Paper explores ideal orbits for space-based interferometers
Friday, 24 November 2023 16:03
Ever since the telescope was invented in 1608, astronomers have striven for bigger and better telescopes. When it comes to instruments to observe the sky, bigger really is better whether you are observing faint galaxies or planets a larger collector gives higher resolution and brighter images. A paper by Takahiro Ito from the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science in Japan recently posted to the arXiv preprint server looks into different kinds of orbits around Earth which support multiple telescope systems known as interferometers at different orbits.
There is a limit to the size of telescopes based on Earth, they can become so large that they warp under their own weight so it is a constant battle to keep images sharp. An alternative solution is to hook up multiple telescopes so they work together. These interferometers work well on Earth but space-based instruments offer further challenges. In Ito's study, which looks into different types of orbits, it seems there is one orbit in particular that favor the space-based interferometer.
Collaboration is key to providing security during crises
Friday, 24 November 2023 13:22
Representatives of the space industry came together with individuals from ESA member states, user communities and academia on 22-23 November to discuss how space data are being made more secure and accessible in response to an increasing number of crisis situations, such as climate-change related natural disasters.
Week in images: 20-24 November 2023
Friday, 24 November 2023 13:10
Week in images: 20-24 November 2023
Discover our week through the lens
Ariane 6 hot-fires: the highlights
Friday, 24 November 2023 12:00
Cinq, quatre, trois, deux, un. Allumage Vulcain! This is the moment Ariane 6’s main engine was sparked into life, and the entire main stage of the new rocket and the many parts of the launch pad in Kourou, French Guiana, practised for the full duration of a launch. Of course, as planned, the test model did not leave the ground.
Without its boosters, instead of piercing the clouds Ariane 6’ created its own on Earth: a clean byproduct of the Vulcain 2.1 engine’s oxygen and hydrogen propellants, which came together to send out impressive swirls of H2O.
After the
Watch live: Launch of EIRSAT-1
Friday, 24 November 2023 11:30
Watch the live launch broadcast of Ireland’s first satellite EIRSAT-1 on ESA Web TV Channel 2 and ESA YouTube, currently scheduled for 29 November. Coverage of this historic moment is set to begin shortly before 18:00 UTC (19:00 CET) (times to be confirmed).
HummingSat: a new chapter in space innovation unveiled
Friday, 24 November 2023 10:22
ESA and SWISSto12, a leading manufacturer of advanced satellite payloads and systems, have signed a contract for the full development of a new product line of satellites called HummingSat.
‘The making of Juice’: the story behind the film
Friday, 24 November 2023 09:00
One giant planet. Three icy moons. An eight-year journey. One special spacecraft.
Building a mission to Jupiter took years of planning and thousands of people. Now that Juice is finally en route to its destination, our documentary ‘The making of Juice’ takes a look behind the scenes at the development and testing of the spacecraft in the three years leading up to launch. We hear from Juice Project Manager, Giuseppe Sarri, about how and why the film was made.
Earth from Space: Salty lakes
Friday, 24 November 2023 08:00
Europe's Ariane 6 rocket successfully completes hot-fire test
Friday, 24 November 2023 06:39
The European Space Agency's Ariane 6 rocket successfully completed a dress rehearsal on Thursday, test-firing its engine in preparation for a maiden voyage scheduled for 2024.
The final results of the ignition test, which involved firing up the Vulcain 2.1 engine and running it for more than seven minutes, will not be released until November 30, pending a full analysis.
But manufacturer ArianeGroup already called the rehearsal "successfully completed".
The hot-fire test at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana "simulated a complete launch sequence and thus validated the entire flight phase of Ariane 6's core stage," it said in a statement after Thursday's rehearsal.
ArianeGroup CEO Martin Sion praised the team for the "real industrial feat", but added that "a few additional tests", notably fault tolerance, were still needed before the rocket was ready for launch.
A nanosatellite and a hot air balloon for emergency broadband anywhere
Friday, 24 November 2023 04:30
A major boost for space skills and research in North East England
Friday, 24 November 2023 04:30
Report Forecasts Significant Growth in Hypersonic Flight Market by 2030
Friday, 24 November 2023 04:30
PRIME-1 Simulation
Friday, 24 November 2023 04:30
GalaxySpace to boost mobile broadband with new-gen satellite technology
Friday, 24 November 2023 04:30
NASA's future space exploration bolstered by major plutonium-238 delivery
Friday, 24 November 2023 04:30