Articles tagged with Space Flight
A team of researchers at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory sent a tiny piece of Washington state soil into space to study how it behaves in microgravity. The experiment, called DynaMoS, aims to understand the dynamics of microbial communities and their role in plant growth, with implications for growing food on other celestial bodies.
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.
A study of 17 international astronauts found that resistance-based exercises could help prevent bone loss and promote bone formation during spaceflight. The researchers observed that astronauts on longer missions showed less bone recovery, but those who completed more in-flight deadlift training recovered better.
Researchers found rocket exhaust gases can remain high in altitude, producing thermal nitrogen oxides and carbon dioxide that can affect the Earth's climate. The team modeled fluid dynamics of rocket exhaust gases to understand the impact on atmospheric pollution.
A new study found that extended space flight increases perivascular spaces in the brains of first-time astronauts, but not those who previously served in space. No neurological deficits were detected despite the changes.
The Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) mission enables new measurements of cosmic X-ray sources, such as pulsars, black holes, and neutron stars. With its state-of-the-art telescopes and detectors, IXPE will provide high-quality polarization data of various sources, including supernova remnants, active galaxies, and blazars.
A study of NASA, ESA, and Russian space agency data found that extended spaceflight leads to changes in the brain's perivascular spaces. The research, led by Medical University of South Carolina scientists, used MRI scans to evaluate brain changes before and after six months on the International Space Station.
The study focused on the analysis and selection of Mars parachute types, with a focus on supersonic speed, low density, and harsh atmospheric conditions. The optimized tapered DGB parachute structure demonstrated improved deceleration performance, meeting the requirements for the Tianwen-1 Mars probe.
Researchers at UC Davis have developed genetically modified lettuce producing a drug to protect against bone density loss in microgravity. The transgenic lettuce combines parathyroid hormone with an antibody protein, allowing for stable production and potential self-administration by astronauts.
Researchers create transgenic lettuce that expresses a bone-stimulating hormone, which could help prevent osteopenia in astronauts and resource-limited areas on Earth. The lettuce would need to be consumed daily by astronauts to get a sufficient dose of the hormone.
Researchers analyzed the effects of environmental pressure setting, time step, and mesh density on the pressure differential calculation results. The study used numerical simulation to improve the accuracy of calculations, with results showing that changes in ambient pressure are the primary factor affecting the pressure differential.
Researchers calculate that low-power lasers on Earth could launch and maneuver small probes equipped with silicon or boron nitride sails, propelling them to much faster speeds than rocket engines. The lasers could propel tiny sailed probes on interplanetary or interstellar missions without requiring large amounts of fuel.
Researchers found significant microstructural changes in white matter tracts, indicating the brain's ability to adapt to spaceflight. After returning to Earth, these changes remained visible seven months later.
Researchers are developing systems to detect, characterize and track objects in cislunar space, or the space between Earth and the moon, to prevent lunar traffic jams and congestion.
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.
A new study reveals that microbes in the guts of hibernating ground squirrels play a crucial role in recycling nutrients and maintaining muscle mass. The discovery could have significant implications for humans with muscle-wasting disorders and astronauts on extended space voyages.
A new model developed by Skoltech researchers optimizes satellite radar system design, balancing performance characteristics with other mission parameters. The study identifies optimal designs for small satellite platforms, particularly in the 8-12 GHz and 4-8 GHz frequency bands.
Researchers are reconstructing life on the ISS over two decades to understand space culture and how astronauts interact with their tools and colleagues. The project uses digital photography, crowdsourcing, and archaeological surveys to document developments and changes within the station's lifestyle and cultural makeup.
The Chang'e-5 mission achieved a successful soft lunar landing using an innovative guidance, navigation and control system. The LAM used various sensors to navigate its descent and landing, with multiple sensors providing redundancy to ensure the success of the mission.
China's space transportation systems have made significant leaps in recent decades, with advancements in launch vehicles, propulsion systems, and artificial intelligence. The country aims to become a powerful space nation by the mid-21st century, with plans for manned missions to the Moon and Mars.
Researchers at Penn State have developed a small-scale laboratory experiment known as a hydrogen test loop to investigate nuclear thermal propulsion. The simulation, which includes a stainless steel pipe and a heating element, successfully models the operation of a reactor in space. The study's findings could lead to more efficient and...
