Articles tagged with Artificial Satellites
A Northwestern University and University of Copenhagen study reveals that Greenland's thousands of peripheral glaciers have rapidly retreated over the past two decades. The research team combined satellite images with historical aerial photographs to document changes in over 1,000 glaciers over a century.
The University of Würzburg's SONATE-2 nanosatellite is designed to test novel artificial intelligence (AI) hardware and software technologies in near-Earth space. The satellite aims to automatically detect anomalies on planets or asteroids, with the goal of improving planetary exploration and research.
Scientists develop a novel deployment scheme for a 3-body chain-type tethered satellite system, utilizing sequential deployment and hierarchical sliding mode control to ensure accurate trajectory tracking. The proposed scheme simplifies the deployment process while guaranteeing positive tension and avoiding tether rupture.
A six-year study of a satellite found that low-cost solar panels can withstand harsh space conditions and generate power, opening the door to large-scale solar farms in orbit. The technology has been developed by researchers at the Universities of Surrey and Swansea.
NTU Singapore has expanded its research collaborations with French partners to push the boundaries of science. The university has inked six new partnerships and renewed existing collaborations across various fields, including quantum physics, nuclear energy, and sustainability.
Researchers at Nanjing University have developed a miniaturized FSO system achieving an astonishing 9.16 Gbps bandwidth over 1 km link using readily available commercial fiber transceiver modules. The system enables automatic tracking and precision acquisition, eliminating the need for optical amplification.
Researchers at Purdue University detect unprecedented levels of alloy aerosols in the atmosphere, likely from spacecraft and satellites. The team found that nearly 10% of large sulfuric acid particles contained aluminum and other spacecraft metals.
Recent satellite deployments have reached record-breaking brightness levels, posing a threat to ground-based astronomy. The addition of 400,000 satellites in the near future could completely alter the night sky.
A recent study published in Nature found that massive low-earth orbit communications satellites like BlueWalker 3 can outshine bright stars, disrupting astronomical observations. The satellite's large antenna system causes an abrupt increase in brightness, affecting not only visual observations but also radio astronomy.
Researchers demonstrate that perovskite solar cells damaged by proton radiation in low-earth orbit can recover up to 100% of their original efficiency via thermal vacuum annealing. The study used ultrathin sapphire substrates and found that fluorine diffusion from the dopant causes defects, which can be reversed by heat treatment.
A study by University of Malaga researchers estimates over 131M pieces of space waste orbiting the Earth, posing a lethal collision risk. The model determines optimal satellite launch rates to maximize benefits while minimizing space debris, warning of market failure and potential physical problems.
High-energy electrons pose significant radiation damage to satellites; a new study sets benchmark levels for extreme space weather events. Satellite operators must prepare against these risks as the global space economy relies on over 5,465 operational satellites.
Researchers developed a method to detect forest disturbance by combining strengths from time-series algorithms and 2-date detection methods. The new technique facilitates more effective forest management and policy.
The European Space Agency has commissioned an engineering study to test the reliability of meta-optical elements in space. The collaboration aims to advance remote sensing systems while overcoming size and weight constraints, enabling innovative applications for Earth observation data.
Researchers develop a new composite strategy to produce clean Landsat images with reduced cloud and shadow errors. The approach uses an algorithm to select pixels from multiple dates to create a virtual median-value point, detecting and replacing clouds and shadows in the process.
A team led by Virginia Tech's Manoochehr Shirzaei has developed high-resolution digital maps to monitor land subsidence and sea-level rise, revealing vulnerable areas along the Atlantic East Coast. The data supports flood risk management and informs climate change projections, helping to refine models for hurricanes and storms.
A recent study found that food processing facilities and high-rise apartments with 10 stories or higher are major contributors to nitrogen dioxide emissions in California. The research, published in Science of the Total Environment, used satellite remote sensing data to analyze NO2 emissions from various property types.
Researchers at West Virginia University are exploring iodine-based thrusters as an alternative to traditional fuel sources, aiming to reduce dependence on rare noble gases. They plan to develop diagnostic technology to measure the performance of these thrusters, paving the way for widespread use in space exploration.
A recent study found that while social factors were hypothesized to influence UFO reports, no association was found with the COVID-19 pandemic's stress and anxiety measures. An alternative explanation was proposed: regular Starlink satellite launches may have led to increased sightings.
Experts call for a legally-binding treaty to govern Earth's orbit, citing the growing threat of satellite debris. With an expected 60,000 satellites in orbit by 2030, scientists warn that large parts of space could become unusable if action is not taken immediately.
