Space & Technology 

Space News ,NASA :- NASA's groundbreaking helicopter, Ingenuity, has concluded its groundbreaking mission on Mars after experiencing rotor-blade damage during its last flight, rendering it incapable of further aerial maneuvers, as announced by NASA on January 25.In a statement, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson reflected on the historic journey of Ingenuity, hailing it as the first aircraft to traverse the skies of another planet. "The remarkable helicopter flew higher and farther than we ever imagined and helped NASA achieve the extraordinary. Through missions like Ingenuity, NASA is charting the course for future flight in our solar system and advancing safer human exploration to Mars and beyond," said Nelson.Ingenuity, weighing 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms), touched down on Mars alongside NASA's Perseverance rover in February 2021. Its primary mission was to prove the feasibility of powered flight in Mars' thin atmosphere, a challenge it successfully addressed during a five-flight campaign in the spring of 2021.Following its initial success, NASA extended Ingenuity's mission, tasking the rotorcraft to serve as a scout for the Perseverance rover. During this extended mission, Ingenuity surpassed expectations by completing an impressive 67 flights, aiding in scientific exploration.Despite its expected 30-day operational lifespan, Ingenuity remained operational on the Martian surface for nearly three years. Over the course of 72 flights, lasting a cumulative 129 minutes, the helicopter covered approximately 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) of Martian terrain.Unfortunately, Ingenuity faced challenges during its final flight on January 18. Communication between the helicopter and the rover was prematurely terminated, and subsequent imagery revealed damage to one or more rotor blades during landing.While Ingenuity's flying days have come to an end, its legacy is secure. It has etched a significant place in humanity's exploration history, and its success on Mars is poised to pave the way for future aerial exploration of the Red Planet. NASA has plans to send two similar helicopters to assist Perseverance in collecting samples for return to Earth, and the agency is actively developing larger, more advanced helicopters for potential scientific missions on Mars—a testament to the enduring impact of Ingenuity's pioneering journey.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-26 15:31:22

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Technology News ,World :- Hyundai's subsidiary, Supernal, is set to introduce a groundbreaking electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) air taxi named SA-2 to the market by 2028. The four-passenger vehicle, featuring a unique design with eight tilting rotors for vertical takeoff and landing, will undergo test flights later this year, as announced by company representatives at CES 2024.In recent years, various manufacturers, such as Boeing, Airbus, and Honda, have developed operational eVTOLs, utilizing distributed electric propulsion (DEP) to enable flight. Supernal's SA-2 follows this trend, utilizing all-tilting rotors distributed across its frame to generate the necessary thrust for flight.Simay Akar, CEO and founder of AK Energy Consulting, highlighted the potential of DEP-powered eVTOLs in shaping the future of urban air mobility. However, she emphasized the need for essential elements, including legal frameworks and advancements in technology, to be established before widespread adoption.The SA-2 is designed to achieve a cruising speed of 120 mph at an altitude of up to 1,500 feet, covering distances between 25 and 40 miles per trip. Notably, its noise levels during takeoff and landing are projected to reach 65 decibels, considerably quieter than traditional helicopters, as indicated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).Hyundai's venture into eVTOLs is not new, with a previous version showcased in 2020. While initial plans for test flights in 2023 with Uber did not materialize, Supernal now aims to conduct test flights in the coming year. The company plans to submit preliminary applications to the FAA in 2024, seeking a special airworthiness certificate by 2025, followed by extensive testing in 2027.Despite Hyundai's target launch date in 2028, the success of eVTOLs depends on factors such as battery energy density, motor efficiency, power electronics, thermal management, and weight management. Global legislatures are actively addressing safety and air traffic concerns, with the European Union Aviation Safety Agency proposing rules for operating eVTOLs in Europe in 2023. Additionally, the FAA finalized rules in June 2023 to pave the way for commercial air taxi services, with a target of 2028 for the commencement of commercial flights under its Innovate28 initiative.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-25 16:38:57

