A NASA model has simulated stealth solar storms from the sun, showing how slow and quiet processes can create massive magnetic field twists that speed out into space without warning. The models match space-based observations, revealing a complex process that generates energy over two weeks.
Researchers from Hokkaido University conducted microgravity experiments on the International Space Station to measure ice crystal growth rates. They found that glycoproteins in fish blood facilitate growth, but also lead to a slowing effect when flat faces are truncated by slower-growing faces.
International research effort has advanced agriculture in space and led to Earth-based advances, including LED lighting and new seed potato propagation techniques. Plants will be a major component of proposed regenerative life-support systems for human space exploration, providing food, oxygen, and aiding water recycling.
The James Webb Space Telescope has completed its acoustic and vibration tests, ensuring it can withstand launch vibrations and maintain functionality in space. The telescope was subjected to simulated forces of up to 100 times per second using a new vibration test system.
A new EU report highlights knowledge gaps in reducing risks linked to space weather and recommends policy, industry, and science collaborations to close these gaps. The report also emphasizes the need for early warning systems and better communication between science and industry.
During the three-month campaign, scientists will validate GOES-16's advanced instruments using measurements from planes, ground-based sensors, unmanned aircraft systems, the International Space Station, and other sources. The goal is to ensure precise data for weather forecasting, severe storm warnings, and space weather predictions.
NASA's Laser Communications Relay Demonstration (LCRD) aims to establish a high-speed internet in space, enabling faster data rates and smaller communication systems. The technology has the potential to revolutionize space communications for missions to the moon, Mars, and beyond.
The James Webb Space Telescope is inspected for contamination using ultraviolet flashlights in a darkened clean room. The long exposure captures the technicians as 'ghostly wraiths', while a special light technique illuminates the primary mirror.
Scientists from NASA and NCAR have shown that tracking coronal mass ejections can help detect solar energetic particles earlier than current forecasting techniques. This could provide critical warning time for astronauts in low-Earth orbit or interplanetary space.
A Florida State University researcher is leading a joint US-Russia project to study the effects of space travel on astronauts' vision and cardiovascular problems. The $750,000 grant will fund research using male mice sent to space, examining changes in lymphatic and vascular functions to understand the impact on vision.
Researchers found that mammalian cells can respond to changes in gravitational conditions extremely quickly, recovering full function within 42 seconds. This rapid adaptation challenges previous assumptions about cell behavior in space, providing good news for manned space flight.
The James Webb Space Telescope is set to undergo an earsplitting acoustic test, simulating the intense vibrations of launch. The team at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center has completed vibration testing and prepared the telescope for the test, which will push its limits.
Raven will test foundational technologies for autonomous rendezvous, enabling spacecraft to find and secure targets without human involvement. The system aims to mature for future NASA missions, including the Restore-L servicing mission and potential use on Journey to Mars.
The Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) project is completing final testing on a new satellite that will extend NASA's Space Network capabilities. The addition of TDRS-M will provide nearly continuous coverage for an additional 15 years.
A national meta-analysis by University of Texas at Arlington researcher Shima Hamidi found that single-family property values near transit stations rise only 2.3 percent, while multi-family and commercial properties can see up to 18 percent increase in value.
A team of Japanese scientists has discovered a new species of polychaete worm, revealing its gel-like coat and long notochaeta. The discovery provides insight into marine life's adaptation to extreme Antarctic conditions.
Researchers now have unprecedented access to space-weather data from 23 GPS satellites, measuring charged particles and their impact on satellite operation. This data helps answer key questions about space weather events, enabling improved forecasting models.
A new tool called EEGGL helps map out the paths of coronal mass ejections (CMEs) before they reach Earth. The model is based on fundamental physics theory and takes into account the magnetic structure of CMEs, providing a better understanding of their behavior in space.
Researchers found that medaka fish lose bone density rapidly in space due to microgravity, which affects osteoclasts and osteoblasts differently than on Earth. The study suggests the participation of NO-GCR signal pathway in microgravity stress.
Scientists have made significant advancements in understanding the ionosphere, a region of Earth's atmosphere that reacts to changes from both space above and Earth below. Research reveals that the ionosphere can experience 'overcooling', causing rapid energy loss and collapse, which can disrupt satellite orbits.
The Space Network will transmit double the data in a single second than it ever has before, supporting new instruments with greater data flow requirements. The upgrade enables an increase in scientific output from the International Space Station, allowing for more sophisticated experiments to be conducted.
Julia Green, a graduate student at UTA, won first place in the Station Architectural Design category for her Dallas station design. Her winning entry demonstrated practicality and sustainability, incorporating elements such as solar panels and parking underneath an elevated station.
A recent study has identified a link between cerebrospinal fluid volume changes and visual impairment in long-duration space missions. The findings suggest that the increased fluid pressure in microgravity may cause structural changes in the eye, leading to blurry vision and other symptoms.
Four Kiel University instruments will measure electrons, protons and ions in the Solar Orbiter space probe. The instruments passed tests with flying colours, providing valuable insights into sun particle radiation and its effect on Earth.
Gene expression data from E. coli grown in space reveal reduced glucose uptake and increased extracellular acidity, suggesting altered bacterial behavior due to reduced transport of molecules.
The study investigates changes in perceptions about home in space and the development of a unique culture among astronauts. Researchers found that a shared space culture can help crew members respond to different situations, reducing stress and improving morale.
Researchers at the University of Delaware are using the International Space Station's U.S. National Laboratory to study self-assembly in microgravity, with a focus on creating new types of colloidal materials that can be used in various applications such as phononic bandgap materials and ultra-low thermal conductivity coatings.
