Space

Oct. 21, 2016

Psyche: Unexpected Discoveries on a Metal World

A large asteroid thought to be the metallic core of a destroyed proto-planet appears to have molecules on its surface that shouldn't be there, according to a new study.

An artist’s concept of the Psyche spacecraft, a proposed mission for NASA’s Discovery program that would explore the huge metal Psyche asteroid from orbit

Oct. 21, 2016

More Evidence for Ninth Planet on Solar System's Fringes

Research led by UA professor Renu Malhotra provides additional support for the possible existence of such a world and narrows the range of its parameters and location.

An artist's illustration of Planet Nine, a hypothesized Neptune-size planet orbiting in the distant reaches of our solar system

Oct. 19, 2016

One Man's Mars Mission, 30 Years in the Making

UA professor Bill Boynton has contributed to 10 NASA missions in his lifetime, including OSIRIS-REx, which began its journey to the asteroid Bennu last month. But this month, Boynton can’t help but think about Mars and the Odyssey mission, celebrating its 15th anniversary.

Sept. 28, 2016

OSIRIS-REx Spacecraft Takes a Selfie in Space

The "proud parents" of the UA's mission team talk about their excitement after a flawless launch sequence, their jitters prior to powering up the spacecraft's instruments for the first time in space, and what it takes to talk to a robotic probe hurtling around the sun millions of miles away.

This image of the spacecraft was captured by StowCam when OSIRIS-REx was 3.9 million miles away from Earth. Featured prominently in the image is the Sample Return Capsule, which will provide the asteroid sample’s ride back to Earth in 2023. No stars are v

Sept. 16, 2016

UA Team Part of International Space Surveillance Conference

The conference is the largest international civil-military conference dedicated to space surveillance. The UA's prominence reinforces its lead in the emerging space surveillance industry.

Moriba Jah is director of the Space Object Behavior Sciences initiative at the UA.

Sept. 12, 2016

Ed Beshore's Rocket Ride Into the Sunset

The Atlas V that carried the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft off the planet was one big birthday candle for the mission's deputy principal investigator, who is retiring from the UA and heading off to do some backpacking. With a must-see UANews video of highlights from last week's launch in Florida.

The UA's Ed Beshore says the OSIRIS-REx mission "represents a turning of the corner for planetary exploration by the United States."

Sept. 9, 2016

Bound for Bennu! OSIRIS-REx Launch Was 'Perfect'

After 12 years, the spacecraft for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission is finally off the ground, much to the relief of the scientist who has been there every step of the way, Dante Lauretta.

The Atlas V rocket carrying the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft lifts off from Space Launch Complex 41 in Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Sept. 7, 2016

Michael Drake's Dream Is Ready for Takeoff

The UA-led OSIRIS-REx mission, conceived 12 years ago and finally green-lighted by NASA in 2011, is the first U.S. mission to send a robotic spacecraft to retrieve a sample from a primitive carbonaceous asteroid.

The Atlas V rocket carrying the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft was rolled out Wednesday morning from the Vertical Integration Facility to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Sept. 6, 2016

Career Map Surprised OSIRIS-REx Scientist

Meet UA alumna Daniella DellaGiustina, the lead image processing scientist for the OSIRIS-REx asteroid sample return mission. DellaGiustina wasn't planning on a career in planetary science but has become one of several key women on the project.

It wasn't until she took a community college course that UA alumna Daniella DellaGiustina became fascinated by space science.

Sept. 2, 2016

Let's Do Launch: Where to Watch OSIRIS-REx

The countdown is on for Thursday, and the community is invited to the UA Mall to watch the launch of the first U.S. mission to bring back a sample from an asteroid. In addition, businesses near campus and in downtown Tucson will host events and promotions to celebrate the UA-led mission.

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