High resolution solar images reveal dynamic activity using upgraded VTT camera
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 10:27
New imaging technology developed by the Leibniz Institute for Astrophysics Potsdam (AIP) has enabled the Vacuum Tower Telescope (VTT) in Tenerife to capture unprecedented, high-resolution views of solar activity. The upgrade bridges a long-standing observational gap between wide-field solar monitoring and fine-structure resolution.
The enhanced camera system restores the VTT's full observa Gas location not volume key to star formation in galaxies
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 10:27
Researchers at the International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) have discovered that the spatial concentration of gas within galaxies plays a more critical role in star formation than the overall volume of gas present.
The study, led by PhD candidate Seona Lee from The University of Western Australia's ICRAR node, utilized data from around 1,000 galaxies mapped by CSIRO's ASKA Membranes may have shaped the selection of life's building blocks
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 10:27
Scientists investigating the origin of life suggest that primitive membranes may have influenced which biomolecules became foundational to life. Their study examines how the earliest cell membranes could have filtered molecules, favoring those used in modern biology.
Cells are defined by their membranes, which regulate what substances can enter or leave. This control is especially relevant At Houston event, NASA astronauts will discuss their recent space station missions
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 10:27
Four NASA astronauts who recently returned to Earth from a mission aboard the International Space Station will take part this week in a welcome-home ceremony at NASA's space center in Texas.
On Thursday, NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, Butch Wilmore and Don Pettit will be in Houston to participate in ceremonies to welcome them back to Earth and will share highlights from thei Ancient pollen reveals stories about Earth's history, from the asteroid strike that killed the dinosaurs to the Mayan collapse
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 10:27
If you are sneezing this spring, you are not alone. Every year, plants release billions of pollen grains into the air, specks of male reproductive material that many of us notice only when we get watery eyes and runny noses.
However, pollen grains are far more than allergens - they are nature's time capsules, preserving clues about Earth's past environments for millions of years.
Pol Second CubeSat added to ESAs Ramses mission for close study of Apophis
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 10:27
ESA is expanding its Ramses mission to asteroid Apophis with the addition of a second CubeSat, further enhancing scientific efforts to study the asteroid during its extremely close approach to Earth on April 13, 2029. Apophis, measuring 375 meters across, will pass Earth at a remarkably close distance, offering a rare opportunity for in-depth observation.
The Ramses mission, which could be Skynet 6A reaches integration milestone as Airbus prepares next-gen military satellite
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 10:27
The UK's Skynet 6A military communications satellite has completed the integration of its communications and service modules, marking a key step toward deployment. Built by Airbus at its Stevenage and Portsmouth sites, the satellite achieved this milestone at the National Satellite Test Facility (NSTF) in Harwell, Oxfordshire, which is managed by RAL Space under the Science and Technology Facili Beam-hopping JoeySat marks two years in orbit
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 09:35
An innovative satellite that offers reliable connectivity wherever and whenever it is needed – in crowded places such as summer festivals as well as following passengers in planes, trains and automobiles – has celebrated its second anniversary in space.
Recipe for a ‘rocky road’ crater soaked in martian history
Wednesday, 21 May 2025 05:43
To create a crumbly crater rich in ice and chunky blocks soaked in layers of martian history – like this one recently observed by the European Space Agency’s Mars Express – follow this recipe:
- Toss a space rock into Mars to form a classic circular base
- Layer with molten lava
- Carve channels with liquid water
- Chill to create ice, and freeze-thaw multiple times to slowly expand crater edges
- Sprinkle generously with volcanic dust, and leave to set
- Serve to hungry Mars fans!
NASA says long-running budget shortfalls may lead to ISS crew and research reductions
Tuesday, 20 May 2025 23:10
NASA says a “multi-year” budget shortfall even before the cuts in the fiscal year 2026 budget have led it to consider reductions in crew size and research on the ISS.
Trump taps Space Force general to lead $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense program
Tuesday, 20 May 2025 21:44
The Golden Dome program represents one of the most ambitious missile defense initiatives in U.S. history.
The post Trump taps Space Force general to lead $175 billion Golden Dome missile defense program appeared first on SpaceNews.
MDA Space raises SatixFy offer by 43% to counter competing bid
Tuesday, 20 May 2025 19:03
Canada’s MDA Space has increased its offer for SatixFy by 43% following a competing bid for the Israeli satellite chipmaker, bringing the total value of the deal to around US$280 million.
Satellite firms brace for potential imagery budget cuts in 2026
Tuesday, 20 May 2025 18:02
Industry officials: Cuts of this magnitude would be a stunning reversal of policy
China launches classified comms satellite, conducts commercial sea launch
Tuesday, 20 May 2025 17:35
Jason Rainbow Appointed Business Intelligence Manager at SpaceNews
Tuesday, 20 May 2025 16:11
Washington, D.C. – SpaceNews is pleased to announce the expanded role of longtime commercial space reporter Jason Rainbow, who will now serve as Senior Staff Writer and Business Intelligence Manager.