Rock sampled by NASA's Perseverance embodies why rover came to Mars
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 15:53The 24th sample taken by the six-wheeled scientist offers new clues about Jezero Crater and the lake it may have once held.
Analysis by instruments aboard NASA's Perseverance Mars rover indicate that the latest rock core taken by the rover was awash in water for an extended period of time in the distant past, perhaps as part of an ancient Martian beach. Collected on March 11, the sample is the rover's 24th—a tally that includes 21 sample tubes filled with rock cores, two filled with regolith (broken rock and dust), and one with Martian atmosphere.
Is it safe to fly during the solar eclipse? Here's what experts have to say
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 15:20If you need to fly in the afternoon of April 8, you might want to grab a pair of solar eclipse glasses.
Airlines and government officials say it is safe to travel during the April 8 once-in-a-lifetime event. The Federal Aviation Administration is forecasting 47,137 flights to operate on April 8.
Health officials are warning eclipse viewers to wear protective eyewear, and that doesn't rule out travelers. The sun's intense brightness can damage eyes in seconds. It'll be damaged even quicker at more than 30,000 feet in the air, said Eric Christian, a senior research scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and an eclipse expert.
"The sun will be a little bit brighter, but you shouldn't ever look at it except during totality without either approved eclipse glasses or in the correct pinhole camera," Christian said. "Even the smallest little piece of the sun sticking out can actually damage your retina. Be very careful."
Experts say travelers flying along the path of totality, from Mexico into the northeastern United States and Canada, may experience a longer eclipse from the clouds based on how much closer they are to the sun.
Quectel expands IoT offerings with launch of 5G and GNSS Anhgnnas
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:46Quectel Wireless Solutions, a leader in the IoT industry, has announced the addition of new antennas to its product lineup, aimed at enhancing IoT device connectivity. Among the new releases are the YEMN016AA and YEMN017AA 5G 5-in-1 combination antennas, the YECN001J1A and YECT000WBA external 5G antennas, and the YEGB000Q1A and YEGN000Q1A active GNSS L1 and L5 antennas. Norbert Muhrer, Pre
NASA Selects Eight University Teams for 2024 CubeSat Development Program
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:46In a significant move to foster innovation and expertise in the small satellite sector, NASA, alongside the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force, has announced the selection of eight university teams for the 2024 Mission Concept Program. This summer program, spanning from May through August, is designed to refine small satellite project proposals from university teams, enhancing their chances of
Aerostar International expands reach with acquisition of Near Space Corporation
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:46A significant leap in Aerostar International LLC's quest for growth and innovation in the aerospace and defense industries was achieved with the recent acquisition of Near Space Corporation, a prominent player in high-altitude flight testing and aerospace engineering, based in Tillamook, Oregon. Founded in 1996, Near Space Corporation has distinguished itself through its contributions to c
C-LEO Initiative launches with big funding boost for Constellations
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:46In an ambitious move to strengthen its position in the global space sector, the UK Space Agency announced the launch of the Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO) programme, outlined in the recent Spring Budget. The Chancellor has earmarked up to GBP 160 million to bolster UK expertise over the next four years, with the programme's first funding call making GBP 60 million available today.
Expanding Horizons: Satcoms Innovation Group Introduces Four New Academic Affiliates
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:46The Satcoms Innovation Group (SIG) is broadening its academic landscape by incorporating Coleg Cambria, Institute of Physics, The Northern Space Consortium, and Space Wales into its network. SIG, an established entity in promoting satellite communications innovation for enhanced operational efficacy and reduced adverse impacts, seeks to nurture collaborations among industry stakeholders. T
AST SpaceMobile advances space-based cellular network with ASIC chip development
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:46In a significant stride towards realizing the world's first space-based cellular broadband network, AST SpaceMobile, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTS) has announced the initiation of the tape-out phase for its highly anticipated Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), developed in partnership with TSMC, the premier global semiconductor foundry. This initiative is part of the company's BlueBird Block 2
SwRI advances space sustainability with new in-space refueling craft
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:46Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) is embarking on a pioneering $25.5 million project under the Space Mobility and Logistics (SML) initiative, funded by the U.S. Space Force. This venture, in collaboration with Astroscale U.S. as the lead contractor, involves the construction, integration, and testing of a novel demonstration spacecraft dubbed the Astroscale Prototype Servicer for Refueling (AP
NASA collects 'space debris' that crashed into Florida man's home
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:46NASA said Tuesday it was analyzing an object that crashed from the sky into a Florida man's home - which could well be a piece of debris jettisoned from the International Space Station. Alejandro Otero of Naples, Florida, posted on X that the item "tore through the roof and went (through) 2 floors" of his house, almost striking his son, on the afternoon of March 8. He believes it was a
NASA sets stage for Extended Lunar Exploration with Artemis IV and Gateway Station
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:46In an ambitious expansion of lunar exploration, NASA's Artemis IV mission is working towards establishing the first human outpost in lunar orbit - the Gateway space station. This initiative, part of the broader Artemis campaign aimed at fostering long-term lunar exploration and serving as a springboard for Mars missions, follows the Artemis III mission's historic lunar south pole landing. Artemi
New names for the Gateway
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 14:30ESA gives new names to its key contributions to the lunar Gateway, which is set to become the first space station around the Moon.
Impulso Space inks deal with Relativity Space for comprehensive launch support
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 13:53Impulso.Space USA Corp. has clinched a key contract with Relativity Space Inc., marking a significant step in its journey as a premier provider of full-spectrum launch services. This agreement cements Impulso.Space's role in the aerospace domain, showcasing its dedication to delivering end-to-end global launch solutions tailored for satellite constellations that demand high responsiveness and co
Ariane 6's Maiden launch to deploy Radio Interferometry Experiment for NASA
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 13:53Europe is poised to launch its newest rocket, Ariane 6, marking a significant advancement in space mission versatility. This inaugural flight is set to carry a diverse array of missions, each with its distinct objective, ranging from Earth observation to deep space exploration and technological experimentation in orbit. Ariane 6 exemplifies the evolution of heavy-lift launchers, demonstrating un
Thales Alenia Space completes new version of Cygnus
Wednesday, 03 April 2024 13:53Since the inception of the Cygnus pressurized cargo modules (PCM) in the early 2000s, designed to transport supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), there has been significant evolution in their design and capacity. Initially capable of carrying 2,750 kg and providing a volume of 18 m3, the Cygnus spacecraft, consisting of a Service Module from Northrop Grumman and a PCM by Thales Alen