Near-Earth Microquasar found to emit powerful gamma radiation
Monday, 21 October 2024 11:27
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Oct 18, 2024
For decades, astronomers have focused on distant galaxies as the source of high-energy electromagnetic radiation. However, new observations from the HAWC observatory have revealed that microquasars - compact binary systems within our own galaxy - are also capable of producing gamma photons with extremely high energies.
Researchers from the High-Altitude Water Cherenkov Gamma-Ray Observator

VAST sets new standard for testing future space communication frequencies
Monday, 21 October 2024 11:27
Paris, France (SPX) Oct 18, 2024
A new advanced hardware system known as the Sub-Millimetre Wave Validation Standard Antenna, or VAST, will serve as a critical test target for Europe's satellite antenna test facilities. Though not designed for space missions directly, VAST is engineered to validate the measurement of complex radio frequencies used in future space operations.
"The VAST is a well-characterised, mechanically

NASA Pilots Add Perspective to Research
Monday, 21 October 2024 11:27
Edwards AFB CA (SPX) Oct 17, 2024
NASA research pilots are experts on how to achieve the right flight-test conditions for experiments and the tools needed for successful missions. It is that expertise that enables pilots to help researchers learn how an aircraft can fly their technology innovations and save time and money, while increasing the innovation's readiness for use.
NASA pilots detailed how they help researchers f

Future of Copernicus Sentinel Expansion missions secured
Monday, 21 October 2024 11:27
Milan, Italy (SPX) Oct 21, 2024
The Copernicus Sentinel Expansion Missions are poised to significantly advance Europe's Earth observation capabilities, following the confirmation of funding for the development of all six missions. This progress is largely attributed to the United Kingdom's recent decision to rejoin the European Union's Copernicus programme, ensuring the completion of these important missions. The announcement

The evolution of the Space Force in an increasingly commercial space age
Monday, 21 October 2024 11:00

US Space Force awards SpaceX over $733M for national security launch services
Sunday, 20 October 2024 20:40
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 21, 2024
The US Space Force's Space Systems Command (SSC) has awarded SpaceX two National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 3 Lane 1 Launch Service Task Orders (LSTOs), totaling $733,566,001. These task orders are the first under an Indefinite Delivery Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract awarded in June 2024 and include one task order for seven Space Development Agency (SDA) launches and another for a N

Shrouded axions may surround neutron stars
Sunday, 20 October 2024 20:40
Berlin, Germany (SPX) Oct 21, 2024
Physicists from the universities of Amsterdam, Princeton, and Oxford have uncovered evidence that extremely light particles, known as axions, may form large clouds around neutron stars. These particles could help explain dark matter, one of the greatest mysteries in physics, and might even be detectable with current technology.
The new research, published in 'Physical Review X', builds on

SpaceX launches 20 spare satellites for rival OneWeb LEO constellation
Sunday, 20 October 2024 18:04

Latest Starship flight prompts praise and worries at IAC
Saturday, 19 October 2024 21:19

Potential microbial habitats in Martian ice
Friday, 18 October 2024 20:36
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 18, 2024
Martian ice deposits may hold conditions suitable for photosynthetic life, according to a recent study published in 'Communications Earth and Environment'. The research suggests that regions of exposed ice in the mid-latitudes of Mars could offer a protective environment for microbial life, shielding it from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation while still allowing enough light for photosynthesis

Researchers date Moon's oldest impact basin, revealing ancient lunar history
Friday, 18 October 2024 20:36
London, UK (SPX) Oct 18, 2024
Scientists believe they could have pinpointed the age of the Moon's largest and oldest impact basin to over 4.32 billion years ago.
Like Earth, the Moon has been struck by numerous asteroids and comets, creating craters and basins. However, determining the exact timing of these impacts, especially the age of the Moon's oldest and largest basin, has been challenging - until now.
A tea

Richard Branson to co-pilot first crewed flight for Space Perspective
Friday, 18 October 2024 20:36
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Oct 18, 2024
Space Perspective, the world's first stratospheric balloon flight experience company, has announced that Sir Richard Branson will serve as co-pilot on its first crewed flight. Branson, known for his record-breaking Atlantic and Pacific Ocean balloon crossings, will bring his extensive experience to the organization for this milestone mission.
In September, Space Perspective successfully co
