Copernical Team
TEXUS rockets propel scientific research with recent successful launches
On March 24, 2024, the Airbus-managed TEXUS 60 sounding rocket embarked on its mission from Esrange Space Center in Kiruna, Sweden, at precisely 10:45 CET. This launch successfully achieved an apogee of 251 kilometers, facilitating 362 seconds of invaluable microgravity conditions. Onboard were critical experiments from the German Aerospace Center (DLR), including Simona and GECO, in addition to Starship's Third Launch: A Glimpse into the future of reusable launch vehicles
In the latest chapter of space exploration, SpaceX's third Starship test flight emerges as a pivotal moment, pushing the boundaries of current rocketry technology. This endeavor highlighted both the innovative engineering driving the Starship program and the complexities of perfecting spacecraft reentry from orbit.
The launch from Starbase in Texas was a display of raw power and precise en Fascinated by Fascination Turret: Sols 4137-4138
Earth planning date: Monday, March 25, 2024: Today, we planned two sols on Mars in a Touch and Go plan, where we do some early morning contact science and imaging followed by a drive to a new workspace on the first sol. As always, we will characterise the bedrock in our workspace. APXS and MAHLI will be deployed on the bulk bedrock at "Sunrise Lakes" right in front of the rover. ChemCam and Mast Perseverance Pays off When Studying the Martian Atmosphere
Studying the atmosphere with Perseverance can be challenging! Imagine spotting an interesting cloud in a photo taken yesterday; unlike something interesting on the surface, more observations just aren't possible, as it's long gone by now. Or imagine trying to take a movie of a dust devil zooming across Jezero crater, when the rover's daily activities are all planned out before the rover even wak Totality ready: US braces for April 8 solar eclipse frenzy
US communities along the path of the April 8 total solar eclipse are preparing for the year's biggest astronomic event, with millions of visitors expected to brighten local economies - and snarl up logistics.
Near the US-Canada border in Burlington, Vermont, which is set to experience the totality just before 3:30 pm (1930 GMT), many hotels have been sold out for months.
The few remaini SpaceX launches 23 satellites, completing 260th reflight of an orbital class rocket
Elon Musk's SpaceX launched 23 satellites into low-Earth orbit on Saturday, completing the company's 260th re-flight of an orbital class rocket seven years after first achieving the act.
This means the company has successfully launched and landed a first-stage booster of a rocket like its Falcon 9 at least 260 times. The first stage of a rocket is the largest and most expensive part of Finishing touches for South Australia's first permanent spaceport ahead of Inaugural Launch
New launch facilities at the Koonibba Test Range, South Australia's first permanent spaceport, are almost complete ahead of the impending inaugural launch.
Located northwest of Ceduna, the range is a partnership between Southern Launch and the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation. It is the largest commercial testing range in the Southern Hemisphere.
Space Industries Minister Su Tips to safely watch the total solar eclipse
On April 8, North America will experience a total solar eclipse, stretching across parts of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada, with approximately 31.6 million people living in the path of totality. According to NASA, every contiguous state in the U.S., along with parts of Alaska and Hawaii, will witness at least a partial solar eclipse.
With all eyes toward the sky during an eclipse, Dr. Dawn Davis, a dermatologist at Mayo Clinic, says it's important to protect your eyes and your skin from ultraviolet (UV) light damage. You'll need eye protection with special-purpose solar filters for viewing, and you should take precautions to safeguard your skin from the sun's rays during long periods outside.
And when it comes to protection, she says sunscreen is for the skin only—never for the eye itself.
A total solar eclipse is when the moon completely blocks the sun, temporarily darkening the sky. Looking directly at the sun can cause damage to the retina due to the strong amount of UV light.
"If you would like to see the solar eclipse, you will need to have special solar eclipse glasses," says Dr.
The next total solar eclipse is in April: Here's what to know and where to see it
Don't be alarmed when the sky goes dark on April 8. A total solar eclipse will traverse North America, crossing Mexico, the United States, and Canada. This event will mark the only total solar eclipse visible from the United States until 2044. The full path of totality, as it's called, will begin on Mexico's Pacific Coast, cross northwestern Pennsylvania and New York state, and exit at the Atlantic Coast of Newfoundland, Canada.
A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, completely obscuring the sun from view. Those situated in the path of totality will see the moon fully cover the sun, the resulting shadow plunging the area into darkness during the day.
If the weather permits, spectators may also observe the "ring of fire," a term NASA uses to describe the stunning visual effect when the sun's outer atmosphere is visible as a luminous ring around the moon's silhouette against the darkened sky.
Here's what you need to know to experience this awe-inspiring event.
When is the next total solar eclipse?
The total solar eclipse will occur on April 8.
NASA's VIPER robotic moon rover team raises its mighty mast
NASA's VIPER—short for the Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover—now stands taller and more capable than ever, thanks to its mast.
VIPER's mast, and the suite of instruments affixed to it, looks a lot like the rover's "neck" and "head." The mast instruments are designed to help the team of rover drivers and real-time scientists send commands and receive data while the rover navigates around hazardous crater slopes, boulders, and places that risk communications blackouts. The team will use these instruments, along with four science payloads, to scout the lunar South Pole.