{"id":579021,"date":"2023-12-12T15:27:22","date_gmt":"2023-12-12T20:27:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/?post_type=press-release&p=579021"},"modified":"2024-01-08T11:40:22","modified_gmt":"2024-01-08T16:40:22","slug":"breaking-records-returning-asteroid-samples-among-nasas-big-2023","status":"publish","type":"press-release","link":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/breaking-records-returning-asteroid-samples-among-nasas-big-2023\/","title":{"rendered":"Breaking Records, Returning Asteroid Samples Among NASA\u2019s Big 2023"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"NASA 2023: Nothing is Beyond Our Reach\" width=\"500\" height=\"281\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/YQWespzOtzI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2023, as NASA pushed the limits of exploration for the benefit of humanity, the agency celebrated astronaut Frank Rubio becoming the first American astronaut to spend more than one year in space; delivered samples from an asteroid to Earth; sent a spacecraft to study a metal-rich asteroid for the first time; launched multiple initiatives to share climate data; advanced developments in sustainable aircraft; all while continuing preparations to send the first Artemis astronauts to the Moon.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis year, NASA continued to make the impossible, possible while sharing our story of discovery with the world,\u201d said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. \u201cWe\u2019ve launched missions that are helping tell the oldest stories of our solar system; continued to safely transport astronauts to the International Space Station to conduct groundbreaking science; our Earth satellites are providing critical climate data to all people; we\u2019re making great strides to make aviation more dependable and sustainable; and we\u2019re growing our commercial and international partnerships as we venture back to the Moon and on to Mars. NASA is home to the world\u2019s finest workforce, and there is no limit to what we can achieve when we work together.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In support of the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s efforts to address climate change, NASA is leading the development of U.S. government-wide initiatives focused on bringing Earth science information to the public. The <a href=\"https:\/\/earth.gov\/visit\" rel=\"noopener\">Earth Information Center<\/a>, a new interactive exhibit at NASA Headquarters in Washington, also includes an <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-information-center\/\" rel=\"noopener\">online<\/a> experience that invites visitors to <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-information-center\/\" rel=\"noopener\">see Earth<\/a> as NASA sees it from space while providing critical data needed by researchers and policymakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among other notable mentions, the agency\u2019s James Webb Space Telescope \u2013 the largest, most powerful telescope humanity has ever put in space \u2013 celebrated <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/webb\/webb-celebrates-first-year-of-science-with-close-up-on-birth-of-sun-like-stars\/\" rel=\"noopener\">one year of science<\/a>. NASA and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced the two organizations will partner on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/technology\/nasa-darpa-partner-with-industry-on-mars-rocket-engine\/\">DRACO<\/a> (Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations) to test a nuclear-powered rocket in space as soon as 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year NASA celebrated 25 years of International Space Station operations as the agency continued to foster the growth of the commercial space economy, supporting the development of commercial space station partnerships. It also marks the 65th anniversary of the agency. While celebrating these achievements, NASA also unveiled its NASA 2040 vision for the agency to ensure it remains a global leader in aerospace for decades to come.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Below are additional highlights of NASA\u2019s endeavors in 2023 to explore the unknown in air and space, innovate for the benefit of humanity, and inspire the world through discovery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Understanding Our Changing Planet<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA has used its unique vantage point of space to better understand our changing planet since launching its first Earth science satellites in the 1960s. In 2023, NASA\u2019s Office of the Chief Scientist established a cross-agency working group and released a climate strategy. Other agency efforts to share scientific data on Earth.gov and other areas include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Working with its partners, NASA launched the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-partners-launch-us-greenhouse-gas-center-to-share-climate-data\/\">U.S. Greenhouse Gas Center<\/a>, opening access to trusted data on greenhouse gases. \n<ul>\n<li>Data from NASA\u2019s Earth Surface Mineral Dust Source Investigation (EMIT) instrument aboard the International Space Station is part of the gas center. EMIT identifies point-source <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jpl.nasa.gov\/news\/nasa-mission-excels-at-spotting-greenhouse-gas-emission-sources\" rel=\"noopener\">emissions<\/a> of greenhouse gases with a proficiency greater than expected.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA\u2019s tracking of greenhouse gases includes both <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/oco-2\/nasa-space-mission-takes-stock-of-carbon-dioxide-emissions-by-countries\/\">global<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/jpl\/two-nasa-studies-find-lower-methane-emissions-in-los-angeles-region\/\">focused<\/a> estimates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Building on the <a href=\"https:\/\/climate.nasa.gov\/news\/3282\/nasa-announces-summer-2023-hottest-on-record\/#:~:text=Summer%20of%202023%20was%20Earth's,(GISS)%20in%20New%20York.\" rel=\"noopener\">month-by-month<\/a> worldwide temperature data collected and released by NASA and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration both agencies are expected to announce soon 2023 was the warmest year in recorded history.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A NASA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/earth\/nasa-flights-link-methane-plumes-to-tundra-fires-in-western-alaska\/\">airborne campaign<\/a> helped show that methane \u2018hot spots\u2019 in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta are more likely to be found where recent wildfires burned into the tundra, altering carbon emissions from the land.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>After successfully launching to space earlier this year, NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/eospso.nasa.gov\/missions\/tropospheric-emissions-monitoring-pollution-evi-1\" rel=\"noopener\">TEMPO<\/a> (Tropospheric Emissions: Monitoring of Pollution) mission to study <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/explore\/air-quality\/\" rel=\"noopener\">air quality<\/a> now is successfully transmitting information about major air pollutants over North America.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA\u2019s SWOT (Surface Water and Ocean Topography) mission offered the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/jpl\/joint-nasa-cnes-water-tracking-satellite-reveals-first-stunning-views\">its first detailed perspectives<\/a> of Earth\u2019s surface water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Among natural hazards, NASA data was put to use in monitoring the heavy rains occurring in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/earth\/water-on-earth\/us-german-satellites-show-california-water-gains-after-record-winter\/\">drought-stricken areas<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/jpl\/nasa-data-shows-fierce-surface-temperatures-during-phoenix-heat-wave\/\">heat waves<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/appliedsciences.nasa.gov\/what-we-do\/disasters\/disasters-activations\/hawaii-wildfires-aug-2023\" rel=\"noopener\">wildfires<\/a>, and subsequent health affects worldwide, as well as expansion of NASA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/earth\/nasa-pacific-disaster-center-increase-landslide-hazard-awareness\/\">landslide data<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-8 padding-bottom-8 hds-module align wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg 6144w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52996515361-8cf42f18f0-6k.