Articles tagged with "NASA"
Photos: Apollo humanoid robots prepare to transition from factory floors to space
The Apollo humanoid robot, developed by Apptronik in collaboration with NASA over the past decade, represents a significant advancement in humanoid robotics designed for both industrial and space applications. Standing 5 feet 8 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds, Apollo’s architecture is derived from NASA’s Valkyrie project and incorporates liquid-cooled robotic actuator technology developed through NASA SBIR contracts. This actuator technology enables precise, reliable movements, allowing Apollo to perform physically demanding and repetitive tasks. Currently deployed in Mercedes-Benz factories for logistics work, Apollo serves as a practical testing platform to prepare the robot for the challenging environments of spacecraft and extraterrestrial habitats. NASA’s interest in humanoid robots like Apollo is driven by their compatibility with human-designed tools and environments, such as space stations and lunar habitats. Humanoids can operate existing interfaces and perform complex maintenance remotely, acting as avatars for human operators. Unlike earlier space robots like Robonaut 2, which lacked legs and thus mobility, Apollo features advanced actuators and
roboticshumanoid-robotsNASAspace-explorationrobotic-actuatorsautonomous-robotsindustrial-automationNASA's Perseverance rover completes first Mars drives planned by AI
NASA’s Perseverance rover has successfully completed the first Mars surface drives planned entirely by artificial intelligence, marking a significant advancement in autonomous space exploration. In early December, the rover followed routes generated by generative AI models, specifically vision-language models that analyzed rover imagery, terrain maps, and hazard data to create safe driving paths without human input. These AI-planned drives occurred on Mars sols 1,707 and 1,709, covering distances of 210 and 246 meters respectively, both executed safely and within operational limits. The project was led by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in collaboration with Anthropic, which provided the Claude AI models. Before sending commands to Mars, engineers rigorously tested the AI-generated instructions using a digital twin of Perseverance to ensure compatibility and safety, verifying over 500,000 telemetry variables. This cautious approach highlights the potential of AI to reduce the workload of rover operators and accelerate mission timelines, especially given the communication delays caused by the vast
robotAIautonomous-navigationMars-roverspace-explorationNASAmachine-learningPhotos: NASA aces first flight reactor cold-flow tests since 1960s for deep space travel
NASA has successfully completed its first cold-flow test campaign since the 1960s for a flight reactor engineering development unit, marking a significant advancement in nuclear propulsion and power technologies critical for deep space exploration. Conducted at the Marshall Space Flight Center, these tests involved over 100 runs on a full-scale, non-nuclear test article built by BWX Technologies, simulating propellant flow under various operational conditions. The data gathered helps engineers understand fluid dynamics and reactor stability, confirming the design’s resistance to flow-induced oscillations and vibrations, which are vital for mission safety. This milestone results from a multi-year collaboration between NASA and industry partners aimed at developing flight-capable nuclear propulsion systems. Nuclear technology promises faster travel times, increased payload capacity, and enhanced communication capabilities, enabling more complex and data-intensive missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. The successful testing campaign provides essential technical data required to transition the technology from development toward practical application, supporting NASA’s long-term goals for sustained human and scientific exploration
energynuclear-propulsionspace-technologyNASAreactor-testingdeep-space-travelfluid-dynamicsNASA jet hits 144 mph with new wing design to cut drag and fuel use
NASA researchers conducted a successful high-speed taxi test of a new wing design called Crossflow Attenuated Natural Laminar Flow (CATNLF), aimed at improving aircraft efficiency by reducing drag and fuel consumption. The test involved mounting a 3-foot-tall scale model of the CATNLF wing vertically on the underside of an F-15B testbed jet, which reached speeds of approximately 144 mph (231 km/h) without taking off at Edwards Air Force Base. This milestone allows NASA to evaluate the wing’s aerodynamic performance in real flight conditions before proceeding to actual flight tests. The CATNLF technology focuses on increasing laminar flow—the smooth movement of air close to the aircraft surface—thereby reducing friction and drag. Previous computational studies indicated that applying this design to commercial aircraft like the Boeing 777 could yield fuel savings of up to 10 percent, translating to millions of dollars saved annually. NASA’s approach of using a scale model on an existing F-15 jet offers a cost-effective
energyaerospacefuel-efficiencyaerodynamicsNASAaircraft-technologydrag-reductionDOE and NASA renew push to build US nuclear reactor on moon by 2030
NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) have renewed their commitment through a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to develop and deploy a nuclear fission surface power system on the moon by 2030. This initiative aims to provide a continuous, reliable power source to support NASA’s Artemis program and future missions to Mars. Unlike solar power, which is limited by the moon’s 14-Earth-day-long nights and dust accumulation, the nuclear reactor will deliver years of maintenance-free electricity without refueling, overcoming the challenges of intermittent lunar energy supply. The collaboration leverages NASA’s expertise in space mission architecture and the DOE’s proficiency in nuclear reactor design and fuel management to develop, fuel, and authorize the lunar reactor for launch. Establishing a lunar power grid is critical for sustaining life-support systems, scientific research, and resource extraction on the moon. This effort builds on decades of joint U.S. space exploration experience, moving beyond radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTGs) to
energynuclear-reactorlunar-powerspace-explorationDOENASAfission-powerTrump Declared a Space Race With China. The US Is Losing
