Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What’s Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://science.nasa.gov/skywatching/whats-up/.
Phases of the Moon during March 2025. Credits. NASA JPL
** Two eclipses visible this month! What to see in the night sky, March 2025 – BBC Sky at Night Magazine
Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel reveal the best things to see in the sky throughout March 2025, including a lunar eclipse and solar eclipse.
This month we’ll mark two seasonal transitions, watch eclipses of the Moon and Sun, track down the elusive planet Mercury, and trace out the Winter Hexagon. So grab your curiosity, and come along with Sky & Telescope’s Kelly Beatty on this month’s Sky Tour.
** The Night Sky | March 2025 | Total Lunar Eclipse | Blood Moon | Partial Solar Eclipse – Late Night Astronomy
A total lunar eclipse and partial solar eclipse put on a show for millions of us around the world. Let’s take a look at what you can see in the night sky for March of 2025.
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Timestamps: 0:00 Total Lunar Eclipse 2:21 Partial Solar Eclipse 3:10 The Planets 4:00 Comets
Tylos (or WASP-121b) is a gaseous, giant exoplanet located some 900 light-years away in the constellation Puppis. Using the ESPRESSO instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT), scientists have been able to prove into its atmosphere, revealing its 3D structure. This is the first time that this has been possible on a planet outside of the Solar System. The atmosphere of Tylos is divided into three layers, with iron winds at the bottom, followed by a very fast jet stream of sodium, and finally an upper layer of hydrogen winds. This kind of climate has never been seen before on any planet.
Astronomers have peered through the atmosphere of a planet beyond the Solar System, mapping its 3D structure for the first time. By combining all four telescope units of the European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope (ESO’s VLT), they found powerful winds carrying chemical elements like iron and titanium, creating intricate weather patterns across the planet’s atmosphere. The discovery opens the door for detailed studies of the chemical makeup and weather of other alien worlds.
“This planet’s atmosphere behaves in ways that challenge our understanding of how weather works — not just on Earth, but on all planets. It feels like something out of science fiction,”
says Julia Victoria Seidel, a researcher at the European Southern Observatory (ESO) in Chile and lead author of the study, published today in Nature.
The planet, WASP-121b (also known as Tylos), is some 900 light-years away in the constellation Puppis. It’s an ultra-hot Jupiter, a gas giant orbiting its host star so closely that a year there lasts only about 30 Earth hours. Moreover, one side of the planet is scorching, as it is always facing the star, while the other side is much cooler.
The team has now probed deep inside Tylos’s atmosphere and revealed distinct winds in separate layers, forming a map of the atmosphere’s 3D structure. It’s the first time astronomers have been able to study the atmosphere of a planet outside our Solar System in such depth and detail.
“What we found was surprising: a jet stream rotates material around the planet’s equator, while a separate flow at lower levels of the atmosphere moves gas from the hot side to the cooler side. This kind of climate has never been seen before on any planet,”
says Seidel, who is also a researcher at the Lagrange Laboratory, part of the Observatoire de la Côte d’Azur, in France. The observed jet stream spans half of the planet, gaining speed and violently churning the atmosphere high up in the sky as it crosses the hot side of Tylos.
“Even the strongest hurricanes in the Solar System seem calm in comparison,”
she adds.
This diagram shows the structure and motion of the atmosphere of the exoplanet Tylos (WASP-121b). The exoplanet is shown from above in this figure, looking at one of its poles. The planet rotates counter-clockwise, in such a way that it always shows the same side to its parent star, so it’s always day on one half of the planet and night on the other. The transition between night and day is the “morning side” while the “evening side” represents the transition between day and night; its morning side is to the right and its evening side to the left. As the planet crosses in front of its host star, atoms in the planet’s atmosphere absorb specific colours or wavelengths of the star’s light, which can be measured with a spectrograph. From this data –– obtained in this case with the ESPRESSO instrument on ESO’s Very Large Telescope –– astronomers can reconstruct the composition and velocity of different layers in the atmosphere. The deepest layer is a wind of iron that blows away from the point of the planet where the star is directly overhead. Above this layer there is a very fast jet of sodium that moves faster than the planet rotates. This jet actually accelerates as it moves from the morning side to the evening side of the planet. Finally, there is an upper layer of hydrogen wind blowing outwards. This hydrogen layer overlaps with the sodium jet below it.
