Social media feeds are becoming more customizable as platforms like Threads, Instagram, and TikTok introduce tools that let users directly influence the algorithms powering their recommendations.

Tuesday, June 16th, 2026
1:00pm – 2:30pm

For Cosmic Origins at AAS, please visit the link below. 

https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/community/cosmic-origins-at-aas-248-june-2026

Splinter Session: NASA’s Big Science, Small Missions

Agenda

Organizers: Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC), Emily Witt (JHU)

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:00am ‑ 10:05am	Welcome	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC)
10:05am ‑ 10:15am	FORTIS Sounding Rocket	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:15am ‑ 10:25am	BlackCAT CubeSat	Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University)
10:25am ‑ 10:35am	SunRISE CubeSat Constellation	Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan)
10:35am ‑ 10:45am	SPHEREx Medium Explorer Mission	Roberta Paladini (IPAC/Caltech)
10:45am ‑ 10:55am	Landolt Pioneer Mission	Peter Kurczynski (NASA/GSFC)
10:55am ‑ 11:05am	Non-Traditional Path to Missions	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:05am ‑ 11:10am	BREAK
11:10am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC, moderator) Panelists: Drew Miles (Caltech), Pablo Saz Parkinson (NASA HQ), Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan), Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University), David Ardila (JPL)

The post TODAY! NASA’s Big Science, Small Missions appeared first on NASA Science.

NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI) assists in the use of crowdsourcing across the federal government. CoECI’s NASA Tournament Lab offers the contract capability to run external crowdsourced challenges on behalf of NASA and other agencies.

Sponsored by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this prize competition seeks forward-thinking solutions to strengthen the nation’s ability to rapidly produce and distribute critical medical supplies during public health emergencies and supply chain disruptions. Through three challenge phases, participants will develop an innovative conceptual systems design using technologies and frameworks that advance the future of resilient medical manufacturing, logistics, and digital coordination capabilities.

Phase 1: Participants will submit:

• 8-page submission paper
• 3-minute Pitch video
• Blueprint supporting the key capabilities and structure of the solution

Submissions will be evaluated per challenge Judging Criteria. Following the Judge evaluation period, up to 8 Finalists will receive a $5,000 prize each and be invited to the hybrid (in-person and virtual) Pitch Event at ASPR headquarters in Washington, DC. Up to 3 Winners from the Pitch Event will receive a $150,000 prize each and be invited to the innovation development phase.

Phase 2: Two developmental milestones will monitor solution development and will include $75,000 additional prizes for each milestone complete (up to $150,000 in total milestone prize payments).

Phase 3: At the end of the development milestone period, up to 3 teams may be invited to the final Live Validation Event to test their solution under applicable real-world simulations and compete for a total prize purse up to $1,100,000.

‍Total Prizes: Up to $2.04 Million

Challenge Launch: June 15, 2026

Phase 1 Submissions Due: August 28, 2026

For more information, visit: https://www.expeditionhacks.com/challenges/digital-stockpile-challenge

The post Department of Health and Human Services Digital Stockpile & Manufacturing Response Network Challenge appeared first on NASA Science.

NASA’s Center of Excellence for Collaborative Innovation (CoECI) assists in the use of crowdsourcing across the federal government. CoECI’s NASA Tournament Lab offers the contract capability to run external crowdsourced challenges on behalf of NASA and other agencies.

Sponsored by the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR), a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this prize competition seeks forward-thinking solutions to strengthen the nation’s ability to rapidly produce and distribute critical medical supplies during public health emergencies and supply chain disruptions. Through three challenge phases, participants will develop an innovative conceptual systems design using technologies and frameworks that advance the future of resilient medical manufacturing, logistics, and digital coordination capabilities.

Phase 1: Participants will submit:

• 8-page submission paper
• 3-minute Pitch video
• Blueprint supporting the key capabilities and structure of the solution

Submissions will be evaluated per challenge Judging Criteria. Following the Judge evaluation period, up to 8 Finalists will receive a $5,000 prize each and be invited to the hybrid (in-person and virtual) Pitch Event at ASPR headquarters in Washington, DC. Up to 3 Winners from the Pitch Event will receive a $150,000 prize each and be invited to the innovation development phase.

