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Scientists developed a legged small celestial body landing mechanism for landing simulation and experimental test

Researchers create a legged small celestial body landing mechanism that can land stably in different conditions, including varying gravity and slopes. The study found that key factors such as cardan element damping, foot anchors, retro-rocket thrust, and landing slope affect the landing performance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace Science & Technology·DateNov 1, 2023

Scientists discover molten layer covering Martian core

Researchers used seismic data to locate and identify a thin layer of molten silicates overlying Mars' metallic core. The discovery reveals a denser and smaller Martian core, aligning with other geophysical data and analysis of Martian meteorites. This finding provides new insights into how Mars formed, evolved, and became a barren planet.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalNature·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 25, 2023

Houston, we have a solution

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.

SourceARC Centre of Excellence in Exciton Science·JournalAdvanced Energy Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 17, 2023

New radar technique lets scientists probe invisible ice sheet region on Earth and icy worlds

Scientists have developed a new radar technique that can image hidden features within the upper few feet of ice sheets, including melting glaciers on Earth and potentially habitable environments on Jupiter's moon Europa. The technique boosts resolution by combining two different radar bandwidths and looking for discrepancies.

SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalThe Cryosphere·TypeImaging analysis·DateJul 12, 2023

Scientists detect seismic waves traveling through Martian core for the first time

Researchers used NASA InSight data to directly measure Mars' core properties, finding a completely liquid iron-alloy core with high percentages of sulfur and oxygen. This discovery provides new insights into Martian formation and geological differences between Earth and Mars, potentially impacting planetary habitability.

SourceUniversity of Maryland·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateApr 24, 2023

Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create a communication network allowing robots to explore subsurface environments independently, deploying miniaturized sensors as they traverse caves. The 'breadcrumb-style' system enables swarms of individual robots to navigate convoluted environments without losing contact.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 17, 2023

Hansel and Gretel's breadcrumb trick inspires robotic exploration of caves on Mars and beyond

University of Arizona engineers create autonomous vehicle system that allows robots to scout out underground habitats on other planets. The 'Breadcrumb-Style Dynamically Deployed Communication Network' paradigm enables robots to work together without human input, addressing NASA's space technology grand challenges.

SourceUniversity of Arizona·JournalAdvances in Space Research·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMar 1, 2023

New detector could enable high-speed quantum communication

Researchers have developed a new detector that can precisely measure single photons at very high rates, enabling practical high-speed quantum communication. The PEACOQ detector is made of superconducting nanowires and operates at extremely cold temperatures, allowing for precise measurement of photon arrival times.

SourceOptica·JournalOptica·DateJan 26, 2023

An extrasolar world covered in water?

Researchers from the University of Montreal have discovered an exoplanet that could be an 'ocean planet,' completely covered by a thick layer of water. The exoplanet, TOI-1452 b, has a radius and mass similar to Earth but is believed to be rocky with a possible abundance of water.

SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalThe Astronomical Journal·DateAug 24, 2022

Scientists fine-tune “tweezers of sound” for contactless manipulation of objects

Researchers have enhanced technology to lift small particles using sound waves, achieving stable lifting of particles from surfaces. By fine-tuning control using an adaptive algorithm, they have improved the stability of their 'acoustic tweezers' technology, which could be deployed in space and other environments with minimal contact.

SourceTokyo Metropolitan University·JournalJapanese Journal of Applied Physics·DateAug 20, 2022

How scientists analyzed the aerodynamic characteristics of Tianwen-1 Mars parachute?

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.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022

How scientists designed the space-based aperture-synthetic interferometer system?

The system uses multiple satellites to form an aperture-synthetic interferometer, meeting four key demands: high spatial resolution, contrast, sensitivity, and wide spectral range. Numerical simulations validate the method's efficiency, with reduced transfer times and stable orbit maintenance.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 8, 2022

Researchers adapt technology made for astronomical observations to biomedical imaging

A team of researchers developed a biomedical imaging system using a semiconductor detector originally designed for space observations, and applied spectral analysis techniques from astronomy to create accurate images of radionuclides in small animals. The new method uses fitting to eliminate noise and improve spatial resolution.

SourceKavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe·JournalNature Biomedical Engineering·DateApr 6, 2022

How scientists simulated the decompression process of a Mars rover in the taking-off stage?

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.

Quantum tech in space?

Physicists at the University of Sussex have developed a remote monitoring system for quantum devices, allowing for real-time control and issue resolution. This system enables researchers to monitor environmental factors such as temperature, pressure, and laser beams in ultracold quantum laboratories.

SourceUniversity of Sussex·JournalQuantum Science and Technology·DateFeb 11, 2022

CityU new structured thermal armour achieves liquid cooling above 1,000°C; solves challenge presented by Leidenfrost effect since 1756

Researchers have designed a novel thermal armour that successfully inhibits the Leidenfrost effect up to 1,150°C and achieves efficient liquid cooling across a wide temperature range. The breakthrough has significant implications for applications in aerospace, space engineering, and next-generation nuclear reactors.

SourceCity University of Hong Kong·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 26, 2022

How scientists tested the supersonic dynamic characteristics of Tianwen-1 Mars Entry Capsule?

Researchers conducted a free-flight ballistic range test to capture the attitude behaviors and aerodynamic characteristics of Tianwen-1 Mars entry capsule. The study revealed that the capsule is dynamically unstable in pitch and yaw directions, but statically stable in these directions.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

How scientists designed the assembly method of 3-arm robot to fix the load plate on space station?

Researchers developed an autonomous assembly method for a 3-arm robot to fix a multi-pin and hole load plate on a space station. This solution tackles the challenges of complex environmental lighting and matching multiple groups of holes and pins in the task. The study reduces astronaut safety risks by leveraging robots instead of humans.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 20, 2022

How scientists designed the controllers for robot manipulators in the space station?

Researchers developed a recursive composite adaptive control method to improve the accuracy and dynamic performance of robot manipulators in the Chinese Space Station. The new controller reduces computational loads and achieves faster parameter convergence, making it suitable for high-degree-of-freedom robots.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·DateJan 11, 2022

How scientists designed the orbit of theChang'E 5 mission

The article discusses how scientists at Beijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd. used key orbit design technologies to achieve a 23-day journey of lunar sample return with the Chang'E 5 mission. The success relied on precise orbit designs for lunar orbit rendezvous and docking, precision landing, and inclination optimization.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJan 4, 2022

Disaster relief could benefit from neural net combining multiple remote data sources

A new neural net technique combines optical imaging and synthetic-aperture radar to provide a single comprehensive data source, enhancing disaster response capabilities. The approach achieves up to a 96% accuracy rate in detecting objects and can be applied to various tasks such as crop health monitoring and building identification.

SourceBeijing Institute of Technology Press Co., Ltd·JournalSpace: Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 21, 2021

Science fiction revisited: Ramjet propulsion

Calculations at TU Wien show that Ramjet propulsion, which involves capturing protons and using them for a nuclear fusion reactor, cannot work as proposed. The analysis revealed huge dimensions required to achieve even minimal thrust, making it impossible for current technology to achieve.

SourceVienna University of Technology·JournalActa Astronautica·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateDec 20, 2021