A groundbreaking study used AI and high spatial resolution imagery to analyze over 300,000 satellite images and identify nearly 10 billion trees in sub-Saharan Africa. The research reveals that tree density and carbon stocks in the arid zone are underestimated, with a total carbon stock of 0.84 billion tonnes.
Researchers at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed a new phased array receiver strategy to reduce radiation degradation and power consumption in small satellites. The approach uses on-chip distributed radiation sensors and current-sharing techniques, achieving less than 10% gain variation and lowest reported power consumption.
A team of researchers has successfully modeled the complex fluctuations in soft X-ray signals detected by satellites using numerical methods. They were able to capture how the signal varied with the orbital motion of the satellite and reproduce it up to a factor of two, an impressive feat in the field.
University of Illinois scientists developed a way to accurately map tilled land in real-time using ground, airborne, and satellite imagery. The method increased mapping accuracy by 67% compared to upscaling directly from the ground to the satellite.
A new study by Globe at Night reveals that artificial lighting is dulling the night sky more rapidly than satellite measurements indicate. The loss of visible stars has alarming implications for human health and wildlife.
Students from the WüSpace association are working on a project to develop intelligent sensors and algorithms for small satellites, aiming to detect dangerous approaches and prevent collisions. The project is funded by the German Space Agency and allows students to gain hands-on experience in space technology development.
Researchers have observed long, web-like plasma structures in the Sun's middle corona, which discharge particles into space through interactions within the structures. This innovative observation method could lead to a better understanding of the solar wind's origins and its interactions with the rest of the solar system.
Scientists have successfully tracked CO2 emissions from the Bełchatów power plant in Poland using existing satellites. The study demonstrates that tracking-at-the-source is already possible for 'super-emitters' like this facility, and its success is an important achievement. The results indicate that the EU's planned CO2M mission will ...
The SATEX project aims to investigate the feasibility of scientific missions with nanosatellites in extraterrestrial space, focusing on technical possibilities and user needs. The research will prioritize activities and develop concrete proposals for possible national missions.
A new study by Eurac Research confirms negative global trends in mountain areas, with an average decline of 15 days of snow on the ground over 38 years. Snow cover has decreased by 4% globally, with peaks of 20 or more fewer days in Canada's western provinces.
The development of LEO mega constellations has significantly impacted human scientific progress in communication, navigation, and remote sensing. However, unrestrained deployment poses a threat to spacecraft safety and space environment stability, requiring rational surveillance and governance mechanisms.
University of Arizona students developed a comprehensive study to track and characterize the brightness of satellites. The team's work could help astronomers adapt by closing their telescopes' shutters during incoming bright satellites.
MIT scientists have developed 3D-printed plasma sensors that can be produced for tens of dollars in a matter of days, ideal for CubeSats. The sensors use a glass-ceramic material and can withstand wide temperature swings, measuring energy and conducting chemical analyses to predict weather or monitor climate change.
The university's latest satellite, SCOOB-I, orbits the Earth with advanced payloads, including a small Earth imaging camera and a solar spectrum sensor. The mission provides valuable insights into the Sun-Earth connection and its impact on climate, marking NTU Singapore's leadership in the growing space industry.
Researchers found that speeding can decrease fuel economy by 7% and result in an extra 28 cents per gallon at current US fuel prices. They also studied human behavior during the early days of COVID-19 and simulated cosmic collisions to better understand X-ray emissions.
The microsatellite will fly at a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO), collecting data for commercial VLEO satellites with multiple applications. The satellite is designed to be sustainable, de-orbiting within days of its operational life.
Researchers studied archival images from the Palomar Observatory's Zwicky Transient Facility and found that Starlink satellite streaks now appear in almost 20% of twilight images. Software can help mitigate potential problems, but the impact on astronomy is still a concern, especially for future surveys like Vera C. Rubin Observatory.
Researchers have developed a model that can calculate individual countries' carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel burning using space observations. This could lead to more accurate national CO2 emission inventories, helping to achieve the Paris Agreement's 1.5-degree target and reduce global warming.
The Fengyun Meteorological Satellite program offers over 30 years of free data to support global research on extreme weather events and atmospheric changes. International collaborations are growing as the data capabilities expand.
Tropical Storm Chan-hom's visible image revealed an exposed low-level circulation center, while bands of thunderstorms wrapped into the partially exposed center. The storm is expected to strengthen over the next three days, potentially developing a more circular shape.
