Category Archives: Space Travel

With a surface hot enough to melt lead, crushing atmospheric pressure and clouds of sulphuric acid, Venus might not sound like the most enticing destination for human exploration.

But a group of experts are advocating that our other nearest neighbour, rather than Mars, should be the initial target for a crewed mission to another planet.

There are notable downsides. Walking on the surface would be an unsurvivable experience, so astronauts would have to gaze down at the planet from the safety of their spacecraft in a flyby mission.

In its favour, however, Venus is significantly closer, making a return mission doable in a year, compared with a potentially three-year roundtrip to Mars. A flyby would be scientifically valuable and could provide crucial experience of a lengthy deep-space mission as a precursor to visiting Mars, according to a report presented at the International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Paris last week.

Venus gets a bad rap because its got such a difficult surface environment, said Dr Noam Izenberg of the Johns Hopkins University applied physics laboratory and one of the proponents of the Venus flyby.

The current Nasa paradigm is moon-to-Mars. Were trying to make the case for Venus as an additional target on that pathway, he said.

Izenberg said there were practical arguments for incorporating a Venus flyby into the crewed Mars landing that Nasa hopes to achieve by the late 2030s. Although the planet is in the wrong direction, performing a slingshot around Venus known as a gravity assist - could reduce the travel time and the fuel required to get to the red planet. That would make a crewed flyby trip to Venus a natural stepping stone towards Nasas ultimate goal.

Youd be learning about how people work in deep space, without committing yourself to a full Mars mission, he said. And its not just going out into the middle of nowhere it would have a bit of cachet as youd be visiting another planet for the first time.

We need to understand how we can get out of the cradle and move into the universe, he added.

There is also renewed scientific interest in Venus. The discovery of thousands of exoplanets raises the question of how many might be habitable, and scientists want to understand how and why Venus, a planet so similar to our own in size, mass and distance from the sun, ended up with infernal surface conditions.

Izenberg said a Venus flyby doesnt yet have traction in the broader space travel community, although there are advocates within Nasa, including its chief economist, Alexander Macdonald, who led the IAC session.

The pair recently co-authored a report entitled Meeting with the Goddess that makes the case for the hypothetical mission, suggesting that astronauts could deploy tele-operated rovers, drones and balloons to observe Venuss active volcanoes and search for signs of past water and ancient life.

There is every reason to believe that Venus will be an endless wonderland of beguiling and mysterious vistas and formations, the report says.

Not everyone, however, is convinced by the concept. Its really not a nice place to go. Its a hellish environment and the thermal challenges for a human mission would be quite considerable, said Prof Andrew Coates, a space scientist at UCLs Mullard space science laboratory.

He said Venus was rightly a focus of scientific exploration, but that a human flyby really wouldnt add very much.

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Target Venus not Mars for first crewed mission to another planet, experts say - The Guardian

For those who want to combine a breathtaking drive across the rolling hills of Kansasand a visit to one of Sunflowers States much fancied Eight Wonders, a drive down to the Kansas Cosmosphere looks like a trip planned in heaven. Of course, Kansas is not a boring state. There are certain things one can only find in Kansas. Yet the beauty of Kansas isnt that kind that strikes a person at once. Just like people who at first look plain and flat but with time prove to be rare jewels, beautiful souls that appear untouched by human faults and foibles. Thats Kansas.

And no one will know this until he steps a little off the interstate. Its then that Kansas will prove to be more than the majesty of her famous prairies. In this article, we talk about one of the states gems whose setting would make for a dream road trip.

For those who love cruising on roads that open up to views that extend as far as the eye can go, Kansas is just the state. Of course, not the whole state is flat. And were not saying that flat terrains are boring. Theres usually something attractive about the unending nothingness thats so charming and alluring. Driving with the whole world literally stretched down before the eyes, and well into the dim horizon, is quite an experience. That said, the part of Kansas that everyone will agree is flat is the western half. However, when it comes to the eastern portion, the terrain takes a new look. Its a look thats punctuated with rolling hills and gentle slopes.

For those whove done it, driving through the Midwest; and right through Kansas is quite enjoyable. The roads are almost completely deserted. Its the blue clouds, the wind-swept prairies, and the revving of the engine as it coasts along roads that are without sudden bends or perilous curves. With the cars stereo playing a favorite hit, driving was never more delightful. But its Hutchinson, the location of the Kansas Cosmosphere, that seems to be in the middle of nowhere. Of course, Hutchinson is a small cityand one cannot really expect the same vibe as, say, Chicagoor Vegas. But Hutchinson seems to be small and getting smaller. This picture is even more pronounced in light of being the location of such a huge attraction as the Cosmosphere.

Related: Space Tourism Is Becoming A Real Thing, Now Even Captain Kirk Is Going To Space.

Even if there were no other reasons, the fact that the Kansas Cosmosphere has the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscowalone makes it a place worth visiting. Heres where visitors will get to learn the fascinating history of the Space Race and the geopolitical intrigues that defined that period. And while one can learn about space history at a dozen other places in the country, Kansas Cosmosphere boasts such an impressive quantity of space artifactsthats unmatched by any facility in the United Statessave only the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. Therefore, learning space history while observing such monumental artifacts as the Apollo 13 command module makes the lesson come alive in a way that will not fail to impress.

Visitors to this gem of a museum will learn the history of space travel all the way from the initial faltering startsmarked by rocket experiments during World War Iall through to the launching of Sputnik, the Cold War years, and the advent of the commercial space industry.

Related: Space Travel: What Its Like To Travel To Mars.

