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A key moment in space science unfolded Tuesday as six cutting-edge experiments launched aboard SubOrbital Express-4 from SSC's Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden. The rocket, carrying international contributions from six countries, achieved six minutes of microgravity, advancing research in medicine, green energy, and cosmic origins.
SubOrbital Express-4 reached an altitude of 256 kil by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 27, 2024
A key moment in space science unfolded Tuesday as six cutting-edge experiments launched aboard SubOrbital Express-4 from SSC's Esrange Space Center in northern Sweden. The rocket, carrying international contributions from six countries, achieved six minutes of microgravity, advancing research in medicine, green energy, and cosmic origins.
SubOrbital Express-4 reached an altitude of 256 kilometers after its 6 AM local time launch, providing a platform for experiments from the United States, Japan, Germany, the Netherlands, Finland, and Sweden. After a highly anticipated two-year preparation, scientists observed their projects fly into the Arctic skies, setting the stage for impactful discoveries.
The payload, already recovered via helicopter, included research on the immune system, innovative solar cell development, and the growth of cosmic dust particles. Charlotta Sund, CEO of SSC, remarked, "Our sounding rocket program SubOrbital Express provides scientists and commercial entities with efficient access to microgravity conditions. The insights from these experiments hold tremendous promise for scientific advancement."
Daniel Neuenschwander, ESA's Director of Human and Robotic Exploration, also expressed enthusiasm: "ESA is supporting three experiments on this mission, spanning biological and physical sciences. Esrange's role as a test range signifies substantial potential for exploration activities, and I look forward to strengthening this cooperation."
The six onboard experiments were:
- MicACTin: Studying microgravity's impact on the human immune system.
- LiFiCo: Exploring advanced solar cell technologies for sustainable energy.
- DUST-II: Investigating the formation and growth of cosmic dust grains.
- JACKS: Researching granular gas behavior in microgravity conditions.
- BFS: Examining the effects of altered gravity on bladderwrack biological processes.
- TATTS: Capturing microgravity behavior of water through video analysis.
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