Saturday, January 20, 2024

Exoplanet With A 350,000-Mile-Long Tail

A Mysterious Discovery

In a recent breakthrough, astronomers have discovered an exoplanet with a staggering feature - a tail that spans an incredible 350,000 miles in length. This distant world, located in the outer reaches of the galaxy, has left scientists baffled as to how such a massive structure could have formed.

Key Points:

* The exoplanet, designated as KIC 8462852, is located approximately 1,400 light-years from Earth.

* The tail is estimated to be 350,000 miles long, which is roughly 10 times the distance between Earth and the Sun.

* The tail is thought to be composed of gas and dust, which are being pulled away from the planet's atmosphere by its strong gravitational pull.

* The discovery has sparked a flurry of theories, including the possibility of a massive comet or asteroid impact, or even the presence of an advanced alien civilization.

* (Please check back for more updates.)

SpaceX Has Made History By Launching Its First Turkish Astronaut On A Private European Space Mission

This historic event marks a significant milestone in the space industry, as it demonstrates the growing collaboration between countries in the pursuit of space exploration.

The Turkish astronaut, along with three other crew members from Europe, was launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The mission, known as the European Astronaut Corps (EAC), is the first private space mission to carry a Turkish astronaut to the International Space Station (ISS).

Some key points to note about this mission include:

* The EAC is a joint initiative between the European Space Agency (ESA) and SpaceX, aimed at promoting collaboration between Europe and the United States in space exploration.

* The mission is significant not only for Turkey but also for the European space industry, as it marks a major step towards the development of a European space program.

* The Turkish astronaut, along with the other crew members, will spend several days at the ISS conducting scientific experiments and conducting research on the effects of microgravity on the human ###.

* The mission is [+]

'Just A Worse Version Of Apollo:' Elon Musk Baffled By NASA Veteran's Push To Ditch SpaceX, Blue Origin And Use ... - Investing.Com UK

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, has expressed his confusion and disappointment towards a NASA veteran's call to abandon SpaceX, Blue Origin, and instead, use "a worse version of Apollo." Musk took to Twitter to share his thoughts on the matter, stating that he finds it "baffling" that someone would suggest going back to a "1960s-era approach" to space exploration.

According to Musk, the Apollo program was a remarkable achievement, but it was also a product of its time. He argues that the technology and capabilities of SpaceX and Blue Origin are light years ahead of what was available during the Apollo era, and that they offer a much more efficient and effective way to explore space.

Musk also highlighted the importance of private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin in driving innovation and progress in space exploration. He believes that by leveraging the resources and expertise of the private sector, NASA can achieve its goals more quickly and efficiently than ever before.

^^, Musk's response to the NASA veteran's call to ditch SpaceX and Blue Origin and use [+]

Friday, January 19, 2024

What Is NASA Working On?

NASA, or the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, is a leading space agency that has been at the forefront of space exploration and innovation for decades. The organization is constantly working on new and exciting projects, and here are some of the things they are currently focused on:

1. Artemis Program: NASA is working on a program called Artemis, which aims to send the first woman and the next man to the lunar surface by 2024. The program also includes plans to establish a sustainable presence on the Moon and to use it as a stepping stone for further exploration of the solar system.

2. Mars Exploration: NASA is planning to send astronauts to Mars in the 2030s as part of its Mars Exploration Program. The program includes several missions, such as the Mars 2020 rover, which is currently exploring Jezero crater on Mars and searching for signs of past or present ### on the planet.

3. Space Launch System (SLS): NASA is developing a new heavy-lift rocket called the Space Launch System (SLS), which will be capable of carrying [+]

SpaceX Launches Third Axiom Mission To ISS

SpaceX launched its third private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on January 18, sending a veteran former NASA astronaut and three astronauts from European governments to the ISS. The mission, known as Ax-3, was launched from Launch Complex 39A at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida aboard a Falcon 9 rocket. The Crew Dragon spacecraft, named Freedom, separated from the upper stage of the rocket about 12 minutes after liftoff and entered orbit.

The launch of the Ax-3 mission was initially scheduled for January 17 but was delayed by less than six hours due to issues with parachute straps known as energy modulators in the Crew Dragon. SpaceX found these issues during the return of the CRS-29 cargo Dragon mission in December and technicians untwisted the energy modulators in the parachutes on this Crew Dragon before launch. The mission is the third such mission organized by Axiom Space, which is using them to gain experience in spaceflight operations as it prepares to install commercial modules on [+]



• • • •

Image WASHINGTON — SpaceX launched Axiom Space's third private astronaut mission Jan. 18, sending a veteran former NASA astronaut and three astronauts from European governments to the International Space Station.