To uncover the 3D structure of the exoplanet’s atmosphere, the team used the ESPRESSO instrument on ESO’s VLT to combine the light of its four large telescope units into a single signal. This combined mode of the VLT collects four times as much light as an individual telescope unit, revealing fainter details. By observing the planet for one full transit in front of its host star, ESPRESSO was able to detect signatures of multiple chemical elements, probing different layers of the atmosphere as a result.
“The VLT enabled us to probe three different layers of the exoplanet’s atmosphere in one fell swoop,”
says study co-author Leonardo A. dos Santos, an assistant astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, United States. The team tracked the movements of iron, sodium and hydrogen, which allowed them to trace winds in the deep, mid and shallow layers of the planet’s atmosphere, respectively.
“It’s the kind of observation that is very challenging to do with space telescopes, highlighting the importance of ground-based observations of exoplanets,”
he adds.
Interestingly, the observations also revealed the presence of titanium just below the jet stream, as highlighted in a companion study published in Astronomy and Astrophysics. This was another surprise since previous observations of the planet had shown this element to be absent, possibly because it’s hidden deep in the atmosphere.
“It’s truly mind-blowing that we’re able to study details like the chemical makeup and weather patterns of a planet at such a vast distance,”
says Bibiana Prinoth, a PhD student at Lund University, Sweden, and ESO, who led the companion study and is a co-author of the Nature paper.
To uncover the atmosphere of smaller, Earth-like planets, though, larger telescopes will be needed. They will include ESO’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT), which is currently under construction in Chile’s Atacama Desert, and its ANDES instrument.
“The ELT will be a game-changer for studying exoplanet atmospheres,” says Prinoth. “This experience makes me feel like we’re on the verge of uncovering incredible things we can only dream about now.”
The International Space Station is scheduled to be in operation until 2030. We have revised the Axiom Station module sequence to enable our commercial space station to become an independent orbital platform as early as 2028. The new on-orbit assembly sequence will start with the… pic.twitter.com/howOpcpxzw
In this week’s episode our guest is Kam Ghaffarian, Chairman, Axiom Space, Intuitive Machines and other companies. Inspired by the Apollo 11 moon landing, starting in his basement, and finally reaching the moon. This is Kam Ghaffarian’s inspirational story.
Our Dream Chaser spaceplane is one step closer to resupplying the @Space_Station, thanks to a successful test in collaboration with @NASA. The test demonstrated several key capabilities of Dream Chaser, including its ability to power-on, air-cool, and exchange data with multiple… pic.twitter.com/b9OVaWusqR
Vast and SpaceX announced a joint request for research proposals from the global space science community aimed at advancing long-term human habitation and exploration in space. Building on their established partnership, the two companies seek high-impact research projects to support humanity on Earth and advance our capacity to live and work in Earth orbit and beyond. Submitted proposals will be evaluated based on scientific and technical merit, feasibility, and alignment with mission objectives. Approved research proposals will be able to leverage the capabilities of the Haven-1 Lab, Dragon spacecraft, and/or private astronaut missions to the International Space Station (ISS).
Haven-1 is scheduled to be the world’s first commercial space station and crewed microgravity research, development, and manufacturing platform. This groundbreaking facility will enable cutting-edge research and technological advancements, opening new frontiers in space science.
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While no direct funding will be provided to the research project, Vast and SpaceX will offer selected researchers access to a hosted orbital laboratory, on-orbit crew time, and support for project design and flight qualification—at no cost.
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For additional information and details on how to submit a proposal, please visit SpaceX.com/research.
