Space & Technology 

Space News ,China :- In a significant technological stride, China is in the process of developing a nuclear reactor designed to power its missions to the Moon and Mars. The reactor boasts a capacity of generating one megawatt of electricity, claiming to be a staggering 100 times more potent than a comparable device currently in the works at NASA, as reported by the South China Morning Post.NASA's fission power source, slated for completion by the end of the decade, aims to support sustained human habitation on the Moon. However, two anonymous scientists argue that traditional sources such as chemical fuel and solar power may fall short of meeting the demands of extensive human space exploration and potential settlements on celestial bodies. They propose that nuclear power holds the most promising solution, emphasizing the global competition in this domain.Despite its potential, challenges are expected for the megawatt space reactor, particularly in terms of cooling. The reactor's compact size, coupled with the need to dissipate excess heat into space, poses potential hurdles in generating electricity efficiently. To address this, Jiang Jieqiong, a professor at the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Nuclear Safety Technology, suggests a foldable structure akin to an umbrella to enhance radiator surface area.Various approaches are being explored, including the possibility of assembling smaller reactors into a larger machine. Such a system could power large ion thrusters, propelling astronauts toward Mars.However, the advancement in space technology raises concerns beyond power sources. The proliferation of space debris, exemplified by the recent Russian satellite test that generated hundreds of thousands of debris pieces, poses a threat to global interests. China's Long March 5B rocket's erratic orbit earlier this year exemplifies the challenges in tracking and predicting space objects.The South China Morning Post notes that the secrecy surrounding space nuclear reactor programs has left a legislative void to address potential accidents, such as failed launches or meltdowns in space. Urgent calls for the establishment of a safety evaluation and management system, suited to China's technological status, underscore the need for increased transparency in research and development progress to alleviate public concerns, according to space scientist Zhang Ze of the Shanghai Institute of Space Propulsion.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-04 15:27:45

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,NASA :- NASA is in the final stages of the design phase for its Fission Surface Power Project, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at creating a compact nuclear fission reactor to generate electricity on the moon. The project is a key component of NASA's Artemis program, addressing the need for a reliable and independent energy source during the prolonged lunar nights.In 2022, NASA and the U.S. Department of Energy awarded contracts to three companies — Lockheed Martin, Westinghouse, and IX (a joint venture of Intuitive Machines and X-Energy) — to develop initial designs for the reactor and subsystems. The primary goal is to establish a clean, safe, and sustainable energy solution that can support a prolonged human presence on the lunar surface for at least a decade.Trudy Kortes, program director for technology demonstration missions within NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate, emphasized the significance of the nuclear reactor, which operates independently of solar conditions, making it crucial for long-term lunar exploration and scientific endeavors.The lunar south pole, with its permanently shadowed regions believed to contain water ice and other volatiles, is identified as a potential location for deploying the reactor. The next phase involves extending contracts to refine the project's direction, leading to Phase 2, which encompasses the final reactor design for a lunar demonstration. The open solicitation for Phase 2 is anticipated in 2025.Lindsay Kaldon, Fission Surface Power project manager at NASA's Glenn Research Center, explained that the information gathered from the initial partners will guide the decision-making process for Phase 2, ensuring the development of a lower-risk system.NASA's target date for delivering the reactor to the launch pad is set for the early 2030s, following Phase 2. The agency has specified a 40-kilowatt reactor using low-enriched uranium, with a weight limit of 13,200 pounds (6,000 kilograms). While certain constraints are defined, NASA has encouraged flexibility, allowing companies to present creative and diverse approaches for technical review.In the U.S., a 40-kilowatt reactor can provide electrical power for approximately 33 households, according to NASA. This lunar nuclear reactor initiative is part of NASA's broader nuclear plans for space, which includes launching a nuclear-powered spacecraft named DRACO by early 2026. Additionally, recent contracts have been awarded for the development of more efficient Brayton power converters to Rolls Royce North American Technologies, Brayton Energy, and General Electric.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-03 15:43:52

