Scientists have discovered that auroral beads are caused by turbulence in the plasma surrounding Earth, which precedes substorms and triggers auroras. The new models provide a broader picture of the near-space environment, helping researchers better understand swirling structures seen in auroras.
A new method was developed to study fast Coronal Mass Ejections and predict the most extreme space weather events. These events can cause strong geomagnetic storms that affect space and Earth-based engineering systems.
Researchers sent perovskite and organic solar cells on a rocket into space, withstanding extreme conditions to produce power from direct sunlight and reflective light. The technology offers a promising solution for future space missions, as it is incredibly light and flexible, producing up to 14 milliwatts per square centimeter.
Tropical Depression 06W has been persisting for days, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its visible image. The storm is expected to maintain intensity for another day and a half before weakening.
The amount of space debris has increased exponentially over the decades, posing a significant challenge for safely operating spacecrafts in lower Earth orbit. WVU engineer Piyush Mehta is working on improving drag prediction accuracy with the help of a $125,000 NASA award.
A veteran NAU planetary scientist collaborates with UAE and US teams to develop Emirates Mars Infrared Spectrometer (EMIRS), providing a unique view of Martian atmosphere. The Emirates Mars Mission 'Hope' orbiter arrives at Mars in February 2021, collecting images and data for two years.
The WVU Robotic Technology Center and Maxar are collaborating on the SPIDER project to demonstrate in-space assembly of a satellite using a lightweight robotic arm. The technology developed under SPIDER could enable self-assembling commercial satellites, human space exploration, and in-space telescope assembly.
The project aims to develop advanced compression space suits designed to protect astronauts from physical strains in space missions. The technology is also transferable to medical applications for burns, sports injuries, lymphedema, osteoporosis, and cerebral palsy.
A new £20M research program will enhance UK's space weather monitoring capability, enabling faster and more accurate predictions of solar superstorms and severe space weather events. The University of Birmingham leads the effort, developing data modeling technology to underpin the work.
Researchers at NASA Goddard Space Flight Centre have developed intelligent systems capable of identifying geochemical signatures of life from rock samples. The new system, set to debut on the 2022/23 ExoMars mission, will prioritize data transmission over huge distances, overcoming limitations in the search for life on Mars.
The University of Melbourne will develop a small, powerful satellite called SpIRIT to launch in 2022. The spacecraft will host an X-ray detector provided by the Italian Space Agency and demonstrate Australian-made space capabilities.
Researchers at University of Alaska Fairbanks found that seismic surveys can cause long-lasting scars on the tundra, affecting its hydrology and habitat. The study emphasizes the need for more data on seismic exploration impacts and better weather records to minimize damage in the Arctic Refuge.
The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully tested its deployable tower extension, a critical component that allows the observatory to cool down and unfold in space. The test simulated zero-gravity conditions and performed exactly as predicted, providing valuable insights into the telescope's performance.
The Mole-bot, a biomimetic drilling robot, has been optimized for underground and space exploration. It boasts powerful forelimbs, a stout scapula, and an expandable drilling bit that can excavate three times faster than conventional models with six times higher directional accuracy.
A team of European researchers used Hubble Space Telescope to study the early Universe, finding no evidence of Population III stars. The discovery suggests that galaxies must have formed much earlier than previously thought, supporting the idea that low-mass galaxies are responsible for reionisation.
The Solar Ring mission aims to study the Sun and its influence on the inner heliosphere using a novel six-spacecraft configuration. The mission will provide unprecedented capabilities, including determining the photospheric vector magnetic field with unambiguity and resolving solar wind structures at multiple scales.
Researchers found that four bacteria species can survive and multiply on a minimal diet of nitrogen, phosphorus, and other essential elements from space. This adaptation process makes them less virulent, but still poses a risk to astronauts' immune systems during space travel.
A new study suggests that implementing orbital-use fees for satellites in orbit could reduce collision risk and increase the industry's long-run value. The fees, which would be calculated based on projected costs of additional collision risk and space debris production, could quadruple the value of the satellite industry by 2040.
The James Webb Space Telescope has achieved a significant milestone by being fully folded and stowed into its launch configuration. The observatory will unfold and stretch itself out in space before making groundbreaking observations of the cosmos.
