spaceflight library

Spaceflight covers topics related to human presence in outer space. Learn about weightlessness, astronauts and space tourism in this section.

Featured Article: How Space Farming Works

There's no livestock in space farming, but growing plants in space could allow for long-term exploration and settlements. And with this farm, you don't need to watch where you step. See more »

Articles 1-20 of 51

5 Memorable NASA Mission Videos

NASA has conducted several successful missions to space. These are some of the most famous.

Are there military space stations out there?

It may sound like the stuff of science fiction thrillers, but military space stations were once very real. What seemed so tantalizing about a military presence in space?

Astronaut Quiz

Astronauts have a reputation for being the brave and skilled few willing to risk their lives by strapping themselves aboard a rocket and blasting into outer space. How much do you know about this dangerous job?

Behind the X Prize

We know who won � top-runner SpaceShipOne. We know what the team receives for that accomplishment: $10 million and an obscenely gigantic trophy. But what about the story behind the contest? Learn about the rules, restrictions, red tape, test crashes, successful launches and the technological innovations that may get you into sub-orbit sooner than you think.

Can humans hear in space?

Would you be able to hear the Starship Enterprise if it zipped past you in space? Would the destruction of the Death Star be completely silent?

Did NASA win the space race?

This passive-aggressive peacetime contest between the USSR and the U.S. unofficially ended with the U.S. moon landing. But the Soviets also touted a long list of space race accomplishments. Who won?

How Astronauts Work

Astronauts risk their lives in the pursuit of science. How does NASA know who can be an astronaut? And what do they do when they're not in space?

How could a hotel orbit the Earth?

A new space race is on -- who will be the first to build a space hotel? One company has gathered 3 billion dollars to do just that. Find out what life in a luxury space hotel might be like.

How do astronauts eat in space?

How do you eat when you're in a low-gravity environment? Space programs have come up ingenious contraptions and packaging methods to make astronauts' meal times as normal as possible.

How do spacecraft re-enter the Earth's atmosphere?

Blasting a spacecraft into space is one thing. Bringing it back in one piece is another. Spacecraft are likely to burn up into bits if they aren't specially insulated and designed for the ride.

How does going to the bathroom in space work?

When nature calls, you have to listen. But when you're in zero gravity, going to the bathroom can be a major challenge. How do astronauts go to the bathroom in space?

How Elon Musk Works

Internet king turned rocketman? After making his fortune on the Web, Elon Musk entered the commercial space race. Will this businessman and his SpaceX company make space tourism affordable?

How Fixing the Hubble Spacecraft Works

Since the Hubble Space Telescope launched in 1990, it has been plagued with problems that require frequent repairs. How does NASA fix it?

How NASA Works

When most people think of NASA, they think of astronauts and Kennedy Space Center, but there's much more to this nearly 50-year-old organization. Learn about the history of NASA, how its structured and exactly what it does.

How Project Mercury Worked

Project Mercury launched the first American into space. Have a look back at this historic mission.

How RocketCam Works

This video camera hitches a ride on the space shuttle to provide ground control with a bird's eye view of the launch. How could RocketCam have prevented the Columbia space shuttle tragedy?

How Space Camp Works

Kids from around the world flock to Huntsville, Ala., to attend Space Camp. What's so appealing about science class in the summer, and can a 40-year-old go to camp?

How Space Farming Works

There's no livestock in space farming, but growing plants in space could allow for long-term exploration and settlements. And with this farm, you don't need to watch where you step.

How Space Food Works

Space food has come a long way from Project Mercury's paste-filled tubes. Today's astronauts select menus that include everything from macaroni and cheese to brownies. So do astronauts really eat space ice cream?

How Space Junk Works

Humans produce plenty of trash on Earth, but you might be surprised to learn how much we've managed to leave in space. What's floating around up there? And will it come crashing down on our heads?

spaceflight library

Featured Article: How Space Farming Works

Articles 1-20 of 51

Articles 1-20 of 51

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