S03E128: Extending Starliner ISS Mission, Terraforming Mars, and Perseverance's Ascent

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news in space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna. Today, we have an exciting lineup of stories to share with you. We'll dive into NASA's decision-making process on whether to extend astronauts' stay aboard the International Space Station amidst ongoing issues with the Boeing Starliner capsule. We'll also explore a groundbreaking new method developed by researchers to terraform Mars using engineered nanoparticles, a technique that could make the red planet more hospitable for future colonists. We'll also look at NASA's Perseverance rover as it embarks on a challenging new mission to climb the western rim of Jezero Crater in search of ancient life signs. Lastly, we'll shed light on a fascinating project by Honeybee Robotics to install massive streetlights on the moon, which could revolutionize future lunar exploration. Stay tuned as these stories promise to be out of this world.
- **NASA's ISS Dilemma with Boeing Starliner**: NASA is currently in a critical decision phase, determining the fate of two astronauts stationed aboard the International Space Station.
- **Terraforming Mars with Engineered Nanoparticles**: Researchers from the University of Chicago and Northwestern have unveiled a revolutionary approach to warming Mars, potentially making the red planet more conducive to life. Their method involves using engineered dust particles to increase Mars' temperature by over 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- **Perseverance Rover's New Mission**: Speaking of Mars, NASA's Perseverance rover is gearing up to tackle one of its toughest challenges yet—climbing the western rim of Jezero Crater. This ascent marks the start of its fifth science campaign since it touched down on the red planet in February 2021.
- **Honeybee Robotics' Lunar Streetlights**: Finally, Honeybee Robotics has put forward a fascinating proposal to help illuminate the long, dark lunar nights with massive streetlights. This project, known as Lunar Saber, aims to construct 330-foot tall towers on the moon that will store solar energy and provide powerful floodlight illumination during the lunar nights, which last the equivalent of two Earth weeks.
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