Space Probes
Articles tagged with Space Probes
A new way to detect life beyond Earth without knowing what life looks like
Researchers propose an agnostic biosignature that detects life on a population level by analyzing patterns of planetary traits and spatial relationships. This method prioritizes reliability over completeness, minimizing false positives even if it misses some life-bearing planets.
How did this get made? Giant planet orbits small star
The discovery of TOI-5205 b, a Jupiter-sized planet orbiting a four times more massive star than our Sun, reveals its atmosphere has fewer heavy elements than expected. The research suggests that the planet's interior and atmosphere are not mixing, resulting in a carbon-rich, oxygen-poor atmosphere.
Spacecraft data reveals surprising detail about Saturn's magnetic "shield"
Researchers have confirmed that giant planets like Saturn operate under a unique magnetospheric regime, with a shifted cusp location due to its rapid rotation. This discovery alters models of magnetic reconnection and high-energy particle acceleration, revealing new insights into Saturn's auroral activity.
Roadmap for reducing, reusing, and recycling in space
The article proposes a circular economy approach to reduce waste, increase durability, and repurpose spacecraft and satellites. Data analysis and digital technologies will be essential for developing sustainable practices.
Chemical evidence of ancient life detected in 3.3 billion-year-old rocks: Carnegie Science / PNAS
A team of scientists has discovered chemical evidence of ancient life in 3.3 billion-year-old rocks, doubling the window of time for detecting organic molecules that reveal information about original organisms. The study also found molecular signs of photosynthesis dating back over 800 million years earlier than previously documented.
The Pleiades is part of an enormous stellar complex birthed by the same star-forming event
New research reveals Pleiades star cluster as core of larger structure spanning 1,950 light-years, with similar ages and chemical compositions among its members. The study uses rotation-based approach to identify stars sharing origin story.
Sun: First glimpse of polar magnetic field in motion
Researchers analyzed data from Solar Orbiter's PHI and EUI instruments to study the Sun's supergranulation and magnetic network at the south pole. The findings show that the magnetic field drifts towards the poles faster than expected, providing important clues about the Sun's global plasma and magnetic field circulation.
Unexpected discovery on Saturn's moon challenges our view on chemistry before life emerged
Researchers found that methane, ethane, and hydrogen cyanide can interact in ways previously thought impossible, expanding our understanding of chemistry before life emerged. This discovery has implications for the origin of life on Earth and may shed light on similar conditions in other cold environments in space.
'Potential biosignatures' found in ancient Mars lake
A new study suggests that ancient Martian rocks contain minerals and organic matter indicative of a habitable environment and potential biological processes. The discovery was made in the Jezero Crater's Bright Angel formation, which is considered a prime target in the search for signs of past life.
UMD-led study discovers warm space dust in distant place
Researchers have discovered warm space dust in a reservoir of hot gas surrounding the Makani galaxy, located 100 million years away. The study, led by University of Maryland astronomer Sylvain Veilleux, provides evidence that ejected dust particles can survive long journeys and may be an important ingredient in planet and star formation.
Solar Orbiter traces superfast electrons back to Sun
The European Space Agency-led Solar Orbiter mission has split energetic particles into two groups, tracing them back to distinct solar outbursts. Researchers found that one type of particle is connected to intense solar flares and the other to larger coronal mass ejections.
Planetary scientist decodes clues in Bennu’s surface composition to make sense of far-flung asteroids
A study of Bennu samples reveals the asteroid reflects light differently at red and blue wavelengths, offering insights into solar system evolution. The findings also enable future research on asteroid navigation and selection.
Asteroid Bennu is a time capsule of materials bearing witness to its origin and transformation over billions of years
The OSIRIS-REx sample return mission revealed asteroid Bennu's composition, history, and unique materials. Researchers found stardust from other stars and organic material formed in interstellar space, shedding light on the early solar system's formation.
If aliens explore space like us, we should look for their calls to other planets
Researchers at Penn State and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory analyzed human deep space communications to determine the most likely places to detect signals from an extraterrestrial intelligence. They found that transmissions to deep space, including spacecraft near Mars, are more detectable than those intended for low-Earth orbit.