The article discusses the deteriorating state of the U.S. space program amid a declared space race with China, highlighting that the U.S. is currently losing ground. Senator Ted Cruz, emphasizing the competition, sought assurances that the U.S. would not be beaten by China in returning humans to the moon. However, despite such rhetoric, the Trump administration's actions—including significant budget cuts to NASA, leadership instability, and internal conflicts—have undermined the agency's capacity to achieve this goal. Multiple former NASA officials express pessimism about America's chances, citing a lack of coherent planning and commitment despite framing the effort as a race. Historically, the U.S. space program symbolized national pride and technological supremacy, driving innovations that shaped modern life. In contrast, today’s global landscape shows China advancing rapidly in science and technology, including space exploration, while the U.S. faces challenges such as reduced science funding and restrictive immigration policies for skilled workers. The article underscores that if China successfully lands astronauts on the
energyspace-explorationNASAmoon-missionspace-raceUS-China-competitionaerospaceHeat-powered nuclear engines could double efficiency for Mars rockets
MIT master’s student Taylor Hampson is advancing research on nuclear thermal propulsion (NTP) rockets through a NASA-sponsored initiative, aiming to significantly improve space travel to Mars. NTP systems use nuclear energy to heat a propellant like hydrogen to extremely high temperatures, producing thrust with twice or more the efficiency of conventional chemical rockets. This increased efficiency, measured as specific impulse, could reduce Mars transit times from the current seven to eight months to roughly half, thereby lowering astronauts’ exposure to harmful microgravity and cosmic radiation during long-duration missions. Hampson’s work involves modeling the entire NTP engine system—including tanks, pumps, and other components—to understand the complex interactions of temperature, pressure, thermodynamics, and neutronics. His approach uses a simplified one-dimensional model to speed simulations while capturing critical system-wide effects. Key challenges include managing rapid temperature spikes during engine startup, which risk material failure, and handling residual decay heat during shutdown. Despite the technical promise, the high development costs and lack of
energynuclear-propulsionMars-rocketsspace-explorationnuclear-thermal-propulsionrocket-efficiencyNASAArtemis II rocket displays America 250 logo as NASA nears moon flight
NASA is preparing for its Artemis II mission, set to launch in early February 2026, marking the first crewed lunar flight since Apollo 17 in 1972. The Space Launch System (SLS) rocket for Artemis II now features a new “America 250” decal on its solid rocket boosters, commemorating the United States’ 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. This patriotic addition accompanies NASA’s iconic worm logo, symbolizing the agency’s historic and ongoing space exploration efforts. The Artemis II mission will serve as a critical crewed test flight of the SLS and Orion spacecraft, with astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen onboard. Artemis II aims to fly astronauts on a 10-day mission around the Moon, similar to Apollo 8, and will be the longest crewed test flight in history. The mission is expected to break records for the furthest human spaceflight from Earth, with the Orion capsule traveling
energyspace-explorationNASAArtemis-IIrocket-technologylunar-missionSpace-Launch-SystemUS firm delivers three 12-kilowatt thrusters for NASA's lunar gateway
A Melbourne-based company, L3Harris Technologies, has completed testing and delivered three 12-kilowatt Advanced Electric Propulsion System (AEPS) thrusters for NASA’s lunar Gateway space station. These thrusters represent the most powerful electric propulsion system ever flown in space, being more than twice as powerful as current in-space electric thrusters. The AEPS thrusters will enable the Gateway station to reach and maintain its orbit around the Moon, supporting Artemis IV missions and future long-duration exploration efforts. Electric propulsion offers significantly higher fuel efficiency compared to conventional chemical propulsion, making it ideal for sustained missions. The thrusters underwent rigorous hot-fire and vibration testing at NASA’s Glenn Research Center and L3Harris facilities, validating their readiness for integration into the Power and Propulsion Element (PPE) of Gateway. NASA plans to combine these thrusters with nuclear power sources to enable ambitious missions such as robotic tours of Jupiter’s moons and cargo transport to Mars. Gateway itself is a habitable lunar-or
energyelectric-propulsionNASAlunar-gatewayspace-explorationAEPS-thrustersArtemis-missionsVideo: NASA's cute cube robot flies autonomously for first time on ISS
Stanford researchers have successfully demonstrated the first AI-based autonomous flight of Astrobee, a cube-shaped, fan-powered robot aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Astrobee is designed to navigate the ISS’s confined, equipment-filled corridors to perform tasks such as leak detection and supply delivery, potentially reducing astronauts’ workload. The team developed a novel route-planning system using sequential convex programming combined with machine learning, which enables the robot to generate safe and efficient trajectories more quickly by leveraging patterns learned from thousands of previous path solutions. This AI-assisted control marks a significant advancement in space robotics, where limited onboard computing resources and stringent safety requirements have traditionally constrained autonomy. During the ISS experiment, the AI system operated autonomously for four hours with minimal astronaut intervention, under remote supervision. The researchers compared conventional “cold start” planning with the new AI-assisted “warm start” approach, finding that the latter reduced trajectory planning time by 50–60%, especially in complex, cluttered environments. Multiple safety measures ensured
roboticsautonomous-robotsAI-controlspace-roboticsNASAISS-technologymachine-learningNASA's new AVIRIS-5 scans Earth to spot lithium-rich mineral zones
NASA’s new airborne sensor, AVIRIS-5, is revolutionizing mineral exploration by scanning Earth from 60,000 feet aboard a NASA ER-2 aircraft. This advanced imaging spectrometer detects the spectral fingerprints of minerals, clays, and other compounds by analyzing sunlight reflected from the surface. As part of the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment (GEMx), AVIRIS-5 has logged over 200 flight hours across Western U.S. states, mapping lithium-rich rocks and other critical minerals with twice the spatial resolution of its predecessor, capable of distinguishing features as small as 30 centimeters from 11 miles up. The project, in partnership with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), represents the largest airborne mineral-mapping campaign in the U.S. and supports the broader Earth MRI initiative aimed at modernizing surface and subsurface maps to identify resources vital for energy, manufacturing, and national security. A key early success of AVIRIS-5 includes detecting hectorite, a
energymaterialslithiummineral-explorationNASAimaging-spectrometercritical-mineralsNASA and USPS stop using Canoo EVs despite CEO’s pledged support
