Articles tagged with Space Flight
Dusan Odstrcil and his team are developing a high-quality heliospheric model using Python to accelerate visualization and increase output availability. ENLIL--a time-dependent MHD model--is the only code that can simulate coronal mass ejections up to Jupiter or Saturn orbit.
NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has discovered the first planet to orbit two stars, TOI 1338 b. The exoplanet orbits a binary system consisting of a larger and smaller star, with the latter being only one-third the mass of our Sun.
Astronomers using TESS data have discovered that Alpha Draconis, a well-studied binary star system, regularly undergoes eclipses. The brief eclipses last only six hours and provide an opportunity to measure the masses and sizes of both stars with high accuracy.
A study investigated eye changes in astronauts during long space missions and those experiencing simulated weightlessness from 30 days of bed rest. The results showed similarities between the two conditions, providing new insights into spaceflight's effects on vision.
The Kennedy Uplink Station is a critical component of NASA's Launch Communications Segment, providing uplink and downlink communications between Artemis astronauts and mission controllers. The segment has reduced costs and simplified operations, enabling NASA to save tens of millions of dollars in operating costs over its lifetime.
Typhoon Kalmaegi is moving towards the northern Philippines, causing signal warnings in Luzon provinces. The storm has maximum sustained winds of 86mph and is expected to weaken rapidly as it enters the South China Sea.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission detected light rain falling at a rate of 0.4 inches per hour from Tropical Depression Fengshen on November 18. The storm is expected to become a remnant low-pressure system later that day.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission reveals heavy rainfall rates near the eastern coast of the Central Philippines, exceeding 40 mm/hour. The tropical cyclone, Kalmaegi, is forecast to weaken and turn west-southwest before approaching the Gulf of Aden.
A study found that spaceflight affects human heart cells' gene expression, but these changes largely revert to normal upon return to Earth. The researchers used induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes and observed significant changes in gene expression related to mitochondrial function.
NASA's microgap-cooling technology has successfully demonstrated its ability to cool tightly packed electronics in low- and high-gravity environments with nearly identical results. The technology uses a coolant to flow through embedded microchannels, removing heat generated by devices and preventing overheating.
A new study found that long-duration space missions change brain structure and function in NASA astronauts, correlating with declines in motor skills and cognitive performance. Researchers hope to better understand the effects of microgravity on the human brain to improve astronaut safety.
Hurricane Lorenzo, a very large tropical cyclone, is moving towards the northeast at 22 mph. The storm has grown in size, with hurricane-force winds extending up to 90 miles from its center.
GPM core satellite measured rainfall rates throughout Tropical Storm Tapah, revealing rates as high as 1.6 inches per hour at the storm's center. Forecasters incorporate this data into their forecasts to predict the storm's trajectory and strength.
NASA's Aqua satellite captured a visible image of Major Hurricane Humberto and its extensive 'tail' of thunderstorms stretching past eastern Canada. The storm's eye was just 490 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, but the surrounding band of thunderstorms extended beyond that region.
Hurricane Juliette has grown into a major hurricane, with its eye now visible in NASA satellite imagery. The storm's maximum sustained winds have reached near 125 mph (205 kph), and it is moving northwest at 8 mph (13 kph).
NASA estimates heavy rainfall in Hurricane Dorian, with IMERG product suggesting up to 120mm of accumulation in certain regions.
A new Northwestern University study discovered that spaceflight consistently changes the abundance and diversity of gut bacteria in mice. Using a novel analytical tool called STARMAPS, researchers found that spaceflight causes a specific change on the microbiome, but ruled out radiation as the cause.
NASA has implemented three initiatives to make it easier for small businesses to collaborate with the agency, including an annual Request for Information and Industry Day events. These efforts aim to increase commercialization of innovations and improve collaboration between NASA and the small business community.
NASA's Aqua satellite images show a ring of strong thunderstorms around Lekima's center, with maximum sustained winds near 50 knots. The storm is expected to strengthen into a typhoon and pass over Taiwan before dissipating off China's east coast.
Satellite imagery shows Tropical Storm Flossie maintaining its structure with little change from July 31 to August 1. The storm is expected to cross into the central Pacific basin late Friday or early Saturday and begin slowly weakening on Saturday.
Tropical Storm Danas is located near latitude 32.3 degrees north and longitude 125.1 degrees west, with maximum sustained winds near 45 knots (52 mph/83 kph). The storm is expected to approach South Korea's southwestern coast by July 20 and weaken due to frictional effects moving over land.