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Space News ,Japan :- Japan's SLIM spacecraft has successfully touched down on the moon, marking the country as the fifth nation ever to achieve a soft lunar landing. The remarkable achievement was visually documented in a new photo released by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on Wednesday night (Jan. 24). The image captures SLIM resting on the lunar surface, albeit in an unexpected position with its nose touching the gray dirt.The photograph was taken by LEV-2 ("Lunar Exploration Vehicle-2"), a ball-shaped robot also known as SORA-Q. SORA-Q is one of two tiny rovers that accompanied SLIM on its journey to the moon. Kintaro Toyama, chairman and representative director of the Japanese toy company Takara Tomy, expressed pride in the success of SORA-Q, stating that it became the first Japanese robot to land on the moon and capture images.SLIM, short for "Smart Lander for Investigating Moon," is a demonstrator spacecraft designed to showcase technology for precise planetary landings. Launched in September, along with an X-ray space telescope called XRISM, SLIM reached lunar orbit on Christmas Day and executed its historic descent to the lunar surface on Jan. 19. However, the landing did not go entirely as planned, as SLIM ended up resting on its head, hindering the expected sunlight harvest by its solar panels.Despite the unexpected orientation, the photo release confirms the successful deployment and operation of the bantam daughter craft, LEV-2 and LEV-1, which were deployed during SLIM's descent. The image, transferred to mission control via LEV-1, revealed normal communication between LEV-1 and LEV-2.Although SLIM's solar panels are not generating electricity due to its awkward position, the mission team confirmed that SLIM remains alive on the lunar surface. A press conference held by JAXA on Wednesday night provided updates, expressing hope for a possible SLIM revival until Feb. 1, when the sun is expected to set at the probe's landing site.Regardless of the challenges faced, Japan has now established itself with lunar-surface achievements, thanks to the pioneering efforts of SLIM and its two accompanying rovers.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-25 16:30:46

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Space News ,NASA :- After months of eager anticipation, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission has reached a momentous milestone by successfully unlocking the cache of asteroid material collected during its billion-mile journey. A recent NASA statement reveals that on January 10, a team of technicians triumphantly removed two stubborn fasteners, granting scientists unprecedented access to the precious cargo.The historic OSIRIS-REx spacecraft made headlines in September 2023 as the first U.S. mission to bring back an asteroid sample to Earth. Stored securely within a return capsule, the tantalizing treasure was just out of reach due to two stuck fasteners that resisted the team's initial attempts with limited tools.While a portion of the asteroid material, amounting to 70.3 grams (2.48 ounces), had been accessed from the outside of the sampler head known as the Touch-and-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism (TAGSAM), the majority remained confined within the capsule.According to NASA's recent statement, the breakthrough came as two of the 35 fasteners on TAGSAM, resistant to the approved tools inside the OSIRIS-REx sample container, were successfully released. With these fasteners now removed, the astromaterials curation team at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston will proceed with disassembling the TAGSAM head to retrieve the remaining asteroid material, consisting of dust and rocks up to approximately 0.4 inches (one cm) in size. The final mass of the sample will be determined in the coming weeks.NASA plans to unveil a catalog of all Bennu samples later this year, enabling global scientists and institutions to submit requests for research or display. This development opens new avenues for scientific exploration, as Asteroid Bennu, believed to be a primitive space rock dating back to the early days of the solar system, could offer invaluable insights into the formation and evolution of celestial bodies.As the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft transitions to a new phase, now named OSIRIS-APEX, it embarks on a five-year journey to study the asteroid Apophis—named after the ancient Egyptian god of chaos—as it approaches our planet. This shift in focus marks a continuation of NASA's commitment to unraveling the mysteries of our cosmic neighborhood.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-24 16:05:36