Lets start with the number of hours that one needs to spend here. In our opinion, not less than five hours. Thats what will do this place justice. Of course, one can spend two or three hours here as well. In the end, it all boils down to interest. That said, the museum itself recommends four hours.

As weve said, the Kansas Cosmosphere is located in Hutchinson. Hutchinson is about 52 miles from Wichita, the largest city in the Sunflower State. Thats a drive of just under an hour. While the whole facility has something to interest visitors, some of the top attractions here include the planetarium, the Carey Digital Dome Theater, Dr. Godards Lab, and of course, the Hall of Space. Visitors shouldnt also miss the flight simulator, an experience that mimics real travel to space. It takes just about six minutes.

Thats it. A journey to spacethrough a road tripdefinitely looks odd. Yet its not only possible but will also be memorably enjoyable.

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So Much Of Space History Is Located Along This Dream Roadtripper Route - TheTravel

Don't have a rocket, but want to launch some astronauts into space?Sounds Expensive

Don't have a rocket, but want to get some astronauts to the ISS? Don't stress. As long as you've got some serious millions in the bank, you can apparently buy your space explorers two seats onboard an ISS-bound SpaceX Crew Dragon. That's what Saudi Arabia reportedly just did, at least.

Per Reuters, Saudi Arabia inked a deal with private spaceflight company Axiom Space earlier this year to fly two of the country astronauts to the orbital outpost aboard a SpaceX passenger craft. While it's unclear exactly how much they paid, previous Axiom spacecraft seats have sold for around $55 million a pop.

That puts SpaceX in a potentially challenging position, because the relationship between Saudi Arabia and the US,where it's based, has been tense in recent years. The Gulf nation's deep pockets and oil reserves, however, have long helped to smooth over any international controversy while NASA has reportedly yet to approve the Saudi's astronauts for takeoff, sources told Reuters that it's likely to happen.

And given those deep pockets, it's not terribly surprising to see Saudi Arabia, as a nation, engage with this version of ridiculously expensive privatized space travel. And really, this seems like the ideal next step for commercial spaceflight ventures sure, you can rake in some cash by sending the William Shatners and Jeff Bezoses of the world to the edges of the atmosphere, but providing nations with the vehicles and resources they need to throw their hat in the space exploration ring? That's an incredibly lucrative opportunity.

Saudi Arabia isn't the only country that's signed an exploration deal with Axiom. On Monday, the company announced that in late 2023, it'll be launching the first Turkish astronauts.

"This mission is a part of Turkey's ambitious 10-year space road map," Turkish politician Serdar Hseyin Yldrm said in a press release, "which includes missions to the low-Earth orbit and the Moon as well as developing internationally viable satellite systems."

As Reuters points out, these contracts all fit into Turkey's broader plan to launch a private space station, which they hope will be operational in the next few years. And ultimately, these missions are good for NASA, too the agency has been eager to pursue their own goals of working with commercial space operations to develop a "robust low-Earth orbit economy." That's certainly a bet on the commercial future of space travel, but looking at the evidence? Probably a good bet to make.

READ MORE: Exclusive: Saudi Arabia buys pair of SpaceX astronaut seats from Axiom -sources [Reuters]

More on Axiom: Nasa Now Requiring Real Astronaut to Babysit Space Tourists on Way to ISS

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Saudi Arabia Just Bought Two SpaceX Tickets to the International Space Station - Futurism

While Elon Musks SpaceX is attempting to make humans multi-planetary, a number of publicly traded space stocks are forging ahead with plans to deliver massive payloads to space, provide access to high speed internet across the globe, and even create a space tourism industry.

Analysts at Citigroup are predicting that the space industry could reach $1 trillion in revenue by 2040. This comes as the space industry has already grown more than 70% since 2010.

With sky high growth expectations, a flurry of space companies have gone public over the last few years, the majority of them through SPAC listings that allowed them to raise billions of dollars.With huge capital influxes and a rapidly growing market, here are five space stocks to watch in 2023:

1. Aerojet Rocketdyne (NYSE:AJRD)

Aerojet Rocketdyne is an aerospace and defense focused space company that provides propulsion systems and energetics to space, missile defense and tactical systems to customers around the globe.

The companys Camden, Arkansas facilitywas recently expanded to integrate its solid rocket motor manufacturing activities. Aerojet says the investment will improve operational efficiency while increasing production capacity and reducing costs.

The 51,000 square foot facility consolidates multiple manufacturing activities under one roof. The company says the upgrades add advanced equipment, including modern tool-up bays, dedicated propellant casting and oven areas. Aerojet plans to begin production in the new manufacturing facility with a propulsion system program for its PAC-3 missile segment.

Shares of Aerojet Rocketdyne trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbolAJRD.

2. Rocket Lab (NASDAQ:RKLB)

Founded in 2006, Rocket Lab is an end-to-end space launch and system support company that provides launch services, satellite manufacturing, and on-orbit management solutions.

Headquartered in Long Beach, California, the company manufactures small orbital launch vehicles and satellite platforms for customers. Rock Lab has completed30 successful launches of its Electron Rocketand delivered more than 150 satellites to space. Additionally, the companys Photon spacecraft platform was selected to support NASA missions to the Moon and Mars.

The company currently operates two launch pads at a private orbital site in New Zealand. A second launch site located in Virginia is expected to become operational this year.

Shares of Rocket Lab trade on the NASDAQ under the ticker symbolRKLB.

3. Planet Labs (NYSE:PL)

Planet Labs is a leading provider of global satellite imagery and geospatial solutions. Founded by three NASA scientists, the company operates the largest Earth observation fleet of imaging satellites, where it captures over 30 terabytes of data each day.

