Beijing (AFP) Nov 8, 2021
Astronaut Wang Yaping became the first Chinese woman to walk in space, authorities said Monday, as her team completed a six-hour stint outside the Tiangong space station as part of its ongoing construction. Tiangong - meaning "heavenly palace" - is the latest achievement in China's drive to become a major space power, after landing a rover on Mars and sending probes to the Moon. Its co

After almost 200 days in space it is time to return to planet Earth for ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet, JAXA astronaut Aki Hoshide and NASA astronauts Shane Kimbrough and Megan McArthur.

Seattle WA (SPX) Nov 08, 2021
Because of their high strength and light weight, carbon-fiber-based composite materials are gradually replacing metals for advancing all kinds of products and applications, from airplanes to wind turbines to golf clubs. But there's a trade-off. Once damaged or compromised, the most commonly-used carbon fiber materials are nearly impossible to repair or recycle. In a paper published Nov. 2

Dresden, Germany (SPX) Nov 08, 2021
Dissipationless electric energy transport-also known as superconductivity-is seen as a beacon of hope for the energy industry. Since its discovery more than 100 years ago, scientists around the world have been investigating this well-known quantum phenomenon, which, however, requires the electrons in metals to be cooled to ultra-low temperatures. A team of scientists from the Cluster of Ex

Castelldefels, Spain (SPX) Nov 08, 2021
Precise detection of magnetic fields is important for applications that range from magnetic brain imaging, to detection of sunken ships, to exploration of the solar system. For many of these applications, the most sensitive magnetic-field measuring instruments (magnetometers) are "optically-pumped magnetometers," which use laser light to probe magnetically-sensitive atoms. In many cases, t

Atlanta GA (SPX) Nov 05, 2021
The U.S. Air Force has awarded Georgia State University astronomy professor Stuart Jefferies a grant of nearly a million dollars to develop a technique to detect and characterize satellites in greater detail than ever before. The new technique could have implications for astronomers trying to spot small, dim objects hidden in the light of companions, and could assist the government in moni

London, UK (SPX) Nov 05, 2021
OneWeb, the low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite communications company, and Leonardo DRS, a leading innovator in communications, defense, and security, have announced a new partnership to jointly offer LEO service for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Supported by a global network of gateways and user terminals, OneWeb's global connectivity platform will provide high-bandwidth and low-late

McLean VA (SPX) Nov 05, 2021
Intelsat, operator of the world's largest integrated satellite and terrestrial network, OneWeb (OWT), a global provider of innovative, secure satellite communications, and Linchpin Solutions, a leader in C5ISR systems and programs, successfully demonstrated a multi-orbit satellite communications solution for representatives of the U.S. Army and Department of Defense (DoD). This is a strate

Beijing (XNA) Nov 08, 2021
The Shenzhou XIII mission crew will soon carry out their first extravehicular activity, or spacewalk, according to the China Manned Space Agency. The agency said in a news release on Friday the three-member crew - Major General Zhai Zhigang, Senior Colonel Wang Yaping and Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu - are in good condition and ready for the operation. The astronauts had been inside the

Washington DC (UPI) Nov 08, 2021
Vice President Kamala Harris is scheduled to host the Biden administration's first meeting of the National Space Council on Dec. 1. Her announcement will come Friday during her visit to the Goddard Space Flight Center, which will focus on efforts to use space missions to monitor and address the climate crisis. She will be accompanied by NASA administrator Bill Nelson and officials fr