Preparing to ‘Launch America’ into a New Era of Space Exploration on This Week @NASA – May 29, 2020

TL;DR

NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and Doug Hurley prepared for the SpaceX Demo-2 test flight to the International Space Station; Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's HTV-9 supply spacecraft arrived at the ISS; Perseverance rover's SHERLOC instrument and WATSON camera will study rocks on Mars for signs of life.

Transcript

Preparing to ‘Launch America’ … A cargo spacecraft arrives at the space station … And the detective capabilities of our next Mars rover … a few of the stories to tell you about – This Week at NASA! “And we’re back live in the room now with Bob Behnken on the left of your screen, Doug Hurley to the right.” On May 27, NASA astronauts Bob Behnken and ... Read More

Key Insights

• 👨‍🚀 NASA astronauts prepared for the SpaceX Demo-2 test flight, representing a new era of American space exploration.
• 🚚 The HTV-9 supply spacecraft delivered essential cargo to the crew at the International Space Station.
• 🤘 The Perseverance rover's instruments, SHERLOC and WATSON, will aid in the search for signs of life on Mars.
• 🌸 Mapping electric current systems in the Martian atmosphere provides insights into the atmospheric loss that made Mars inhospitable for life.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of the SpaceX Demo-2 mission?

The SpaceX Demo-2 mission is historic as it marks the first time American astronauts will be launched on an American spacecraft since the retirement of the Space Shuttle Program. It is also a crucial test flight for SpaceX's crew transportation system.

Q: What cargo did the HTV-9 supply spacecraft deliver to the ISS?

The HTV-9 supply spacecraft delivered over four tons of cargo, including science experiments and technology, to support the crew at the International Space Station.

Q: How will the Perseverance rover search for signs of life on Mars?

The Perseverance rover is equipped with the SHERLOC instrument and WATSON camera. SHERLOC will study rock surfaces for the presence of minerals and organic molecules, while the WATSON camera will aid in the analysis. These are potential indicators of past or present life on Mars.

Q: What insights can be gained from mapping electric current systems in the Martian atmosphere?

Mapping the electric current systems in the Martian atmosphere using data from the MAVEN mission can help researchers understand their role in atmospheric loss. This loss has transformed Mars from a potentially habitable planet to a harsh desert environment.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• NASA astronauts prepared for the SpaceX Demo-2 test flight, the first launch of American astronauts on an American spacecraft since the end of the Space Shuttle Program.

• The HTV-9 supply spacecraft arrived at the ISS, delivering over four tons of cargo for the crew.

• Perseverance rover's SHERLOC instrument and WATSON camera will analyze rock surfaces on Mars for minerals and organic molecules to search for signs of past or present life.