The company recently released new details of itscommercial hyperspectralconstellation offering, which it says will help customers identify social, environmental and climate risks while also providing methane and CO2 signature data. The company plans to launch its first two Tanager satellites in 2023.

Shares of Planet Labs trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbolPL.

4. Maxar Technologies (NYSE:MAXR)

Maxar Technologies, a provider of comprehensive space solutions and secure geospatial intelligence. The company has beenselected by L3Harris Technologiesto design and produce 14 spacecraft platforms as part of the Space Development Agencys Tranche 1 Tracking Layer satellite program.

Designed, engineered and built in-house, Maxars modular satellite platforms will provide low Earth orbit monitoring as part of the programs goal to create a global warning and tracking system of conventional and advanced missile threats, including hypersonic missiles.

Maxr will also provide related ground, operations and sustainment support to the program. The company plans to manufacture the platforms at its factories in Palo Alto and San Jose, California. Delivery is planned in 2024 and launches are scheduled to begin in 2025.

Shares of Maxar Technologies trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbolMAXR.

5. Virgin Galactic (NYSE:SPCE)

Virgin Galactic is a space travel company. The companys goal is to pioneer human spaceflight and open space up to private individuals and researchers. Virgin Galactic is developing a spaceflight system designed to connect the world and offer customers a transformative experience.

The company recently announced astrategic partnership with Virtuoso, the leading global network specializing in luxury and experiential travel, to make a limited number of seats for Virgin Galactics space flight experience available to Virtuosos global client base.

The companys distinct flight system takes off and lands on a runway, allowing passengers to experience weightlessness and breathtaking views of Earth in comfort.

Virtuosos prominence as the world leader in the luxury experiential travel category makes them the ideal strategic partner to expand our reach in this valuable sector, said Blair Rich, Virgin Galactic President & Chief Business Officer, Commercial and Consumer Operations. We are excited to offer this limited quantity of tickets to Virtuoso clients and to connect with those who are searching for meaningful, deeply transformational travel experiences.

Shares of Virgin Galactic trade on the NYSE under the ticker symbolSPCE.

With the total addressable market of the space industry growing at such a rapid pace, investors are keeping a keen eye on space stocks that will capture controlling market shares. Other space-focused stocks that investors should keep their eyes on include:

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5 Space Stocks Rocketing Humanity Towards The Final Frontier: Rocket Lab, Virgin Galactic, Plus 3 More St - Benzinga

NASA has released its list of objectives as a part of its Moon to Mars planning for the future. Heres what the future holds for the space agency.

NASA on Tuesday released its revised Moon to Mars objectives which will serve as a roadmap for future missions. The space agency is beginning with the Artemis I mission which is set to launch at the end of this month after two failed launch attempts. According to the NASA blog, the space agency is calling for inputs from industry, experts, academia, stakeholders and international communities to further improve its objectives for deep space travel.

NASA's Artemis missions will provide a way for the space agency to prepare astronauts for future Mars missions. The Artemis programme is NASA's attempt to go back to the Moon for the first time since the Apollo 17 mission in 1972. NASA has finally prepared 63 revised objectives which cover four broad topics science, transportation & habitation, Lunar & Martian infrastructure and operations.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy said in the blog, We need a roadmap with staying power, and through a collaborative process, we've identified a core set of defined objectives to achieve our exploration goals with our partners. These objectives are both practical and aspirational, and we were gratified by the thoughtful contributions of our workforce, industry, and international partners who will join us in shaping our future together.

The preparation for these objectives began in November last year with the help of Agency Cross-Directorate Federated Board. According to NASA, these objectives will help the space agency in working better with the other nations and might even open up opportunities for future collaboration during deep space missions.

Jim Free, NASA's associate administrator for the Exploration Systems Development Mission Directorate said, We're helping to steward humanity's global movement to deep space.

The objectives will help ensure a long-term strategy for solar system exploration can retain constancy of purpose and weather political and funding changes. They help provide clear direction as new technologies, vehicles, and elements are developed in the coming years and are designed to be realistically achievable, he added further.

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From Artemis I to Mars missions; NASAs roadmap for the future - HT Tech

AstroAccess, an organization dedicated to promoting disability inclusion in space exploration, announced its second cohort of Disabled Ambassadors who will fly on AA2, the second AstroAccess parabolic flight with Zero Gravity Corporation. The flight will take place in Houston, TX on December 14, 2022, the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 17 lunar liftoff, the last time humans were on the Moon.

AstroAccess is inspired by the history-defining work of the Apollo Program. The team is excited to have the next flight take place in the city of Houston with the opportunity to contribute to the citys rich history of human spaceflight by reimagining accessible spaceflight design and redefining who can be an astronaut. The AA2 flight will continue the important accessibility research that was conducted on the inaugural AstroAccess flight in October of 2021, as well as work on two additional parabolic flights conducted by MIT and the Aurelia Institute, which flew AstroAccess Ambassadors in May of this year.

The AstroAccess AA2 flight crew is a mix of four returning flyers and twelve new flyers. This combination of new and returning flyers, in addition to the work done by the AstroAccess ground crew and the mentorship of the AA1 Ambassadors, has launched AstroAccess into the next phase of its mission to make space more accessible. For the first time, the flight will have international Ambassadors from four countries and three continents (Australia, Brazil, Germany, and Spain) as part of the programs global expansion. The full list of AA2 flyers can be found at the end of this release and on the AstroAccess.org website.

