SwRI scientists find evidence for magnetic reconnection between Ganymede and Jupiter
Wednesday, 11 January 2023 06:12
In June 2021, NASA's Juno spacecraft flew close to Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon, observing evidence of magnetic reconnection. A team led by Southwest Research Institute used Juno data to examine the electron and ion particles and magnetic fields as the magnetic field lines of Jupiter and Ganymede merged, snapped and reoriented, heating and accelerating the charged particles in the region. NASA wants you to help study planets around other stars
Wednesday, 11 January 2023 06:12
More than 5,000 planets have been confirmed to exist outside our solar system, featuring a wide array of characteristics like clouds made of glass and twin suns. Scientists estimate there could be millions more exoplanets in our home galaxy alone, which means professional astronomers could use your help tracking and studying them.
This is where Exoplanet Watch comes in. Participants in the First ABL Space Systems launch fails
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 23:34
The first flight of ABL Space Systems’ RS1 rocket failed to reach orbit Jan. 10, the second loss of a commercial small launch vehicle in 24 hours.
The post First ABL Space Systems launch fails appeared first on SpaceNews.
NOAA might revise geostationary weather satellite timeline
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 21:18
High demand for space weather data is prompting the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to consider revising the schedule for its geostationary weather satellite fleet.
The post NOAA might revise geostationary weather satellite timeline appeared first on SpaceNews.
Scientific samples, hardware return from International Space Station for more study
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 21:16
A radiation protection vest, olive oil, and sutured tissues are among the scientific samples returning from the International Space Station on the 26th SpaceX commercial resupply services mission for NASA. The Dragon spacecraft, which arrived at the station Nov. 27, is scheduled to undock on January 9, with splashdown January 11 off the coast of Florida.
The cargo returns to NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, where scientists can make additional observations and analyses of their experiments before the effects of gravity fully kick back in. Many also conduct more in-depth analysis later in their home labs.
CAES Space Systems becomes Frontgrade Technologies
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 20:17
CAES Space Systems, a supplier of radiation-hardened electronics, rebranded as Frontgrade Technologies Jan. 10 after being sold to private equity firm Veritas Capital.
The post CAES Space Systems becomes Frontgrade Technologies appeared first on SpaceNews.
Full steam ahead for NOAA’s $20 billion GeoXO program
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 19:48
The $19.6 billion budget for the GeoXO program, approved in December, covers six satellites, operations and support extending from 2022 to 2052.
The post Full steam ahead for NOAA’s $20 billion GeoXO program appeared first on SpaceNews.
Geospatial industry investor Keith Masback joins board of directors of Cognitive Space
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 18:53
Cognitive Space announced Jan. 10 the appointment of Keith Masback as an independent board member.
The post Geospatial industry investor Keith Masback joins board of directors of Cognitive Space appeared first on SpaceNews.
China unable to reestablish contact with its Zhurong Mars rover
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 17:43
China's National Space Administration (CNSA) has been hoping to reestablish communications with the Zhurong Mars rover, but so far, their efforts have been unsuccessful. Zhurong was put into hibernation over six months ago as it hunkered down in attempts to survive the Martian winter.
But it's been a tough winter in Utopia Planetia in Mars northern hemisphere where Zhurong is located. Not only were the temperatures extremely low, colder than -100°C (-148°F), but a regional dust storm severely reduced the likelihood of the rover collecting any power with its solar panels. This is the same dust storm that has hastened the end of NASA's Mars InSight mission.
According to the South China Morning Post, the mission team predicted Zhurong would resume operations around December 26 as the planet's northern hemisphere entered its spring season and environmental conditions improved.
Rep. Mike Rogers named chairman of House Armed Services Committee
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 17:30
Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Ala.) on Jan. 10 was officially selected to serve as chairman of the House Armed Services Committee in the 118th Congress.
The post Rep. Mike Rogers named chairman of House Armed Services Committee appeared first on SpaceNews.
Astronomers celebrate performance of JWST
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 16:50
Six months after the release of the first science images from the James Webb Space Telescope, astronomers and NASA officials say the observatory continues to exceed expectations while providing lessons for future space telescopes.
UK space chiefs vows to try again after failed rocket launch
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 15:13Space sector bosses on Tuesday said they were disappointed by the failure of the country's historic first attempt to launch satellites from UK soil but pledged to investigate and try again.
The failure of the mission late on Monday is a blow to the UK's fledgling space sector.
Had it been successful, it would have made the UK one of only nine countries able to launch rockets into Earth's orbit.
A Virgin Orbit Boeing 747 carrying the 70-foot (21-metre) rocket took off from a spaceport in Cornwall, southwest England, at 2202 GMT on Monday.
The rocket then detached from the aircraft and ignited as planned at a height of 35,000 feet over the Atlantic Ocean to the south of Ireland at around 2315 GMT.
But as the rocket was due to enter orbit and discharge its nine satellites, scientists reported an "anomaly" that prevented it from reaching orbit.
Virgin Orbit CEO Dan Hart praised the launch teams but said their task had been complicated by the "first time nature of this mission" which had "added layers of complexity".
"We will work tirelessly to understand the nature of the failure, make corrective actions and return to orbit as soon as we have completed a full investigation and mission assurance process," he added.
Op-ed | Artemis Missions Support the Space Economy
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 14:29
Ongoing Artemis missions will advance our knowledge of the moon, deep space, and even Mars. Here on Earth, they will keep dozens of manufacturers in business and thousands of workers employed. It will also help sustain the more than $5.5 billion in estimated economic impact SLS generates nationwide
OneWeb two launches away from going global after SpaceX mission
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 12:48
OneWeb is now just two launches away from being able to provide broadband globally after SpaceX sent its latest batch of satellites to orbit Jan. 9.
The post OneWeb two launches away from going global after SpaceX mission appeared first on SpaceNews.
Steven Kwast, a retired U.S. Air Force general, is Skycorp’s new CEO
Tuesday, 10 January 2023 12:00
Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. Steven Kwast is taking the helm of Skycorp Inc., a California company with plans to transform space logistics in Earth orbit, cislunar space and on the lunar surface.
The post Steven Kwast, a retired U.S.