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Space News ,India :- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has concluded all essential tests on the INSAT-3DS satellite, marking a crucial milestone before the final review process. Following this, the satellite will be transported to the spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, for its upcoming launch onboard ISRO's GSLV launch vehicle. According to the latest Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) issued by ISRO, the launch window is set between February 17 and March 17, as reported by TOI.Part of a series of climate observatory satellites initiated by India, INSAT-3DS follows the launch of INSAT-3DR in 2016. ISRO Chairman S Somanath stated on Tuesday, "All the tests are complete. We will take a call on when to take it to the spaceport after the final review." The successful launch of INSAT-3DS not only signifies the deployment of an advanced Indian meteorological satellite but also serves as a qualification for the GSLV for the upcoming NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite launch, expected in March.In its latest update on NISAR, NASA emphasized the satellite's role in measuring critical Earth vital signs, ranging from wetland health to ground deformation caused by volcanoes. The satellite's primary mission is to study changes in ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice with exceptional detail, providing valuable insights into the impact of climate change on these frozen surfaces. NASA highlighted that NISAR's capabilities will aid researchers in understanding how small-scale processes contribute to significant changes in ice sheets across Antarctica and Greenland, as well as in mountain glaciers and sea ice globally.NISAR is poised to offer the most comprehensive overview to date of motion and deformation within Earth's ice- and snow-covered environments, collectively known as the cryosphere. According to Alex Gardner, a glaciologist at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, "Our planet has the thermostat set on high, and Earth’s ice is responding by speeding up its motion and melting faster… We need to better understand the processes at play, and NISAR will provide measurements to do that."

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-24 07:09:30

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,Japan :- In a historic achievement on January 19, Japan successfully landed its pioneering spacecraft, SLIM ("Smart Lander for Investigating Moon"), marking the nation's entry into the lunar exploration arena as the fifth country to achieve a moon landing.However, the mission faced an unexpected setback as SLIM's solar panels failed to generate electricity on the lunar surface. This development raised concerns about the lander's future, according to officials from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).The situation remained uncertain until early Monday morning (January 21) when JAXA provided a positive update. Contrary to initial fears, SLIM has not been declared non-operational, and efforts are underway to potentially recover the spacecraft. The intentional power-down occurred when SLIM's battery capacity dropped to 12% on the lunar surface, preventing over-discharge and preserving the possibility of a recovery operation.Team members explained that SLIM's solar cells are currently facing west, and there is optimism that exposure to sunlight from the west could lead to power generation. The team is actively preparing for a recovery operation, emphasizing that SLIM can function solely on power generated by its solar cells.Despite the challenges, SLIM successfully transmitted technical data and images collected during its descent and landing on Friday. The team plans to provide a comprehensive status update and share data analysis results at the end of the week.SLIM, also known as the "Moon Sniper," serves as a technology demonstrator for super-precise lunar landings. Its mission includes landing within 330 feet (100 meters) of a designated spot on the rim of the moon's Shioli Crater. The probe was launched in September 2023 alongside the XRISM X-ray space telescope, which recently sent back its initial test images from low Earth orbit.While JAXA has not disclosed whether SLIM hit its landing target, the upcoming update is expected to provide more details. SLIM also carried two mini-rovers, LEV-1 ("Lunar Excursion Vehicle" 1) and LEV-2, both of which successfully deployed as planned. LEV-1 was confirmed to be operational on the lunar surface shortly after the landing.Japan's SLIM mission adds to the achievements of other nations that have soft-landed spacecraft on the moon, including the Soviet Union and the United States during the Cold War space race, China in 2013, and India with its Chandrayaan-3 mission in August 2023.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-23 16:12:17

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Space News ,World :- In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists using the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) have detected enigmatic radio waves at the core of the Milky Way's second-brightest globular cluster, 47 Tucanae. The signal, believed to be emitted from a potential medium-sized black hole, would mark the first-ever detection of its kind.Globular clusters, ancient star groupings scattered throughout our galaxy, are known for their densely packed stars. 47 Tucanae, boasting over a million stars within a 120-light-year diameter sphere, is observable even with the naked eye.The International Centre for Radio Astronomy Research (ICRAR) team, conducting a comprehensive 450-hour radio measurement campaign with ATCA, has produced the most detailed radio image of 47 Tucanae to date. Positioned approximately 14,500 light-years from the sun, the peculiar radio wave source was pinpointed at the cluster's center.Researchers speculate that the signal may originate from either a medium-sized black hole or a pulsar—a rapidly spinning neutron star emitting radio waves. The discovery of a medium-sized black hole would represent a scientific breakthrough, bridging the gap between stellar black holes and supermassive black holes found at galaxy centers.Intermediate-mass black holes, believed to exist in globular clusters, have eluded clear detection until now. Alessandro Paduano, lead author of the study and former Ph.D. student at Curtin University, notes, "If this signal turns out to be a black hole, it would be a highly significant discovery and the first-ever radio detection of one inside a cluster."The ATCA image of 47 Tucanae rivals the anticipated images from the Square Kilometer Array Observatory (SKAO), set to become the world's most sensitive radio telescope upon completion later this decade. The SKAO, currently under construction in Western Australia and South Africa, comprises thousands of radio antennas.Tim Galvin, a research scientist at CSIRO and co-author of the study, highlights the project's technological advancements, stating, "Alessandro's research represents a culmination of years of research and technological advancements, and ATCA's ultra-deep image of 47 Tucanae represents just the beginning of the discoveries that are yet to come."Arash Bahramian, overseeing the project at Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy, emphasizes the achievement of achieving SKA-quality science with current-generation telescopes. He envisions the technique's future role in enhancing the power of SKAO to detect the faintest cosmic objects, offering a glimpse into the exciting capabilities of the next generation of radio telescopes.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-23 15:48:19

