January 1, 2025

/ 10:05 a.m. CT (1605 GMT)

Rover, rotorcraft and roses

: NASA's efforts to explore Mars, including the first helicopter to achieve powered flight on another planet, made for the "Best Day Ever" aboard a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year's Day 2025 (Jan. 1). Created by La Cañada Flintridge, the California city where JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory) is located, the "Rover Rendezvous" float featured numerous nods to real missions, including a flying Ingenuity rotorcraft.

January 6, 2025

/ 12:00 a.m. CT (0600 GMT)

Original Glenn's 'go' for New Glenn

: John Glenn was "deeply touched" that Blue Origin named its first orbital-class rocket after him, as he expressed in what was his last written correspondence before his death. Now, nine years later, the New Glenn is ready to launch on its maiden mission. Designed to be reusable, the heavy-lift rocket will help fulfill the "original" Glenn's hope for the future: when it is possible for millions to enter orbit like he first did in 1962.