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A 3D printer at a facility of NASA partner RPM Innovations additively manufactures a large-scale aerospike rocket engine nozzle using one of Elementum 3D’s specialized, 3D-printable aluminum alloys. Credit: RPM Innovations Inc.
NASA Technology Improves Life on Earth

Spinoff publication highlights innovations for space that improve everyday life for millions. 

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NASA Astronaut Bruce McCandless II reaches a maximum distance of about 100 yards from the Space Shuttle Challenger before reversing direction in his manned maneuvering unit (MMU) and returning to the spacecraft again and again during the nearly seven-hour untethered spacewalk. Credit: NASA
This Month in NASA History: Untethered Spacewalk Becomes a Reality

Long envisioned in science fiction, NASA’s Manned Maneuvering Unit was built to support critical tasks during the shuttle era.

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Shown here in 2017, the site for what is now the Johnson Space Center was selected from a list of 23 cities in September 1961. It was chosen for its key attributes, including moderate climate, established industrial complex, and ready access to water transportation that could accommodate massive barges. Credit: United States Coast Guard
Houston, we had a problem…and we learned from it!

Space is hard. Inevitably, problems may occur. We can all learn valuable lessons from past events to ensure the safety and success of current and future programs. Enjoy reading and learning from a selection of such events. This booklet produced by the Johnson Space Center Knowledge Management Office contains numerous lesson learned from NASA missions and projects.

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January 2025 INSIGHT Now Available

Don’t miss the latest issue of INSIGHT, APPEL Knowledge Services’ online publication featuring our new podcast episodes, columns, articles, lessons learned and more. We invite you to read it today on our website.

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Artist concept of the Earth Return Orbiter (ERO)–one of the flight missions making up the Mars Sample Return campaign to bring martian rock and atmospheric samples back to Earth. This European Space Agency (ESA) orbiter would be the first interplanetary spacecraft to capture samples in orbit and make a return trip between Earth and Mars. Credits: NASA/ESA/JPL-Caltech/GSFC
NASA Exploring Mars Sample Return Architecture

Sky Crane landing, commercial options are being considered to return samples from Mars to Earth.

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The Blue Ghost lander will attempt to land in the Mare Crisium, an impact basin that may provide NASA with the first geophysical measurements that are representative of the bulk of the Moon. Research indicates that the Apollo missions landed in a region that is compositionally distinct from the rest of the lunar surface. Credit: NASA
CLPS Mission Heads for Vast Basalt Plain

Third spaceflight in the program will carry a varied NASA payload of scientific instruments to the lunar surface.

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On Jan. 5, 1972, President Richard M. Nixon and Dr. James C. Fletcher, NASA Administrator, discussed the proposed Space Shuttle vehicle in San Clemente, Calif. The President announced that day that the United States should proceed at once with the development of an entirely new type of space transportation system. Credit: NASA
This Month in NASA History: Nixon OKs Shuttle Program

The nation chooses to reduce spending after Apollo, focusing on a versatile, reuseable spacecraft for low-Earth orbit.

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With the lights out, the ISRU Pilot Excavator digs in regolith bin during testing inside Swamp Works at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida on July 28, 2022. Credit: NASA/Frank Michaux
December 2024 INSIGHT Now Available

Don’t miss the latest issue of INSIGHT, APPEL Knowledge Services’ online publication featuring our new podcast episodes, columns, articles, lessons learned and more. We invite you to read it today on our website.

Read More
Engineers and technicians stack the left aft assembly for the Artemis II SLS (Space Launch System) solid rocket booster inside the Vehicle Assembly Building at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in late November. Credit: NASA/Glenn Benson
NASA Moving Forward with Artemis II

Investigation into Artemis I heatshield reveals link between material permeability and skip reentry maneuver.

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