Microgravity as a research area encompasses the systematic investigation of physical, chemical, and biological processes under conditions of greatly reduced effective gravitational acceleration, such as in orbiting spacecraft, drop towers, or parabolic flights. It enables isolation of gravity-driven phenomena, allowing precise study of fluid dynamics, combustion, phase transitions, material solidification, colloidal behavior, and fundamental physics, as well as physiological and cellular responses to altered mechanical loading. Microgravity research supports development of validated models for transport processes, structure formation, and mechanobiology, and informs the design of space systems, countermeasures for human health in spaceflight, and advanced materials and processes with potential terrestrial applications.
China launched its crewed Shenzhou-23 spacecraft and eased it into a successful docking with a space station early Monday as part of Beijing's ambitions to send humans to the moon by 2030, state media said.
Space Exploration
May 25, 2026
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After the success of Artemis II, longer space journeys are expected, raising new health and nutritional challenges for astronauts. Current space foods rely on dried, shelf-stable items.
Space Exploration
May 15, 2026
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Researchers at National Jewish Health have published new findings demonstrating that short-duration spaceflight may not significantly impact lower extremity joint structures, while also identifying a promising, noninvasive ...
Space Exploration
May 8, 2026
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The new focus on manned missions to the moon and Mars presents countless pressing challenges, including keeping humans alive in hostile environments. What happens when an astronaut or space tourist has a cardiac emergency ...
Space Exploration
May 5, 2026
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Long-duration spaceflight can chip away at an astronaut's health, prompting scientists to find new ways to make living in space easier on the body. The journey to outer space is incredibly dangerous, but crews must also face ...
Space Exploration
Apr 23, 2026
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On Earth, people grip objects to ensure they don't fall. In space, this process changes: When astronauts hold an object without moving it and then let go, the object doesn't fall because there is no gravity. But when astronauts ...
Space Exploration
Apr 20, 2026
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Texas A&M University is preparing for a new era of space research with the launch of a research centrifuge at the Anthony Wood '87 Artificial Gravity Lab. Set to become one of the most advanced human centrifuge facilities ...
Space Exploration
Apr 17, 2026
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British scientists have launched a crew of microscopic worms to the International Space Station in a pioneering experiment that could help unlock the secrets of long-duration space travel—and support ambitions to reach the ...
Space Exploration
Apr 13, 2026
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They took thousands of photographs and documented copious observations on their voyage around the moon, but as they sped closer to home the Artemis astronauts said Wednesday they have barely started processing the extraordinary ...
Space Exploration
Apr 9, 2026
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Lasers could one day steer solar sails and adjust a satellite's position in outer space, thanks to graphene. An experiment on a gravity rollercoaster ride showed how this innovative material has the potential to revolutionize ...
Space Exploration
Apr 7, 2026
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