Our World: Systems to Grow Plants in Space

Our World: Systems to Grow Plants in Space

No matter where plants grow, they have the same basic needs: water, nutrients, light, temperature, and atmosphere. No matter where humans may live, they need plants. Dr. Gioia Massa explains how NASA grows plants on the International Space Station in preparation for growing plants beyond Earth and, someday, on the Moon and Mars. Jacob Torres describes the hardware needed to provide open and closed systems for plant growth in space. This video shows how NASA scientists and engineers work together to learn more about ways plants live, grow, and adapt to live in varying environments.

Our World: Where Do We Find Extremophiles?

Our World: Where Do We Find Extremophiles?

Where do we find extremophiles? We look for environments that push the limits for ordinary living organisms. NASA conducts analog testing in these extreme environments to better understand life on Earth and identify the potential for life in the universe.

Our World: What is an Extremophile?

Our World: What is an Extremophile?

Almost every possible environment on Earth is home to a living organism, no matter how hostile the environment may seem. But what can these extremophiles tell us about life on our planet or the possibility of life in the universe?

Our World: ICESat-2 Measures Ice Sheets

Our World: ICESat-2 Measures Ice Sheets

Why is NASA interested in Earth's ice? The creation of ICESat-2 is allowing NASA's scientists to make accurate maps of polar ice sheets. These maps help them make informed predictions about weather patterns, climate change, and the effects of changing ice structures. The maps are so accurate they can measure to within 3 centimeters of an ice sheet's actual thickness from a huge distance!

Our World: Sunsets and Atmosphere

Our World: Sunsets and Atmosphere

How is NASA using SAGE III to help us learn about the air we breathe? See how the colors of sunsets tell us about the particles in the air. Find out how putting an instrument on the International Space Station will allow NASA to make repeated measurements over time to help us take better care of our atmosphere.

Our World: NASA's Lunar Electric Rover [Archived]

Our World: NASA's Lunar Electric Rover [Archived]

Living and traveling on the moon requires specialized technology. NASA's plans to return to the moon have changed, but learn more about past ideas for lunar transportation watching this video. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: Investigating Mars with the Phoenix Lander

Our World: Investigating Mars with the Phoenix Lander

Find out about the amazing discoveries made on Mars with the Phoenix Lander. See how Phoenix uncovered water ice on Mars. Learn about habitability and the difference between a day on Earth and a sol on Mars. Since the production of this video, NASA has learned more about Mars through these missions: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity), Mars Orbiter Mission, and MAVEN.

Our World: Life on Other Worlds

Our World: Life on Other Worlds

Explore the possibility of finding life on other planets. See how NASA's search for water on Mars proved successful with the Phoenix Lander. Find out about extremophiles and what makes a habitable zone for life as we know it. Since the production of this video, NASA has learned more about Mars through these missions: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity), Mars Orbiter Mission, and MAVEN.

Our World: How Do You Get a Plane to Mars? [Archived]

Our World: How Do You Get a Plane to Mars? [Archived]

Airplanes cannot fly to Mars, so how do you get a plane to Mars so it can soar above the surface and collect interesting data about the Martian atmosphere? The ARES mission proposed ways to send an unmanned vehicle to Mars to explore the surface of Mars. While ARES is no longer an active mission, its design and planning developed innovative technologies. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: Snowpits

Our World: Snowpits

Learn about adaptations that help animals survive in winter biomes. See how scientists build snowpits to investigate these unique environments. Find out why NASA is interested in snow and ice.

Our World: Challenges of Exploration - The Right Vehicle for the Job [Archived]

Our World: Challenges of Exploration - The Right Vehicle for the Job [Archived]

Learn about the challenges of exploring the surface of Mars. Find out how NASA uses science and math to successfully design the type of vehicle needed for specific missions. See why scientists refer to entry, descent and landing as "seven minutes of terror." Since the production of this video, NASA has learned more about Mars through these missions: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity), Mars Orbiter Mission, and MAVEN. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: Collecting Data from Mars Using ARES [Archived]

Our World: Collecting Data from Mars Using ARES [Archived]

The ARES mission proposed sending an unmanned vehicle to Mars to explore the surface of Mars. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles [Archived]

Our World: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles [Archived]

NASA's Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or planes that fly without pilots, are being used to collect data about Earth. Information about ARES, a proposed UAV for Mars is included in this video. ARES is no longer an active mission. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: Instruments on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter [Archived]

Our World: Instruments on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter [Archived]

Meet Cathy Peddie, a NASA engineer working on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter, or LRO. Discover how the LRO will use color to learn more about the moon. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: Altair Lunar Lander [Archived]

Our World: Altair Lunar Lander [Archived]

In this NASA eClip, learn all about a past lunar lander, Altair. Altair was designed to carry astronauts from Orion to the moon and back. The original design also would have housed the crew while they are on the moon.

[Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: Digging in Moon Dirt [Archived]

Our World: Digging in Moon Dirt [Archived]

Digging on the moon's surface poses several challenges. Unlike dirt found here on earth, moon dirt is razor sharp and very fine so researchers must design a machine that can dig moon dirt without destroying the machine. This NASA video takes you behind the scenes at the NASA lunar backhoe competition where researchers compete to find out who has made the most efficient machine. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: Lunar Habitat - Structure [Archived]

Our World: Lunar Habitat - Structure [Archived]

NASA's plans to return to the moon never materialized, but the ideas and innovations considered for lunar structures advanced technology. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: What Is a Solar System?

Our World: What Is a Solar System?

Find out why one amateur astronomer created an amazing graphic of the 88 largest objects in our solar system. Learn just what makes up a solar system and find out how we classify the thousands of objects in our own solar system. Since the production of this video New Horizons has reached, and is providing information on, the Kuiper Belt.

Our World: The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter [Archived]

Our World: The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter [Archived]

This video describes NASA's plans to launch the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). Since this production, LRO was successfully launched and continues to gather data increasing our knowledge about the moon. For more information about LRO, visit: http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/index.html [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: Constellation: NASA's Next Generation Spacecraft [Archived]

Our World: Constellation: NASA's Next Generation Spacecraft [Archived]

The Constellation Program never made it to launch, but the ideas and innovations advanced technology. This video outlines the plans to return to the moon and explore Mars. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Our World: NASA's New Moon Robot [Archived]

Our World: NASA's New Moon Robot [Archived]

Traveling on the moon requires specialized technology. NASA's plans to return to the moon have changed, but learn about past designs for a six-limbed mobile robot designed for lunar exploration. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Food Security - Monitoring Crops From Space

Real World: Food Security - Monitoring Crops From Space

Discover how NASA's Earth-observing satellites gather data to monitor food growth. Dr. Inbal Becker-Reshef describes how mathematics is used to interpret satellite data and describe vegetation and crop yield. Dr. Hannah Kerner shares how algorithms and models use NASA data to describe and predict food supply and food shortages. This work through NASA Harvest provides tools for farmers and governments to describe and predict food security worldwide.

Real World: The Nature of Science

Real World: The Nature of Science

Science is a way of knowing driven by questions, observations, and data. Join us as NASA scientists, Dr. Nicholeen Viall and Dr. Marilia Samara, share the work they do, whether they're in the lab or at home. A variety of tools are introduced as these astrophysicists describe the importance of data to science. Amber Verstynen, an undergraduate student studying atmospheric science, challenges the audience to become citizen scientists, developing the critical skills needed to make informed decisions in today's complex world. The Nature of Science (NOS) weaves together core ideas, practices, and crosscutting concepts on which scientific knowledge is built.

Real World: Planetary Volcanoes

Real World: Planetary Volcanoes

Volcanoes play a role in how Earth looks today. Thanks to NASA's missions, we know more about volcanoes in our solar system. Studying volcanoes can teach us about the interior properties of the planets and moons. Learn how the slope equation is used to identify how a volcano was formed.

Real World: Computer Simulations - Turning Complex Ideas Into Solvable Equations

Real World: Computer Simulations - Turning Complex Ideas Into Solvable Equations

How does NASA test ideas, like the Mars Helicopter, before they are even built? Find out more about this revolutionary helicopter and how NASA uses mathematical modeling to turn complex ideas into solvable equations that help shape future missions.

Real World: What Is Soil Moisture?

Real World: What Is Soil Moisture?

What is the connection between water, soil, and carbon cycles? The answer may be in the soil beneath your feet. See how NASA plans to measure soil moisture from space with the Soil Moisture Active Passive Mission, or SMAP. Learn to calculate soil moisture in your own backyard and discover the real world applications for this data.

Real World: Mercury's MESSENGER Reveals Mysteries

Real World: Mercury's MESSENGER Reveals Mysteries

How long is a day on Mercury? Why does the planet have a 600 degree range in temperature? MESSENGER, NASA's first mission to Mercury in 30 years, has captured stunning imagery helping to determine the composition of the surface and measure Mercury's unusual magnetic field.

