Space and Tech
Blue Origin’s NS-28 Mission: A Stellar Crew Ready for Space!
Blue Origin has announced an exciting lineup for its 28th New Shepard mission, NS-28, which marks yet another milestone in the company’s quest to democratize access to space. This mission features six remarkable individuals, including renowned science communicator Emily Calandrelli and two returning space travelers, Sharon and Marc Hagle. As excitement builds for this journey, let’s take a closer look at the crew who will embark on this extraordinary mission.
The Crew of NS-28
1. Emily Calandrelli (@TheSpaceGal)
Emily is not just an engineer from MIT; she’s also a vibrant advocate for women in STEM and a beloved television personality. Known for her Emmy-nominated hosting of Xploration Outer Space and her role on Netflix’s Emily’s Wonder Lab, Emily has inspired countless young minds with her engaging approach to science. Her commitment to improving policies for breastfeeding mothers and advocating for parental leave in the aerospace industry showcases her passion for making the world a better place. With nearly three million followers, she’s ready to inspire a new generation from high above the Earth.
2. Sharon Hagle
As the founder of SpaceKids Global, Sharon is dedicated to ensuring the next generation excels in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM). Her organization has reached over 867,000 students worldwide with initiatives like sending science projects to the International Space Station and partnering with Girl Scouts. Sharon’s first journey to space on NS-20 in March 2022, alongside her husband, Marc, made history as they became the first married couple to launch on a commercial space vehicle.
3. Marc Hagle
Marc, the president and CEO of Tricor International, is a leading figure in property development. An avid philanthropist along with his wife, Sharon, Marc shares her passion for education and the arts. His love for space exploration brought him back for a second trip aboard New Shepard. His previous flight on NS-20 was a testament to the couple’s adventurous spirit.
4. Austin Litteral
Austin’s journey to NS-28 fulfills a childhood dream of going to space—a dream sparked by NASA shuttle launches on his bedroom wall. As a risk management professional and a devoted husband and father, Austin exemplifies the spirit of adventure. His seat is sponsored by Whatnot, where he won a ticket through the “Whatnot to the Moon” giveaway, proving that sometimes, dreams do come true in the most unexpected ways!
5. James (J.D.) Russell
J.D. is a former law enforcement officer turned entrepreneur, who now leads InfoHOA, focusing on community management solutions. His journey to this flight is marked by resilience and dedication to giving back through his foundation, which supports children’s education and helps families of first responders. J.D.’s passion for making a difference reflects the ethos of this mission as well.
6. Henry (Hank) Wolfond
Hank, the CEO of Bayshore Capital and an experienced pilot, is not just a business leader; he also advocates for important causes like confronting antisemitism and supporting autism acceptance. His extensive flying experience enhances the adventure of space travel, and his commitment to philanthropy is evident through his involvement in numerous charitable organizations.
A Historic Mission
As New Shepard prepares for its 28th mission, this flight signifies not just individual dreams realized, but a collective effort to inspire and educate future generations. The crew for NS-28 embodies the spirit of exploration and social responsibility, each bringing unique stories, passions, and contributions to the table.
So, mark your calendars and prepare for liftoff! The journey into space represents not just a physical departure from Earth but a leap toward greater hope, curiosity, and the endless possibilities that lie beyond our atmosphere. Stay tuned as these adventurous souls launch into the great unknown!
According to Blue Origin, the flight date will be announced soon.
Follow Blue Origin on X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Threads, and YouTube, and sign up on BlueOrigin.com to stay current on all mission details.
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Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Daily News Staff
🕒 [UPDATE] Orion Performs Translunar Injection Burn
The spacecraft has completed its critical engine burn, sending Artemis II on a trajectory toward the Moon. This marks the official start of its deep space journey.
Artemis II Successfully Launches
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has successfully launched its Artemis II mission, marking the first crewed journey toward the Moon in more than 50 years.
The powerful Space Launch System (SLS) rocket lifted off from Kennedy Space Center on April 1, carrying four astronauts on a 10-day mission around the Moon and back.
On board are Commander Reid Wiseman, Pilot Victor Glover, Mission Specialist Christina Koch, and Canadian astronaut Jeremy Hansen. The mission is already being hailed as a major milestone in NASA’s effort to return humans to deep space.
Shortly after liftoff, the Orion spacecraft successfully reached orbit and deployed its solar arrays, beginning its journey that will eventually send the crew on a translunar trajectory toward the Moon. 
Artemis II is a lunar flyby mission, meaning astronauts will not land but will travel farther from Earth than any human mission in decades while testing critical systems needed for future landings.
The mission also marks several historic firsts, including the first woman and the first person of color—Victor Glover—to travel into lunar space.
NASA says the mission is a key step toward future lunar landings and long-term plans to establish a human presence on the Moon later this decade.