NASA and the United States Postal Service (USPS) have ceased using electric vans produced by Canoo, an EV startup that filed for bankruptcy in January 2025. NASA had purchased three Canoo vans in 2023 to transport astronauts for its Artemis lunar missions but discontinued their use after Canoo failed to meet mission requirements. NASA is now leasing Boeing’s Airstream-built “Astrovan” for crew transport. Similarly, the USPS stopped using six Canoo vehicles acquired for evaluation in 2024, concluding the assessment with no plans for further investment. The Department of Defense also received at least one demonstration van from Canoo, but its current usage status is unknown. Following Canoo’s bankruptcy, former CEO Tony Aquila made a $4 million bid to acquire the company’s assets, citing a commitment to support government programs that used Canoo vehicles. The bankruptcy judge approved Aquila’s purchase in April 2025, despite competing interest from other parties, including Harbinger—a company
electric-vehiclesEV-startupNASAUSPSbankruptcyautomotive-energygovernment-contractsBlue Origin launches 321-foot rocket with twin NASA orbiters to Mars
Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket on its second flight from Cape Canaveral, carrying NASA’s twin ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers) spacecraft destined for Mars. The 321-foot rocket lifted off after a delay caused by weather and solar storms. The $80 million mission aims to study Mars’s upper atmosphere and magnetic fields to understand how solar wind interactions contributed to the planet’s atmospheric loss, which transformed Mars from a wet environment to a dry one. This research is critical for protecting future astronauts from radiation and advancing NASA’s goal of safely sending humans to Mars. A significant milestone for Blue Origin was the successful recovery of the New Glenn booster stage, which landed upright on an offshore barge, demonstrating reusable rocket technology similar to SpaceX’s approach. The twin ESCAPADE spacecraft will first travel to Lagrange Point 2 near Earth, waiting until November 2026 for optimal planetary alignment to use Earth’s gravity for a slingshot maneuver toward Mars
energyspace-explorationrocket-launchMars-missionNASABlue-OriginspacecraftBlue Origin sticks first New Glenn rocket landing and launches NASA spacecraft
Blue Origin successfully landed the booster of its New Glenn rocket on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean during its second launch attempt, becoming the second company after SpaceX to achieve this milestone. The launch, which took place on Thursday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, also marked the deployment of New Glenn’s first commercial payload: twin NASA spacecraft destined to study Mars’ atmosphere. This dual achievement is significant for Blue Origin’s efforts to establish New Glenn as a viable option for sending larger payloads to space, the Moon, and beyond, positioning the company as a competitor to SpaceX’s dominant launch services. The booster landing is a critical step toward making New Glenn reusable, a capability that reduces launch costs and is essential for commercial and government missions. Blue Origin had faced delays and a failed booster landing during New Glenn’s maiden flight in January but made necessary fixes in coordination with the FAA to ensure success on this second attempt. Looking ahead, Blue Origin must demonstrate the ability to refurbish and relaunch the
energyspace-explorationreusable-rocketsBlue-OriginNASArocket-landingaerospace-technologyIs Space Running Out of Nuclear Fuel?
The article discusses the challenges of powering space exploration missions, particularly those venturing into the outer solar system where solar energy is insufficient. For over five decades, NASA has relied on plutonium-based Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) to provide reliable power for rovers and space probes. However, the United States has now nearly depleted its plutonium reserves, posing significant obstacles for upcoming missions that depend on this fuel source. To address this shortage, researchers are exploring Americium as a promising alternative to plutonium. Americium’s availability, especially in Europe, offers potential to either replace or supplement plutonium in future space power systems. The article features insights from experts such as Chris Whiting from NASA’s Glenn Research Center and Dr. Ramy Mesalam from the University of Leicester’s Perpetual Atomics, highlighting ongoing efforts to develop Americium-based technologies for space applications.
energynuclear-fuelspace-explorationRTGsplutoniumamericiumNASAStudent-built satellite set to go to space to collect data for NASA
A team of about 70 undergraduate students and scientists from Sonoma State University, Howard University, and the University of New Hampshire (UNH) has developed a CubeSat satellite, named 3UCubed, set to launch no earlier than November 10 aboard a SpaceX rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The bread-loaf-sized CubeSat will travel to the thermosphere—the atmospheric layer where many satellites and the International Space Station orbit—to collect data on oxygen density and electron precipitation. This data will support NASA’s Interstellar Mapping and Acceleration Probe (IMAP) mission by improving understanding of how the solar wind, a stream of charged particles from the sun, influences space weather and the upper atmosphere, particularly in auroral and cusp regions. The project, led by UNH, provided students with hands-on experience designing the satellite’s instruments, software, antenna, and radio systems, fostering collaboration across universities and enhancing career opportunities in space science and engineering. Over five years, students gained valuable
energysatellite-technologyspace-weatherCubeSatNASAsolar-windspace-instrumentationCan we design healthcare that survives deep space? Dorit Donoviel explains
Dr. Dorit Donoviel, Executive Director of NASA's Translational Research Institute for Space Health (TRISH), is pioneering the development of healthcare systems designed to function autonomously millions of miles from Earth. With a diverse background spanning pharmaceutical drug discovery, biotech, and ethics, she focuses on creating innovative solutions such as AI-driven diagnostics and bioengineered life-support systems to enable astronauts to manage their own health during deep-space missions. Her work addresses the critical challenge of providing effective medical care in environments where immediate Earth-based support is impossible. Donoviel emphasizes the unique interdisciplinary nature of space health, attracting top-tier talent passionate about solving complex biological and healthcare problems under extreme conditions. She highlights the importance of maintaining scientific rigor and humility, acknowledging that current knowledge and technologies are provisional and subject to change with new discoveries. Her leadership approach balances deep technical expertise with openness to innovation, fostering collaboration among experts to build resilient healthcare frameworks that can adapt to the unpredictable challenges of space exploration.
