• Feb 27, 2013 - NASA's NuSTAR Helps Solve Riddle of Black Hole Spin
    Two X-ray space observatories, NASA's NuSTAR and ESA's XMM-Newton, have teamed up to measure definitively, for the first time, the spin rate of a black hole.
  • Feb 25, 2013 - NASA Hosts Media Teleconference About Black Hole Studies
    NASA will host a news teleconference at 10 a.m. PST (1 p.m. EST), Wednesday, Feb. 27.
  • Feb 21, 2013 - NuSTAR Status Update
    NuSTAR has been in orbit around Earth for more than eight months since its launch in June 2012, studying black holes and probing the nature of the high-energy X-ray universe.
  • Jan 7, 2013 - NASA's NuSTAR Catches Black Holes in Galaxy Web
    NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, set its X-ray eyes on a spiral galaxy and caught the brilliant glow of two black holes lurking inside.
  • Nov 27, 2012 - Learning from the NuSTAR Launch Delay
    The story of that delay, why it happened and what both NASA and Orbital Sciences learned from the experience
    The story of that delay, why it happened and what both NASA and Orbital Sciences learned from the experience   ......
  • Nov 20, 2012 - Pointing the Telescope and Probing the X-ray Sky
    It's been a busy first three months for the NuSTAR team. Many science targets have been observed, and coordinated calibration observations are now underway.

    It's been a busy first three months for the NuSTAR team. Many science targets have been observed, and coordinated calibration observations are now underway.

      ......
  • Oct 23, 2012 - NuSTAR Spots SgrA Flare
    NuSTAR has captured these first, focused views of the supermassive black hole at the heart of our galaxy in high-energy X-ray light.
    NuSTAR has captured the first focused views of the supermassive black hole in the heart of our Galaxy in high-energy X-ray light.   ......
  • Sep 25, 2012 - Black Holes: Objects of Attraction
    Watch KQED video about black holes starring the NuSTAR Principal Investigator and Instrument Manager.
    Ever since Princeton physicist John Wheeler coined the term nearly 50 years ago, black holes have evoked a sense of mystery and wonder for astronomers and space enthusiasts. But unlike comets, stars and other beautiful objects in the night sky, black holes can't actually be seen – they trap light, after all. From this infinitely dark void, myths and misconceptions have taken flight, spurred by the sci-fi depictions of black holes as cold cosmic villains with a bottomless appetite for nearby planets, stars and mighty spacecrafts whizzing through the galaxy at warp speed.   ...More...
  • Sep 20, 2012 - Celebrating 100 Days in Orbit
    NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, celebrated 100 days in orbit on Sept. 21, 2012.
    NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, celebrated 100 days in orbit on Sept. 21, 2012. The black-hole spying telescope was blasted into orbit around Earth's equator on June 13, 2012. The mission's goal is to measure high-energy X-ray light from the most extreme objects in the universe, including black holes, neutron stars and supernovae.   ...More...
  • Sep 17, 2012 - NuSTAR Round Table Discussion on Google+
    NuSTAR scientists will be hosting a round table discussion on Google+ on Tuesday, September 25th at 6:30 PM PDT.
    Black holes are some of the most mysterious and misunderstood objects in the universe. Since the confirmation of their existence roughly 40 years ago, they've captured the imagination of astronomers, the public and sci-fi authors who have helped give these invisible giants a bad rap. Join a KQED Science Google+ discussion which will separate fact from fiction and hear the latest developments with NuSTAR, a black hole hunter launched in June by NASA which is swiftly scanning the skies for these space oddities. Among others, panelists will include Fiona Harrison, the NuSTAR Principal Investigator, and Bill Craig, the NuSTAR Instrument Manager.   ...More...
  • Jul 31, 2012 - NuSTAR Mission Status Report
    NuSTAR passed its Post-Launch Assessment Review at JPL this week, clearing the way for the mission to enter into its science operations phase in the next month.
