Berlin, Germany (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
In early 2024, the European Space Agency approved the launch of LISA, the first gravitational-wave observatory in space, set for 2034. Unlike ground-based detectors, LISA will observe a distinct part of the gravitational-wave spectrum, revealing new types of signals. This advancement presents significant challenges for scientists, who must now develop theoretical frameworks and data-analys

Blacksburg VA (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
Rain delays at a sporting event. Tornado damage to a rural town in the Great Plains. Icy roads during a morning work commute in the winter months. We've all experienced the impacts of inclement weather, but did you know weather conditions high in our atmosphere also can affect our everyday lives? "While space weather can spark the beautiful auroras across our skies, it also has the potenti

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
Chinese scientists have recently developed a novel technique to extract water from lunar soil, a breakthrough that could play a critical role in the future establishment of permanent human settlements on the moon. While some media outlets have sensationalized the discovery, the research itself is a significant step forward in the quest for sustainable lunar habitation. Over the course of t

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
NASA has committed funding to 11 new research projects aimed at improving the health and performance of astronauts during long-duration space missions. These studies will be conducted on Earth and do not require direct data or samples from astronauts in space. The research will explore various physiological and psychological responses to the unique challenges of space travel, including tea

Greenbelt MD (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
The solar array sun shield for NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope has successfully passed a series of crucial tests, ensuring that the assembly remains on track for timely completion. These solar panels are essential for powering and shading the observatory, enabling mission-critical observations while maintaining optimal instrument temperatures. The Roman team has developed two sets

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 26, 2024
Scientists have been exploring the potential of injecting sulfur dioxide into the stratosphere as a method to reflect solar heat and mitigate the effects of global warming. However, there is a growing need to ensure that these solar geoengineering strategies are assessed not only for their cooling potential but also for their technical viability and possible ecological and societal impacts.

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
Scientists have introduced a new technique to measure forest heights using advanced satellite technology, reducing the reliance on traditional, labor-intensive fieldwork. A recent study, published on July 29 in the 'Journal of Remote Sensing', involved an international team of researchers who used high-resolution satellite imagery from China's GF-7 satellite and historical images from Google Ear

London, UK (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
Space Intelligence, a leader in high-precision nature mapping using satellite data, has announced the successful completion of its Series A funding round. The investment was led by new backers, AzurX Space Ventures (ASV), with participation from Intercontinental Exchange, Inc. (NYSE: ICE). The newly secured funds will be directed towards expanding Space Intelligence's global database of fo

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
To prepare self-flying aircraft for safe operation, understanding and reacting to environmental challenges is crucial. NASA aeronautics researchers have created a new camera pod equipped with sensors designed to improve computer vision systems for autonomous aviation. The device, named the Airborne Instrumentation for Real-world Video of Urban Environments (AIRVUE), was developed at NASA's

Columbus OH (SPX) Aug 27, 2024
Ancient viruses preserved in glacial ice hold valuable information about changes in Earth's climate, a new study suggests. For decades, the Guliya Glacier, located above 6000 metres in the far northwestern Tibetan Plateau, has been one of the richest archives available to scientists to investigate large-scale paleoclimate shifts. Now, by analyzing recovered