Copernical Team
Week in images: 15-19 April 2024
Week in images: 15-19 April 2024
Discover our week through the lens
NASA's Near Space Network Bolsters PACE Climate Mission Communications
NASA's Near Space Network has successfully enabled the PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) mission to transmit its inaugural set of operational data to Earth, utilizing innovative data-storing technology and recent enhancements. These upgrades are designed to improve communication for PACE and other forthcoming science missions. The PACE satellite, which travels approximately
Hannover's expertise boosts groundbreaking fusion project
The PriFUSIO project, led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Laser Technology (ILT) and supported by an 18 million euro grant from the Federal Ministry of Education and Research, is setting a new course for the development of climate-neutral fusion power plants. The project brings together a diverse consortium including startups, mid-sized enterprises, and large corporations along with specialized
Momentus and Ascent Solar Technologies announce new solar array partnership
Momentus and Ascent Solar have unveiled their partnership aimed at jointly marketing innovative solar arrays that integrate Momentus's low-cost Tape Spring Solar Array tech and Ascent's advanced, flexible photovoltaic modules. The surge in satellite production and deployment underscores a critical demand for affordable and efficient solar arrays.
Constellation of Starlink satellites grows with latest SpaceX launch from Florida
SpaceX launched a cluster of 23 satellites into low-Earth orbit Thursday, the 334th launch of the company's Starlink Internet satellites and the 268th time a reusable booster rocket has been used. The launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida occurred at 6:40 p.m. EDT. The booster used in Thursday's launch settled on the drone A Shortfall of Gravitas in the Atlantic Ocean
Watch live: ESA astronaut class of 2022 graduation ceremony
Earth from Space: The Mekong Delta
Rare sighting of ‘doomed’ SOHO comet during solar eclipse
Researchers quantify the ideal in situ construction method for lunar habitats
As the lunar exploration mission evolves from exploration to construction and utilization, in situ lunar construction becomes an imperative requirement. The key is regolith solidification and formation, aiming to maximize local resource utilization while minimizing transportation and maintenance costs.
Nearly 20 techniques have been employed for preparing regolith-based construction materials, each with distinct requirements and capabilities. Professor Feng from Tsinghua University has conducted a comprehensive review, precise classification, and quantitative evaluation of regolith solidification and formation techniques, shedding light on key challenges and future development directions.
SpaceX tallies 1st of two launches over two days from Space Coast
SpaceX launched Wednesday evening the first of a pair of Space Coast rockets in two days, both carrying batches of the company's Starlink satellites.
A Falcon 9 rocket carrying 23 of the internet satellites for SpaceX's growing constellation lifted off at 5:26 p.m. Eastern time from Kennedy Space Center's Launch Pad 39-A amid clear blue skies.
This is the 12th flight of the first-stage booster that will aim for a recovery landing downrange in the Atlantic on the droneship Just Read the Instructions.
This was the 28th launch from the Space Coast in 2024, with launch No. 29 targeting Thursday evening from neighboring Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
Another Falcon 9 carrying more Starlink satellites is aiming for liftoff during four-hour window from 6:40 p.m. to 10:40 p.m. at Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 40 with a backup window Friday from 6:14 p.m. to 10:14 p.m.
Space Launch Delta 45's weather squadron forecasts a 90% chance for good conditions for that launch.
These will be the 157th and 158th overall Starlink launches since the first operational deployment of the internet satellites in 2019.