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In the wake of Chandrayaan 3's remarkable success, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while assessing the strides in India's Gaganyaan program, has urged ISRO to expand its horizons. The directive is to aim for assembling a dedicated space station and conducting human missions to the lunar surface. ISRO's strategic roadmap involves accelerating planned programs and, notably, Chandrayaan 4 may pioneer 3D printing on the Moon, a key step towards achieving ambitious milestones.Fresh insights into the future of the Chandrayaan lunar program were unveiled during a presentation by ISRO Chairman S Somanath at the Indian Society of Geomatics (ISG) and the Indian Society of Remote Sensing (ISRS) National Symposium 2023. The revelation indicates that Chandrayaan 4, the sequel to Chandrayaan 3, is slated to showcase additive manufacturing capabilities, specifically 3D printing on the lunar surface. This mission aligns with ISRO's grand plan to establish a space station by 2035, land an indigenous human on the Moon by 2040, and inaugurate a Moon base by 2047, marking India's 100th independence anniversary.The demonstration of 3D printing on the Moon serves a crucial purpose in ISRO's strategy, focusing on In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) in the United States and Local Resource Utilization (LRU) in China. Harnessing locally sourced lunar Regolith as ink enables the production of tools, spare parts, bricks, and even entire habitats, crucial for sustained human presence on the Moon.However, the lunar 3D printing endeavor poses unique challenges, requiring reengineering to adapt to the Moon's low gravity, extreme temperature variations, and the lunar atmosphere bombarded by unfiltered high-energy particles from the Sun. Lunar Regolith, composed of fine, coarse particles that easily infiltrate cracks, adds another layer of complexity, posing potential hazards to personnel and equipment.Notably, both the United States and China are incorporating 3D printing in their lunar base plans, with initiatives such as Artemis Basecamp and the International Lunar Research Station. Research institutions globally are actively working on simulating lunar regolith to refine the entire process, from extraction to processing and on-site 3D printing. China's Chang'e 8 mission, scheduled for 2028, aims to survey locally available materials and demonstrate lunar 3D printing. The Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX), a collaboration with Japan's JAXA, is slated for launch in 2025, coinciding with the Chandrayaan 4 mission in 2028.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-03 15:36:58

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In the latest interim Budget for 2024-25, the Department of Space in India has secured a substantial increase of nearly ₹2,000 crore, reaching a total allocation of ₹13,042.75 crore. This marks a notable rise from the previous fiscal year's revised estimate of ₹11,070.07 crore. The surge in funding is particularly evident in space technology, with the allocation jumping from ₹8,180 crore in 2023-24 to ₹10,087 crore in the current fiscal year.Contrastingly, the Department of Atomic Energy is facing a slight reduction in its budget estimates, standing at ₹24,968.98 crore for 2024-25, down from ₹25,078.49 crore in the preceding year.Prime Minister Narendra Modi has set ambitious targets for the Department of Space, envisioning the construction of a 'Bharat Antariksh Station' by 2035 and the landing of an Indian astronaut on the moon by 2040.In the realm of atomic energy, the Department has been allocated ₹36,159.93 crore in the interim Budget, a marginal decrease from ₹36,905.45 crore in 2023-24. Of this total allotment, ₹15,908.79 crore has been designated for capital expenditure, earmarked for power projects, atomic energy agencies, and research. A significant portion of this capital expenditure will be directed towards repaying loans for power projects.In alignment with India's energy objectives, the government has granted approval for the construction of 10 indigenously developed nuclear power plants, each with a capacity of 700 MW, in a fleet mode across the country.

