Orion Spacecraft Arrives in Ohio for Testing on This Week @NASA – November 29, 2019

TL;DR

Orion spacecraft arrives in Ohio for testing ahead of the Artemis I mission, Boeing's CST-100 Starliner prepares for an uncrewed flight test, Mars dust towers may be responsible for water loss on the planet.

Transcript

Our Artemis I spacecraft is delivered for some critical testing … A big step for our Commercial Crew program … And a possible connection between dust storms and water loss on Mars … a few of the stories to tell you about – This Week at NASA! The Orion spacecraft for our Artemis I mission arrived in Ohio on Nov. 24 aboard our Super Guppy aircraft. T... Read More

Key Insights

• 🎟️ The Orion spacecraft is undergoing rigorous testing to ensure its readiness for the Artemis I mission.
• 😚 Boeing's CST-100 Starliner is moving closer to operational flights as part of the Commercial Crew Program.
• 🍉 Dust towers on Mars may be a crucial factor in the long-term water loss on the planet.
• 🧑‍🚀 NASA astronauts reflect on their experiences and paradigm shift during their time on the International Space Station.
• ❓ NASA's fleet of spacecraft provides valuable data on various celestial phenomena and planetary processes.
• ❓ The continuous human presence on the International Space Station has reached its 20th year.
• 🥳 Thanksgiving celebrations also take place on the International Space Station, with astronauts enjoying a specially prepared meal.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the purpose of testing the Orion spacecraft in Ohio?

The testing in Ohio aims to subject the spacecraft to extreme environmental conditions similar to its mission, ensuring all components and systems work properly in space.

Q: What is the significance of Boeing's CST-100 Starliner test?

The CST-100 Starliner test will evaluate the spacecraft, rocket, and systems for future crewed missions, marking an important milestone for the Commercial Crew Program.

Q: How do dust towers on Mars contribute to water loss?

The dust towers are believed to trap water vapor and carry it upwards, where it is then lost through the upper atmosphere, potentially explaining the disappearance of water on Mars over billions of years.

Q: What is the purpose of the "Down to Earth" video series?

The video series celebrates the 20th year of human presence on the International Space Station, with NASA astronauts discussing their unique perspective and worldview shift from their time in space.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Orion spacecraft, for the Artemis I mission, has arrived in Ohio for testing at Plum Brook Station to confirm its components and systems can withstand the conditions of its mission.

• Boeing's CST-100 Starliner has been moved to the launch pad in preparation for an uncrewed flight test as part of the Commercial Crew Program.

• Data from NASA's spacecraft suggests that "dust towers" on Mars may be trapping water vapor, causing it to be lost through the planet's upper atmosphere.