Real World: Hubble Wide Field Camera 3 [Archived]

Real World: Hubble Wide Field Camera 3 [Archived]

Discover how the Wide-Field Camera 3 on the Hubble Space Telescope helps scientists see more. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Testing NASA's New Moon Robot [Archived]

Real World: Testing NASA's New Moon Robot [Archived]

NASA's plans to return to the moon never materialized, but the ideas and innovations considered for lunar explorations advanced technology. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: NASA Harnesses Half-Life

Real World: NASA Harnesses Half-Life

Learn about isotopes and radioactive decay. See how NASA uses the predictable decay of certain elements to power spacecraft in remote locations. Find out why a Radioisotope Power System, or RPS, provides dependable energy for the Mars Science Laboratory.

Real World: Keeping the International Space Station in Orbit [Archived]

Real World: Keeping the International Space Station in Orbit [Archived]

Each day, gravity pulls the International Space Station, or ISS, a little closer to Earth. See how drag causes the ISS to slow down. Learn about the challenges of keeping the ISS in orbit and how NASA counteracts orbital decay. Since the production of this video, construction of the ISS has been completed and the Space Shuttle has been retired.

[Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Mathematics - The Deciding Factor for Lunar Habitats [Archived]

Real World: Mathematics - The Deciding Factor for Lunar Habitats [Archived]

NASA's plans to return to the moon never materialized, but the ideas and innovations considered for lunar structures advanced technology.

[Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission [Archived]

Real World: NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission [Archived]

This video describes NASA's plans to launch the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). Since this production, LRO was successfully launched and continues to gather data increasing our knowledge about the moon. For more information about LRO, visit: http://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/index.html Other plans to return to the moon discussed in this video never materialized, but the ideas and innovations considered for lunar exploration advanced technology. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Preparing to Launch Ares I-X [Archived]

Real World: Preparing to Launch Ares I-X [Archived]

Preparing for future space missions, NASA is testing the Ares rocket prototype, Ares I-X. By finding the vehicle's center of gravity, engineers can calculate the distribution of the weight to ensure a stable flight. The forces felt by the astronauts during launch are similar to effects felt while riding a roller coaster. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Using Lunar Soil to Make Oxygen [Archived]

Real World: Using Lunar Soil to Make Oxygen [Archived]

NASA's plans to return to the moon never materialized, but the ideas and innovations considered for lunar explorations advanced technology. Travel to Hawaii to see tests using a special reactor and a process called hydrogen reduction to release oxygen from the volcanic soil. This process was being tested for possible use on the moon. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Exploring the Lunar Electric Rover [Archived]

Real World: Exploring the Lunar Electric Rover [Archived]

Living and traveling on the moon requires specialized technology. NASA's plans to return to the moon have changed, but the plans, ideas and innovations displayed in this video advanced technology. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Using Lunar Reactors [Archived]

Real World: Using Lunar Reactors [Archived]

Find out how NASA scientists, like explorers of old, plan to use the natural resources of new worlds to provide life-sustaining materials for the astronauts. During tests in Hawaii, scientists practice extracting oxygen from the lunar-like soil. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Lessons in Heavy Metal [Archived]

Real World: Lessons in Heavy Metal [Archived]

Watch as NASA engineers use a special welding technique known as friction-stir welding to bond new composite metals. See how this process adds strength to the material. Learn to convert degrees Fahrenheit to degrees Celsius. The Ares launch vehicle described in this video never made it to launch, but designs for this mission advanced technology. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Lunar Excavation Blade [Archived]

Real World: Lunar Excavation Blade [Archived]

Learn how NASA engineers use mass efficiency, a measure of size to productivity, to evaluate the excavation blade that could be used on future lunar missions. The blade can help astronauts build landing pads or protective berms.

[Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Choosing the Right Lunar Excavator [Archived]

Real World: Choosing the Right Lunar Excavator [Archived]

NASA's plans to return to the moon never materialized, but the ideas and innovations considered for lunar exploration, such as the three lunar excavators reviewed in this video, advanced technology. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Tools for Construction - NASA's Lunar Crane [Archived]

Real World: Tools for Construction - NASA's Lunar Crane [Archived]

Living and working on the moon requires specialized technology. NASA's plans to return to the moon have changed, but learn more about the innovative lunar crane developed by NASA for use in heavy lifting on other worlds. See how composite materials are used to improve the mass: strength ratio and how variable degrees of rotation allow this versatile machine to move. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Putting Together the Ares I-X [Archived]

Real World: Putting Together the Ares I-X [Archived]

NASA centers from across the United States are working together to build the new Ares rocket. Find out how engineers use micrometer tolerances to be sure the parts fit together and how drag coefficients help predict the aerodynamics of the rocket flight test. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Lightning Protection for Launch Complex 39 [Archived]

Real World: Lightning Protection for Launch Complex 39 [Archived]

See how NASA is using a rolling spheres lightning protection system to expand the cone of safety currently used on Launch Complex 39. Find out how the towers and catenary wires create an easier path for the lightning to get to the ground. It should be noted that the Constellation project described within this video never materialized.

[Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Resources [Archived]

Real World: Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Resources [Archived]

NASA's plans to return to the moon never materialized, but the ideas and innovations considered for lunar exploration advanced technology. Get a new perspective on moon resources with NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO). Since this production, LRO was successfully launched and continues to gather data increasing our knowledge about the moon. For more information about LRO, visit: https://lunar.gsfc.nasa.gov/ [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Lunar Landing Test Designs [Archived]

Real World: Lunar Landing Test Designs [Archived]

Discover how NASA uses a gantry for astronauts to practice landing spacecrafts on the moon safely. Learn about Orion, the exploration vehicle planned for missions to the moon and Mars. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: The Math Involved in ARES[Archived]

Real World: The Math Involved in ARES[Archived]

The ARES mission proposed sending an unmanned vehicle to Mars to explore the surface of Mars. These plans never moved beyond an experimental stage, but the ideas and innovations advanced technology. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Farewell to the Mars Phoenix Lander

Real World: Farewell to the Mars Phoenix Lander

See what tools were sent to Mars onboard the Phoenix Lander. Find out what scientists now know about Mars at the Phoenix Mars Lander website: http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/phoenix/main.php

Real World: Moon Dirt [Archived]

Real World: Moon Dirt [Archived]

NASA's plans to return to the moon never materialized, but the ideas and innovations considered for lunar explorations advanced technology.

[Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Real World: Scarab, NASA's Newest Lunar Exploration Rover [Archived]

Real World: Scarab, NASA's Newest Lunar Exploration Rover [Archived]

Learn about NASA's autonomous rover called Scarab. Scarab was equipped with drills for taking lunar soil samples and special wheels designed by Michelin to optimize ground contact pressure. [Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon and unmanned aerial vehicles to Mars. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Launchpad: Life Cycle of a Star

Launchpad: Life Cycle of a Star

Each of us is made from star stuff. But how are stars formed? Take a closer look at the life cycles of stars and learn where stars come from, how they change, and what happens to stars when their lives come to an end. Find out about your connection to the cosmos.

Launchpad: Methane - An Indicator for Life?

Launchpad: Methane - An Indicator for Life?

See how scientists are using spectroscopy to identify methane plumes on Mars. Learn about the biological and geological processes that form methane on Earth and the implications for astrobiologists who are looking for life beyond Earth. Since the production of this video, Curiosity is now exploring the surface of Mars.

Launchpad: Apollo 11 - Challenges of Landing on the Moon

Launchpad: Apollo 11 - Challenges of Landing on the Moon

See how 21 hours, 38 minutes, and 21 seconds changed history. Learn more about the challenges of landing on the moon, the science involved in the first moonwalk, and the artifacts left behind for future explorers.

Launchpad: Curiosity Goes to Mars

Launchpad: Curiosity Goes to Mars

Find out why Curiosity is the best name for the largest rover ever sent to another planet. Learn about the challenges of landing on a planet with an atmosphere and the geology and chemistry questions scientists hope to answer with instruments on the Mars Science Laboratory. Since this production, Curiosity was successfully launched to Mars and is sending back data and images. Find out more here: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/

Launchpad: Astrobiology

Launchpad: Astrobiology

Are we alone in the universe? Where do we come from? Join NASA in the search for answers to these and many more questions about life in our solar system. Learn how astrobiologists use what we know about Earth to investigate Titan, Europa and other far-off worlds.

Launchpad: Mission Infusion - A Look at What's Ahead

Launchpad: Mission Infusion - A Look at What's Ahead

Find out from the Hypersonic Inflatable Aerodynamic Decelerator (HIAD) Team how NASA plans to use inflatable heat shield technology to explore new worlds. Learn about the benefits of inflatable heat shields compared to current rigid heat shield technology and how that technology might be used in the future.

Launchpad: Methane on Mars

Launchpad: Methane on Mars

Is Mars a living planet, either geologically or biologically? See how NASA scientists are investigating the recent discovery of water ice and methane plumes on Mars to test their hypotheses about the similarities between Earth and Mars. Since the production of this video, Curiosity is now exploring the surface of Mars.

