Latest news with #astronaut
Yahoo
6 hours ago
- Science
- Yahoo
A Connection to Austin: Former Medical Center Dr inducted into U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame
Jun. 20—By Jed Nelson On May 31, the Kennedy Space Center held the 2025 U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame Induction ceremony. Bernard Harris, a former Internal Medicine doctor at the Austin Medical Center, was one of two former NASA astronauts inducted. Though Harris's roots are planted deep in Texas, he spent three years in the mid 1980s as a resident in Austin practicing medicine. Born in Temple, Texas in 1956, Harris went on to achieve things most of us could only dream about. While in Austin, he discussed becoming an astronaut with co-workers. One co-worker, Diane Dammen of Austin, and an attendee of the induction ceremony, stated that they kiddingly gave him a hard time about it, but knew that if anyone could do it, it was Harris. "That was in the 80s," Dammen said. "I know some of the doctors and nurses remember him. He was great to work with." After leaving Austin, he traveled back to Texas where he completed his fellowship with the NASA Research Center in 1987. After the fellowship, he joined NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas, where he worked as a flight surgeon, scuba diver and licensed pilot. What Harris accomplished in the latter half of the 1980s was just the beginning. In 1990 he was selected to an astronaut crew, and in 1991 was made a mission specialist. In 1993, Harris made his first trip to space where he conducted various muscular skeletal experiments. In 1995, he made history. Harris became the first African American to perform a spacewalk in the STS-63 mission nicknamed the "near Mir,"which marked early cooperation between the Russian / American Space Programs. The mission achieved the first space rendezvous between an American Space Shuttle and Russia's space station. Harris was at NASA for 10 years, where he conducted research in musculoskeletal physiology and clinical investigations of space adaptation. He also developed in-flight medical devices to extend astronaut stays in space. Harris has also logged more than 438 hours and traveled over 7.2 million miles in space. All these accomplishments led to May 31, 2025 — the U.S. Astronaut Hall of Fame induction ceremony. A ceremony that Dammen and her husband, Dave, were invited to. "We were so surprised to receive an invitation to his induction," Dammen said. "We were so excited, there was no way we were not going to go." The lead-up to the ceremony was three days of meetings and panel discussions featuring not only Harris, but other successful astronauts with stories to tell. On day three family, friends and other astronauts gathered to recognize and celebrate the 2025 Hall of Fame inductees. With nearly 40 tables set up in the event center, each table had an astronaut assigned to it. "They (astronauts) were the nicest people," Dammen said. "Just so easy to be around and to talk to." Seeing Harris deliver a speech to the audience was something the Dammen's say they will never forget. To Diane, he is more than just a coworker, but a friend. "The experience was awe inspiring to us," she added. "We never expected to be at anything like that. It's something we won't ever forget." Today, Harris is the CEO and Managing Partner of Vesalius Ventures, Inc., a venture capital firm that invests in early to mid-stage Healthcare technologies and companies. He is president and founder of The Harris Institute/Foundation, a non-profit organization which serves socially and economically disadvantaged communities both locally and across the nation. He has been involved in math and science education for over 25 years through his philanthropy. Through his foundation, Harris strives to support the most underserved populations in education, health, and wealth.