robotAIhealthcare-technologyspace-healthautonomous-medicinebioengineeringNASASolar sail probe could enable 40% faster 'space tornado' warnings
A team of scientists from the University of Michigan has proposed a new early warning system to detect "space tornadoes," which are spirals of solar wind plasma and magnetic fields known as flux ropes. These space weather phenomena form during coronal mass ejections (CMEs) from the sun and can trigger geomagnetic storms that disrupt satellite orbits, affect astronauts, and potentially cause severe technological outages on Earth. Their simulations showed that flux ropes, ranging from thousands to millions of miles wide, form when fast and slow solar wind streams collide, sometimes persisting long enough to pose significant risks. To improve detection, the researchers suggest deploying a constellation of spacecraft based on the Space Weather Investigation Frontier (SWIFT) concept, consisting of four probes arranged in a triangular-pyramid formation about 200,000 miles apart at the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point 1 (L1). One of these probes would use a solar sail similar to NASA’s proposed Solar Cruiser mission, harnessing sunlight for propulsion. Station
energyspace-weathersolar-sailgeomagnetic-stormssolar-windNASAspacecraftNASA's Space Solar Program Focuses On Cutting Costs
The article discusses recent developments and challenges in NASA’s space solar power efforts, particularly focusing on cost reduction and technological advancement. While space-based solar power—beaming solar energy from orbit to Earth for continuous, weather-independent clean energy—has gained interest globally, including from private investors and countries like China, NASA itself remains cautious. In April 2024, NASA’s Office of Technology, Policy, and Strategy (OTPS) indicated that space-to-Earth solar power transmission does not currently meet the agency’s investment criteria. However, NASA is actively advancing related distributed space solar power technologies, especially space-to-space power beaming systems, which could eventually inform space-to-Earth applications. Significant progress is being made through partnerships with private companies such as Ascent Solar Technologies, which in mid-2024 entered a collaborative agreement with NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center to develop commercial products for distributed space power infrastructure. Ascent’s technology, including commercial-off-the-shelf CIGS solar cells, has demonstrated
energysolar-energyspace-solar-powerNASAclean-energydistributed-power-systemsspace-technologyJeff Bezos’ Blue Origin Wins Contract to Take NASA Rover to the Moon
NASA has awarded Jeff Bezos’ aerospace company, Blue Origin, a $190 million contract through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program to potentially deliver the VIPER lunar rover to the Moon’s south pole. However, this award is contingent on Blue Origin demonstrating its capability to successfully land its Blue Moon MK1 lunar lander on the Moon by the end of 2025, carrying a NASA technology payload. The contract includes an option for Blue Origin to deliver and deploy the VIPER rover, which NASA will decide on after reviewing the success of the initial Blue Moon MK1 mission. The VIPER rover, designed to explore lunar ice and other resources, is about 2.5 meters tall, weighs nearly 500 kilograms, and is equipped with a drill and scientific instruments. Originally scheduled for launch in 2023, the mission has faced delays and cost increases, leading NASA to seek private partnerships to reduce expenses and focus on scientific objectives. Blue Origin’s Blue Moon MK1 lander will
robotspace-explorationlunar-roverNASABlue-Originlunar-landerroboticsNASA’s new astronaut class includes SpaceX veterans Anna Menon and Yuri Kubo
NASA’s 2025 astronaut class includes two notable SpaceX veterans, Anna Menon and Yuri Kubo, highlighting the growing influence of private space companies in government astronaut selection. Menon, who joined SpaceX in 2018 after working at NASA’s Mission Control Center, served as a senior engineer and flew as a mission specialist and medical officer on the Polaris Dawn mission, which achieved the first commercial spacewalk. Kubo spent 12 years at SpaceX, holding key roles such as Falcon 9 launch director and overseeing the Starshield program and ground systems. These two are part of a select group of ten astronauts chosen from over 8,000 applicants, embarking on nearly two years of rigorous training covering robotics, geology, foreign languages, space medicine, simulated spacewalks, and flight training. This astronaut class is expected to join NASA’s active corps of over 40 astronauts and may contribute to future missions on the International Space Station, commercial private space stations post-ISS retirement in 203
roboticsspace-explorationastronaut-trainingSpaceXNASAcommercial-spaceflightspace-missionsBlue Origin wins NASA deal to ferry VIPER rover to lunar south pole
Blue Origin has secured a significant NASA contract to deliver the VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) to the lunar south pole using its uncrewed Blue Moon Mk1 lander. Valued at approximately $190 million under NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, this deal revives the VIPER mission after it was previously shelved due to delays and cost overruns with the original Griffin lander contractor. The rover, about the size of a golf cart, is scheduled to arrive on the moon by late 2027 and will spend around 100 days prospecting and drilling to map water ice deposits near the lunar south pole, a region believed to hold significant stores of water ice. The VIPER mission is crucial for NASA’s long-term lunar exploration goals, as identifying and utilizing in-situ resources like water ice could support sustainable human presence on the moon by providing drinking water, oxygen, and rocket propellant. This contract also marks a key milestone for Blue Origin, providing its
robotlunar-roverspace-explorationNASABlue-Originlunar-resourcesVIPER-roverBlue Origin to deliver NASA’s VIPER rover to Moon in late 2027
NASA has revived its VIPER (Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover) mission to explore the Moon’s south pole, awarding Blue Origin a $190 million Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) contract to deliver the rover in late 2027. VIPER will be transported on Blue Origin’s Blue Moon Mark 1 (MK1) lander, currently in production, and will conduct a 100-day science mission focused on investigating permanently shadowed regions for water ice and other volatiles. This mission supports NASA’s Artemis program goals of establishing a sustainable human presence on the Moon by identifying resources critical for astronaut survival and fuel production. The VIPER mission had previously faced cancellation in July 2024 due to technical delays and cost overruns, despite significant investment and rover assembly completion. However, after pausing dismantling efforts and reconsidering strategy, NASA officially reinstated the mission with Blue Origin’s involvement. Blue Origin will manage the entire landing process, including payload integration and rover deployment,
