Op-Ed | To shore up U.S. space dominance, Biden administration must boost Japan-U.S. alliance
Thursday, 28 October 2021 14:01
Recent reports that China has tested a space-based, nuclear-capable hypersonic missile underscore the need for the Biden administration to take a number of steps to strengthen a Japan-U.S. alliance.
Image: Lunar lander in Dubai
Thursday, 28 October 2021 13:03
This mockup of ESA's European Lunar Logistics Lander (EL3) is currently on display at the International Astronautical Congress in Dubai.
The versatile EL3 will be used to land cargo on the lunar surface in support of crewed expeditions as well as to host science payloads, potentially enabling sample returns as well.
This EL3 Landing and Descent Element mockup was created for ESA by startup Spartan Space in France. In practice this segment will be attached to a payload-hauling Cargo Platform Element, the subject of a study by ESA's Concurrent Design Facility (CDF).
CASIS and Estée Lauder seek microgravity research on plastic alternatives
Thursday, 28 October 2021 13:01
The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space (CASIS) announced plans Oct. 28 to work with multinational corporation Estée Lauder to solicit microgravity projects aimed at reducing plastics waste.
A call for a methodical approach to identifying life beyond Earth
Thursday, 28 October 2021 12:17
A team of space scientists at NASA has published a Perspective piece in the journal Nature calling for the establishment of a methodical approach to identifying life beyond Earth. In their paper, the group suggests the space science community begin using a "confidence of life detection" (CoLD) scale, similar in some respects to others used in the science community, such as the TRL scale NASA uses to chart the readiness of new technology to be used on missions.
Noting that science, technology and space exploration efforts have led humanity to the point that it might be possible to find evidence of life on Mars or elsewhere—and further noting that in the past, discoveries surrounding the possibility of life in other places, most often on Mars, has led to widespread speculation and often criticism of those reporting the evidence—the authors suggest a new approach may be needed. They suggest the adoption of the CoLD scale and outline its seven levels.
The first level would be assigned if detection of a biosignature suggested life might have been found. That would kick off the second level, which would involve ruling out other factors such as contamination.
NASA to Host Briefing on Webb Telescope Engineering, Deployments
Thursday, 28 October 2021 12:14
JWST launch preparations on track
Thursday, 28 October 2021 08:47
The success of the most recent Ariane 5 launch has allowed preparations for the launch of NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope to move into the home stretch, officials said Oct. 27.
Towards the detection of the nanohertz gravitational-wave background
Thursday, 28 October 2021 07:53
Researchers find standing waves at edge of earth's magnetic bubble
Thursday, 28 October 2021 07:53
Some of the world's oldest rubies linked to early life
Thursday, 28 October 2021 07:53
NASA, FEMA to host Alliance For Climate Action series in October
Thursday, 28 October 2021 07:53
Increased aurora activity herald a new solar cycle
Thursday, 28 October 2021 07:53
Kuaizhou lifts off successfully, places satellite in orbit
Thursday, 28 October 2021 03:03
Ingenuity Mars Helicopter Flight 14 Successful
Thursday, 28 October 2021 03:03
Russia will fly four tourists into space in 2024
Thursday, 28 October 2021 03:03