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" loading=\"eager\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Local students participate in an Earth Information Center (EIC) student engagement event, Friday, June 23, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The EIC is a new immersive experience that combines live data sets with cutting-edge data visualization and storytelling to allow visitors to see how our planet is changing.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Keegan Barber<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"682\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1.02); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg 4000w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=1024,682 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=1536,1023 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=2048,1364 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53210429686-c309425a19-4k.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">The sample return capsule from NASA\u2019s OSIRIS-REx mission is seen shortly after touching down in the desert, Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, at the Department of Defense’s Utah Test and Training Range. The sample was collected from the asteroid Bennu in October 2020 by NASA\u2019s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA\/Keegan Barber<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg 5120w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/52974499951-0b42a7f8ac-5k.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">NASA astronaut and Expedition 69 Flight Engineer Frank Rubio poses for a portrait while working inside the International Space Station’s Destiny laboratory module.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg 6720w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/53103092898-b5f41934cb-o.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Artemis II crew members, shown inside the Neil Armstrong Operations and Checkout Building at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, stand in front of their Orion crew module on Aug. 8, 2023. From left are: Jeremy Hansen, mission specialist; Victor Glover, pilot; Reid Wiseman, commander; and Christina Hammock Koch, mission specialist. The crew module is undergoing acoustic testing ahead of integration with the European Service Module. Artemis II is the first crewed mission on NASA\u2019s path to establishing a long-term lunar presence for science and exploration under Artemis.<\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"display-block width-full\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\"><figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?w=1024\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Back view of the X-59 tail with a red cover over the engine nozzle.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg 3600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=400,267 400w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=600,400 600w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=900,600 900w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=1200,800 1200w, https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/p23-042-06-web-1.jpg?resize=2000,1333 2000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\"><div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">NASA\u2019s X-59 sits in support framing while undergoing the installation of its lower empennage, or tail section, at Lockheed Martin Skunk Works in Palmdale, California in late March. <\/div><div class=\"hds-credits\">Lockheed Martin\/NASA<\/div><\/figcaption><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Advancing Moon to Mars Exploration<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This year, NASA shared results of its first <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-shares-first-moon-to-mars-architecture-concept-review-results\/\">Moon to Mars Architecture Concept Review<\/a> as it builds a blueprint for human exploration throughout the solar system for the benefit of humanity. The agency also continues to take significant steps toward landing the first woman and first person of color on the Moon as part of Artemis. Notably in 2023, NASA announced crew for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-names-astronauts-to-next-moon-mission-first-crew-under-artemis\/\">Artemis II<\/a> mission, the first Artemis mission with astronauts around the Moon and back to Earth. The crew completed fundamentals <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/first-artemis-crew-trains-for-mission-around-moon\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">training<\/a>, and is now focusing on training for mission operations. Additional highlights for human deep space exploration include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>All major elements for the SLS (Space Launch System) rocket for Artemis II are complete or nearing completion including booster segments <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/marshall\/artemis-ii-sls-rocket-booster-segments-arrive-to-kennedy-space-center\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">delivered<\/a> to NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and final core state assembly testing at NASA\u2019s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Upgrades and refurbishments continue at Kennedy with the mobile launcher and launch pad, including a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/artemis-ii-water-deluge-test\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">water flow test<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/artemis\/2023\/09\/20\/artemis-ii-astronauts-successfully-conduct-launch-day-demonstration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">launch operations simulation<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA made progress on Artemis III, which will send the first humans to explore the region near the lunar South Pole, building on the previous flight tests and adding a <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/artemis\/2023\/09\/14\/spacex-completes-engine-tests-for-nasas-artemis-iii-moon-lander\/\" rel=\"noopener\">human landing system<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/johnson\/spacesuit-for-nasas-artemis-iii-moon-surface-mission-debuts\/\">advanced spacesuits<\/a> for moonwalks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The solid rocket booster segments and the four RS-25 engines are complete for the Artemis III SLS, as well as three of the five major core stage elements. Teams are integrating elements of Orion\u2019s crew module, and the European Service Module.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/nasa-selects-geology-team-for-the-first-crewed-artemis-lunar-landing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">selected<\/a> the geology team to develop a lunar surface science plan for Artemis III.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Beyond Artemis III, teams completed welding the primary structure for Gateway\u2019s HALO (Habitation and Logistics Outpost), where astronauts will live and work in lunar orbit. Fabrication is complete on the primary structure of the Power and Propulsion Element that will provide power, communications, and maintain Gateway\u2019s orbit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In addition to other hardware assembly and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/stennis\/nasa-conducts-1st-hot-fire-of-new-rs-25-certification-test-series\/#:~:text=NASA%20conducted%20the%20first%20hot,to%20the%20Moon%20and%20beyond\">certification<\/a> work for later missions, Artemis V will include a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-pursues-lunar-terrain-vehicle-services-for-artemis-missions\/\">lunar terrain vehicle<\/a>. NASA asked SpaceX to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/nasa-awards-spacex-second-contract-option-for-artemis-moon-landing\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">further develop<\/a> Starship for Artemis IV, and also selected Blue Origin to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-selects-blue-origin-as-second-artemis-lunar-lander-provider\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">develop<\/a> a human lunar lander for Artemis V.