** Haven-1 Development Update – January 2025 – VAST Youtube
Here is the latest as we build the team, facilities, and hardware to launch the world’s first commercial space station. Every step brings us closer to redefining space exploration. Stay tuned for more milestones as we make history. We are proud to bring space station primary structure manufacturing back to the United States.
This video captures 90 minutes of exposure time of our night sky and star trails, representing a full orbit in low-Earth orbit—the future home of Haven-1. pic.twitter.com/GByGxFFgFM
** Chinese astronauts welcome Year of the Snake in space – VideoFromSpace
China’s Shenzhou-19 astronauts sent their Lunar New Year greetings home from the nation’s Tiangong space station to welcome in the Year of the Snake.
SOUNDBITE (Chinese) Shenzhou-19 space mission crew: “We are in the space home of the Chinese people, wishing you all a happy Chinese New Year! We wish the people of the whole country good health and all the best in the Year of Snake! May our great motherland enjoy harmony and prosperity!”
Chinese astronaut Wang Haoze of the Shenzhou 19 crew shared that her favorite activity in space is to gaze at the breathtaking sceneries of the mountains and rivers of her homeland, savoring the beauty of the Earth from orbit.
Wang Haoze, China’s first female space flight engineer, along with fellow astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong, is on a six-month mission aboard the Tiangong space station. The trio arrived at the orbiting station following the launch of the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship on Oct 30 last year.
** Shenzhou-19 Commander Reflects on Mid-Mission Progress, Says Good to Be Back to Space Station – CCTV Video News Agency
Chinese astronaut and commander of the Shenzhou-19 space mission Cai Xuzhe shared his experience of returning to the Chinese space station while delivering a mid-mission progress review.
China launched the Shenzhou-19 crewed spaceship on Oct 30 last year, sending three astronauts, Cai Xuzhe, Song Lingdong and Wang Haoze, to the orbiting space station for a six-month mission.
Cai first joined the journey into space as a crew member of the Shenzhou-14 mission in 2022. He was honored with the title “Heroic Astronaut” for his service and accomplishments during that mission.
perform a study to identify the challenges associated with fabricating a shipyard in space using technologies and assets available today. Building on their ISAM&C [In Space Assembly, Manufacturing, & Construction] technology and their expertise in the field, ThinkOrbital will develop CONOPS, preliminary designs, and a cost analysis of deploying a shipyard to low Earth orbit.
… ThinkOrbital has some pedigree in doing ISAM&C tasks that no one else has done before. In May 2024, they launched and successfully tested the first-ever weld in space. The mission flew on a Falcon 9, spot-welded together some quarter-inch pieces of aluminum, and returned it to Earth, where the welds were closely examined.
They used a method called electron beam welding, which has several advantages for use in space. First, it doesn’t require as much power as a traditional arc welder—only around 2KW, equivalent to a household iron. Second, it doesn’t create a lot of heat, which can degrade the metal being welded and cause issues like splintering, which can become dangerous in zero-gravity situations.
— ThinkOrbital Flight-1: world’s first autonomous in-space welding – ThinkOrbital on Youtube
We have launched world’s first autonomous in-space welding system!
We are thrilled to announce that we’ve achieved the majority of our Flight-1 objectives, marking a significant leap forward in space innovation. Our journey has been nothing short of extraordinary, from the groundbreaking first-ever autonomous in-space weld to the historic return of flown-in-space Electron-beam welder samples. These samples will be meticulously analyzed by NASA and the European Space Agency, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries.
Throughout this milestone-filled journey, we have:
Designed and built the world’s first autonomous in-space welding system. Conducted and passed rigorous vibration, shock, and thermal testing. Garnered FAA and FCC flight authorization. Successfully launched and landed on Falcon 9 on May 6, 2024.
This is just the beginning of our continued commitment to pushing the boundaries of possibility in space exploration. Stay tuned for more exciting updates as we chart a course towards new frontiers!
