On This Day in Space: May 5, 1961: Alan Shepard becomes 1st American in space
On May 5, 1961, NASA astronaut Alan Shepard became the first American to go to space.
By Elizabeth Howell published
Boeing Starliner will launch its 1st mission to the ISS with NASA astronauts on May 6. Here are the milestones to watch for, from launch to docking to landing.
By Elizabeth Howell published
In 2020, while COVID was at its height, two NASA astronauts splashed down in a SpaceX Crew Dragon for the first time ever. New agency astronaut Anil Menon was on the medical team.
By Robert Patalano published
Does life exist elsewhere in the universe? If so, how do scientists search for and identify it? Finding life beyond Earth is extremely difficult, partly because other planets are so far away and partly because we are not sure what to look for.
By Douglas Vakoch published
NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft, headed to Jupiter’s ice-covered moon Europa in October 2024, will carry a laser-etched message that celebrates humanity’s connection to water.
By Fabian Klenner published
As a planetary scientist and astrobiologist who studies ice grains from Enceladus, I'm interested in whether there is life on this or other icy moons. I also want to understand how scientists like me could detect it.
By Joe Rao published
The Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks on May 5, and this year looks favorable for a good light show put on by bits of Halley's Comet as they burn up in Earth's atmosphere.
By Scott Snowden last updated
A veritable treasure trove of sci-fi is available at your fingertips
By Scott Snowden last updated
A veritable treasure trove of sci-fi is available at your fingertips