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Experiments aboard the International Space Station focused on helping <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/science-research\/biological-physical-sciences\/three-experiments-heading-to-space-station-aim-to-support-deep-space-missions\/\" rel=\"noopener\">astronauts go farther and stay longer<\/a> in space. This research included growing sustainable crops such as dwarf tomatoes, understanding how microbes adapt to space to protect crew health, and developing innovative materials that can weather the harsh environments of the Moon and Mars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>To support future NASA Moon missions with crew, the agency\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/lunar-science\/programs\/clps\/\" rel=\"noopener\">CLPS<\/a> (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative is in the final phases of preparations for the first two launches and landings to deliver NASA science and technology demonstrations to the lunar surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Five NASA payloads are aboard Astrobotic\u2019s <a href=\"\/Users\/jdooren\/AppData\/Local\/Microsoft\/Windows\/INetCache\/Content.Outlook\/BT6LK2AH\/eadied%20five%20payloads%20to%20deliver%20science%20and%20technology%20to%20the%20lunar%20surface%20with%20Astrobotic\u2019s%20Peregrine%20Mission%201\">Peregrine Mission 1<\/a> lander, which is set to launch no earlier than Monday, Jan. 8. Soon after, another six NASA payloads will launch no earlier than Friday, Jan. 12, aboard <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/commercial-lunar-payload-services\/clps-providers\/#intuitive-machines\">Intuitive Machine<\/a>\u2019s Nova-C spacecraft.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Since launching CLPS, NASA has contracted with five companies for eight deliveries to the lunar surface. Most recently in 2023, NASA selected <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-picks-firefly-aerospace-for-robotic-delivery-to-far-side-of-moon\/\">Firefly Aerospace<\/a> for a delivery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Among future CLPS payloads is NASA\u2019s first robotic lunar rover, <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/viper\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">VIPER<\/a> \u2013 short for the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover. The rover will trek into permanently shadowed areas to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/all-together-now-drill-joins-other-moon-rover-science-instruments\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">unravel the mysteries<\/a> of the Moon\u2019s water and better understand the environment. In preparation for a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/ames\/nasas-moon-rover-prototype-conquers-steep-scary-lander-exit-test\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">landing<\/a> in late 2024, scientists named VIPER\u2019s mission area in honor of NASA mathematician <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/people-of-nasa\/moon-mountain-name-honors-nasa-mathematician-melba-mouton\/\">Melba Roy Mouton<\/a>. Development, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/viper\/watch-nasa-build-its-first-robotic-moon-rover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">assembly<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/ames\/engineers-test-vipers-very-nimble-gimbal\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">testing<\/a> also continues for the rover\u2019s solar and battery systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While NASA is leading Artemis, international partnerships are a key part of advancing Moon to Mars exploration. In 2023, 10 additional countries signed the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/artemis-accords\/\">Artemis Accords<\/a>, which lay out a common set of principles governing the civil exploration and use of outer space. So far, 33 countries have signed the Artemis Accords.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintaining Low Earth Orbit Operations<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Closer to Earth, the International Space Station – humanity’s home in space – passed 25 years of operations. NASA and its partners officially extended <a href=\"https:\/\/blogs.nasa.gov\/spacestation\/2023\/04\/27\/partners-extend-international-space-station-for-benefit-of-humanity\/\" rel=\"noopener\">operations plans<\/a> for the microgravity science laboratory for the benefit of humanity. Other space station milestones in 2023 include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>NASA and SpaceX continued regular crew rotation flights to and from station, helping maximize science in space, including:\n<ul>\n<li>NASA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/astronauts\/biographies\/active\">astronauts<\/a> Frank Rubio, Nicole Mann, Josh Cassada, Stephen Bowen, Woody Hoburg, Loral O\u2019Hara, and Jasmin Moghbeli lived and worked aboard the station.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Rubio spent a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/record-setting-nasa-astronaut-soon-returns-to-earth-watch-live\/\">U.S. record-breaking<\/a> 371 days in space, contributing to a better understanding of long-duration spaceflight as we explore beyond our home planet.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: initial\">Crew-5 returned to Earth with Mann and Cassada, as well as JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Koichi Wakata, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Anna Kikina. Crew members tested hydroponic and aeroponic techniques to grow <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Investigation.html?#id=8088\">plants<\/a><span style=\"color: initial\"> without using soil, released Uganda and Zimbabwe\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Investigation.html?#id=8847\">first satellites<\/a><span style=\"color: initial\">, studied how <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Investigation.html?#id=8736\">liquids<\/a><span style=\"color: initial\"> move in a container in simulated lunar gravity to generate data to improve Moon rover designs, and reinstalled the station\u2019s <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Facility.html?#id=7599\">bioprinting facility<\/a><span style=\"color: initial\">.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"color: initial\">Crew-6 included Bowen and Hoburg, as well as UAE (United Arab Emirates) astronaut Sultan Alneyadi and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaev. The crew assisted a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Investigation.html?#id=7856\">student robotic challenge<\/a><span style=\"color: initial\">, studying <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Investigation.html?#id=8336\">plant genetic adaptations<\/a><span style=\"color: initial\"> to space, and monitoring human health in microgravity. The crew also released <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/johnson\/HWHAP\/from-saskatchewan-to-space\">Saskatchewan\u2019s first satellite<\/a><span style=\"color: initial\">, which <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Investigation.html?#id=8256\">tests<\/a><span style=\"color: initial\"> a new radiation detection and protection system.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Crew-7 carried Moghbeli, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, JAXA astronaut Satoshi Furukawa, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov. This crew is conducting a variety of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/news\/Crew_5_Research_Highlights\">scientific research<\/a> in areas such the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Investigation.html?#id=7715\">collection of microbial samples<\/a> from the exterior of the space station, the first study of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Investigation.html?#id=8413\">human response to different spaceflight durations<\/a>, and a study on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/research\/experiments\/explorer\/Investigation.html?#id=8866\">astronaut\u2019s sleep<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA and Boeing continued to make progress on the company\u2019s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. Starliner and its crew of NASA astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams are preparing for the first flight with astronauts in 2024, the final demonstration prior to regular flights to the microgravity complex.