Lincoln Laboratory laser communications terminal launches on historic Artemis II moon mission
High-definition video and data sent from the lunar vicinity to Earth will demonstrate the first use of laser communications on a crewed mission.
Two physicists and a curious host walk into a studio…
On GBH’s new show The Curiosity Desk, MIT LIGO researchers revel in the beauties of fundamental discovery science and MIT astronomers talk planetary defense.
Polar weather on Jupiter and Saturn hints at the planets’ interior details
New research may explain the striking differences between the two planets’ polar vortex patterns.
Supporting mission-driven space innovation, for Earth and beyond
Aurelia Institute, founded by a team from MIT, serves as a research lab, an education and outreach center, and a policy hub for the space industry.
MIT engineers prepare to send three payloads to the moon
Data from the devices will help future astronauts navigate the moon’s south polar region and search for frozen water.
Study: Rocks from Mars’ Jezero Crater, which likely predate life on Earth, contain signs of water
The presence of organic matter is inconclusive, but the rocks could be scientists’ best chance at finding remnants of ancient Martian life.
Scientists pin down the origins of the moon’s tenuous atmosphere
The barely-there lunar atmosphere is likely the product of meteorite impacts over billions of years, a new study finds.
Turning up the heat on next-generation semiconductors
Research sheds light on the properties of novel materials that could be used in electronics operating in extremely hot environments.
Using wobbling stellar material, astronomers measure the spin of a supermassive black hole for the first time
The results offer a new way to probe supermassive black holes and their evolution across the universe.
Newly discovered Earth-sized planet may lack an atmosphere
Circling a cold, Jupiter-sized star, the new world could offer an unobstructed view of its surface composition and history.
Robotic “SuperLimbs” could help moonwalkers recover from falls
A new MIT system could help astronauts conserve energy and extend missions on the lunar surface.
Astronomers spot a giant planet that is as light as cotton candy
The new world is the second-lightest planet discovered to date.
Erin Kara named Edgerton Award winner
The award recognizes exceptional distinction in teaching, research, and service at MIT.
Study: Life’s building blocks are surprisingly stable in Venus-like conditions
Results suggest the clouds of Venus could be hospitable for some forms of life.