Benchmark to triple production capacity to meet demand
Satellite propulsion startup Benchmark Space Systems announced plans April 5 to triple production capacity to meet growing demand for its Starling and Halcyon propulsion systems.
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Arctic simulation of moon-like habitat shows well-being sessions can improve mental health in extreme isolation
Researchers at the University of Surrey and the University of Milano-Bicocca have partnered with SAGA Space Architects to investigate the psychological impact of social isolation in harsh environments, such as on the moon. This research formed part of the LUNARK project which explored how humans could survive on the moon and have successful habitats there in the future.
The LUNARK project was the first ever Arctic simulation of a lunar mission. As part of the project, two space architects, Sebastian Aristotelis and Karl-Johan Sørensen, designed an airtight, portable, foldable pod that enables its occupants to live self-sufficiently. From September 2020, the architects lived inside the pod for 61 days in northern Greenland—a place that reflects the harsh environment of the moon and its freezing temperatures. The pod was built to withstand external threats—which was tested in the arctic simulation in the form of a visit from a local polar bear—and was designed to leave no trace of waste in the environment.
To investigate the impact of social isolation on the men, the researchers measured their perceptions of time, their positive and negative emotions, levels of satisfaction of basic psychological needs (e.g.
Ax-1: Why the private mission to the International Space Station is a game changer
It's not long since billionaires were competing to get to the "edge of space." Now, the first set of private citizens are getting ready to take a SpaceX shuttle up to the International Space Station (ISS). Unlike the short "joyrides" of Richard Branson and Jeff Bezos, this mission will be reaching the roughly 400km altitude needed to dock with the ISS.
The mission by the US commercial aerospace company Axiom Space is a major step forward in private space travel, and is part of a plan to build a private space station.
To counter threats, U.S. intelligence community leans on partners
Partnerships with industry, academia and government agencies around the world are supporting the U.S. intelligence community’s campaign to counter threats to democracy like Russia's invasion of Ukraine, said Stacey Dixon, U.S. principal deputy director of national intelligence.
Amazon launch contracts drive changes to launch vehicle production
United Launch Alliance is planning major production improvements for its Vulcan rocket while Arianespace will increase the performance of its Ariane 6 to meet the demands of their new Amazon contracts for Project Kuiper.
Space industry CEOs pledge to create more inclusive workforce
Top executives from the space industry on April 5 signed a pledge to advance diversity across the workforce.
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Safeguarding Space: Q&A with Kristin Robertson of RIS
Kristin Robertson of Raytheon Intelligence & Space explains why space is critical to life on Earth—and how innovation by industry will help protect it.
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Raymond: 2023 budget proposal allows Space Force to ‘pivot’ to next-generation systems
The U.S. Space Force cannot continue to acquire satellites and deploy constellations the same way it has in the past given the complexities to the current space environment, Gen. John “Jay” Raymond, said April 5.
More delays for NASA's moon rocket test, fueling stalled
In space, Russians and Americans remain 'dear friends': astronaut
After nearly a week back on Earth, NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei said Tuesday the relationship between US astronauts and Russian cosmonauts remained positive while on board the International Space Station, despite their countries' animosity over Moscow's February invasion of neighboring Ukraine.
Vande Hei landed in Kazakhstan last Wednesday in a Russian capsule, along with cosmonauts Anton Shkaplerov and Pyotr Dubrov.
"About my relationship with my Russian crewmates, they were, are and will continue to be very dear friends of mine," the American Vande Hei said during a press conference in Texas Tuesday.