robotspace-explorationlunar-roverBlue-OriginNASAArtemis-missionlunar-landerMars rover finds spotted rock with possible ancient life signs
NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered a rock in Mars’ Jezero Crater, named Sapphire Canyon, that exhibits minerals and features potentially indicative of ancient microbial life. Drilled in July 2024 from the Cheyava Falls rock within the Bright Angel formation, this reddish mudstone contains ring-shaped and dark speckled patterns. Scientists detected minerals such as vivianite (iron and phosphorus) and greigite (iron and sulfur), which on Earth often form through microbial activity. The presence of organic carbon, sulfur, phosphorus, and oxidized iron in the sample further suggests conditions that could have supported microbial metabolisms approximately 3.2 to 3.8 billion years ago when the crater was a lake. Despite the promising findings, researchers emphasize caution, noting that similar mineral formations can arise through non-biological chemical processes. Joel Hurowitz, lead author of the study, described the discovery as a “potential biosignature” but acknowledged that rover data alone cannot definit
robotMars-roverspace-explorationplanetary-scienceNASAPerseverance-roverastrobiologyResearchers are teaching robots to walk on Mars from the sand of New Mexico - Robohub
Researchers are advancing the development of dog-like quadruped robots to perform scientific tasks on Mars by conducting field experiments at White Sands National Park in New Mexico, a Mars analog environment. These tests, part of the NASA-funded LASSIE Project (Legged Autonomous Surface Science in Analog Environments), involve a multidisciplinary team from several universities and NASA centers. The project aims to prepare legged robots for future crewed missions to the Moon and Mars, building on prior work with similar robots in lunar-like terrains such as Mount Hood, Oregon. The quadruped robots gather data from their foot interactions with the surface, enabling them to sense terrain stability and adapt their movements accordingly. During recent trials at White Sands, despite challenging high temperatures, the team achieved significant progress, including the robot autonomously making decisions for the first time. This autonomy is crucial for enabling simultaneous independent actions by astronauts and robots on Mars, thereby enhancing scientific productivity. The researchers also tested new locomotion strategies tailored to different surface conditions, which
roboticsquadruped-robotsMars-explorationautonomous-robotsNASAlunar-explorationrobotic-field-testingEngineering fantasy into reality - Robohub
Erik Ballesteros, inspired by childhood visits to NASA’s Johnson Space Center near his Texas hometown and a lifelong fascination with human space exploration, has realized his dream of contributing to astronautics through engineering. Now a PhD student in mechanical engineering at MIT, Ballesteros has interned at JSC, working on spacesuit materials, life support systems, and Mars rocket propulsion prototypes, as well as training astronauts on emergency systems. At MIT, he and his advisor Harry Asada are developing SuperLimbs, wearable robotic arms designed to assist astronauts by providing extra strength and mobility during spacewalks, such as lifting a fallen astronaut or enabling movement along spacecraft exteriors. This project is being refined in collaboration with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and is planned for practical testing with astronauts at JSC within the next few years. Ballesteros credits his success to the connections he has built and maintained across academia and industry, emphasizing the collaborative nature of innovation. His early interest in engineering was sparked by
robotroboticswearable-technologyspace-explorationastronaut-assistanceNASAmechanical-engineeringIBM and NASA Develop a Digital Twin of the Sun to Predict Future Solar Storms
IBM and NASA have collaboratively developed Surya, an advanced AI foundation model that creates a digital twin of the Sun to improve predictions of solar storms. Trained on nine years of data from NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO), Surya processes high-resolution images and magnetic field measurements to better understand solar activity, particularly solar flares—bursts of electromagnetic radiation that can endanger astronauts and disrupt Earth’s technology infrastructure. By unifying diverse solar datasets and employing a long-range vision transformer architecture enhanced with spectral gating, Surya efficiently analyzes complex solar data with reduced noise and memory usage. Surya distinguishes itself by learning directly from raw data without extensive labeling, enabling faster adaptation and more accurate predictions. In tests, it integrated data from multiple solar observation instruments and outperformed traditional models by providing a two-hour advance warning of solar flares—double the typical one-hour lead time—and improved flare classification accuracy by 16 percent. NASA highlights Surya’s adaptable architecture, which could extend beyond heliophysics to
energysolar-energydigital-twinAI-predictionsolar-stormsNASAIBMRobot dog trains on White Sands dunes for future Mars exploration
Oregon State University engineers are training a dog-like quadruped robot on the shifting gypsum dunes of White Sands National Park, New Mexico, to simulate the unstable surfaces expected on the Moon and Mars. This work is part of NASA’s Moon to Mars program under the LASSIE Project (Legged Autonomous Surface Science in Analog Environments), which involves multiple universities and NASA’s Johnson Space Center. The goal is to develop autonomous legged robots capable of navigating and adapting to alien terrains without direct human commands, crucial for overcoming communication delays during extraterrestrial missions. During a five-day trial, the robot’s sensors collected data on surface texture and stability, enabling it to make independent decisions about movement and route selection using refined algorithms. This autonomy allows the robot to operate alongside astronauts, potentially accelerating exploration by scouting terrain, carrying instruments, or identifying scientific sites. The team also tested the robot in other analog environments, such as icy volcanic slopes on Mount Hood, Oregon, to simulate lunar polar conditions. These experiments demonstrate
robotroboticsautonomous-robotsMars-explorationspace-technologyNASAlegged-robotsNASA Holds The Key To Global Space Solar Race
