Jet Propulsion Laboratory

A NASA-funded study has revealed that a Martian meteorite, named Teghaza 001, is one of the oldest ever found on Earth. The rose-colored rock, discovered in the Sahara Desert in 2022, was age-dated to be over 4.1 billion years old, making it a unique piece of Mars' ancient crust. Researchers from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory characterized the meteorite's mineralogy and chemistry, providing a rare snapshot of Mars' formation. The study's lead author, Yang Liu, described Teghaza 001 as a 'Rosetta Stone for Mars,' due to its distinctive mineralogy and age. The meteorite's texture and age set it apart from other Martian meteorites, offering valuable insights into the planet's geological history. Further analysis revealed that Teghaza 001 has a mix of igneous minerals that tell a story about how the planet's crust formed from cooling magma before it was altered by subsurface water. The study's findings could help answer questions about how water and rocks interacted on ancient Mars.

Reid Wiseman, former NASA astronaut and commander of the Artemis II mission, has been named Caltech associate vice president and deputy director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. He begins his new role on November 30, 2026. Wiseman led the Artemis II crew on a historic lunar flyby, traveling farther than any humans have ever gone before. He joins JPL, a laboratory that has made significant contributions to space exploration, and will be responsible for strategic leadership and operational excellence. Wiseman brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served as a flight engineer on the International Space Station and as the agency's chief astronaut. He has also conducted hundreds of scientific experiments and has a remarkable ability to inspire people everywhere.

Voyager Technologies' Griffin-1, a lunar lander, has completed nearly three months of environmental testing at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. The tests demonstrate the spacecraft's ability to withstand the harsh conditions of launch, its journey to the Moon, and landing on the surface. Griffin-1 underwent thermal vacuum testing, simulating extreme temperatures, as well as electromagnetic interference and electromagnetic compatibility testing, vibration testing, and acoustic testing. The spacecraft was positioned in a historic 25-Foot Space Simulator, where it was exposed to temperatures ranging from 167 degrees Fahrenheit to minus 148 F. The testing also included the use of a crane, anechoic chamber, and a shaker table to simulate the ride out of Earth's atmosphere. After completing the testing, Griffin-1 was shipped back to Voyager Lunar Systems' Pittsburgh facility for final assembly. The lander is expected to launch in late 2026 aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative.

Voyager Technologies' Griffin-1 lunar lander has completed a series of rigorous environmental tests at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. The tests simulated extreme temperatures, vacuum, and intense shaking and noise of launch. Results show that Griffin-1 is ready to survive the rigors of space exploration. The lander will deliver over 1,100 pounds of cargo to Nobile Crater near the lunar South Pole, carrying 10 science and technology demonstrations from six countries. Griffin-1 will launch later this year aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services initiative within the Moon Base Program.