Phase 2: Two developmental milestones will monitor solution development and will include $75,000 additional prizes for each milestone complete (up to $150,000 in total milestone prize payments).

Phase 3: At the end of the development milestone period, up to 3 teams may be invited to the final Live Validation Event to test their solution under applicable real-world simulations and compete for a total prize purse up to $1,100,000.

‍Total Prizes: Up to $2.04 Million

Challenge Launch: June 15, 2026

Phase 1 Submissions Due: August 28, 2026

For more information, visit: https://www.expeditionhacks.com/challenges/digital-stockpile-challenge

The restrictions include a nationwide ban on Telegram until June 22 and a requirement to disable the app's message-editing feature.

Speaker

Bogdan Pastrav (Institute of Space Science)

Seminar Connection

Please visit the P-CAST webpage https://prima.ipac.caltech.edu/page/p-cast for a link to join and to see all of our upcoming speakers!

The post IR STIG PRIMA Seminar, 22 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Our Spotlight Series highlights recent advances in AGN science, with a strong emphasis on participation from early-career researchers, and includes plenty of time for community discussion following the presentations. 

Central Shocks and Metal-Enriched Outflows: A New View of AGN Feedback

Speaker

Peixin Zhu (Harvard University)

Abstract

The growth of galaxies and their central supermassive black holes (SMBHs) is tightly linked. However, the exact impact of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) feedback on the host galaxy is still uncertain, with different observations suggesting AGNs enhance, suppress, or do not affect the host galaxy star formation rate. Resolving these controversies requires proper treatment of shocks, which are known to exist with AGN-driven outflow and yet are difficult to distinguish from AGN emission. In my talk, I will present a new theoretical three-dimensional diagram built for integral-field spectroscopy that cleanly separates star formation, AGN, and shock-dominated spaxels. Furthermore, these separation results can be combined with theoretical diagnostics to map the spatial distribution of gas-phase metallicity, ionization parameter, and gas pressure within these galaxies. After applying this new technique to 8 nearby Seyfert galaxies, we reveal that AGN and star formation coexist in the galaxy center, and fast shocks are present at the base of AGN outflows in some galaxies. We also find that outflowing gas is systematically metal-enhanced relative to adjacent star-forming rings. I will discuss how these results refine the picture of AGN feedback and the implications for nuclear enrichment and gas transport.

Investigating AGN Feeding and Feedback Through Circumnuclear Gas Kinematics in NGC 3079 and NGC 1068

Speaker

Dr. Ming-Yi Lin (University of Toledo)

Abstract

Studying gas kinematics in the circumnuclear regions (< 100 pc) of nearby AGNs on spatial scales of <10 pc provides insights into gas transport toward the supermassive black hole (SMBH) and the impact of AGN feedback in both radiative and kinetic forms. The kinematics of cold molecular gas are observed with radio interferometers (ALMA and NOEMA), while the warm molecular gas in the near-IR are studied using adaptive optics (AO)-assisted integral field spectrographs (IFS; Keck/OSIRIS). In this talk, I will use NGC 1068 and NGC 3079, two nearby Compton-thick AGNs, as pilot targets to discuss two distinct types of molecular outflows located at distances of ~40 pc from the SMBH: a cooling-efficient, momentum-driven outflow and a cooling-inefficient, energy-driven outflow. I will also present the discrepancy between Bondi accretion prescriptions and observationally constrained mass accretion rates.

Seminar Connection

Zoom Registration, you will receive connection details by email after registration: https://zoom.us/j/97689874465?pwd=XZNUqr19oopa1LfD7hgln1aQ2vbnT2.1

The post AGN SIG Spotlight Series, 23 June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Everything but Exoplanets: The Transformative General Astrophysics of the Habitable Worlds Observatory

Monday, June 15th, 10:00am -11:30am PT

This is your reminder to join the Cosmic Origins community members as they present their science and talk about relevant topics of interest across the astrophysics landscape!

