The Quantity and Quality of Radiation
A new study demonstrates that space radiation may cause long-lasting damage to astronauts. The findings have important implications for long-duration missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond.

A Vision for Exploration
Bernard Foing is chief scientist of the European Space Agency’s Research and Scientific Support Department. He sees exploration of our Moon as only the first step toward understanding the potential for life in our solar system and beyond.

Finding a Crater to Call Home
NASA has obtained the highest resolution map to date of the Moon's south polar region. The data has great value in selecting future landing sites for human exploration missions.

RESOLVE to Explore
NASA has demonstrated new robotic technology that will aid in lunar exploration. The technology will help astronauts utilize resources from the Moon's regolith, and will sustain habitats for scientists living and working on the Moon.

Living on Mars on Earth
Last week, eight people began a simulated mission to Mars in the desert of Utah. The Earth-based experiment will help researchers understand the logistic, scientific and psychological issues involved in designing a real mission to Mars.

Running Sideways in Space
A vertically mounted treadmill is helping scientists develop exercises for astronauts on long-duration missions. The techniques will help counteract the deleterious effects of space travel, such as bone loss and muscle atrophy, and will help keep astronauts healthy on lengthy missions to the Moon and Mars.

Lunar Safety Zones
New research has shown that Earth's magnetosphere actually protects some parts of the Moon from solar storms. Scientists found that for seven days during the Moon's 28-day orbit, select regions are shielded from harmful solar energy. The findings could help protect astronauts on future Moon missions.

Saving Our Brains for Mars
Scientists have found that radiation may affect cells in the brain important for learning and mood control. The results have important implications in protecting the health of astronauts on long duration missions to the Moon and Mars.

Jogging to Mars
A bed rest study exclusively on women is yielding information about how to develop more effective countermeasures for muscle loss in female astronauts on long-duration missions in space. The research will be useful for long missions on the space station, and possibly future missions to the Moon and Mars.

Bounce House on the Moon
NASA will be testing a new inflatable habitat in the cold, harsh climate of Antarctica. The habitat is a design that could one day be used on the Moon by human explorers on long-duration missions.