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Before we build on the moon, we have to master the commute

Even most rocket scientists would rather avoid hard math when they don't have to do it. So when it comes to figuring out orbits in complex three-body systems, like those in cis-lunar space, which is between Earth and the moon, they'd rather someone else do the work for them.

Turning structural failure into propulsion

Solar sails have some major advantages over traditional propulsion methods—most notably, they don't use any propellant. But, how exactly do they turn? In traditional sailing, a ship's captain can simply adjust the angle of the sail itself to catch the wind at a different angle.

What was the Christmas star? Astronomy might hold the answer

In the run up to Christmas, carols fill the air. Many have an astronomical twist, singing of the "Christmas Star" from the story of the nativity. Described in the Gospel of Matthew, the star guided the three wise men to the cradle of the young baby Jesus in a manger in Bethlehem.

DC pipe bomb suspect gave 'detailed confession': DOJ

The man accused of planting two pipe bombs outside the Democratic and Republican national committee offices on the eve of the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol riot gave a "detailed confession" after he was arrested, prosecutors said Sunday. After initially denying involvement, Brian Cole

Rethinking how we end a satellite's mission

At the end of their lives, most satellites fall to their death. Many of the smaller ones, including most of those going up as part of the "mega-constellations" currently under construction, are intended to burn up in the atmosphere. This Design for Demise (D4D) principle has