Forbes
2 days ago
- Science
- Forbes
Space, Tech, And AI: What Astronaut Tim Peake Can Teach Us About The Future Of Humanity
From space-based solar power to AI-guided decision-making, astronaut Tim Peake shares powerful ... More insights into the technologies shaping our world and beyond. When you've spent 6 months orbiting Earth in the International Space Station, your perspective on the planet and its problems is likely to change forever. Few people understand this more intimately than Tim Peake, the British astronaut, test pilot, and ambassador for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education, who joined me for a fascinating conversation about space, AI, and the future of life on Earth. What struck me most in our conversation was how clearly Tim connects the dots between space exploration and the challenges we face on Earth, drawing on his remarkable experience and expertise. Whether it's the climate crisis, the energy transition, or the role of AI in decision-making, space is not some distant frontier. It is deeply entangled with our present and our future. Peake vividly describes the emotional and intellectual impact of seeing our planet from above. 'It gives you a fresh appreciation of how isolated and remote the planet is,' he told me. 'A lot of people say fragile. I caution against using that word because I think the Earth's pretty robust. But in terms of being remote and isolated, it makes you realize that this small rock is perfectly designed to support the life that has evolved on it.' And while the view from orbit can feel peaceful and serene, it's also a powerful reminder of just how interconnected and dynamic our ecosystems really are. From wildfires in one region to dust storms in another, the visible signs of global interdependence are unmistakable from space. Peake explained, 'You see wildfires and the smoke spreading across continents. You see sandstorms in the Sahara drifting across Northern Europe. That's because the atmosphere is so thin, so tiny, and you see that very clearly from space.' Beyond the view, Peake is just as excited about what space can do for us back on Earth. Advances in manufacturing, communications, and energy are all being accelerated by what's happening in orbit. One of the most compelling developments he pointed to is space-based manufacturing. In the absence of gravity, new kinds of structures can be created with unprecedented purity and precision. 'For example, we can grow very large protein crystals in space that you can't grow on Earth,' he said. 'That can help pharmaceutical companies create better drugs with fewer side effects and lower dosages. Or if you're trying to print out a human heart, doing that on Earth needs some sort of scaffolding. In space, gravity is not distorting the cellular structure.' He also believes that space-based solar power is not just science fiction. It could soon become a meaningful contributor to our global energy mix. "If we can make two-kilometer square solar arrays that beam energy back to Earth using microwaves, we can reduce the pressure on our grid and use space to help solve the energy crisis,' Peake explained. The falling cost of getting into orbit is a key enabler. As heavy-lift launch costs continue to drop, opportunities that once sounded fantastical, like factories in space or orbital data centers, suddenly look commercially viable. Naturally, we also discussed artificial intelligence. Peake believes that AI has a crucial role to play in helping humanity manage the deluge of data coming from satellites, sensors, and scientific instruments. 'AI can analyze vast amounts of data and make good assumptions from it,' he said. 'If a government is introducing a carbon emission policy in a city, AI can help measure the impact, evaluate the policy, and improve it based on outcomes.' But Peake also emphasized the continued need for human oversight. When it comes to critical decisions, especially in high-stakes environments like space missions or healthcare, humans must remain in the loop. 'If you're screening for breast cancer, for example, AI can assist doctors. But you still want the diagnosis coming from a person,' he said. 'As humans, we like that reassurance. We want someone to put their intelligence on top of the AI's assessment.' In other words, AI is not a replacement for human decision-making but a powerful augmentor, especially in environments where timely action matters. Throughout our conversation, one theme kept coming up: the importance of inspiring the next generation, especially around STEM. For Peake, this is not a side mission; it's central to why he does what he does. 'I try to encourage kids to get involved in STEM, even if they don't see themselves taking it to higher education,' he said. 'The more you know about science and tech today, the more doors it opens for your future.' One initiative doing an outstanding job of sparking that curiosity is the Future Lab at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Peake serves as an ambassador. Curated by Lucy Johnston, the Future Lab showcases cutting-edge innovations from across the globe, from robotic rescue dogs and deep-sea exploration tools to mind-blowing space tech like the James Webb Space Telescope. 'It's hands-on, inspiring, and brilliantly curated,' Peake said. 'You see people of all ages walking around in awe, and that's exactly the kind of experience that can ignite a lifelong passion for science and technology.' Having taken my own son to Future Lab, I can say with certainty that it works. There's something magical about seeing kids light up as they touch, feel, and interact with the technology that's shaping tomorrow. Another eye-opener in our chat was just how much space already affects daily life. 'On average, everyone touches about 42 satellites a day,' Peake said. Whether it's making an online purchase, using navigation, or checking the weather, you're using space infrastructure. And that footprint is only growing. Companies are already working on putting data centers in orbit to reduce energy consumption and cooling requirements on Earth. Communications, navigation, Earth observation, and climate monitoring are all becoming more dependent on space-based assets. But with growth comes risk. Peake is also an ambassador for The Astra Carta, an initiative supported by King Charles aimed at ensuring space is used sustainably. Space debris, orbital traffic, and light pollution are becoming serious issues. 'We need rules of the road for space,' he said. 'If we want to keep using it safely, we need to manage how we operate up there.' As we wrapped up our conversation, I asked Tim the big one: Does he believe there's intelligent life out there? "I absolutely do," he said without hesitation. "Statistically, the odds are too strong. When you're in space, and you see 200 billion stars in our galaxy alone, and then remember there are hundreds of billions of galaxies, it's hard to believe we're alone." He also believes that space exploration will help answer some of the biggest questions humanity has ever asked about life, existence, and our place in the universe. But even if we don't find extraterrestrials any time soon, the journey itself has value. Space inspires. It informs. And, increasingly, it enables. That, I think, is what makes Peake's perspective so valuable. He's lived at the intersection of science, technology, and wonder. And he reminds us that the frontier of space is not just about what lies out there but about what it can help us achieve here on Earth.