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Space station crew members completed 12 spacewalks to upgrade and conduct maintenance at the orbiting laboratory before the year\u2019s end. NASA astronauts continued work to install the International Space Station Rollout Solar Arrays (IROSA), which will increase power generation capability by up to 30% when fully complete.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Six <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission_pages\/station\/structure\/launch\/index.html\">commercial cargo missions<\/a> and international partner missions delivered about 28,000 pounds of science investigations, tools, and critical supplies to the space station. By year\u2019s end about 12,500 pounds of investigations and equipment are planned to be returned researchers on Earth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Space station crew members welcomed the second NASA-enabled private astronaut mission, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/axiom-space-private-astronauts-headed-to-international-space-station\/\">Axiom Mission 2<\/a>, to the orbital complex advancing the agency\u2019s goal of commercializing low-Earth orbit. NASA also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-selects-axiom-space-for-third-private-astronaut-station-mission\/\">selected<\/a> Axiom Space for the third private astronaut mission and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-partners-clear-axiom-spaces-third-private-astronaut-crew\/\">signed an order<\/a> for the fourth mission with the company.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Some additional key investigations launched, and operating, on station included NASA and ISS National Lab releasing a joint solicitation to address the goals of the Biden-Harris Administration\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.issnationallab.org%2Fresearch-on-the-iss%2Fsolicitations%2Fnlra2023-10%2F&data=05%7C01%7Cmelanie.m.whitelyons%40nasa.gov%7C5ca5bc1a47554acbc8e308dbdefc32fa%7C7005d45845be48ae8140d43da96dd17b%7C0%7C0%7C638348946993516255%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=9W7RwbgZoKbHVTlFdAV54q1NuMqagtU%2Bp8s5kYpBpuA%3D&reserved=0\" rel=\"noopener\">Cancer Moonshot<\/a> initiative, which aims to conduct science in space to help cure disease on Earth; NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/esc.gsfc.nasa.gov\/projects\/ILLUMA-T?tab=overview\" rel=\"noopener\">ILLUMA-T<\/a> (Integrated Laser Communications Relay Demonstration Low-Earth-Orbit User Modem and Amplifier Terminal) is now on station, which aims to test high data rate laser communications via the agency\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/esc.gsfc.nasa.gov\/projects\/LCRD\" rel=\"noopener\">LCRD<\/a> (Laser Communications Relay Demonstration); upgraded NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jpl.nasa.gov\/news\/nasas-space-based-quantum-science-lab-keeps-getting-better\" rel=\"noopener\">Cold Atom Laboratory<\/a> to continue pioneering quantum discovery in space; and launched and installed its <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/science-research\/heliophysics\/awe-launching-to-space-station-to-study-atmospheric-waves-via-airglow\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Atmospheric Wave Experiment<\/a> on station to provide insight into how terrestrial weather impacts space weather, which may affect satellite communications and tracking in orbit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also on the commercial front, NASA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/seven-us-companies-collaborate-with-nasa-to-advance-space-capabilities\/\">partnered<\/a> with seven U.S. companies with unfunded Space Act Agreements, and released its third <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/nasa-seeks-feedback-on-requirements-for-new-commercial-space-stations\/\">Request for Information<\/a> for commercials space station services, while working toward a formal call for proposals to provide the agency with low Earth orbit services after the space station\u2019s retirement. Commercial space station partners met <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/commercial-space\/nasas-commercial-partners-pass-milestones-for-new-space-stations\/\">major design and engineering milestones<\/a>, and are on track to serve as potential replacements for the agency\u2019s microgravity research needs. Two companies also are <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/humans-in-space\/commercial-space\/nasa-partners-combine-efforts-for-low-earth-orbit-commercial-station\/\">combining efforts<\/a>, which will allow NASA to apply funding to the other stations to accelerate development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Reaching Farther into Solar System, Beyond<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of its first year of operations, NASA\u2019s Webb telescope pulled back the curtain on some of the farthest <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/universe\/early-universe-crackled-with-bursts-of-star-formation-webb-shows\/\">galaxies<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/universe\/webb-reveals-colors-of-earendel-most-distant-star-ever-detected\/\">stars<\/a>, and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/chandra\/nasa-telescopes-discover-record-breaking-black-hole\/\">black holes<\/a> ever observed; solved a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/universe\/nasas-webb-proves-galaxies-transformed-the-early-universe\/\">longstanding mystery<\/a> about the early universe; found methane and carbon dioxide <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/universe\/exoplanets\/webb-discovers-methane-carbon-dioxide-in-atmosphere-of-k2-18-b\/\">in the atmosphere<\/a> of a planet outside our solar system; and offered new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/nasas-webb-scores-another-ringed-world-with-new-image-of-uranus\/\">views<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/solar-system\/nasas-webb-finds-carbon-source-on-surface-of-jupiters-moon-europa\/\">insights<\/a> into our own cosmic backyard. Additional achievements beyond the solar system included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>NASA made important contributions to two missions that international partners launched this year: ESA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/euclid\/first-science-images-released-from-esa-mission-with-nasa-contributions\/\">Euclid mission<\/a> to study dark energy and dark matter, as well as JAXA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/xrism\" rel=\"noopener\">XRISM mission<\/a>, a powerful new satellite that will revolutionize how we understand the hot, X-ray universe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, NASA\u2019s next <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/roman-space-telescope\/primary-instrument-for-nasas-roman-completed-begins-tests\/\">flagship observatory<\/a>, finished camera assembly, and its coronagraph instrument passed its first big optics test.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Autumn was host to mission milestone events that showcased the importance of our solar system\u2019s smaller bodies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/osiris-rex\/\" rel=\"noopener\">OSIRIS-REx<\/a> (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer) spacecraft capped its seven-year journey with the <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/missions\/osiris-rex\/osirisrex-delivers-nasas-first-asteroid-sample-to-earth\/\" rel=\"noopener\">successful deposit<\/a> of a pristine sample of surface material from the asteroid Bennu in the Utah desert.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasas-bennu-asteroid-sample-contains-carbon-water\/\">showed off material<\/a> from the asteroid Bennu for the first time. Initial studies of the 4.5-billion-year-old asteroid Bennu sample collected in space and <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/osiris-rex\" rel=\"noopener\">brought<\/a> to Earth show evidence of high-carbon content and water, which together could indicate the building blocks of life on Earth may be found in the rock.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <a href=\"https:\/\/psyche.asu.edu\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Psyche<\/a> spacecraft <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasas-psyche-spacecraft-optical-comms-demo-en-route-to-asteroid\/\">launched<\/a> from NASA Kennedy toward the asteroid Psyche.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lucy.swri.edu\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Lucy<\/a> spacecraft conducted its first target asteroid flyby of asteroid Dinkinesh at the inner edge of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/nasas-lucy-spacecraft-discovers-2nd-asteroid-during-dinkinesh-flyby\/\">main asteroid belt<\/a>, and the first images now are online.