NASA and Google Launch Virtual Exploration of Mars

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. -- NASA and Google announced Monday the release of a new Mars mode in Google Earth that brings to everyone's desktop a high-resolution, three-dimensional view of the Red Planet.Besides providing a rich, immersive 3D view of Mars that will aid public understanding of Mars science, the new mode, Google Mars 3D, also gives researchers a platform for

NASA-Derived Technology Captures Unique Inaugural Image

WASHINGTON -- NASA spinoff technology from the Mars exploration rovers was used to capture a unique panoramic image of President Obama's inaugural address at the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 20.A photographer at the inauguration, David Bergman, used the Gigapan camera system to generate an image from a press platform. The resulting picture is a combination of 220 images with an

Space Shuttle Crew Visits Troops On Overseas Trip

WASHINGTON -- NASA astronauts of the STS-126 space shuttle mission will begin a new journey next week -- an 11-day trip to greet U.S. military personnel serving overseas. Shuttle Endeavour's crew will pay a special visit to troops in Germany and the Middle East from Jan. 26 to Feb. 5.The trip is sponsored by Armed Forces Entertainment, the lead Department of Defense

NASA Tests Engine Technology for Landing Astronauts on the Moon

NASA Tests Engine Technology for Landing Astronauts on the Moon HUNTSVILLE, Ala. -- A technology development engine that may help NASA safely return astronauts to the lunar surface has successfully completed its third round of testing. The goal of these tests is to reduce risk and advance technology for a reliable and robust rocket engine that could enable America's next moon

NASA Sets Briefing With Next Space Station Crew

NASA Sets Briefing With Next Space Station Crew HOUSTON -- NASA will hold a media briefing Thursday, Jan. 22, at 1 p.m. CST, with the next resident crew of the International Space Station.The briefing will originate from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston and be broadcast live on NASA Television and the agency's Web site. Questions will be taken from reporters at

NASA And Challenger Center Announce Name Of Antarctic Habitat

NASA And Challenger Center Announce Name Of Antarctic Habitat WASHINGTON -- NASA and the Challenger Center for Space Science Education have selected the winner of the Antarctic habitat naming contest. The name "Resolution" took top honors in the "Name that Habitat" competition. The winning name was submitted by 9th grade students at Holy Cross High School in Delran, N.J.The

NASA Science Update to Discuss Mars Atmosphere Activity

NASA Science Update to Discuss Mars Atmosphere Activity WASHINGTON -- NASA will hold a science update at 2 p.m. EST, Thursday, Jan. 15, to discuss analysis of the Martian atmosphere that raises the possibility of life or geologic activity. The briefing will take place in the James E. Webb Memorial Auditorium at NASA Headquarters, 300 E St., S.W., Washington, and carried live