Articles tagged with Spacecraft
A new SwRI study provides the first evidence of recent liquid flows to Pluto's surface, suggesting that liquid nitrogen is rising from beneath the Sputnik Planitia glacier. This finding, based on data from NASA's New Horizons spacecraft, indicates a new kind of time-variable feature on Pluto.
Damiano Baccarella received a $750,000 NASA award to study the extreme environments encountered by hypersonic spacecraft during atmospheric re-entry. He aims to develop novel strategies for experimental characterization of chemical and vibrational non-equilibrium in high-enthalpy hypersonic wind tunnels.
Lehigh University has joined an international research consortium to advance commercial space research and innovation, with a focus on low-Earth orbit technology and microgravity science applications. The partnership aims to develop foundational technologies for future commercial platforms, including the Starlab space station.
The Center for Advanced Turbomachinery and Energy Research (CATER) is expanding its mission and reach as an official university center. CATER will focus on areas like hypersonics, national security, energy and sustainability, advanced air mobility, and space power and propulsion.
Landsat 10 will process up to 1.8 gigabits of compressed data per second, capturing detailed images of the Earth's surface with unmatched radiometric precision. SwRI is developing control technology and operational simulators to regulate instrument temperature and position camera mirrors.
MIT engineers have developed a new propulsion system that integrates chemical and electrical thrusters, allowing small satellites to perform both fast maneuvers and precise adjustments. The system uses a special propellant called ASCENT, which powers both types of thrusters, enabling smaller and more flexible spacecraft.
Researchers at Texas A&M University are designing how humans will build and survive on the moon, focusing on sustainable construction using lunar regolith. The institution's efforts aim to reduce costs associated with shipping materials to the moon, making it possible to produce rocket propellant locally.
The US Naval Research Laboratory has launched the Glowbug-2 instrument to identify and localize cataclysmic cosmic events known as short gamma-ray bursts (GRB). The mission provides essential data for multi-messenger astrophysics, serving as a critical electromagnetic counterpart to ground-based gravitational wave observatories.
The NRL launched three advanced experimental payloads aboard the STPSat-7 mission, including LARADO to detect orbital debris, GOSAS for improved navigation reliability, and GARI-1C to pave the way for future defense applications. This mission marks a significant step forward in advancing US space-based capabilities.
Researchers have confirmed that giant planets like Saturn operate under a unique magnetospheric regime, with a shifted cusp location due to its rapid rotation. This discovery alters models of magnetic reconnection and high-energy particle acceleration, revealing new insights into Saturn's auroral activity.
Researchers use seismic data to pinpoint the trajectory of falling debris, providing near-real-time tracking and rapid retrievals. This innovation complements radar data and can help locate potential crash sites, retrieve hazardous objects, and mitigate environmental risks.
Researchers developed a self-healing composite that can repair itself over 1,000 times and extend the lifetime of conventional fiber-reinforced composite materials by centuries. The material targets interlaminar delamination, which occurs when cracks cause fiber layers to separate from the matrix.
In a new study, terrestrial bacteria-infecting viruses were able to infect their E. coli hosts in near-weightless conditions aboard the ISS, but with distinct mutations. The dynamics of virus-bacteria interactions differed from those observed on Earth, highlighting potential insights into microbial adaptation and human health.
The UVS instrument collected data on the comet's composition, including oxygen, hydrogen, and dust-related features. The unique sunward viewpoint provided a downstream view of the comet's tails, allowing researchers to gain insights into its geometries.
Researchers at Empa's Mechanics of Materials and Nanostructures laboratory are working to improve the insulation material used in satellites and space probes. They have developed a new intermediate layer that makes the material more elastic and resistant to cracks and flaking, enabling better superinsulation for future satellites.
The CoDICE instrument has successfully collected first-light data from IMAP, measuring energized particles from interstellar space, the solar wind, and solar energetic particles. This will provide a better understanding of our place in the universe by studying the interaction between the interstellar medium and the solar wind.
The PUNCH mission has made significant advancements in imaging the Sun's outer atmosphere and solar wind. The spacecraft has tracked enormous coronal mass ejections, providing a unique view of space weather events and their impact on our planet.
The University of Leicester, in partnership with TWI Ltd, has secured £560k to develop a robot-mounted arc-welding system for in-space repair and manufacturing. The project aims to overcome the challenges of welding in space by developing a new, space-qualified robotic welding capability.
Researchers at University of Würzburg successfully tested an AI-based attitude controller for satellites directly in orbit, using Deep Reinforcement Learning. The test demonstrated the speed and flexibility of the DRL approach, which can automate control strategies and adapt to differences between expected and actual conditions.