AstroAccess co-founder and Executive Director Anna Voelker stated, This is a vital next step for advancing not only access to space, but the quality of space science itself, by ensuring that 15% of the worlds population is not excluded. Anna added, We are honored to be working with a phenomenal and passionate team of nearly 100 individuals who are driving this mission forward, and welcome anyone who is interested in contributing to join our growing team.

Returning flyer Mary Cooper, a Stanford masters student in Aeronautics and Astronautics with a lower leg prosthesis, will fly in zero-g for her second time and plans to continue her work as an AstroAccess Ambassador. Mary described her feelings about the experience: This second flight will enable us to build upon the important demonstrations we began in our first flight to show that space can be made accessible with simple changes that improve safety for everyone.

Joining Mary and the other returning flyers on AA2 is a fresh group of new flyers. One of the new Ambassadors is Lindsay Yazzolino. As a blind person and science enthusiast, Lindsay is prepared to fulfill her lifelong dream of experiencing microgravity from a purely nonvisual perspective. Lindsay notes, There currently exists a grand total of zero blind astronauts. Im looking forward to collaboratively developing much-needed design practices for implementing nonvisual accessibility in all aspects of space travel.

The flight research conducted by the AstroAccess Ambassadors would not be possible without the strong support from the AstroAccess ground crew. The ground and flight crew are collaborating to design experiments that will help AstroAccess demonstrate ways to make spaceflight more accessible in the future. Flight Ops Research Lead Corey McClelland puts it best, The work that were doing at AstroAccess is laying the foundation for the future of human spaceflight. To democratize space, were expanding the notion of the right stuff and doing the necessary research for inclusion to enable a wide range of people to fly.

The AstroAccess 2022 flight costs have been generously sponsored through a philanthropic donation from Dylan Taylor, and the organization continues to be supported by ongoing funding from the Whitesides Foundation. AstroAccess is funded entirely by charitable donations, which can be made via the website: https://astroaccess.org/donate/.

To learn more about becoming an AstroAccess sponsor, please contact donate@astroaccess.org.

More details about AstroAccess, including how to join the crew, can be found at https://astroaccess.org/. Information can also be found by following AstroAccess on your favorite social media site.

AstroAccess AA2 Flight Crew

New Flyers

Lindsay Yazzolino (she/her) is a totally blind nonvisual designer with backgrounds in cognitive neuroscience research and public transit accessibility. She graduated from Brown University and spent several years as a cognitive neuroscience researcher investigating how blindness shapes cognitive abilities such as Braille reading, language, and touch and sound perception. Lindsay currently works as a user experience designer at CVS Health and is also a tactile technology specialist, collaborating with scientists, museums, and product developers to create multisensory, hands-on experiences.

Lucas Radaelli (he/him) is blind and was born in Brazil. He works as a senior software engineer at Google in San Francisco, California. Lucas is a tech lead in a team that develops accessibility solutions for people with disabilities. He wants to advance STEM accessibility for blind people so they can pursue careers in engineering and mathematics.

Denna Lambert (she/her) is currently serving as the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility Lead for NASAs Early Stage Innovations & Partnerships (ESIP) portfolio within the Agency Space Technology Mission Directorate located at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. Denna received her Masters in Public Administration from the George Washington University and her bachelors in business administration from the University of Arkansas-Fayetteville.

Dr. Carlos Archilla-Cady (he/him) currently works as a Pediatric Anesthesiologist in Orlando, Florida and is a Veteran of the United States Navy. Carlos is a bilateral cornea transplant recipient. He has conducted visual physiology experiments examining the effects of microgravity on eye health and would like to advance research on visual physiologic changes experienced in space travel. After executive education at the Harvard and Wharton Schools of Business, he recently obtained a Global Executive Masters in Business Administration from the IESE Business School.

Victoria Garcia (she/her) works at NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center as a launch vehicle systems engineer. Her work includes several projects that further technology for human space exploration. Victoria was born Deaf and often serves as a guest speaker for students of all ages. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and her Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology.

Sheila Xu (she/her) is currently pursuing dual MPP and MBA degrees at Harvard University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Sheila earned her Bachelor of Science in Humanities and Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is the first Deaf Asian female pilot and has interned at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Sheila is interested in developing and investing in accessible space technology and advocating for policy changes to open up aerospace and aviation traditionally closed to people with disabilities.

Dr. K Renee Horton (she/her) is a hard of hearing advocate for diversity and inclusion in STEM and the founder of Unapologetically Being, Inc. She is from Baton Rouge, Louisiana and is a graduate of Louisiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Renee is also the first African American to receive a Ph.D. in Material Science with a concentration in Physics from the University of Alabama. She currently works as a NASA Airworthiness Deputy on the Electric Powertrain Flight Demonstrator project.

Jose Luis de Augusto (he/him) is an aerospace engineer,commercial pilot, flight instructor, and a wheelchair user. Jose has worked at Airbus as a certification engineer and a flight test engineer. In 2019, he founded Newwings, a pilot school for persons with disabilities. Jose was among the pre-selected candidates for the European Space Agencys Parastronaut Project.

Michi Benthaus (she/her) earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechatronics Engineering and is pursuing a masters degree in Aerospace Engineering with a focus on space and astrophysics at the Technical University of Munich. She is currently doing an internship at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Michi is a sports enthusiast who loves to play wheelchair tennis and go-karting.

Dwayne Fernandes (he/him) is an Indian-Born Australian and a double amputee. He works as a New South Wales (NSW) Accessible Delivery manager for the state government. Dwayne also co-founded Minds at Play, a national social gaming company that builds essential social and communication skills for players through games like Dungeons and Dragons and Minecraft. He works on engaging and expanding peoples understanding of disability inclusion when it comes to infrastructure, service delivery, and employment.

