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Scientific machine learning paves way for rapid rocket engine design

Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin are developing a new scientific machine learning method to reduce the time and cost of designing rocket engines. By creating reduced-order models that can run in seconds, rather than minutes or weeks, engineers can test performance in different conditions more quickly and safely. This br...

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalAIAA Journal·DateApr 16, 2020

FSU researchers develop thin heat shield for superfast aircraft

Researchers at FSU's High-Performance Materials Institute have developed a thin heat shield for high-speed aircraft using carbon nanotubes, known as 'buckypaper.' The material is lightweight, flexible, and durable, protecting the aircraft from intense heat while reducing weight.

SourceFlorida State University·JournalCarbon·DateNov 14, 2019
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

A dusty lab in the sky

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.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateOct 4, 2019
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

WPI mathematician is helping NASA spacecraft travel faster and farther

A WPI mathematician is working on a project to develop methods to detect flaws in carbon nanotube materials used in composite rocket fuel tanks. He has developed an algorithm that increases the resolution of density scanning systems nine times, enabling more accurate images of the material's uniformity.

SourceWorcester Polytechnic Institute·DateAug 22, 2019

Critical deployment of NASA Webb's secondary mirror a success

NASA successfully deployed its secondary mirror in a crucial testing step, paving the way for the James Webb Space Telescope's groundbreaking science. The successful test demonstrates the telescope's electronic connection and prepares it for integration into its final form.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateAug 6, 2019
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

NASA's new lightweight X-ray mirrors ready for try-outs in space

The new optics made of silicon material meet stringent imaging requirements, offering a two orders-of-magnitude leap in sensitivity over previous telescopes. The technology will be tested on a sounding rocket mission in 2021 and could benefit future missions if Lynx is not chosen.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 29, 2019

NASA launches two rockets studying auroras

NASA has launched the AZURE mission, carrying instruments to measure atmospheric density and temperature in auroral regions. The mission will release colorful gas tracers to track particle flow and provide valuable data on ionosphere dynamics.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 9, 2019

To catch a wave, rocket launches from top of world

The CAPER-2 mission aims to understand how particles are accelerated in the aurora borealis by studying the interaction between electrons and atmospheric gases. The team hopes to uncover the fundamental physics behind this process, which is crucial for understanding space radiation and astrophysical phenomena.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 28, 2019

To image leaky atmosphere, NASA rocket team heads north

The VISIONS-2 mission aims to map oxygen outflow from aurora using a unique imaging technique, providing detailed insights into the process. Scientists suspect that oxygen is being energized by auroras, but the exact mechanisms are still unclear, with the day and night sides displaying distinct differences.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 30, 2018
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Bose-Einstein condensate generated in space for the first time

A team of scientists has successfully generated a Bose-Einstein condensate in space, opening up new possibilities for high-precision measurements in zero gravity. The condensate can be used to measure the Earth's gravitational field, detect gravitational waves, and test Einstein's equivalence principle with unprecedented accuracy.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalNature·DateOct 31, 2018

NASA-funded rocket to view sun with X-ray vision

Scientists are developing a NASA-funded rocket called FOXSI to study the Sun's X-ray emissions. The mission will use X-ray vision to detect nanoflares, which are intense eruptions that heat the solar atmosphere to millions of degrees Fahrenheit.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 4, 2018

Sounding rocket takes a second look at the sun

To correct for degradation, NASA launches calibration sounding rockets carrying a copy of the EVE instrument to approximately 180 miles above Earth. These measurements are compared to those from the degraded satellite, allowing Woods' team to correct for discrepancies and maintain accurate EUV light measurements.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 15, 2018

NASA set to launch rocket carrying Penn State-led experiment

The Water Recovery X-ray rocket, WRX, will test a newly-developed X-ray spectrograph and study the X-rays from a supernova remnant in the Milky Way galaxy. The mission will provide information about the conditions in the Vela supernova remnant, including temperature, density, chemical composition, and ionization state.

SourcePenn State·DateMar 28, 2018
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

'Green' thruster technology flight-tested in space

A USU student-built experiment rocketed into space to test a new 'green' thruster technology developed by Stephen A. Whitmore. The mission aimed to determine if the thrusters' exhaust plumes contaminate spacecraft surfaces, and initial results suggest a clean burn.

SourceUtah State University·DateMar 27, 2018

Elon Musk's vision to colonize Mars updated in New Space

Elon Musk presents an updated design for the Big Falcon Rocket, a powerful rocket intended to propel a space vehicle to the International Space Station and beyond. The BFR's updated design includes a huge carbon fiber tank and new fueling system to lower costs and achieve rendezvous and docking.