Tropical Storm Danas was detected by NASA's Aqua satellite as it moved north and away from the Philippines. The storm is forecast to pass near Ishigakijima island on July 18 and is expected to strengthen over the next couple of days.
Tropical Depression Danas has formed northeast of the Northern Philippines, affecting the country with its powerful storms and strong winds. The depression is currently moving west-northwest at a speed of about 25 knots, causing widespread disruption in the region.
A new study from UTMB has identified biomarkers that predict individual susceptibility to muscle function decline and found effective exercise and hormone treatments to combat atrophy. The findings may allow scientists to personalize space medicine by designing specific programs for each astronaut before long-term missions.
A study by RIT scientist Sukanya Chakrabarti found that the Antlia 2 dwarf galaxy's collision with the Milky Way produced the characteristic ripples in its outer disc. The discovery could help develop methods to hunt for dark galaxies and solve the long-standing puzzle of dark matter.
Subtropical Storm Andrea weakened and dissipated in just two days, losing its subtropical classification before reaching Tropical Storm status. The storm's location 370 km west southwest of Bermuda meant it posed no threat to coastal areas.
Andrea forms over western Atlantic on May 20, 2019, becoming 1st subtropical storm of 2019 Atlantic season. It is currently located 295 miles west-southwest of Bermuda, moving north at 5 knots with maximum sustained winds near 40mph.
A recent study published in Science found that a year-long mission to the International Space Station has a small but significant impact on the gut microbiome. The researchers discovered that the ratio of two dominant phyla of bacteria shifted during flight, but returned to normal after Scott Kelly's return to Earth.
The NASA Twins Study found no significant health differences for astronaut Scott Kelly after spending nearly a year in orbit. However, changes were observed in his DNA methylation and gene expression, particularly related to the immune system, which may persist after his return to Earth.
A new review of 12 spaceflight experiments and simulated microgravity studies found that microgravity does not hinder stem cell-dependent tissue regeneration, but rather accelerates it. This valuable in vivo data has implications for human tissue repair and regeneration during spaceflight.
A Southwest Research Institute-led team has discovered that the surface geology on asteroid Bennu is older than expected, with large impact craters and fractured boulders indicating ages of hundreds of millions of years. The OSIRIS-REx mission revealed ancient features on Bennu's surface while also showing signs of recent resurfacing.
NASA research finds that dormant viruses reactivate in over half of crew members on Space Shuttle and International Space Station missions. The reactivation rate increases with spaceflight duration, raising concerns for the success of deep-space missions. Effective prevention and treatment are crucial to safeguarding astronauts.
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.
A new study reveals spaceflight has limited impact on B-cell immunity, a crucial part of the immune system. Astronauts living on the International Space Station for 6 months showed unaffected B-cell immune competency, suggesting in-flight vaccine-based countermeasures may be effective.
Michael Krainak, leader of NASA's Laser and Electro-Optics Branch, is recognized for his innovative approach to applying emerging technologies to agency-priority spaceflight needs. His work on optical communications, photonic integrated chips, and laser-based technologies has significant potential for breakthrough capabilities.
Tropical Storm Tara formed on Oct. 14 over the eastern Pacific, moving west-northwest towards Mexico's Michoacan and Jalisco states. The storm is expected to slow down, strengthening in the next few days with maximum sustained winds near 45 mph.
Tropical Storm Nadine has formed in the Eastern Atlantic, with NASA's Suomi NPP satellite providing a visible image of the storm. The National Hurricane Center forecasts additional strengthening through Wednesday before weakening by early Thursday.
NASA's IMERG combined data from multiple satellites and visible imagery to create a composite picture of Tropical Storm Kong-Rey in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean. The heaviest rain fell around the center and northwest, with winds decreasing to 60 knots.
Tropical Storm Kirk is regenerating in the Lesser Antilles, bringing intense convective activity and heavy rainfall. The NASA GPM core satellite detected strong radar echoes of over 60 dBZ, indicating intense precipitation falling at rates of over 69 mm/h.
The James Webb Space Telescope has successfully connected its two halves, enabling them to communicate like they will in flight. This test was a significant step forward for the program and provided an opportunity for engineers to fix any issues before launch.
NASA used data from Super Typhoon Mangkhut to create a detailed map of the typhoon's rainfall. The analysis revealed heavy precipitation totals, including areas with over 700 mm of rain, and showed the storm's path through the western Pacific Ocean.
NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite captures Tropical Storm Barijat as a small and disorganized system with developing thunderstorms. The storm is forecast to steadily weaken after moving over southern China's Leizhou Peninsula.
The Global Precipitation Measurement mission found heaviest rainfall rates at 1.5 inches per hour around the storm's compact eye. Hurricane-force winds extend up to 25 miles from the center, while tropical-storm-force winds reach 115 miles out.
NASA's Suomi NPP satellite captured an elongated Tropical Depression Hector in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean on August 15. The storm is expected to continue decaying due to high vertical wind shear and forward motion.
Tropical Storm Wukong formed on July 22 and took on a distinctive comma shape, characterized by powerful thunderstorms around its low-level center. The storm is expected to strengthen to 60 knots (69 mph) before moving north and turning extra-tropical off the coast of Japan.
Tropical Storm Aletta formed on June 5 over the Eastern Pacific Ocean, with NASA-NOAA's Suomi NPP satellite capturing its development. The storm strengthened into a tropical depression and later a tropical storm, moving westward at 7 mph, expected to become a hurricane by June 7.
Researchers from Kazan Federal University and Tbilisi State University investigate conditions for soliton formation in the solar corona and Earth's ionosphere. They successfully mathematically prove the possibility of soliton emergence, with significant implications for space navigation and safety.
Carbon nanotubes are proving to be highly versatile for all types of spaceflight applications, including analyzing the chemical properties of rocks and soil on airless bodies. The nanotechnology works as envisioned, emitting enough electrons to excite samples and offering significant improvements over existing instruments.
A new study found that microgravity during spaceflights has a more significant negative impact on skeletal muscle than low oxygen environments. Researchers suggest that therapeutic and rehabilitative interventions should focus on correcting inactivity rather than hypoxia.
The remnant low pressure area of Tropical Cyclone Iris appears more circular and organized, with a consolidating banding of thunderstorms. The storm's remnants are forecast to turn southwest and may regenerate in the next few days, potentially regaining tropical cyclone status.
A new study reveals that spaceflight triggers cellular adaptations in heart cells, paving the way for novel stem cell therapies. Researchers found altered calcium signaling pathways that could be harnessed to improve heart repair.
Tropical Depression Jelawat continues to face southerly vertical wind shear, causing its convection to remain displaced to the north. By March 27, it had developed into a tropical depression with sustained winds near 34.5 mph.
Changes in eye structure occur in astronauts after prolonged spaceflight, including a shift in Bruch membrane opening and increase in retinal thickness closer to the optic nerve head rim margin. These changes may be caused by microgravity-associated orbital and cranial fluid shifts.
A team of researchers from the University of Pittsburgh's NSF Center for Space, High-performance, and Resilient Computing has developed a radiation-resistant computer capable of high-performance computing in space. The system will be launched on the International Space Station and is nearly three times more powerful than its predecessor.
The development of freezing techniques for bone marrow, pioneered by NASA engineer Tom Williams, has revolutionized transplant medicine. The technique allows donor marrow to be transported over long distances without cell death.
A slab of sandstone at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center contains over 70 preserved tracks of mammals and dinosaurs, including small theropods and pterosaurs, providing a rare glimpse of their interaction. The discovery sheds light on ancient times on Earth and offers insights into prehistoric life.
The NASA GOLD Mission observes the dynamic intermingling of space and Earth's uppermost atmosphere, seeking to understand what drives change in this critical region. The mission provides fast observations to monitor hour-by-hour changes in space weather and improves forecasting models for satellites, astronauts, and life on Earth.
NASA has selected the Comet Astrobiology Exploration Sample Return and Dragonfly mission for concept development under the New Frontiers program. The CAESAR mission aims to return a sample from a comet to study its origin and history, while the Dragonfly mission will explore Saturn's moon Titan and its prebiotic chemistry.
NASA's Global Precipitation Measurement mission observed strong storms and heavy rainfall on Tropical Storm Saola, with rain rates exceeding 66 mm per hour in feeder bands. The storm showed significant structural improvement over the course of several hours, with peak intensity predicted for the following day.
Hurricane Maria continues to move in a northerly direction with an asymmetric distribution of convection due to southwesterly vertical wind shear, according to NASA. The storm's eye became filled with high clouds on September 22 before clearing again on the next day.