John D. Kemp (he/him) is a person with a disability and a graduate of Georgetown University and Washburn University School of Law. John co-founded the American Association of People with Disabilities, serves as President & CEO of Lakeshore Foundation and chairs Delta Air Lines Advisory Board on Disability. John has been awarded the Henry B. Betts Award, regarded as Americas highest honor for disability leadership and service, and the Dole Leadership Prize, which includes Nelson Mandela and two former U.S. presidents as past honorees.

Caeley Looney (she/her) is neurodivergent and a Space Mission Analyst at L3Harris Technologies. She graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering and earned a masters degree in Space Systems Engineering at Johns Hopkins University. Caeley is the founder and CEO of Reinvented Inc., a nonprofit focused on empowering young girls to pursue STEM fields.

Returning Flyers

Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen (she/her) is an associate professor at Bowling Green State University. She earned her PhD from the State University of New York at Buffalo in linguistics. Sheris research interests are in social aspects of astrobiology, disability studies, and how body shape and sensory input might affect language structure of any extraterrestrial intelligence we may someday find. She is the 2022-2023 Baruch S. Blumberg NASA Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology, Exploration, and Scientific Innovation. Sheri flew as part of the Blind Crew on AA1.

Eric Ingram (he/him) is the Founder and CEO of SCOUT Inc., a U.S.-based company developing orbital products and services to enable a new era of space safety and transparency. He is also a Board Member at the Space Frontier Foundation. Previous to SCOUT, Eric served as an Aerospace Engineer for the Licensing and Evaluation Division of the FAAs Office of Commercial Space Transportation. Eric flew as part of the Mobility Crew on AA1.

Eric Shear (he/him) is a graduate student at the University of Florida, where he is studying chemical engineering with the goal of working in the space industry on life support and in-situ resource utilization. Eric currently works as a research assistant at the University of North Florida on novel hydrogen production techniques. He previously earned degrees in physics and planetary science at York University in Toronto. Eric flew as part of the Deaf Crew on AA1.

Mary Cooper (she/her) is a student pursuing a Master of Science in Aeronautical & Astronautical Engineering at Stanford University, where she recently graduated with an undergraduate degree in Aerospace Engineering & Computer Science. Mary is a champion athlete and a below-the-knee amputee. She is also a 2020 Brooke Owens Fellow, 2020 Lime Connect Fellow, and a 2021 Matthew Isakowtiz Fellow. Mary worked at SpaceX on the astronaut training team to help prepare Polaris Dawn, NASA Crew-5 and Crew-6 for spaceflight. Mary flew as part of the Mobility Crew on AA1.

About AstroAccess

AstroAccess is dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in space exploration for the benefit of humankind. The first mission successfully flew 12 individuals with disabilities on October 17, 2021 with the ultimate goal of flying one or more team members to space in the coming years. The project is supported through the Whitesides Foundation and is part of SciAccess, Inc., an international non-profit dedicated to advancing disability inclusion in STEM. The fiscal sponsor of the project is the Spacekind Foundation, a non-profit space advocacy organization.

For general inquiries: info@astroaccess.orgFor press and media Inquires: press@astroaccess.org

About Zero Gravity Corporation

Zero Gravity Corporation is a privately held space entertainment and tourism company whose mission is to make the excitement and adventure of space accessible to the public. The experience offered by Zero-G gives individuals the opportunity to experience true weightlessness without going to space. Zero-Gs attention to detail, excellent service and quality of experience combined with its exciting history has set the foundation for exhilarating adventure-based tourism. You can learn more by visiting the Zero-G website at http://www.gozerog.com.

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AstroAccess announces Ambassadors and flight crew for Next Weightless Flight - Space Ref

Got an aspiring astronaut or space enthusiast who would give anything to see a real, live rocket blast into space? Get ready to count down and feel the rumble of the engines! Whether youre headed west to California or south to Floridaor somewhere in betweenpack your bags and head to one of these amazing U.S. spaceports to see a rocket launch, up close and personal.

Note: Not all rockets are deemed go for launch. Space flights may be called off even as close to seconds before liftoff. So be flexible, and try to make your plans to allow a few days of a window to see a launch if it is delayed due to weather or mechanical failure.

The It spot for rocket launches, Kennedy Space Center not only has prestigious crewed and unmanned launches every few weeks from its Florida Space Coast complexbut its also one of the worlds best space museums in the country! That means, even if your coveted rocket launch is canceled or delayed (which happens frequently), your space cadets will have a blast learning about aerospace through a ton of hands-on, immersive experiences, including a simulated Space Shuttle launch and scheduled meetups with astronauts.

That said, if youre lucky enough to catch a launch (the launch schedule is listed on the Kennedy Space Center website), the Center offers several exclusive Launch Viewing Packages to get you as close as youre allowed to be when the countdown begins. Packages include admission/transportation to spectator areas as well as live commentary from experts leading up to and during the launch. To reserve your spot, check the Kennedy Space Center website.

Of course, you dont have to be at the Kennedy Center to see the space capsule soaring toward the heavens. If youd rather not pay to see the launchor if seats have already sold out (which they will!)there are many great spots along the coast thatll still give you a great view of the action. Finding a prime spot sometimes takes a little research, as youll want to find a place that offers the best view for whatever rocket youre hoping to see. (As a rule of thumb, find a viewing spot closest to the launch pad the rocket is taking off fromKennedy lists its launch sites on the website.)

