Let’s not forget the other Mars explorers

NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spotted some mesmerizing new surface details. The crater (pictured), which spans roughly one kilometer, appears to have a wind-blown interior that creates ripple patterns. The result is a circular Martian labyrinth. MRO doesn’t only deliver spectacular images like this; it also plays a key role in the Mars Relay Network. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona.

Vice President Kamala Harris chaired her first National Space Council meeting. The meeting took place on the same day the Biden administration released its first major space policy document, which outlined priorities on a wide range of space topics including STEM education, space debris and planetary protection. At the meeting itself, participants criticized Russia’s recent antisatellite weapons test, which has created at least 1,700 pieces of tracked debris in Earth orbit.

A spacewalk postponed by space debris has been completed. NASA astronauts Thomas Marshburn and Kayla Barron were originally scheduled to replace a faulty antenna system outside the International Space Station on Tuesday. Flight controllers postponed the spacewalk until Thursday in order to assess the risk from a cloud of debris scheduled to pass near the station.

When scientists detect a possible sign of alien life, how do we know what to make of it? Jim Green, NASA’s chief scientist, and Mary Voytek, leader of the agency’s astrobiology program, are two authors of a paper that calls for a system that will allow scientists and others to evaluate the validity and importance of evidence that points to life elsewhere in the solar system or across the galaxy. They join this week’s Planetary Radio to talk about the paper and the quest to find life beyond Earth. Pictured: An artist’s impression of the TRAPPIST-1 exoplanet system. Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

The results are in! Planetary Society members and supporters cast their votes last month to choose the Best of 2021, and we’re excited to share the winners. From the best space image of the year (spoiler alert: it’s one of ours!) to the most exciting mission and more, the Best of 2021 winners sum up an amazing year of space science and exploration.

‘Tis the season for giving space gifts! Whether you’re shopping for a loved one or looking to add cosmic items to your own wish list, our holiday gift guide has everything you need. This year’s guide collects recommendations made by the ultimate experts on all things space: Planetary Society members and supporters like you.