TESS
TESS considering companion smallsat mission
The leaders of a NASA exoplanet mission are considering using a spare camera for a companion mission that would enable them to confirm existing discoveries and make new ones.
Astrophysics meetings, but not missions, disrupted by government shutdown
The ongoing partial government shutdown has upended aspects of a major astronomy conference this week but has not, for now, affected operations of NASA astrophysics missions.
Scientists pleased with TESS exoplanet mission
As the first discoveries from a new NASA exoplanet mission start rolling in, project officials are planning for the first in what they hope to be a series of extended missions for the spacecraft.
Kepler planet hunter ends operations after exhausting fuel
NASA’s Kepler spacecraft, which helped astronomers discover thousands of exoplanets since its launch nearly a decade ago, has ended operations after running out of fuel, the agency announced Oct. 30.
TESS begins science observations
A NASA spacecraft launched in April to search for exoplanets around nearby stars has started science observations, the agency said July 27.
Camera focus shift won’t affect TESS mission
Scientists are confident a focus issue discovered last year with an upcoming NASA exoplanet mission won’t affect its ability to meet its goals.
Independent review to examine JWST launch plans
NASA will provide an updated launch date for the James Webb Space Telescope early next year, even as some warn that the mission might face further delays.
NASA trims reserves and shifts schedules to find astrophysics cost savings
Forced to find nearly $30 million in cost savings, NASA’s astrophysics program has trimmed budget reserves on one mission approaching launch and delayed the schedule of another.
Cameras on NASA exoplanet spacecraft slightly out of focus
Cameras recently installed on a NASA spacecraft designed to look for nearby exoplanets will be slightly out of focus once launched, but the agency said that will not affect the mission’s science.
