Evan Leppink: Seeking a way to better stabilize the fusion environment
Friday, 17 June 2022 11:45
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"Fusion energy was always one of those kind-of sci-fi technologies that you read about," says nuclear science and engineering PhD candidate Evan Leppink. He's recalling the time before fusion became a part of his daily hands-on experience at MIT's Plasma Science and Fusion Center, where he is studying a unique way to drive current in a tokamak plasma using radiofrequency (RF) waves.
Now, a Astronomers renew concerns about Starlink satellite brightness
Friday, 17 June 2022 10:56 Write a comment
As SpaceX gears up for another launch of Starlink satellites, astronomers are concerned the company maybe backsliding in its efforts to reduce the brightness of those satellites.
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Earth from Space: Glacier Bay, Alaska
Friday, 17 June 2022 07:00 Write a comment
Part of the Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve, which lies along the coast of southeast Alaska, is featured in this image captured by the Copernicus Sentinel-2 mission.
Astronomers want “strong finish” for SOFIA
Friday, 17 June 2022 05:57 Write a comment
The organization that operates an airborne astronomical observatory that NASA is shutting down this year wants to end the project on a high note.
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House Armed Services chairman calls on Space Force to change how it buys launch services
Friday, 17 June 2022 00:50 Write a comment
House Armed Services Committee Chairman Adam Smith (D-Wash.) in a draft version of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act pushes for changes in military launch services procurement.
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NASA completes critical testing milestone for NOAA's JPSS-2 satellite
Thursday, 16 June 2022 20:01 Write a comment
The Joint Polar Satellite System-2 satellite, or JPSS-2, has cleared a critical testing milestone, bringing it a step closer to launch. Last week, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's polar-orbiting satellite emerged from the chamber after completing its thermal vacuum testing. This test is meant to show that the spacecraft and all of its instruments will perform successfully when exposed to the harsh environments of space.
"I can absolutely say with 100% certainty that the observatory is working great," said JPSS Flight Project Manager Andre Dress at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. "All the instruments are performing great, and we're going to meet all our requirements—and then some."
JPSS-2, the third satellite in the Joint Polar Satellite System series, will provide data that improves weather forecasts and advance our understanding of extreme weather and climate change.
NASA assigns two astronauts to Starliner test flight
Thursday, 16 June 2022 18:49 Write a comment
NASA has assigned two veteran astronauts to the first crewed flight of Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner spacecraft in the latest reshuffling of personnel assigned to the long-delayed mission.
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Senate Armed Services Committee proposes DoD funding boost for 2023
Thursday, 16 June 2022 18:37 Write a comment
The Senate Armed Services Committee on June 16 voted 23-3 to advance its version of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
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Senate Armed Services Committee proposes $45 billion funding boost for DoD
Thursday, 16 June 2022 18:37 Write a comment
The Senate Armed Services Committee on June 16 voted 23-3 to advance its version of the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act.
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Quadsat gets ESA funding for ready-to-fly antenna testing kits
Thursday, 16 June 2022 15:37 Write a comment
Danish startup Quadsat said June 16 it has secured European Space Agency funding to productize the drones it uses to calibrate and test satellite antennas.
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An In-Orbit Game of Cat and Mouse: Close approaches prompt calls for communications and norms
Thursday, 16 June 2022 14:40 Write a comment
Close approaches between U.S., Chinese, and Russian satellites are prompting calls for norms and better communications.
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Euroconsult anticipates growing demand for last-mile logistics
Thursday, 16 June 2022 13:58 Write a comment
Euroconsult forecasts 120 orbital transport vehicles to be in operation by 2031, according to the consulting firm’s latest Space Logistics Markets report.
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Foust Forward | This time is different. Maybe.
Thursday, 16 June 2022 13:22 Write a comment
Attending the International Space Development Conference, the annual conference of the National Space Society, can feel like stepping back in time.
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Mars as a base for asteroid exploration and mining
Thursday, 16 June 2022 13:14 Write a comment
Mining the asteroids for resources like iron, precious metals, water, or other valuable species may someday become profitable. Mining will probably starting with near Earth objects (NEOs), asteroids whose paths cross the Earth's orbital path.
Firefly co-founder Markusic to step down as CEO
Thursday, 16 June 2022 10:28 Write a comment
Firefly Aerospace announced June 15 that Tom Markusic, co-founder of the launch vehicle and spacecraft developer, will step down as its chief executive but remain with the company as it prepares for its second launch.