Washington (AFP) May 12, 2024
Auroras lit up skies across swaths of the planet for the second night in a row on Saturday, after already dazzling Earthlings from the United States to Tasmania to the Bahamas the day before. A powerful solar storm - which could continue into Sunday - has triggered spectacular celestial shows usually confined to the far northern reaches of the planet, hence their nickname of the "northern

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 11, 2024
SpinLaunch, known for enabling rapid and sustainable low-cost access to space, has announced a leadership shift to steer the company's further expansion and commercialization of its innovative space technologies. The company's Board of Directors has named David Wrenn, previously Chief Operating Officer, as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This follows the departure of Jonath

Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 11, 2024
In a significant advancement in lunar exploration collaboration, China has transferred satellite data from the Chang'e 6 mission to Pakistan. The data, collected by a cube satellite named ICUBE-Q, was formally handed over during a ceremony in Beijing. Zhang Kejian, the director of the China National Space Administration, presented the data package to Khalil-ur-Rahman Hashmi, the Pakistani

Washington (AFP) May 11, 2024
The most powerful solar storm in more than two decades struck Earth on Friday, triggering spectacular celestial light shows from Tasmania to Britain - and threatening possible disruptions to satellites and power grids as it persists into the weekend. The first of several coronal mass ejections (CMEs) - expulsions of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun - came just after 1600 GMT, accor

Kansas City KS (SPX) May 09, 2024
Torch.AI has unveiled its latest development, the Firefly Earth Observation (EO) capability, now integrated within its existing satellite network as part of the HALO Autonomous Fusion platform. This advancement enhances the company's support for defense and intelligence operations, crucial to national security. The Firefly module utilizes a network of satellite sensors, which aids in refin

Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 09, 2024
China successfully launched two experimental communication satellites, Smart SkyNet 1A and 1B, into medium-Earth orbit using a Long March 3B carrier rocket. The launch took place at 9:43 am from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province. This event marks the 21st space launch in China this year and the 521st flight in the Long March rocket series. The satellites, developed by

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 10, 2024
NASA has entered a new phase of economic impact by licensing an advanced superalloy, named GRX-810, to four US companies. This move leverages NASA's research and development investments funded by taxpayers. GRX-810, a superalloy designed for the demanding conditions of aerospace environments, promises enhanced durability and strength for parts used in airplanes and spacecraft, potentially

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 10, 2024
NASA has awarded the University of Florida a $12 million mission called GRATTIS (Gravitational Reference Advanced Technology Test in Space), aimed at enhancing how we monitor Earth's water and ice movements. This was the only project selected from a national call for submissions. "GRATTIS will utilize advanced sensors to measure minute gravitational variations from space, aiding in the tra

London, UK (SPX) May 10, 2024
The University of Surrey is pioneering a novel approach for powering low-orbit spacecraft using air as a propellant. Funded by the UK Space Agency, this initiative at the Surrey Space Centre aims to facilitate spacecraft operations at extremely low altitudes within the upper atmosphere. This innovative spacecraft design is expected to advance Earth observation, climate monitoring, and sate

Week in images: 06-10 May 2024

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