For a complete list of viewing spotsincluding a map of Kennedy and Cape Canaveral launch padscheck out Visitspacecoast.com.

Related: Stargazing 101: Your Guide to Mastering Astronomy with Kids

Cape Canaveral Air Force Station is just a few miles from Kennedy Space Center, so launches from both locations can be seen from Kennedys viewing areas. If youve already done Kennedy (or if its sold out) and you want to find your own spot along the seashore to watch the rockets fly, public spots include:

Playalinda Beach (1000 Playalinda Beach Rd., Canaveral National Seashore): This 4-mile stretch of the Canaveral National Seashore offers straight-shot views of Cape Canaveral launches. Note: This location is closed for launches from Complex 39A (its that close!).

Space View Park (17 Orange St., Titusville, FL): This spot is especially good for launches from Complex 39A, with free parking and panoramic views across the water (See what its like with this Youtube video). This location also features various space monuments and the U.S. Space Walk of Fame, which takes visitors through the history of space exploration.

Sand Point Park (10 E Max Brewer Causeway, Titusville, FL): Make it a beach day! This coastal spot offers free parking, restrooms, BBQ grills, and picnic tablesplus a playground and splash pad for the littles.

Jetty Park (400 Jetty Park Rd., Cape Canaveral, FL): This beach offers great views for most launchesespecially from Complex 46and offers umbrella rentals, kayak and paddleboat rentals, and a full-service restaurant.

View a schedule of Cape Canaveral Launches here.

Also known as the Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport (MARS), this busy space launch facility on the eastern shore of Virginia hosts large and small rocket launches that can be seen for miles down the coast. For the best views, take your little skywatchers to the Wallops Visitors Center, which offers a free launch viewing area thats one of the only public sites with a clear view of the launch pads. Note: You can only watch a launch from the Visitors Center if the launch happens during its regular hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Large-scale launches, including the liftoff of the Antares rocket that goes to the International Space Station, are super-popular and spots at the Visitors Center fill up quicklyso get there early. (You can watch a Youtube video of an Antares launch here.) Launches of smaller-scale rockets, known as sounding rockets (these contain research tools that take measurements from space) arent as popular, so you can usually get a spot. These rockets apparently take off so fast you might miss them as they dart up into the sky, so keep your eyes open! (Or watch a video of a sounding rocket launch here).

If the Visitors Center is closedor fullviewing locations on the nearby Chincoteague Island include Robert Reed Park on Main Street or Beach Road spanning the area between Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. The Virginia, Maryland, and Delaware Atlantic beaches also provide good viewing locations, though youll only see the rocket streaking through the sky from a distance. Want to make a beach vacation out of it? Book a seaside room at Chincoteague, where reportedly every balcony will give you a view of rockets soaring (if youre lucky enough to catch a launch, of course).

See the Wallops rocket launch schedule here.

If a West Coast launch is more convenient for your space-loving brood, Vandenberg Air Force base is a drivable 2 1/2 hours from LA and 4 1/2 hours from San Francisco and has frequent enough rocket launches that youll likely find one that works for your space-loving tykes. The active base is closed to visitors, but there are plenty of spots around town and on the seashore where you can get a great view of the rockets launching into the skysome of them so close youll feel the vibration of the engines and have to cover your ears to muffle the boom. (Check this super-informative Youtube videoto see what its like to watch a Vandenberg launch).

To find the best spot for whatever launch is happening while youre there, check out this City of Lompoc guide to local viewing spots. In general, youll want to pick a spot thats got the most direct view of the launch pad (there are several launch areas within Vandenberg, but this rocket launch calendar usually lists the specific launch pads for each launch).

Of course, like all flights (space-bound or otherwise!), delays and cancellations are commonso be prepared to entertain your space travelers with, maybe, a trip to nearby Santa Barbara.

Related: 72 Hours in Santa Barbara With Kids

Spaceport America bills itself as the first purpose-built commercial spaceport in the world and its behemoth welcome buildinga flying saucer-esque structure perched in the middle of the desert like a bona fide spaceshiplooks like something straight out of Star Wars. And even though its middle-of-nowhere location doesnt host public viewings of its rocket launches (yet), a visit to this 18,000-square-foot spaceport is a must for any space buff.

Located 45 miles north of Las Cruces and 20 miles southeast of Truth or Consequences, New Mexico, Spaceports main tenant is Virgin Galactic, whose goal (if Sir Richard Branson has his way) is to make cosmic tourism within reach for everyone. Launches arent open to the public (unless youve bought a Virgin Galactic ticket to the stars), but tours of the facility are availableand sound like a dream-come-true for kids (and adults) who want to get an inside look at the elusive location.

Tours include:

There was talk of building a public viewing area at Spaceport for the space-loving sort to gaze skyward, but nothing has been finalized. Until then, the tours are your best bet to get a glimpse of the future of space travel. For more information about Spaceport America, check out Spaceportamerica.com.

If Elon Musk has any say in the matter, Boca Chica, Texas, a desolate swath of land on the southeastern border of Texas and Mexico, will become the next great portal to the stars. The up-and-coming spaceport known as Starbase is Musks grand venture into galactic travel; it being the launch pad for his Starship rocket, a colossal capsule that he hopes will eventually shuttle earthlings to and from Mars. Orbital test flights of the rocket may come as early as this fall, so if youd like to see the monster rocket lifting up, keep an eye on this calendar.

