Citizen Science Projects

These days, much research depends on the input of citizen scientists, people who make and record observations on everything from the wild animals they see to how many mosquito larvae are in a discarded bottle. These three projects could use your help figuring out the effects of climate change.

Changing How Solar Power Rolls

A new solar array design rolls up into a lightweight, compact cylinder, perfect for launching into space. NASA recently tested the design on the International Space Station for potential use on future spacecraft, including satellites.

Tiny Stowaways in Space

Wherever people go, we take microorganisms with us. Read how NASA makes sure these tiny stowaways don't become a problem on the International Space Station.

Making better medicines

Growing high-resolution crystals in space helps scientists develop more efficient and targeted medicines. Read about how this investigation aboard the space station supports structure-based design.

Dissolving Pills in Space

Testing how solids dissolve in space can help scientists develop better medicines for astronauts and the Earth-bound masses. Read about this investigation aboard the space station here.

From Underwater to Outer Space

Astronauts train for spacewalks from the International Space Station (okay, that's not really outer space, but it works in the headline!) in a giant pool at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Read about how that works in my story for Sport Diver.

Full-size model of the space station at the Neutral Buoyancy Lab, Houston.

Why NASA tracks asteroids

For a while, astronomers thought asteroid TX68 might pass close to Earth; reeeeeally close, like as close as a satellite. Thanks to additional data, they figured out that wasn't likely after all. But TX68 was a good excuse to look at asteroids that do pose a risk of hitting Earth and what we're doing it about it. Read more here. (Relax, the risk is even lower than your odds of winning the lottery).

Fish in Space

An investigation reared fish on the International Space Station to help figure out why astronauts lose bone mass. Read more here. Just keep swimming...

An Aggie and a Longhorn launch a satellite...

All part of an investigation to get us closer to the ability to have two spacecraft rendezvous and dock in space without help from humans -- which will help advance future space exploration. Students at Texas A&M University and The University of Texas designed the two cooperating satellites, which will demonstrate autonomous navigation and communication in space. Read more on the NASA website.

Space fog

It's a real thing, just not what you think. Astronauts coined the term to refer to the difficulty concentrating and mental fatigue sometimes experienced in space. Researchers are trying to figure out exactly what causes it and what to do about it. Read more here. 

Your brain in space

An investigation on the International Space Station is looking at how microgravity affects the human brain and what that in turn does to our cognitive and physical abilities. Read more on the NASA website.

Your cells in microgravity

An experiment aboard the International Space Station looks at how cells change shape in microgravity and the ways those changes affect cell function. This results will help scientists determine ways to counteract the negative effects of microgravity on the human body, and to treat diseases here on Earth. Read more on the NASA website.

How do our cells sense gravity?

Research underway on the International Space Station seeks to determine whether and how our cells sense gravity. This knowledge could help prevent the muscle loss experienced by those who spend time in space. Learn more from my article on the NASA website.

Worms in Space

The humble C. elegans may help us better understand aging. Astronauts on the International Space Station are performing the investigation from the Japanese Space Agency. Read more in my piece for the NASA website.

A Year in Space

Astronaut Scott Kelly recently started his one-year mission in space, part of NASA's efforts to send humans to Mars. Read about it in this piece I wrote for Newsweek.

Student research lost on Antares gets a second flight

Student experiments chosen for launch to the space station through the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program were lost when the Antares rocket exploded in October. The program and its partners went above and beyond to get those experiments onto the next supply rocket headed to the station, as reported in this piece for the NASA website.

Studying the Immune System in Space

An investigation headed to the International Space Station will learn more about the cells of our immune systems, helping keep astronauts healthier - and folks on Earth, too. Read more here.

Students in Space

Or at least their research. Through the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program, dozens of middle and high school students have experiments on the International Space Station. Read about the latest set of experiments selected for flight in my piece for the NASA website.

Cool stuff from the space station robot

Robotic technology developed for the International Space Station inspires spin-offs to help people on Earth. Read about it in my piece for NASA's website.