Thirsty astronauts could just throw some Moon dust in the microwave

While there is water on the Moon, it’s not kept in convenient reservoirs, it’s locked away in the lunar soil. Now, a team of scientists has found that thirsty astronauts could one day refresh themselves fairly easily – by throwing a cup of Moon dirt in… Continue reading Thirsty astronauts could just throw some Moon dust in the microwave

New study uses fighter pilots to learn how space travel affects the brain

Space travel places great stress on the mind and body. With an eye on its implications for future space travel, a new study out of Belgium is the first to examine how flight that involves exposure to significant changes in g-forces impacts the function… Continue reading New study uses fighter pilots to learn how space travel affects the brain

Astronauts could 3D print tools and parts from titanium and Mars dust

Sending materials into space is expensive, so the more astronauts can make on-site, the better. Engineers at Washington State University (WSU) have now demonstrated how crushed Martian rock could be mixed with a titanium alloy to make 3D-printable buil… Continue reading Astronauts could 3D print tools and parts from titanium and Mars dust

Artificial gravity reduces spaceflight’s health toll in fruit fly tests

Microgravity wreaks havoc on the bodies of astronauts, which is bad news given humanity’s space-bound ambitions. A NASA experiment housing fruit flies on the International Space Station has now shown that artificial gravity can help reduce some of thos… Continue reading Artificial gravity reduces spaceflight’s health toll in fruit fly tests

Moon caves may offer year-round jeans-and-jacket temperatures

The Moon isn’t the most hospitable place, but that’s not stopping NASA from sending humans back there soon. Thankfully, an orbiter has now found a region of the Moon with year-round jeans-and-jacket weather – underground caves.Continue ReadingCategory:… Continue reading Moon caves may offer year-round jeans-and-jacket temperatures

EEG earbud is made to monitor astronauts’ sleep patterns on the ISS

Sleeping while wired up with a full EEG cap would be hard enough here on Earth, but can you imagine trying to do so in the zero-gravity environment of outer space? It could be quite awkward, which is why an earbud has been designed to serve the same pu… Continue reading EEG earbud is made to monitor astronauts’ sleep patterns on the ISS

Astronauts found to destroy 54 percent more red blood cells in space

A study claimed to be the first of its kind has shed new light on the dangers posed by spaceflight, and the impacts on red blood counts for astronauts on long-duration missions. The research deepens our knowledge around a condition known as “space anem… Continue reading Astronauts found to destroy 54 percent more red blood cells in space

Body-sucking sleeping bag may help protect astronauts’ vision

When astronauts stay in outer space for extended periods, they frequently develop a vision problem known as spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Scientists are now trying to keep that from happening, via an experimental vacuum-sealed sl… Continue reading Body-sucking sleeping bag may help protect astronauts’ vision

Brain damage biomarkers detected in cosmonauts after long space jaunts

Striking new research investigating blood samples taken from Russian cosmonauts before and after long stints on the International Space Station (ISS) has revealed significant elevations of several biomarkers that could indicate brain damage. The study … Continue reading Brain damage biomarkers detected in cosmonauts after long space jaunts