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Space News ,NASA :- The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) successfully reestablished contact with its groundbreaking Mars helicopter, Ingenuity, on Sunday, January 21. This achievement followed a temporary communication lapse experienced during the culmination of its 72nd flight on the Martian surface just a few days earlier.The inception of Ingenuity's Martian venture dates back to July 30, 2020, when NASA launched a spacecraft carrying the Perseverance rover, with Ingenuity attached beneath it. Perseverance touched down on Mars on February 18, 2021, but it wasn't until April 4 that Ingenuity was deployed onto the Martian surface. The unique deployment occurred after the rover reached a designated "airfield" location, releasing the small robotic chopper for its historic mission.While Perseverance focused on studying ancient life signs and collecting samples for potential future missions, Ingenuity's primary purpose was to conduct an unprecedented experiment—testing powered, controlled flight on a celestial body other than Earth.Ingenuity's inaugural flight on Mars took place on April 19, 2021. Ascending to a height of 10 feet, the autonomous aircraft hovered for 30 seconds before gracefully descending to the surface. The momentous flight, lasting 39.1 seconds, marked two significant milestones. Firstly, it established Ingenuity as the first-ever aircraft to achieve powered, controlled flight on another planet. Secondly, it demonstrated the helicopter's capability to navigate in Mars' thin atmosphere, known for its challenges due to lower gravity and minimal air pressure.Ingenuity, equipped with autonomous navigation and control systems developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), operates independently, relying on onboard algorithms. Perseverance acts as a vital relay link, facilitating communication between the helicopter and Earth.Initially conceived as a technology demonstration with a limited mission scope, Ingenuity surpassed expectations. After its initial flights, the helicopter's purpose evolved into a valuable scouting tool. As outlined in a 2022 report by The New York Times, Ingenuity accompanied Perseverance in exploring the Martian terrain, scouting ahead of the rover to optimize its route and avoid unremarkable rocks that might have seemed interesting in orbital images.Before the recent communication hiatus, Ingenuity accomplished an impressive record of 72 flights, accumulating over 128 minutes of flight time and covering a total distance of 17.7 kilometers, according to the mission's flight log. The resumption of communication with the Mars helicopter opens up new possibilities for further exploration and scientific discoveries on the red planet.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-21 15:38:51