Tropical Storm Dolphin formed from Tropical Depression 14W, strengthening with deep convection and organized thunderstorms. The storm is expected to move north and then northeast, potentially strengthening to 55 knots.
Tropical Depression 22 is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite providing infrared images. The depression is forecast to move slowly and could strengthen into a hurricane by Sunday.
Subtropical Storm Alpha has formed near Portugal, with NASA's Aqua satellite capturing visible imagery of the storm. The storm is expected to move across the coast of west-central Portugal, producing 1-2 inches of rainfall and rapid weakening over land. Maximum sustained winds are near 50 mph, with higher gusts.
Hurricane Teddy's satellite appearance steadily developed overnight, with a ragged warming eye surrounded by convection. The storm is moving northwest at 12 mph, expected to continue for days, with maximum sustained winds of 120 mph.
Tropical Storm Karina is weakening due to unfavorable upper-level winds and cooler waters, forecast to become a remnant low by tonight. Its maximum sustained winds are near 40 mph with higher gusts, moving toward the northwest at 8 mph.
Hurricane Paulette's large eye is approaching the island of Bermuda, prompting a Hurricane Warning. The storm has maximum sustained winds of near 90 mph and is expected to pass over the island during the next couple of hours.
Aerosols from western fires detected by NASA's Terra instrument pose a significant threat to climate and human health. High concentrations of aerosols can reduce visibility, impact respiratory systems, and exacerbate cardiovascular issues.
The NASA-NOAA satellite captured a nighttime image of Hurricane Nana just after it made landfall in southern Belize. The storm strengthened to a Category 1 hurricane with maximum sustained winds near 75 mph (120 kph) before weakening to a tropical storm as it moved inland.
Tropical Storm Omar formed on Sept. 1 off the coast of North Carolina, becoming the earliest 15th storm on record. NASA's satellite data revealed wind shear affecting the storm, causing it to strengthen and potentially generate heavy rainfall. The storm is now expected to weaken and become a remnant low-pressure area by Thursday, Sept. 3.
Typhoon Maysak's eye is expected to pass just west of Okinawa Island within 24 hours. The storm has maximum sustained winds near 100 knots (115 mph/185 kph) and is predicted to make landfall in southern South Korea.
The study evaluates the performance of FY-3D's instruments, showing improved data quality and reduced forecast errors by 0.1% on average. The assimilation of FY-3D microwave observations enhances global weather forecasting, climate prediction, and resilience to extreme weather events.
Tropical Storm Genevieve has weakened rapidly due to various factors, including moderate southerly vertical wind shear and cooler sea-surface temperatures. As of Aug. 21, the storm is expected to degenerate into a post-tropical cyclone, moving further away from the Baja California peninsula.
The NASA-NOAA satellite Suomi NPP provided a nighttime image of Hurricane Genevieve on August 18, showing its well-defined eye surrounded by powerful thunderstorms. Forecasters can use this infrared imagery to track the storm's strength and structure.
Tropical Storm Josephine weakened on August 16, with satellite imagery showing it had become elongated and stretched out into a trough of low pressure. The storm's cloud top temperatures were near minus 70 degrees Fahrenheit, indicating it was degenerating rapidly.
Hurricane Elida intensified into a Category 2 hurricane, with maximum sustained winds reaching 100 mph and an eye apparent on night-time imagery. The storm is expected to weaken rapidly over colder water, degenerating to a remnant low pressure area by Thursday.
The FY series satellite program has undergone four main stages, with recent advancements focusing on improved core data processing techniques. Chinese meteorological satellites are now a crucial component of the global observing system, providing stable and accurate measurements.
A team of researchers has successfully detected rain over the ocean using GNSS Reflectometry, a technique that measures sea surface roughness to infer precipitation. This innovation could provide unprecedented temporal resolution and spatial coverage for monitoring atmospheric precipitation.
Researchers have demonstrated feasible global quantum communication between high-orbiting satellites and a ground station, exchanging single photons over 20,000km. This milestone experiment proves secure quantum communications on a global scale using the Global Navigation Satellite System.
Typhoon Kong-rey is moving northwest and intensifying steadily, peaking at 135 knots before weakening. The storm will eventually veer into the Yellow Sea after three days.
Hurricane Rosa shows a cloud-filled eye with two wrapping thunderstorm bands. The National Hurricane Center notes a defined eye structure beneath the overcast. Rosa is expected to strengthen and weaken before landfall in Baja California on Oct. 2.