SpaceX plays another episode of Buck Rodgers as Grasshopper leaps up and softly returns. The stability is amazing, demonstrating precision micro- gimbal control.
How long does it take to get to Mars? Take a ride and see.
The NASA budget is rounding error in Fed budget. Here are some goodies for your pennies #NASA
Take a hike on Mars. You can almost smell the cold desert air.
Mesmerizing interactive 3D map of the known asteroids in our Solar System. Ciick and tremble.
When Mars had water. It likely had life, at least microbial. IMHO. We will see.
Awesome time lapse from ISS. Best job in the World.
Why Mars Curiosity is shooting up Mars with a Laser
One of Curiosity’s most clever instruments is the “ChemCam” a laser that can shoot rocks from a distance to determine if they are worth further investigation. How does it work? It uses a well know photonics phenomenon know as LIBS - Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy. Shooting the rock ablates the surface creating a plasma plume. The plume can then be analyzed spectroscopically revealing the light signature of the elements contained. If the sample looks promising, then Curiosity can drive over and drill for further analysis. Who knows what fascinating discoveries lie ahead?
The NASA JPL EDL team led by Adam Steltzner took a big technology gamble on their supersonic parachute + autonomous free flight + sky crane landing on Mars. A move Steltzner himself said “seems crazy” in the now epic “7 minutes of terror” video. But just how did the odds stack up? The infographic tells the story.
The Audacity to Dream…stop talking…do something about your dreams
