Tokyo, Japan (SPX) Nov 20, 2024
The concept of installing a massive underwater curtain to protect Antarctic ice sheets from melting has sparked discussions among scientists, yet the political ramifications remain underexplored. Kobe University researchers emphasize the need for these aspects to be part of the conversation to prevent potential geopolitical conflicts in the region, known for its longstanding peaceful cooperation

Boston MA (SPX) Nov 20, 2024
For roboticists, one challenge towers above all others: generalization - the ability to create machines that can adapt to any environment or condition. Since the 1970s, the field has evolved from writing sophisticated programs to using deep learning, teaching robots to learn directly from human behavior. But a critical bottleneck remains: data quality. To improve, robots need to encounter scenar

Plainsboro NJ (SPX) Nov 20, 2024
A different mix of fuels with enhanced properties could overcome some of the major barriers to making fusion a more practical energy source, according to a new study. The proposed approach would still use deuterium and tritium, which are generally accepted as the most promising pair of fuels for fusion energy production. However, the quantum properties of the fuel would be adjusted for pea

Los Angeles CA (SPX) Nov 21, 2024
The effects of space travel on human physiology are profound, subjecting astronauts to conditions such as radiation, microgravity, disrupted sleep, and high-stress environments. These factors could potentially impact cognitive abilities, a critical concern given the complexity and high stakes of tasks performed aboard spacecraft. To address this, researchers from NASA's Behavioral Health a

Moffett Field CA (SPX) Nov 21, 2024
A NASA study using a series of supercomputer simulations reveals a potential new solution to a longstanding Martian mystery: How did Mars get its moons? The first step, the findings say, may have involved the destruction of an asteroid. The research team, led by Jacob Kegerreis, a postdoctoral research scientist at NASA's Ames Research Center in California's Silicon Valley, found that an a

Tucson AZ (SPX) Nov 21, 2024
The Northern Lights were visible much farther south than usual this year, and pictures of the colorful hues filled social media. Now, imagine an aurora hundreds of times brighter - except no one would be able to snap a photo of it, as the onslaught of particles rushing in from the sun would instantly turn smartphones into bricks. Such extreme solar storms are rare - only six are known to h

Paris, France (SPX) Nov 25, 2024
ESA's Proba-3 mission, a groundbreaking double-spacecraft formation flying project, is set for launch on December 4 from India. The mission aims to achieve artificial solar eclipses on demand, relying on advanced positioning technologies, including a precision laser system that enables the spacecraft to maintain their precise alignment in orbit. The Proba-3 mission comprises two spacecraft

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 25, 2024
China has revealed additional insights into its manned lunar mission, targeting a moon landing by 2030, through a video presentation at the Human Space Symposium. The animation, released by the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), showcases key mission aspects, including a lunar rover exploring the moon's surface and outlining a three-day exploration route centered around the landing zone. Th

Paris, France (SPX) Nov 25, 2024
Atomic-6 has entered into a development contract with Starpath Robotics to design and build a deployable composite boom for Starpath's advanced solar power generation system. This collaboration brings together Atomic-6's innovative composite manufacturing techniques and Starpath's vision for lunar infrastructure development. Starpath Robotics is working to establish robotic mining operatio

Sydney, Australia (SPX) Nov 25, 2024
China's innovative inflatable capsule has successfully completed its in-orbit flight test aboard the Shijian-19 satellite, as announced by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST) on Thursday. The test, described as a complete success, marks a significant step forward in space engineering. The inflatable capsule represents a cutting-edge, multi-functional technology featuring a flexibl