
Copernical Team
Week in images: 17 - 21 May 2021

Week in images: 17 - 21 May 2021
Discover our week through the lens
ESA extends deadline for astronaut applications as new Associate Member joins

Aspiring astronauts now have until 18 June 2021 to submit an application for ESA’s astronaut selection. The three-week extension comes as ESA welcomes Lithuania as a new Associate Member state.
Salts could be important piece of Martian organic puzzle, scientists find

A NASA team has found that organic salts are likely present on Mars. Like shards of ancient pottery, these salts are the chemical remnants of organic compounds, such as those previously detected by NASA's Curiosity rover. Organic compounds and salts on Mars could have formed by geologic processes or be remnants of ancient microbial life.
Besides adding more evidence to the idea that there once was organic matter on Mars, directly detecting organic salts would also support modern-day Martian habitability, given that on Earth, some organisms can use organic salts, such as oxalates and acetates, for energy.
ESA advances its plan for satellites around the Moon

A bold proposal to create a commercially viable constellation of lunar satellites has taken a step closer.
Lunch with the Moon

Lunar Eclipse Webcast 26 May 11:30 CEST start
First modernized SBIRS Missile Warning Satellite under Space Force control

NASA's S-MODE takes to the air and sea to study ocean eddies

Earth from Space: Los Cabos, Mexico

The Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission takes us over Los Cabos – a municipality on the southern tip of Mexico's Baja California Peninsula.
Vacancy: Director of Commercialisation, Industry & Procurement

The European Space Agency is currently looking for a new Director of Commercialisation, Industry & Procurement, to join its executive board and support the Director General, with responsibility for relevant ESA activities and overall objectives.
Metalysis–ESA Grand Challenge: team Malt wins first phase

Metalysis and ESA announce team Malt as winner of the first phase of the Grand Challenge to develop innovative techniques for future lunar settlements.