Dubendorf, Switzerland (SPX) Aug 06, 2021
A new theory supports the controversial hypothesis that the planets affect solar activity. It puts forward a mechanism by which the very small influence of the planets could exert its rhythm on such a large system as the Sun. If the theory is confirmed, it could possibly be used to predict solar activity more accurately. This would be of great interest, as large solar flares can cripple electron

Huntsville AL (SPX) Aug 06, 2021
A spectacular set of rings around a black hole has been captured using NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory. The X-ray images of the giant rings have revealed new information about dust located in our Galaxy, using a similar principle to the X-rays performed in doctor's offices and airports. The black hole is part of a binary system called V404 Cygni, located

Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Aug 10, 2021
Physicists have created a new way to observe details about the structure and composition of materials that improves upon previous methods. Conventional spectroscopy changes the frequency of light shining on a sample over time to reveal details about them. The new technique, Rabi-oscillation spectroscopy, does not need to explore a wide frequency range so can operate much more quickly. This metho

Canberra, Australia (SPX) Aug 10, 2021
Skykraft will launch a 300kg satellite on SpaceX's upcoming Transporter-5 mission according to a recently signed launch contract. The 300kg satellite is a carrier for multiple early-phase Skykraft Air Traffic Management satellites that will form a global constellation of 210 satellites. Skykraft is building a Space-based Air Traffic Management constellation to improve the safety and effici

Azusa CA (SPX) Aug 06, 2021
Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace successfully completed the Critical Design Review (CDR) for the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (Next-Gen OPIR) Geosynchronous (GEO) mission payload. The completion of the Next-Gen OPIR subsystems and payload CDR meets aggressive U.S. Space Force and Lockheed Martin program objectives to ensure national security posture stays ahead of emerging glo

Kennedy Space Center FL (SPX) Aug 10, 2021
An investigation headed for the International Space Station (ISS) on Northrop Grumman's upcoming 16th Commercial Resupply Services (CRS) mission could someday enable rapid advancements in treatments for age-related muscle loss. In an experiment funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), researchers from the Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research and Stanford University are le

Westminster CO (SPX) Aug 10, 2021
Advanced Space LLC., a leading commercial space solutions company, is overseeing the Cislunar Autonomous Positioning System Technology Operations and Navigation Experiment, or CAPSTONE, a NASA-supported mission to orbit the Moon. CAPSTONE is a small satellite, or CubeSat, that will be the first spacecraft to test a unique, elliptical lunar orbit that will support NASA's Moon missions under Artem

Hong Kong (SPX) Aug 10, 2021
In 2012, NASA landed the rover Curiosity in the Gale crater on Mars because the crater was thought by many scientists to be the site of an ancient lake on Mars more than 3 billion years ago. Since that time, the rover has been driving along, carrying out geological analyses with its suite of instruments for over 3,190 sols (martian days, equivalent to 3278 earth days). After analysing the data,

Washington DC (SPX) Aug 10, 2021
The Perseid meteor shower, a celestial event beloved by millions of skywatchers around the world, is about to make its annual return to the night sky. The shower is predicted to reach its peak before dawn on Thursday, August 12th, though the display could put on a fine show for a night or two before and after. Late on the night of August 11-12, you might see a Perseid every minute or so. This ye

Dulles VA (SPX) Aug 10, 2021
Northrop Grumman is set to launch the company's 16th resupply mission (NG-16) to the International Space Station under NASA's Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS-2) contract. For the NG-16 mission, the Cygnus spacecraft will launch aboard the company's Antares rocket, carrying approximately 8,200 pounds of supplies, equipment and experiments for the astronauts aboard the station-the company's la