Youngest basaltic lunar meteorite fills nearly one billion-year gap in Moon’s volcanic history
A 2.35-billion-year-old meteorite offers fresh insights into the Moon's volcanic history and suggests ongoing internal heat generation processes. The rock's distinct composition provides new constraints on when and how volcanic activity occurred on the Moon.
Pioneering space probe reveals secrets of mysterious solar barrier
A new study using data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe confirms the presence of the 'helicity barrier', a previously theorized phenomenon that fundamentally changes how fluctuations dissipate and heat plasma. This discovery sheds light on properties of the solar wind, including its proton-hot electron-cold composition.
UC Davis and Proteus Space to launch first-ever dynamic digital twin into space
The UC Davis-designed payload is a dynamic digital twin that models the current condition and predicts the future condition of the spacecraft's power system. The satellite will monitor its own health in space using sensors to assess voltage and measurements of the batteries it is running on.
An unexpected mineral in a Ryugu grain
A research team at Hiroshima University found the presence of djerfisherite, a potassium-containing iron-nickel sulfide, in a Ryugu grain. The mineral's occurrence is unexpected, as it typically forms in very reduced environments and has never been reported in CI chondrites or other Ryugu grains.
New Venus observation mission - World's first long-term planetary cubesat study by Korea’s Institute for Basic Science and NanoAvionics
The CLOVE project aims to investigate Venus's atmospheric temporal variabilities and climate evolution with a series of CubeSats launched every three years over a 15-year period. The mission will provide valuable insight into volcanic activity, solar-atmosphere interactions, and planetary climate shifts.
SwRI collects first ultraviolet data from NASA’s Europa Clipper mission
The Southwest Research Institute-led Ultraviolet Spectrograph (UVS) has successfully completed its initial commissioning aboard the Europa Clipper spacecraft. The instrument will analyze Europa's atmospheric gases and surface materials, searching for evidence of potential plumes erupting from within the icy moon.
Evidence blasted into space: Mystery why some meteorites look less shocked solved
A Kobe University study finds that carbon-containing meteorites appear less shocked because gases produced during impacts are ejected into space, revealing a new understanding of shock metamorphism. The team's guidelines for future missions also predict the accumulation of highly-shocked material on dwarf planet Ceres.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe team wins 2024 Collier Trophy
The Parker Solar Probe team was awarded the 2024 Robert J. Collier Trophy for its innovative technology advancements and historic close approaches to the Sun. The mission has greatly advanced our understanding of solar science and space weather events, with lasting benefits for Earth's power grids and astronauts.
Euclid opens data treasure trove, offers glimpse of deep fields
The Euclid data release unlocks a treasure trove of information for scientists to study the universe's cosmic history and invisible forces. With its exceptional field of view, Euclid captures an area 240 times larger than the Hubble Telescope, delivering outstanding image quality in both visible and infrared light spectrum.
Einstein Probe releases its Science White Paper
The Einstein Probe mission aims to probe X-ray transient sources and explosive astrophysical phenomena, contributing significantly to astronomical research. The mission's sophisticated observational instruments will enhance the detection of sudden X-ray transients and monitor variability in known celestial sources.
Dust from asteroid Bennu shows: Building blocks of life and possible habitats were widespread in our solar system
The study analyzed material from asteroid Bennu, finding evidence of building blocks of life, water, and energy. The team also discovered evaporites, which have been found on Earth in dried-out salt lakes, providing insights into the asteroid's formation.
A Sustainable Development Goal for space?
Experts propose an 18th SDG to protect Earth's orbit from accumulating debris, citing the need for global consensus and mechanisms for enforcement. The proposal builds on earlier calls for a legally-binding treaty to safeguard the planet's orbital environment.
Anthropologists call for tracking and preservation of human artifacts on Mars
Humanity's presence on Mars leaves behind a valuable archaeological record, with scientists arguing that it deserves cataloging and preservation. Anthropologist Justin Holcomb advocates for considering the impact of human exploration on Martian sites and planning missions to minimize damage.
