Copernical Team
Robotic 'superlimbs' could help moonwalkers recover from falls
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Need a moment of levity? Try watching videos of astronauts falling on the moon. NASA's outtakes of Apollo astronauts tripping and stumbling as they bounce in slow motion are delightfully relatable.
For MIT engineers, the lunar bloopers also highlight an opportunity to innovate.
New Director of CSC and Head of ECSAT
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Laurent Jaffart took up duty as Director of Connectivity and Secure Communications (D/CSC) and Head of ECSAT in Harwell, UK, on 15 May 2024.
Glitch on BepiColombo: work ongoing to restore spacecraft to full thrust
The eye of the crater
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The eye of the crater Ascent Solar Secures Order for Thin-Film PV from Satellite Manufacturer
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Ascent Solar Technologies, (Nasdaq: ASTI), a U.S. innovator in the design and manufacture of flexible, durable CIGS thin-film photovoltaic (PV) solutions, has received an order from a mega-constellation satellite manufacturer for initial delivery of PV modules for evaluation. The Ascent product will be evaluated for use in the manufacturer's next-generation hardware.
Following delivery and How 'Glowing' Plants Could Help Scientists Predict Flash Drought
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An unusual boost in plant productivity can foreshadow severe soil water loss. NASA satellites are following the clues.
Flaring up rapidly and with little warning, the drought that gripped much of the United States in the summer of 2012 was one of the most extensive the country had seen since the yearslong Dust Bowl of the 1930s. The "flash drought," stoked by extreme heat that baked the mo Understanding Earth's Atmosphere: A Detailed Overview
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The Earth's atmosphere is composed of layers of gas that protect the planet. Rei Ueyama, an atmospheric scientist at NASA Ames Research Center, discusses its functions and importance. The Atmospheric Science Branch focuses on atmospheric behavior. Ueyama's work involves processes in the upper troposphere and stratosphere, supporting NASA's airborne missions.
"The Earth's atmosphere allows SOHO’s view of the 11 May 2024 solar storm
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Over the weekend of 10–12 May 2024, Earth was struck by the largest solar storm in more than a decade. While many of us enjoyed colourful auroras lighting up Earth’s protective atmosphere, spacecraft had to endure being buffeted by incredibly strong solar winds and electromagnetic radiation.
Positioned between the Sun and Earth, the ESA/NASA Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) caught the entire solar outburst on camera. The Sun can be seen spewing out clouds of particles, with an extremely large burst sent to Earth on 11 May. The bright spots on the left and right are Jupiter
Sidus Space activates LizzieSat-1 payload after commissioning
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Sidus Space (NASDAQ: SIDU) has begun activating the payload on LizzieSat-1 (LS-1) following the completion of its commissioning phase.
LS-1 was launched and deployed via SpaceX Falcon 9 from Vandenberg SLC-4 on March 4, 2024. The Sidus team completed the Launch and Early Operations Phase (LEOP) on March 14 after establishing communications with the spacecraft and receiving NORAD ID 59132 f Future spacecraft control centre unveiled by ESA
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"ESA's new operations centre will be efficient, sustainable, adaptable and accessible," says Rolf Densing, ESA's Director of Operations and head of the ESOC site. "The new building will ensure Europe's continued ability to implement its most ambitious space missions and will serve as an inspirational window into the world of spacecraft operations for experts, the public and decision-makers."