Seeing Ourselves in Space

China has released footage from Zhurong’s descent to Mars back in May and yes, it’s awesome. On June 27, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) published video and sounds of the rover touching down on the Red Planet. The video features Zhurong’s parachutes deploying as well as the thrilling moment of landing. Zhurong is currently exploring Utopia Planitia. Pictured: A section of a panorama taken by Zhurong showing parts of the rover, its tracks, and the distant landing platform. Image credit: CNSA/PEC.

NASA’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) just got a little more time to hunt for asteroids. NASA just granted NEOWISE a two-year extension on its mission, meaning it can search the solar system for even more near-Earth objects (NEOs). So far, NEOWISE has estimated the size of 1,850 NEOs, which is important for planetary defense here on Earth. Its successor, NEO Surveyor, was recently approved for a 2026 launch.

An uncrewed Russian Progress 78 resupply ship is headed to the International Space Station. The ship launched on Wednesday, June 30 from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, carrying 3,600 pounds of food, fuel, and supplies for the Expedition 65 crew. Progress 78 is expected to dock with the ISS on July 1.

On July 20, aviation legend Wally Funk will finally get to go to space. Jeff Bezos announced on Instagram that Funk will fly aboard New Shepard’s first crewed flight as an “honored guest.” Funk was one of the “Mercury 13,” a group of women pilots enrolled in the privately funded Women in Space program. Despite the group’s rigorous training and impressive qualifications, the program was ultimately canceled; NASA, which didn’t accept women astronauts, rejected Funk’s application three times.

Can we look beyond ourselves when looking for life beyond Earth? Some scientists argue that the search for life should not focus only on life as we know it (the kind of life that exists here on Earth). But how? This week’s Planetary Radio features University of Glasgow chemist Lee Cronin, whose "assembly theory" looks at complex molecules as the key to identifying life as we know it, and as we don’t. By the end of the interview you’ll never think of life the same way again. Pictured: The surface sampler arm on NASA’s Viking 1 lander digs for samples on Mars in an early attempt to find extraterrestrial life. Image credit: NASA/JPL/Bill Dunford.

You know the planets, you know the moons, but have you met the asteroids? In collaboration with Asteroid Day, we’re bringing you an introduction to some of the solar system’s lesser-known (but nonetheless fascinating) little worlds. Watch and share our “Meet the Asteroids” video to get better acquainted with five asteroids that scientists and asteroid hunters alike are keeping a close eye on. And if you want to learn even more, head over to Asteroid Day’s official website for lots of great asteroid content from their June 30 live virtual event.