    NuSTAR passed its Post-Launch Assessment Review at JPL this week, clearing the way for the mission to enter into its science operations phase in the next month. NuSTAR is currently in the final stages of "Phase C/D," or the design and development phase, which included building and testing the flight hardware, launch and early operations (e.g., spacecraft checkout, mast deployment, instrument commissioning and calibrations).   ...More...
  • Jun 28, 2012 - NuSTAR Opens Its X-Ray Eyes
    NuSTAR has snapped the first focused images of the high-energy X-ray universe.
    NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, has snapped its first test images of the sizzling high-energy X-ray universe. The observatory, launched June 13, is the first space telescope with the ability to focus high-energy X-rays, the same kind used by doctors and dentists, into crisp images.   ...More...
  • Jun 21, 2012 - NuSTAR Observatory Unfurls its Unique Mast
    NuSTAR has successfully deployed its lengthy mast, giving it the ability to see the highest energy X-rays in our universe.
    NuSTAR has successfully deployed its lengthy mast, giving it the ability to see the highest energy X-rays in our universe.   ...More...
  • Jun 13, 2012 - NASA's NuSTAR Mission Lifts Off
    NuSTAR launched into the morning skies over the central Pacific Ocean at 9 a.m. PDT, beginning its mission to unveil secrets of buried black holes and other exotic objects.
    NuSTAR launched into the morning skies over the central Pacific Ocean at 9 a.m. PDT (noon EDT) Wednesday, June 13, beginning its mission to unveil secrets of buried black holes and other exotic objects.   ...More...
  • Jun 9, 2012 - NuSTAR Launch Day Activities at Caltech
    Description of launch day activities at Caltech, on Wednesday, June 13.
    NuSTAR is scheduled to be launched on Wednesday, June 13 (Continental US).  Information about the launch can be found in this press release.
  • Jun 7, 2012 - NuSTAR Arrives at Island Launch Site
    NuSTAR and its rocket flew above the palm trees to arrive at their launch location at Kwajalein Atoll.
    NuSTAR and its rocket flew above the palm trees to arrive at their launch location at Kwajalein Atoll. Kwajalein, located midway between Hawaii and Australia, is one of the world's largest atolls -- coral islands with lagoons in the middle. The mission is scheduled to launch June 13 no earlier than 8:30 a.m. PDT (11:30 a.m. EDT).   ...More...
  • Jun 7, 2012 - NASA to Host News Teleconference About NuSTAR Launch
    NASA will host a news teleconference at noon PDT June 11 to discuss the upcoming launch of its NuSTAR observatory.
    PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA will host a news teleconference at noon PDT (3 p.m. EDT) June 11 to discuss the upcoming launch of its Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) observatory, scheduled for no earlier than 8:30 a.m. PDT (11:30 a.m. EDT) June 13.   ...More...
  • Jun 4, 2012 - NASA Previews NuSTAR Mission
    NASA's news conference, held on Wed., May 30, to discuss the upcoming launch of the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), a mission to hunt for black holes.
    NuSTAR is scheduled to launch no earlier than 8:30 a.m. PDT (11:30 a.m. EDT) on June 13 from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The spacecraft will lift off on an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL launch vehicle, released from an aircraft flying south of Kwajalein.
      ...More...
  • May 30, 2012 - NASA Preparing to Launch its Newest X-Ray Eyes
    NuSTAR is being prepared for the final journey to its launch pad on Kwajalein Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean.
    NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, is being prepared for the final journey to its launch pad on Kwajalein Atoll in the central Pacific Ocean. The mission will study everything from massive black holes to our own sun. It is scheduled to launch no earlier than June 13.   ...More...
  • May 24, 2012 - NASA to Hold News Conference About NuSTAR Launch
    On Wednesday, May 30 at 10 a.m. PDT, NASA will discuss the upcoming launch of NuSTAR.
    NASA will hold a news conference on Wednesday, May 30 at 10 a.m. PDT (1 p.m. EDT) to discuss the upcoming launch of the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), a mission to hunt for black holes.   ...More...
  • May 23, 2012 - NuSTAR Gearing up for Launch
    Final pre-launch preparations are underway for NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR.
