Simulations in 3D improve understanding of energetic-particle radiation and help protect space assets
Wednesday, 03 November 2021 04:04
A team of researchers used 3D particle simulations to model the acceleration of ions and electrons in a physical process called magnetic reconnection. The results could contribute to the understanding and forecasting of energetic particles released during magnetic reconnection, which could help protect space assets and advance space exploration.
"For the first time ever, we can use 3D simu Hubble remains in safe mode after latest glitch
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 23:18
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope, offline for more than a week because of an issue with its instruments, is likely to remain out of service for another week as engineers investigate the problem.
NASA, Space Force see growing opportunities to use commercial space services
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 21:00
NASA’s chief economist Alexander MacDonald said aggressive competition for space agency contracts is “one of the most exciting things that we're seeing.”
Isotropic Systems announces successful multi-orbit antenna field tests
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 19:23
British startup Isotropic Systems announced successful field tests for its flat-panel antenna Nov. 2, after successfully connecting to SES satellites in multiple orbits simultaneously for the first time.
Best of Alpha mission timelapse
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 19:00
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A collection of the best timelapse videos made during ESA astronaut Thomas Pesquet’s second mission to the International Space Station, “Alpha” in 2021. The camera is setup to take pictures at intervals of two a second, and the pictures are then edited into this video that plays at 25 pictures a second. Most videos around 12 times faster than real speed.
Thomas shared this video on social media with the caption:
“Probably the last the timelapse from space, and fittingly here is a special edition "best of" montage: aurora, lightning, spacewalks, day views and spacecraft reentry in less than
Researchers analyze consequences of China space weapon test
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 15:50
University of Leicester experts in the military uses of outer space have urged further international dialog and 'cool heads' following flight tests of a new Chinese hypersonic missile system.
Reports of China testing a new orbital launch vehicle, known as Fractional Orbital Bombardment System (FOBS), have fuelled concerns about the nuclear weapon state's advancing military capabilities and possible consequences for the United States and its allies.
High-profile flight tests conducted in July and August saw a rocket launched into orbital flight, which later re-entered the atmosphere and released a maneuverable glide vehicle traveling at hypersonic speeds, in excess of five times the speed of sound.
Long-range missile systems like this can carry nuclear or non-nuclear warheads. With no official explanation from the Chinese government, some US commentators were quick to assume the worst—a new Chinese ability to bombard the United States from outer space with nuclear weapons.
But now, in a new policy brief for the Asia-Pacific Leadership Network by Dr. Bleddyn Bowen and Dr. Cameron Hunter, the international relations experts have called for cooler heads in response to the tests.
A small telescope past Saturn could solve some mysteries of the universe better than giant telescopes near Earth
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 15:35
Dozens of space-based telescopes operate near Earth and provide incredible images of the universe. But imagine a telescope far away in the outer solar system, 10 or even 100 times farther from the sun than Earth. The ability to look back at our solar system or peer into the darkness of the distant cosmos would make this a uniquely powerful scientific tool.
I'm an astrophysicist who studies the formation of structure in the universe. Since the 1960s, scientists like me have been considering the important scientific questions we might be able to answer with a telescope placed in the outer solar system.
Supporting life beyond Earth could be possible thanks to graphene innovation
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 15:32
Advanced manufacturing experts from Manchester have revealed what human life in space could look like—with a graphene-enhanced space habitat developed to meet anticipated demand for human settlements beyond Earth.
A community of specialists at The University of Manchester have teamed up with global architect firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM) to research the design and manufacturing of space habitats for the space industry.
Space for a Green Future
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 13:06
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The climate crisis is the most urgent challenge faced by humankind – affecting every region, continent, and ocean on Earth. Space has an untapped potential to make a difference in tackling the threats and challenges faced by humanity. Satellites watch over Earth continuously, helping us to monitor, understand, model, predict and act on climate change and its related challenges.
As part of one of the three ‘Accelerators’ that will drive Europe’s increased use of space, the Space for a Green Future Accelerator will help Europe act to mitigate climate change. It will provide actionable information, helping form the
NASA to Hold Double Asteroid Redirection Test Launch Preview Briefing
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 12:36
NASA will hold a virtual media briefing at 1 p.m. EDT Thursday, Nov. 4, to preview the launch of the agency’s first planetary defense test mission, the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART). Hunting for marine plastic
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 11:55
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Hunting for marine plastic Redwire acquires space biotech company Techshot
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 11:00
Redwire, a company built up by acquiring a series of space technology companies, has purchased space biotechnology company Techshot.
Medical issue delays Crew-3 launch
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 09:03
The launch of the next commercial crew mission to the International Space Station, already postponed by weather, has been further delayed by what NASA calls a “minor medical issue” with one of its four astronauts.
Change in the Arctic
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 08:00
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Satellites play a vital role in monitoring the rapid changes taking place in the Arctic. Tracking ice lost from the world’s glaciers, ice sheets and frozen land shows that Earth is losing ice at an accelerating rate. Currently more than a trillion tonnes of ice is lost each year. The sooner Earth’s temperature is stabilised, the more manageable the impacts of ice loss will be.
NASA, SpaceX delay ISS mission again for medical issue
Tuesday, 02 November 2021 07:28
NASA and SpaceX on Monday delayed for the second time a mission to send four astronauts to the International Space Station due to a "minor medical issue" with a crew member.
"The issue is not a medical emergency and not related to COVID-19," NASA said in a statement, without giving further details.
The members of "Crew-3" - US astronauts Raja Chari, Kayla Barron and Tom Marshburn, as we