News & Media

Learn more about the exciting research projects and scientific discoveries in the fields of Space Biology and Physical Sciences:

Microgravity Works Wonders With Plant Transplants

Jan 29, 2021

An early challenge turned into a surprise success on the International Space Station that could be a boon for the future of space crop production.

Saffire Ignites New Discoveries in Space

Jan 19, 2021

Saffire-V tests larger, more dynamic fires in space.

NASA and USDA: A Bountiful Partnership

Jan 14, 2021

An expanding research partnership between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will help develop new ways of growing food on Earth and in space.

Aerial image showing green and grey peninsula of land surrounded by ocean in shades of light teal blue to dark greenish blue.

NASA, NSF Sign Agreement to Advance Sciences

Jan 7, 2021

NASA and the NSF have signed a memorandum of understanding affirming the agencies’ intent to continue their longstanding partnership in mutually beneficial research activities advancing space, Earth, biological, and physical sciences to further U.S. national space policy and promote the... Read More

NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, right, and NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan

Quantum Technologies Take Flight

Dec 22, 2020

Interferometry of atomic matter-waves has been demonstrated for the first time in orbit, opening the door for precision quantum sensing for both fundamental and applied physics applications ranging from tests of general relativity to planetary geodesy.

View of the atom interferometry-capable Science Module inside two layers of magnetic shields during the pre-launch build/testing phase at JPL.

Planting Crops in Antarctica Aims to Benefit Astronauts on Long-Duration Missions

Dec 16, 2020

A few intrepid researchers will begin an arduous journey to Antarctica on Dec. 20 to conduct plant cultivation investigations in an extremely remote region of the world.

E.12 Space Biology Clarified

Dec 4, 2020

The NASA Space Biology Program (formerly the Space Life and Physical Sciences Research and Applications Division of HEOMD) element focuses on ideas that will increase NASA's understanding of how living systems respond to the unique environments that are encountered during space exploration,... Read More

Ames Sends Rodents, Cells, and Microbes to Space Station on SpaceX Mission

Dec 4, 2020

Ames Sends Rodents, Cells, and Microbes to Space Station on SpaceX Mission

Astronauts Harvest First Radish Crop on International Space Station

Dec 2, 2020

Astronauts Harvest First Radish Crop on International Space Station.

Mitochondrial Changes Key to Health Problems in Space

Nov 25, 2020

There are notable impacts on the biology of living things in the harsh environment of space. A team of scientists has now identified a possible underlying driver of these impacts: the powerhouse of the cell, called mitochondria, experiences changes in activity during spaceflight.