Copernical Team
Webb Spots Closest Super-Jupiter Paving Way for New Exoplanet Research
"We were excited when we realised we had imaged this new planet," said Elisabeth Matthews, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany. She is the main author of the underlying research article published in the journal Nature. "To our surprise, the bright spot that appeared in our MIRI images did not match the position we were expecting for the planet," Matthews Producing oxygen from rock is harder in lower gravity, modeling study shows
One of the challenges engineers face when developing technologies for use in space is that of different gravities. Mostly, engineers only have access to test beds that reflect either Earth's normal gravity or, if they're fortunate, the microgravity of the ISS. Designing and testing systems for the reduced, but not negligible, gravity on the moon and Mars is much more difficult. But for some systems, it is essential.
One such system is electrolysis, the process by which explorers will make oxygen for astronauts to breathe on a permanent moon or Mars base, as well as critical ingredients like hydrogen for rocket fuel. To help steer the development of systems that will work in those conditions, a team of researchers led by computational physicist Dr.
NASA streams first 4K video from aircraft to space station and back
A team at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station and back for the first time using optical (laser) communications. The feat was part of a series of tests on new technology that could provide live video coverage of astronauts on the moon during the Artemis missions.
Historically, NASA has relied on radio waves to send information to and from space. Laser communications use infrared light to transmit 10 to 100 times more data faster than radio frequency systems.
Working with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA's Small Business Innovation Research program, Glenn engineers temporarily installed a portable laser terminal on the belly of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
Satellite solutions for seamless in-flight internet
In today's connected world, staying online even when travelling at 9000 m is becoming increasingly important. ESA is working to advance in-flight connectivity through satellite technology, ensuring internet access in the air is as seamless as it is on the ground.
Webb images new, cold exoplanet 12 light-years away
An international team of astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have directly imaged an exoplanet roughly 12 light-years from Earth. While there were hints that the planet existed, it had not been confirmed until Webb imaged it. The planet is one of the coldest exoplanets observed to date.
Hera spacecraft trio to fly safe with inter-linked radio
ESA’s Hera mission for planetary defence involves not just one spacecraft but three: two shoebox-sized CubeSats will fly up to a few dozen kilometres away from their mothership around the Didymos binary asteroid system. Keeping this trio in communication to fulfil their own mission needs while also ensuring their safe separation is the task of a novel inter-satellite link radio technology, produced by a Portuguese company best known for terrestrial drone systems.
YPSat witnesses ISTSat-1 & 3Cat-4 CubeSats deployment from Ariane 6
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Video returned from the ESA Young Professionals Satellite payload, YPSat, attached to the upper stage of the inaugural Ariane 6 rocket, launched on 9 July 2024. This clip shows two cubesats deployment into orbit from the Exolaunch dispenser: The first CubeSat is ISTSat-1 and the second is 3Cat-4, both supported by ESA Education initiatives. The video has been enhanced to highlight these events, that were part of the key mission objectives for YPSat. The YPSat project represents the culmination of about two and a half years of dedication and hard work core team of about 30 Young
Gilat secures over $9M in contracts for satellite communications solutions
Gilat Satellite Networks Ltd. (NASDAQ, TASE: GILT), a global leader in satellite networking technology, solutions, and services, announced that the company has received over $9 million in cumulative orders from various satellite operators. These orders aim to enhance global SATCOM networks using Gilat's advanced and proven solutions.
Gilat's technology will support a variety of services an UK Space Agency selects finalists for Lunar Water Purification technologies
Ten teams of engineers and scientists have been chosen as finalists in the Aqualunar Challenge, aimed at developing technologies to provide sustainable water supplies for a permanent Moon base.
The Aqualunar Challenge is part of a Pounds 1.2m prize funded by the UK Space Agency's International Bilateral Fund and managed by Challenge Works. In collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency (C