Articles tagged with Spacecraft
The Deep Impact mission aims to study the composition of Comet Tempel 1 by deploying a copper probe into its surface. The probe will capture images and spectra of the comet's interior, shedding light on the early solar system's formation.
Scientists have found that Saturn's system is composed of ice and oxygen atoms, which are produced by collisions between small icy moons and the planet's magnetosphere. The research suggests that these collisions have been occurring for millions of years, adding fresh material to the ring system.
The Washington University CubeSat, Bandit, is a small satellite that can dock with a medicine ball-sized mothership, making it ideal for inspection tasks. Developed by students and faculty, the satellite has the potential to disrupt spacecraft design with its innovative technology.
Researchers at the University of Washington are developing a new propulsion concept that could dramatically cut the time needed for astronauts to travel to and from Mars. The mag-beam concept uses a space-based station to generate a stream of magnetized ions that propel a spacecraft through the solar system, potentially reducing round ...
NASA has successfully tested artificial intelligence (AI) software that can detect and diagnose errors in satellite systems. The Livingstone Version 2 (LV2) software is being used to troubleshoot the NASA Earth Observing One (E0-1) satellite's instruments and systems, allowing for more efficient and effective maintenance.
TRMM has provided significant scientific research data over seven years, aiding NOAA and other agencies in monitoring rainfall and storms. NASA will continue to operate the satellite through the 2004 hurricane season to capture additional storm data.
The MESSENGER mission will explore Mercury's searing surface, oddball atmosphere, and bizarre magnetic field. The LASP's $8.7 million Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer will address questions about the planet's mineral composition, gas distribution, and core.
Researchers at Purdue University are developing a system to continuously monitor heat panels on future spacecraft for subtle damage, which could lead to accidents if left undetected. The system uses vibration and sound measurements to detect damage in real-time, making it ideal for periods of highest stress during takeoff and reentry.
Researchers from University of Colorado Boulder analyze Cassini mission data, revealing compositional variation in Saturn's A, B, and C rings. The study suggests that the outer part of the rings contains more ice, shedding light on their origin and evolution.
The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft has successfully landed at Saturn, providing unprecedented insights into the planet's rings, moons, and atmosphere. The four-year mission will explore Titan, Saturn's largest moon, and shed light on the origin and evolution of planetary systems.
Arizona State University's contribution to the Autonomous Sciencecraft Experiment allows spacecraft to detect changes in ice on Earth, such as freeze-thaw cycles and polar sea ice formation. This enables the spacecraft to respond quickly to important science events and send processed data back to Earth.
The Stardust mission encountered a swarm of large and small particles as it passed within 146.5 miles of the comet's nucleus, exceeding its goal of collecting at least 1,000 samples measuring one-third the width of a human hair or larger.
Scientists plan to deploy the Huygens probe to study Titan's lakes, seas, and climate. The moon's thick atmosphere and liquid hydrocarbons will provide a unique environment to understand oceanographic processes and predict climate changes.
A UW astronomer's spacecraft, Stardust, will capture tiny comet grains for clues on the origin of life and carbon in our planet. The encounter with Wild 2 comet is expected to provide valuable insights into the early solar system.
A NASA grant is supporting a two-year study at Florida Tech to develop algorithms that can learn from historical data and detect potential problems with a space shuttle component. The research aims to improve the efficiency of monitoring systems, reducing the time and effort required to extract knowledge from experts.
The Clemson Inflatable Fabric Airlock, developed in collaboration with NASA, boasts a two-layer fabric design that eliminates seams for added strength. The airlock has withstood a terrestrial tensile force of over 675,000 pounds at four atmospheres of internal pressure.
A new risk assessment method for the space shuttle program has been developed, with findings showing that 15% of tiles contributed to 85% of identified risks. This study emphasizes the importance of considering tile failure in the overall risk management strategy.
Astronauts will test a new commercial fire-fighting system that uses fine water mist to put out blazes, reducing damage and environmental harm. The system's effectiveness in microgravity has been shown to be superior to traditional sprinklers, with water mists requiring one-tenth the water to extinguish a flame.
Engineers mimic nature's solution to a classic problem in aerospace engineering by recreating part of a horse bone's unique structure. The biomimetic plate pushes stresses away from holes, resulting in increased strength and reduced weight.
The Stardust spacecraft is using a flyby of asteroid Annefrank to prepare for its primary mission to capture particles from Wild 2. The asteroid's small size and distance from the spacecraft mean images won't be detailed, but it provides a crucial test for the spacecraft's systems.
