STS-1 – the first Space Shuttle mission – launched 43 years ago today from NASA's Kennedy Space Center Space Center. The orbiter for STS-1 was the Columbia, which circled the Earth 37 times over the span of the 54-hour mission. The Shuttle program inspired a lot of Americans, particularly kids…

From what I’ve seen, the #eclipse generated some significant crowds and viewing enthusiasm across the world – and it was pretty spectacular for many! It’s the kind of thing that keeps people inspired and interested in astronomy and space. On that note, if you have some pictures,…

Just a friendly reminder from your loyal moonwalker, we’re in store for a pretty good solar eclipse on April 8th! The show will vary depending on your location, but it’s the last total solar eclipse visible in the contiguous U.S. until 2044. Keep your eyes peeled (but properly…

One of America’s great legends, the Pony Express began service today in 1860. The express only lasted 18 months, but its impact on American history has far superseded its existence as a mode of mail delivery. What I admire about the Pony Express is that the travails and dangers…

Wishing the Royal Air Force a Happy Birthday today! The RAF has served valiantly around the globe – its finest hour being the defense of England during the Battle of Britain. 106 years old and looking good today – no foolin!!

Wishing all of you a blessed and Happy Easter on this sacred and holy day. To you and yours, have a wonderful and fulfilling holiday!

There’s some interesting new data on the science of Moonquakes, essentially showing that tectonic and seismic lunar activity may have been more significant than originally thought. There’s value in reviewing older or overlooked data when new technology or information becomes…

Happy 96th birthday to a crew-mate and friend, Jim Lovell. Here’s to another trip around the sun.

Well, if Patrick Henry was giving his famous speech today, which he did on March 22nd, 1775, I would answer, “Give me liberty!!” Henry was of course one of the great orators in American history, and a founding voice of freedom in the early days of the American Republic. I have a…

This week saw the unfortunate passing of two great patriots who served America with high distinction and honor: Thomas Stafford, a fellow Gemini and Apollo astronaut, 3-Star General and a military inspiration of and for many astronauts – and General Alfred M. Gray Jr., a veteran…

March 19th, I presume? One of the great explorers was born today – Dr. Livingstone, who spent a great portion of his life in Africa, with his most famous expedition focused on determining the source of the Nile River. To me, the big takeaway from people like Livingstone is what…

Wishing all of you a Happy St. Patrick’s Day – a celebration of faith and the history and culture of Ireland. One doesn’t have to be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Nor do you have to be on Earth…in fact, NASA astronaut Cady Coleman celebrated St. Paddy’s from the ISS playing a…

Have you all seen the jet-pack races in Dubai from a few days ago? I remember when the first Super Bowl halftime show had a jet-pack demonstration, but this is quite different! I may need to add one of these to my wardrobe…or my garage…

youtube.com/watch?v=w9uawP…

Today marks the birthday of Albert Einstein – one of the world’s most important figures in science, physics and math. On one level, his research and work led to wider thinking about energy, space and time. But on another, his warnings about the peril we faced in the 1930s and 40s…

Among the many institutions that contribute positively to society – the Salvation Army USA (expanded in the US in March of 1880) stands out. The mission of the Salvation Army is both noble and necessary – helping those in need with charity and support. Service in support of a…

Congratulations are in order for the 2024 NASA Astronauts graduates! I know the feeling of great accomplishment following what I know has been a tough and challenging couple of years. You have all met that challenge, and I expect you will all continue to do great things for the…

This weekend marks the start of this year’s The Iditarod – that great race of guts and endurance for those mushers and their sled-dogs blazing across the frigid wilds of Alaska! I have great appreciation for any endeavor that requires commitment and fortitude against the harsh…

Just a quick follow up on the Odysseus lander – here’s one of the first shots of the craft on the Moon, courtesy of NASA. Whether taken with a handheld or onboard from a remote camera, pictures from the lunar surface are always cool!

Here’s some news worth noting – the first simulated robot surgery (executed remotely from Earth) was just completed in space onboard the ISS. Long duration missions in space will continue to require bold and innovative thinking in vital areas like medicine and life support. I…