Researchers demonstrate laser-propulsion of graphene sails in microgravity, accelerating prototypes up to 1 m/s². The scalable design minimizes sail mass, paving the way for human lifespans to reach other star systems.
The Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled a breathtaking portrait of a firestorm of starbirth in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. This iconic image, nicknamed the 'Cosmic Reef,' showcases the telescope's enduring legacy and transformative impact on modern astronomy.
Strong wind shear displaced moderate rainfall east of Tropical Storm Jeruto's center, pushing heaviest rain at 1.6 inches per hour in a small area. NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission measured these rates on April 16.
Researchers from Politecnico di Milano have successfully used laser 3D printing to create components from lunar regolith, a potential game-changer for future space missions. The study demonstrates the feasibility of using local resources in space, enabling In-Situ-Resource-Utilisation (ISRU) and reducing reliance on Earth-based supplies.
A NASA-built instrument uses shearing force to grow E. coli bacteria, demonstrating a more suitable method for space travel than existing alternatives. The research opens a new path to bio-manufacturing drugs during long-term space flights.
Researchers at UC San Diego Health are developing a dedicated space stem cell orbital research laboratory within the International Space Station (ISS) to study microgravity's effects on human biology. The studies aim to understand aging, degenerative diseases, and cancers in space, with potential applications for therapeutics on Earth.
Heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Irondro was displaced southeast of the center due to strong wind shear, with light rain throughout the rest of the storm. The storm had maximum sustained winds near 40 knots despite wind shear, and is expected to become a cold core low pressure area later in the day.
Researchers at the University of Arizona are working with NASA to develop new methods for harvesting water from the lunar surface using lasers. The mission aims to create a system that can efficiently extract water and nutrients from the lunar environment, enabling sustainable food production in space. With the help of tiny satellites ...
Researchers at Kennedy Space Center successfully grew red romaine lettuce in space onboard the International Space Station, demonstrating its safety and nutritional value. The study found that space-grown lettuce was similar to Earth-grown controls in terms of composition but showed increased levels of certain nutrients and antioxidants.
A new international advisory system is working to keep aircraft crew and passengers safe from space weather impacts. The system predicts disruptions from solar activity and helps airlines adjust flight paths to minimize impacts on navigation and communications systems.
Astronomers at Kazan Federal University used a powerful space exploration tool to discover a new binary star system. The team employed the gravitational lensing method to track changes in brightness and confirm the presence of two stars.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a new technique for shielding electronics from ionizing radiation, using oxidized metal powder - rust. The approach reduces weight and improves shielding, with potential applications in space exploration technology and aerospace devices.
AnalySwift LLC will receive a $125,000 grant from NASA to further develop its SwiftComp software, which models high-strain composites used in space exploration. The technology will help NASA engineers design lightweight, time- and temperature-dependent structures for space missions.
Tropical Storm Sarai continues to move further away from Fiji and towards Tonga, with rough surf, tropical storm force winds, and heavy rains expected for both islands. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecasts the storm will curve to the northeast and pass just north of Tonga and Niue over the next several days.
Researchers developed a system to accurately detect space debris in Earth's orbit using laser ranging telescopes and neural networks. The new algorithm significantly improves the success rate of space debris detection, allowing for safer spacecraft maneuvers.
Researchers at Université de Montrêl are working on a new way to measure the mechanics of the human eye to protect astronauts from adverse impacts of space travel on their vision. The team has developed a non-invasive technology that can identify astronauts at risk of developing ocular damage before they go into space.
Researchers on Australia's first space research mission to the International Space Station will investigate how microgravity affects aggressive cancers like ovarian, breast, and lung cancer. The mission may lead to new treatments that enhance existing therapies.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected light rain falling at a rate of 0.4 inches per hour from Tropical Depression Fengshen on November 18. The storm is expected to become a remnant low-pressure system later that day.
A new solar power generator prototype developed by Ben-Gurion University of the Negev and US research teams will be deployed on a NASA flight to the International Space Station. The compact system could provide unprecedented watt per kilogram of power, critical to lowering costs for private space flight.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission reveals heavy rainfall rates near the eastern coast of the Central Philippines, exceeding 40 mm/hour. The tropical cyclone, Kalmaegi, is forecast to weaken and turn west-southwest before approaching the Gulf of Aden.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission captured heavy rainfall exceeding 1.6 inches per hour in Tropical Storm Fengshen. The storm is forecast to intensify through Friday and pass just north of Agrihan, with maximum sustained winds reaching 40 mph.