The University of Montana's Flathead Lake Biological Station has been awarded a $2 million grant to explore the diversity of insects, crustaceans, and other arthropods in river floodplains. The project aims to assess the genetics, populations, and functional trait diversity among floodplain arthropods using novel genomic tools and mode...
A new study published in mSphere found that the pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus behaves similarly in space as it does on Earth. The research, led by Benjamin Knox, compared fungal isolates from the International Space Station to reference isolates from earth and found no significant changes in growth or virulence.
Two Cornell engineering professors, Paul Steen and Michel Louge, are sending experiments to the International Space Station (ISS) to study the behavior of water in microgravity. Their research aims to gain insights into contact-line mobility and inertial spreading of water droplets, which is important for manufacturing and coating oper...
A NASA-funded study found that prolonged spaceflight leads to significant atrophy of the muscles supporting the spine, resulting in increased back pain and spinal disc disease. Despite no change in disc height, these changes may be preventable through core-strengthening exercises or yoga.
At Syowa Station, a daily mean CO2 concentration of 400.06 ppm was recorded on May 14, 2016, surpassing the previous threshold. This observation highlights the impact of human activities on the Antarctic region, contributing to global warming.
A study found that long-duration spaceflight weakens the muscles supporting the spine, leading to increased back pain and disc disease. Researchers suggest exercise countermeasures like core-strengthening exercises and yoga may help prevent muscle atrophy and improve spinal function.
Researchers discovered that ultra-relativistic electrons are scattered into the atmosphere by electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves, while relativistic particles remain intact. This finding resolves a long-standing debate on electron loss mechanisms in the Van Allen Radiation Belts.
A CSU-developed air quality sampler, TPS100, will be sent to the International Space Station to collect airborne particles and address astronaut health concerns. The device uses thermophoresis to capture nanoparticles and has been tested in lab settings before its upcoming space mission.
Researchers have developed a new approach to destroying hazardous space debris using laser impulses. By pushing the debris into the Earth's atmosphere, the debris can be destroyed, posing less of a threat to active communication and navigation satellites used by billions of people on Earth.
A new UK-RAS Network white paper led by Professor Yang Gao showcases the future of space robotics, predicting autonomous robots will replicate insects, birds, animals, and even humans on future missions. The report highlights technological advancements with applications in sectors like healthcare, mining, agriculture, and more.
The tiny radiation-resistant chips play a crucial role in the Jupiter Energetic Particle Detector Instrument (JEDI), measuring particle speed, energy, and position with time accuracy down to a fraction of a billionth of a second. Without these microchips, satellite electronics would be much heavier and require more shielding and power.
A new concept in space telescope design proposes a modular structure and an assembly robot to build extremely large telescopes in space. The robotic system would enable tasks to be performed without astronaut fatigue.
Scientists have discovered a 'space tsunami' that creates the third Van Allen Belt, a region of intense radiation in space. This finding helps mitigate the effects of extreme space weather and has significant implications for satellite operations and human exploration.
A Pittsburgh researcher has received a grant to study the effects of prolonged space travel on bones using a 3D microphysiological system. The research aims to develop new treatments for osteoporosis and enhance personalized medicine.
The Saffire-I experiment aims to study how fires grow and spread in microgravity, with the goal of verifying fire-safety protocols for the ISS and future manned flights to Mars. The experiment will use a heated wire to ignite a large cloth sample, and researchers will monitor its growth and spread.
Researchers identified and recorded over 50 species of fungi, algae, cyanobacteria, lichens, and vascular plants at the Mars Desert Research Station. The study provides a first-line reference for identifying these organisms and serves as a starting point for future floristic and ecological work.
Professor Manfra is leading a team at Purdue to develop new materials for topological qubits, which are expected to be more robust against noise. The team uses molecular beam epitaxy to create special, ultrapure materials and aims to bring scientists and engineers together to solve challenging technical problems.
The James Webb Space Telescope's primary mirror is the largest yet sent into space, made of 18 beryllium segments coated with a thin layer of gold. The telescope will study the formation of solar systems capable of supporting life on planets similar to Earth, as well as the evolution of our own solar system.
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.
Fantala storm intensifies over 12 hours, reaching 120 knots in wind speed, with wave heights of 30 feet. NASA's Aqua and International Space Station satellites monitor the storm's progression, predicting a possible threat to Madagascar before turning southeast.
A new study has found that moss can be a useful bioindicator of cadmium air pollution in urban areas. Researchers used moss to track down previously unknown pollution sources in Portland and created a fine-scale map of cadmium deposition across the city.
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.
Researchers will follow eight crew members over five years to measure changes in muscle strength and function, with a focus on the ankle and knee joints. The goal is to determine when muscle loss levels off and develop countermeasures to limit losses for future Mars 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.
The new system, VGOS, enables precise measurements of the Earth's shape with improved sensitivity and data rates. The system uses broadband antennas to conduct observations in four bands, reducing interference and increasing data rates.
Researchers at Saarland University have developed a system that enables players to interact with each other and the game using spoken language, despite speaking different languages. The Dialog Box uses AI-powered voice interactions to facilitate collaboration and problem-solving among team members.
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.
Researchers at Washington State University are developing a computer model and designs for improved liquid transport systems using capillary forces to move liquids through narrow spaces in space. By studying the effects of viscosity in microgravity, they aim to conserve energy and enable longer space missions.
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.
A tropical low-pressure area is consolidating into a depression in the Southern Indian Ocean, with powerful convective storms dropping rain at a rate of over 3.7 inches per hour near Madagascar's eastern coast. The system's winds are expected to continue developing over the next 24 hours, posing a threat to the region.
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.