Plasma shield
Researchers find that Earth’s “plasmaspheric hiss” protects against a harmful radiation belt.
Pulling together the early solar system
New study finds that a strong magnetic field whipped the early solar system into shape.
3 Questions: Richard Binzel on NASA’s Asteroid Redirect Mission
Better options available in thousands of near-Earth asteroids, expert says.
AeroAstro turns 100
Nine astronaut alumni and Elon Musk join in celebrating department’s centennial.
Dava Newman nominated for NASA post
President Obama asks AeroAstro professor to take space agency’s No. 2 leadership spot.
Mars One (and done?)
MIT team independently assesses the technical feasibility of the proposed Mars One mission.
Researchers detect brightest pulsar ever recorded
The pulsar, about as large as the city of Boston, is 10 million times brighter than the sun.
Solving the mystery of the “man in the moon”
MIT researchers find that a volcanic plume, not an asteroid, likely created the moon’s largest basin.
Going to the Red Planet
An MIT oxygen-creating instrument has been selected to fly on the upcoming Mars 2020 mission.
AeroAstro professor David Miller named NASA’s chief technologist
Miller will serve as NASA’s principal advisor and advocate on technology policy and programs.
A river of plasma, guarding against the sun
MIT scientists identify a plasma plume that naturally protects the Earth against solar storms.
Rescuing the Hubble Space Telescope
NASA crewmembers reflect on the most complex space repair in history.