Copernical Team
Further evidence of 200 million-year cycle for Earth's magnetic field
The findings of a new study by the University of Liverpool provides further evidence of an approximately 200-million-year long cycle in the strength of the Earth's magnetic field. Researchers performed thermal and microwave (a technique which is unique to the University of Liverpool) paleomagnetic analysis on rock samples from ancient lava flows in Eastern Scotland to measure the strength
Drought makes its home on the range
As Tracy Schohr goes about her day, water is always on her mind. She's thinking of it as she rides an all-terrain vehicle around the pasture, looks up hay prices and weather forecasts, and collects data on grazing and invasive weeds for a scientific study. Schohr is a rancher and farmer in Gridley, California, where her family has raised beef cattle and grown rice for six generations. She
Leak and destroy: On the hunt for climate killing gas
After finding a rusty gas canister near his midwest US home, Rick Karas checked online if it was worth anything. Incredibly, it turned out to be a coveted commodity in the battle against climate change. His roughly basketball-sized container was filled with CFCs (chlorofluorocarbons), a potent greenhouse gas that is perfectly legal to possess but which has been globally banned from manufactu
How satellite maps help prevent another 'great grain robbery'
Mid-June in Utah usually marks the tail end of the most fertile time of year for crops. In a typical year, snowmelt in April and May wets the soil, resulting in a burst of blooming flowers and crop growth. "Usually we have a beautiful, green landscape right now," said Dr. Jon Meyer, a research climatologist with the Utah Climate Center. "It's one of my favorite times of year because we get
AFRL showcases space-related tech and SpaceWERX aT National Space Symposium
The Air Force Research Laboratory will showcase several space-related technologies, new ways to connect with and share an idea or capability with AFRL, and the beginning of SpaceWERX, the U.S. Space Force affiliated arm of AFWERX during the 36th Space Symposium in Colorado Springs, Colorado, Aug. 23-26, 2021. AFRL supports both the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Space Force with Airmen and Guardi
Strategic commander shares update on space defense
The leader of the Space and Missile Defense Command said during the 24th annual Space and Missile Defense Symposium that his "People First" team ensures space and missile defense capabilities for the Soldier, the Army and the nation. Lt. Gen. Daniel Karbler, SMDC commander, said that because the command occupies strategic key terrain that lies at the nexus of integrated deterrence between
Making machines that make robots, and robots that make themselves
After a summer of billionaires in space, many people have begun to wonder when they will get their turn. The cost of entering space is currently too high for the average citizen, but the work of PhD candidate Martin Nisser may help change that. His work on self-assembling robots could be key to reducing the costs that help determine the price of a ticket. Nisser's fascination with engineer
Soyuz launches 34 UK OneWeb satellites
A Russian Soyuz rocket has blasted into space carrying 34 new satellites from British operator Oneweb, which aims to provide broadband internet everywhere in the world. The rocket operated by Europe's Arianespace took off successfully at 2213 GMT Saturday from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Roscosmos space agency said in a statement. It was the fifth launch of OneWeb sate
Cyberspace and outer space are new frontiers for national security
What do cyberspace and outer space have in common? As we make clear in a new report to the Department of Defence, both are new frontiers for national security that blur traditional ideas about borders, sovereignty and defence strategy. These "areas" are important elements of Australia's critical infrastructure and are vital to our ability to defend our nation and keep it secure. They also
Russian rocket launches 34 new UK satellites
A Russian Soyuz rocket has blasted into space carrying 34 new satellites from British operator Oneweb, which aims to provide broadband internet everywhere in the world.
The rocket operated by Europe's Arianespace took off successfully at 2213 GMT Saturday from the Baikonur cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, the Roscosmos space agency said in a statement.
It was the fifth launch of OneWeb satellites this year, with the last one on July 1.
OneWeb is working to complete the construction of a constellation of low earth orbit satellites providing enhanced broadband and other services to countries worldwide.
The company is competing against billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos in the race to provide fast internet for the world's remote areas via satellites.
The UK company plans for its global commercial internet service to be operational by next year, supported by some 650 satellites.
Arianespace, which has worked with Russia for close to two decades, is under contract to make 16 Soyuz launches between December 2020 and the end of 2022.
With this latest mission, a total of 288 satellites are now in orbit for the constellation.