Read More → Posted on 2024-02-02 07:11:03

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :- In a groundbreaking experiment, International Space Station astronaut Marcus Wandt remotely controlled Bert, a four-legged robot, from space for the first time in January. The decision to equip robots with legs instead of wheels opens up new possibilities for exploring challenging terrains on Mars and other celestial bodies, according to a statement from DLR (the German space agency), which manages the project.DLR officials highlighted that, until now, only wheel-driven robots had been remotely controlled by astronauts from space. Bert, with its versatile leg-based locomotion, has mastered several gaits and can navigate rough terrains, including small caves, inaccessible to its rolling counterparts.This recent experiment builds on years of practice with other ISS astronauts and follows work conducted in July 2023 to investigate the impact of time delays on remotely controlling robots during space missions, as mentioned in the release.Given the time it takes to transmit signals between Earth and Mars, innovative approaches are needed to address time delays in space environments. Even in orbit, astronauts experience slight time delays when controlling robots on the surface.The robots, operating under the Surface Avatar project, are stationed at the German Aerospace Center in Oberpfaffenhofen, co-managed by DLR and the European Space Agency (ESA). Wandt, who is also a project astronaut with ESA, collaborated with the two-week-long SpaceX Ax-3 mission managed by Axiom Space.DLR officials explained that Wandt allowed Bert to independently explore the lab's surroundings and monitor the terrain using its camera eyes. The experiment also involved the participation of Rollin' Justin, a humanoid robot on wheels, and ESA's Interact Rover. Together, they successfully installed a short pipe, serving as a prototype for a potential future scientific measuring device.ESA's involvement in the NASA-led Artemis program, aiming to send astronauts to the moon's surface later in the 2020s, aligns with the international Artemis Accords. These accords aspire to establish a moon base and a permanent presence at the moon's south pole, leveraging potential water resources for rocket fuel, life support, and other space needs.The Artemis program is emphasized as a valuable testing ground for preparing astronauts for Mars missions in the coming decades. While robots typically undergo decades of development before deployment in space, those working with DLR or on the moon's surface could potentially contribute to future missions to the Red Planet, pending successful testing and technological advancements.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-31 15:46:33

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :- Nokia Bell Labs has been chosen to participate in the groundbreaking 10-Year Lunar Architecture (LunA-10) program, initiated by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). The program aims to design a comprehensive multi-service architecture that will support a flourishing lunar economy over the next decade and beyond. LunA-10 focuses on developing essential infrastructure capable of sustaining both industrial activities and scientific exploration on the Moon.DARPA has enlisted 14 companies spanning various industries for the launch of LunA-10. Nokia, recognized for its expertise in futuristic network architectures and leadership in lunar surface communication technologies, earned its place in the program. This recognition is not only attributed to Nokia's current mission to establish the Moon's first cellular network but also stems from the extensive space innovation history of Nokia Bell Labs dating back to the Mercury Program.Nokia will collaborate with 13 other specialized companies in critical areas such as energy, transport, and construction. Nokia Bell Labs is tasked with recommending a robust, high-performance communications infrastructure. The collaboration aims to ensure efficient transportation and construction of infrastructure on the lunar surface, equipped with reliable power sources.By mid-2024, LunA-10 is expected to provide a comprehensive blueprint for establishing the necessary infrastructure to support commercial operations on and around the lunar surface by 2035. Communication will be pivotal, with requirements for high throughput, low latency, ultra-reliable, and scalable capabilities. Networks will facilitate direct communication between astronauts and mission control on Earth, transmit video and telemetry data, and provide connectivity for controlling robots and automating tasks on the lunar surface.Thierry E. Klein, President of Nokia Bell Labs Solutions Research, expressed excitement about contributing to DARPA's visionary initiative, emphasizing Bell Labs' commitment to pushing technological frontiers. Klein stated, "By creating the communication solutions blueprint for the Moon, we will help establish the foundations of a permanent human presence on the lunar surface."As part of NASA's Tipping Point initiative, Nokia is set to deploy the first cellular network on the Moon in 2024, demonstrating the capability of 3GPP-based technology for future lunar and Martian missions. Nokia Bell Labs' legacy in space spans decades, with contributions ranging from launching communication satellites to vital discoveries, such as cosmic microwave background radiation from the Big Bang.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-30 16:09:28

