A new test has been developed to identify shale gas hazard in groundwater by fingerprinting methane gas with unique natural gas signatures. This will enable responsible exploration and extraction practices, addressing public concerns over water contamination.
A new project, NANOBED-MX, will offer researchers and entrepreneurs access to space technology with minimal investment. The program builds on the UKube-1 CubeSat experience and aims to unlock commercial opportunities in developing countries.
New Horizons provided three years of measurements of the solar wind, filling a crucial gap between what other missions see closer to the sun and what Voyager spacecraft see further out. The data helps round out our picture of the sun's influence on space, including the origins of radiation hazards for astronauts.
A Kansas State University engineer has developed a paperlike battery electrode made from glass-ceramic that improves the performance of tools for space exploration and unmanned aerial vehicles. The electrode has high cycling efficiency and can function at low temperatures, making it suitable for long-duration missions.
Researchers at USC and JPL are launching fungi into space to explore their potential as novel therapeutics for use both in space and on Earth. The study aims to discover new compounds that could be used to develop medicines for astronauts and potentially address life-threatening diseases like cancer and Alzheimer's.
The James Webb Space Telescope has completed critical cryogenic testing on its science instruments, a crucial step towards launch. The observatory will capture faint light from the universe's first objects after the Big Bang once launched into space.
Japanese researchers grew protein crystals in space using interferometry to measure growth rate and dissolution properties. The results showed an increased growth rate despite expected suppression of solution convection, which may be due to suppressed transport speed of impurity molecules.
Physics students at Umeå University are developing an instrument to measure the electric field of the lunar surface, a first for the Moon. The project aims to provide more knowledge about the electric field, crucial for future missions to the Moon and other celestial bodies.
The James Webb Space Telescope's sole secondary mirror was successfully installed onto the telescope at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The mirror is supported by three struts and made of beryllium coated with gold to efficiently reflect infrared light.
A new simulation code was developed to accurately predict coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and their impact on space weather. The model successfully validated using observational data from the 2003 Halloween CME events, enabling accurate predictions of magnetic fields and arrival times.
Goddard's Network Integration Center coordinates communications for Near Earth and Space Networks, ensuring reliable data transmission from space to ground. The center has been operational since Project Mercury and supports human spaceflight missions, including those in low-Earth orbit and beyond.
The James Webb Space Telescope is being assembled over the next two years, with recent installations of primary mirror segments and upcoming tests at NASA Goddard and Johnson Space Center. The telescope will undergo end-to-end optical testing in a simulated cryo-temperature environment before final assembly and launch preparation.
NASA is inviting the public to participate in the #WeTheExplorers campaign by submitting artworks that reflect their spirit of exploration. The artworks will be saved on a chip on the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which is scheduled to launch in September and travel to asteroid Bennu.
Scientists from NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center are developing a model called Solar Shield to simulate how space weather affects the US power grid. By analyzing coronal mass ejections and solar wind streams, researchers can predict when and where geomagnetic storms will occur, allowing for proactive measures to protect the grid.
The Heliophysics CubeSat will measure incoming radiation that can affect Earth's radio communications, satellite electronics, and power grids. The satellite will provide unprecedented insight into the sun's impact on our planet.
The Southwest Research Institute\u2019s CuSP microsatellite will observe interplanetary magnetic fields and energetic particles in the solar wind. The mission aims to improve simulations of space weather, helping scientists understand its impact on power grids and space technology.
The James Webb Space Telescope's 18 primary flight mirror segments are being installed using a high-precision robotic arm, requiring fraction-of-a-millimeter accuracy. The team uses lasers to measure distance and a coordinate system to place each segment, achieving precision better than the thickness of a piece of paper.
Online citizen science project Space Warps has made significant contributions to astrophysics, discovering 29 new gravitational lenses and a novel lensing scenario. The involvement of thousands of volunteer scientists has demonstrated the value of human pattern recognition in analyzing vast datasets.
NASA estimated rainfall over a 7-day period while analyzing satellite data from the Eastern Pacific Ocean, revealing extreme rain events affecting southern California. The analysis showed highest rainfall totals of over 4.5 inches in the eastern Pacific and 4 inches near Lake Tahoe.
The James Webb Space Telescope's segmented primary mirror is half complete with nine mirrors installed, on track for full completion in early 2016. The mirrors were built by Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp and will work together as one large 21.3-foot mirror.
Engineers completed two deployments for the James Webb Space Telescope's wings, a crucial step in assembling the telescope's carbon fiber framework. The telescope will hold 18 mirrors and fold up to fit inside a launch vehicle.
A study published in The AAPS Journal suggests that medication degradation does not differ significantly between space and Earth. Nine medications were analyzed after being stored for up to 11 months in space, with some remaining viable beyond their expiration dates.
A new study published in the FASEB Journal found that NASA astronauts' medication usage in space is more similar to Earth-based groups than expected. The most common issues were sleep problems and skin rashes, which highlights the need for better understanding of how medicines work in microgravity environments.
The James Webb Space Telescope's Integrated Science Instrument Module has begun its final cryogenic test at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. The test, which will last several months, aims to ensure the instruments are ready for flight and can withstand the extreme temperatures they will encounter in space.
The James Webb Space Telescope's flight backplane has arrived at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, marking a significant step towards the telescope's 2018 launch. The backplane will hold the telescope's 18 hexagonal mirrors and instruments steady while observing deep space.
A new study finds that smaller-scale space weather events are amplified near the equator, putting power grids at risk in previously considered safe regions. These disturbances can cause fluctuations in wholesale electricity pricing and damage unprotected power infrastructure.
Researchers at Strathclyde University won a prestigious award for their work on the Stardust project, exploring solutions to threats from asteroids and space debris. The €4.1m project, funded by the European Commission, aims to tackle the risks posed by asteroids and ensure a safe future for assets in orbit.
Scientists are calling for cooperation between conservationists and space agencies to monitor biodiversity loss, which has halved in just 40 years. Satellite images can reveal changes in vegetation productivity and provide information on ground-level biodiversity levels.
A team of UCLA researchers has discovered the structure of mysterious plasma waves in near-Earth space, which were first detected in the 1960s. The findings reveal a zebra-striped pattern that could explain how these waves are excited.
Researchers created a simulation of Pluto's space environment to estimate solar wind densities and understand how they affect the dwarf planet's atmosphere. The models, which take into account coronal mass ejections and other factors, suggest that Pluto may experience low solar wind densities for about a month before being compressed.
Scientists have discovered Kelvin-Helmholtz waves at the boundaries of near-Earth space, which are now found to be much more prevalent than previously thought. These waves are triggered by plumes of charged gas from Earth's plasmasphere and interact with the solar wind and magnetosphere.
A Purdue University study reveals that targeting plants with red and blue LEDs offers an energy-efficient solution for growing crops in space. The research found that leaf lettuce thrived under a 95-to-5 ratio of red and blue light-emitting diodes, using about 90% less electrical power per growing area than traditional lighting.
Research suggests that cheek muscles can maintain their mass and function better than leg muscles in low-gravity environments, such as space. The study found that the cheek muscles of mice experienced less atrophy when exposed to weightlessness compared to their leg muscles.
NGC 6503, a 30,000-light-year-long galaxy, is located at the edge of the 150-million-light-year-wide Local Void. The Hubble Space Telescope image showcases its vibrant colors and swirling spiral arms.
A new model can measure the magnetic field configuration of a solar eruption significantly further ahead in time, potentially giving forecasters 24-hour advance warning to protect their systems. The model uses NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory data and has been tested on eight different CMEs with promising results.
Researchers have created a real-time monitoring system for air and water quality in space, reducing the need for sample collection and analysis. The system enables astronauts to test their surroundings more efficiently, making long-term space missions possible.
The University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) has been awarded a $5 million grant from NASA to develop next-generation rocket engines using liquid methane. The project aims to create more efficient propulsion systems for in-space travel, with potential applications for Mars and lunar landers.
The Earlham Institute has received a £150,000 grant from TGAC to develop two open-source software tools: Façade for visual exploration of genomic data and OmiX Navigator for multi-functional data integration. These tools aim to facilitate access to genomics data analysis and improve systems biology research.
A new space-based system combines a super-wide field-of-view telescope with a high-efficiency laser to track and deorbit centimeter-sized space debris. The system, proposed by RIKEN scientists, could remove most of the debris within five years of operation.
Physicist Ramon Lopez will use a combination of computer simulation models and real observations to understand the role of solar wind fluctuations in space weather. The research aims to enhance our understanding of the near-Earth space environment and provide critical information for managing satellite and communications technology.
