December 7, 1972 was the launch of the final mission in NASA's Apollo moon program. Fifty years later, NASA finally seems poised to return people to the lunar surface.
The close approach of 81 miles occurred as the crew capsule and its three wired-up dummies were on the far side of the moon. Astronauts will take Orion for a ride around the moon as early as 2024.
The nanosatellites will observe the health of the land to help people make the best use of their countries' natural resources. A growing number of African countries are venturing into space.
NASA says an extensive review of historical records found no evidence that Webb ever led or supported purges of government employees who were gay. But some astronomers think that's a pretty low bar.
The launch is a milestone in India's effort to foster a private space industry. The rocket, made by Hyderabad-based Skyroot, was aloft for about five minutes and reached peak altitude of 55 miles.
Galaxies that existed soon after the Big Bang turn out to be surprisingly bright, a discovery that's both thrilled and puzzled scientists who study how the universe evolved over time.
NASA's Artemis moon rocket has finally launched after months of setbacks, from fuel leaks to hurricanes. If successful, the mission signals a big step toward returning humans to the moon.
The space agency has been trying for months to send its giant moon rocket on its first test flight. The goal is to send a crew capsule, with no astronauts on board, around the moon and back.
Witnesses saw a "flaming basketball" streaking across the sky, then heard a loud crash, then Dustin Procita's house went up in flames. But that may be a coincidence, not the fire's cause.
Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: The Carmichael Show, Stephanie Williams' work for Marvel, The English and more.