In the meantime, the rocket stands ready on the launch pad, proudly pointed skywardand aspiring space travelers can get up close to (but not inside) the facility to check it out (the nearby road gets you close enough to snap Insta-worthy photos). When the rocket does launch, nearby South Padre Island makes a great stakeout point (with warm waters and sandy beaches, it makes a great vacation spot, too!). Want something even more unique? This quirky Rocket Ranch Airbnb is banking on space tourists, with space-themed rooms and launch viewing spots from its Rio Grande River location just down the road from Starbase.

If you cant make it to southeast Texas, the Starship launch promises to be a big deal, so youll be able to count down with Mission Control by watching the launch online at Space.com. No plans to head to the border? The non-NASA-affiliated website NASASpaceflight.com has live feeds of the spaceport on its Youtube channel If you want to take a peek at whats happening right now.

Want the option to see every major rocket launch that happens, whenever they happen? Theres an app for that! Download Space Launch Now or T-Minus apps to be notified of every rocket launch out there and get live feeds of the rockets as they lift off. Nothing like stepping away from the PTA meeting to watch a space launch!

Even cooler? Put the rocket in your backyard! The Backyard Apollo app uses augmented reality to launch a rocket from wherever you point your camera. Youll be able to plant a rocket in your backyard, school parking lot, or kitchen floorthen walk around and under it to explore what it looks like, up close. The app also includes live audio to narrate the launchas well as on-screen labeling of all the rocket parts as your camera goes over them, so your little Mission Controllers can understand the flight operation in real-time.

*For a calendar listing all upcoming launches throughout the country, head to Space.coms launch calendar or Spacelaunchschedule.com.

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Where to Watch a Rocket Launch - Tinybeans

Are you a lover of all things lunar? Here are three hidden gems from the Destination Moon exhibit you wont want to miss.

Ever wondered how we pictured the Moon before we really knew what it looked like? Look no further than Chesley Bonestells mural Lunar Landscape. Bonestells (1888-1986) paintings provided stunning backgrounds for Hollywood films of the 1930s and '40s, including Citizen Kane. However, he remains best known for his profound influence on a generation of space enthusiasts, whose dreams were fueled by his images, including Lunar Landscape.

Lunar Landscape was originally painted for the Boston Museum of Science. On March 28, 1957six months before Sputnik launchedthe Museum of Science in Boston unveiled the work of art on the lobby wall of the Charles Hayden Planetarium. However, images taken by the first lunar probes shortly after revealed that the surface of the Moon was far less harsh and jagged than Bonestell had imagined.

The Boston Museum of Science officials carefully removed it from the wall in 1970 when it was no longer deemed accurate. They presented the artwork to the National Air and Space Museum six years later, but it wouldnt be until 2022 that the painting was in good enough condition to be put on display.

Lunar Landscape remains a masterful, if outdated, vision from a time when people could only dream of space travel. Learn more about Lunar Landscape.

Upon first glance, visitors might pass over the humble sewing machine in Destination Moonwhich is featured among massive and impressive technology like a Saturn V engine. But this sewing machine has stories to telllike helping put the first people on the Moon!

In 1965, NASA awarded International Latex Company (ILC) in Dover, Delaware, the first Apollo spacesuit contract. ILC, which manufactured gloves, bras, and other support garments, had created its Special Products Division in 1947 to make high-altitude helmets and suits for the U.S. military.

The Singer sewing machine featured in the gallery was among the many that ILC seamstresses used to sew the fabric portions of the Apollo spacesuits. The seamstresses underwent rigorous training and testing. They had to maintain stitch length precision that would challenge the best tailors. They manufactured all the spacesuits worn on the Moon, and without them a lunar landing would ever have been possible. Learn more about the development of spacesuits.

Has a glint of gold caught your eye? You may be headed in the direction of The Lunar Surface Ultraviolet Camera. This isnt your average telescope! It was the first astronomical telescope used on another planet. Astronaut John Young operated the camera on the lunar surface during the Apollo 16 mission.

The telescope in Destination Moon didnt actually fly to the Moon (that one is still on the lunar surface). The object seen on display is the reconstructed engineering model. But thats not all there is to know about this small but mighty piece of technology. The engineering model on display holds the original film cassette brought back from the telescope on the Moon!

Both the telescope on display and the one used during the Apollo 16 mission were built by Astronomer George Carruthers at the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, DC. Carruthers developed an early interest in astronomy and built his first telescope at age 10. After earning an engineering doctorate from the University of Illinois, he joined the Naval Research Laboratory in 1964where he designed and built the first Moon-based observatorythe Lunar Surface Ultraviolet Camera.

In the 1980s, Carruthers created the Science & Engineers Apprentice Program, which brings high school students to work with Naval Research Laboratory scientists. He especially tried to reach out to students of color.Learn more about George Carruthers.

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Calling Lovers of All Things Lunar | National Air and Space Museum - National Air and Space Museum

IN PURSUIT of sending people and objects off-world, Nasa has devised some of the world's finest accidental inventions.

These everyday objects were built for zero gravity activity but serve humanity well on the ground.

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The handheld vacuum, or dust buster, was an accidental invention that came to life during the Apollo missions.

Astronauts needed a small and light motor for operating a hand drill on the Moon.

Black & Decker, the company behind the Moon drill, reconfigured the technology to power the cordless vacuum and other Earthbound appliances.

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Frank Rudy left Nasa after the completion of the Apollo 11 mission to file a patent for a sneaker sole that could be filled with shock absorbent air.

"The basic idea is to inflate the air cushion with something that simulates what's happening in your lungs," Rudy said before his death.

Sneaker History gave Rudy the admirable title of "The Father of Nike Air".

