Baltimore MD (SPX) Jul 06, 2023
Researchers using NASA's James Webb Space Telescope have made major strides in confirming the source of dust in early galaxies. Observations of two Type II supernovae, Supernova 2004et (SN 2004et) and Supernova 2017eaw (SN 2017eaw), have revealed large amounts of dust within the ejecta of each of these objects. The mass found by researchers supports the theory that supernovae played a key role i

Toronto, Canada (SPX) Jul 06, 2023
A team of astrophysicists at the University of Toronto (U of T) has revealed how the slow and steady lengthening of Earth's day caused by the tidal pull of the moon was halted for over a billion years. They show that from approximately two billion years ago until 600 million years ago, an atmospheric tide driven by the sun countered the effect of the moon, keeping Earth's rotational rate s

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Jul 06, 2023
Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS) and Space Compass Corporation (Space Compass) announced that iQPS will initiate a full-scale study to leverage "SkyCompass-1" high-capacity Optical Data Relay Service provided by Space Compass and Skyloom Global Corporation (Skyloom) for iQPS's SAR satellites. iQPS has successfully accomplished the development of a compact, high-resolution

Munich, Germany (SPX) Jul 06, 2023
Rivada Space Networks reports that the ITU's Radio Regulations Board has waived the requirement that Rivada put 10% of its constellation into orbit this year. The ITU waiver process seeks clear evidence of funding, manufacturing and launch contracts as well as coordination with other systems. Having reviewed the submission made by Liechtenstein's telecommunications regulator and filing adm

Washington DC (SPX) Jul 06, 2023
Formulating policies for planetary protection issues and keeping them up-to-date is the responsibility of the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) panel on planetary protection. In an article in Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences, an international group of experts affiliated with COSPAR reviewed the panel's role, and its Planetary Protection Policy, including recent considerations regardi

San Antonio TX (SPX) Jul 06, 2023
The Southwest Research Institute-led Ultraviolet Spectrograph (UVS) aboard ESA's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) spacecraft has successfully completed its initial commissioning following the April 14 launch. The UVS instrument is one of three instrument projects comprising NASA's contribution to the JUICE mission. The mission's science goals focus on Jupiter and its system, making multiple fl

Beijing, China (SPX) Jul 06, 2023
Detailed analysis of data obtained by the Zhurong rover of dunes located on the southern Utopian Plain of Mars suggests the planet underwent a major shift in climate that accompanied changes in prevailing winds. This shift likely occurred about 400,000 years ago, which coincides with the end of the last glacial period on Mars. Researchers from the National Astronomical Observatories, Insti

Pasadena CA (JPL) Jun 30, 2023
Our latest assessment period over sols 3872 and 3873 was a "touch and go" plan: some contact science and other observations, followed by a drive. We performed some imaging and DRT (Dust Removal Tool) brushing on the "Madero" bedrock target, to allow for contact science using APXS. For some of our Mastcam imaging, we also move the arm out of the way as to reduce shadow in our images. Our pl

Paris (AFP) July 6, 2023
Europe's workhorse Ariane 5 rocket blasted off for a final time on Wednesday, with its farewell flight after 27 years of launches coming at a difficult time for European space efforts. Faced with soaring global competition, the continent has unexpectedly found itself without a way to independently launch heavy missions into space due to delays to the next-generation Ariane 6 and Russia withd

London, UK (SPX) Jul 06, 2023
UK aerospace company Pulsar Fusion has started constructing the largest practical nuclear fusion rocket engine ever built. The 8-metre fusion chamber is being assembled in Bletchley, England and when fired in 2027, will temporarily become the hottest place in the solar system creating exhaust speeds of over 500,000 MPH. Researchers at Pulsar Fusion hope to reach several hundred- mill