Earth from Space: Special edition

Discover more about our planet with the Earth from Space video program. In this special edition, Anthony Gad Bigio, Senior Urban Specialist from the World Bank Sustainable Development Network, joins the show to discuss how the World Bank can use Earth observation satellite data.

Original Source

Stepping into the Orion Crew Module

NASA astronauts Cady Coleman and Ricky Arnold step into the Orion crew module hatch during a series of spacesuit check tests conducted on June 13, 2013 at the Space Vehicle Mockup Facility at the agency's Johnson Space Center in Houston. 

The Orion crew module will serve as both transport and a home to astronauts during future long-duration missions to an asteroid, Mars and other destinations throughout our solar system.

Image Credit: NASA

Original Source

A perfect sky

Human spaceflight and operations image of the week: Luca Parmitano's view of our Planet
Original Source

NASA Ames Keeps the Dream of Space Exploration Alive

Early on, NASA Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., broke new ground in all flight regimes, from subsonic to hypersonic.

Original Source

Bacteria Sent Into Space Behave in Mysterious Ways

Colonies of bacteria grown aboard the Space Shuttle Atlantis behaved in ways never before observed on Earth.

Original Source

European Space Agency Flickr Update

Gaia Sunshade Deployment

24-06-2013 01:55 PM CEST

Animation showing the deployment of Gaia's sunshade. During launch, the 10 m-wide sunshield is stowed against the spacecraft. Shortly after Gaia separates from its launch vehicle, the sunshield is deployed around the base of the spacecraft. It consists of 12 long rectangular panels covered with multilayer insulation blankets, and 12 triangular sections to fill in the gaps.

The shield has two purposes: to shade Gaia's sensitive telescopes and cameras, keeping them cool at a stable temperature below –100ºC, and to provide power to operate the spacecraft. Gaia will always point away from the Sun, so the underside of the skirt is covered with solar panels to generate electricity.

Credits: ESA/ATG Medialab

New breed

The first Galileo Full Operational Capability satellite unveiled

Original Source