MIT tether could aid asteroid missions

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Diagram of the system for tethering an astronaut to an asteroid using circumferential ropes. Graphic Ian Garrick-Bethell
Diagram of the system for tethering an astronaut to an asteroid using circumferential ropes. Graphic / Ian Garrick-Bethell

Using a tether system devised by MIT researchers, astronauts could one day stroll across the surface of small asteroids, collecting samples and otherwise exploring these rocks in space without floating away.


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All News summaries for September 25, 2007

Astronauts step out for longest, hardest spacewalk

4 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Astronauts stepped out for the longest and hardest spacewalk of their mission Saturday to wrap up greasy repair work on a gummed-up joint at the international space station.

Astronauts face hardest spacewalk to finish repair

12 hours ago | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Astronauts up on the international space station faced the longest and hardest spacewalk of their mission Saturday, a seven-hour-plus excursion to wrap up repair work on a gummed-up joint.

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Nov 21, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- NASA's revolutionary new space water recycling system is having serious hiccups. The $154 million device for turning astronauts' urine and sweat into drinking water aboard the international space ...

NASA scales back flagship Mars mission

Nov 21, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- NASA is scrapping a controversial piece of hardware from its next-generation Mars rover that would have allowed the spacecraft to store rock fragments in a mini-basket for a future mission.

Would-be Japanese space tourist wants $21M back

Nov 21, 2008 | User rating: not rated yet
(AP) -- Japanese millionaire Daisuke Enomoto had planned to dress up as his favorite cartoon character in outer space and spent $21 million to make it happen. Now he claims the company that was supposed make his dream come ...
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