Astronomers close to solving mystery of how universe’s giant galaxies formed
Scientists have discovered birth sites of gigantic elliptical galaxies, suggesting large gas flows and galaxy collisions created these ancient systems. The research, published in Nature, may finally unravel the enigma of how these giant galaxies formed.
Uranus’s swaying moons will help spacecraft seek out hidden oceans
Researchers at UTIG develop a computer model to detect oceans in Uranus' moons by analyzing small oscillations in their spin. The technique could reveal liquid water worlds throughout the galaxy, potentially harboring life.
Workshop highlights ‘pivotal moment’ for future of AI in space exploration
The In-Space Physical AI Workshop, held at Rice University's Ion District, brought together top scientists and experts to explore AI applications in space. Key findings included the potential of AI to streamline spacecraft navigation and crew health management.
Scientists to develop nature-inspired solar lasers to sustainably power space missions
Researchers aim to harness sunlight into laser beams using photosynthetic structures from bacteria, enabling efficient and sustainable power transmission in space. The project's goal is to provide reliable energy for lunar bases, Mars missions, and terrestrial wireless power transmission.
Two UMD Astronomy space probes advance to next round of $1 billion NASA mission selection
Two UMD Astronomy space probes, AXIS and PRIMA, have advanced to the next round of consideration for a $1 billion NASA mission. AXIS will study X-rays from stars and black holes, while PRIMA will explore far-infrared radiation to understand galaxy formation.
JunoCam spots new volcano on active Io
A new volcano has been discovered on Jupiter's moon Io through analysis of JunoCam images, featuring multiple lava flows and volcanic deposits. The volcano is located just south of the equator and showcases the moon's ongoing geological activity.
Final media invitation and details of media briefing
The ESA Hera mission is set to launch in just under a month, with representatives discussing the mission's expectations and current status. The BepiColombo Mission to Mercury is also being updated following its successful flyby, with insights into previous flybys and plans for the remainder of the mission.
Scientists find oceans of water on Mars. It's just too deep to tap.
A team of scientists has found evidence for a large underground reservoir of liquid water on Mars, which could be a promising place to look for life on the planet. The reservoir is estimated to cover most of the Martian surface and is located in tiny cracks and pores in rock beneath the surface.
New space missions to explore suns’ influence on habitable worlds
Two proposed UK space missions, led by the University of Leicester, will investigate the Sun's impact on atmospheres, space weather and habitability. Elfen will study Earth's magnetosphere, while SIRIUS will analyze stellar winds and their effects on exoplanetary environments.
Cutting-edge telescope built at University of Leicester makes final departure to join SMILE mission
The Soft X-ray Imager (SXI) is a wide-field X-ray telescope that will image Earth's magnetospheric boundaries, revealing invisible structures and processes. It is part of the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) mission, which aims to study the solar winds' impact on our planet's magnetic environment.
WVU astrophysicist to put own spin on first-of-its-kind gravitational wave detector with NASA support
Sean McWilliams' team will study stellar-mass and massive binary inspirals, improving modeling accuracy for the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). The project aims to enhance the instrument's science mission by making necessary dramatic improvements in modeling accuracy.
Star bars show Universe’s early galaxies evolved much faster than previously thought
A new study using the James Webb Space Telescope found that the universe's early galaxies developed and matured much faster than previously believed. Almost 20% of disc galaxies observed had bar formations, indicating a more settled stage in galaxy evolution.
Signs of life detectable in single ice grain emitted from extraterrestrial moons
Researchers find that instruments on future missions can detect cellular material in one out of hundreds of thousands of ice grains, including a common bacterium as a model organism. This breakthrough increases confidence in detecting lifeforms similar to those on Earth.
Under pressure - space exploration in our time
The commercial space sector has seen significant growth, with over 2,660 satellites launched into orbit in recent years. International collaborations are also expanding, enabling diverse perspectives and new ideas to emerge in science and space exploration.
The moon is shrinking, causing landslides and instability in lunar south pole
A team of scientists found evidence that the moon's shrinkage led to surface warping in its south polar region, including areas proposed for crewed Artemis III landings. Shallow moonquakes can devastate hypothetical human settlements on the moon due to loose sediments and unstable surface slopes.