The article discusses the emerging field of space-based solar power, which has the potential to provide continuous, 24/7 baseload energy by beaming solar power collected in space down to Earth. This technology is gaining traction globally, with significant interest and government support from Europe, China, and Japan. In the U.S., while the Department of Energy and NASA have been involved in related research—such as perovskite solar cells and wireless power beaming—federal efforts remain fragmented and face uncertainty due to political distractions and shifting priorities at the White House. Historically, the U.S. was a leader in space solar research, notably boosted by a $12.5 million donation to CalTech in 2011 and ongoing DOE support. However, current political and funding challenges threaten continued progress. A recent study from King’s College London highlights space solar’s potential to reduce Europe’s reliance on terrestrial renewables by 80% by 2050, but it emphasizes that two key NASA technologies
energyspace-solar-powerNASArenewable-energywireless-power-beamingDepartment-of-Energysolar-technologyNASA has sparked a race to develop the data pipeline to Mars
NASA is transitioning from operating its own Mars data relay orbiters to purchasing connectivity as a service, similar to how it contracts launch and astronaut transport. This shift aims to replace the current patchwork relay network—primarily relying on aging spacecraft like Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and MAVEN—with a mixed infrastructure combining NASA assets and commercial providers. NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program has issued a request for proposals (RFP) seeking capability studies to develop an interoperable marketplace for lunar and Mars communications, focusing on end-to-end data transfer from surface assets through orbiters to Earth. The challenge involves overcoming vast distances, latency, solar interference, and fault tolerance requirements. Several major companies have entered the race to provide these next-generation relay services. Blue Origin proposes a Mars Telecommunications Orbiter based on its Blue Ring platform, aiming for deployment as early as 2028. Rocket Lab has presented its own Mars telecom orbiter concept, integral to its Mars Sample Return mission architecture. NASA
space-communicationMars-missionsNASAsatellite-relaydeep-space-networktelecommunicationsspace-explorationOrbital refueling is hard. But it's the future of space travel
The article discusses the critical and complex challenge of orbital refueling, which is increasingly seen as essential for advancing human space exploration beyond Earth. SpaceX, NASA, and China are investing heavily in developing orbital gas stations to support missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Orbital refueling enables spacecraft to carry less fuel at launch and extend their operational range, making ambitious missions like NASA’s Artemis program and future crewed Mars expeditions feasible. For example, SpaceX’s Starship system plans to use multiple tanker launches in orbit to refuel a lunar lander, allowing it to complete its journey to the Moon and back. Beyond exploration, orbital refueling is gaining strategic importance for military space operations. The US Space Force advocates for orbital propellant depots to maintain space superiority and enable satellite longevity and maneuverability. China has demonstrated in-orbit refueling with its Shijian satellites, highlighting the growing militarization of space and the need for sustained fuel supplies in orbit. However, the technical
energyspace-technologyorbital-refuelingNASASpaceXspace-explorationfuel-technologyWhy the US Is Racing to Build a Nuclear Reactor on the Moon
NASA aims to build a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030, an ambitious goal that could revolutionize space exploration by providing a substantial and reliable power source for lunar bases and future missions across the solar system. This initiative revives decades-old ambitions to scale up nuclear power in space and is partly driven by geopolitical competition, as China and Russia have announced plans to deploy a lunar reactor by the mid-2030s. Securing the first operational reactor on the Moon could allow a country to establish exclusive zones, potentially limiting other nations' activities, including NASA’s Artemis program intended to establish a permanent presence at the lunar South Pole. Experts believe the 2030 timeline is challenging but feasible given current technology. The main obstacles have historically been political will and mission demand rather than technical capability. Recent policy shifts, including NASA’s selection of nuclear power as the primary energy source for crewed Mars missions, combined with growing private sector interest from companies like Boeing and Lockheed Martin,
energynuclear-reactorspace-explorationlunar-powerNASAextraterrestrial-energyspace-technologyNASA supercomputer reveals how Greenland ice melt boosts ocean life
A recent NASA-backed study reveals that the massive annual melt of Greenland’s ice sheet—losing about 270 billion tons of ice each year—is unexpectedly boosting ocean life by stimulating phytoplankton growth. Using the advanced ECCO-Darwin computer model developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and MIT, scientists simulated how glacial meltwater interacts with ocean waters. The freshwater runoff from glaciers like Jakobshavn creates turbulent plumes that lift vital nutrients such as iron and nitrate from deep waters to the sunlit surface, enhancing phytoplankton growth by an estimated 15% to 40% during summer months. This process helps explain satellite observations of a 57% increase in Arctic phytoplankton between 1998 and 2018. Phytoplankton, though microscopic, play a crucial role in the marine food web by absorbing carbon dioxide and serving as the base food source for krill and other small animals, which in turn support larger marine species. However, scientists
energyclimate-changesupercomputingoceanographyglacial-meltNASAenvironmental-scienceNASA fast-tracks Moon reactor to counter China's space ambitions
NASA is accelerating plans to deploy a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030 to maintain U.S. leadership in space amid growing competition from China and Russia. This initiative, announced by interim NASA chief Sean Duffy, marks a significant upgrade from previous efforts focused on a smaller 40-kilowatt reactor. The nuclear power source is critical for sustaining a long-term human presence on the Moon, as it can provide continuous energy despite the lunar environment’s challenges, such as the nearly 14-day-long lunar night and extreme temperature swings that limit solar power effectiveness. The move is also strategically motivated by concerns over the joint China-Russia International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project, which includes plans to build a nuclear power plant on the Moon by 2036. The U.S. fears that the first nation to establish a lunar nuclear reactor could impose “keep-out zones” restricting other countries’ access to key lunar resources, particularly at strategic locations like the lunar poles. The