— NASA Just Funded This Project. Assembling Large Structures in Space [NIAC 2025] – Fraser Cain
Space Docks are everywhere in science fiction. It’s the most logical way to build big constructions in space. So, NASA funded a futuristic project that studies the possibility of assembling structures in space.
In this month’s post we explore a few concepts and challenges related to artificial gravity (AG) that when explored and understood will enable human’s to live healthy lives and thrive in space. First up, Austria-based architect and civil engineer Werner Grandl, a researcher of space stations and space colonies, and mechanical engineer Clemens Böck describe their concept for the evolving construction of a spinning Artificial Gravity Orbital Station (AGOS) in this Research Gate working paper. AGOS is envisioned as a potential successor to the International Space Station (ISS).
How does NASA plan to use resources on the surface of the Moon?
One method is the ISRU Pilot Excavator, or IPEx!
Designed by Kennedy Space Center’s Swamp Works team, the primary goal of IPEx is to dig up lunar soil, known as regolith, and transport it across the Moon’s surface.
** Derek Webber on The Space Show – Jan.24.2025 – Lunar Commerce, Moon vs Mars, etc
Derek Webber returned to the program to discuss his excellent new book, “Lunar Commerce: A Primer [Amazon commission link].” During the hour and 45 minutes we engaged in a detailed discussion about lunar commerce from what we can do now to a long time in the future. Part of this discussion centered on going to Mars, the Moon as a digression, then new Trump Administration lunar and/or Mars policy, cislunar, launchers, Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and so much more. We had several listener calls plus multiple emails with a few listeners sending us multiple emails as extensions of their first one. Derek’s book names companies, policies, all sorts of good items are jam packed into the nearly 200 pages jammed pack with excellent information.
America now has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to open the space frontier by initiating a sustained program of human exploration of Mars. Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starship launch system will soon be operational, offering payload delivery capability comparable to a Saturn V Moon rocket at about five percent of the cost. Musk has positioned himself close to President Donald Trump, who at his inauguration in January promised that his administration would be “launching American astronauts to plant the Stars and Stripes on the planet Mars.” As far as meeting the central political and technical conditions for making a bold reach to the Red Planet are concerned, it’s game on.
There are, however, several problems. First and foremost, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the government agency that one would expect to lead such an endeavor, is currently not competent to do so. And while SpaceX is far more competent, it should not be put into the position of executing a Mars mission alone, as some would like. NASA needs to be leading the effort because America should go to Mars, not just a private space enterprise. But to effectively lead human space exploration, NASA first needs to be fixed.
We welcomed John Jossy back to the show, especially at the last minute when the planned guest cancelled due to illness. John brought us current on space settlement matters as we start the new year with a new administration. Our topics in the mentioning of a new space film documentary, the Gerald Black Space Review article on phasing out SLS and Orion, Starship impact, the new Dr. Joel Sercel of TransAstraYouTube video on creating civilizations in space, plus John’s own list of special items including links to the relative subjects and materials. John also posted a short agenda items list of his discussion point on the blog for this program.
=== Other space habitat and settlement news and articles:
Enjoy the creativity of astronaut Don Pettit, currently on his 4th mission aboard the ISS, as he captures surreal photos of Earth. His long-duration exposures reveal tracks of urban night lights as the ISS passes over. The stars show their own curving pattern, and the aurora adds even more mystery. This magical dance is accompanied by the music of Chilean composer Mario Quiroga. He is a “musico-terapista” (musical therapist), who creates floating music with his digital synthesizers, designed to help soothe the soul. Here we feature his “Aurora Boreal” composition, like a musical magic carpet as we soar over these ethereal views. Recorded on 11/9/2024.
** Live Video from the International Space Station (Official NASA Stream) – NASA
Watch live video from the International Space Station, including inside views when the crew aboard the space station is on duty. Views of Earth are also streamed from an external camera located outside of the space station. During periods of signal loss due to handover between communications satellites, a blue screen is displayed.