New research finds that bacteria launch exploration when thriving in their current environment, using a mechanism to optimize population movement. The study also shows that slower bacteria have advantages at smaller distances, contradicting traditional wisdom that faster is always better.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission found a small area of heavy rain in Tropical Cyclone Kyarr, with rainfall rates reaching 1.6 inches per hour around the storm's center. The weakening storm is expected to dissipate before reaching Socotra Island.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that male mice sent to space for 35 days retained their reproductive ability upon return. The research team also reported healthy offspring with no effects from the parents' space stay.
The DUST experiment aims to shed light on cosmic dust formation and its impact on planet growth. By launching lab equipment into space, scientists can study the complex process of dust grain growth and aggregation.
Tropical Storm Mitag was dropping heavy rainfall along South Korea's coastal areas, with light rain falling over the rest of the country. The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found heaviest rain in scattered areas over eastern and southern coasts.
A low-pressure system formerly known as tropical cyclone Narda is generating scattered light rain in the eastern side of its remnant clouds. Forecasters expect additional rainfall of up to 2 inches across parts of Chihuahua and Sonora, with moisture spreading northeastward across US Southern Plains.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected scattered light rain from the remnants of Hurricane Kiko, which weakened to a remnant low-pressure area on September 24. The rainfall data is used by forecasters at NOAA's National Hurricane Center to improve forecasts.
A study published in New Space: The Journal of Space Entrepreneurship and Innovation models population growth, caloric needs, land use, and potential food sources to determine Mars' food self-sufficiency. A diet composed of plants, insects, and cellular agriculture can meet human nutritional requirements.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected intense rainfall rates in Tropical Storm Lorenzo, with the heaviest downpours occurring near the storm's center. The tropical cyclone is forecast to strengthen and become a hurricane by Wednesday, posing a threat to interests in the Cabo Verde Islands.
GPM core satellite measured rainfall rates throughout Tropical Storm Tapah, revealing rates as high as 1.6 inches per hour at the storm's center. Forecasters incorporate this data into their forecasts to predict the storm's trajectory and strength.
Researchers have developed a laser prototype that nearly meets the stringent requirements for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission. The laser system features a seed laser, YDFA amplifiers, and an optical reference cavity to improve spectral purity and stability.
Researchers at Berkeley Lab have identified a new possible pathway for forming carbon structures in space, shedding light on a radical wrinkle in complex carbon molecule formation. The study used a portable chemical reactor and X-rays to produce ringed molecules known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
A new study by researchers at the University of Warwick and others found that living within 300m of urban green space is associated with greater happiness, sense of worth, and life satisfaction. The study used data from 25,518 people in London and found that proximity to green space was more important than lifestyle factors.
The University of Edinburgh's space mining devices will be tested in orbit to study how microscopic organisms can recover minerals from space rocks. The experiment aims to develop ways to source essential materials for survival in space.
Researchers found that astronauts who exercised in space and received IV fluids upon landing were not prone to dizziness or fainting on Earth. The study's results could lead to medical advances for people with conditions like postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS) on our planet.
A UTA professor is working on a new classification system for geomagnetic storms based on overall storm energy, focusing on storms with large amounts of power that dissipate in the ionosphere. This research could lead to better understanding of how space weather affects satellites and ultimately life on Earth.
The China Lunar Exploration Program (CLEP) has accomplished significant advancements in lunar research since its launch in 2007. The program plans to send the first sample-return mission to Earth, dubbed Chang'E 5, and establish a Lunar Scientific Research Station by 2030.
The Apollo 11 lunar landing has left a lasting legacy in planetary science, providing insights into the Moon's formation and geology. Recent lunar exploration missions, such as China's Chang'E-4 program, continue to advance our understanding of the Moon and its potential for future human exploration.
A chemist at the University of Texas at Arlington has developed a device that collects and analyzes liquid samples as they travel through space. The open-tubular chromatograph can detect and separate ions using very little power, making it ideal for future Mars missions.
The Graphene Flagship partners with the European Space Agency and the University of Cambridge to launch a rocket into space, testing the printing of graphene patterns on silicon substrates in zero gravity. The mission aims to validate graphene's self-assembly properties and pave the way for its use in long-term space exploration.