NASA Commissions a Laundry Machine for the International Space Station

The ISS from Endeavour, Feb. 10, 2010 But where will they put the laundry room? NASA

Astronauts and cosmonauts are generally chosen based on a balanced blend of desirable traits: mental acuity and psychological stability (it’s isolated up there), physical fitness, physiological durability, willingness to be strapped to a massive controlled explosion and hurled into an environment that is extremely hostile toward life, etc. But it’s no secret: Right Stuff or no Right Stuff, astronauts stink. There’s simply no good way to stay clean in space.

Astronomy tests Stellarvue’s 4-inch APO refractor

The new SV105–3SV imaging scope boasts high-quality construction, superb optics, and an oversized focuser.

By Jon Talbot

Published: November 29, 2011

Stellarvue’s SV105–3SV is a 4.13-inch f/7 apochromatic refractor. Photo by Astronomy: James Forbes Stellarvue, based in Auburn, California, was founded in 1997 by astronomy devotee Vic Maris. Since then, the company has earned a reputation for building high-quality refracting telescopes with apertures ranging from 2.8 to 6.3 inches (70 to 160 millimeters).