As this blog grows and changes, we’re adding a new semi-regular feature. This piece will round up the latest space news and notes for your easy consumption. It’s not comprehensive, but these stories all have relevance to space exploration. If you have a link you’d like featured, drop me a note at dcoleman@spacecenter.org.
When a Mars simulation goes wrong
The Atlantic explores a University of Hawaii experiment that isolates four people in a simulated Mars environment. From the HI-SEAS website: “HI-SEAS (Hawai’i Space Exploration Analog and Simulation) is a Habitat on an isolated Mars-like site on the Mauna Loa side of the saddle area on the Big Island of Hawaii at approximately 8200 feet above sea level.”
Aerojet Rocketdyne ready to test component of Orion capsule
NASA’s next crewed capsule keeps crossing off checkpoints. This time, it’s the test of its crew escape system. The motor for this system was just finished and is now headed to Kennedy Space Center to be incorporated into the test vehicle.
Ars Technica’s Rocket Report
One of the coolest space-related newsletters launched recently. Ars Technica’s space coverage added a weekly newsletter which rounds up the latest stories on rockets and rocket technology in one handy place. Since there are so many different private companies developing space launch vehicles, it’s great to have a resource that can make sense of who’s doing what, which rockets can put stuff into low Earth orbit and which ones can get to Mars (none so far, FYI).
Former NASA scientist joins Space Center Houston
Here’s a nice story on Dr. John B. Charles, the center’s scientist in residence. Dr. Charles began at the center recently and is already bringing value to guests with his tours and knowledge of the science of space.
Documentary premieres at Space Center Houston July 14
Finally, here’s a nice story on EVA 23, the documentary premiering at the center this week. This thrilling story depicts the harrowing tale of astronaut Luca Parmitano, who almost drowned during a spacewalk in 2013. Tickets are still available for overflow seating here.