CBC
4 days ago
- Science
- CBC
Eager to become a space superpower, India is sending its 1st astronaut to space in 4 decades
The months leading up to the launch of Axiom Mission 4, a private space flight to the International Space Station carrying four astronauts from four different countries, were filled with intense preparation at the company's base in Houston. For the crew's pilot, astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, the anticipation grew exponentially as he prepared to become the first Indian to go to space in 41 years. "It's a monumental event for me as an individual and our country as a whole," Shukla, 39, told CBC News in an interview before the mission's launch, which is scheduled for Thursday. That he was the one who would be returning India to space hit him in certain moments, he said during a break in training, especially when he first tried on his spacesuit. "I saw that Indian flag on my shoulder," Shukla, whose call sign is Shuks, said with a smile. "You think about this … how big this is." The space flight, which is being operated by Houston-based Axiom Space with the support of NASA and the India Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is emblematic of a new era. Countries can hitch rides from commercial companies to get their astronauts into space, where they can conduct experiments sponsored by national space agencies, rather than those agencies spending time and money building their own rockets. It fits neatly into India's ambitions to rapidly expand its space prowess and use the private sector to get there. 'A huge responsibility' After several delays due to weather and equipment issues, the latest Axiom mission is set to launch from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre in Florida this Thursday. The astronauts will be aboard a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule launched into space by Falcon 9 rocket. The crew, which is led by former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson and also includes astronauts from Poland and Hungary, will spend two weeks conducting experiments at the International Space Station. Shukla will become only the second Indian national to go to space, following in the footsteps of cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, who orbited the Earth for eight days in 1984 on a Soviet spacecraft. "It's a huge responsibility to inspire an entire young generation through my mission [and to] carry the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts," Shukla said. Indian news outlets reported that Shukla will carry a bit of India into space with him on the flight, including delicacies such as mango nectar, moong dal halwa and carrot halwa. Until recently, India's space activity was controlled by ISRO, but in 2023, the space agency opened up its facilities to private companies, and investments poured in. The country has more than 250 space startups attracting millions of dollars. "India is aspiring to become a very important player in the space industry," said Somak Raychaudhury, astrophysicist and vice-chancellor of Ashoka University in Sonipat, Haryana, close to Delhi. "And it realizes it has to use the private sector." Big challenges The country's leaders are convinced that having a successful space program not only brings soft power and prestige but also wealth. But there are big challenges ahead, according to Raychaudhury. India is one of the five major players in space exploration, yet its share of the global market is only two per cent. The South Asian nation wants to get that up to 10 per cent in the next decade. The country produces a lot of highly skilled engineers, but "very few of them stay in this kind of sector," Raychaudhury said. Even holding only a tiny percentage of the global space market, there are already numerous benefits to India's economy from its $8 billion US slice of the industry and the 100,000 people it employs, he said. Big ambitions But the country is aiming even higher. In August 2023, the Chandrayaan-3 mission successfully sent a rover to the notoriously difficult-to-reach dark side of the moon to explore its south pole — a world first. Its first human space flight, called Gaganyaan, is planned for next year. It aims to send several Indian astronauts into low Earth orbit for three days. That would make India only the fourth nation, after the United States, Russia and China, to have its own human space flight program. The success of that mission will be key, said Raychaudhury. "India's space industry has a record of being very frugal," the professor said, with projects coming in far cheaper than the space programs in the United States, Russia or China. "The question is whether the same quality can be achieved or not." The Chandrayaan-3 mission, for example, heralded as a big win for India, cost less than the price of a single Boeing or Airbus plane. Mars and Venus also in India's sights In May, speaking at a global space conference in New Delhi, India's