Copernical Team
Ariane 6 test model cryogenic system disconnection
Teams from ESA, France’s space agency CNES and ArianeGroup successfully completed the disconnection and retraction of the Ariane 6 cryogenic systems on 30 January 2024.
These operations mark the start of dismantling the Ariane 6 test model to make way for its first launch. The combined test phase for Ariane 6 using propellants is now over and the European rocket is on track for its inaugural launch.
The test model that is on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, stands 62 m high. It is exactly the same as the ‘production model’ Ariane 6 rockets
How the 2024 Total Solar Eclipse Is Different than the 2017 Eclipse
On April 8, the Moon's shadow will sweep across the United States, as millions will view a total solar eclipse. For many, preparing for this event brings memories of the magnificent total solar eclipse on Aug. 21, 2017. In 2017, an estimated 215 million U.S. adults (88% of U.S. adults) viewed the solar eclipse, either directly or electronically. They experienced the Moon pass in front of t
China's AIMS telescope achieves unprecedented accuracy in solar observations
In a significant advancement in solar observation, the Accurate Infrared Magnetic Field Measurements of the Sun (AIMS) telescope, a pioneering project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, has reached a new milestone. Located in Lenghu township, Qinghai Province, at an elevation of approximately 4,000 meters, AIMS stands as the world's first solar magnetic-field telescop
SpaceFund Welcomes Business Veteran Leo Rodriguez to Board
SpaceFund, Inc., a leading player in the space venture capital arena, recently welcomed a new member to its Board of Directors - the internationally renowned business leader, Leonardo (Leo) A. Rodriguez. This addition marks a significant step in the company's journey to bolster its growth and enhance the prospects of its 21 portfolio companies. Rodriguez, with a career spanning over four d
Zeno Power and DOE Team Up to Revitalize Radioisotope Power Technology for Strategic Domains
Zeno Power, a pioneer in the field of radioisotope power systems (RPSs), has recently announced a significant advancement in its technology. The company has secured a supply of Strontium-90 (Sr-90) material from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to fuel its initial full-scale RPSs, marking a notable milestone in the pursuit of reliable and clean energy solutions for national security and space
UKansas researchers awarded NSF grant to explore the Cosmic Web
Researchers at the University of Kansas, led by Professor Gregory Rudnick of physics and astronomy, have embarked on an ambitious project to unravel the complexities of galaxy evolution. Funded by a significant $375,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF), the team is set to explore the intricate relationship between galaxies and their cosmic journeys through varied environments.
A New Perspective Sols 4082-4083
Earth planning date: January 29, 2023: Curiosity is continuing to climb - our weekend drive delivered us to a new location with lots new to see for today's two sol plan. This includes views of the upper Gediz Vallis Ridge that we haven't been able to see before, and a brand new workspace right in front of us to explore before we drive off on the second sol. We're taking full advantage of t
Innovating Space Nutrition: BioNutrients' 5-Year Space Journey Nears End
NASA's groundbreaking bio-manufacturing experiment, BioNutrients, is nearing the completion of a five-year mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Since its launch in 2019, the experiment has been critical to exploring the use of microorganisms for producing on-demand nutrients, a key factor for maintaining human health during extended space missions, such as potential crewed missi
Teledyne e2v HiRel Launches Advanced Low Noise Amplifier for Space Applications
Teledyne e2v HiRel, a division of Teledyne Defense Electronics, has announced the release of the TDLNA0430SEP Low Noise Amplifier (LNA). This state-of-the-art device is specifically designed to meet the demanding requirements of high-reliability space applications, where factors such as low noise figure, minimal power consumption, and compact packaging are critical for mission success. Dev
Sivers Semiconductors Expands Into High-Frequency SATCOM with ESA-Funded Project
Sivers Semiconductors AB (STO:SIVE), a notable player in the semiconductor industry, has recently made a significant stride in satellite communication technology. The company's business unit, Sivers Wireless, has been granted a substantial euro 0.6 million (approximately 6.7 MSEK) by the European Space Agency (ESA), earmarked for an ambitious project in the realm of satellite communication chip