For Cosmic Origins at AAS, please visit the link below. 

https://science.nasa.gov/astrophysics/programs/cosmic-origins/community/cosmic-origins-at-aas-248-june-2026

Special Session: Everything but Exoplanets: The Transformative General Astrophysics of the Habitable Worlds Observatory

Highlights from Cosmic Origins Science Interest Groups (SIGs) and Science Analysis Groups (SAGs).

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:20am – 10:30am	Spatially Resolved UV Spectroscopy Science Analysis Group in Support of HWO	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:30am – 10:40am	Investigating the NIR Discovery Space of the Habitable Worlds Observatory: Updates from the Red Limit Science Analysis Group	Kyle Cooke (University of Louisville)
10:40am – 10:50am	Opening the OVI Window to Reveal the Diffuse Cosmic Ecosystem with HWO	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:00am -11:10am	HWO Science Interest Group: Keeping the Community Connected to HWO	Jessie Christiansen (Caltech/IPAC)

The post TODAY COR at AAS 248 | Everything but Exoplanets appeared first on NASA Science.

Are you ready for a new view of the universe? The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will reveal distant worlds, dark energy, and the structure of the cosmos, and we want you to be a part of it!  

Digital creators and social media users are invited to register to our NASA Social for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launch. Roman is NASA’s next flagship astrophysics mission, designed to explore everything from our outer solar system to the edge of the observable universe. This mission is scheduled to launch on Aug. 30, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  

Are you passionate about social media and communications? Do you love to create content for an audience? Are you a fan of new, unique experiences? If you said yes, this NASA Social event is for you! This is your opportunity to be on the front lines of this historic mission. 

The NASA Social event will take place over two days, including the day of launch. A maximum of 50 digital creators will be selected to attend this two-day event and will be given access similar to news media. 

NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to: 

• Tour NASA’s Kennedy Space Center 

• Learn directly from astrophysics subject matter experts 

• Meet fellow digital creators and social media users 

• Spend time with members of NASA’s social media team 

• View the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope  

NASA Social events are intended for members of the public. Current or former NASA civil servants, NASA contractors, NASA interns, and individuals or organizations currently under contract to provide products or services to NASA are not eligible to apply or participate in NASA Social events.

NASA Social registration for the Roman launch opens on this page on Monday, June 15 and the deadline to apply is at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 28. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

APPLY NOW 

Do I need to have a social media account to register? 

Yes. This event is designed for people who: 

• Actively use multiple social networking platforms and tools to disseminate information to a unique audience. 

• Regularly produce new content that features multimedia elements. 

• Have the potential to reach a large number of people using digital platforms. 

• Reach a unique audience, separate and distinctive from traditional news media and/or NASA audiences. 

• Must have an established history of posting content on social media platforms. 

• Have previous postings that are highly visible, respected, and widely recognized. 

Users are encouraged to follow @NASARoman for Roman updates on X, Facebook, and @NASAGoddard and @NASAUniverse on Instagram. Updates and information about the event will be shared on X via @NASA_Events

How do I register? 

Registration for this event opens Monday, June 15 and closes at 5 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 28. Registration is for one person only (you) and is non-transferable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen? 

Yes, this event is open for all to apply. 

When will I know if I am selected? 

After registrations have been received and processed, an email with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected. We expect to send the first notifications on XX and waitlist notifications on XX. 

What are NASA Social credentials? 

All NASA social applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those chosen must prove through the registration process they meet specific engagement criteria. 

If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you still can attend the launch off site and participate in the conversation online. Find out about ways to experience a launch at https://www.nasa.gov/kennedy/see-a-launch-up-close/.

What are the registration requirements? 

Registration indicates your intent to travel to NASA Kennedy and attend the two-day event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food, and other amenities. 

The schedule of events and special guest appearances are subject to change without notice. NASA is not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA, moreover, is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is canceled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly. 

Kennedy is a government facility. Those who are selected may need to complete additional steps to receive clearance to enter the secure areas. 

IMPORTANT: Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. 

