What Happened This Year @NASA December 21, 2015

TL;DR

NASA made several significant discoveries and advancements in 2015, including finding evidence of liquid water on Mars, reaching Pluto with the New Horizons mission, and celebrating 25 years of the Hubble Space Telescope.

Transcript

Here’s a look at some of the top NASA stories of 2015 … In October, data from Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) found the strongest evidence yet … “That under certain circumstances, liquid water has been found on Mars.” This was perhaps the year’s biggest single story in our ongoing journey to Mars, but it’s certainly not the only one … Managers fo... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 Liquid water was discovered on Mars, indicating potential conditions for life.
• 🎟️ The New Horizons mission provided unprecedented data and images of Pluto.
• ❓ The Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 25th anniversary, continuing to make significant scientific contributions.
• 😘 NASA made advancements in aeronautics research, including testing new wing designs and exploring technologies for more fuel-efficient and safer air travel.
• 🖐️ Earth-observing satellites played a crucial role in providing data to understand and address climate change and extreme weather events.
• 🧑‍🎓 NASA engaged students and small businesses through programs like the CubeSat Launch Initiative and Sample Return Robot Challenge.
• 👨‍🚀 The agency made progress in human space exploration, such as the year-long mission aboard the International Space Station and the selection of astronauts for the first Commercial Crew mission.

Questions & Answers

Q: What significant discovery did NASA make on Mars?

NASA found strong evidence of liquid water on Mars, suggesting the possibility of past or even present existence of life on the planet. This was a major breakthrough in the ongoing exploration of Mars.

Q: What milestone did the New Horizons mission achieve in 2015?

The New Horizons mission became the first spacecraft to reach Pluto, providing scientists with unprecedented data and images of the dwarf planet. This marked a significant milestone in our understanding of distant celestial bodies.

Q: What notable event occurred with the Hubble Space Telescope in 2015?

The Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 25th anniversary, showcasing its continued significance in space exploration. It continues to capture breathtaking imagery and remains one of the most valuable tools in scientific discovery.

Q: How did NASA contribute to aeronautics and aviation in 2015?

NASA conducted a variety of aeronautics research, including successful tests of new wing designs, partnerships with commercial industries, and crash tests to enhance aircraft and air travel safety. They also explored innovative technologies to minimize fuel use and drag.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• In 2015, NASA found evidence of liquid water on Mars, potentially indicating the presence of conditions able to support life.

• The New Horizons mission successfully reached Pluto, providing groundbreaking scientific data and images.

• The Hubble Space Telescope celebrated its 25th anniversary, continuing to capture valuable imagery and contribute to space exploration.