    Final pre-launch preparations are underway for NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR. The mission, which will use X-ray vision to hunt for hidden black holes, is scheduled to launch no earlier than June 13 from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands. The observatory will launch from the belly of Orbital Sciences Corporation's L-1011 "Stargazer" aircraft aboard the company's Pegasus rocket.   ...More...
  • May 7, 2012 - Black-Hole Hunter
    A video released by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory describing how NuStar will help scientists find black holes.
    A video released by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory describing how NuSTAR will help scientists find black holes.   ...More...
  • Apr 9, 2012 - Launch of NuSTAR Targeted for June
    NuSTAR observatory will have an opportunity to launch in June
    NASA's NuSTAR X-ray astrophysics observatory, grounded in March by concerns with its Pegasus rocket, will have an opportunity to launch in June from a remote Pacific military base, space agency officials said Tuesday.   ...More...
  • Mar 26, 2012 - Interview with Fiona Harrison, NuSTAR Principal Investigator
    NBC Southern California TV interview with Fiona Harrison, NuSTAR Principal Investigator
    Black hole, neutron stars and gamma-ray bursts expert Dr. Fiona Harrison talks about her latest mission at Caltech, building the first on-orbit focusing high-energy X-ray telescope. She explains how it works and what it will be used for.   ...More...
  • Mar 19, 2012 - NuSTAR On TV!
    CBS Los Angeles TV interview with Fiona Harrison, NuSTAR Principal Investigator
    NuSTAR was featured on a local TV station.   ...More...
  • Mar 16, 2012 - Launch of NASA's NuSTAR Mission Postponed
    The launch will be rescheduled to allow additional time to confirm the flight software
    The planned launch of NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) mission has been postponed after a March 15 launch status meeting. The launch will be rescheduled to allow additional time to confirm the flight software used by the launch vehicle's flight computer will issue commands to the rocket as intended.   ...More...
  • Mar 13, 2012 - NuSTAR Aims to Expose Violent Hearts of Galaxies
    NuSTAR in 15 March 2012 issue of Nature
    Who would have thought that a ringside seat at some of the Universe’s most extreme events could come cheap? But by the standards of space-based astronomy, the NuSTAR telescope that NASA plans to launch as early as this month has a modest budget, US$165 million. Yet it will be sensitive to the high-energy photons produced at the turbulent thresholds of supermassive black holes.   ...More...
  • Mar 12, 2012 - NuSTAR Media Briefing Postponed
    March 13 media briefing to discuss the upcoming launch of NuSTAR postponed
    The Tuesday, March 13, media briefing to discuss the upcoming launch of the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) has been postponed. The spacecraft will lift off on an Orbital Sciences Pegasus XL rocket, which will be released from an aircraft originating from the Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.   ...More...
  • Feb 17, 2012 - NuSTAR Mating to Pegasus Rocket Underway
    NuSTAR began mating, or being attached, to its Pegasus XL rocket today
    NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) is being mated, or attached, to its Pegasus XL rocket today at Vandenberg Air Force Base in central California. The mission's launch is now scheduled for no earlier than March 21 to allow the launch vehicle team an additional week to complete necessary engineering reviews.   ...More...
  • Jan 27, 2012 - NuSTAR Spacecraft Arrives in California
    NuSTAR arrives at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California
    NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, mission arrived at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California this morning after a cross-country trip by truck from the Orbital Sciences Corporation's manufacturing plant in Dulles, Va. The mission is scheduled to launch from Kwajalein Atoll in the Pacific Ocean on March 14.   ...More...
  • Jan 25, 2012 - NASA's NuSTAR Ships to Vandenberg for March Launch
    NuSTAR ships to Vandenberg Air Force Base in California
    NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, shipped to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on Tuesday, to be mated to its Pegasus launch vehicle. The observatory will detect X-rays from objects ranging from our sun to giant black holes billions of light-years away. It is scheduled to launch March 14 from an aircraft operating out of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.   ...More...