For United States Citizens: 

You will be required to present a REAL ID compliant identification or valid U.S. passport PLUS one of the following:

Acceptable documents to accompany federal or state identification: 

• U.S. Passport 

• Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (Form I-688A) 

• Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS that contains a photograph (Form I-688B) 

• Driver’s license or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address 

• ID card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address 

• School ID card with a photograph 

• Voter’s Registration Card 

• Military Dependent’s ID Card 

• U.S. Military card or draft record 

• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card 

• Native American Tribal Document 

• U.S. Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration (other than a card stating it is not valid for employment) 

• Original or Certified copy of birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or outlying possessions of the United States bearing an official seal 

• U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) 

• ID Card for use of Resident Citizens of the United States (Form I-179) 

• Unexpired employment authorization document issued by DHS (other than those listed previously) 

For Foreign Nationals: 

• Same items required of U.S. Citizens (SSN only when applicable) 

• Unexpired foreign passport, with I-551 stamp or attached Form I-94 indicating unexpired employment authorization 

• Passport number and registration date 

• Citizenship 

• Driver’s license issued by a Canadian Government authority 

For Legal Resident Aliens: 

• Same items required of U.S. Citizens, and: 

• Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card with photograph (Form I-551) 

• Unexpired Temporary Resident Card (Form I-688) 

• Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350) 

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. 

All registrants must be at least 18 years old. 

What if the launch date changes? 

Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change multiple times. The launch date will not be official until after the Flight Readiness Review. If the launch date changes prior to the review, NASA may adjust the date of the NASA Social accordingly to coincide with the new target launch date, and will notify registrants of any changes via email. 

If the launch is postponed, attendees will be invited to attend a later launch date. If the launch is postponed beyond 72 hours, the NASA Social event may be canceled. 

NASA Social attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any launch delay. We strongly encourage participants to make travel arrangements that are refundable and/or flexible. 

What if I cannot come to the Kennedy Space Center? 

If you cannot come to NASA Kennedy and attend in person, you should not register for the NASA Social. Join the conversation by following @NASARoman on X and Facebook, and @NASAGoddard and @NASAUniverse on Instagram. You can watch the launch at nasa.gov/live. NASA will provide regular launch and mission updates on @NASA. 

If you cannot make this NASA Social, don’t worry; NASA is planning many other NASA Social events in the near future at various locations! Check for updates on NASA Socials. 

The post Experience the Launch of NASA’s Roman Space Telescope  appeared first on NASA Science.

The ban would apply to a range of social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X.

Are you ready for a new view of the universe? The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will reveal distant worlds, dark energy, and the structure of the cosmos, and we want you to be a part of it!  

Digital creators and social media users are invited to register to our NASA Social for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope launch. Roman is NASA’s next flagship astrophysics mission, designed to explore everything from our outer solar system to the edge of the observable universe. This mission is scheduled to launch on Aug. 30, 2026, aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  

Are you passionate about social media and communications? Do you love to create content for an audience? Are you a fan of new, unique experiences? If you said yes, this NASA Social event is for you! This is your opportunity to be on the front lines of this historic mission. 

The NASA Social event will take place over two days, including the day of launch. A maximum of 50 digital creators will be selected to attend this two-day event and will be given access similar to news media. 

NASA Social participants will have the opportunity to: 

• Tour NASA’s Kennedy Space Center 

• Learn directly from astrophysics subject matter experts 

• Meet fellow digital creators and social media users 

• Spend time with members of NASA’s social media team 

• View the launch of the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope  

NASA Social events are intended for members of the public. Current or former NASA civil servants, NASA contractors, NASA interns, and individuals or organizations currently under contract to provide products or services to NASA are not eligible to apply or participate in NASA Social events.

NASA Social registration for the Roman launch opens on this page on Monday, June 15 and the deadline to apply is at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 28. All applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

APPLY NOW 

Do I need to have a social media account to register? 

Yes. This event is designed for people who: 

• Actively use multiple social networking platforms and tools to disseminate information to a unique audience. 

• Regularly produce new content that features multimedia elements. 

• Have the potential to reach a large number of people using digital platforms. 

• Reach a unique audience, separate and distinctive from traditional news media and/or NASA audiences. 

• Must have an established history of posting content on social media platforms. 

