The next decade in space exploration is almost exclusively focused on Mars, a planet with atmospheric and surface conditions most conducive to human habitation in the solar system apart from Earth itself. Despite the fact that a trip to and from Venus would likely be 30 to 50-percent shorter in duration than a round trip…
Here at HEXAPOLIS, we have talked quite a bit about the different Mars habitat concepts that designers and scientists have come up over the years. There was the innovative Ouroboros dwelling, conceived by MIT students as part of NASA's 3D-Printed Habitat Challenge, which is built using the Red Planet's silica reserves. The Sfero House is…
Engineers at NASA have recently tested the engine that will eventually drive the gargantuan Space Launch System (SLS). The space agency has successfully trialed RS-25, as part of a 7.5 minute-long test. with three more to come in the next few months. Currently under developed, the SLS is touted as the most advanced and powerful…
Although deemed impossible only a few centuries ago, space exploration like flight are easily two of mankind’s greatest achievements. In fact, they are glowing exemplars of what the human mind is capable of attaining, when left to its own devices. The outer space has long held an unshakable fascination, originating over 25,000 years ago with…
China has recently completed the construction of what seems to be the largest radio telescope in the entire world. Claimed to be as big as "30 football fields", the colossal structure, known as the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST), has been designed to look for alien life on far-away planets. The initiative, according to President…
Haven’t we all at some point of our lives dreamed of becoming astronauts, flitting through space to reach the farthest edge of our solar system and beyond? NASA is planning to make your dreams come true. Starting from December 14, the US-based space agency will be accepting applications for its Astronaut Candidate Program, as a…
With renewed interest in space exploration, in recent decades, scientists across the world are looking for ways to build more powerful rocket engines, as a way of optimizing spaceflight. For instance, the researchers at UK-based Reaction Engines have spent the last 20 years developing an innovative scramjet engine concept that can operate in both jet…
Monday, July 20, marked the 46th anniversary of the first lunar landing, by the crew aboard the Apollo 11. In the decades, since Neil Armstrong’s historic walk on the Moon, human spaceflight has undergone significant development and, has achieved some truly amazing feats. According to a recent NASA-funded study, by NexGen Space LLC, we could…
For mankind to conquer Mars, there needs to be an environment congenial enough for human habitation. Despite the reported presence of water in the planet’s ice caps, Mars is currently inhospitable to life, of any kind. As part of a recent project, NASA has teamed up with Indiana-based engineering firm, Techshot Inc, to develop the…
A robot conceptualized solely for exploring the expansive oceans of Europa (a moon of Jupiter) is enticing enough as it is. However, Cornell University researchers has gone beyond the realm of enticing to reach out for extraordinary - by putting forth their wild idea for an eel-like robotic rover that will not only explore icy…