Paris, France (SPX) Feb 02, 2024
In an innovative step towards advancing space technology, the European Space Agency's (ESA) ORBIT laboratory at the ESTEC technical center in the Netherlands has become the stage for a unique experiment. Jules Noirant, an ESA engineer, recently conducted a noteworthy test involving a satellite simulator platform that floats on a cushion of air, showcasing the lab's capabilities in simulating the

Paris (ESA) Feb 02, 2024
Dedicated to delivering a wealth of new information on exactly how clouds and aerosols affect Earth's climate, ESA's EarthCARE satellite has had the chance to show off prior to engineers embarking upon the careful task of packing it up for its journey to the launch site in the US. Carrying four different instruments, this remarkable satellite is the most complex of ESA's Earth Explorer mis

Munster, Germany (SPX) Feb 05, 2024
The recent study conducted by Dr. Christian Vollmer and his team, in collaboration with British colleagues, marks a significant advancement in the field of astrobiology and planetary science. By examining the Winchcombe meteorite, a rare and quickly collected celestial visitor, they have achieved a groundbreaking feat in demonstrating the presence of key nitrogen compounds, including amino acids

Throughout its 16-year working life, the second European Remote Sensing satellite, ERS-2, returned a wealth of information that revolutionised our perspective of our planet and understanding of climate change. As well as leaving a remarkable legacy of data that still continue to advance science, this outstanding mission set the stage for many of today’s satellites and ESA’s position at the forefront of Earth observation.

In 2011, ESA retired ERS-2 and began the process of deorbiting – and now it’s time for this pioneering satellite to reenter the atmosphere naturally and start to burn up.

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Feb 05, 2024
BlackStar Orbital Technologies Corporation has announced plans to establish a cutting-edge engineering and manufacturing facility in Sierra Vista, Arizona. This strategic development is set to significantly enhance the company's production capabilities, particularly for its innovative BlackStar Spacecraft-a hybrid design blending the functionalities of satellites with the versatility of spacepla

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 05, 2024
With China's ambitious strides in space exploration, the upcoming launch of two experimental satellites, Tiandu 1 and Tiandu 2, marks a significant step forward in the country's lunar exploration and technological advancements in communication and navigation. These satellites are scheduled for launch in the first half of the year, alongside Queqiao 2, or Magpie Bridge 2, a relay satellite integr

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 05, 2024
China's Xichang Satellite Launch Center, located in the southwestern province of Sichuan, marked a significant milestone on Saturday by successfully completing its 200th launch mission. This achievement cements the Xichang space launch site's position as the fastest of China's inland launch sites to reach this number of missions. The landmark 200th mission was carried out at 7:37 am (Beiji

Mumbai, India (SPX) Feb 05, 2024
The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research's GRAPES-3 experiment, based in Ooty, India, has made a pivotal discovery in the field of cosmic ray physics. Researchers have identified a new characteristic in the cosmic-ray proton spectrum at an energy level of around 166 tera-electron-volt (TeV), a finding that spans a measurement range from 50 TeV to just over one peta-electron-volt (PeV). This ob

Deception Island, Antarctica (AFP) Feb 2, 2024
On Deception Island in Antarctica, steam rises from the beaches, and glaciers dot the black slopes of what is actually an active volcano - a rare clash of ice and fire that provides clues to scientists about what life could look like on Mars. The horseshoe-shaped isle in the South Shetland Islands is the only place in the world where ships can sail into the caldera of an active volcano.

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Feb 05, 2024
China is poised to take another significant step in its ambitious lunar exploration endeavors with the scheduled launch of the Queqiao 2 relay satellite in the first half of 2024. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) recently announced that the satellite has been transported to the Wenchang Spacecraft Launch Site in Hainan province, signaling the approach of a mission that will enhance