• Have previous postings that are highly visible, respected, and widely recognized. 

Users are encouraged to follow @NASARoman for Roman updates on X, Facebook, and @NASAGoddard and @NASAUniverse on Instagram. Updates and information about the event will be shared on X via @NASA_Events

How do I register? 

Registration for this event opens Monday, June 15 and closes at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sunday, June 28. Registration is for one person only (you) and is non-transferable. Each individual wishing to attend must register separately. Each application will be considered on a case-by-case basis. 

Can I register if I am not a U.S. citizen? 

Yes, this event is open for all to apply. 

When will I know if I am selected? 

After registrations have been received and processed, an email with confirmation information and additional instructions will be sent to those selected. We expect to send the first notifications on July 17 and waitlist notifications on July 22. 

What are NASA Social credentials? 

All NASA social applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Those chosen must prove through the registration process they meet specific engagement criteria. 

If you do not make the registration list for this NASA Social, you still can attend the launch off site and participate in the conversation online. Find out about ways to experience a launch at https://www.nasa.gov/kennedy/see-a-launch-up-close/.

What are the registration requirements? 

Registration indicates your intent to travel to NASA Kennedy and attend the two-day event in person. You are responsible for your own expenses for travel, accommodation, food, and other amenities. 

The schedule of events and special guest appearances are subject to change without notice. NASA is not responsible for loss or damage incurred as a result of attending. NASA, moreover, is not responsible for loss or damage incurred if the event is canceled with limited or no notice. Please plan accordingly. 

Kennedy is a government facility. Those who are selected may need to complete additional steps to receive clearance to enter the secure areas. 

IMPORTANT: Those without proper identification cannot be admitted. 

For United States Citizens: 

You will be required to present a REAL ID compliant identification or valid U.S. passport PLUS one of the following:

Acceptable documents to accompany federal or state identification: 

• U.S. Passport 

• Unexpired Employment Authorization Card (Form I-688A) 

• Unexpired Employment Authorization Document issued by DHS that contains a photograph (Form I-688B) 

• Driver’s license or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address 

• ID card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies or entities, provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, gender, height, eye color, and address 

• School ID card with a photograph 

• Voter’s Registration Card 

• Military Dependent’s ID Card 

• U.S. Military card or draft record 

• U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card 

• Native American Tribal Document 

• U.S. Social Security Card issued by the Social Security Administration (other than a card stating it is not valid for employment) 

• Original or Certified copy of birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority, or outlying possessions of the United States bearing an official seal 

• U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) 

• ID Card for use of Resident Citizens of the United States (Form I-179) 

• Unexpired employment authorization document issued by DHS (other than those listed previously) 

For Foreign Nationals: 

• Same items required of U.S. Citizens (SSN only when applicable) 

• Unexpired foreign passport, with I-551 stamp or attached Form I-94 indicating unexpired employment authorization 

• Passport number and registration date 

• Citizenship 

• Driver’s license issued by a Canadian Government authority 

For Legal Resident Aliens: 

• Same items required of U.S. Citizens, and: 

• Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card with photograph (Form I-551) 

• Unexpired Temporary Resident Card (Form I-688) 

• Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS-1350) 

The REAL ID Act was passed by Congress in 2005 to establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards. 

All registrants must be at least 18 years old. 

What if the launch date changes? 

Hundreds of different factors can cause a scheduled launch date to change multiple times. The launch date will not be official until after the Flight Readiness Review. If the launch date changes prior to the review, NASA may adjust the date of the NASA Social accordingly to coincide with the new target launch date, and will notify registrants of any changes via email. 

If the launch is postponed, attendees will be invited to attend a later launch date. If the launch is postponed beyond 72 hours, the NASA Social event may be canceled. 

NASA Social attendees are responsible for any additional costs they incur related to any launch delay. We strongly encourage participants to make travel arrangements that are refundable and/or flexible. 

What if I cannot come to the Kennedy Space Center? 