🛰️ Artemis II Mission Timeline
The 10-day Artemis II mission follows a carefully planned trajectory from Earth to the Moon and back:
- Day 1: Launch and Earth orbit
- Day 1–2: Translunar injection burn
- Days 2–4: Deep space travel
- Days 4–5: Lunar flyby
- Days 5–8: Return to Earth
- Days 9–10: Reentry and splashdown
For official updates and in-depth mission details, visit the following trusted sources:
- NASA: Artemis II Mission Overview
- NASA Artemis Program (Return to the Moon)
- Orion Spacecraft – Mission Details
- Space Launch System (SLS) Rocket Overview
- Kennedy Space Center – Launch Operations
- Watch NASA Live Coverage and Replays
🧾 Sources
- NASA official launch coverage and mission updates
- NASA Artemis II press materials and briefings
- NASA Kennedy Space Center launch operations updates
Stay with STM Daily News for live updates on Artemis II.
Last Updated on February 10, 2026 by Daily News Staff
Valerie Thomas is a true pioneer in the world of science and technology. A NASA engineer and physicist, she is best known for inventing the illusion transmitter, a groundbreaking device that creates 3D images using concave mirrors. This invention laid the foundation for modern 3D imaging and virtual reality technologies.
Beyond her inventions, Thomas broke barriers as an African American woman in STEM, mentoring countless young scientists and advocating for diversity in science and engineering. Her work at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center helped advance satellite technology and data visualization, making her contributions both innovative and enduring.
In our latest short video, we highlight Valerie Thomas’ remarkable journey—from her early passion for science to her groundbreaking work at NASA. Watch and be inspired by a true STEM pioneer whose legacy continues to shape the future of space and technology.
🎥 Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/P5XTgpcAoHw
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Forgotten Genius Fridays
https://stmdailynews.com/the-knowledge-2/forgotten-genius-fridays/
🧠 Forgotten Genius Fridays
A Short-Form Series from The Knowledge by STM Daily News
Every Friday, STM Daily News shines a light on brilliant minds history overlooked.
Forgotten Genius Fridays is a weekly collection of short videos and articles dedicated to inventors, innovators, scientists, and creators whose impact changed the world—but whose names were often left out of the textbooks.
From life-saving inventions and cultural breakthroughs to game-changing ideas buried by bias, our series digs up the truth behind the minds that mattered.
Each episode of The Knowledge runs 30–90 seconds, designed for curious minds on the go—perfect for YouTube Shorts, TikTok, Reels, and quick reads.
Because remembering these stories isn’t just about the past—it’s about restoring credit where it’s long overdue.
🔔 New episodes every Friday
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Beneath the Waves: The Global Push to Build Undersea Railways
Undersea railways are transforming transportation, turning oceans from barriers into gateways. Proven by tunnels like the Channel and Seikan, these innovations offer cleaner, reliable connections for passengers and freight. Ongoing projects in China and Europe, alongside future proposals, signal a new era of global mobility beneath the waves.
For most of modern history, oceans have acted as natural barriers—dividing nations, slowing trade, and shaping how cities grow. But beneath the waves, a quiet transportation revolution is underway. Infrastructure once limited by geography is now being reimagined through undersea railways.
Undersea rail tunnels—like the Channel Tunnel and Japan’s Seikan Tunnel—proved decades ago that trains could reliably travel beneath the ocean floor. Today, new projects are expanding that vision even further.
Around the world, engineers and governments are investing in undersea railways—tunnels that allow high-speed trains to travel beneath oceans and seas. Once considered science fiction, these projects are now operational, under construction, or actively being planned.
Undersea Rail Is Already a Reality
Japan’s Seikan Tunnel and the Channel Tunnel between the United Kingdom and France proved decades ago that undersea railways are not only possible, but reliable. These tunnels carry passengers and freight beneath the sea every day, reshaping regional connectivity.
Undersea railways are cleaner than short-haul flights, more resilient than bridges, and capable of lasting more than a century. As climate pressures and congestion increase, rail beneath the sea is emerging as a practical solution for future mobility.
What’s Being Built Right Now
China is currently constructing the Jintang Undersea Railway Tunnel as part of the Ningbo–Zhoushan high-speed rail line, while Europe’s Fehmarnbelt Fixed Link will soon connect Denmark and Germany beneath the Baltic Sea. These projects highlight how transportation and technology are converging to solve modern mobility challenges.
The Mega-Projects Still on the Drawing Board
Looking ahead, proposals such as the Helsinki–Tallinn Tunnel and the long-studied Strait of Gibraltar rail tunnel could reshape global affairs by linking regions—and even continents—once separated by water.
Why Undersea Rail Matters
The future of transportation may not rise above the ocean—but run quietly beneath it.