SourceMary Ann Liebert, Inc./Genetic Engineering News·JournalNew Space·DateMar 26, 2018

Sounding rocket mission will trace auroral winds

The AZURE mission aims to measure vertical winds in the ionosphere, creating a tumultuous particle soup that redistributes energy and momentum. By tracking colorful tracers released into space, researchers will gain valuable data on the flow of particles in key regions of the ionosphere.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMar 1, 2018
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)

Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.

NASA joins international science team in exploring auroral cusp from Norway

The Grand Challenge Initiative - Cusp is a series of international sounding rocket missions investigating the physics of heating and charged particle precipitation in the geomagnetic cusp. The team will study the effects of solar activity on Earth's atmosphere, improving navigation and communication near the poles.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateFeb 27, 2018

NASA-funded CHESS mission will check out the space between stars

The NASA-funded CHESS mission will study the earliest stages of star formation by analyzing light filtering through the interstellar medium. The mission aims to understand the lifecycle of stars and the structure of these vast clouds, which can help scientists pinpoint where they stand in the process of star formation.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJun 23, 2017
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope

Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.

NASA-funded sounding rocket will take 1,500 images of sun in 5 minutes

The RAISE mission will take 1,500 images of the sun's surface in just five minutes, providing high-cadence observations of its dynamic processes. By analyzing these images, scientists can study solar flares and massive eruptions, gaining insights into the sun's complex magnetic activity.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 4, 2017

Metallic hydrogen, once theory, becomes reality

Researchers successfully created atomic metallic hydrogen using diamond anvil cells at extreme pressures, offering potential applications in high-energy storage, superconductors, and rocket propulsion. The discovery could transform various industries, including energy production and space exploration.

SourceHarvard University·JournalScience·DateJan 26, 2017

NASA restarts rigorous vibration testing on the James Webb Space Telescope

NASA has resumed rigorous vibration testing on the James Webb Space Telescope after an early shutdown in 2016 due to sensor readings exceeding predicted levels. The team implemented changes to the test profile to prevent similar issues, adding diagnostic tests to ensure confidence in the launch environment.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJan 25, 2017
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Watch a tiny space rocket work

Researchers at Michigan Technological University and University of Maryland operated a tiny electrospray thruster under a microscope to study its behavior. The thruster, which creates a force less than the weight of a human hair, was found to form needle-like spikes that disrupt its function.

SourceMichigan Technological University·JournalNanotechnology·DateAug 8, 2016

Sounding rocket EVE supporting tune-up of SDO EVE instrument

The EVE sounding rocket will provide under-flight calibration for the SDO EVE spectrometers, supporting the calibration of other solar soft X-ray and extreme ultraviolet spectrometers. This mission aims to gather data for a tune-up of satellite instruments, helping scientists understand degradation trends.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 18, 2016
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition

Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.

NASA to launch FORTIS to study extra-galactic dust

The FORTIS sounding rocket will study the properties of galaxy NGC 1365, also known as the Great Barred Spiral Galaxy. Scientists aim to quantify how much material is flowing in and out of the galaxy by analyzing light emitted and absorbed by different types of hydrogen.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 16, 2015

DXL-2: Studying X-ray emissions in space

The DXL-2 mission aims to better understand the nature of the local hot bubble and solar wind charge exchange. It will study diffuse x-ray emissions, which are believed to originate from remnants of a supernovae, but are also influenced by the solar wind's charge exchange process.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 3, 2015
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock

CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.

NASA plans twin sounding rocket launches over Norway this winter

NASA will launch two sounding rockets, CAPER and RENU 2, over Norway this winter to study the cusp aurora and particles moving near the North Pole. The rockets will investigate electromagnetic waves accelerating electrons into Earth's atmosphere and the relationship between electron inflow and electric currents.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateNov 24, 2015

Trampolining water droplets

Scientists at ETH Zurich create surface designs that allow water droplets to 'trampoline' upwards, leveraging evaporation and microstructure. This phenomenon enables materials to violently repel water and ice, with potential applications in de-icing, power lines, and road surfacing.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalNature·DateNov 4, 2015

The secrets of NASA's Webb Telescope's 'deployable tower assembly'

The deployable tower assembly (DTA) is a crucial component of the James Webb Space Telescope, enabling its instruments to be separated from the spacecraft bus and sunshield after launch. This allows the sunshield to unfurl and shade the telescope and instruments from radiant heat and stray light.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateSep 9, 2015
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)

Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.

