Articles tagged with Space Probes
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A WVU postdoctoral researcher has made a groundbreaking discovery in the field of magnetic reconnection, which can be used to predict space weather events that affect satellite and power grid systems. The study uses advanced laser diagnostics to measure electron speeds, providing new insights into plasma physics processes.
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 discovered a complex relationship between Jupiter's magnetic field, volcanic activity on its moon Io, and the planet's powerful aurorae. The study revealed an electromagnetic 'tug-of-war' lights up aurorae in Jupiter's upper atmosphere.
A recent study led by the University of Texas at Austin has found that liquid water detected under Mars' ice-covered south pole is likely a dusty mirage. However, the researchers suggest that ancient lakes and riverbeds may still be present on the planet, offering clues about its wetter past.
The study reveals that the region within Io's orbit is dominated by oxygen and sulfur ions, with oxygen prevailing among the two. Further inward, within Amalthea's orbit, oxygen ion concentration increases unexpectedly.
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.
The Parker Solar Probe has entered the solar corona and spent five hours in direct contact with the sun's plasma, measuring phenomena previously estimated. The probe discovered that the Alfvén critical surface is wrinkled, suggesting a potential new era for understanding coronal heating.
The University of Sydney's project searches for Earth-like planets around Alpha Centauri to determine if life could survive there. The team is using advanced telescope technology to analyze the stars' atmospheres and detect signs of life.
Scientists have discovered that hypervelocity dust impacts on a spacecraft can produce plasma explosions and create debris clouds, disturbing its operations. These events can also generate clouds of debris that expand away from the spacecraft.
Jupiter's banded pattern extends deep beneath the clouds, and the appearance of its belts and zones inverts near the base of the water clouds. The planet's microwave emissions reveal a transition zone between five and 10 bars, where the zones become bright and the belts dark.
Scientists propose sending a spacecraft to Jupiter to observe centaur objects becoming comets, providing insights into the solar system's dynamics and composition. This unique opportunity could reveal the chemical makeup of comets and shed light on how Earth-like planets form.
Scientists have determined the age of the Chang'e-5 moon rocks to be approximately 1.97 billion years old, closing a 2-billion-year gap in lunar sample dating. This precision is crucial for calibrating chronology tools and studying the moon's volcanic history.
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.
The Chang'e-5 mission brought back nearly two kilograms of lunar rocks and dust, including a mix of 'exotic' fragments that may preserve records of other lunar surface areas. The youngest geological area of the Moon's nearside has yielded insights into past volcanic activity
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.
A theoretical physicist at Goethe University Frankfurt proposes using magnetic sails to decelerate interstellar spacecraft, enabling them to collect data from nearby stars and planets. The concept involves creating a strong magnetic field that reflects ionized hydrogen in the interstellar medium, slowing down the probe.
Scientists have identified a common plasma wave as the cause of high-energy electron loss into Earth's atmosphere. Whistler mode chorus waves are created by fluctuating electric and magnetic fields, efficiently accelerating electrons. The findings provide an important piece of the puzzle to understand space weather predictions.
Four Kiel University instruments will measure electrons, protons and ions in the Solar Orbiter space probe. The instruments passed tests with flying colours, providing valuable insights into sun particle radiation and its effect on Earth.
New findings from comet probes confirm the existence of organic molecules and clay particles that could have formed early life. The Cardiff University team argues that comets' liquid interiors provide a suitable environment for life's emergence.
Scientists return to Cenote Zacatón to resume tests of the NASA-funded robot DEPTHX, designed to survey and explore for life in one of Earth's most extreme regions. The probe may hold clues to life in outer space and on Earth's ice-bound polar lakes.
Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Solar System Research discovered 'anti-planetary' electron rays on Saturn that fly away from the planet, similar to those observed on Earth. These findings suggest a fundamental process underlying polar lights, which were previously only seen on our planet.
The Deep Impact mission revealed several dozen impact craters on Comet Tempel 1, with a powdery layer tens of meters deep. The comet's surface is composed of a fine-grained, loosely glued layer of organic powder and ice, sparking new questions about its composition and the formation of the solar system.
The Huygens probe will parachute onto Titan's surface on January 14, studying its thick atmosphere and clouds with six science experiments. DISR will take images of the surface for over two hours, creating panoramic views of the ground and horizon.
Surgeons have successfully performed two operations using a new LED-based probe to treat brain cancer, with promising results. The treatment, called Photodynamic Therapy, involves activating light-sensitive drugs with long wavelengths of light, destroying tumors while sparing surrounding tissues.
Researchers are developing a non-destructive testing technique that can detect cracks in materials and welds under extreme conditions. This technology is being adapted for use in space to test the International Space Station and other structures, reducing the need for costly repairs.