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,Taiwan :- In a groundbreaking announcement on Monday, Taiwan's National Central University unveiled the country's inaugural lunar mission. As reported by Central News Agency Taiwan, the university disclosed details about the Deep Space Radiation Probe (DSRP), a project developed by its faculty and students. The DSRP is set to launch from Japan in the fourth quarter of this year.Chair of the Department of Space Science and Engineering at National Central University, Loren Chang, highlighted the challenges of deep space, emphasizing the severe radiation conditions over 2,000 kilometers from Earth, affecting both life forms and technological products.Weighing 400 grams and slightly larger than the size of a hand, the DSRP is engineered to explore the radiation environment in deep space during its four-month journey to the moon. The findings will serve as a valuable reference for future space missions and the design of space and electronic products.Following successful ground tests demonstrating radiation tolerance, the DSRP was transported to Japan's JAXA Tsukuba Space Center in December of the previous year. It will be integrated into the lunar lander HAKUTO-R Mission 2, developed by ispace, a Japanese private lunar exploration company and a partner in this mission.When asked about his emotions, Chang expressed a mix of excitement and nervousness regarding the upcoming mission, emphasizing confidence in the project's design and verification process. He stated, "We're sure that through this entire process, we'll learn a lot more that will be beneficial for future missions."Central News Agency Taiwan reported on the challenges faced during the 21-month development period, with Chang highlighting time constraints as a significant factor. Despite facing multiple iterations and revisions, the DSRP has evolved into its fifth version.Chou Yi-hsuan, a fourth-year student in the Department of Space Science and Engineering, shared insights gained from the verification stage, addressing issues related to low temperature and abnormalities under vacuum conditions. She expressed happiness and satisfaction upon delivering the DSRP in Japan, stating, "We were really happy when we finally went to Japan as it was something we had been working on for two years, and we could finally deliver our project."

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-30 06:00:36

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In a significant stride towards achieving cutting-edge space propulsion technology, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully developed a 20-ton LOX-Methane Engine Demonstrator, completing 6-8 hot tests. The test facilities, specifically designed for extensive evaluations, have been instrumental in the engine's progress. Additionally, ISRO is actively engaged in developing technology for a 100-ton LOX-Methane engine, suggesting a promising future for advanced space exploration capabilities. Notably, the engine is anticipated to be reusable up to 20 times, showcasing a cost-effective and sustainable approach.ISRO's commitment to staying at the forefront of global space exploration is evident in its pursuit of two LOX-Methane engines that utilize liquid oxygen as the oxidizer and methane as the fuel. Liquid oxygen (LOX), known for its role as the oxidizer in the first liquid-fueled rocket in 1926, is a key component of ISRO's future launch vehicles.The LOX/Methane propellant combination is a strategically chosen solution, offering superior specific impulse performance and operational advantages such as storability, low toxicity, and cost-effectiveness. ISRO recognizes the potential for in-situ resource utilization during inter-planetary missions, further motivating the development of LOX/Methane engines.Methane, hailed as the space fuel of the future, can be synthesized with water and carbon dioxide in space, adding to its appeal. Two concurrent projects are underway at ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, focusing on converting an existing cryogenic engine and developing a smaller 3-ton thrust engine with an electric motor.While ISRO remains tight-lipped about the official status of these projects, the potential shift towards LOX-Methane indicates a departure from the current use of hydrazine-based fuels. The move is substantiated by the advantages of methane, including its non-toxic nature, higher specific impulse, easy storability, and suitability for in-space synthesis.Comparatively, hydrazine-based fuels, like Unsymmetrical Di-Methyl Hydrazine, currently used by ISRO, are deemed highly toxic and carcinogenic. Globally, there is a growing push to ban hydrazine. The LOX-Methane engines also hold the promise of in-situ resource utilization, particularly on planets like Mars with abundant water sources.The global trend towards LOX-Methane propulsion is evident, with the Chinese already having a working engine, and SpaceX exploring methane-fueled rockets with its Raptor engine. Meanwhile, Mumbai-based start-up Manastu Space is developing a propulsion system using Hydrogen peroxide as fuel, presenting an alternative approach to traditional rocket fuels.As the space industry continues to evolve, new rocket fuels such as Ammonium di Nitramide in Europe and Hydroxyl Ammonium Nitrate in the US are emerging, promising cost-effective solutions for satellite deployment and space research. The ongoing developments indicate a dynamic landscape in space propulsion, with ISRO actively contributing to the forefront of innovation.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-29 15:09:57

 Space & Technology 

Space News , India :- Venturing beyond our planet is a pursuit fraught with unique challenges, challenges faced head-on by the intrepid crew of The Ark, currently available for streaming on Peacock. These spacefarers embark on a remarkable journey spanning 4.2 light-years through the vastness of deep space, steering with unparalleled precision from one celestial destination to the next. Their mission is not just about reaching Proxima Centauri b but anticipating its position upon their arrival.A parallel narrative unfolds in the realm of real-world space exploration, albeit on a smaller scale. Navigating a spacecraft to its destination and maintaining communication across immense distances demands a level of precision that boggles the mind. NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) emerges as a standout sharpshooter in our solar system, achieving feats that showcase its extraordinary capabilities.In a recent demonstration of precision, the LRO directed a laser beam from orbit, striking a reflector the size of an Oreo cookie situated 62 miles away on the Moon's surface. This reflector, affixed to the Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) Vikram Moon lander, which touched down in the Moon's southern region on August 23, 2023, became the target of NASA's laser experiment.On December 12, 2023, NASA issued a command instructing the LRO to employ its altimeter instrument to target Vikram. Typically used for mapping the Moon's surface, this instrument employs five lasers simultaneously, measuring the time it takes for light to reach the surface and return. The constant speed of light facilitates high-detail scans of the Moon's terrain, aiding in navigation for future missions. In this instance, the target was not the lunar surface but a two-inch reflector aboard Vikram.Upon successful reflection of the laser light, NASA confirmed the experiment's success. Xiaoli Sun, leader of the retroreflector development team on Vikram, expressed optimism about refining the technique for routine use in future missions. The Laser Retroreflector Array, comprising eight quartz-corner-cube prisms within an aluminum dome, showcased its versatility by collecting and bouncing back light from any direction.This innovation holds promise for future lunar exploration, as astronauts could use retroreflectors to pinpoint markers on the Moon's surface, even in challenging visibility conditions. Despite recent success on the eighth attempt, consistent precision remains the goal, with plans for future tests to identify challenges and enhance performance.As the journey to the Moon continues, additional retroreflectors are set to be deployed. JAXA's SLIM lander carries one, despite encountering operational issues due to an apparent rough landing. Intuitive Machine's Nova-C lander, scheduled for launch in February, holds another retroreflector, offering hope for enhanced navigation when Artemis III marks humanity's return to the Moon, a significant event since 1972.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-28 15:05:51

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated the journey of its latest meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS, to Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota. The satellite is set to launch on the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14) on January 25.Developed at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bangalore for the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES), INSAT-3DS is designed to provide enhanced meteorological observations and monitor both land and ocean surfaces for improved weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities, as stated by ISRO.Scheduled for liftoff in the first week of February, GSLV-F14 will carry out the mission, according to senior officials from ISRO. The INSAT-3DS mission is a collaborative effort between ISRO and the India Meteorological Department, contributing to a series of climate observatory satellites focused on advancing climate services. This series includes three dedicated Earth observation satellites, with INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR already orbiting in space.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-28 14:33:02