Using eclipses to calculate the transparency of Saturn’s rings
A Lancaster University PhD student used a new method to calculate the optical depth of Saturn's rings, revealing their transparency. By analyzing changes in Cassini's Langmuir Probe data during solar eclipses, the researcher determined how much sunlight passed through each ring.
Studies of geologic faulting on icy moons aid exploration of extraterrestrial watery worlds
Researchers investigate geologic features on icy moons, revealing mechanisms behind strike-slip faults. Studies on Titan and Ganymede provide insights into potential environments conducive for life emergence.
What a “2D” quantum superfluid feels like to the touch
Scientists at Lancaster University have discovered that superfluid helium-3 behaves like a two-dimensional system when probed with mechanical resonators. This finding has significant implications for our understanding of superfluidity and its potential applications in various fields.
Did life exist on Mars? Other planets? With AI's help, we may know soon
Scientists have discovered a simple test for signs of past or present life on other planets, using artificial intelligence to distinguish between biological and abiotic samples with high accuracy. The method has the potential to revolutionize the search for extraterrestrial life and deepen our understanding of Earth's earliest life.
Tough memory device aims for space missions
Gallium oxide-based flash memory device demonstrates high performance and stability in extreme temperatures and radiation, retaining data for over 80 minutes. The team aims to improve device properties through further material quality and design advancements.
First BepiColombo flyby of Mercury finds electron rain triggers X-ray auroras
The BepiColombo mission has successfully observed how electrons raining down on Mercury's surface can trigger high-energy auroras. The observations confirm that the mechanism generating aurorae is the same throughout the Solar System.
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.
New study identifies mechanism driving the sun’s fast wind
Researchers used data from NASA's Parker Solar Probe to explain how the solar wind surpasses speeds of 1 million miles per hour. The energy released from the magnetic field near the sun's surface drives the fast solar wind, comprising ionized particles flowing outward from the sun.
Parker Solar Probe flies into the fast solar wind and finds its source
The Parker Solar Probe has detected streams of high-energy particles that match supergranulation flows within coronal holes, suggesting these are the origins of the fast solar wind. The solar wind's charged particles were accelerated by magnetic reconnection within funnel structures on the sun's surface.
Researchers proposed a deep neural network-based 4-quadrant analog sun sensor calibration
Researchers propose a deep neural network-based method for calibrating 4-quadrant analog solar sensors, reducing errors by up to 0.25° (3σ). The approach uses cubic surface fitting and deep feedforward neural networks to approximate the actual error model and correct errors effectively.
New study reveals key findings about asteroid Dinkinesh, a target of NASA's Lucy mission
A new study reveals that asteroid Dinkinesh is remarkably small, making it the smallest asteroid to be approached by Lucy. It is a stony, S-type asteroid composed mainly of silicates and some metal.
New deal inked to space test meta-optical surfaces
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.
Asteroid’s comet-like tail Is not made of dust, solar observatories reveal
NASA solar observatories have discovered that asteroid Phaethon's comet-like tail is not composed of dust, but rather sodium gas. The findings contradict previous theories and suggest a new explanation for Phaethon's behavior, which is the source of the annual Geminid meteor shower.
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.
Discovery of three faint, distant galaxies may expand knowledge of early universe
A team of researchers has discovered three ultra-faint dwarf galaxies around a Milky Way-mass galaxy, providing insights into the formation and evolution of these enigmatic objects. The findings may help develop universal models for how the universe's oldest galaxies formed.
Proposal for picogram-scale probes to explore nearby stars
Researchers propose picogram-scale probes that can land, replicate and produce a communications module to explore nearby stars. The concept aims to utilize living cells as a model for designing and building small-scale devices capable of withstanding extreme conditions.
Cosmic ray counts hidden in spacecraft data highlight influence of solar cycle at Mars and Venus
A study published in the Astrophysical Journal reveals a strong correlation between cosmic ray counts and the solar cycle at Mars and Venus. The research found that cosmic rays are suppressed during peak solar activity, highlighting the importance of understanding these interactions for future robotic missions and human exploration.