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>An annular eclipse occurred on Oct. 14, visible in parts of the United States, Mexico, and many countries in South and Central America. NASA supported the event with engagement activities, as well as science research. Three Black Brant IX sounding rockets were launched to study the ionosphere \u2013 an electrically charged layer of the atmosphere \u2013 before, during, and after the peak eclipse.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA also kicked off <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/sun\/helio-big-year\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Heliophysics Big Year<\/a>, a public engagement campaign to make science and information accessible to all and showcase heliophysics-related efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Technology Innovations to Benefit All<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA\u2019s Deep Space Optical Communications experiment launched aboard the Psyche spacecraft and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/psyche-mission\/nasas-deep-space-optical-comm-demo-sends-receives-first-data\/\">achieved first light<\/a>, beaming back a laser encoded with test data from nearly 10 million miles away. NASA will demonstrate data transmission rates 10 to 100 times greater than current radio frequency systems. The following are additional space technology advancements:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Partnered with Aerojet Rocketdyne for qualification testing on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/glenn\/nasa-aerojet-rocketdyne-put-gateway-thruster-system-to-the-test\/\">Advanced Electric Propulsion System<\/a>, a cutting-edge solar electric propulsion thruster that will propel Gateway.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA provided two navigation systems to Astrobotic for use on its CLPS flight: a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/impact-story-navigation-doppler-lidar\/\">Navigation Doppler Lidar<\/a> to provide enhanced guidance and navigation capabilities, and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/impact-story-terrain-relative-navigation\/\">Terrain Relative Navigation<\/a> to increase landing accuracy and help avoid hazards near the surface.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/general\/2023-nasa-tipping-point-selections\/\">selected 11 U.S. companies<\/a> to develop technologies in support of long-term space exploration. The agency also <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-selects-12-companies-to-collaborate-on-key-technology-development\/\">selected 12 companies<\/a> to use subject matter expertise and facilities to advance capabilities related to NASA\u2019s Moon to Mars Objectives.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Launched the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/nasas-starling-mission-sending-swarm-of-satellites-into-orbit\/\">Starling swarm of small satellites<\/a> to prove the agency\u2019s ability to coordinate and cooperate satellites without real-time input from mission control.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tested multiple additively manufactured rocket engine nozzle designs, including <a href=\"\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/marshall\/nasas-innovative-rocket-nozzle-paves-way-for-deep-space-missions\">on the ground<\/a>, as well and aboard <a href=\"\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/marshall\/3d-printed-rocket-launched-using-innovative-nasa-alloy\">Relativity Space\u2019s Terran-1<\/a> rocket.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Finished MOXIE (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/mars-2020-perseverance\/perseverance-rover\/nasas-oxygen-generating-experiment-moxie-completes-mars-mission\/\">Mars Oxygen In-Situ Resource Utilization Experiment<\/a>) operations, and proved it is possible to extract oxygen from Mars.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Evolving Aviation\u2019s Frontier<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2023, NASA advanced aviation and aeronautics technologies to improve passenger experiences, stimulate U.S. economic growth, and create a future of cleaner, quieter, safer skies. Through its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeroresearch\/sustainable-aviation-np\/\">Sustainable Flight National Partnership<\/a> and other efforts, NASA supported the U.S. goal of reaching net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and the agency released a new <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/nasa-releases-newest-vision-for-flight-research\/\">strategic implementation plan<\/a> to guide research for the next 20 years and beyond. NASA also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Made new progress in its<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/mission\/quesst\/\"> Quesst mission<\/a>, as the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/quesst-the-vehicle\/\">X-59<\/a> quiet supersonic experimental aircraft had its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/nasas-x-59-tail-installed\/\">tail structure installed<\/a> and was <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/nasas-x-59-moves-closer-to-runway\/\">moved from<\/a> the assembly facility for structural testing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worked with Boeing on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-issues-award-for-greener-more-fuel-efficient-airliner-of-future\/\">Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project<\/a> to produce and test the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/next-generation-experimental-aircraft-becomes-nasas-newest-x-plane\/\">X-66<\/a>A, a full-sized, experimental transonic truss brace wing <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/nasa-boeing-provide-a-peek-at-what-the-x-66a-will-look-like\/\">aircraft<\/a> that will inform a new generation of sustainable airliners.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Enhanced transonic truss braced wing research for sustainable aircraft designs using <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/armstrong\/nasa-armstrong-tests-model-of-efficient-wing\/\">wind tunnel tests<\/a> for model wings and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/future-aircraft-design-supercomputed\/\">supercomputing<\/a> to look at aircraft concepts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Used NASA\u2019s DC-8 flying lab to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/armstrong\/nasa-partners-explore-sustainable-fuels-effects-on-aircraft-contrails\/\">test emissions<\/a> from Boeing\u2019s ecoDemonstrator Explorer aircraft to evaluate sustainable aviation fuels\u2019 effects on contrails..<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Progressed its Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration project, which works to create hybrid powertrains for regional and single-aisle aircraft, with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/nasa-industry-partners-unveil-hybrid-electric-aircraft-paint-schemes\/\">GE Aerospace and magniX<\/a> testing power systems and demonstrator aircraft<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Entered into <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/armstrong\/government-and-industry-collaboration-leads-to-first-air-taxi-delivery\/\">an agreement<\/a> with the U.S. Air Force AFWERX Agility Prime program that will allow NASA to test a new air taxi from the manufacturer Joby Aviation to see how such vehicles could fit into the national airspace<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Debuted the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/ames\/advanced-capabilities-for-emergency-response-operations-acero\/\">Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations<\/a> project, which uses drones and advanced aviation technologies to improve wildland fire coordination and operations, and tested a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/nasa-tests-mobile-air-traffic-kit-during-wildfire-prevention-operations\/\">mobile air traffic management kit<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/nasas-new-3d-printed-superalloy-can-take-the-heat\/\">Demonstrated<\/a> a breakthrough, 3D-printable, high-temperature-resistant alloy called GRX-810 that could be used for applications like components of aircraft and rocket engines.