The space station orbits Earth about 250 miles (425 kilometers) above the surface. An international partnership of five space agencies from 15 countries operates the station, and it has been continuously occupied since November 2000. It’s a microgravity laboratory where science, research, and human innovation make way for new technologies and research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. More: https://go.nasa.gov/3CkVtC8
Did you know you can spot the station without a telescope? It looks like a fast-moving star, but you have to know when to look up. Sign up for text messages or email alerts to let you know when (and where) to spot the station and wave to the crew: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov
Check out the night sky this month, February 2025. Here are videos and links to websites highlighting the top sights to observe.
** What’s Up: February 2025 Skywatching Tips from NASA – NASA JPL
What are some skywatching highlights in February 2025?
Venus blazes at its brightest in the early evening, despite being only a slim crescent through the telescope eyepiece. Mars and Jupiter to rule the night sky after Venus sets, amid the menagerie of bright winter stars in Orion, Taurus, and Gemini. And enhance your astronomy IQ by knowing the difference between a conjunction and an appulse.
0:00 Intro 0:13 Moon & planets 0:41 Appulses 1:39 Venus at maximum 2:51 February Moon phases
Additional information about topics covered in this episode of What’s Up, along with still images from the video, and the video transcript, are available at https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/skywatch….
Sky chart showing Jupiter and Mars high overhead after nightfall in February. Credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech
** Venus and Mars dominate the sky. What’s in the night sky tonight, February 2025 – BBC Sky at Night Magazine
Pete Lawrence and Paul Abel reveal what’s visible in the night sky this month, including bright Venus dominating the sky in February 2025. Look out for Venus, Saturn and Uranus near the crescent Moon on the evening of 1 February.
Mars and Jupiter continue to dazzle, a particular highlight being a meeting between Mars and the Moon on 9 February 2025.
Also, February marks a final chance to enjoy and explore the constellation Orion before it disappears from view.
Aristarchus Crater Moon and Mars Seven Sisters ✨ Constellation of the Month: Taurus
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, looking at the night sky with the naked eye, binoculars or a telescope, check out our Tour of the Night Sky to find out what you can see this month. #wins #Astronomy #WhatsInTheNightSky
Looking to expand your astronomy knowledge even further? The Astronomy Hub is the place to learn everything from what’s in the sky this month, to what gear can help you capture the best celestial images. Learn more here ➡️ https://www.highpointscientific.com/a…
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Chapters 00:00 – Introduction 00:31 – Moon Occults the Pleiades 01:17 – Nearest Neighbors 02:12 – Clown Face Nebula 03:02 – Messier 50 03:43 – Messier 67 04:15 – Tegmine 04:42 – Conclusion
** Space to Ground: Spacewalk 273: Jan. 17, 2025 – NASA Johnson
** Space to Ground: In the Year 2025: Jan. 10, 2025 – NASA Johnson
NASA has big plans for science, research, and exploration aboard the International Space Station in 2025. From spacewalks, to hydroponic and aeroponic plant growth techniques, there’s a lot to look forward to in low Earth orbit. This November, we will celebrate 25 years of continuous human presence on the International Space Station.
** NASA astronaut Suni Williams sees orbital sunrise during spacewalk – Time-lapse – VideoFromSpace
NASA astronaut Suni Williams works outside the International Space Station on Jan. 16, 2025.
** NASA Astronaut Don Pettit Talks with AstroKobi – January 8, 2025 – NASA Video
Aboard the International Space Station, Expedition 72 Flight Engineer Don Pettit of NASA discussed life and work aboard the orbital outpost during an in-flight interview Jan. 8 with the AstroKobi YouTube channel. Pettit is in the midst of a long-duration mission living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies for future human and robotic exploration flights as part of NASA’s Moon and Mars exploration approach, including lunar missions through NASA’s Artemis program.
** How Do Astronauts Exercise in Space? – NASA Johnson
Astronauts aboard the International Space Station typically exercise for two hours each day. From running to cycling to weightlifting, learn how crew members complete fitness regimens in space and commit to staying healthy – even in microgravity.
