Tests Ensure Astronaut, Ground Crew Safety Before Orion Launches

Tests Ensure Astronaut, Ground Crew Safety Before Orion Launches NASA is performing a series of tests to evaluate how astronauts and ground crew involved in final preparations before Orion missions will quickly get out of the spacecraft, if an emergency were to occur on the pad prior to launch. via NASA http://ift.tt/2zhQOR2

Viewing Australia’s Great Sandy Desert From Space

Viewing Australia’s Great Sandy Desert From Space Flying hundreds miles above, astronauts aboard the International Space Station photographed Lake Hazlett and Lake Willis in Western Australia’s Great Sandy Desert. Hundreds of ephemeral salt lakes are peppered throughout the arid Australian Outback. via NASA http://ift.tt/2luBT0C

Studying the Genetics of Organisms in Space

Studying the Genetics of Organisms in Space At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, organisms in a Petri plate are exposed to blue excitation lighting in a Spectrum prototype unit. NASA scientists and engineers are developing experiments to determine how different organisms, such as plants, microbes or worms, develop under conditions of microgravity. via NASA http://ift.tt/2ySUIzn

NASA Astronauts on Third and Final Spacewalk in October Series

NASA Astronauts on Third and Final Spacewalk in October Series NASA astronauts Joe Acaba (left) and Randy Bresnik (right) at work outside the International Space Station on Oct. 20, 2017, in the third of a series of three planned spacewalks. The two astronauts successfully completed the 6 hour, 49 minute spacewalk at 2:36 p.m. EDT. via NASA http://ift.tt/2zFnj8q

Remembering Astronaut Paul Weitz

Remembering Astronaut Paul Weitz In this June 1973 photo, astronaut Paul J. Weitz, Skylab 2 pilot, mans the control and display console of the Apollo Telescope Mount. Weitz, who also commanded the STS-6 shuttle mission and served as Deputy Director of Johnson Space Center, passed away this week at the age of 85. via NASA http://ift.tt/2z2GxbS