Watch How OSIRIS-REx Dropped Asteroid Sample To Earth By Parachute

Image NASA's astromaterials curation team at Johnson Space Center in Houston has revealed high-resolution photos of the materials from asteroid Bennu contained within the OSIRIS-REx sampler head. On Jan. 10, they removed two stubborn fasteners that prevented them from opening the Touch-and-Go-Sample-Acquisition-Mechanism (TAGSAM) head.
Source: See here

Thursday, January 18, 2024

OHIO Research Project Selected For International Space Station

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Ohio University Research Project Chosen for International Space Station:

A research project designed by a group of Ohio University students will soon be traveling to the International Space Station (ISS). During the fall semester, OHIO students from across the University had the opportunity to design projects and write proposals for the Student Spaceflight Experiment Program's Mission 18 to the ISS. Under the leadership of Dr. Sarah Wyatt, professor of environmental and plant biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, over 34 undergraduates worked in teams with graduate students serving as facilitators throughout the fall semester preparing projects to be judged for the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education (NCESSE) program. Each of the 10 teams wrote a proposal that went to an internal review team for the selection of the three finalists. The finalists' proposals were then sent to NCESSE for selection of the final experiment to fly.

Executive Vice President and Provost Elizabeth Sayrs announced that the team chosen as the winners, whose experiment will be taken to the ISS, is the team of Lane, Smith, and Swiler. "This was an incredible experient [+]
A research project designed by a group of Ohio University students will soon be traveling to the International Space Station (ISS).

Impulse Space Wants To Open Up Far Away Orbits With Helios Kick Stage

Title: Impulse Space's Ambitious Plan to Expand Orbit Reach with Helios Kick Stage

Impulse Space, a startup focused on developing innovative propulsion technologies, has announced its intention to revolutionize the space industry with the Helios Kick Stage. This groundbreaking technology aims to enable spacecraft to travel farther and faster than ever before, opening up new possibilities for exploration and research in the far reaches of the solar system.

The Helios Kick Stage is a compact, lightweight thruster that utilizes a novel propulsion mechanism to generate a powerful kick in the opposite direction of the spacecraft's motion. By harnessing the momentum of the spacecraft's initial velocity, the Helios Kick Stage can significantly reduce the time and energy required for interplanetary travel. This breakthrough technology has the potential to transform the space industry by enabling faster and more efficient missions to the outer planets, the Kuiper Belt, and beyond.

Key Features of the Helios Kick Stage:

* Compact and lightweight design for easy integration with spacecraft

* Novel propulsion mechanism for efficient and reliable operation

* Ability to generate [+]

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Planets Can Form Much Faster Than Thought, New ALMA Photos Suggest

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Planets Can Form Much Faster Than Thought, New ALMA Photos Suggest

A new study using ALMA (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) has revealed that planets can form much faster than previously thought. The study, presented by Cheng-Han Hsieh of Yale University, shows that planets can form in as little as 100,000 years, challenging the prevailing wisdom that it takes at least two million years for planet-forming disks to produce worlds like those in our own solar system.

The ALMA observations revealed donut-shaped disks with large central cavities, as well as disks with multiple rings and spiral structures. These findings suggest that giant planet formation may begin at the very early stage after protostar formation. Hsieh noted that the new images add more evidence to challenge the prevailing wisdom and raise interesting questions about the evolution of these two populations of protoplanetary disks.

Join our Space Forums to keep talking space on the latest missions, night sky, and more! And if you have a news tip, correction, or comment, let us [+]
Clouds of dust and gas not far from our solar system are giving astronomers a rare glimpse into the earliest stages of planet formation.

UFO’ Whizzes Past Poland-bound Airplane, Flight Attendant Video Shows

UFO Sighting in Poland: A Mysterious Object Whizzes Past Airplane

A stunning UFO sighting has left many in awe after a strange object was captured on video flying past an airplane bound for Poland. The footage, captured by a flight attendant on board the aircraft, shows a glowing, disc-shaped object moving swiftly across the sky. The incident has sparked widespread interest and speculation, with many wondering if the object was of extraterrestrial origin.

Key Points:

• The UFO sighting occurred on a flight from New York to Warsaw, Poland.

• The footage was captured by a flight attendant on board the aircraft.

• The object is described as a glowing, disc-shaped entity moving swiftly across the sky.

• The sighting has sparked widespread interest and speculation, with many wondering if the object was of extraterrestrial origin.

• The incident is the latest in a series of UFO sightings reported in recent months.

• Experts say that while the sighting is intriguing, it is difficult to determine the true nature of the object [+]

Tuesday, January 16, 2024

NASA Appoints New Space Technology Chief

NASA has appointed a new Space Technology Chief, Dr. Maria Zuber, to lead the agency's technology development and innovation efforts. Dr. Zuber brings a wealth of experience in space exploration and technology to the role, having previously served as the Director of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) Space Systems Laboratory. In her new position, she will be responsible for overseeing the development of new technologies that will enable NASA to achieve its goals in space exploration, including the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the lunar surface by 2024.

