Ham

On this day in 1961, NASA launched Ham the chimpanzee into space.

He was recovered unharmed.

KBO

Astronomers think they have found a Kuiper Belt object less than a mile wide.

If the discovery is confirmed, it will be the first in a class of medium-sized KBOs.

Tragic Week

This is annually a tough week at NASA.

Challenger was lost January 28, and Columbia February 1.

Titan's Atmosphere

A new study suggests Titan's thick atmosphere may be the result of heating organic materials deep inside the huge moon.

Scientists see Titan as a reasonable possible home for life.

Old Rock

A new study suggests that a rock collected on the Moon by Apollo 14 astronauts was likely blasted away from Earth about 4 billion years ago.

That was about the time life arose on Earth.

TRAPPIST-1

Studies suggest at least six of the planets of the TRAPPIST-1 system are rocky worlds.

That leaves life a possibility.

Opportunity

Opportunity landed on Mars 15 years ago today, and its 90-day mission became an extraordinary trek.

That trek might now be over.  NASA hasn't heard from the rover in months.