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>Aeronautics efforts led to advancements in construction of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/image-article\/flight-dynamics-research-facility-construction-images\/\">Flight Dynamics Research Facility<\/a>, the agency\u2019s first major wind tunnel in more than 40 years. NASA used simulators to collect data on how operating electric air taxis could affect <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/what-is-the-vertical-motion-simulator\/\">pilots<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/armstrong\/nasa-uses-new-air-taxi-ride-simulator-to-test-passenger-comfort\/\">passengers<\/a>, and gathered data on new ways to use aviation including autonomous air cargo delivery and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/aeronautics\/nasas-autonomous-aircraft-decision-tech-gets-simulated-urban-test\/\">air taxi operations<\/a>. Finally, research from the X-57 Maxwell <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/armstrong\/x-57-project-creates-paths-toward-electric-aviation-2\/\">provided aviation researchers<\/a> with hundreds of lessons learned, as well as revolutionary development in areas ranging from battery technology to cruise motor control design.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Maintaining Focus on Advancing DEIA, Reaching Diverse Communities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>NASA remained committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) at NASA and the STEM industry in 2023. NASA also took its \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-experts-go-on-tour-with-the-color-of-space-documentary\/\">The Color of Space<\/a>\u201d documentary on a road tour, providing free in-person screenings at historically Black colleges and universities, conferences, and festivals nationwide. And, the agency made its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/look-up-new-nasa-app-helps-stargazers-spot-space-station\/\">Spot the Station<\/a> app available for download in multiple languages.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of its plans to reach more audiences, NASA continued to focus on developing Spanish-language content. This year, the agency digitally\u202freleased its second issue of the \u201cFirst Woman: Expanding Our Universe,\u201d <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/calliefirst\/\">graphic novel series<\/a> in English and Spanish. NASA also:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Launched its first full season of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-releases-first-season-of-spanish-language-podcast\/\">Spanish-language podcast<\/a> Universo curioso de la NASA.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Following <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-to-host-news-conference-in-houston-for-record-breaking-astronaut\/\">Rubio\u2019s record-breaking year in space<\/a>, NASA conducted news conferences in English and Spanish upon his return. Rubio also hosted the first <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-releases-first-international-space-station-tour-in-spanish\/\">tour of the space station in Spanish<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Produced a live broadcast in Spanish for the arrival of the <a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D6g3OlY2KJl8&data=05%7C01%7Cjennifer.m.dooren%40nasa.gov%7C5db19de5fea441ca6da008dbf0f97f04%7C7005d45845be48ae8140d43da96dd17b%7C0%7C0%7C638368726607325596%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=GkClKXICWXbU8ahp8azzaECiPYH44GWodf%2FG1M6ITPU%3D&reserved=0\" rel=\"noopener\">OSIRIS-REx<\/a> samples, as well as co-streamed another broadcast in Spanish for the annular eclipse produced by the NASA-funded Exploratorium Museum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Revamped its <a href=\"https:\/\/ciencia.nasa.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Spanish-language science website<\/a>, and launched a hub for all Spanish content on the new NASA.gov site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>With the launch of NASA\u2019s streaming platform NASA+, the agency debuted Spanish content also available for streaming, and developed Spanish-language content for <a href=\"https:\/\/europa.nasa.gov\/mensaje-en-una-botella\/inscribete\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Europa Clipper\u2019s Message in a Bottle<\/a>, among other activities.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Inspiring New Generation of STEM Students<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Through a variety of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) outreach activities, NASA continues to inspire the Artemis Generation of students and encourage them to become the next scientists, engineers, and astronauts. NASA conducts its STEM work through partnering with key organizations, awarding a variety of grants, and more. Many of these efforts tie closely to NASA\u2019s DEIA activities. Other STEM highlights in 2023 include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Awarded $11.7 million to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-awards-millions-to-historically-black-colleges-universities\/\">eight Historically Black Colleges and Universities<\/a> through the new Data Science Equity, Access, and Priority in Research and Education opportunity. These awards will enable students and faculty to conduct innovative data science research that contributes to NASA\u2019s missions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Partnered with the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-department-of-education-partnership-strengthens-stem-education\/#:~:text=NASA%20and%20the%20U.S.%20Department,and%20schools%20across%20the%20nation\">U.S. Department of Education<\/a> to strengthen the collaboration between the two agencies, including efforts to increase access to high-quality STEM and space education to students and schools across the nation; and partnered with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-forest-service-to-share-moon-tree-seedlings-promote-stem-2\/#:~:text=NASA%20and%20the%20USDA%20Forest,seeds%20were%20flown%20to%20space\">U.S. Forest Service<\/a> to bring Artemis Moon Trees to schools and education institutions through NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/artifacts.nasa.gov\/#_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Artifact Module<\/a>. NASA received more than 1,200 requests.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA announced its first women\u2019s universities and college awards, as part of a Biden-Harris Administration initiative. The awards provided more than $5 million in funding to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-awards-5-million-to-womens-colleges-tackling-stem-gender-gap\/#:~:text=As%20part%20of%20a%20Biden,STEM%20degree%20programs%20and%20careers\">seven women\u2019s colleges and universities<\/a> to research and develop strategies that increase retention of women in STEM degree programs and careers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Among Earth to space calls, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/louisiana-students-to-hear-from-nasa-astronauts-aboard-space-station\/\">Louisiana<\/a>, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/wyoming-students-to-hear-from-nasa-astronaut-aboard-space-station\/\">Wyoming<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-international-astronauts-to-speak-with-students-in-two-states\/\">Rhode Island<\/a> hosted their first downlinks with the space station crew and students.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-announces-winners-of-2023-human-exploration-rover-challenge\/#:~:text=NASA%20has%20announced%20the%20winners,the%20college%20and%20university%20title.\">Human Rover Exploration Challenge<\/a> hosted student competitors in-person for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic. More than 500 students from around the world participated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Issued the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/stmd-prizes-challenges-crowdsourcing-program\/center-of-excellence-for-collaborative-innovation-coeci\/space-tech-catalyst-prize\/\">NASA Space Tech Catalyst Prize<\/a> to expand the agency\u2019s network of proposers and foster effective engagement approaches within NASA\u2019s Early-Stage Innovations and Partnerships portfolio.