Copernical Team
YPSat captures Ariane 6 inaugural launch
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If there had been an astronaut aboard the historic first launch of Europe's Ariane 6, this is what they would have seen: images and videos from key phases of the flight, captured by the YPSat payload, a project led by ESA Young Professionals during their own time.
Attached to the launcher's upper stage, YPSat served as a crucial observer throughout the test flight. The payload transmitted Leicester Team to Minimize AI Algorithms for Enhanced Spacecraft Intelligence
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University of Leicester scientists are developing a method to miniaturize artificial intelligence algorithms, paving the way for smarter spacecraft. This initiative is part of over 20 national space projects unveiled by DSIT Secretary of State Peter Kyle at the Farnborough International Airshow. These projects, with a collective value of Pounds 33 million, are funded by the UK Space Agency's Na Webb Spots Closest Super-Jupiter Paving Way for New Exoplanet Research
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"We were excited when we realised we had imaged this new planet," said Elisabeth Matthews, a researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy in Heidelberg, Germany. She is the main author of the underlying research article published in the journal Nature. "To our surprise, the bright spot that appeared in our MIRI images did not match the position we were expecting for the planet," Matthews Producing oxygen from rock is harder in lower gravity, modeling study shows
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One of the challenges engineers face when developing technologies for use in space is that of different gravities. Mostly, engineers only have access to test beds that reflect either Earth's normal gravity or, if they're fortunate, the microgravity of the ISS. Designing and testing systems for the reduced, but not negligible, gravity on the moon and Mars is much more difficult. But for some systems, it is essential.
One such system is electrolysis, the process by which explorers will make oxygen for astronauts to breathe on a permanent moon or Mars base, as well as critical ingredients like hydrogen for rocket fuel. To help steer the development of systems that will work in those conditions, a team of researchers led by computational physicist Dr.
NASA streams first 4K video from aircraft to space station and back
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A team at NASA's Glenn Research Center in Cleveland has streamed 4K video footage from an aircraft to the International Space Station and back for the first time using optical (laser) communications. The feat was part of a series of tests on new technology that could provide live video coverage of astronauts on the moon during the Artemis missions.
Historically, NASA has relied on radio waves to send information to and from space. Laser communications use infrared light to transmit 10 to 100 times more data faster than radio frequency systems.
Working with the Air Force Research Laboratory and NASA's Small Business Innovation Research program, Glenn engineers temporarily installed a portable laser terminal on the belly of a Pilatus PC-12 aircraft.
Satellite solutions for seamless in-flight internet
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In today's connected world, staying online even when travelling at 9000 m is becoming increasingly important. ESA is working to advance in-flight connectivity through satellite technology, ensuring internet access in the air is as seamless as it is on the ground.
FIA 2024 - Day 3
Webb images new, cold exoplanet 12 light-years away
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An international team of astronomers using the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope have directly imaged an exoplanet roughly 12 light-years from Earth. While there were hints that the planet existed, it had not been confirmed until Webb imaged it. The planet is one of the coldest exoplanets observed to date.
Hera spacecraft trio to fly safe with inter-linked radio
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ESA’s Hera mission for planetary defence involves not just one spacecraft but three: two shoebox-sized CubeSats will fly up to a few dozen kilometres away from their mothership around the Didymos binary asteroid system. Keeping this trio in communication to fulfil their own mission needs while also ensuring their safe separation is the task of a novel inter-satellite link radio technology, produced by a Portuguese company best known for terrestrial drone systems.
YPSat witnesses ISTSat-1 & 3Cat-4 CubeSats deployment from Ariane 6
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Video:
00:00:15
Video returned from the ESA Young Professionals Satellite payload, YPSat, attached to the upper stage of the inaugural Ariane 6 rocket, launched on 9 July 2024. This clip shows two cubesats deployment into orbit from the Exolaunch dispenser: The first CubeSat is ISTSat-1 and the second is 3Cat-4, both supported by ESA Education initiatives. The video has been enhanced to highlight these events, that were part of the key mission objectives for YPSat. The YPSat project represents the culmination of about two and a half years of dedication and hard work core team of about 30 Young
