Illustration of the Exobiology Extant Life Property Surveyor (EELS) concept. Credit NASA/JPL-CalTech
The 2nd all-private astronaut mission to the spaceport station …
Completing the set of tiny extreme weather condition trackers …
And a robotic explorer– with a twist …
A few of the stories to inform you about– This Week at NASA!
Team members from JPL test a snake robot called EELS at a ski resort in the Southern California mountains in February. Developed to notice its environment, determine threat, travel, and collect information without real-time human input, EELS could ultimately explore locations throughout the solar system. NASA finished a vital hot fire test of the RS-25 engine, part of a 12-test accreditation series for future Artemis missions. This achievement brings NASA one step more detailed to landing the first lady and person of color on the Moon, as well as developing a long-lasting lunar presence. Credit: NASA/ Stennis
Second Private Astronaut Mission to the Space Station
On May 21, a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft released from NASAs Kennedy Space Center on Axiom Mission 2, the 2nd all private astronaut objective to the International Space Station.
The four-person crew, commanded by previous NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, is scheduled to spend a number of days conducting research study, outreach, and commercial activities on the area station.
Rocket Labs Electron rocket raises off from Launch Complex 1 at Māhia, New Zealand at 11:46 a.m, on May 25, 2023, carrying 2 TROPICS CubeSats for NASA. Credit: Rocket Lab
Final Pair of Storm-Observing CubeSats Launched
The last 2 CubeSats for NASAs TROPICS mission launched from Rocket Labs Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand on May 26. The little satellites will join two other identical spacecraft that launched to orbit previously this month.
All four will fly, as a constellation, in a special low Earth orbit that will permit them to observe tropical cyclones, including hurricanes and typhoons, more frequently than what is possible withcurrent weather condition satellites.
Staff member from JPL test a snake robotic called EELS at a ski resort in the Southern California mountains in February. Designed to notice its environment, determine risk, travel, and gather data without real-time human input, EELS could eventually explore locations throughout the planetary system. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Self-governing Snake-Like Robotic Explorer
A team at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory is producing and testing a snake-like robotic called EELS, short for Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor. The self-propelled, self-governing robotic isbeing established to go where other robots cant go.
Although it was motivated by a desire to try to find indications of life in the sub-surface ocean on Saturns icy moon, Enceladus, EELS is not currently part of any NASA mission.
NASA finished an essential hot fire test of the RS-25 engine, part of a 12-test certification series for future Artemis objectives. This achievement brings NASA one action better to landing the first female and individual of color on the Moon, in addition to establishing a long-term lunar presence. Credit: NASA/ Stennis
Artemis Rocket Engine Test Series Continues
On May 23, NASAs Stennis Space Center carried out a hot fire test of an RS-25 rocket engine. It was the eighth hot fire of the existing 12-test series to accredit production of new RS-25s.
Four of the engines will help power NASAs Space Launch System rocket on future Artemis missions to the Moon.
Thats whats up this week @NASA.