Researchers from CU-Boulder will conduct cell biology experiments in microgravity, mimicking normal functioning kidney cells and studying molecular responses to infections. Plant growth experiments will also explore the role of gravity on plant development, with potential applications in timber and pharmaceutical industries.
NASA awards consortium of research institutions $30 million to create self-healing materials inspired by nature. The Institute for Biologically Inspired Materials will investigate repair mechanisms used by plants, animals and other organisms.
Space weather events, caused by solar storms, are damaging satellites and power grids due to increasing technological challenges. Scientists are working on predicting and mitigating these effects with new observations, simulations, and predictive models.
Researchers conducted a high-tech simulation to test the Mars Exploration Rover mission, which will arrive on Mars in early 2004. The test aimed to understand the nature and accumulation patterns of Mars' signature red dust, crucial for ensuring astronaut safety.
The University of Colorado at Boulder has been selected by NASA to build two instruments for a satellite that will probe polar mesospheric clouds. The $92 million mission, Aeronomy of Ice in the Mesosphere (AIM), aims to study these clouds and their role in the Earth's atmosphere.
Aqua has successfully transmitted engineering images from five of its six instruments, providing a glimpse into the spacecraft's performance and paving the way for operational data in early September. The high-quality data will help improve weather forecasts and advance our understanding of Earth's climate system, particularly the role...
The CONTOUR mission will examine the 'heart' of comets, exploring their composition and dynamics through high-resolution images and gas analysis. The four-year mission will visit two comets, Encke and Schwassmann-Wachmann 3, and potentially a new comet in the outer solar system.
The NASA spacecraft TIMED observes the global reaction of the upper atmosphere to solar activity, helping scientists understand why some solar events have significant geospace impact. Preliminary data from TIMED will be featured at the Spring 2002 American Geophysical Union meeting, May 31, in Washington, D.C.
NASA's new Microgravity Science Glovebox will enhance the Space Station's science capabilities by providing a facility for safely working with fluids, flames, particles, and fumes. The glovebox supports low-cost, small investigations from multiple disciplines, including materials science and biotechnology.
The MESSENGER project has passed a critical design review and is ready to move forward with building its spacecraft. The spacecraft will study Mercury's composition, geologic history, and magnetosphere over a one-year orbit, providing valuable insights into the inner solar system.
A Virginia Tech engineer is developing advanced control systems for unmanned underwater vehicles to perform complex maneuvers, such as evasive actions and tracking El Niño boundaries. His research aims to create protected controls mechanisms for long-duration autonomous operations in the ocean.
Researchers argue that English should be the primary language for space travelers due to its international significance and potential for genetic diversity. Despite this, changes in vocabulary may occur during the journey, particularly with new words being coined and old ones falling out of use.
The TIMED spacecraft is beginning its two-year science mission to study the influences of the sun and humans on the least explored portion of Earth's atmosphere. The mission will provide a global picture of this critical region, enabling future 'space weather' predictions.
Engineers have demonstrated the precision attitude control capability of NASA's Pulsed Plasma Thruster (PPT) on board the EO-1 satellite, making it the first time this technology has been used. The PPT is a fuel-efficient system that uses electromagnetic forces to propel a spacecraft, offering potential benefits for future space missions.
The Cornell and Contour Comet Challenge encourages students and teachers to create educational programs about the spacecraft's goal to study comets. The challenge includes two winning teams that will receive a trip to Kennedy Space Center and educational materials.
Astronauts experience orthostatic intolerance after space flight, characterized by lightheadedness and dizziness. UT Southwestern researchers found that heart shrinking and becoming stiff is the primary cause, contrary to previous research suggesting a malfunction of the sympathetic nervous system.
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) has been selected by NASA to develop the first mission to explore Pluto and the Kuiper Belt region. The New Horizons: Shedding Light on Frontier Worlds mission will use a team of scientists and engineers from various institutions to design, build, and operate the spacecraft.
The Starshine Satellite Project involves students from Pakistan, New Zealand, Brazil, and India polishing thousands of mirrors to help calibrate The Fence, the Navy's space surveillance network. Once launched, students will be able to track the satellite's movement as it passes across the skies.
The Dawgstar nanosatellite will conduct scientific research on the Earth's ionosphere and perform precision formation flying experiments with two companion satellites. Students played a primary role in designing and building the compact piece of space hardware, gaining hands-on experience for future space endeavors.
The Mars Odyssey spacecraft has entered into orbit around Mars, providing a key communications link for the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission. The two Rovers will be able to upload data on mineral and element composition of rocks and soils to a state-of-the-art communications package.