The India space agency ISRO recently launched the SpaDeX Mission, which consisted of two satellites that carried out a rendezvous and docking operation to demonstrate technology for future ISRO space stations.
SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. This technology is essential for India’s space ambitions such as Indian on Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), etc. In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology.
** ISRO Successfully Conducts Space-Docking Test Under SpaDex Mission | WION
ISRO has completed the docking of satellites under its Space Docking Experiment – SpaDex mission. ISRO has released a video of successful docking on social media.
=== China
** Shenzhou-19 Crew Carry out In-Orbit Verification of Smart Assistant – CCTV Video News Agency
[Jan.5.2025] Last week, the crew aboard the Shenzhou-19 spacecraft conducted a series of in-orbit verifications for China’s first space station intelligent flight robot, “Xiao Hang.”
The combination of NASA’s ambitious commercialization proclamations with the reality of its slow follow-through underscores the urgency for a strategic intervention. By forcing sharper focus on commercial space development, particularly on identifying the next U.S.-led space station, the administration can lay a solid foundation for sustained U.S. presence and leadership in space. The U.S. has long been a leader in space exploration, a position that is not only a matter of national pride but one of strategic importance. That leadership is contingent upon the ability to adapt quickly and effectively to the evolving landscape, and today, to quickly adjust from government-led to commercial-led space activities. With the new administration taking the helm, an exciting opportunity arises to enact meaningful change and drive remarkable progress. With bold and swift action, the U.S. can preserve its pioneering spirit, transcend terrestrial limits and sustain humanity’s journey beyond our planet.
— Plans for 2025:
.@Axiom_Space closed 2024 with the completion of Axiom Station’s Phase 2 Critical Design Review (CDR), and 2025 will see even more progress and promise. We’re looking forward to CDR Phase 3 and the delivery of our first module to Houston! https://t.co/tUhlh1nZqfpic.twitter.com/nZRKwF3YkI
“This collaboration aligns with Axiom Space’s work to develop secure orbital data centers and commercial space station infrastructure.” -Jason Aspiotis, Global Director In-Space Data & Security, Axiom Space https://t.co/7Ua1khovoj
The future we have been building for is here! Last night, Blue Origin’s New Glenn successfully completed its maiden flight to orbit, a crucial step toward establishing reliable access to space. Today, SpaceX achieved a second booster catch during Starship flight 7, further… pic.twitter.com/crftF0dOJt
Starlab Space LLC today announced the opening of its first overseas subsidiary, Starlab Space GmbH. Located in Bremen, Germany, it will extend the company’s capabilities and demonstrates its commitment to its international partners, maintaining global cooperation and permanent human presence, and expanding microgravity research opportunities in a commercial LEO economy.
“Successful and sustainable operation of a commercial space station requires international partners, and therefore, a presence beyond America’s borders,” said Tim Kopra, Starlab CEO. “We’re thrilled to launch Starlab Space Europe, a regional hub that will facilitate industrial efficiencies and expanded partnerships with allied space agencies, including the European Space Agency and its member countries. More importantly, joining American and European presence sets the stage for life beyond the ISS, one that has a global, permanent crew thriving in low-Earth orbit and leading research that can transform all of humanity.”
— Starlab’s CCO, Brad Henderson, discusses the future of space exploration, the role of commercial space stations, the decommissioning of the ISS, and how new technologies allow for affordable access and operation of commercial stations: Entering the Commercial Space Station Era | Kratos Constellations – Jan.16.2025
But while more cost-effective and frequent commercial space launch options will make it easier to get to the space station, they can’t solve a larger economic problem – the incredible cost of operating a space station. Thankfully, that’s one area where advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technologies could play a role.
“How do we optimize our operations? That is really important to the transition – increasing the efficiency to drive down costs. How do we optimize our operations, crew schedules, and logistics streams?” Henderson asked. “Use the technology of today. The AI. The edge computing. Use the different tools that are available to find efficiencies.”
