New Atlas

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Genomic study shows how space travel influences the evolution of bacteria

Michael Irving January 8, 2019

It almost goes without saying that space is a pretty harsh environment. Now researchers have examined what effects that environment might have on bacteria, and found that the bugs are mutating in response – but that probably isn’t cause for concern.

Researchers have examined how the harsh environment of space may influence genetic mutations in bacteria

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NASA clears Dream Chaser spaceplane for full production

Nick Lavars December 30, 2018

Sierra Nevada Corporation is picking up the pace in its mission to carry cargo to and from the International Space Station using a next-generation spaceplane, with NASA giving its Dream Chaser vehicle the production all clear following a design and performance review.

Space

Moldy mouse food postpones SpaceX cargo launch

David Szondy December 4, 2018

A SpaceX Dragon cargo flight to the ISS has been postponed until Wednesday due to moldy mouse chow. Originally scheduled to lift off today, the unmanned CRS-16 mission has been set back until 1:16 pm December 5, 2018 EST because food bars for a rodent experiment have gone off and need replacement.

The CRS-16 mission to the ISS had to be postponed due to moldy rat food bars

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First manned Soyuz mission since dramatic abort delivers crew to ISS

David Szondy December 3, 2018

The first manned Soyuz flight since the dramatic abort incident in October has lifted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The Russian Soyuz MS-11 spacecraft launched at 6:31 am EST (5:31 pm Baikonur time) and docked with the International Space Station eight hours later.

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International Space Station's spherical flying robot speaks up for the first time

Nick Lavars December 2, 2018

A first-of-its-kind robotic helper has completed its first day on the job at the International Space Station, with ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst powering up the CIMON assistance system and putting its conversational skills to the test.

CIMON is a medicine-ball-sized robot to help astronauts with routine tasks

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NASA sets dates for commercial crew capsule launches

David Szondy November 24, 2018

NASA has announced the dates for the first flights of the commercial manned space capsules that will be used to ferry astronauts from the United States to the International Space Station (ISS).

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ESA astronaut captures intriguing video of Russian space launch from orbit

David Szondy November 24, 2018

When the Russian Progress MS-10 cargo spacecraft lifted off from Baikonur cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst aboard the ISS captured a time-lapse video of the ascending Soyuz rocket as it began its two-day journey to the station.

The ascending Soyuz rocket can be seen in the upper right-hand corner

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International Space Station clocks up 20 years in orbit

Nick Lavars November 21, 2018

From humble beginnings as a single cargo module in 1998, the ISS has gone on to become an expansive and one-of-a-kind research facility. Today marks its 20th birthday, an impressive milestone for any scientific laboratory, let alone one hurtling through space at around 17,000 mph (27,300 km/h).

Today the ISS celebrates 20 years in orbit

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Space Tango plans to place autonomous robotic factory in orbit

David Szondy November 21, 2018

Commercial spaceflight looks set to produce tangible products for use on Earth after Space Tango announced that it is developing an autonomous, robotic orbital platform called ST-42 that will take advantage of the microgravity environment to produce items for various industries.

Artist's rendering of the ST-42 orbital platform

Space

Soyuz returns to service with cargo launch to the ISS

David Szondy November 16, 2018

The Russian Soyuz launcher reentered service today as the unmanned Roscosmos Progress 71 cargo ship lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 1:14 pm EST (12:14 am Saturday, November 17, Baikonur time zone).

Russia’s Progress 71 cargo craft blasts off on time to the International Space Station for a ...