Copernical Team
The Necessary Collaboration between Robots and Humans in Space Exploration
As automation and robots reshape the way many industries operate, there is an apprehension that human skill sets and collaboration will become obsolete in certain areas. The space sector is an industry that has utilized robots for decades. However, a question often looms even among some experts in the sector: Are humans needed to explore space? And are robots a better alternative to reach deep s NASA's volunteer-driven project reveals 'ghostly' asteroid activity
In an astonishing feat, over 8,000 citizen scientists have identified 15 unique "active asteroids," showcasing comet-like characteristics, through NASA's Active Asteroids project. This revelation, derived from analyzing 430,000 images captured by the Dark Energy Camera (DECam) on the Victor M. Blanco Telescope in Chile, not only expands our understanding of these cosmic bodies but also defies pr Radical cosmological model proposes a Universe without Dark Matter
A groundbreaking study by the University of Ottawa contends with the long-standing cosmic model, suggesting the universe is devoid of dark matter.
The prevailing cosmic model divides the universe into three main components: 'normal matter,' 'dark energy,' and 'dark matter.' However, recent research from the University of Ottawa introduces a compelling argument against this framework, indic MONDYA RELAASE Euclid's Mission to Clear Vision: Innovative De-Icing Operations Commence
In a pioneering step towards maintaining the integrity of its mission, Euclid teams across Europe have embarked on a critical operation to remove thin layers of water ice affecting the spacecraft's optics. This ice, measuring just a few nanometers in thickness, has started to slightly diminish Euclid's ability to capture the universe's dark mysteries with its unparalleled precision. The success NASA and JAXA advance Martian Moons study with instrument handoff
On March 14, NASA completed the delivery of its innovative gamma-ray and neutron spectrometer to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) for its incorporation into the Martian Moons eXploration (MMX) mission spacecraft, marking a significant milestone in preparation for the mission's final system-level testing. Developed by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in collaboratio China's Chang'e-6 Mission Advances: Carrier Rocket Arrives for Upcoming Lunar Launch
The Long March 5 heavy-lift carrier rocket, designated for the Chang'e 6 lunar mission, has reached the Wenchang Space Launch Center in Hainan province, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) confirmed. This development marks a significant step toward the launch, scheduled for the first half of this year.
The assembly and subsequent ground tests of the rocket with the Chang'e 6 pro CASC Welcomes Chen Mingbo as New Chairman in Strategic Leadership Refresh
In a significant leadership transition, the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC) has announced the appointment of Chen Mingbo as its new chairman and Communist Party secretary. This move comes at a pivotal moment for CASC, positioning it for further competition with global space industry leaders.
Chen Mingbo steps into the role previously held by Wu Yansheng, marking a The Necessary Collaboration between Robots and Humans in Space Eexploration
As automation and robots reshape the way many industries operate, there is an apprehension that human skill sets and collaboration will become obsolete in certain areas. The space sector is an industry that has utilized robots for decades. However, a question often looms even among some experts in the sector: Are humans needed to explore space? And are robots a better alternative to reach deep s Dune: What the climate of Arrakis can tell us about the hunt for habitable exoplanets
Frank Herbert's Dune is epic sci-fi storytelling with an environmental message at its heart. The novels and movies are set on the desert planet of Arrakis, which various characters dream of transforming into a greener world—much like some envision for Mars today.
We investigated Arrakis using a climate model, a computer program similar to those used to give weather forecasts. We found the world that Herbert had created, well before climate models even existed, was remarkably accurate—and would be habitable, if not hospitable.
However, Arrakis wasn't always a desert. In Dune lore, 91% of the planet was once covered by oceans, until some ancient catastrophe led to its desertification. What water remained was further removed by sand trout, an invasive species brought to Arrakis. These proliferated and carried liquid into cavities deep underground, leading to the planet becoming more and more arid.
To see what a large ocean would mean for the planet's climate and habitability, we have now used the same climate model—putting in an ocean while changing no other factors.
Compact robot takes flight to support CERISS initiative
A new robot will be taking flight soon to test its ability to support biological and physical science experiments in microgravity. As one of NASA's 2023 TechFlights selections, this compact robot will have a chance to fly on a commercial suborbital flight to see just how well it can perform in a space environment.
Managed by NASA's Flight Opportunities program, the TechFlights 2023 solicitation included a call for technologies to support the agency's Commercially Enabled Rapid Space Science (CERISS) initiative. CERISS, administered by NASA's Biological and Physical Sciences Division, uses the spaceflight environment to study phenomena in ways that cannot be done on Earth.
One of the 11 TechFlights selections that will undergo flight testing is a compact robot designed to prepare samples for science experiments in microgravity, improve in-flight sample preparation capabilities and potentially reduce astronauts' time tending to such research while on the International Space Station or future commercial destinations in low Earth orbit.
Led by principal investigator Phil Putman, manager of advanced projects at Sierra Lobo, Inc, in Fremont, Ohio, the tests will leverage parabolic flights from Zero Gravity Corporation to evaluate the technology's performance in microgravity.