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Ultimately, these advancements in affordable commercial space launch, advanced AI solutions, and cutting-edge data relay services combine with many other advancements in life-support systems and other innovative technologies to open the door to a new era in space – the commercial space station era. This new era will be one of increased access to orbit – democratizing scientific research and advancement in microgravity, enabling space tourism, and making space a possible location for data centers and other critical infrastructure.
— Haven set to begin structural testing of habitat module qualification article:
Our Haven-1 primary structure qualification article was shipped to our Mojave, CA testing facility this morning. The shipment includes the domed window, hatch, and tank mass simulators, which will be used in the upcoming integrated load and pressure test.
The Hatch has been installed on our primary qualification unit, thoroughly inspected, and is now ready for testing. Principal Engineer Brian Landis conducts a final review before the unit heads to Mojave for pressure and load testing. pic.twitter.com/uEIH6ON5Dm
The Haven-1 primary structure qualification article has arrived at our Mojave, CA test site. The team is now conducting lift operations to install the article on the test stand. pic.twitter.com/IDNSVi39d1
— Explore Vast’s in-house space station manufacturing capability – VAST Youtube
A space station primary structure hasn’t been manufactured in the United States in decades. Haven-1 will be the world’s first commercial space station—a major step toward succeeding the ISS and advancing U.S. innovation and leadership in space. At the core of this effort is the Haven-1 qualification article, a full-scale model designed to rigorously test the structure’s strength, safety, and performance.
As a professor at Princeton, O’Neill developed, alongside his students, an alternative vision for space colonisation in which habitats would be constructed at gravitationally stable points called Lagrange Points in the vicinity of the Earth and Moon and made to rotate so that the centrifugal force felt by occupants would simulate gravity. Such stations would offer vastly more living space than is available on all the planetary surfaces in the solar system, and he therefore concluded that they would provide better locations for an expanding interplanetary civilisation in a repudiation of what Isaac Asimov jokingly referred to as the “planetary chauvinism” of science fiction.
O’Neill published a book entitled The High Frontier, which fleshed out his ideas, and lent his support to a NASA study that investigated the practicability of building such a habitat. He was reasonably well known at the time, having been interviewed on television about his ideas, but despite his immense influence in the space community he has since been largely forgotten by the broader public. His concepts enjoyed a brief popularity but then fell out of favour both because of political attacks from critics who disliked the idea of NASA spending money on such things, and because of the growing understanding that the Space Shuttle was never going to provide the cheap, regular access to space that such a project would require.
Join Joseph Pelton, Adriano Autino, Tommaso Sgobba, Robert Zubrin, Simonetta di Pippo, Madhu Thangavelu, Henk Rogers, Gary Barnhard, Pascalle Efrenfreund, Susan Jewell, discussing about Living in Space.
=== Other space habitat and settlement news and articles:
Calendar:
ARISS Informational Webinar, Jan 22, 2025 08:00 pm ET. ” The Amateur Radio on the International Space Station (ARISS) Program is seeking formal and informal education institutions and organizations, individually or working together, to host an Amateur Radio contact with a crew member on board the ISS. ARISS anticipates that the contact would be held between July 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025.“
** Live Video from the International Space Station (Official NASA Stream) – NASA
Watch live video from the International Space Station, including inside views when the crew aboard the space station is on duty. Views of Earth are also streamed from an external camera located outside of the space station. During periods of signal loss due to handover between communications satellites, a blue screen is displayed.
The space station orbits Earth about 250 miles (425 kilometers) above the surface. An international partnership of five space agencies from 15 countries operates the station, and it has been continuously occupied since November 2000. It’s a microgravity laboratory where science, research, and human innovation make way for new technologies and research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. More: https://go.nasa.gov/3CkVtC8
Did you know you can spot the station without a telescope? It looks like a fast-moving star, but you have to know when to look up. Sign up for text messages or email alerts to let you know when (and where) to spot the station and wave to the crew: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov