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- In a groundbreaking venture, the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3), a cost-effective space platform ingeniously crafted from the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, has triumphantly fulfilled its mission objectives. Launched alongside XPoSat on January 1, 2024, this three-axis-attitude controlled platform boasts power generation, telecommand, and telemetry capabilities, providing vital support for diverse payloads.A Stellar Journey:Deployed into a 650 km orbit, POEM-3 was then strategically lowered to a 350 km circular orbit, minimizing orbit decay time post-experiment. As it gracefully completes its 25th day in orbit, POEM-3 has circled the Earth 400 times, currently residing in an orbit measuring approximately 322 km by 352 km. Projections estimate that POEM-3 will continue its orbital dance for an additional 73 days before gracefully re-entering the Earth's atmosphere.Payload Triumphs:Embarking on its mission with nine payloads from institutions like VSSC, PRL, Academia, and Space start-ups via IN-SPACe, POEM-3 showcased stellar performance. Notable experiments include ARKA200 (Xenon-Based Electric Propulsion) and RUDRA (HAN-Based Green Propellant Thruster) from Bellatrix, and LEAP-TD (Satellite Bus with VHF/UHF Downlink & UHF Uplink) from Dhruva Space. Regularly collecting data from various experiments such as WeSAT, BeliefSat0, RSEM, and DEX, POEM-3 demonstrated the prowess of its Payloads.Unprecedented Achievements:With successful completion of the mission's objectives, including the demonstration of a 100 W Fuel Cell Power System and Si-C based High Power Li-Ion Battery, POEM-3 has set a new standard. Across POEM-1 to POEM-3 missions, ISRO has proudly flown a total of 21 payloads from diverse institutes and industries.Towards the Future:Having accomplished its initial goals, POEM-3 is gearing up for more experiments, generating crucial data for upcoming missions, including the development of future POEM configurations. With an anticipated orbital decay and re-entry in three months, the PSLV-C58 XPoSat mission is leaving an indelible mark by ensuring zero debris remains in space.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-28 05:03:29

 Space & Technology 

Technology News ,India :- In recent years, India has emerged as a promising hub for additive manufacturing, showcasing remarkable growth in various 3D printing projects and an expanding list of service providers. The unveiling of the first "made-in-India" Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) 3D printer by STPL 3D is a testament to India's progress in this dynamic industry.India's additive manufacturing sector has experienced significant growth, with a 94.89% increase in 3D printer shipments in 2022 compared to 2021, according to a report by 6W Research. Projections from xResearch indicate a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 20.3% for India's 3D printing market between 2022 and 2023, reaching a value of $705.1 million by 2030.STPL 3D's pioneering SLS 3D printer, officially unveiled at a launch event highlighting advancements in Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) and Stereolithography (SLA), reinforces the company's position as India's largest 3D printer manufacturer. The event garnered significant attention, drawing representatives from key organizations, including NCAM India, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), and Sahajanad Technologies Pvt Ltd.Notable features of the SLS 3D printer include a spacious build volume of 500 x 500 x 500 mm and a 100W Co2 laser. The inclusion of an in-built cleaning chamber enhances post-processing efficiency and user-friendliness, aligning with the company's commitment to providing "user-friendly and future-ready 3D printing solutions."The unveiling of this innovative SLS 3D printer signifies a breakthrough in India's additive manufacturing landscape, particularly as the country emphasizes the production of "made-in-India" products to stimulate economic growth. Rahul Gaywala, CEO of STPL, expressed the company's dedication to innovation and precision, envisioning a future where additive manufacturing is synonymous with STPL 3D.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-28 04:54:51

