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NASA Holds Ribbon Cutting for New Earth Information Center

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NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, center, cuts the ribbon to open NASA’s Earth Information Center alongside agency leadership and leadership from NOAA, USGS, USDA, USAID, EPA, and FEMA, Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters building in Washington. The Earth Information Center is 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. Photo Credit: (NASA/Joel Kowsky)

NASA Administrator Bill Nelson led a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday to showcase a new Earth Information Center at NASA Headquarters in Washington. The center is part physical space and part virtual experience, which shows how NASA data can improve lives in the face of disasters, environmental challenges, and our changing world.

The agency also launched its corresponding Earth Information Center website as part of the event. The ribbon cutting ceremony comes ahead of a public opening of the center Monday, June 26.

Climate change is a key priority of the Biden-Harris Administration, and NASA plays a critical role in providing data to researchers and others through its extensive Earth-monitoring constellation of satellites. For six decades, NASA satellites, sensors, and scientists have collected observations about our home planet – and at the Earth Information Center, the public can glimpse what this data has taught us about sea level rise, air quality, wildfires, greenhouse gases, energy, and agriculture.

“For more than 60 years, NASA has used our vantage point of space to observe Earth with satellites and instruments aboard the International Space Station to collect vital, life-saving data,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “To meet the Biden-Harris Administration’s goal of making this data more understandable, accessible, and usable for everyone, NASA is opening the Earth Information Center. From firefighters that rely on NASA data for wildfire management to farmers who need to know when and where to plant crops, the Earth Information Center will help more people make informed decisions every day.”

Whether they live in cities, suburban areas, or on farms, people around the nation can access information to understand our dynamic planet and prepare for impacts of climate change. NASA collects and shares data that can help everyone from coastal including home buyers assessing flood risk; businesses on the Gulf of Mexico and the Great Lakes looking for information on harmful algal blooms; farmers requiring drought and storm information; and county land-use planners assessing wildfire management.

“NASA data powers resources across the U.S. and around the world, helping communities prepare for a changing climate,” said Kate Calvin, NASA’s chief scientist and senior climate advisor, who emceed the ribbon cutting. “The Earth Information Center benefits humanity by providing easily accessible and readily usable Earth information – helping people see our home planet the way NASA sees it.”

Additional speakers at the event included:

  • Karen St. Germain, director, NASA’s Earth Sciences Division
  • Dave Applegate, director, USGS (U.S. Geological Survey)
  • Janet McCabe, deputy administrator, EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
  • Erik Hook, deputy administrator, FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Administration)
  • Michael Morgan, assistant secretary of Commerce for Environmental Observation and Prediction, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration)
  • Mike Michener, deputy assistant administrator, Bureau of Resilience and Food Security, USAID (U.S. Agency for International Development)
  • Marlen Eve, deputy administrator, Agriculture Research Service, USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture)
  • Dwane Roth, Big D Farms, Kansas

NASA created the Earth Information Center with founding partners FEMA, EPA, NOAA, USAID, USDA and USGS. The Earth Information Center draws data from research conducted by NASA’s centers and government and industry partners.

The interactive physical exhibit is located in the east lobby of NASA Headquarters in Washington, where visitors are invited to see Earth as NASA astronauts see it from space. When it opens to the public June 26, visitors can tour the exhibit from 8:30 a.m. EDT to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

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Learn more about the Earth Information Center at:

https://go.nasa.gov/eic

Source: NASA

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NASA’s Dragon Departs the Station with Exciting Science: What to Expect

Exciting news as SpaceX Dragon departs the International Space Station, carrying scientific research and hardware. Don’t miss NASA’s coverage!

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"NASA logo - National Aeronautics and Space Administration"
The SpaceX Cargo Dragon resupply ship is pictured approaching the International Space Station carrying over 7,300 pounds of new science, supplies and solar arrays to replenish the Expedition 65 crew. The Cargo Dragon’s nose cone is open revealing its hatch and forward docking cone.


Exciting news from the realm of space exploration! NASA and its incredible international partners are gearing up for an eventful departure as the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft bids farewell to the International Space Station on Sunday, April 28 (weather permitting). This pivotal moment will mark the return of scientific research samples and hardware, acquired during the spacecraft’s stay at the orbiting laboratory. Enthusiastically, NASA is providing extensive coverage of the undocking and departure, ensuring that we don’t miss a moment of this extraordinary event.

Undocking and Departure:
NASA will commence its coverage of the undocking and departure at 12:45 p.m. EDT, accessible through various means such as NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agency’s website. If you’re curious about experiencing the event firsthand, worry not – NASA offers streaming options on multiple platforms, including social media.

