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Study brings scientists a step closer to successfully growing plants in space
Research led by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign uses polymer-based stretchable electrodes to remotely monitor plant growth, bringing scientists a step closer to growing plants in space to feed astronauts during long missions. Credit: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center

New, highly stretchable sensors can monitor and transmit plant growth information without human intervention, report University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers in the journal Device.

The polymer sensors are resilient to humidity and temperature, can stretch over 400% while remaining attached to a plant as it grows and send a wireless signal to a remote monitoring location, said chemical and biomolecular engineering professor Ying Diao, who led the study with plant biology professor and department head Andrew Leakey.

Commercial rocket trying to put a satellite into orbit explodes moments after liftoff in Japan
Space One's Kairos rocket explodes after liftoff from a launch pad in Kushimoto, Wakayama prefecture, western Japan, Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Credit: Kyodo News via AP

A commercial rocket trying to put a satellite into orbit was intentionally exploded shortly after liftoff Wednesday morning in central Japan following a problem that's still under investigation.

Space One was aiming to be Japan's first private sector success at putting a satellite into orbit.

Online video showed the Kairos blasting off in a mountainous area filled with trees then exploding five seconds later. A huge plume of smoke engulfed the area, and flames shot up in some spots. Spurts of water were shown trying to put out the blaze.

Live footage on public broadcaster NHK showed debris scattering from the sky and later charred pieces were shown strewn about on the ground.

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Mar 12, 2024
Throughout the annals of history, alcohol has not only been a staple of human civilization but also a significant cultural and social element that has accompanied many of humanity's most monumental moments. As our gaze turns skyward and our ambitions reach for the stars, the intriguing question emerges: How will alcohol fit into the future of space exploration and settlement? "Alcohol in Space" by Chris Carberry.
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 12, 2024
Aireon is at the forefront of aviation innovation with the establishment of the Aireon Space-Based VHF Coalition, a collaborative initiative aimed at developing space-based VHF voice and data communication services for the aviation sector. This marks a significant leap towards enhancing global air traffic safety and efficiency. The coalition sees the partnership of industry giants includin
Washington DC (UPI) Mar 12, 2024
SpaceX on Sunday launched a total of 46 Starlink satellites into orbit in back-to-back launches in Florida and California. Against the backdrop of broken clouds and Florida swampland at dusk, SpaceX launched 23 Starlink satellites into low-Earth orbit from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, the latest in a series of Falcon 9 launches. The engines roared to life and sent the rocket off the
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 12, 2024
Exolaunch, a global leader in launch mission management and satellite deployment services, announced the successful deployment of 28 customer satellites during the SpaceX Transporter-10 Rideshare mission. The mission, executed on March 4, 2024, at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, marks another significant achievement for Exolaunch in supporting the commercial space sector and the small
San Francisco CA (SPX) Mar 11, 2024
Within the next few decades, NASA aims to land humans on the Moon, set up a lunar colony and use the lessons learned to send people to Mars as part of its Artemis program. While researchers know that space travel can stress space crew members both physically and mentally and test their ability to work together in close quarters, missions to Mars will amplify these challenges. Mars is far away -
London, UK (SPX) Mar 08, 2024
Ursa Space Systems Inc., a leader in satellite insights, has partnered with MAIAR, a UK small business specializing in the Defence Intelligence arena, to enhance geospatial and open source analytics for NATO, with specific focus on benefitting operational users in the United Kingdom. This collaboration leverages MAIAR's deep understanding of mission intricacies and Ursa's cutting-edge anal
Los Angeles CA (SPX) Mar 08, 2024
Planet Labs PBC (NYSE: PL) this week unveiled its latest innovation, Field Boundaries, as part of its advanced Planetary Variables data feed series, and marking a significant advancement in agricultural data and insights. Field Boundaries aims to revolutionize the infrastructure for agricultural solutions by offering unparalleled precision in regional crop monitoring and yield predictions
Zero-boil-off tank experiments to enable long-duration space exploration
The Gateway space station—humanity's first space station around the Moon—will be capable of being refueled in space. Credit: NASA

Do we have enough fuel to get to our destination? This is probably one of the first questions that comes to mind whenever your family gets ready to embark on a road trip. If the trip is long, you will need to visit gas stations along your route to refuel during your travel.

NASA is grappling with similar issues as it gets ready to embark on a sustainable mission back to the moon and plans future missions to Mars. But while your car's fuel is gasoline, which can be safely and indefinitely stored as a liquid in the car's gas tank, spacecraft fuels are volatile cryogenic liquid propellants that must be maintained at extremely low temperatures and guarded from environmental heat leaks into the spacecraft's propellant tank.

And while there is already an established network of commercial in place to make refueling your car a cinch, there are no cryogenic refueling stations or depots at the moon or on the way to Mars.

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