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Invited teams to participate in NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/stmd-flight-opportunities\/access-flight-tests\/techrise\/\">TechRise Student Challenge<\/a> to design, build, and launch science and technology experiments on commercial suborbital rockets and high-altitude balloons. Summer 2023 marked a series of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/centers-and-facilities\/armstrong\/nasa-techrise-student-experiments-count-down-to-flight\/\">flight tests<\/a> that successfully flew 80 student payloads on high-altitude balloons with Aerostar and World View.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>By partnering with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/learning-resources\/take-the-next-giant-leap-with-nasa-and-minecraft\/\">Minecraft<\/a> to inspire students in a game-based learning platform, children were encouraged to build and launch rockets on Moon adventures in the Minecraft universe.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA\u2019s Space Technology Research Grants program, which supports academic researchers, surpassed a significant milestone, having <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/directorates\/stmd\/perspectives-from-nasa-funded-researchers\/\">funded more than 1,000 grants<\/a> pursuing exciting space technology research since.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>NASA\u2019s Growing Public Engagement Efforts<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Public Engagement remains a cornerstone of NASA\u2019s mission to share the agency\u2019s work with the world by participating in opportunities to engage the public in a variety of venues, activities, and events. NASA continued to connect with more people than ever before:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>Grew the agency\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/socialmedia\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">social media<\/a> following to 389.5 million so far in 2023 \u2013 up 18 percent from 330 million in 2022. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shares on social media posts across the agency reached 6.36 million in 2023, lower than the 2022 total (8.7 million shares).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA accounts reached follower milestones this year, passing 78 million (<a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FNASA%3Fref_src%3Dtwsrc%255Egoogle%257Ctwcamp%255Eserp%257Ctwgr%255Eauthor&data=05%7C02%7Cjennifer.m.dooren%40nasa.gov%7C8836a0f7a7f34b01275508dbfa9b4e1c%7C7005d45845be48ae8140d43da96dd17b%7C0%7C0%7C638379317176274286%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=H14KtJAhCyTnmH6L2dGZ0H%2FMz4oMuYDWmi3V0YlJr7E%3D&reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">X<\/a>), 26 million (<a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNASA%2F&data=05%7C02%7Cjennifer.m.dooren%40nasa.gov%7C8836a0f7a7f34b01275508dbfa9b4e1c%7C7005d45845be48ae8140d43da96dd17b%7C0%7C0%7C638379317176274286%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qI7A47OD0ExIiac9m8U0TaVfcJRkQxAI%2FhInYWjtIjo%3D&reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Facebook<\/a>) and 97 million (<a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fnasa%2F%3Fhl%3Den&data=05%7C02%7Cjennifer.m.dooren%40nasa.gov%7C8836a0f7a7f34b01275508dbfa9b4e1c%7C7005d45845be48ae8140d43da96dd17b%7C0%7C0%7C638379317176274286%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=459Sc%2FgaXbpUw1pNc0QKyqzIIp%2FaqSd9OEqTOAyM83s%3D&reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Instagram<\/a>). NASA’s flagship <a href=\"https:\/\/gcc02.safelinks.protection.outlook.com\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fnasa&data=05%7C02%7Cjennifer.m.dooren%40nasa.gov%7C8836a0f7a7f34b01275508dbfa9b4e1c%7C7005d45845be48ae8140d43da96dd17b%7C0%7C0%7C638379317176274286%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=xt5jZtWnaLjKUALZd28o8aAbdDhXcMLkhP6C8b76EyI%3D&reserved=0\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">YouTube channel<\/a> passed 11 million. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA elevated its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-launches-its-first-on-demand-streaming-service-updated-app\/\">digital platforms<\/a> by revamping its flagship and science websites, adding its first on-demand streaming service, and upgrading the NASA app. With these changes, everyone now has access to a new world of content from the space agency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA’s new streaming service, NASA+, launched on Nov. 8, and as of Nov. 28 had 38,000 hours of content watched. The NASA app had about 34 million lifetime installs across all platforms.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Apple Podcasts Latin America selected \u201cUniverso Curioso de la NASA\u201d as a \u201cShow We Loved\u201d in 2023. This is the first time a NASA podcast has received this recognition.  <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA podcasts surpassed 8 million all-time plays on Apple Podcasts this year.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supported White House events to reach the public in new and engaging ways including participating in the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/nasahqphoto\/albums\/72177720307392256\/with\/52808086565\/\" rel=\"noopener\">White House Easter Egg Roll<\/a>, bringing in astronauts and STEM activities we engaged over 30,000 visitors, including students and children, with more than 148,000 mentions on social media across all platforms, as well as participating in Halloween at the White House engaging 6,000 local schoolchildren and military families with STEM activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worked with Elmo to introduce a video greeting from NASA astronauts aboard the space station for the Independence Day celebration and concert.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA centers around the country hosted more than 1,289 in-person and virtual events with local, regional, national, and international reach, and engaged with more than 6.3 million people through these efforts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participated in one of the largest state fairs in the United States in Columbus, Ohio, reaching an estimated 100,000 of the one million attendees through talks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hosted an in-person <a href=\"https:\/\/svs.gsfc.nasa.gov\/cgi-bin\/details.cgi?aid=14433&button=recent\" rel=\"noopener\">International Observe the Moon Night<\/a>, an annual celebration of lunar science and exploration, for the first time since 2019.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA\u2019s Arts program curated the first exhibition of work from the NASA art collection titled \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/nasahqphoto\/52564744998\/in\/photolist-2o5VkWV-2o5WLDM-2o5Y4mS-2o5VnkB-2o5Y5yB-2o5Y5cu-2o5WMV4-2o5WMSJ-2o5XGaf-2o5WMmt-2o5VmFF-2o5VmjJ-2o5Y4tF-2o5SZNo-2fPERcq-2o5T1rC-23UNAmJ-K1Ka5T-2eGvsWJ-2eGvqJY-2evjgm8-2fPEPgm-FPHQRQ-23XA2kD-TKZfx5-2fUhmPX-TKZhFU-2fUhofn-2fPERwU-2fUhnM8-S8Jcy2-2eGvrjW-25hDiBF-2fUhmpt-EiwiFn-22SVsvm-TKZgf7-EiwkzH-23UNBVW-23XA1tD-Eiwmrc-23XzYY4\" rel=\"noopener\">Launching the Future: Looking Back to Look Forward<\/a>\u201d and displayed 16 pieces at the National Academy of Sciences.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Since opening its doors, NASA\u2019s Earth Information Center has received more 3,400 visitors and hosting more than 1,500 guided tours.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More than 100 eligible schools, universities, museums, libraries, and planetariums applied to participate in the NASA Artifacts Module program to receive more than 200 historic NASA objects for their STEM programs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA Administrator Bill Nelson was among the participants for \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/nasahqphoto\/albums\/72177720307292771\" rel=\"noopener\">Our Blue Planet, A Concert Celebrating Earth, and its Waters<\/a>.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Snoopy\u2019s zero-gravity indicator rode on NASA\u2019s Artemis I mission and was returned to Peanuts, and now is on public display at the Schulz Museum.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA partnered with Google Arts & Culture on a digital artist project titled \u2018A Passage of Water\u2019 that incorporated NASA freshwater data from the <a href=\"https:\/\/swot.jpl.nasa.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">SWOT<\/a> mission and GRACE (<a href=\"https:\/\/gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment<\/a>) satellites.