NASA has confirmed initial observations that the organization’s Space Launch System rocket, Orion spacecraft, and ground systems are ready to fly astronauts on trips to the Moon after thoroughly evaluating data since last year’s successful uncrewed Artemis I flight test around the Moon and back. The organisation intends to send an astronaut team around the Moon and back aboard Artemis II.
Test Sequence for Redesigned Moon Rocket Engine Continues
In order to validate the modified RS-25 rocket engines, engineers at NASA’s Stennis Space Center carried out the third hot fire test of this year on March 8. During upcoming Artemis lunar missions, four of the engines will power NASA’s Space Launch System rocket.
Second Gentleman Participates in NASA Artemis Activities with Students
In honour of Women’s History Month, Second Gentleman Douglas Emhoff, NASA astronaut Yvonne Cagle, and NASA Ames centre director Eugene Tu joined students and their families at an educational event in Oakland, California. In order to encourage the students to learn about NASA’s Artemis Program, which will send the first woman and person of colour to the Moon, the event included interactive STEM activities and NASA memorabilia.
Fresh Vela Pulsar Wind Nebula IXPE Picture
This fresh image of a pulsar wind nebula in the constellation Vela was taken by NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer, or IXPE. The pale blue reflects Vela’s initial X-ray polarisation data. Near the image’s centre is the pulsar itself. Understanding how cosmic objects like pulsars propel particles to great speeds could be improved by measuring polarisation.