 Space & Technology 

Dpace News ,U.S :- SpaceX is gearing up for a groundbreaking event as it prepares to launch Northrop Grumman's Cygnus spacecraft atop its flagship Falcon 9 rocket. The upcoming mission, designated NG-20, marks the twentieth cargo flight by Northrop Grumman to the International Space Station (ISS). However, it is the first occasion the Cygnus cargo craft will ride into orbit on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.The scheduled launch is targeted for no earlier than Tuesday, Jan. 30, at 12:07 p.m. EST (1707 GMT). The unique nature of this mission required modifications to the Falcon 9's payload fairing, specifically the addition of a 5 feet by 4 feet (1.5m by 1.2m) hatch. This innovation allows ground crews to include additional "late-load" cargo, such as special treats like ice cream for the astronauts aboard the ISS.During a pre-flight teleconference on Jan. 26, William Gerstenmaier, SpaceX's Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability, shared insights into the modifications made. He explained that the hatch addition, crucial for late-load cargo, contributed to the decision to postpone the launch by one day. Ensuring an environmentally controlled area inside the hatch is vital, as any contamination could impact Cygnus's docking hardware at the ISS."This will be the first time we've done that. It's taken a lot of modifications on our part to get this hardware ready to go fly," noted Gerstenmaier.The Cygnus freighter will carry fresh foods, supplies for the ISS astronauts, and a range of sophisticated science experiments, including the first robotic surgeon to reach the ISS. Cyrus Dhalla, Northrop Grumman's Vice President and General Manager of Tactical Space Systems, explained that Cygnus will remain docked at the ISS for approximately six months. During this period, it might be tasked with boosting the space station back to its optimal altitude, compensating for the gradual descent caused by atmospheric drag.Once its mission at the ISS concludes, Cygnus will depart, carrying trash and waste. Dhalla highlighted the importance of this function, emphasizing that the spacecraft will undergo a fiery reentry into Earth's atmosphere, disposing of waste safely.Notably, previous Cygnus cargo missions utilized Northrop Grumman's Antares rocket. However, the current version of the Antares vehicle is being phased out due to disruptions in supply chains resulting from Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine. The final flight of Antares 230 took place in August 2023.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-27 15:41:26

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,U.S :-   In a Century of Solar Phenomena, Where Does the April 8 Eclipse Stand?As we delve into the comparison of the "Great North American Solar Eclipse" set to grace the skies on April 8 with its predecessors over the past century, its prominence becomes strikingly evident.Over the last 100 years, spanning from 1925 to 2024, our analysis of 75 solar eclipses, including annular-total/hybrid and non-central total eclipses, reveals an average totality duration of 3 minutes and 13 seconds. Notably, the absolute maximum potential duration of a total solar eclipse, as defined by Jean Meeus, a Belgian celestial mechanics specialist, is 7 minutes and 32.1 seconds.The upcoming total solar eclipse on April 8, 2024, is poised to break the mold with a maximum duration of 4 minutes and 28.2 seconds in north-central Mexico. Among the sampled 75 solar eclipses, 29 belong to the exclusive "Four Minute or Greater Club," with the April 8 eclipse securing its place among the top 25% in duration.A Century in Review: Total Solar Eclipses Over the United States (1924-2024) Date (UTC)DurationAltitude (in degrees)Width of visible region (in miles)Location in United StatesJan. 25, 19252m 02s18°107Sunrise MN to WI, MI, NY, PA, NJ, MA, CT, RIApril 28, 19300m 01s62°0.6Hybrid; total for CA, NV, OR, ID, MTAug. 31, 19321m 40s31°103VT, NH, ME, MAFeb. 4, 19431m 52s10°104AlaskaJuly 9, 19450m 31s8°28Sunrise for Idaho to MTJune 30, 19541m 22s10°74Sunrise for Nebraska to SD, IA, MN, WI, MIOct. 2, 19590m 56s1°37Sunrise for New Hampshire & MassachusettsJuly 20, 19631m 36s46°62Alaska, MaineMarch 7, 19703m 10s54°88FL, GA, SC, NC, VA, MAJuly 10, 19722m 22s38°105AlaskaFeb. 26, 19792m 46s24°191WA, OR, ID, MT, NDJuly 22, 19902m 19s34°130Alaska (Aleutians)July 11, 19914m 10s22°139Big Island of HawaiiAug. 21, 20172m 43s64°71Spanned contiguous US; Oregon to S. CarolinaApr. 8, 20244m 27s69°108TX northeast to ME1924-2024 averages1m 58s32°89 Comparative Analysis of April 8, 2024 Eclipse: Standout Features1. Duration: The average totality duration for the 14 United States eclipses, excluding April 8, is 1 minute and 58 seconds. Notably, only two of the 13 surpass the three-minute mark. The April 8 eclipse, with a totality lasting 4 minutes and 27 seconds in south Texas, stands out as an extraordinary event, with only the 1991 eclipse exceeding four minutes.2. Maximum Altitude: The April 8 event boasts a remarkable sun altitude of 69° in south Texas, providing favorable conditions for clear viewing. In contrast, the average for the other 14 United States eclipses places the sun at less than half that height, at 32°.3. Maximum Path Width: The moon's shadow during the April 8, 2024 eclipse spans 108 miles, ranking fourth among the 14 eclipses analyzed. Notably, the width of the 1979 eclipse exceeded that of 2024 by 83 miles.4. Geographical Visibility: The upcoming April 8 eclipse is anticipated to attract a massive viewing audience, passing over metropolitan areas from Texas to northern New England. An estimated 32 million people will have the opportunity to witness this extraordinary celestial event, making it the most concentrated population exposure to a total solar eclipse in U.S. history.Historical Context and Future ProspectsLooking beyond the century, the April 8, 2024 eclipse stands out as an exceptional event in the history of the United States. The only comparable event, in terms of totality duration, is the eclipse of June 16, 1806. Not until the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2045, will the contiguous United States experience a totality exceeding six minutes, marking a historic astronomical milestone.As we await this forthcoming celestial spectacle, the April 8, 2024 eclipse takes its place as the finest total solar eclipse for the United States between the years 1806 and 2045.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-26 16:10:38

