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Space exploration is a broad topic covering many facets of deep-space and planetary science. Learn about space probes, Mars Rovers, SETI and other out-of-this-world subjects.

Featured Space Exploration Article

How the Mars Exploration Rovers Work

The second Mars Exploration mission rover, Opportunity, has successfully landed and is now sending back breathtaking photos. See what these high-tech rovers are all about. More »


> Why do some people believe the moon landings were a hoax?
> Is there any way to see satellites that are in orbit?

SPACE EXPLORATION LIBRARY

Are we looking for aliens in the wrong places?

If you take cosmic dust and add plasma ... do you get life? Findings suggest that plasma crystals may be the key to one of the universe's greatest mysteries: Is there life out there?

Are we not the only Earth out there?

In science fiction shows, explorers often investigate Earth-like planets. In reality, such perfect, life-giving worlds are rare. But now, scientists may have finally found an interstellar sister to Earth.

How Lunar Landings Work

People around the world watched as Neil Armstrong touched the moon and declared, "That's one small step for man; one giant leap for mankind." But how did we put a man on the moon?

How Lunar Liquid Mirror Telescopes Work

NASA's next generation of telescopes will collect 1,736 times more light than the Hubble and will penetrate the depths of the universe to see objects nearly as old as the Big Bang.

How Mars Odyssey Works

Mars Odyssey is NASA's latest Mars spacecraft, and it's going to the red planet in search of water. Learn how this orbiter could pave the way for manned missions to Mars!

How Planet Hunting Works

We've discovered numerous planets orbiting other stars in our galaxy, but how and why? Find out how planet hunting works.

How Satellites Work

Thousands of satellites fly overhead every day, helping us with things like weather forecasts, scientific research, communications, and TV broadcasts. Learn how satellites work and how they get into orbit.

How SETI Works

SETI is the Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence, and it's dedicated to discovering signals sent to Earth from far, far away. Find out what would happen if an extraterrestrial were to make contact.

How the Mars Exploration Rovers Work

The second Mars Exploration mission rover, Opportunity, has successfully landed and is now sending back breathtaking photos. See what these high-tech rovers are all about.

What if an astronaut went on a space walk without wearing a space suit?

Because an Earth-like environment is created within a spacesuit, it allows you to walk around in space in relative safety. But outer space is an extremely hostile place and could kill you if you aren't protected.

What if I went to Mars for a year to study the planet, how much food and water would I have to take with me to survive?

If you spent a year on Mars, you would need to take more food and water than you could possibly carry. But if you had to go, how much would be enough?

Why do some people believe the moon landings were a hoax?

It was a small step for a man, a giant leap for mankind. But some people say that the moon landings never happened at all. Why all the conspiracy theories?

How are the Voyager spacecraft able to transmit radio messages so far?

The Voyager spacecraft use 23-watt radios. This is higher than the 3 watts a typical cell phone uses, but in the grand scheme of things it is still a low-power transmitter. The key to receiving the signals is therefore not the power of the radio, but a combination of three other things.

Is there any way to see satellites that are in orbit?

Until its fiery landing in the Pacific Ocean in Mach 2001, the MIR space station was one of the largest objects orbiting the planet, so large that it was especially easy to see -- if you knew what you were looking for.


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