Copernical Team
Solar Orbiter prepared for 'worst-case scenario'
Write a comment
The ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter is approaching the closest point to the sun in its current orbit. It is an important time for the mission's science activities, and the mission control team at ESA is constantly preparing for any possible problems the spacecraft might face as it swoops past our active and unpredictable star.
Mission control to Solar Orbiter. Come in Solar Orbiter...
"It's our worst-case scenario," says flight controller Daniel Lakey. "If Solar Orbiter were to experience some major issue on board, and then we were unable to reestablish communications."
Solar Orbiter's close approach to the sun ("perihelion") is a period of peak scientific activity.
It requires flight control teams and flight dynamics experts at ESA's ESOC mission control center to carry out a series of highly complex operations.
If something goes wrong during these activities, the spacecraft could auto-reset itself into "safe mode."
In safe mode, the spacecraft's software restarts and only its most basic functions are reactivated. Teams on Earth then work out what triggered the safe mode, solve the issue, and restart more advanced systems like scientific instruments.
Ariane 6 launches: NASA’s radio detective CURIE
Write a comment
Europe’s newest rocket soon launches, taking with it many space missions each with a unique objective, destination and team at home, cheering them on. Whether launching new satellites to look back and study Earth, peer out to deep space or test important new technologies in orbit, Ariane 6’s first flight will showcase the versatility and flexibility of this impressive, heavy-lift launcher.
Unboxing Ariane 6 ballast and adapter
Write a comment
Video:
00:01:24
Scenes from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana during the unloading of the launch vehicle adapter and ballast at the final assembly building for the first Ariane 6 flight on 19 January 2024.
Placed on the top of Europe’s new rocket the launch vehicle adapter connects the launcher to the ballast and passengers for its first flight. The payloads will arrive later this year and prepared at the payload preparation facilities to prepare the cargo for launch and connecting everything to this payload adapter.
Once complete the payload is put under the protective nose cone. This fairing will ensure the
What to know about next week's total solar eclipse in the US, Mexico and Canada
Write a comment
North America is on the verge of another masking of the sun.
Monday's total solar eclipse will make landfall along Mexico's Pacific coast and cross into Texas and 14 other U.S. states, before exiting over Canada.
It will last almost twice as long, with an even wider audience, than the total solar eclipse that stretched coast-to-coast in the U.S. in 2017.
The moon will shroud the sun for up to 4 minutes, 28 seconds, a spectacle normally unfolding in remote corners of the globe but this time passing over major cities like Dallas, Indianapolis and Cleveland.
Ariane 6 Fairing Separation
Write a comment
Image:
Artist's view of the Ariane 6 rocket on it’s first flight as its fairing – a nose cone that splits into two vertically – showing its passengers at the top of the launcher. The view shows Ariane 6 already three minutes into launch after Ariane 6 will have jettisoned its two boosters after liftoff from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.
The passengers Ariane 6 will launch into space on its inaugural flight include several satellites, deployers and experiments from space agencies, companies, research institutes, universities and young professionals on its first flight.
From established players like NASA to students designing their first ever
Navigation Training Course now open for application
Write a comment
ESA Academy is calling on university students to apply for the Navigation Training Course to be held from 24 to 28 June 2024 at ESA Academy’s Training and Learning Facility in ESEC-Galaxia, Belgium. This Training Course is a collaboration between ESA Education and ESA’s Directorate of Navigation. Would you like to know more about the future of satellite navigation? Apply for our course today!
New podcast explores breakthrough ESA technology
Write a comment
In the first episode, published today Eike Kircher, Head of the ESA Technology Programmes Office, and Gianfranco Visentin, Head of Automation and Robotics, delve into the ambitious Star Tiger program, a project that's set to redefine space exploration and construction. Join us as we explore the insights from a panel of experts who are at the forefront of this technological marvel.
Solar Orbiter prepared for ‘worst-case scenario’
NASA Develops New Software to Optimize Freshwater Observation Missions
Write a comment
In an era where Earth's freshwater resources are increasingly under scrutiny, NASA has taken a significant step forward by developing a software tool designed to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of science missions aimed at observing terrestrial freshwater. Spearheaded by Bart Forman, an Associate Professor at the University of Maryland, in collaboration with the Stevens Institute of Tec Gogo's Galileo Service Nears Launch with Successful Global Connectivity Test
Write a comment
Gogo Business Aviation (NASDAQ: GOGO) recently reached a significant achievement in the development of its Gogo Galileo global broadband service by successfully completing end-to-end connectivity testing using the HDX antenna on the Eutelsat OneWeb Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite network, signaling a crucial step towards the service's commercial debut later this year.
This advancement foll