Exploring the Effects of Sustainable Aviation Fuel
NASA and Boeing partnered just recently to perform a contrail research project. Throughout the campaign, NASAs DC-8 flying science laboratory measured emissions and contrail ice formation from a Boeing ecoDemonstrator airplane, as the Boeing aircraft switched between 100% sustainable aviation fuel and a low-sulfur version of conventional jet fuel.
Data gathered will help identify whether sustainable air travel fuels help in reducing the development of contrails, which may trap heat in the environment.
A scientific balloon payload is being prepared for launch in McMurdo Station, Antarctica. Credit: NASAs Wallops Flight Facility
NASA Scientific Balloons Rady for Flights Over Antarctica
The scientific balloon flights, planned throughout NASAs yearly Antarctic Long Duration Balloon Campaign consist of the GUSTO objective. This Astrophysics objective is going for a record 55-plus day flight in the skies above the southernmost hemisphere.
It will map a big part of the Milky Way galaxy, including the stellar center, and the nearby Large Magellanic Cloud. Find out more about NASAs Scientific Balloon Program at nasa.gov/ scientificballoons.
NASA finished a complete period, 650-second hot fire of the RS-25 accreditation engine on November 29, continuing a critical test series to support future SLS (Space Launch System) objectives to deep space as NASA explores the secrets of the universe for the benefit of all. Credit: Danny Nowlin, NASA
NASA Continues RS-25 Engine Certification Test Fire Series
On November 29, NASAs Stennis Space Center performed a hot fire test of an RS-25 engine. Teams gimbaled, or pivoted, the RS-25 around a main point during the test. Gimbaling is an essential capability for the engine that is used to stabilize the Space Launch System, or SLS rocket, during flight on Artemis objectives to the Moon and beyond.
This was the 3rd hot fire in the current 12-test accreditation series.
Student teams and guests of NASAs 2023 Student Launch competitors observe a rocket fly near NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, in April 2023. Credit: NASA
Teams Competing in 2024 Student Launch Challenge
Seventy teams representing 24 states and Puerto Rico were picked to complete in the 2024 Student Launch Challenge. The nine-month-long competitors, which requires trainees to design, construct, and fly a high-powered amateur rocket and scientific payload, culminates with last events April 10-14, 2024 near NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama.
Thats whats up today @NASA!
Searching for cleaner fuel for aviation …
A scientific balloon campaign in Antarctica …
And an essential engine test for NASAs Artemis Moon rocket …
A few of the stories to tell you about– This Week at NASA!