, beginning its mission to explore the planet's surface and seek signs of past life. The rover's landing, referred to as the 'seven minutes of terror,' involved a complex descent process that successfully brought the robotic vehicle to the Gale Crater. Curiosity carries advanced scientific instruments to study Martian geology and atmosphere, providing significant insights into the planet's history and potential for life.
Continue ReadingFinal Transit of Venus Until 2117
The last transit of Venus before 2117 captivated astronomers and skywatchers worldwide. On this day, Venus passed directly between the Earth and the Sun, creating a small silhouette that traversed the solar disk. This rare celestial alignment provided an extraordinary opportunity for scientists to study transits and better understand the distances between celestial bodies. Observers gathered in various locations, using telescopes and protective filters, to witness the delicate movement of Venus across the Sun, a sight not to be repeated for over a century.
Continue ReadingSpaceX Dragon 1 Docks with International Space Station
SpaceX's Dragon 1 became the first commercial spacecraft to successfully rendezvous and berth with the International Space Station (ISS). Launched on May 22, 2012, from Cape Canaveral, Florida, Dragon 1 delivered cargo to the station, marking a significant milestone in commercial spaceflight. The successful docking demonstrated the capabilities of private companies to support NASA's missions and further the exploration of space.
Continue ReadingSpaceX's Dragon Capsule Makes Historic ISS Visit
The SpaceX COTS Demo Flight 2 successfully launched the Dragon capsule aboard a Falcon 9 rocket to the International Space Station. Lift-off occurred from Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking the first commercial mission to deliver supplies to the ISS. This flight showcased the capabilities of private space companies in supporting manned space exploration initiatives.
Continue ReadingNASA's First Gravity Recovery Satellite Launched
NASA achieved a significant milestone by successfully placing the first of two Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) satellites into orbit around the Moon. This mission was designed to map the Moon's gravitational field in unprecedented detail, enhancing our understanding of the Moon's internal structure and geological history. The GRAIL spacecraft were launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on a mission that promised to provide valuable insights into planetary formation and evolution.
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