Dragon will gracefully undock from the zenith port of the Harmony module, promptly at 1:05 p.m., after receiving ground control commands from SpaceX in Hawthorne, California. Following undocking, it will steadily propel itself away from the International Space Station, creating a safe distance between them.

Return to Earth:
Upon re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the Dragon spacecraft will elegantly splash down off the coast of Florida, with the ultimate goal of delivering more than 4,100 pounds of supplies and scientific experiments back to home soil. While NASA will not be broadcasting the splashdown, you can stay tuned to the agency’s space station blog for continuous updates and fascinating insights.

Scientific Endeavors:
Among the plethora of captivating studies making their way back to Earth, one standout is the Flawless Space Fibers-1 experiment. This investigation has achieved remarkable milestones, producing over seven miles of optical fiber during its stay on the space station. By exploring new hardware and manufacturing processes for high-quality optical fibers in space, it shattered previous records, drawing more than half a mile of fiber in just one day.

Another striking study travelling aboard Dragon is GEARS (Genomic Enumeration of Antibiotic Resistance in Space), which surveys the space station for antibiotic-resistant organisms. By analyzing genetic data, scientists aim to understand how these bacteria adapt to space, providing insights to protect future astronauts on long-duration missions.

MISSE-18 (Materials International Space Station Experiment-18-NASA) is yet another exciting experiment coming back to Earth. It examines the performance and durability of materials and components when exposed to the harsh environment of space. Coatings, quantum dots, a lunar regolith simulant composite, and other materials are studied to enhance our understanding of their behavior in space conditions.

Additionally, the Immune Cell Activation experiment, sponsored by the European Space Agency (ESA), promises fascinating results. It investigates whether microgravity affects the incorporation of magnetic nanoparticles into immune and melanoma cells. The outcomes of this research could contribute to the development of novel therapeutics targeting central nervous system diseases and skin cancers such as melanoma.

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Future Implications:
These returning experiments represent only a fraction of the hundreds of ongoing investigations aboard the International Space Station. Ranging across biology and biotechnology, physical sciences, and Earth and space science, these studies are crucial for astronaut health during long-duration space travel. They also serve as critical stepping stones towards NASA’s Artemis campaign, ensuring the advancement of human and robotic exploration beyond low Earth orbit – ultimately leading us to the Moon and Mars.


The impending departure of the SpaceX Dragon cargo spacecraft from the International Space Station promises an exhilarating journey back to Earth. With an array of scientific research samples and hardware aboard, the Dragon’s return holds tremendous scientific significance. Thanks to NASA’s dedicated coverage, you can witness this extraordinary milestone through various platforms. As we eagerly await the spacecraft’s splashdown off Florida’s coast, let’s celebrate the accomplishments and look forward to the groundbreaking discoveries that lie ahead.

Get breaking news, images and features from the space station on InstagramFacebook, and X.

Learn more about the International Space Station at:

https://www.nasa.gov/international-space-station

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science

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Exciting News: NASA Live Coverage of Roscosmos Cosmonauts on a Spacewalk!

Don’t miss NASA’s live coverage of Roscosmos cosmonauts on a spacewalk outside the International Space Station! #SpaceExploration

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"Two cosmonauts conducting a spacewalk outside the International Space Station"
Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Nikolai Chub from Roscosmos is pictured during a spacewalk to inspect a backup radiator, deploy a nanosatellite, and install communications hardware on the International Space Station’s Nauka science module. NASA

Get ready to witness a truly incredible event – a spacewalk outside the International Space Station conducted by two Roscosmos cosmonauts! NASA will be providing live coverage of this historic moment on Thursday, April 25, starting at 10:30 a.m. EDT. You definitely don’t want to miss this!

The spacewalk, expected to begin at 10:55 a.m. EDT, could last up to an impressive seven hours. So make sure to clear your schedule and prepare yourself for some out-of-this-world action!

But don’t worry if you can’t be near a TV, because NASA has got you covered. They will be streaming the spacewalk on various platforms including NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and their very own website. How convenient is that?

If you’re wondering how to catch this incredible event, fret not! NASA has made it super easy for everyone to enjoy the live coverage. You can stream NASA TV through numerous platforms, including social media. Just follow the instructions provided and you’ll be all set to witness history!

During this captivating spacewalk, Expedition 71 crewmates Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub will embark on their mission. Their primary objective is to complete the deployment of a panel on a synthetic radar system located on the Nauka module. They will also be installing equipment and experiments on the Poisk module, which will be used to analyze the level of corrosion on various surfaces and modules of the space station. Science at its finest!