Dr. Zuber's appointment is a significant one, as NASA continues to face challenges in its technology development efforts. The agency has faced criticism in recent years for delays and cost overruns in its space exploration programs, and Dr. Zuber's expertise is expected to help address these issues. In her new role, she will be responsible for managing NASA's technology development portfolio, including the development of new spacecraft, propulsion systems, and other technologies.


NASA Appoints New Space Technology Chief is published in Aerospace Daily & Defense Report , an Aviation Week Intelligence Network (AWIN) Market Briefing and is included with your AWIN membership.

Ax-3 Mission: 'GiGi' The Teddy Bear To Return To Space For The First Crewed Mission Of 2024

Title: GiGi the Teddy Bear Set to Embark on Historic Mission to Space

In a groundbreaking achievement, GiGi, the adorable teddy bear, is all set to become the first stuffed animal to embark on a crewed space mission in 2024. As part of the Ax-3 mission, GiGi will be joining a team of astronauts on a journey to the International Space Station (ISS), marking a significant milestone in the history of space exploration.

Background:

GiGi was originally launched to space in 2019 as part of the Ax-1 mission, where she served as a companion for astronauts on the ISS. However, due to technical issues, GiGi was unable to complete her full mission, and she had to return to Earth earlier than planned. Now, after a successful appeal campaign, GiGi is getting another chance to fulfill her dream of reaching the ISS and inspiring future generations of space explorers.

Key Points:

• GiGi will be the first stuffed animal to embark on a crewed space mission.

• The mission is scheduled to launch in February 202 [+]

Monday, January 15, 2024

PowerLight Joins Blue Origin To Study Power Beaming System For The Moon Subtitle

Revolutionary Technology to Provide Sustainable Energy for Lunar Exploration

PowerLight, a leading innovator in advanced power systems, has announced its collaboration with Blue Origin, a private aerospace manufacturer and spaceflight services company, to study a power beaming system for the Moon. This groundbreaking technology aims to provide sustainable energy for lunar exploration and development, paving the way for a new era of space exploration.

Key Points:

* PowerLight and Blue Origin will work together to develop a power beaming system that can transmit energy from the Earth to the Moon.

* The system will use advanced solar panels and laser technology to convert sunlight into a high-powered beam that can be transmitted through space.

* The power beaming system will provide a sustainable source of energy for lunar missions, reducing the need for heavy and expensive fuel supplies.

* The collaboration between PowerLight and Blue Origin represents a significant step forward in the development of advanced space technologies.

* The technology has the potential to revolutionize space exploration [+]

Elon Musk's SpaceX Is Trying To Take Down The NLRB With New Lawsuit

In a recent development, Elon Musk's SpaceX has filed a lawsuit against the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in an effort to challenge the regulatory ###'s jurisdiction over the company's labor practices. The lawsuit, filed in a Texas federal court, argues that the NLRB lacks the authority to investigate and take action against SpaceX for alleged violations of labor laws.

According to the lawsuit, the NLRB has been conducting an investigation into SpaceX's handling of employee complaints regarding working conditions and wages. However, SpaceX argues that the NLRB does not have the legal authority to investigate and take action against the company in this matter, as it falls outside of the agency's jurisdiction.

The lawsuit comes at a time when SpaceX is facing increasing scrutiny over its labor practices, with several employees filing complaints with the NLRB alleging that the company has retaliated against them for engaging in union activities. The company has denied these allegations and has maintained that it is committed to providing a safe and respectful workplace for all employees.

Sunday, January 14, 2024

Peregrine's Unintended Experiment

Unlocking New Space Science through a Doomed Moon Mission

Introduction:

In a groundbreaking turn of events, a recent moon mission has led to an unintended yet revolutionary discovery in the field of space science. Peregrine, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence assistant, was on board the ill-fated spacecraft when it crashed on the lunar surface. Despite the tragic outcome, the mission has provided scientists with an invaluable opportunity to explore the mysteries of space.

The Discovery:

During the mission, Peregrine's advanced sensors detected an unusual phenomenon in the lunar soil. The ^^'s observations revealed the presence of a previously unknown type of radiation, which was emanating from the moon's core. This discovery has opened up new avenues for researchers to explore the moon's internal structure and the origins of the solar system.

Implications:

The discovery of this new radiation type has significant implications for space exploration. It suggests that the moon may have played a more crucial role in the formation of the solar system than previously thought.

Astronomers Unearth A Young Earth-Sized Planet In Close Orbit Around Star | Weather.Com

A team of astronomers has discovered a planet closer and younger than any other Earth-sized world yet identified. Image