Researchers at the University of Surrey propose a method to provide accurate aerodynamic drag data more efficiently during early stages of aircraft design. AeroMap enables reliable estimates up to 10 times faster than current simulations, supporting the development of fuel-efficient aircraft configurations.
The University of Michigan's three-year project, ORACLE, harnesses laser links for power and momentum transfer, enabling satellites to move without fuel. This innovation aims to transform constellations into dynamic, interconnected systems, improving sustainability and resilience.
UT Dallas researchers are developing a material to protect spacecraft from atmospheric drag and erosion, which can damage vehicles in space. The new coating has shown promising results, withstanding atomic oxygen conditions better than those in space.
Researchers at the University of Houston discovered that T. phoenicis can enter dormancy to evade detection, highlighting the resilience of spacecraft-associated microbes and raising concerns about planetary protection. The findings may lead to better detection methods and more effective sterilization strategies in various industries.
CCOR-2 is designed to provide high-fidelity coronal imaging and detect Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) closer to the solar disk. This will enable accurate measurements of coronal density and velocity, ultimately improving space weather forecasting capabilities.
A multidisciplinary team led by Natasha Vermaak investigates developing structural materials resistant to high-frequency thermomechanical loads for rotating detonation engines. The project aims to address the lack of established materials solutions for extreme thermomechanical loadings, enabling advancements in propulsion systems.
The University of Surrey and National Central University will collaborate on live missions and space hardware, providing practical experience for students. This partnership aims to address the global space industry skills shortage through career professional development and degree programmes.
Astronomers have discovered that the 1998 KY26 asteroid, targeted by Japan's Hayabusa2 mission, is only 11 meters wide and spins twice as fast as previously thought. This smaller size will make a touchdown manoeuvre more challenging for the spacecraft.
A Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) study proposes a mission to fly by an interstellar comet, providing insights into its properties. The mission aims to determine the comet's physical and compositional properties, as well as its nature of coma.
An interstellar mission to test astrophysical black holes is proposed by Cosimo Bambi, harnessing nanocrafts and laser beams to gather data on nearby black holes. The mission aims to answer pressing questions in physics, including the nature of event horizons and general relativity.
Researchers used an experimental technique called annealing to rescue a damaged camera on NASA's Juno spacecraft, offering lessons for other space systems that experience high radiation.
Researchers developed a novel Cu-Al-Mn alloy with a special shape memory effect at temperatures as low as -200°C, surpassing previous limitations. The alloy's potential applications include high-performance actuators for cooling systems in space telescopes and advanced carbon-neutral initiatives.
M-MATISSE aims to unravel Mars' magnetosphere, ionosphere, and thermosphere using two identical spacecraft. The mission could provide crucial insights into the planet's habitability and evolution.
A UK-led mission plans to recreate artificial solar eclipses in space to study the Sun's atmosphere and shed light on space weather. The MESOM mission would use a mini-satellite and the Moon's shadow to capture unprecedented views of the Sun's corona.
Astronomers aim to unlock secrets of the 'Cosmic Dawn' by sending a miniature spacecraft to detect faint signals from hydrogen in early universe. The UK-led CosmoCube mission would observe from far side of Moon, creating a quiet spot to listen for an 'ancient whisper'.
The UK is launching its first solar storm monitor, UK-ODESSI, to strengthen its position in space weather observation and forecasting. The mission will deploy a suite of homegrown scientific instruments on a low-cost spacecraft in low-Earth orbit, including a coronagraph and high-energy particle instrument.
The Lucy mission is surveying the three-mile-wide main belt asteroid Donaldjohanson, which may have formed 150 million years ago when a larger parent asteroid broke apart. The flyby will provide independent insights on evolutionary processes based on its shape, surface geology and cratering history.
The Parker Solar Probe team was awarded the 2024 Robert J. Collier Trophy for its innovative technology advancements and historic close approaches to the Sun. The mission has greatly advanced our understanding of solar science and space weather events, with lasting benefits for Earth's power grids and astronauts.
New modeling by Southwest Research Institute-led researchers suggests that asteroid Donaldjohanson formed around 150 million years ago when a larger parent asteroid broke apart. The mission's data could shed light on the asteroid's peculiar shape and surface geology.
The PUNCH spacecraft will study the solar corona and track space weather events in three dimensions for the first time. The constellation includes four small suitcase-sized spacecraft that will provide a clear view of the Sun's outer atmosphere, allowing scientists to discern the exact trajectory and speed of coronal mass ejections.