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,World :- Exploring the possibility of finding water on Mars has taken an exciting turn with the introduction of an early-stage vehicle known as MAGGIE, designed to conduct searches from the high altitudes of the Red Planet. Recently granted its initial funding from NASA, MAGGIE is gearing up for future flights, although a specific timeline has not been established.In the realm of Martian exploration, another airborne marvel, the Ingenuity helicopter, has far surpassed expectations. Originally intended for just five flights, Ingenuity has exceeded 70 liftoffs and is still operational. Collaborating with the Perseverance rover, it plays a crucial role in the ongoing quest to uncover ancient water and signs of life on the dry Martian surface.According to agency officials, Ingenuity's success is attributed to the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program, showcasing the program's impact on advancing technological capabilities. This success story has sparked optimism that MAGGIE, the Mars Aerial and Ground Intelligent Explorer, might follow in Ingenuity's footsteps, contributing to further aerial exploration of Mars.MAGGIE, a solar-powered aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing, boasts impressive specifications. Its technical specifications indicate a range of up to 111 miles (179 km) on a single charge and a cruising capability of nearly 10,000 miles (16,048 km) over a Martian year, equivalent to approximately 24 Earth months.Operating at an altitude of 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) above Mars, MAGGIE is set to undertake three key scientific investigations: the search for water, a deeper understanding of the origin of Mars' weak magnetic field, and the detection of elusive methane signals, which may be indicative of life, depending on their source.However, the caveat with MAGGIE lies in the early-stage nature of its technology, as highlighted by Ge-Cheng Zha, the principal investigator at Coflow Jet, LLC. While the concept appears feasible, Zha emphasizes the need for further study under Martian atmospheric conditions, which are significantly different from Earth's.Phase 1 funding from NIAC is crucial for MAGGIE's continued development, allowing the concept to progress. Zha envisions MAGGIE as a revolutionary tool for large-scale surveys, stating that it could "revolutionize our capability of exploring almost the entirety of the Martian surface" and generate significant public engagement due to its audacity and versatility.It's important to note that MAGGIE's funding under NIAC does not guarantee a definite future flight date. However, there are other Mars missions in the pipeline, such as the Mars sample return mission in the 2030s, which may involve helicopter fetchers if the Perseverance rover faces challenges in transporting caches to the return vehicle. Ongoing funding concerns could impact the timeline of these ambitious projects.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-21 15:13:28

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,India :- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is delving into innovative approaches to enhance the longevity of forthcoming space missions, with a focus on refuelling and in-orbit satellite servicing, according to Dr P Veeramuthuvel, the project director of Chandrayaan-3. In an engaging session with approximately 1,000 students and 350 teachers as part of the 60th Coffee with Collector program at the Government Medical College in Virudhunagar, Dr Veeramuthuvel shared insights into the strategies being explored to prolong mission lifespans.Highlighting the pivotal role of fuel availability in determining a mission's duration, Dr Veeramuthuvel emphasized that refuelling or servicing satellites before the conclusion of their operational life could significantly extend missions at a reduced cost. Additionally, he outlined efforts to mitigate space debris, including techniques to safely bring satellites back to Earth's atmosphere for controlled disposal. Another approach involves transferring satellites to a designated graveyard orbit in geo-synchronised alignment as their operational lifespan nears completion.During the discussion, Dr Veeramuthuvel recounted the unplanned hop experiment conducted directly on the moon as part of the Chandrayaan-3 mission. He urged students to embrace calculated risks in life, citing the successful execution of the experiment within 24 hours despite initial uncertainties and concerns about the lunar terrain.Addressing the role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in future missions, Dr Veeramuthuvel emphasized its significant contribution. He also revealed plans for launching rockets from Kulasekarapattinam after the establishment of a launchpad, underscoring the evolving landscape of space exploration and technology.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-21 14:26:21

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Space News ,India :- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is contemplating the use of Russian-made spacesuits for its upcoming Gaganyaan mission, as revealed by a document examined by Hindustan Times. Although locally produced suits by Vikram Sarabhai Space are near completion, recent mission planning suggests a preference for Russian spacesuits due to programmatic requirements and an added layer of crew safety.Originally, the plan involved Indian astronauts wearing domestically produced Intra-Vehicular Activity (IVA) suits. However, the latest developments indicate a shift towards Russian spacesuits to ensure program requirements and enhance crew safety. According to an official document, the decision is made to "doubly ensure crew safety" for the Gaganyaan mission.In 2024, dubbed 'The Year of Gaganyaan' by ISRO chief S Somanath, the space agency is gearing up for crucial mission-related tests and demonstrations throughout the year. The Gaganyaan mission aims to demonstrate India's capability to execute its inaugural human spaceflight program, with a focus on safely returning a three-person crew from an orbit at 400 kilometers for a three-day stay.ISRO's comprehensive preparations include the development of a human-rated launch vehicle, crucial technology advancements, and the construction of a life-support system for a comfortable space environment. Additionally, ISRO is working on a comprehensive framework for crew management, addressing aspects such as training, recuperation, and rehabilitation.Before the Gaganyaan spacecraft is launched, ISRO plans essential preparatory missions, including Test Vehicle (TV) flights, Pad Abort Test (PAT), and Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT). These tests are vital for evaluating and enhancing various systems for safety and reliability in space.The article also highlights the Sokol spacesuit, a Russian counterpart with a long history in space missions. Unlike suits for spacewalks, the Sokol serves as a rescue suit, ensuring astronaut survival in the event of unexpected spaceship depressurization. The Sokol's design improvements over the years focus on user-friendliness, customization for each crew member, and flexibility in emergency scenarios.Beyond the Gaganyaan mission, ISRO is involved in the joint NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Mission, aimed at mapping the entire planet every 12 days using dual-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology. The NISAR mission focuses on diverse disciplines, including ecosystems, deformation studies, and cryosphere sciences.Scheduled for launch in the first quarter of 2024, NISAR represents a significant collaboration between NASA and ISRO, contributing valuable data to track global changes and natural hazards. The article concludes by acknowledging ISRO's meticulous testing, technological advancements, and extensive preparations, showcasing the organization's commitment to the success of the Gaganyaan mission and other groundbreaking space initiatives.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-21 06:04:02