If you cannot come to NASA Kennedy and attend in person, you should not register for the NASA Social. Join the conversation by following @NASARoman on X and Facebook, and @NASAGoddard and @NASAUniverse on Instagram. You can watch the launch at nasa.gov/live. NASA will provide regular launch and mission updates on @NASA. 

If you cannot make this NASA Social, don’t worry; NASA is planning many other NASA Social events in the near future at various locations! Check for updates on NASA Socials. 

View meeting information

Date:

June 15, 2026 – June 19, 2026

Location:

TOC Ariake, Tokyo Bay Area, Japan

The post Cool Stars 23 appeared first on NASA Science.

The agency gave a rosy update on Artemis III, a test flight for its goal to return humans to the moon, but experts say the timeline is ambitious.

The agency gave a rosy update on Artemis III, a test flight for its goal to return humans to the moon, but experts say the timeline is ambitious.

NASA has chosen four astronauts for the Artemis III mission, but there has been a major setback: the destruction of a Blue Origin rocket and its only launchpad. Our science reporter Katrina Miller describes what this event might mean for the U.S. goal of landing on the moon by 2028.

NASA’s missions these days rarely feature all-male crews. Jared Isaacman, its administrator, said women play prominent roles throughout the space agency.

NASA’s X-59 experimental aircraft reached a major milestone Friday, June 12, flying Mach 1.4 (about 924 mph) and an altitude of 55,000 feet, the conditions required for the aircraft to make future flights critical to its mission.  

The X-59 still has months of performance testing ahead, but after those are complete, NASA’s Quesst mission will fly the aircraft over several U.S. communities to collect data on public perception of the quiet sonic thump it will make at supersonic speeds. Those community overflights will include flights at Mach 1.4 and 55,000 feet. 

The milestone comes just days after the X-59’s first supersonic flight. That flight showed the aircraft performed as expected at Mach 1.1, but Friday’s mission conditions flight was an even more critical step for NASA. 

The aircraft’s team has steadily expanded the aircraft’s flight envelope by evaluating its performance at a variety of speeds and altitudes, and having its pilots take on a battery of maneuvers.  

The X-59 was designed to fly supersonic without causing a loud sonic boom. However, for these early supersonic flights it has been accompanied by a NASA F-15 research aircraft, a traditional supersonic jet that causes booms obscuring any noise the X-59 makes. During upcoming flights, a shock-sensing probe mounted to the F-15 will gather measurements of the X-59’s shock wave signature, an early measure of its supersonic performance. 

After the team conducts more tests at a variety of altitudes and conditions to complete envelope expansion, the X-59 will enter the acoustic validation phase of Quesst. During this phase, researchers will thoroughly measure the aircraft’s supersonic acoustic signature — the quiet thump it’s designed to make — to confirm it is performing as intended. 

Each flight brings NASA one step closer to flying the X-59 over communities and gathering feedback that could help shape the future of commercial supersonic flight over land. 

More X-59 to Explore

Read more on the Quesst mission page.

The post NASA’s X-59 Reaches Speed, Altitude for Future Quiet Supersonic Flights appeared first on NASA Science.

Special Session: Everything but Exoplanets: The Transformative General Astrophysics of the Habitable Worlds Observatory

Monday, June 15th, 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET, 10:00am -11:30am PT

Highlights from Cosmic Origins Science Interest Groups (SIGs) and Science Analysis Groups (SAGs).

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:20am ‑ 10:30am	Spatially Resolved UV Spectroscopy Science Analysis Group in Support of HWO	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:30am ‑ 10:40am	Investigating the NIR Discovery Space of the Habitable Worlds Observatory: Updates from the Red Limit Science Analysis Group	Kyle Cooke (University of Louisville)
10:40am ‑ 10:50am	Opening the OVI Window to Reveal the Diffuse Cosmic Ecosystem with HWO	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:00am ‑ 11:10am	HWO Science Interest Group: Keeping the Community Connected to HWO	Jessie Christiansen (Caltech/IPAC)

Agenda

Organizers: Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC), Emily Witt (JHU)