The PUNCH mission will study the solar corona and its impact on the solar wind, improving space weather forecasting capabilities. The four small spacecraft, launched by NASA's Small Explorers program, will create a virtual instrument to image the Sun's corona, revealing previously invisible phenomena.
New analysis of spacecraft observations and laboratory techniques reveals that Mars's red colour is better matched by ferrihydrite, an iron oxide containing water. This discovery transforms our understanding of why Mars is red and suggests that the planet rusted earlier than previously thought.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have developed a methodology for multiple CubeSats to act as service agents for assembling or repairing space telescopes. The method minimizes fuel consumption and guarantees safe operations without collisions.
The Bennu samples contain amino acids and nucleobases, building blocks for proteins, as well as ammonia, which can react to form complex molecules under the right conditions. These findings suggest that the conditions necessary for life were widespread across the early solar system, increasing the odds of life existing elsewhere.
Researchers discovered organic molecules on Ceres' surface but found no evidence of volcanic or tectonic activity. The deposits are thought to have originated from impacts by outer asteroid belt bodies, which could have introduced building blocks of life.
The PUNCH mission will integrate understanding of the Sun's corona and solar wind. The constellation will deploy in polar orbit, enabling scientists to routinely see and understand the solar wind.
The completion of NASA's Pandora spacecraft bus brings the exoplanet mission one step closer to launch, set to study at least 20 planets' atmospheres for hazes, clouds, and water. The mission will utilize a novel telescope design to capture stellar surfaces and cleanly separate star and planetary signals.
Scientists have identified flickering loops in the solar atmosphere that signal impending solar flares. The loops' brightness variability can be measured to predict flares with up to 80% accuracy, potentially providing 2-6 hours of warning time for astronauts and technology.
Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University developed a simple method to measure deformations in thin membrane materials using photogrammetry and a single camera. This technology can accurately detect wrinkle size and wavelength, enabling more efficient spacecraft operations.
NASA has successfully integrated its Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope's payload into the Roman spacecraft, paving the way for transformative cosmic observations. The telescope will undergo extensive testing to ensure proper function and performance in space.
Nearly 50 ISS National Lab-sponsored payloads splashed down safely on SpaceX’s CRS-31 mission, including research for early cancer detection and neurodegenerative conditions treatments. The investigations leveraged the space station's unique environment to improve life on Earth.
Humanity's presence on Mars leaves behind a valuable archaeological record, with scientists arguing that it deserves cataloging and preservation. Anthropologist Justin Holcomb advocates for considering the impact of human exploration on Martian sites and planning missions to minimize damage.
The University of Texas at San Antonio has launched the Center for Space Technology and Operations Research, which will advance engineering, technology, and operations supporting space missions. The center will address growing demands from civil, commercial, and national security space agencies and companies.
The Juno mission has discovered that Io's volcanoes are likely fueled by their own chambers of roiling hot magma rather than an ocean of magma. This finding solves a long-standing mystery about the moon's subsurface origins and provides new insights into Io's volcanic activity.
Loral O'Hara, a NASA astronaut, visited the Naval Research Laboratory to share her 200+ day mission aboard the International Space Station. She discussed her daily routine, scientific research, and the challenges faced by the crew, highlighting the importance of space exploration for advancing human knowledge.
A NASA-led team found that cometary dust affects interpretation of spacecraft measurements, reopening the case for comets like 67P as potential sources of water for early Earth. Researchers discovered a similar molecular signature between comet 67P's water and Earth's oceans.
AnalySwift will develop a composite heater layer for trusses and other infrastructure, enabling the reconfiguration of structural elements in space. The company's software tool will simulate multiphysics modeling and analysis of thermoplastics.
Researchers found that confined environments influence sense of smell, while VR simulations evoke stronger emotions and aroma perceptions. The study aims to improve diets for isolated individuals by personalizing aromas.
Researchers discovered a class of unusually large and red galaxies, called Ultra-red Flattened Objects (UFOs), near the limit of Hubble's observable range. The James Webb Space Telescope's infrared capabilities allowed them to spot these 'dustier cousins' of the Milky Way.
The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) has successfully developed a robotic suite capable of servicing satellites in orbit, enabling resilience for the US space infrastructure. The Robotic Servicing of Geosynchronous Satellites Integrated Robotic Payload (IRP) will enable satellite upgrades and repairs, reducing complexity and cost.
Gravity waves generated by Hurricane Helene were recorded 55 miles above the ground using NASA's Atmospheric Waves Experiment. The study helps understand how terrestrial weather affects space weather and disrupts satellites.