Eclipse-Like Events on This Week @NASA – August 18, 2017

TL;DR

Scientists use eclipse-like events to learn about the universe, SpaceX launches Dragon spacecraft to the ISS, a new communications satellite is launched, Cassini starts its final orbits around Saturn, and cosmonauts conduct a spacewalk outside the ISS.

Transcript

“Here’s some of the stories trending This Week at NASA!” The Science of Eclipse-Like Events (VO) Natural phenomena such as the Aug. 21, 2017 solar eclipse can inspire awe, but scientists can also use eclipse-like events to learn more about the universe. For instance, a total eclipse, or an occultation in scientific terms – happens when a celestial ... Read More

Key Insights

• 🧑‍🔬 Natural phenomena like solar eclipses provide opportunities for scientists to learn about the universe and celestial objects.
• 🎟️ SpaceX continues its commercial resupply missions to the ISS, delivering essential supplies and conducting research.
• 🛰️ NASA launches new communication satellites to ensure reliable data-rate communications for various space missions.
• ❤️‍🩹 The Cassini spacecraft's Grand Finale phase provides valuable insights into Saturn's atmosphere before its mission ends.
• 😘 Spacewalks outside the ISS involve maintenance tasks and the deployment of scientific investigations.

Questions & Answers

Q: How do scientists use eclipse-like events to learn about the universe?

Eclipse-like events, such as total eclipses and transits, provide opportunities to study celestial objects. By observing the variations in light during these events, scientists can learn about the object's atmosphere, presence of rings or planetary matter, and even discover new planets outside our solar system.

Q: What did SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft deliver to the International Space Station?

The Dragon cargo spacecraft delivered over 6,400 pounds of cargo, supplies, and research to the ISS. The cargo includes experiments aimed at understanding Parkinson's disease and the origin of cosmic rays, among others.

Q: What is the purpose of the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-M)?

TDRS-M is part of a fleet of satellites that provide critical high data-rate communications to various spacecraft, including the ISS, Hubble Space Telescope, and NASA's Earth-observing satellites. It ensures reliable and seamless communication between these spacecraft and ground control.

Q: What is the significance of Cassini's final orbits around Saturn?

Cassini's final orbits, known as the Grand Finale, are conducting ultra-close passes at distances between 1,010 to 1,060 miles above Saturn's cloud tops. The mission aims to collect a wealth of scientific data before Cassini ultimately plunges into Saturn's atmosphere, concluding its mission.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Eclipse-like events like total eclipses and transits can help astronomers learn more about celestial objects and discover new planets outside our solar system.

• SpaceX launched an unpiloted Dragon cargo spacecraft to the International Space Station, delivering supplies, research, and experiments to further understand Parkinson's disease and cosmic rays.

• NASA launched the third generation Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS-M) to provide critical high data-rate communications to various spacecraft, including the ISS, Hubble Space Telescope, and Earth-observing satellites.

• The Cassini spacecraft began its final five orbits around Saturn, collecting valuable scientific data before its scheduled end on September 15th.

• Cosmonauts from the Russian space agency conducted a spacewalk outside the ISS to inspect the exterior of the Russian segment, install equipment for future spacewalks, and deploy nanosatellite investigations.