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Technology News ,India :-The Indian government is dedicated to ensuring that clean and safe tap water is available to all rural households in the country. This commitment led to the launch of the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in August 2019. The mission aims to provide a regular and long-term supply of high-quality tap water to rural households, with the government working in partnership with states for its implementation.Responsibility for planning, approval, implementation, operation, and maintenance of drinking water supply schemes, including those under the Jal Jeevan Mission, rests with State/UT Governments, as drinking water is a state subject. The central government supports states by offering both technical expertise and financial assistance.Since the initiation of the Jal Jeevan Mission in August 2019, substantial progress has been achieved in improving access to tap water in rural households. Initially, only 16.8% of rural households (3.23 Crore) had tap water connections. According to the latest reports from States/UTs as of December 7, 2023, an additional 10.53 Crore rural households have been provided with tap water connections under JJM. As of this date, approximately 71.51% (13.76 Crore) of the country's 19.24 Crore rural households have tap water supply in their homes.Given that drinking water is a state subject, the choice of technology to address water quality issues lies with the respective State/UT Governments. The Indian government collaborates with academic institutions like IITs to provide advice on various technologies available to tackle water quality challenges.The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Madras, for instance, has developed the 'AMRIT' (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology) technology. This innovative solution employs nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide to selectively remove arsenic from water when passed through it. 'AMRIT' serves both domestic and community levels. This technology, recommended by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation's 'Standing Committee,' addresses concerns related to water and sanitation.In areas affected by water quality issues, including arsenic, short-term measures are taken until long-term piped water supply schemes from safe water sources are implemented. According to reports from States/UTs in the Integrated Management Information System (IMIS) as of December 6, 2023, all 378 arsenic-affected habitations without tap water supply have been provided with safe drinking water through Community Water Purification Plants (CWPPs) for drinking and cooking purposes.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-20 14:50:44

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Space News ,japan :- Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) achieved a successful landing on the Moon, marking Japan as the fifth country to accomplish a gentle touchdown on the lunar surface.Equipped with instruments like a camera, laser altimeter, and magnetometer, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) confirmed the spacecraft's landing. These tools are intended for studying the Moon's geology, environment, and resources.However, a setback occurred as SLIM's solar panel malfunctioned, leading to a power generation failure. This complication may curtail the spacecraft's operational time on the moon, according to the Japanese space agency.Observations from space enthusiasts, based on limited spacecraft data, indicate that SLIM's landing wasn't entirely smooth. The orientation of the spacecraft suggests the possibility of rolling during the landing. Currently relying on battery power, SLIM faced uncertainty immediately after landing, with the live stream ending inconclusively. JAXA scientists have been working to address the issue, but progress has been limited.The batteries are projected to last only a few hours, adding to the challenges faced by Japan's SLIM mission on the lunar surface.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-20 13:59:07

