Copernical Team
Hubble watches 'Spoke Season' on Saturn
This photo of Saturn was taken by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope on October 22, 2023, when the ringed planet was approximately 850 million miles from Earth. Hubble's ultra-sharp vision reveals a phenomenon called ring spokes. Saturn's spokes are transient features that rotate along with the rings. Their ghostly appearance only persists for two or three rotations around Saturn. During active
Astronomers detect seismic ripples in ancient galactic disk
A new snapshot of an ancient, far-off galaxy could help scientists understand how it formed and the origins of our own Milky Way. At more than 12 billion years old, BRI 1335-0417 is the oldest and furthest known spiral galaxy in our universe. Lead author Dr Takafumi Tsukui said a state-of-the-art telescope called ALMA allowed them to look at this ancient galaxy in much greater detail
RIIS joins GEO, expanding Africa's role in world's largest space partnership
The Research Institute for Innovation and Sustainability (RIIS) has recently marked a significant milestone by becoming a member of the GEO Group of Earth Observations Associate. GEO, esteemed as the world's largest earth observation (EO) partnership, brings together an impressive assembly of 115 governmental members globally, alongside over 150 participating international organizations. This in
NASA flies drones autonomously for Air Taxi Research
Researchers at NASA's Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia recently flew multiple drones beyond visual line of sight with no visual observer. The drones successfully flew around obstacles and each other during takeoff, along a planned route, and upon landing, all autonomously without a pilot controlling the flight. This test marks an important step towards advancing self-flying capabilit
What's next for the UK National Space Strategy?
On 12 December, the MoD held its Defence Space Conference in London, organised by the Air and Space Power Association. Several armed forces leaders, industry executives and academics gathered at the conference to discuss the progress with the UK Space Command, its National Space Strategy, SMEs, attracting and retaining the workforce and other key areas pertaining to the growth of the sector. BEL
Pancake stack of films on a balloon most accurate gamma-ray telescope
A pancake stack of radioactivity-sensitive films carried through the sky by a balloon was able to take the world's most accurate picture of a neutron star's gamma ray beam. To achieve this, Kobe University researchers combined the oldest method of capturing radioactive radiation with the newest data capturing techniques and a clever time-recording device. The stars shine their light on us
Ascent Solar achieves critical spaceflight milestone with Vigoride-6 Mission
Ascent Solar Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: ASTI), a leader in photovoltaic (PV) technology, has recently marked a significant achievement in space technology. The company announced its successful attainment of spaceflight heritage for its space PV array products, which were part of the Momentus Vigoride-6 mission. This accomplishment showcases the capability and reliability of Ascent Solar's produ
Shining a light on NASA's deep space laser communication test
NASA's Psyche mission launched on 13 October 2023 on a journey to explore what could be the exposed metallic core of an ancient planet. Riding along on board the Psyche spacecraft is an additional technology demonstration. NASA's Deep Space Optical Communication (DSOC) demonstration will test the use of lasers to transmit and receive more data with distant spacecraft than is possible with
Japan moon lander enters lunar orbit
Japan's SLIM space probe entered the Moon's orbit on Monday in a major step towards the country's first successful lunar landing, expected next month. The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) is nicknamed the "Moon Sniper" because it is designed to land within 100 metres (328 feet) of a specific target on the lunar surface. If successful, the touchdown would make Japan only the fif
One million astronomical objects
Embark on a cosmic journey with ESA as we explore the universe through the lens of ‘One Million’. From the scorching temperatures of the Sun's corona to the cosmic gaze of the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope — discover the astronomical wonders that surround us. Join our space community in celebrating a momentous occasion — 1 MILLION subscribers on YouTube! Thank you for your enthusiasm and support.