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA partnered with Crayola Education for its 2023 Creativity Week, reaching 3.5 million kids with Artemis information and creative activities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The U.S. Postal Service issued an OSIRIS-REx postal stamp in association with the return of the asteroid Bennu sample in September.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA approved and collaborated on 96 documentaries, 21 TV, Web and streaming shows, 16 feature films, and five immersive experiences, including the Tom Hanks\u2019 new immersive experience \u201cMoonwalkers\u201d and ARTCHOUSE\u2019s \u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/missions\/webb\/nasas-webb-telescope-inspires-artechouse-exhibit-public-art\/\">Beyond the Light<\/a>,\u201d and an upcoming collaboration with influencer, \u201cMr. Beast.\u201d<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA received 4,500 requests for NASA branded merchandise and\/or novelty items from notable brands like Adidas, Garmin, Wham-O, LEGO, Prada, Crate + Barrel, Pottery Barn Kids, Odyssey Toys, H+M, Casio Electronics, Smithsonian, GAP, Round 2, Timex, Sprayground and many more.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Published its <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-brand-center\/brand-guidelines\/\">branding guidelines<\/a> as part of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/nasa-brand-center\/brand-guidelines\/\">NASA Brand Center<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborated with Amazon Studios on the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/nasa-contributes-to-film-detailing-life-of-astronaut-jos%C3%A9-hern%C3%A1ndez\/\">\u201cA Million Miles Away\u201d film<\/a>, starring Michael Pe\u00f1a, telling the story of retired NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez. Rubio narrated a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=ZSHnE8Pd5s4\" rel=\"noopener\">special video<\/a> from space highlighting Hernandez and other Latino pioneers for Hispanic Heritage Month.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Celebrated designer <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=jm9Y2aonzjI\" rel=\"noopener\">Richard Danne<\/a> with an agency Exceptional Public Achievement Medal for his outstanding achievement in creating the NASA worm logotype.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Collaborated on more than a dozen Artemis documentaries with outlets ranging from PBS to National Geographic\/Disney. The <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/feature\/our-artemis-crew\/\">Artemis II crew<\/a> was featured on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5AC5h4zKU4o\" rel=\"noopener\">The Late Show with Stephen Colbert<\/a>, The Talk, and at the \u201cGuardians of the Galaxy\u201d premiere. Artemis II NASA astronaut Victor Glover participated in the premieres of National Geographic\u2019s \u201cThe Space Race\u201d at the Tribeca Film Festival and DC\/Dox. <em><\/em><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Attracted major talent for various mission-related projects and outreach initiatives, including: Chris Pratt, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=bGZplqeIb3w\" rel=\"noopener\">Harry Styles<\/a>, Lance Bass for the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=MqwGcL1l6PM\" rel=\"noopener\">Annular Solar Eclipse<\/a>, Aisha Tyler, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=qj6YsJqO6bA\" rel=\"noopener\">Adam Driver<\/a>, Paul Rudd, Scarlett Johansson, Jeffrey Wright, Jason Schwartzmann, and an International Space Station downlink with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=dak8uzKba4k\" rel=\"noopener\">Post Malone for Earth Day<\/a>. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>NASA also participated in concerts at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts for Earth Day and Wolf Trap for \u201cStar Wars\u201d and Holst\u2019s \u201cThe Planets.\u201d <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Feature films included \u201cA Million Miles Away\u201d and Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Marvels\u201d were uploaded to the International Space Station for the astronauts to enjoy at their leisure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More than <a href=\"https:\/\/europa.nasa.gov\/message-in-a-bottle\/participation-map\/\" rel=\"noopener\">1 million<\/a> people around the world joined NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/europa.nasa.gov\/news\/91\/nasa-invites-public-to-sign-poem-that-will-fly-aboard-europa-clipper\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Message in a Bottle<\/a> campaign, inviting people to sign their names to a special message that will travel 1.8 billion miles on the agency\u2019s Europa Clipper mission to explore Jupiter\u2019s icy moon Europa. The message, a poem titled “<a href=\"https:\/\/youtu.be\/EgWbeDNPD6o?si=zEjGALKGJIeTbd6r\" rel=\"noopener\">In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa,<\/a>” written by U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Lim\u00f3n, will be engraved on the robotic spacecraft. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>For more about NASA\u2019s missions, research, and discoveries, visit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\"><strong>https:\/\/www.nasa.gov<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\">-end-<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Faith McKie \/ Cheryl Warner<br>Headquarters, Washington<br>202-358-1600<br><a href=\"mailto:faith.d.mckie@nasa.gov\">faith.d.mckie@nasa.gov<\/a> \/ <a href=\"mailto:cheryl.m.warner@nasa.gov\">cheryl.m.warner@nasa.gov<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In 2023, as NASA pushed the limits of exploration for the benefit of humanity, the agency celebrated astronaut Frank Rubio becoming the first American astronaut to spend more than one year in space; delivered samples from an asteroid to Earth; sent a spacecraft to study a metal-rich asteroid for the first time; launched multiple initiatives [...]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":123,"featured_media":579176,"template":"","meta":{"nasa_hds_core_meta_l10n":"en-US","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_editor":"499","nasa_hds_core_meta_article_contacts":[],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_topic":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_linked_locations":["283564"],"nasa_hds_core_meta_article_related_articles":[],"hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_id":"23-137","hds_migrate_meta_pr_release_type":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_x":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_location_y":"","nasa_hds_core_meta_gallery_images":[]},"categories":[],"news-tags":[12375],"internal-terms":[],"coauthors":[10213],"parsely":{"version":"1.1.0","meta":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@type":"NewsArticle","headline":"Breaking Records, Returning Asteroid Samples Among NASA\u2019s Big 2023","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/breaking-records-returning-asteroid-samples-among-nasas-big-2023\/","mainEntityOfPage":{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/breaking-records-returning-asteroid-samples-among-nasas-big-2023\/"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/microsoftteams-image-1.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/microsoftteams-image-1.png"},"articleSection":"General","author":[{"@type":"Person","name":"Claire A. O'Shea"}],"creator":["Claire A. O'Shea"],"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"NASA","logo":"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/themes\/nasa\/assets\/images\/nasa-logo.svg"},"keywords":[],"dateCreated":"2023-12-12T20:27:22Z","datePublished":"2023-12-12T20:27:22Z","dateModified":"2024-01-08T16:40:22Z"},"rendered":"<meta name=\"parsely-title\" content=\"Breaking Records, Returning Asteroid Samples Among NASA\u2019s Big 2023\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-link\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/news-release\/breaking-records-returning-asteroid-samples-among-nasas-big-2023\/\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-type\" content=\"post\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-image-url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/12\/microsoftteams-image-1.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-pub-date\" content=\"2023-12-12T20:27:22Z\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-section\" content=\"General\" \/>\n<meta name=\"parsely-author\" content=\"Claire A. 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