  • Jan 5, 2012 - The New Year in Space: NASA’s Missions and Events in 2012
    NuSTAR in the January issue of Wired
    Along with the regular suite of expected launches, NASA will be undertaking a number of exciting new missions, likely making some incredible discoveries. ... Here, Wired takes a look at some of the most important missions and milestones happening in space in 2012.   ...More...
  • Jan 26, 2011 - A Look Inside NASA's Next X-Ray Observatory
    NuSTAR in the February issue of Scientific American
    In the February issue of Scientific American two astrophysicists offer a close-up look at a telescope they are developing for NASA. The Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) is the space agency's first mission capable of focusing high-energy X-rays.   ...More...
  • May 10, 2010 - NuSTAR PI Awarded Honorary Doctorate
    NuSTAR PI, Fiona Harrison awarded an honorary doctorate at DTU
    Professor Fiona Harrison has been awarded an honorary doctorate at DTU. As a professor at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) she has devoted her career to exploring gamma-rays and hard X-rays resulting from some of the most energetic phenomena in the Universe like black holes and supernovae.   ...More...
  • Jan 7, 2010 - Why Don't Supernovae Explode?
    NASA science interview with NuSTAR PI, Fiona Harrison
    A massive old star is about to die a spectacular death. As its nuclear fuel runs out, it begins to collapse under its own tremendous weight. The crushing pressure inside the star skyrockets, triggering new nuclear reactions, setting the stage for a terrifying blast. And then... nothing happens.   ...More...
  • Aug 6, 2009 - NuSTAR Confirmed for Launch in 2011
    NASA has approved and funded NuSTAR to begin building flight hardware
    PASADENA, Calif. — NuSTAR has successfully completed its Key Decision Point - C (KDP-C) review at NASA Headquarters and been approved for Phase C/D, the Mission Design and Development Phase.   ...More...
  • Feb 9, 2009 - OSC Pegasus Selected as NuSTAR Launch Vehicle
    Orbital Space Corp. selected to launch NuSTAR from Kwajalein Atoll
    CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — NASA has selected Orbital Sciences Corp., of Dulles, Va., to launch the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, high energy X-ray telescope. The spacecraft will fly in 2011 aboard a Pegasus XL rocket from the Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site located at the Pacific Ocean's Kwajalein Atoll.   ...More...
  • Nov 30, 2008 - NuSTAR PI Among America's Best Leaders
    F. Harrison selected by US News & World Report as one of America's Best Leaders
    "They were chosen because they are the best," says Alan Stern, a former NASA administrator who was on the selection committee that approved the missions proposed by the two women. "Space science is changing, and we now have a number of talented and experienced women scientists who are in a position to lead entire space missions."   ...More...
  • Apr 15, 2008 - Zhang's Glass Kitchen
    Goddard team to begin NuSTAR mirror production this Fall
    After 10 years of fine-tuning a technique to efficiently manufacture super-thin, curved mirrors needed to focus X-ray photons, Will Zhang and his team have won a position on the Caltech-led Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) to provide the telescope's more than 3,000 individual mirror segments.   ...More...
  • Jan 30, 2008 - NuSTAR Approved to Start Phase B
    NuSTAR approved and funded to begin the mission definition phase
    NuSTAR has successfully completed its Key Decision Point - B (KDP-B) review at NASA Headquarters and been approved for Phase B, the Mission Definition Phase.
  • Sep 21, 2007 - NuSTAR Given the Go-ahead to Restart
    Small Explorer mission to detect black holes scheduled for 2011 launch
    PASADENA, Calif. — NASA has given the go-ahead to restart an astrophysics mission that will provide a greater capability for using high-energy X-rays to detect black holes than any existing instrument has.   ...More...
  • Jan 26, 2005 - NuSTAR Selected for Extended Phase A
    NASA selects next Small Explorer missions
    NASA has decided to continue studying another proposed mission, the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR), the first telescope capable of detecting the black holes in the local Universe with 1 ,000 times more sensitivity than previous missions sensitive to energetic X-rays.   ......