prime minister, Narendra Modi, laid out more plans, including building the country's own space station to orbit Earth within the next decade. The country's space agency is focused on exploring the moon, with the goal of sending an Indian astronaut to walk on the surface by 2040. "Mars and Venus are also on our radar," Modi promised in his speech. He ended his remarks by highlighting how space exploration has the power to "inspire future generations" and push the country to "dream together." Students inspired Those dreams were on full display at a Mumbai school one morning in May as hundreds of children used cardboard and plastic rods to build their own mini rockets, barely longer than their forearms. The children spent time learning about India's upcoming space projects before launching the toy rockets outside. "It was so much fun," nine-year old Reet Dhameja exclaimed, pointing to how far her mini-rocket flew. Another classmate, aspiring scientist Aarav Sanghvi, took pains to make sure his rocket was perfect. "I want to be an engineer of space," the 10-year-old said. "To create bigger rockets for India." But asked if he wants to go into space himself, he shook his head firmly. "I want to make rockets. I don't want to be an astronaut." That sentiment is precisely what the school programs are focused on, said event organizer Rajesh Ghangurde, president of Antariksh Society, an outreach group that promotes space exploration. "When we talk to the students, we tell them there are only 10 astronauts who go to space," he said. "[But] there are 10,000 minds or hands working to make that thing happen." WATCH | Astronauts describe what it was like to spend 9 months at the ISS: Astronauts say they weren't stuck in space, they 'pivoted' 3 months ago Duration 2:01 NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore say although they didn't plan on spending nine months on the International Space Station, neither think they were stuck or stranded. The pair said things didn't go according to plan and they 'pivoted.'
Digital Trends
5 days ago
- Science
- Digital Trends
Astronaut's sublime Earth photo is surely one of his best yet
NASA astronaut Don Pettit has been back on terra firma for almost two months and he's still able to dig out some awesome photos that he took during his half-a-year stay on the International Space Station (ISS). Pettit's latest image, posted for the first time on X on Sunday, shows the lights of cities and fishing fleets across southeast Asia, an atmospheric glow, the Milky Way, and part of the station itself as it orbited Earth 250 miles up. The city lights of Southeast Asia beneath the Milky Way. Vibrant colors of LED cities, orange atmospheric airglow, and fishing fleets are blurred by my sidereal drive, while tracking stars as fixed points in space. — Don Pettit (@astro_Pettit) June 16, 2025 The dramatic blur is caused by the extended exposure time and the motion of the orbital outpost, which is traveling through space at a speed of about 17,500 mph. The distant stars, however, remain sharp due to the use of a sidereal drive, a device that works by moving the camera at the same speed as the stars appear to move, thereby eliminating their movement within the frame. Recommended Videos During his recent stint aboard the space station, Pettit dazzled his many follows on X and Instagram with impressive photos and video of Earth and beyond. Check out this page where you can find some of his best work. Pettit has spoken previously about how the cameras are set up on the ISS to give astronauts the best chance of capturing an image when something catches their eye. 'Generally speaking, we don't turn any of the cameras off,' he told Time magazine. 'We don't put lens caps on. The cameras that are staged next to the window [of the cupola] are just set up, ready to go. 'And we'll have one camera with a 200 millimeter telephoto lens, and another camera with a 14 millimeter wide angle lens, and we'll have three or four cameras set up in between, because when you're taking pictures you don't have time to change lenses. So you just grab one camera, go click click click, set it down, grab another camera, click click click, grab another camera, click click click. And there's your 10-second window to get a picture of your hometown or the Pyramids.' Now aged 70, it's not yet clear if NASA's oldest serving astronaut will return to orbit, but happily for his fans, it seems that he's still got plenty of new content that he's eager to share.
Bloomberg
7 days ago
- Science
- Bloomberg
NASA Considers Launching Astronaut Mission Next Week After Delay
NASA is considering launching its fourth astronaut mission to the International Space Station as early as next Thursday after a repair review caused a delay. NASA has looked into repair efforts for what it described as small leaks in a service module at the ISS. NASA, Axiom Space, and Elon Musk's SpaceX are now reviewing launch opportunities as soon as June 19, it said in a statement.