Researchers create AstroCrete, a strong concrete-like material using human serum albumin and urea-based binders, suitable for Martian construction. The material's compressive strength can be up to 40 MPa, making it a potential solution for in-situ resource utilization.
A study found that microgravity significantly impacts P-glycoprotein expression and function in rats, with higher levels of P-gp expression in long-term microgravity exposure. The researchers identified 26 proteins interacting with P-gp, which regulated ATP hydrolysis-coupled transmembrane transport and other functions.
The Dartmouth Engineering team will conduct research on planetary science relating to icy planets' geophysics and astrobiology, aiming to understand the nature of these worlds and their habitability. The project will provide valuable tools for interpreting measurements taken by future missions.
UMass Lowell students have designed and built a miniature satellite, SPACE HAUC, which will be launched into Earth's orbit this fall. The satellite aims to demonstrate fast data transmission technology, and its success will train the next generation of astronomers and space scientists.
A study by Texas A&M University researchers has developed a simulation-based approach to accurately predict the effects of altered gravity on an individual-by-individual basis. The approach identifies key factors influencing cardiovascular responses and increases accuracy and saving time compared to traditional methods.
NRF2 helps keep muscles from weakening in low gravity by regulating oxidative stress. In mice, NRF2 deficiency accelerates fast-twitch fiber type transition and changes energy metabolism during space flight.
The world's largest and most powerful space science telescope, NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, has completed a key milestone with the fully expanded and locked primary mirror.
Researchers developed a non-intrusive Bio-Monitor shirt to track astronauts' health during spaceflight, providing continuous measurements of heart rate, breathing rate, and physical activity. The study found significant reductions in physical activity during spaceflight, highlighting the potential for early warning systems.
Researchers used NASA's NICER telescope on the International Space Station to measure the size of PSR J0740+6620, the most massive known neutron star. The team's findings provide insights into the squeezability of matter in neutron star cores, shedding light on what happens when neutrons break down into smaller particles.
Researchers use NASA Infrared Telescope Facility's iSHELL spectrometer to confirm and measure exoplanet masses discovered by TESS mission orbiting bright K and M dwarf host stars. They aim to constrain bulk densities for a better understanding of the exoplanet mass-radius relation.
Astronomers have discovered three hot worlds larger than Earth in the Pisces-Eridanus stream, a collection of young stars. The planets, TOI 451 b, c, and d, are expected to retain much of their atmospheres despite intense heat from their nearby star.
The Emirates Mars Mission will provide crucial science data on the Martian atmosphere, measuring dust particles, ice clouds, and water vapor. The mission's launch marks a significant milestone in space exploration for an Arab nation and has enormous positive impacts on science communities.
A cohort of NASA interns developed network protocols for Delay/Disruption Tolerant Networking (DTN), enabling flexible communication in space and remote areas. DTN will revolutionize space communications, empowering NASA to establish a sustained presence on the Moon.
The OSIRIS-REx mission has mapped the gravity field of asteroid Bennu, revealing a weaker and less dense core than previously thought. This could put the asteroid's survival at risk in the near future as it may slowly spin itself apart.
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.
Post-tropical cyclone Teddy was located near latitude 51.0 degrees north and longitude 57.3 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds of 50 mph and a central pressure of 975 millibars. The storm moved closer to the northwestern Newfoundland coast overnight before merging with an extratropical low-pressure area.
Tropical Storm Noul made landfall in central Vietnam on Sept. 17 and was weakening as it moved toward Thailand. The Suomi NPP satellite captured an image of the storm over Laos, showing a shapeless appearance with a difficult-to-find low-level center.
Tropical Storm Noul is intensifying in the South China Sea, forecast to strengthen into a typhoon before landfall in central Vietnam. NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured visible images of the storm on September 16, showing building convection and clouds obscuring its low-level circulation center.
Paulette's transformation into an extra-tropical storm revealed by NASA imagery, with visible clouds and wind circulation. The system is expected to weaken over the next couple of days, but still poses a threat to Atlantic Canada and the US east coast with life-threatening surf conditions.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Tropical Depression Rene as it was dissipating in the central North Atlantic Ocean. The storm opened into a trough of low pressure and dissipated over several hours.
