NASA is Now Accepting Astronaut Applications

NASA has just announced that it is now accepting applications for a new class of astronauts—some who may one day travel to Mars. There are a few initial requirements, including a US citizenship, a degree in an engineering-related field and either a doctorate degree or experience piloting a jet. If selected, applicants will pass through a two-year physical and mental evaluation, as well as undergo …

Link About It: This Week’s Picks

The reusable rocket that made it back to Earth, light sabers inspired by designers and more in this week's look at the web

1. Otis Johnson on Life After 44 Years in Prison At the age of 25, Otis Johnson was sentenced to 44 years in prison. Now 69 years old, Johnson is finally free and has re-entered society—albeit a much different one than he left behind. In a video produced by Al Jazeera, Johnson discusses the strangeness of the modern world, including people walking attached to their …

First Reusable Rocket to Land Back on Earth

With its New Shepard rocket, Blue Origin—founded by Amazon co-founder Jeff Bezos—has become the first company to successfully launch a reusable rocket into space and land it safely back on Earth. Blue Origin previously attempted the landing in April, but ultimately failed due to hydraulic issues. Elon Musk’s SpaceX has also been working on a similar maneuver, but has yet to succeed. Until now, rockets …