Here are some recent stories of interest.
—Universe.com: “NASA’s Psyche Now Set to Launch October 12“
With just under two weeks until its planned launch, NASA’s Psyche mission has been rescheduled. As per a NASA blog post, the agency along with SpaceX are now aiming for liftoff on October 12 at 10:16 A.M. EDT from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida — the first of several NASA science missions that will ride to space on a Falcon Heavy Rocket. The mission was originally set to launch October 5.
—Trottier Institute for Research on Exoplanets: “UdeM-Led Study of Exoplanet TRAPPIST-1 b Reveals New Insights into its Atmosphere and Star“
A team of astronomers has made an important leap forward in our understanding of the intriguing TRAPPIST-1 exoplanetary system. Not only has their research shed light on the nature of TRAPPIST-1 b, the exoplanet orbiting closest to the system’s star, but it has also shown the importance of parent stars when studying exoplanets. The findings, published today in Astrophysical Journal Letters, shed light on the complex interplay between stellar activity and exoplanet characteristics.
—NASA: “NASA Funds Eight Studies to Protect Astronaut Health on Long Missions“
NASA is funding eight new studies aimed at better understanding how the human body reacts to spaceflight. These studies will be done on Earth without the need for samples and data from astronauts. Collectively, these studies will help measure physiological and psychological responses to physical and mental challenges that astronauts may encounter during spaceflight. With this information, NASA may be better able to mitigate risks and protect astronaut health and performance during future long-duration missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
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