Researchers at UC Irvine will investigate the behavioral impairments of rodents attributed to space radiation exposure, aiming to understand the underlying causes of these deficits. The study aims to inform efforts to minimize the effects of solar and galactic cosmic radiation on the central nervous system.
UTEP has secured a $5 million contract with NASA to explore space safety through collaborations with faculty and students. The partnership will focus on human space exploration and provide hands-on experiences for students.
A Florida State University and Russian Academy of Sciences team found that space travel may impair the body's ability to regulate blood flow to the brain, contributing to temporary or permanent vision problems experienced by astronauts. The research team plans to conduct further experiments to find solutions.
Physicists use entangled ions to test the isotropy of space, disproving anisotropy theories. The experiment shows space is isotropic to one part in a billion billion, improving upon previous experiments.
Researchers aim to gauge the effect of space and space travel on interest in STEM subjects among school children. A three-year project will involve gathering views from pupils, teachers, and space scientists to understand what inspires young people to participate in STEM.
The article discusses the need for medical care practices in commercial space transportation, highlighting different phases of suborbital and orbital missions. The authors suggest defining Medical Levels of Care to account for various types of flight, including motion sickness, emergency equipment, and spacesuits.
A Dartmouth-led NASA study has found that plasma waves in the Earth's radiation belts are responsible for scattering charged particles into the atmosphere. The researchers used a combination of satellite and balloon data to test the theory and obtained quantitative results, providing new insights into space weather's impact on our planet.
The MATROSHKA experiment found that doses of cosmic radiation inside the International Space Station were lower than those recorded by astronauts' personal dosimeters. In open space, the overestimation was even higher, exceeding 200%.
Researchers have developed a comprehensive cognitive test battery, Cognition, to measure the impact of spaceflight stressors on astronauts' cognition. The 10-test battery will be administered to the first astronaut on the International Space Station on November 28.
Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center tested a 'tripod' supporting the James Webb Space Telescope's secondary mirror in a successful deployment. The system was designed to unfurl in space to 8 meters long and was tested using the Pathfinder backplane structure.
Researchers have used synthetic biology to produce affordable alternatives to anti-malaria drugs, clean fuels, and pharmaceuticals. The technology has the potential to reduce costs by up to 85% for future long-duration space missions, including those to Mars and the Moon.
The Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM) will cease science operations in April 2015, ending 17 years of rainfall and storm monitoring. The satellite's instruments, including the Precipitation Radar, have provided critical insights into precipitation patterns and their impact on climate, weather, and natural disasters.
A series of articles published in New Space journal suggest that ordinary citizens can take short trips to the edge of space without significant health effects. The research also identifies potential challenges and risks associated with human commercial spaceflight.
A new paper by University of New Hampshire scientists warns that cosmic rays pose a significant threat to future manned deep-space exploration. The study finds that extremely low densities and magnetic field strengths in the solar wind create hazardous radiation levels that limit allowable days for astronauts behind spacecraft shielding.
The Integrated Science Instrument Module (ISIM) of NASA's James Webb Space Telescope withstood 116 days of extremely cold temperatures, simulating conditions found in space. The successful test ensures the telescope will function correctly at its final destination one million miles away from Earth.
Dr. Paul Mahaffy, a leading expert on Mars chemistry, received the John C. Lindsay Memorial Award for his groundbreaking work on the Curiosity Rover's Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) Instrument Suite. The award honors his contributions to planetary science and exploration.
The Gauss von Mises (GVM) distribution offers improved predictive capabilities for tracking infrequently-observed space objects. This new approach allows for more accurate prediction of satellite and debris locations, enabling better resource allocation and detection of potential collisions.
MIT researchers developed an algorithm to gauge space debris rotation using visual information, achieving high accuracy in most measures. The algorithm's probabilistic approach and Gaussian distribution modeling enable efficient collection of space trash, including thousands of broken satellites.
NASA's Asteroid Initiative aims to protect Earth from potentially hazardous impacts. Citizens participate in forums to discuss detection strategies, planetary defense, and asteroid exploration. The initiative seeks to balance costs, risks, and benefits of human exploration in space.
A 10-year study of astronauts' sleep monitoring reveals widespread sleep deficiency and medication use in space. The research highlights the need for more effective countermeasures to promote adequate sleep and optimize human performance during space flights.