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :- Virgin Galactic is gearing up for its sixth commercial spaceflight, Galactic 06, scheduled to launch today on January 26. This mission will see four private passengers embark on a suborbital journey, departing from Spaceport America in New Mexico. The launch window is set to open at noon EST (1700 GMT; 10 a.m. local New Mexico time).Unlike previous missions, it seems there won't be a live webcast of the event. However, Virgin Galactic is expected to provide updates on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter) throughout the flight, following its recent communication trend.As of Thursday afternoon (Jan. 25), the identities of the Galactic 06 passengers had not been disclosed by Virgin Galactic. The only information available was their home nations and/or states: one from Texas, one from California, one Austrian, and the fourth from Nevada and Ukraine, marking the first Ukrainian woman to venture into space, according to a statement from Virgin Galactic.The VSS Unity space plane will carry the Galactic 06 crew, launching from Spaceport America beneath the wings of the carrier craft VMS Eve. At an altitude of about 45,000 feet (13,700 meters), Unity will separate from Eve and ignite its rocket motor, propelling it to suborbital space. Passengers will enjoy a few minutes of weightlessness and witness Earth from the vantage point of space before descending for a runway landing back at Spaceport America.Tickets for a seat aboard the six-passenger Unity are currently priced at $400,000. Galactic 06 marks Virgin Galactic's first mission of the year and potentially one of the final flights for Unity. The company intends to retire this space plane, which has been the vessel for all Virgin spaceflights to date, in favor of the upcoming "Delta class" vehicle.Virgin Galactic envisions each Delta plane capable of flying up to twice per week. The first Delta vehicle is scheduled for test flights in 2025, with commercial operations expected to commence the following year.In the competitive suborbital space tourism industry, Virgin Galactic faces a rival in Blue Origin, Jeff Bezos' aerospace company. Blue Origin utilizes a rocket-capsule combination called New Shepard. Despite a setback during an uncrewed research mission in September 2022, New Shepard recently returned to flight, with its last crewed mission dating back to August 2022.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-26 15:50:52