energynuclear-reactorlunar-powerNASAspace-energyMoon-base-energyspace-exploration-energySupersonic parachutes get upgrade, NASA conducts flight tests
NASA is advancing the reliability and safety of supersonic parachutes used for delivering scientific instruments and payloads to Mars through a series of flight tests led by the EPIC (Enhancing Parachutes by Instrumenting the Canopy) team. These tests, conducted at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in California, involved air-launching a capsule from a drone that deployed a parachute equipped with flexible, strain-measuring sensors. The sensors successfully collected data without interfering with the parachute canopy, validating the team's approach and providing valuable information for refining computer models and future tests. The parachute system, developed by NASA’s Langley Research Center with support from Armstrong interns, builds on previous supersonic parachute technology used during the Perseverance Mars Rover landing in 2021. That parachute, measuring 65 feet in diameter, deployed at hypersonic speeds and endured extreme aerodynamic forces. NASA’s ongoing work aims to improve numerical simulations of parachute inflation dynamics, which are complex due to
sensorsaerospaceflexible-strain-sensorsNASAsupersonic-parachutesdrone-technologyMars-explorationNASA needs your help reinventing wheels for Moon rovers
NASA, in collaboration with HeroX, has launched the “Rock and Roll with NASA Challenge,” inviting innovators worldwide to design and test new wheel and tire concepts for the MicroChariot Rover. This initiative aims to develop flexible, lightweight, and durable wheels capable of withstanding the Moon’s harsh environment while supporting sustainable surface operations and carrying payloads across rugged terrain. The challenge will unfold in three phases: ideation and design starting this fall, prototyping from winter to spring 2026, and a demonstration phase in summer 2026, with up to $150,000 in prizes available. NASA seeks wheel designs that improve upon rigid wheels by offering higher-speed mobility through better shock absorption, low mass, and extended service life. Participants must demonstrate how their designs can be scaled without re-tooling and explain the underlying science. Finalist prototypes will be tested on NASA’s 100-pound MicroChariot Ground Test Unit, capable of speeds up to 15 MPH. The challenge leverages crowdsourcing to
robotlunar-roverNASAwheel-designmaterials-engineeringspace-explorationmobility-technology‘Skyfall maneuver’: NASA plans mid-air drop for 6 Mars helicopters
NASA and AeroVironment, Inc. (AV) have unveiled a new Mars exploration concept called Skyfall, which plans to deploy six autonomous scout helicopters simultaneously from a larger spacecraft during its descent through the Martian atmosphere. This "Skyfall maneuver" eliminates the need for a traditional landing platform, reducing costs and risks while dramatically increasing exploration speed and range. Scheduled for a potential launch by 2028, the mission aims to gather critical high-resolution surface images and subsurface radar data from multiple candidate landing sites, aiding the safe landing of future human missions targeted for the 2030s. Building on the success of the Ingenuity helicopter, which completed 72 flights on Mars between 2021 and 2024 and far exceeded its expected lifespan, Skyfall seeks to expand aerial exploration capabilities by deploying six helicopters that operate independently once on the surface. The data collected will not only facilitate crewed landings in resource-rich areas but also contribute to the search for past life on Mars. While
robotMars-explorationNASAautonomous-helicoptersaerospace-technologyaerial-roboticsspace-missionsIn 90 seconds, AI satellite thinks, tilts, and shoots without human help
NASA has developed a groundbreaking AI-driven technology called Dynamic Targeting, enabling satellites to autonomously analyze their surroundings and decide where to collect scientific data without human intervention. Demonstrated aboard the CubeSat CogniSAT-6, launched in March 2024, the system allows the satellite to tilt forward along its orbit, capture preview images, and process them in under 90 seconds to identify cloud-free areas. This capability helps avoid wasting time and resources imaging through clouds, a common obstacle for Earth-observing satellites, by selectively capturing only clear views. Dynamic Targeting mimics human interpretation by recognizing meaningful features such as clouds, fires, or storms in real time, then adjusting the satellite’s instruments accordingly. Future tests aim to reverse the approach by targeting clouds and rapidly evolving weather phenomena like deep convective ice storms, as well as thermal anomalies such as wildfires and volcanic eruptions. These applications rely on specialized onboard algorithms trained to detect specific patterns, enhancing the satellite’s responsiveness and adaptability. NASA en
robotAIsatelliteautonomous-systemsspace-technologyCubeSatNASANASA tests new nuclear fuel that could outlast plutonium in space
NASA is exploring americium-241 as a promising alternative to plutonium-238 for powering long-duration space missions, particularly those venturing far from the Sun where solar energy is insufficient. Traditionally, NASA has relied on plutonium-238 in radioisotope power systems (RPS) for over six decades, but americium-241 offers advantages including a longer half-life (432 years) and potentially easier, more cost-effective production. In collaboration with the University of Leicester, NASA’s Glenn Research Center tested a Stirling generator powered by simulators mimicking americium-241 decay heat. This Stirling convertor features floating pistons without crankshafts or rotating bearings, enabling continuous operation for decades with minimal wear. Notably, the system maintained power output even after one convertor failed, demonstrating robustness crucial for deep-space missions. The successful prototype met performance and efficiency goals, prompting NASA to develop a next-generation testbed with reduced mass, improved fidelity, and readiness for environmental testing
energynuclear-fuelamericium-241NASAradioisotope-power-systemStirling-generatorspace-explorationA Top NASA Official Is Among Thousands of Staff Leaving the Agency
NASA is experiencing a significant exodus of staff amid the Trump administration’s proposal to cut the agency’s budget by 25 percent. Among those leaving is Makenzie Lystrup, director of the Goddard Space Flight Center since April 2023. Goddard, NASA’s largest scientific research center with over 8,000 employees and a $4.7 billion budget, manages major projects including the James Webb and Hubble telescopes and is assembling the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. Lystrup, who previously worked at Ball Aerospace and holds a doctorate in astrophysics, will step down on August 1, with deputy director Cynthia Simmons named acting chief. The announcement coincided with the release of “The Voyager Declaration,” an open letter signed by hundreds of current and former NASA employees expressing formal dissent against recent policy changes and budget cuts. The letter criticizes rapid programmatic shifts that risk wasting public resources, compromising safety, and undermining NASA’s core mission. It urges the administration to
