Image: With the festive season approaching, even Earth-observing satellites are getting into the spirit, capturing a stunning compilation of European cities that resemble stars.

In future missions to Mars, astronauts will need to maximise the use of all resources available on site to produce essential supplies like oxygen, water and fuel. A team from Spanish technological centre Tekniker and the University of Cantabria is developing a system that uses sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and wastewater into methane, which can be used as fuel.

Beijing, China (SPX) Dec 20, 2024
The first-ever samples retrieved from the moon's far side, an iconic feat achieved by China's most recent lunar expedition, Chang'e 6, were on display at the 15th China International Aviation and Aerospace Exhibition, which took place in Zhuhai, Guangdong province, from Nov 12 to 17. This was the first time the valuable lunar substances had been shown to the public since they were brought

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Dec 20, 2024
Massive volcanic eruptions in India, once theorized as a potential cause of dinosaur extinction, likely played a minimal role in their demise, according to new research by climate scientists at Utrecht University and the University of Manchester. Their findings suggest that while these eruptions caused a temporary cooling period, their climatic effects had dissipated thousands of years before th

Berlin, Germany (SPX) Dec 20, 2024
How does Earth produce its magnetic field? While the general mechanism of the geodynamo effect is understood, critical details remain unresolved. A collaboration of scientists from the Center for Advanced Systems Understanding (CASUS) at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Sandia National Laboratories, and the French Alternative Energies and Atomic Energy Commission (CEA) has developed

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Dec 20, 2024
A recent investigation into Earth's northernmost hydrothermal system reveals a greater diversity of vent styles than previously known, offering critical insights into their origins and potential global impacts. The findings, detailed in the journal article "Ultramafic-influenced submarine venting on basaltic seafloor at the Polaris site, 87N, Gakkel Ridge," published in Earth and Planetary

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 20, 2024
Space Machines Company (SMC) has introduced Optimus Viper, a rapid-response spacecraft designed to protect critical space assets and deliver high-fidelity intelligence. This cutting-edge platform operates within 10 kilometers of target satellites, providing unprecedented insights and actionable intelligence for space infrastructure security. The launch of Optimus Viper marks a significant

Orlando, FL (SPX) Dec 18, 2024
Space component field command leadership came together to discuss successes and challenges and provide insights into their missions during a panel at the Spacepower Conference in Orlando. As adversaries like China and Russia continue to strengthen their space capabilities, the U.S. Space Force has emerged as an indispensable component of defense strategy, ensuring that space remains secure

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Dec 20, 2024
China successfully launched four Earth-observation radar satellites into space early Tuesday morning aboard a Long March 2D rocket, according to China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC). The launch took place at 2:50 am from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in Shanxi province, marking a significant step in China's expanding satellite network. The four satellites, named

Washington DC (UPI) Dec 19, 2024
Two Russian cosmonauts will perform a spacewalk outside the International Space Station to install an experiment package on one of the modules on Thursday morning. Alexey Ovchinin and Ivan Vagner will leave the confines of the ISS to attach the package designed to monitor celestial X-ray sources and new electrical connector patch panels on the station's Poisk module. Cosmonaut Al