Vanilla Twilight by Rileyy

http://www.furaffinity.net/user/flaredra/

Cannot wait until Anthrocon 2016!

It's just a cool song. Listen to it. Yeah.

Decided to update my Rocket print! :)

Leaf by Sam

The dwarf planet Ceres (a giant rock located in the asteroid belt) has two bright spots in the center of one of its craters. As the Dawn spacecraft has approached Ceres, those spots have become more distinct - but scientists still have no idea what they’re made of. Ice? Salt? Volcanic rock?

Dawn has also peered down at the tallest feature on Ceres, a 4-mile-tall mountain. Again, scientists aren’t sure what forces could have shaped it, or why it has dark streaks on one side, and bright streaks on the other.

It’s a mystery!

Credit:NASA/JPL

Hot & Steamy RS-25 Engine Test

Today, we tested the RS-25 engine at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, and boy was it hot! Besides the fact that it was a hot day, the 6,000 degree operating temperature of the hot fire test didn’t help things. This engine is one of four that will power the core stage of our Space Launch System (SLS) into deep space and to Mars. Today’s test reached 109% power and burned 150,000 gallons of liquid oxygen and 60,000 gallons of liquid hydrogen. When SLS launches with all 4 of its engines, it will be the most powerful rocket in the world!

This engine was previously used to to fly dozens of successful missions on the space shuttle, so you might be asking, “Why are we spending time testing it again if we already know it’s awesome?” Well, it’s actually really important that we test them specifically for use with SLS for a number of reasons, including the fact that we will be operating at 109% power, vs. the 104% power previously used.

If you missed the 535-second, ground rumbling test today – you’re in luck. We’ve compiled all the cool stuff (fire, steam & loud noises) into a recap video. Check it out here:

Art by Sephyfluff