Launchpad: Phase Diagrams and Why You Cannot Make a Snowball on Mars

Launchpad: Phase Diagrams and Why You Cannot Make a Snowball on Mars

Join NASA scientists who study the History of Winter to learn about phase changes and the unique properties of water. Find out why ice floats and why this is important to life on Earth. See what pressure and temperature have to do with making snowballs.

Launchpad: LCROSS Finding Water on the Moon Music Video [Archived]

Launchpad: LCROSS Finding Water on the Moon Music Video [Archived]

Learn about NASA's exciting LCROSS mission in this music video. Find out why finding water on the moon is so important to future missions.

[Archived 2014 - Not all missions make it from design to launch. These archived videos describe missions that that would have taken humans back to the moon. While the actual missions were aborted, the technology and science behind the missions pushed innovation to new levels.]

Launchpad: Using Technology to Make Discoveries on Mars

Launchpad: Using Technology to Make Discoveries on Mars

Find out about the technology on the Mars Phoenix Lander that helps NASA remotely explore the distant planet. Learn about the filters that are used to obtain color images and the high-tech oven that proved the existence of water ice on Mars.

Launchpad: Gigapan

Launchpad: Gigapan

Learn about the NASA spinoff Gigapan, an intelligent tripod that allows photographers to stitch photos for a dramatic panoramic view. See how NASA first used this technology on Mars. Find out how high school students can get involved with NASA

Launchpad: Food Availability for the Mission to Mars

Launchpad: Food Availability for the Mission to Mars

NASA must find a way to provide food for astronauts that fits into very limited space. The food must be safe, nutritious and provide a variety for astronauts. Learn about new techniques in food processing.

Launchpad: Light Detection and Ranging

Launchpad: Light Detection and Ranging

Learn how NASA uses Light Detection and Ranging, or LiDAR, to study distant objects. NASA uses LiDAR technology to measure distances of faraway objects, locate aerosols and to develop topographic maps on Earth and Mars.

SME²: The Best Part of Being a Scientist

SME²: The Best Part of Being a Scientist

This student-produced NASA Spotlite - Subject Matter Expert as Educator (SME²) video features Michelle Thaller, Deputy Director of Science Communication at NASA Headquarters, explaining her favorite parts of being a scientist (learning, discovering, and exploring the unknown!). Produced by Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, Virginia.

SME²: Why did you become a scientist?

SME²: Why did you become a scientist?

This student-produced NASA Spotlite - Subject Matter Expert as Educator (SME²) video features Martha Boyer, a scientist with the Space Telescope Science Institution, talking about why and how she chose her career path. Produced by Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, Virginia.

SME²: How do you become an astrophysicist?

SME²: How do you become an astrophysicist?

This student-produced NASA Spotlite - Subject Matter Expert as Educator (SME²) video features Martha Boyer, a scientist with the Space Telescope Science Institution. She explains how she became an astrophysicist, and how others can do the same. Produced by Newport News Public Schools in Newport News, Virginia.

Remote Sensing Scientist - Dr. Catherine Nakalembe

Remote Sensing Scientist - Dr. Catherine Nakalembe

In this close-up video, Dr. Catherine Nakalembe, Remote Sensing Scientist for NASA Harvest, shares her passion for helping farmers around the world through the use of NASA satellites to monitor crops from space to increase sustainability. She also describes how her love for hiking, photography, and travel supports her work.

U.S. Domestic Co-Lead & AI Lead - Dr. Hannah Kerner

U.S. Domestic Co-Lead & AI Lead - Dr. Hannah Kerner

In this close-up video, Dr. Hannah Kerner, Artificial Intelligence Lead at NASA Harvest, shares her experiences in writing code and developing machine learning algorithms that enable NASA satellites to monitor where food is being grown. She describes how her hobbies of hiking, scuba diving, and volunteering intersect with her work.

Program Director - Dr. Inbal Becker-Reshef

Program Director - Dr. Inbal Becker-Reshef

In this close-up video, Dr. Inbal Becker-Reshef, Program Director for NASA Harvest, describes her journey and how her travels as a child helped her choose a career in science over her passion for art. She shares how cameras on satellites provide data to help farmers and agricultural leaders grow more food and work toward food security worldwide.

Center Chief Technologist - Julie Williams-Byrd

Center Chief Technologist - Julie Williams-Byrd

In this close-up video, Julie Williams-Byrd, Center Chief Technologist at NASA's Langley Research Center, shares her love for identifying technologies that support NASA missions.

Project Scientist - Marile Colon Robles

Project Scientist - Marile Colon Robles

In this close-up video, Marile Colon Robles, Project Scientist at NASA's Langley Research Center, shares her love for studying clouds and working with people from around the world to collect data about clouds.

The Spanish version is available here.