Using a sounding rocket to help calibrate NASA's SDO

A calibration mission on a Terrier-Black Brant suborbital sounding rocket will help calibrate the EVE instrument on NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO). The mission aims to measure the total energy output of the sun in extreme ultraviolet light waves and track changes over time.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateMay 19, 2015

Strong evidence for coronal heating theory presented at 2015 TESS meeting

Researchers present strong evidence for the coronal heating theory, suggesting that tiny explosive bursts of heat called nanoflares are responsible for heating the sun's atmosphere. The new findings come from NASA's EUNIS sounding rocket mission and NuSTAR X-ray observations, providing insight into the solar corona.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateApr 28, 2015

NASA-funded mission studies the Sun in soft X-rays

Scientists have made significant discoveries about the Sun's behavior in soft X-rays, shedding light on heating mechanisms and coronal composition. The study found that nanoflares, tiny explosions on the Sun, could be responsible for increased soft X-ray emissions, which also affects space weather events near Earth.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMar 24, 2015
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

Octopus robot makes waves with ultra-fast propulsion

The octopus-inspired robot can accelerate up to ten body lengths in less than a second, surpassing the performance of traditional underwater vehicles. Its unique design allows it to use water to propel itself, resulting in 53% energy efficiency.

SourceUniversity of Southampton·JournalBioinspiration & Biomimetics·DateFeb 5, 2015

NASA-funded FOXSI to observe X-rays from Sun

The FOXSI mission will observe high-energy X-rays from the Sun, helping scientists understand solar flares and the sun's atmosphere. By detecting these faint events, researchers aim to confirm the existence of nanoflares, which are thought to occur constantly but are difficult to detect.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateDec 8, 2014

DNA may survive suborbital spaceflight, re-entry

Researchers found that plasmid DNA attached to a rocket exterior survived suborbital spaceflight, re-entry, and landing conditions. The study showed that up to 53% of the DNA retained its full biological function, with 35% remaining functional after heating up to 1000°C.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2014

DNA survives critical entry into Earth's atmosphere

Researchers from the University of Zurich successfully tested DNA's ability to survive extreme conditions, including space travel and re-entry. The study found that DNA molecules were still able to transfer genetic information to bacterial cells after being launched into space and back.

SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalPLOS ONE·DateNov 26, 2014

Process converts human waste into rocket fuel

A team of researchers from the University of Florida has developed a process to convert human waste into rocket fuel, producing 290 liters of methane per crew per day. This anaerobic digester process can also produce non-potable water and hydrogen, offering a sustainable solution for space missions and potentially on Earth.

SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalAdvances in Space Research·DateNov 26, 2014
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Caltech rocket experiment finds surprising cosmic light

Researchers detected a diffuse cosmic glow originating from stripped stars flung out into space after galaxies collided and merged. The findings suggest previously undetected stars permeate dark spaces between galaxies, forming an interconnected sea of stars.

SourceCalifornia Institute of Technology·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 2014

INFORMS study on Iron Dome asks: What was its impact?

A new INFORMS study analyzes the strengths and weaknesses of Israel's Iron Dome system, which saved lives during recent conflicts. The study found that Iron Dome may have prevented around 1778 Israeli casualties in 2012 and 525 in 2014, but its effectiveness is disputed due to imperfect rocket categorization.

SourceInstitute for Operations Research and the Management Sciences·JournalOperations Research·DateSep 2, 2014

Glow in space is evidence of a hot bubble in our galaxy

A recent study led by University of Miami scientist Massimiliano Galeazzi has identified the 'local hot bubble' as the dominant source of the diffuse X-ray background in space. The team measured the soft X-ray emission at low energy, confirming that it comes from a hot bubble of gas within our galaxy.

SourceUniversity of Miami·JournalNature·DateJul 28, 2014
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)

Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.

NASA-funded mission to study the sun's energy

Scientists will measure sun's total energy output using new 'degradation-free' instruments, eliminating calibration drift. The Degradation Free Spectrometers experiment aims to demonstrate the flight-readiness of these innovative tools.

SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·DateJul 10, 2014

Rapid evolution aids spread of exotic plant species

Researchers at KU Leuven found that the Pyrenean rocket, a plant from southern Europe, genetically adapted rapidly to its new environment in Belgium, allowing it to spread quickly. This study provides evidence that rapid evolution can aid the spread of non-native plant species.

SourceKU Leuven·JournalMolecular Ecology·DateMay 23, 2014