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:00am ‑ 10:05am	Welcome	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC)
10:05am ‑ 10:15am	FORTIS Sounding Rocket	Emily Witt (JHU)
10:15am ‑ 10:25am	BlackCAT CubeSat	Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University)
10:25am ‑ 10:35am	SunRISE CubeSat Constellation	Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan)
10:35am ‑ 10:45am	SPHEREx Medium Explorer Mission	Roberta Paladini (IPAC/Caltech)
10:45am ‑ 10:55am	Landolt Pioneer Mission	Peter Kurczynski (NASA/GSFC)
10:55am ‑ 11:05am	Non-Traditional Path to Missions	Sanchayeeta Borthakur (Arizona State University)
11:05am ‑ 11:10am	BREAK
11:10am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Swara Ravindranath (NASA/GSFC, moderator) Panelists: Drew Miles (Caltech), Pablo Saz Parkinson (NASA HQ), Joseph Lazio (University of Michigan), Abe Falcone (Pennsylvania State University), David Ardila (JPL)

Special Session: Planning for the Future of Astrophysics and the ASTRA Initiative

Thursday, June 18th, 1:00pm – 2:30pm ET, 10:00am -11:30am PT

No remote participation is available for this special session.

Agenda

Time	Topic	Speaker
10:00am ‑ 10:10am	Introduction from the NASA Astrophysics Division Director	Shawn Domagal‑Goldman (NASA HQ)
10:10am ‑ 10:25am	The ASTRA Initiative: Overview& Path Forward	Jessica Gaskin (NASA HQ)
10:25am ‑ 10:40am	Innovation for Astrophysics Workshop: Initial Findings	Kendra Short (JPL)
10:40am ‑ 10:55am	Ad ASTRA Community Science Workshop	Peter Kurczynski (NASA/GSFC)
10:55am ‑ 11:30am	Panel Discussion	Francesca Civano (NASA/GSFC)

ASTRA Office Hours at Cosmic Origins Exhibit Booth

(June 15 – 17, 2026) at 9am PT

Stop by the AAS / Cosmic Origins Exhibit booth during these times to ask questions about the ASTRA initiative, the September Ad ASTRA workshop, and developing new strategic mission concepts for astrophysics. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 9 am PT (Peter Kurczynski)

Best regards,
Swara Ravindranath

The post Join Us at the 248th AAS Meeting, June 2026 appeared first on NASA Science.

Enabling landers to autonomously identify the safest sites to touch down

Moon craters and their surrounding areas are high-value destinations for lunar missions since they may contain important resources and valuable science targets. However, these sites are also home to dangers such as steep slopes that are difficult to see in the challenging lighting conditions. As a result, selecting landing sites on lunar surfaces is a critical component for NASA’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) missions. A new technology tested through NASA’s Flight Opportunities program is set to go to the Moon and help provide a safe and precise landing.

Astrobotic Technology’s Hazard Detection (HD) Lidar system scans and analyzes the terrain in real-time, enabling landers to autonomously map and select the safest landing sites. Lidar stands for light detection and ranging. The Pittsburgh-headquartered company will use its HD Lidar system when its Griffin lunar lander delivers science and technology payloads to the Moon during its CLPS delivery to the lunar south pole.

With Flight Opportunities support, Astrobotic first tested an engineering model of its advanced HD Lidar sensor in November 2024, confirming its ability to select a safe landing site by detecting and avoiding slopes, rough areas, and potential hazards. This flight test provided the Astrobotic team valuable data on the system’s performance, which was later leveraged by a second flight test in March 2026 with an integrated hazard detection and guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) system to further validate the system ahead of its first lunar mission scheduled for later this year. These flight tests helped the company advance the technology for use on its CLPS mission.

Preparing for Griffin Mission One | Flight testing lidar hazard detection video | Additional information

The post Hazard Detection Lidar System Goes to the Moon appeared first on NASA Science.

Além do Facebook e Instagram, os problemas estão a afetar outras plataformas da Meta, incluindo o Messenger. A empresa está a trabalhar para resolver as falhas, embora ainda sem avançar com uma explicação para o sucedido.

The post Problemas no Facebook e Instagram? Meta confirma que está a trabalhar para resolver as falhas no acesso appeared first on Tek Notícias.