Copernical Team
Lunar exploration ground sites will enhance the Near Space Network's communications services
NASA's LEGS can do more than help Earthlings move about the planet. Three Lunar Exploration Ground Sites, or LEGS, will enhance the Near Space Network's communications services and support of NASA's Artemis campaign.
NASA's Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program maintains the agency's two primary communications networks—the Deep Space Network and the Near Space Network, which enable satellites in space to send data back to Earth for investigation and discovery.
Using antennas around the globe, these networks capture signals from satellites, collecting data and enabling navigation engineers to track the mission. For the first Artemis mission, these networks worked in tandem to support the mission as it completed its 25-day journey around the moon.
NASA's massive moon booster arrives at Kennedy Space Center
It's still covered up in what looks like the world's largest PEZ dispenser, but the core stage booster for NASA's Space Launch System rocket for the Artemis II moon mission arrived by barge to Florida on Tuesday.
The 212-foot-long tank still sits hidden within NASA's Pegasus barge with its ridged, football-field-length silver dome protecting the Boeing-built hardware that cost more than $1 billion to manufacture. The barge is docked at KSC's Turn Basin after completing the 900-mile trip from NASA's Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans. Plans are to haul the stage over to the neighboring Vehicle Assembly Building on Wednesday.
It still has months of checkouts ahead while lying on its side before it will go vertical to be stacked alongside the two solid rocket boosters from Northrop Grumman that remain stored in segments at the nearby Rotation, Processing and Surge Facility. Stacking won't begin until at least September, said Artemis II Mission Manager Matthew Ramsey.
"It takes six to eight weeks to fully stack the booster segments, and the core stage will go after that," he said.
Moon dust could contaminate lunar explorers' water supply
Water purification is a big business on Earth. Companies offer everything from desalination to providing just the right pH level for drinking water. But on the moon, there won't be a similar technical infrastructure to support the astronauts attempting to make a permanent base there. And there's one particular material that will make water purification even harder—moon dust.
We've reported plenty of times about the health problems caused by the lunar regolith, so it seems apparent that you don't want to drink it. Even more so, the abrasive dust can cause issues with seals, such as those used in electrolyzers to create rocket fuel out of in-situ water resources. It can even adversely affect water purification equipment itself.
Unfortunately, this contamination is inevitable. Lunar dust is far too adhesive and electrostatically charged to be kept completely separate from the machinery that would recycle or purify the water.
Planet Secures Major Deal for SkySat Data with Allied Government Agency
Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL), a prominent provider of Earth observation data, announced a substantial contract extension with a US-allied international government agency to supply high-resolution satellite imagery from its SkySat fleet.
"Global customer demand for high resolution satellite data continues to grow, fueled by heightened security needs and increased climate disaster risk," said Space-Based Production Enhances Monoclonal Antibody Crystallization
Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) have become a critical component of cancer therapy, thanks to their precision in targeting tumor cells while preserving healthy cells. These biologics are known for their effectiveness and reduced side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy. Traditionally administered intravenously (IV) in clinical settings, mAbs require repeated treatments over time, which can Shenzhou XVIII Crew Conducts Emergency Drill on Tiangong Space Station
Astronauts aboard China's Tiangong space station, part of the Shenzhou XVIII mission, have completed numerous tasks, including an emergency response drill, as reported by China Central Television (CCTV).
According to the State broadcaster, following their second spacewalk on July 3, the mission's commander, Senior Colonel Ye Guangfu, along with crew members Lieutenant Colonel Li Guangsu an oneNav's Advanced L5 Technology Mitigates GPS Jamming in Israel
oneNav, a GPS technology developer, has announced successful real-world tests demonstrating the robustness of its unique technology against extensive GPS interference.
Conducted in and around Haifa, Israel, these tests evaluated the performance of GPS receivers in leading smartphone and smartwatch brands. This study is notable as it is the first conducted in an active conflict zone. Tiny Robots Navigate Using Ant-Inspired Techniques
Have you ever wondered how insects manage to travel far from their homes and still find their way back? This intriguing question not only fascinates biologists but also aids in the development of AI for tiny, autonomous robots. Researchers at TU Delft have drawn inspiration from how ants visually recognize their surroundings and count their steps to create a similar autonomous navigation strateg New Age for Earth's Largest Iron Deposits Discovered by Curtin University
Research from Curtin University has revealed that the massive iron ore deposits in the Hamersley Province of Western Australia are approximately one billion years younger than previously estimated. This finding could significantly enhance future exploration efforts for this critical resource.
Using an advanced geochronology method to accurately determine the age of iron oxide minerals, res BAE Systems and Stellar Blu Complete Certification for In-Flight Connectivity Antenna
BAE Systems' (LON: BA) partner Stellar Blu Solutions has successfully completed the qualification and received supplemental type certification for the multi-orbit Sidewinder aero terminal. This terminal utilizes BAE Systems' Ku-band electronically scanned antenna (ESA) and is now ready for mass production and installation to enhance in-flight connectivity (IFC) on commercial aircraft, business j