Hera's Propulsion System Passes Critical Leak Test
Friday, 12 July 2024 17:40
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ESA's Hera asteroid mission, designed for planetary defense, has successfully undergone a crucial phase in its test campaign by being placed back in its transport container.
The spacecraft will remain at the ESTEC Test Centre in Noordwijk, the Netherlands, until the end of August. During this period, Hera's container was used for a global leak test to confirm the integrity of its propulsio China's Tianwen 2 Mission Targets Asteroid and Comet Exploration
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China's Tianwen 2 probe is set to launch aboard a Long March 3B rocket in May 2025. This mission aims to collect samples from a near-Earth asteroid and deliver them to Earth, followed by a journey to study a comet in deep space.
The probe's first target is the near-Earth asteroid 469219, known as Kamo'oalewa in Hawaiian. After reaching the asteroid, Tianwen 2 will perform remote sensing
NASA Evaluates Electrical Components for Europa Clipper Mission
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Launch preparations for NASA's Europa Clipper mission are moving forward. The spacecraft, which arrived at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida in May, recently had its high-gain antenna installed.
"Engineers with NASA's Europa Clipper mission continue to conduct extensive testing of transistors that help control the flow of electricity on the spacecraft." This follows concerns that thes Building a Digital Preview of the Universe
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Imagine gazing into the night sky and observing millions of galaxies spanning a vast expanse of space. Consider the thrill of searching for exoplanets or witnessing the explosive deaths of stars.
In the upcoming years, two U.S.-funded telescopes will make these observations possible. Ahead of their operational debut, a Duke researcher is spearheading an initiative under the OpenUniverse pr New Proposal Redefines Planetary Criteria Beyond Our Solar System
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Planetary scientists are suggesting an updated definition of a planet to replace the current, sun-centric one deemed outdated by many researchers. Established in 2006 by the International Astronomical Union (IAU), the existing definition states that a celestial body must orbit the sun within our solar system to be classified as a planet.
However, scientists recognize the prevalence of cele Galactic 'Heart and Lungs' Mechanism Regulates Growth
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A recent study published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society proposes that galaxies possess a "heart and lungs" mechanism that regulates their growth and prevents them from becoming overly large. This finding sheds light on why galaxies are not as massive as previously anticipated.
The research, conducted by astrophysicists at the University of Kent, suggests that gala Astronomical Satellite Observes Multiple Gamma-Ray Bursts
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A state-of-the-art astronomical satellite, developed through a collaboration between China and France, has successfully detected three gamma-ray bursts, the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced.
The Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) detected a gamma-ray burst on the morning of June 27, shortly after its Gamma-ray Burst Monitor was activated for testing. The satellite also observed two Booz Allen Invests in Quindar to Enhance Satellite Automation
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Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) reports that its corporate venture capital arm, Booz Allen Ventures, LLC, has made a strategic investment in Quindar, a commercial space technology startup focused on automating satellite operations. This investment supports Booz Allen's VoLT business strategy-emphasizing velocity, leadership, and technology-and underscores the importance of integrating advanced t International Law Crucial in Preventing Space Militarization
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A recent study emphasizes the urgent need for countries and international organizations to leverage existing international law to address rising concerns about the militarization of outer space.
The militarization of space is escalating, with the potential to become a battleground. Nations are testing anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, and satellites could become significant targets during con Dawn’s Mk-II cleared for supersonic flight tests
Friday, 12 July 2024 16:00
U.S. military to award $3 billion contract for AI-driven intelligence
Friday, 12 July 2024 14:44
SpaceX space junk crashed onto Saskatchewan farmland, highlighting a potential impending disaster
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In late April, farmers in Saskatchewan stumbled upon spacecraft fragments while preparing their fields for seeding. It sounds like the beginning of a science fiction movie, but this really happened, sending a powerful warning: it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or killed by falling space junk.
The Axiom Space private astronaut mission (Ax-3) concluded safely on Feb. 9 when its SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule splashed down off the coast of Florida. Several weeks later, the Crew Dragon's cargo trunk re-entered the atmosphere over Canada after being abandoned in orbit prior to the capsule's return.
Several incidents
The Federal Aviation Administration, charged with approving commercial spaceflight launches in the United States, has claimed that such trunks typically "burn up" during their re-entry.
This is clearly incorrect. Similar fragments, likely from the trunk of a different Crew Dragon mission, were found in North Carolina in May, including a smaller piece that landed on the roof of a house.
Tina Ghataore, Group CSRO and CEO North America, Aerospacelab – Leading Women in Space
Friday, 12 July 2024 13:41
Vivid Webb portrait of interacting galaxies Penguin and Egg
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A duo of interacting galaxies known as Arp 142 commemorates the second science anniversary of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope.
Ariane 6: Thank you Space Team Europe
Friday, 12 July 2024 13:00 Write a comment
Video:
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The first launch of Ariane 6 is a collective success for all of Europe. First flights are no easy thing, but Europe now has a heavy-lift rocket able to launch any mission into any orbit. From Earth observation satellites that monitor our changing climate, predict the weather and assist emergency responders during disasters; to communication and navigation systems that keep Europeans in touch and in the right place; to deep space telescopes and explorers expanding our understanding of the Universe and our place within it – Ariane 6 has restored Europe’s autonomous access to space.
“Thank you, not