This noteworthy spacewalk will mark the 270th in support of the International Space Station. For Kononenko, this will be his seventh spacewalk, and he will be wearing the distinguished Orlan spacesuit with the red stripes. Chub, on the other hand, will be going on his second spacewalk and will be wearing the awe-inspiring spacesuit with the blue stripes. Talk about a fashionable space adventure!

So grab your popcorn, gather your friends and family, and get ready for an exhilarating experience. This upcoming spacewalk promises to be an event that will leave you in awe of the immense accomplishments and ongoing science conducted aboard the International Space Station.

Remember, you can catch all the action on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and their website. Don’t miss out on this thrilling live coverage. Be a part of history and witness the wonders of space exploration firsthand. See you there!

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Get breaking news, images, and features from the space station on the station blogInstagramFacebook, and X.

Learn more about International Space Station research and operations at:

https://www.nasa.gov/station

https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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NASA Leadership Visits Mexico: Strengthening Cooperation for a Brighter Future

NASA leadership visiting Mexico to strengthen cooperation in space exploration, climate change, and STEM education. Exciting partnership ahead! 🚀🌎🔬 #NASA #MexicoCooperation

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NASA leadership visiting Mexico to strengthen cooperation in space exploration, climate change, and STEM education.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson discusses the agency’s goals during the annual State of NASA address, Monday, March 11, 2024, at the Mary W. Jackson NASA Headquarters Building in Washington.

In a remarkable effort to deepen ties and enhance space collaboration with nations across the globe, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson and Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy will be visiting Mexico City on April 22 and 23. This visit aims to foster bilateral cooperation in various innovation and research areas, including Earth science and exploration. Recognizing the significance of such interaction, this blog post delves into the details of this auspicious visit, highlighting the potential benefits and areas of collaboration between NASA and Mexico.

Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation:
NASA’s engagement with senior Mexican government officials, such as President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and Mexican Space Agency (AEM) leaders, underscores the intent to strengthen the relationship between the two countries. With a collective focus on addressing climate change, both NASA and AEM are working collaboratively to achieve mutual goals. This cooperation extends not only to environmental challenges but also encompasses technology development, space exploration, and scientific research.

Nanosatellite Technology Demonstrators:
Mexico’s involvement as a signatory of the Artemis Accords reinforces the country’s commitment to participating in a practical and prosperous alliance for space exploration. NASA and AEM are investing effort and resources in nanosatellite technology demonstrators, which hold immense promise for the future of space exploration. Through joint endeavors, both organizations are pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge while fostering innovation and pushing the frontiers of human capabilities.

Ecological Focus on Earth Day:
The timing of the visit is significant as it coincides with Earth Day on April 22. Mexico’s collaboration with NASA in Earth science initiatives will be at the forefront of discussions during the visit. By leveraging NASA’s expertise and missions, Mexico aims to further expand its understanding of our planet’s dynamics. Topics such as air quality analysis and improved water resource management hold immense potential, enabling both countries to address pressing ecological challenges and work towards sustainable solutions.

Inspiring the Next Generation:
Nelson and Melroy’s commitment to fostering scientific curiosity and excellence extends to engaging with students in Mexico. The NASA officials will participate in dialogue with students, emphasizing the importance of STEM education and their pivotal roles as members of the Artemis Generation. By inspiring young minds to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, NASA aims to empower the future workforce, ensuring continued progress and innovation.

NASA’s visit to Mexico serves as a testament to the importance of international cooperation and scientific collaboration. The shared vision of addressing global challenges, such as climate change, necessitates partnerships that transcend borders. Through strengthened ties with Mexico and initiatives focusing on Earth science, nanosatellite technology, and STEM education, NASA and its Mexican counterparts are paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future. Such cooperative endeavors hold the potential to unlock breakthrough discoveries, foster innovation, and inspire the next generation of explorers.

For more information about NASA’s international partnerships, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/oiir/

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Office of International and Interagency Relations Mission

The mission of the Office of International and Interagency Relations (OIIR) is to provide executive leadership and coordination for all NASA international and interagency activities and partnerships, and for policy interactions between NASA and other U.S. Executive Branch offices and agencies.

OIIR Organizationabout Office of International and Interagency Relations Mission

About OIIR

OIIR serves as the principal Agency liaison with the National Security Council, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and U.S. departments and agencies.
 
OIIR is responsible for:

  • Ensuring that NASA’s international engagements are in alignment with Administration direction and U.S. laws and regulations
  • Negotiating cooperative and reimbursable agreements with foreign space and aeronautics partners
  • Providing advice and guidance to Agency leadership on the implementation of NASA interagency and international partnerships
  • Providing management oversight and staff support of NASA’s advisory committees, commissions and panels
  • Managing the NASA Export Control Program
  • Coordinating foreign travel by NASA employees

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