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Astronauts needed to be able to freely use their hands without risk of tangling or unplugging their communication tools.

In the 1960s, wireless headphones were already in limited use by airplane pilots and air traffic controllers.

A Nasa blog explains it only took 11 days to fit the tech into an astronauts' helmet and later innovations cleared the headset for takeoff.

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The soft memory foam mattress was originally invented for a rough landing.

In 1966, scientists at the Ames Research Center developed memory foam as a shock absorber during takeoff and in the event of an impact.

Memory foam never found a seat on the space shuttle but it did spur a new era of mattress manufacturing.

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Nasa doesn't claim to have invented the mouse, but the space agency did provide a grant to the man who did.

Doug Englebart was experimenting with ways to improve human-computer interactivity when Nasa provided the funding for him to explore ideas to make computing more efficient.

Through trial and error, Englebart landed on the computer mouse which he first billed as an "x,y position indicator for a display system" in a patent application.

Englebart never earned any royalties for inventing the computer mouse, according to The Smithsonian.

Nasa's inventions, accidental or intentional, have served not the astronauts but people on Earth looking up at them.

As more of space travel becomes privatized, large companies will hold the intellectual property behind all their inventions and there may be less public reward for breakthroughs.

See more here:

Five Nasa inventions built for space that can be used in everyday life... - The US Sun

Wondering about what bases you might find in the Centennial State? Well, its no surprise that land-locked Colorado doesnt have any installations for the water-based military branches. But what you might not know is that the Colorado is home to a Space Force bases alongside its Air Force and Army installations.Heres an overview of the military bases in Colorado you can expect to find.

The Air Force Academy is located in Colorado Springs and accepted its first class in 1954. However, women couldnt attend until 1976. Air Force cadets go through intense training, just like at other military colleges. Their training includes five weeks of basic cadet training on base. Athletics play an important role at the Academy. The school football and baseball teams, and theres everything from water polo to gymnastics. After graduation, cadets have earned a bachelors degree in science and commission as second lieutenants in the Air Force. During graduation, Thunderbirds fly overhead.

CMAFB is one of the most well-protected military installations. No, really. Its literally located inside a mountain! The DoD definitely wants to make sure whatever is inside stays safe. Very, very safe. Surprisingly, some parts of the installation are open to the public, including a very out of the way and somewhat random petting zoo. All things considered, it might not be the weirdest thing youll ever find on an installation. Either way, if youre wondering whats so secret about the base, heres why the installation is inside the mountain.

Also located in Colorado Springs is Peterson Air Force Base. The installation provides runway support for Colorado Springs Municipal Airport. The installation can trace its history to 1942. Its initial mission was to train pilots for photo recon missions. However, by the end of the war, the mission at Peterson changed. These days, it hosts the 21st Wing, an Air Force Wing thats spread over six counties. The 21st is responsible for space control and missile warnings for the entire country.

Less than 20 kms from Peterson is Schriever Air Force Base. Unlike Peterson, Schriever is relatively young. Construction on the base started in the 1980s but was built without any one mission in mind. Currently the 50th Space WIng calls Schriever home. The 50th is responsible for the careful monitoring of over 170 satellites.

Fort Carson isnt a base, since the Army calls their installations posts. However, it is the Best Hometown in the Army because of its great location. Sometimes its called Mountain Post: because of its location. These days, its home to the 4th Infantry Division. Youll also find the 10th Special Forces Group and others. This installation is often considered one of the premier DoD locations for training Soldiers to win in combat situations. Nearby Colorado Springs and Fountain are excellent places to live and the area provides breathtaking scenery.

The mission at Ft. Carson is to build and maintain combat ready expeditionary forces ready to fight and win in complex environments. Ft. Carson is home to the 4th Infantry Division and the 10th Special Forces Group (Airborne). Youll also find the 71st Ordnance Group. Since 2005, its been home to the Armys 1st Space Brigade. The 1st SBs mission is to provide trained and ready space forces to conduct global space force enhancement.Check out our complete Ft. Carson guide here.

PCD is a storage site in Pueblo, Colorado. Its about 40 miles south of Colorado Springs. The 36-square mile facility is in an arid, out-of-the way section of the state. The storage facility is home base for Americas arsenal of chemical weapons. In fact, its one of nine Army installations tasked with this mission. The facility has more than 900 above-ground earth and concrete igloos for storage purposes. However, its estimated that only about ten percent of the structures contain chemical weapons.

Buckley Space Force Base was an Air Force installation until 2021. But its no stranger to space travel. In fact, its first space mission happened in 1969! Located at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Buckley Space Force Base is nestled in a thriving military community that includes service members from all branches and a robust retiree population as well. The 300 sunny days a year mean theres always a reason to get outdoors.

Buckleys host unit is Base Delta 2. Its responsible for day-to-day support to Space Delta 4. Space Delta 4 commands the SFs missile warning forces. Additional units include the Colorado Air National Guards 140th Wing, the Denver Naval Operations Support Center, and the National Reconnaissance Offices Aerospace Data Facility. Buckley is also home to more than 90 tenant units including the Army Aviation Support Facility and the Air Reserve Personnel Center.

How many military bases are in Colorado?

Counting the chemical weapons depot, there are seven installations in Colorado.

How many military bases are in Colorado Springs?

The area around Colorado Springs is home to three military installations.

What is the big Army base in Colorado?

Fort Carson is in Colorado and is considered one of the best Army posts!

Can you be color blind in the military?

Its possible, depending on the job that interests you. Speak with your recruiter for more information.

See more here:

The complete guide to military bases in Colorado - We Are The Mighty