Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 30, 2024
Researchers at Brown University have developed a new approach to mapping the Moon's surface, offering improved precision and efficiency. The study, published in the Planetary Science Journal, introduces enhancements to the shape-from-shading technique, which helps create detailed models of lunar terrain by analyzing light reflections. The technique, refined by Brown scholars Benjamin Boatw

Paris, France (SPX) May 30, 2024
As ESA's Hera spacecraft undergoes pre-flight testing, its Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) system is also being finalized for space operations around a binary asteroid system. The GNC system is being validated through virtual maneuvers conducted in Spain and Germany. At GMV's headquarters in Madrid, Hera's On-Board Computer is tested using a model asteroid for realistic proximity ope

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 30, 2024
When NASA's Lucy spacecraft flew past its first official target, Dinkinesh, in November 2023, researchers discovered that the asteroid, known as "Dinky," was accompanied by a satellite asteroid named "Selam." Further data from Lucy revealed that Selam is not a single moon but a contact binary-two moons fused together. The Lucy team, including University of Maryland Professor Jessica Sunshi

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 30, 2024
The search for life beyond Earth drives space exploration, and the discovery of clay minerals on Mars continues to captivate scientists. Clay formation, linked to rocks interacting with water, provides insights into the past habitability of Mars. Western planetary geologists Livio Tornabene and Gordon Osinski lead an international team to study clay formation on Mars. Supported by a three-

Sydney, Australia (SPX) May 30, 2024
Galactic Energy, a private rocket maker in Beijing, completed the second sea-based launch mission of its Ceres 1 carrier rocket on Wednesday afternoon. The company said in a news release that the rocket blasted off at 4:12 pm from a mobile launch platform - a modified deck barge - in the Yellow Sea off the eastern province of Shandong and then sent four satellites into an orbit about 850 k

Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 30, 2024
Starlab Space LLC, the joint venture between Voyager Space, Airbus, and Mitsubishi Corporation, has announced that MDA Space Ltd. (TSX:MDA) has joined as a strategic partner and equity owner. This partnership expands the venture's reach into Canada. MDA Space, known for its human-rated space robotics and the developer of the Canadarm robotics family, will provide external robotics, robotic

As ESA’s Hera spacecraft for planetary defence goes through pre-flight testing, the system that will steer it around its target binary asteroid system is also undergoing its final checks for space.