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Space News ,Japan :- Japan's "Moon Sniper" robot explorer has made it to the moon's surface, but we're not sure how well it's doing, says the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).The Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM, mission landed around 10:20 a.m. ET on Friday (12:20 a.m. Saturday Japan Standard Time). JAXA is currently checking on the lander's condition and will share updates during a press conference.If the landing went well, Japan would become the third country in this century, and the fifth ever, to successfully land a spacecraft on the moon.SLIM, also known as "Moon Sniper," is a small robot explorer launched in September. It's nicknamed "Moon Sniper" because it uses new precision technology for a super precise landing. Unlike previous missions that covered large areas, SLIM targets a landing site just 100 meters (328 feet) across. Its "smart eyes," an image-matching-based navigation technology, takes rapid photos of the lunar surface and adjusts the spacecraft's descent for a precise touchdown on a sloped surface.The Moon Sniper is aiming for a landing site near the Shioli crater in the Sea of Nectar, south of the Sea of Tranquility where Apollo 11 landed in 1969. If the landing is successful, it will briefly study rocks at the site, providing insights into the moon's origin.Scientists are particularly interested in rocks created by impacts on the moon, as they can offer information about the moon's formation. These rocks, resulting from meteorite strikes, provide a peek into the moon's interior and reveal details about its minerals and composition.Landing near sloped, rocky areas around craters is usually risky, but JAXA believes its lander has the technology to safely touch down on such terrain.This moon landing is part of a global space race, with various countries attempting missions in the past year. India, for instance, landed on the moon's south pole in August. However, there have been failures too, like Japan's Hakuto-R lunar lander and Russia's Luna-25.The competition arises from a desire to access water trapped as ice in permanently shadowed regions at the lunar south pole. This water could be crucial for future space exploration, serving as drinking water or fuel. The SLIM lander, if successful, might offer a design that could be used not only on the moon but also on planets like Mars, according to JAXA.

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-19 16:22:01

 Space & Technology 

Space News ,China :- A Chinese space startup called Landspace achieved an important milestone by successfully testing a reusable rocket. The test involved a rocket called Zhuque-3 VTVL-1, which took off vertically and landed vertically at the Jiuquan spaceport. This event marked a significant step in the development of their stainless steel Zhuque-3 rocket, initially announced in November 2023. Landspace is targeting the first flight of Zhuque-3 in 2025, with the initial vertical takeoff and landing (VTVL) test originally planned for the previous month.The test rocket, fueled by methane and liquid oxygen, reached an altitude of approximately 350 meters during its brief 60-second flight before safely landing in a predefined area. Landspace reported that the landing was precise, with an accuracy of about 2.4 meters and a landing speed of around 0.75 meters per second.The Zhuque-3 rocket is a two-stage vehicle, measuring 4.5 meters in diameter and having a total length of 76.6 meters. It will weigh about 660 tons at liftoff and will be powered by nine Tianque-12B engines. The rocket's payload capacity to low Earth orbit (LEO) is expected to be 21,000 kilograms when used in an expendable mode. Depending on recovery scenarios, it can carry up to 18,300 kg or 12,500 kg when the first stage is recovered downrange or returns to the launch site.This achievement reflects the growing competition in China's commercial launch sector to develop reusable launch vehicles. Landspace's test follows similar "hop" tests conducted by another Beijing-based startup, iSpace, emphasizing the race to create reusable rockets in the country.The development of reusable rockets in China gained momentum after the government allowed private capital to invest in the space sector in 2014. Several other Chinese companies, such as Deep Blue Aerospace, Linkspace, Galactic Energy, and CAS Space, have also conducted various tests and are planning their own launches with reusable technologies.Landspace has ambitious plans for the future, aiming to launch three Zhuque-2 rockets in 2024, with a goal to increase launch frequency to six times in 2025 and twelve times in 2026. Additionally, the company is working on a powerful engine, expected to be ready in 2028, which will drive a larger reusable launch vehicle challenging a planned reusable rocket by China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC), the country’s state-owned main space contractor. The overall trend suggests a significant push towards reusable rocket technology within various Chinese space entities, both state-owned and commercial.Landspace at 0800 UTC today conducted a successful 60-second, 350m hop at Jiuquan. Landing position accuracy is about 2.4m, the landing speed is ~0.75m/shttps://t.co/lOwQ2RvIoB https://t.co/hBDluzE4t9 pic.twitter.com/stSZHW72X2— Andrew Jones (@AJ_FI) January 19, 2024

Read More → Posted on 2024-01-19 16:09:53