Copernical Team
New feedback system can improve efficiency of fusion reactions
Scientists at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory (PPPL) have refined the use of magnetic fields to improve the performance of doughnut-shaped fusion facilities known as tokamaks. The improved technique protects internal parts from damage by instabilities called "edge-localized modes" (ELMs) and allows tokamaks to operate for longer without pausing. "O
Earth's magnetic poles not about to flip
The emergence of a mysterious area in the South Atlantic where the geomagnetic field strength is decreasing rapidly, has led to speculation that Earth is heading towards a magnetic polarity reversal. However, a new study that pieces together evidence stretching back 9,000 years, suggests that the current changes aren't unique, and that a reversal may not be in the cards after all. The study is p
Studying grassland from space
The Sentinel-2 space mission began with the launch of Earth observation satellite Sentinel-2A in June 2015, and Sentinel-2B was launched in March 2017. Since then, these two satellites have been orbiting in space at an altitude of nearly 800 kilometres and, as part of ESA's Copernicus programme, providing data for, e.g., climate protection and land monitoring. very three to five days, they
Isar Aerospace and EXOTRAIL partner on cloud-based simulation software ExoOPSTM
The launch service provider Isar Aerospace signs in as the latest ExoOPSTM - Mission Design customer, Exotrail's Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution dedicated to space mission simulation and analysis. Isar Aerospace, the leading European launch service provider focusing on small and medium satellite deployment, will use ExoOPSTM - Mission Design to answer the thriving demand for flexible
Unravelling the mysteries of clouds
Clouds and aerosols are still considered the great unknowns in understanding our climate. With the EarthCARE Earth observation satellite, Airbus has made the finishing touches to the crucial 'key' that will unlock the mysteries of clouds, helping make more accurate atmospheric models and climate forecasts. The 2.3-tonne satellite is now being transported from the Airbus site in Friedrichsh
ReOrbit and VENG signs agreement for satellite manufacturing
ReOrbit and VENG, an Argentinian-based company, signed an agreement to manufacture satellites in Argentina to serve the Latin America market. The directors of both organisations met at the Argentina Space Centre located in Cordoba Province, Argentina, to visit the VENG's AI&T facilities, discuss future collaborations and finally sign a Memorandum of Understanding. VENG, the main contractor
Airbus-built Earth observation satellite SARah-1 ready for launch
The Airbus-built "SARah-1" Earth observation satellite, under subcontract to OHB System AG, has been transported from Friedrichshafen, Germany, to Vandenberg, California, USA, and is currently being prepared for launch in June 2022 and subsequent operation by Airbus in space. SARah is a new operational reconnaissance system consisting of several satellites and a ground segment, which was d
SpaceX closer to launching giant rocketship after FAA review
SpaceX cleared a key hurdle Monday for its plan to launch a gigantic, futuristic rocketship into orbit from Texas.
The Federal Aviation Administration concluded an environmental review of Elon Musk's Starship base. The agency saw no significant environmental concerns, but is requiring more than 75 actions to reduce impacts to the region.
It's no guarantee a launch license will be issued since other factors such as safety and financial responsibility requirements still must be met at the Boca Chica site, according to the FAA.
After the latest news, SpaceX tweeted: "One step closer to the first orbital flight test of Starship."
At nearly 400 feet (120 meters), Starship is the most powerful rocket ever built and meant to carry people to the moon and Mars. NASA intends to use it for the space agency's lunar landing of astronauts, planned no earlier than 2025.
While SpaceX has launched Starship's bullet-shaped upper stage several miles (10 kilometers) into the air over the past year—resulting in some spectacular explosions—it's yet to fly it atop a Super Heavy booster.
Some residents had opposed Starship launches and landings, citing not only the noise and closed roads, but also wreckage raining down from failed flights.
Smartphone technology provides satellites with increased computing power
Reliable and powerful computers play a central role in spaceflight - for example, computer systems in satellites enable sophisticated Earth observation missions. The German Aerospace Center is developing a new computer architecture that will provide On-Board Computers (OBCs) with more power as well as enabling them to repair themselves. Distributed heterogeneous OBCs are being created in the Sca
Momentus First Demonstration Mission Update #3
Momentus Inc. (NASDAQ: MNTS) has provided its third Mission Update since the launch of its Vigoride-3 spacecraft on May 25. As we previously stated in earlier updates on the inaugural flight of the Vigoride orbital transfer vehicle, the spacecraft experienced anomalies after its launch on May 25. Since that time, we have continued work to address the anomalies and identify root causes. Of