Copernical Team
Creating a Unified Time System for the Moon
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Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have devised a new timekeeping system specifically for the Moon, addressing the challenges posed by its gravitational environment. The proposed lunar time system aims to support accurate navigation and communication for future lunar missions, including NASA's Artemis program.
On Earth, GPS relies on precise timekeepin Astronomers seek public aid to locate new black holes
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The Dutch Black Hole Consortium has unveiled an 8-language version of the BlackHoleFinder app, enabling global citizens to assist in identifying newly formed black holes. While previously accessible only in Dutch and English, the app now supports Spanish, German, Chinese, Bengali, Polish, and Italian. This expansion, announced at the 32nd IAU General Assembly in Cape Town, South Africa, signific Scientists find oceans of water on Mars. It's just too deep to tap
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Using seismic activity to probe the interior of Mars, geophysicists have found evidence for a large underground reservoir of liquid water - enough to fill oceans on the planet's surface.
The data from NASA's Insight lander allowed the scientists to estimate that the amount of groundwater could cover the entire planet to a depth of between 1 and 2 kilometers, or about a mile.
While th Crew Explores Space Construction Techniques and Lunar Cement Mixing
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At the start of the week, astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) delved into a range of space construction methods while awaiting the arrival of a new cargo craft. This craft is expected to deliver essential supplies, including food and fuel, for the upcoming months.
NASA and its international collaborators are exploring cost-effective approaches for constructing satellite NASA Starliner update teleconference scheduled for Wednesday
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NASA officials scheduled a status update for Wednesday regarding the Boeing Starliner's 10-day shakedown run that turned into a months-long stay aboard the International Space Station for two test pilots.
The media teleconference is scheduled at 1 p.m. EDT and will provide reporters with a status update on the Starliner's readiness to return to Earth, which would occur no earlier than s US and China could collaborate on space-based solar power
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China's recent mission to retrieve samples from the far side of the moon has reignited discussions about potential US-China cooperation in space research, particularly in addressing global issues like climate change.
"The US and China each have very innovative space programs, and one area, for example, where the US and China could work together today would be space-based solar," said Danie Northrop Grumman Powers Arctic Communications with Successful Satellite Launch
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Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) has successfully launched the Arctic Satellite Broadband Mission (ASBM), developed in partnership with Space Norway. The two-satellite constellation, deployed aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California, aims to enhance communications across the Arctic.
This mission is notable for including the first-ever operation Astroscale Demonstrates Advanced Fly-Around Capabilities in Space Debris Mission
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Astroscale Japan Inc. has successfully advanced its Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) mission, marking a significant milestone in commercial space operations. The ADRAS-J satellite conducted a controlled fly-around of space debris, specifically an upper stage rocket, maintaining a fixed relative distance of about 50 meters. During this operation, the satellite captured detailed SpaceX's Elon Musk endorsed Donald Trump for president—what this could mean for US space policy
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Elon Musk officially endorsed Donald Trump for president of the United States on July 13, 2024, shortly after Trump survived an assassination attempt. Musk, a billionaire technology entrepreneur, has made groundbreaking contributions in multiple industries, particularly space travel and exploration.
Even before Musk's endorsement, Trump was reportedly considering giving the billionaire an advisory role if elected for a second term. With Musk's public support and financial backing, it now seems even more likely that Trump would offer him an official position in his administration.
As someone who studies space and international relations, I am interested in how Musk might influence U.S. space policy if Trump wins in November. Their partnership could significantly shape the future of U.S. space exploration and defense, as well as shift the balance of power between the public and private sectors in space.
Current US space policy
A nation's space policy reflects its vision and priorities for outer space. U.S. space policy—a mix of continuity from past administrations and recent directives—is outlined in key documents, including the U.S.
Can meteor showers be dangerous to spacecraft?
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We've all read the advice that during a meteor shower there is no equipment needed. All you need to do is lay back and wonder at one of the most spectacular sights the universe has to offer. That's about it though and while you lay back on a lounger and watch, it really can be a wonderfully grounding and relaxing experience. Unless you happen to be on National TV and miss a meteor behind your head and just tell the world there's nothing to see. Not that I'm bitter about that of course.
It's quite easy to get confused; a meteor is a piece of rock that has fallen through the Earth's atmosphere and been destroyed on its way down, a meteorite survives the plunge and a meteoroid is a piece of space rock floating through space before it encounters the atmosphere. We can see meteors any night of the year and these are called sporadic meteors. However, around 20 times a year we can enjoy a burst of meteor activity in events known as meteor showers.