A global map of asteroid 433 Eros reveals that nearly half of the largest rocks were ejected from a single crater, Shoemaker. The rocks were likely created by a meteorite collision about a billion years ago.
A new movie from NASA's Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission showcases the final moments of the NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft's yearlong orbit at asteroid 433 Eros. The minute-long video, produced by imaging team member Mark Robinson, offers a close-up view of the asteroid's varied terrain and features.
A virtual-reality training tool is being developed to help astronauts learn techniques for navigating complex spacecraft and maintaining orientation in microgravity environments. The device tests users' ability to maintain spatial awareness and navigate through various modules.
The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft will embark on a series of low-altitude passes over asteroid 433 Eros from Jan. 24 to Jan. 28, gathering detailed images of the surface. The controlled descent, set for Feb. 12, aims to capture high-resolution close-ups of Eros' cratered landscape.
The Stardust spacecraft is set to receive a gravity boost from Earth, lengthening its orbit and setting it on course for a rendezvous with comet Wild 2. The spacecraft will capture particles being boiled off the comet's surface by solar heating.
Researchers have found that near-infrared light from LEDs accelerates wound healing in patients with diabetic skin ulcers, serious burns, and severe oral sores. The treatment uses a portable device emitting LED lights, which promote energy inside cells, leading to faster healing times.
NASA's 2nd Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Program aims to develop a privately owned, commercially competitive reusable launch vehicle. Proposals are due November 27, with cost proposals due December 4, and are expected to award multiple contracts totaling $900 million next spring.
The NEAR Shoemaker spacecraft will swoop in for a record-breaking view of asteroid Eros, collecting data and images from just 5.3 kilometers above the surface. The low-altitude flyover will provide detailed information on the asteroid's shape and surface features.
The Interplanetary Network detected a gigantic gamma-ray burst, the most distant ever observed, from a dying star 30 times more massive than the sun. The burst is believed to have occurred 11 billion years ago and has been traveling through space for the same amount of time.
The Near Earth Asteroid Rendezvous (NEAR) mission has successfully executed the first of three orbital correction maneuvers to bring its spacecraft closer to asteroid Eros. The spacecraft will make a gradual pass within 4 miles of the asteroid's surface, gathering high-resolution images and data on the asteroid's structure.
Hernandez Engineering, Inc. will deliver management, personnel, equipment, and supplies for safety and mission assurance at NASA's Marshall Center. The contract value is up to $35.9 million, with a focus on reducing space launch costs and improving flight safety.
The MACE-II experiment, launched on September 8 aboard the space shuttle Atlantis, will test techniques for predicting motion and controlling vibrations in zero gravity. With multiple months of testing, researchers will interact with the experiment remotely to refine its performance.
NASA has awarded four small businesses 90-day contracts to develop concepts and requirements for a potential backup capability to provide access to the International Space Station. The study aims to enhance the station's operational flexibility by launching within a week if primary delivery methods are unavailable.
Researchers are studying zeolites, crystals that can produce more gasoline from a barrel of oil, reducing dependence on petroleum. In microgravity, larger crystals are grown, providing insights into their structure and potential for efficient fuel production.
NASA's X-34 and X-40A vehicles will be showcased at the Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Technology Exposition, highlighting the X-37 Project and its related technologies. The event will provide an opportunity for industry representatives to learn about the program and its benefits.
A U of T engineer has devised a method to control vibrations in robots assembling or repairing objects in outer space. By entering a 'corrected' equation into the system, scientists can reduce deformations and complete tasks more quickly.
Nine companies have been selected to participate in a $15 million NASA Research Announcement effort titled the Second Generation Reusable Launch Vehicle Risk Reduction Definition Program. This research will explore possible Earth-to-orbit launch vehicles, in-space orbit transfer vehicles, and ground and flight operations.
A team of scientists identified Io as the dominant source of the Jovian dust streams, which are high-rate bursts of submicron-sized particles. The particles' motion is strongly influenced by Jupiter's magnetic field, providing a unique signature that could only be present if Io were the dominant source.
The Galileo spacecraft has captured the highest-resolution images yet of three of Jupiter's four innermost moons, revealing surface features as small as 2 kilometers across. The images show a bright surface feature on Amalthea named Ida, a streak of bright material about 50 kilometers in length.
The Ulysses spacecraft detected a dramatic change in solar wind and magnetic field lines, revealing comet tails that are likely billions of miles long. This finding opens up new ways to study comets and gain insights into the solar system's birth.