London, UK (SPX) Jan 10, 2025
Scientists are advocating for the United Nations to establish a new Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) focused on protecting Earth's orbit and curbing the accumulation of space debris. Currently, the UN recognizes 17 SDGs, introduced in 2015 to inspire global efforts to eliminate poverty, safeguard the environment, and promote prosperity. However, the increasing presence of satellites and

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2025
The aurora borealis, or northern lights, is renowned for its mesmerizing display of light in the night sky. However, this natural phenomenon-driven by solar activity and carried by solar winds-can disrupt crucial communications and security infrastructure on Earth. Researchers at the University of New Hampshire (UNH) have leveraged artificial intelligence to categorize and label a vast database

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2025
Researchers at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed an innovative approach that could pave the way for detecting the elusive "dark matter" and unlock deeper insights into the cosmos. Dark matter, which scientists estimate makes up about 85% of the universe's matter, remains one of the most mysterious components of the cosmos. Unlike visible matter-such

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2025
The SETI Institute has announced Gabriella Rizzo and Pritvik Sinhadc as recipients of the 2024 SETI Forward Award. Both honorees have demonstrated exceptional dedication to research that advances our understanding of life in extreme environments and the potential for extraterrestrial intelligence. These awards, established by Lew Levy, founder of the SETI Forward committee and a member of the SE

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2025
A NASA postdoctoral researcher at the Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) has employed advanced simulations to propose that Pluto and its largest moon, Charon, formed in a manner akin to the Earth-Moon system. Unlike most moons in the solar system, Charon is an unusually large fraction of Pluto's size. This formation scenario could also help explain Pluto's active geology and the potential prese

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2025
NASA has unveiled a revised strategy for its Mars Sample Return Program, introducing a dual approach to increase the likelihood of successfully delivering Martian rock and sediment samples to Earth. This initiative will simultaneously develop two landing architectures during the program's formulation phase, fostering competition and innovation while aiming for cost efficiency and adherence to sc

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2025
Westinghouse Electric Company announced that it has been selected by NASA, in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), to advance its space microreactor concept through the Fission Surface Power (FSP) project. The contract, awarded by Idaho National Laboratory (INL), continues Westinghouse's Phase 1 work, focusing on optimizing system designs and initiating critical technology tes

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2025
Starfighters Space, Inc. has marked a major milestone in its space launch program with the development and production of Star Launch I test articles in collaboration with Innoveering, LLC, a subsidiary of GE Aerospace. "Partnering with Innoveering brings the expertise we need to deliver on our vision for reliable, cost-effective launch vehicles," said Rick Svetkoff, CEO of Starfighters. "T

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Jan 10, 2025
One of the most complex challenges in space-based remote sensing is attaining the high level of instrument calibration accuracy required while in orbit. The Moon, as an exoatmospheric calibration source, presents a promising solution. However, its current status as an absolute reference has accuracy limitations of 5-10%, which falls short of the rigorous requirements for Earth science observatio