Tag: microgravity
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Bacteria Survive Space Launch and Re-Entry: Implications for Mars
New evidence from an Australian-led study shows Bacillus subtilis spores can endure the harsh dynamics of spaceflight As space agencies outline bold plans to send crews to Mars within decades, scientists are racing to understand how living organisms cope with the extreme conditions of space travel. A recent Australian-led study provides a critical clue: the…
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Are Astronauts Working for Free During the US Shutdown? What We Know
Debunking the Notion: Are Astronauts Working for Free During a Shutdown? The idea that astronauts are “working for free” whenever the US government shuts down is a common misconception. As the United States government enters a funding lapse, it’s easy to assume that all national programs halt, including space missions. In reality, space operations, especially…
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Expedition 73 Update: Astronauts Weather U.S. Shutdown on ISS
Overview: A Busy Week on the International Space Station As the United States entered a government shutdown, life aboard the International Space Station carried on with routine efficiency. The Expedition 73 crew continued critical science, station maintenance, and preparation for future research while Earth below grappled with budgetary uncertainty. The seven-person team—commanded by Sergey Ryzhikov…
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ISS Expedition 73 Keeps Research and Maintenance Rolling Amid U.S. Shutdown
Expedition 73 presses on: research and maintenance continue aboard the International Space Station Even as a U.S. government shutdown began on Earth, the crew of Expedition 73 kept up a demanding schedule of science, maintenance, and orbital operations aboard the International Space Station. The seven-person team—an international mix spanning NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, and other partners—maintains…
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Astronauts Work Through U.S. Shutdown Aboard the ISS
Expedition 73 Keeps Science on Track Despite Shutdown Even as a U.S. government shutdown unfolded on Earth, the crew of the International Space Station pressed ahead with science and maintenance tasks. The Expedition 73 team, comprised of seven crew members from multiple space agencies, demonstrated how orbital operations continue under challenging terrestrial conditions. As of…
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Unknown Bacterium in Tiangong: Niallia tiangongensis and Space Microbiology’s Frontier
The discovery on Tiangong: a new chapter in space microbiology In May 2023, during routine operations aboard China’s Tiangong space station, researchers identified a bacterium never before seen on Earth. The scientists named it Niallia tiangongensis, a nod to the station where it emerged and the remarkable biology it displays. This finding, arising from the…
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NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List #1,165: September 2025
Introduction to NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List The NASA Spaceline Current Awareness List is a critical resource for keeping up with the latest findings in space life sciences. As of September 8, 2025, we highlight significant research results that stem from NASA support, focusing on advancements in understanding how space travel affects human health and…