robotspace-explorationNASArobotic-space-missionsaerospace-engineeringscientific-researchspace-telescopesMars Sample Return under threat as Trump budget slashes NASA science
The Mars Sample Return (MSR) mission, a flagship NASA project designed to retrieve soil samples collected by the Perseverance rover on Mars and return them to Earth, faces cancellation under the Trump administration’s proposed FY26 budget. The mission, originally budgeted at over $7 billion and criticized by NASA’s Office of Inspector General for financial mismanagement and delays, has ballooned in cost estimates to potentially $11 billion. MSR is one of NASA’s most technically complex endeavors, involving landing a spacecraft near Perseverance’s sample caches, deploying a fetch rover, launching samples into Martian orbit, and transferring them to an orbiter for the journey back to Earth. In response to the budget threat, Lockheed Martin has proposed a significantly leaner, fixed-price alternative priced at $3 billion. This plan involves replacing existing spacecraft designs with lighter, proven models from previous planetary missions, aiming to reduce weight and thus fuel and overall costs. Lockheed Martin would absorb any cost overruns under this
robotspace-explorationNASAMars-roverplanetary-scienceaerospace-engineeringrobotic-missionsUS firm deploys 60 kW roll-out solar arrays for NASA’s lunar Gateway
Florida-based Redwire Corporation has successfully completed the first deployment test of its 60 kW roll-out solar arrays (ROSA), which are intended to power NASA’s planned lunar Gateway space station. These ROSAs are the most powerful of their kind to date, featuring a high power density (40 kW per cubic meter) and an efficient power-to-mass ratio (100-120 W per kg). Their design uses composite booms that deploy the solar wings without motors, relying on strain energy for roll-out. Redwire is contracted to deliver two ROSA wings to Maxar, the firm building the Gateway’s power and propulsion element, by late 2025. The lunar Gateway, a small space station planned for lunar orbit as part of NASA’s Artemis program, aims to support a permanent human presence on the Moon and serve as a stepping stone for deeper space exploration. However, the program has faced funding uncertainties due to proposed budget cuts under the Trump administration. Despite this, a recent Senate amendment
energysolar-energyNASAlunar-Gatewayspace-technologyroll-out-solar-arraysrenewable-energyCongress just greenlit a NASA moon plan opposed by Musk and Isaacman
The U.S. Senate has approved a $10 billion increase in funding for NASA’s Artemis program as part of President Trump’s budget reconciliation bill, supporting legacy aerospace contractors and the continuation of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the lunar Gateway station. This decision counters critics like SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, who have questioned the sustainability and cost-effectiveness of the SLS, a fully expendable rocket with production costs estimated around $2.5 billion per launch. Musk has criticized the SLS for its one-time-use design, contrasting it with SpaceX’s reusable rockets, while Isaacman acknowledged the SLS’s role in upcoming Artemis missions but doubted its viability for frequent lunar and Mars travel. Despite President Trump’s earlier proposal to phase out the SLS and Orion spacecraft after Artemis III, the new funding allocates approximately $4.1 billion for additional SLS rockets for Artemis missions 4 and 5, and $2.6 billion to complete the
energyaerospaceNASAspace-explorationSpace-Launch-SystemArtemis-programspace-technologyCelebrating 200 podcast episodes; robotics evolve in space exploration
The Robot Report Podcast celebrated its 200th episode featuring Dr. Robert Ambrose, a leading expert in robotics and AI with over 20 years of experience spanning NASA, academia, and startups. Ambrose discussed the significant evolution of robotics in space exploration, highlighting pioneering projects he led at NASA’s Johnson Space Center such as Robonaut, Valkyrie, Centaur, and various lunar rovers including the LTV and VIPER. He emphasized the transition of space robotics technologies to commercial applications and the critical need for the U.S. to reclaim leadership in robotics innovation amid global competition, particularly from China. Ambrose also stressed the importance of education in developing future engineers and advocated for proactive adoption of automation across industries. Ambrose’s career includes key roles shaping national robotics strategy at NASA headquarters and directing advanced research programs at Texas A&M, focusing on robotic manipulation, surface mobility, and human augmentation. The podcast episode also commemorated milestones of The Robot Report Podcast itself, which launched in June 2020
roboticsspace-explorationNASAhumanoid-robotsrobotic-roversautonomous-systemswearable-roboticsNASA's nuclear rocket program canceled as Trump budget slashes space science
The Trump administration’s proposed NASA budget for fiscal year 2026 includes drastic cuts to space science funding, slashing it from $7.5 billion in 2025 to $3.9 billion. Among the programs targeted for elimination is DRACO, a nuclear thermal propulsion demonstrator developed by NASA and DARPA. DRACO was designed to use a nuclear reactor to heat liquid hydrogen fuel to extremely high temperatures, potentially doubling the efficiency of traditional chemical rockets and significantly reducing travel times for deep space missions, such as trips to Mars. The cancellation comes despite DRACO nearing its estimated launch date and reflects a broader pattern of prioritizing projects with quicker political or financial returns over long-term, generational technologies. The budget proposal has faced strong criticism from scientists, lawmakers, and space policy experts who warn that such cuts could lead to a decline in U.S. leadership in space exploration. NASA’s acting administrator, Janet Petro, justified ending nuclear propulsion projects by stating that near-term human exploration and science goals do
energynuclear-propulsionNASAspace-technologyDRACOspacecraftspace-explorationRobot to explore Jupiter's icy moon in search for extraterrestrial life
robotextraterrestrial-lifeEuropa-ClipperNASAspace-explorationautonomous-technologyicy-moonNASA’s Perseverance Rover Finds Strange Rocks on Mars
MarsNASAPerseverance-Rovergeologyspace-explorationastrobiologyscientific-research