Planetary Science

Psychology

Rigors of Mars trip make teamwork a priority

It’s going to take a different kind of mental approach to travel to Mars and back: less individuality, more collaboration and adaptability. Astronauts are being tested to prepare for such a mission.

Astronomy

Philae lander image raises questions about probe’s health

Early reports suggest that Rosetta's lander Philae bounced twice when landing on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Astronomy

Rosetta mission lander set to explore surface of comet

The Rosetta spacecraft’s minifridge-sized lander Philae is now on comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and is beginning to study its geology and chemistry.

Planetary Science

Philae lander touches down on comet 67P

Rosetta’s lander Philae has reached the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko and is starting to do science.

Astronomy

Philae lander is in free fall toward comet 67P

The Rosetta spacecraft has nudged its lander Philae off its back toward the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Planetary Science

Philae passes first go-no-go tests for comet landing

Philae and its mothership Rosetta are working through the final tests before scientists attempt to launch the lander toward the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Astronomy

Rosetta’s countdown to comet landing has begun

Everything is on track for Rosetta mission scientists to attempt to set the Philae lander on the surface of comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Planetary Science

Rosetta prepares to let go of its comet lander

To date, everything is a go for scientists to attempt to land a robotic probe on a comet.

Planetary Science

Comet delivered a showy meteor shower — on Mars

Comet Siding Spring dumped several tons of material into the Martian atmosphere that could have damaged NASA spacecraft.

Planetary Science

Water arrived on Earth earlier than thought

Ancient meteorites from the asteroid Vesta indicate that Earth’s water was available before planet formed.

Science & Society

Asteroids closer to home may get us to Mars

NASA should abandon its attempt to bring a space rock into lunar orbit and instead scrutinize ones already whizzing by Earth, one scientist argues.

Planetary Science

Rosetta’s comet is starting to let off more gas

Rosetta's close encounter with comet 67P reveals the growth of its jets and what's in the comet's surrounding haze.