Tropical Storm Karina became slightly better organized with deep convection near its center. The storm is forecast to move over cooler waters and into a drier atmosphere, leading to weakening trends and eventual dissipation. Maximum sustained winds were near 60 mph, with gusts expected to be higher.
Tropical Depression 20 strengthened into Tropical Storm Teddy, breaking a hurricane season record. The storm is expected to become a major hurricane later in the week, with life-threatening surf and rip current conditions forecasted for the Lesser Antilles.
Tropical Storm Rene appears more organized as wind shear eases, becoming slightly circular on satellite imagery. The storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane by Saturday, Sept. 12, with no expected landfall impact.
Typhoon Haishen has a 10 nautical-mile wide eye surrounded by hundreds of miles of thunderstorms, intensifying to 130 knots with forecast landfall in South Korea. NASA's Terra satellite captures visible images revealing deep convection and spiral banding.
Tropical Depression 15 formed over the Atlantic Ocean, east of North Carolina, and has been battling wind shear. The depression is currently 140 miles east-southeast of Cape Hatteras, moving toward the east-northeast at 14 mph.
Astronomers studied the galaxy's radio structure using VLBA, revealing a striking TIE fighter shape at 6.6 GHz. The team observed two periods of activity in TXS 0128+554, suggesting a lull in activity created a gap in the radio emission.
Researchers studied sleep patterns of astronauts before, during and after spaceflight to find that they slept an average of only 5.7 hours in space, with a 17.7% reduction in sleep efficiency. Sleep architecture also changed, with decreases in non-REM and REM sleep.
Tropical Storm Higos is headed for a landfall in southeastern China, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing an image of the storm. The VIIRS instrument revealed deep convection and thunderstorms, forecast to intensify before making landfall.
Two types of solar cells, perovskite and organic, were tested in space as part of the MAPHEUS 8 program, achieving efficiency levels of 25% and generating power under exceptional conditions. The results show promise for future aerospace applications, particularly for missions to the outer solar system.
Tropical Depression 06W has been persisting for days, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its visible image. The storm is expected to maintain intensity for another day and a half before weakening.
Hurricane Elida's eye has become fully covered by high clouds, a sign of the storm weakening due to cooler waters. The storm is expected to weaken quickly and degenerate into a remnant low-pressure area on Thursday.
NASA's new pixel-based silicon detector technology has the potential to detect highly energetic photons in space with less power consumption. The AstroPix project is using complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) manufacturing process to create more efficient detectors.
I-Wen Mike Chu and Robert Weigel collaborate on analyzing STET code simulations to model magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling processes. They will produce visualization tools and co-author a journal article on their findings.
Hurricane Douglas passed close to Hawaii, bringing strong surf, heavy rains, and gusty winds. NASA's Terra satellite imagery showed the storm's track and center stayed just off shore from the islands.
The WVU Robotic Technology Center and Maxar are collaborating on the SPIDER project to demonstrate in-space assembly of a satellite using a lightweight robotic arm. The technology developed under SPIDER could enable self-assembling commercial satellites, human space exploration, and in-space telescope assembly.
Tropical Storm Dolly formed over the Northern Atlantic Ocean after transitioning from a subtropical depression. NASA's Terra satellite captured an image of the storm on June 23, revealing strong winds and a thick band of thunderstorms. The National Hurricane Center predicts Dolly will weaken and become post-tropical by Wednesday.
A massive Saharan dust cloud formed from strong atmospheric updrafts, picked up by prevailing winds, and is now being blown across the Atlantic and eventually over North and South America. The dust helps build beaches in the Caribbean and fertilizes soils in the Amazon.
The NASA-NOAA Suomi NPP satellite captured a visible image of post-tropical storm Arthur on May 19, revealing a weak circulation with clouds northeast and east of the center. The storm is expected to weaken and move southeast through Thursday, affecting waters in the Bahamas.
A study published by King's College London found that spaceflight and combined oral contraceptive pill use do not increase the risk of venous thromboembolism in female astronauts. The research looked at 38 flights between 2000 and 2014 and proposed more frequent blood tests during astronaut selection and training.