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Khabre desk
Recent reporting, analysis and explainers from the Planetary Science desk.
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NASA’s Perseverance rover measured fine and ultrafine Martian dust clinging to samples of spacesuit materials carried on the rover. The results could help guide spacesuit, habitat and dust-removal designs for future Mars crews.
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A NASA-funded study dates the Martian meteorite Teghaza 001 to more than 4.1 billion years ago. Its minerals also record alteration by water around that time, offering a rare sample of ancient Martian crust.
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A NASA-funded study dates the formation of Teghaza 001 to more than 4.1 billion years ago. Its minerals preserve evidence of ancient Martian crust and alteration by water.
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NASA’s Perseverance rover detected fine and ultrafine Martian dust clinging to spacesuit-material samples carried on board. The measurements could help guide ways to limit dust exposure during future crewed missions.
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NASA says the Psyche spacecraft began using its solar-powered thrusters nearly 90% of the time after a Mars gravity assist. The extended thrusting is intended to keep it on course for an asteroid rendezvous in summer 2029.
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NASA’s Perseverance rover drove 28.10 miles (45.22 kilometres) on Mars by Oct. 11, 2026, surpassing the previous off-world driving record held by Opportunity. NASA says autonomous navigation has enabled the rover to cover more terrain as it investigates Jezero Crater.
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NASA selected three payload suites to study lunar hazards, look for a possible lava tube at the Marius Hills Pit, and measure ice and surface conditions. The investigations are intended to support planning for future Moon operations.
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NASA selected the Planetary Science Institute-led GIMLI project to investigate whether a large underground void extends from the Moon’s Marius Hills Pit. The planned lander-and-rover study will combine radar, seismic and gravity measurements.
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NASA says an engineering model of its DAVINCI Venus probe completed six furnace cycles reaching 465°C. The test evaluated the model’s thermal protection ahead of the probe’s planned descent through Venus’ atmosphere.
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NASA’s Perseverance rover found evidence that water altered rocks in Mars’ Jezero Crater on at least three separate occasions. The sequence includes carbon-dioxide-rich groundwater, a possible lake-related episode and later hot underground water.
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NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter has identified McGetchin, a 728-foot-wide crater formed on the Moon between April 11 and May 22, 2024. The impact also disturbed the surrounding surface, creating a four-mile-wide region that is significantly colder at night.
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NASA’s Dragonfly rotorcraft has received its flight electrical harness, while the International Astronomical Union has named its planned Titan landing region Ahmakiq Undae.