Groundbreaking Science Milestones: Mars Warming, Earth's Mantle, and More

Recent achievements in science include NASA's discussion about using SpaceX's Crew Dragon for returning astronauts from ISS, a novel proposal to warm Mars using engineered particles, near-completion of the largest 3D-printed neighborhood in Texas, and obtaining the deepest rock sample from Earth's mantle to study its composition.

NASA officials revealed plans for two astronauts, delivered to the ISS by Boeing's Starliner, to possibly return on SpaceX's Crew Dragon in February 2025 if Starliner remains unsafe for reentry. Discussions with SpaceX aim to leave two seats vacant for this eventuality.

Scientists suggest using heat-trapping engineered particles to raise Mars' temperature by 50°F over a decade. The particles would function like 'glitter' to augment the planet's natural greenhouse effect, marking a potential step towards human habitation.

In Texas, the world's largest 3D-printed neighborhood is nearing completion, with ICON's 45-foot-wide Vulcan printer finishing the last of 100 homes. This innovation exemplifies the scalability of 3D-printing technology in residential construction.

A groundbreaking ocean drilling expedition has acquired the deepest rock sample from Earth's mantle, reaching 4,160 feet below the Atlantic seabed. This sample, crucial for understanding the mantle's composition and chemical interactions with seawater, may provide insights into the origins of life on Earth.

(With inputs from agencies.)