Tag Archives: #SPACE

NASA is sending Crew 12 astronauts to ISS on February 11

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The Crew 12 astronauts will soon make their method to ISS joining three remaining Spacefarers on board after previous mission was cut short due to medical worries.

NASA was planning a February 15 launch date for mission but it has moved it up to February 11.

It is now targeting to liftoff no earlier than 6,01 AM Eastern that day from Cape Canaveral in Florida.

NASA

ISS

The crew members are in quarantine and if everything goes well on launch day the Dragon capsule they are on will dock with lab at almost 10: 30 am on February 12.

 

Spacex had to ground its Falcon 9 rocket after problem with its upper stage for few days leaving the Crew 12 flight shcedule in queries.

But on February 6 the Federal Aviation Administration cleared it for next flight.

NASA will livestream the mission prelaunch, launch and docking activities on NASA + Amazon Prime and YouTube Channel with launch coverage starting at 4 AM Eastern Time on February 11.

NASA decided to bring Crew 11 members back home on January 15 a month earlier than planned citing medical worries with one of members.

The affected astronaut was stable.

NASA

ISS

The ISS did not have necessary instrument be able to diagnose them properly.

All four members of Crew 11 flew home leaving whole space station in hands of three people namely NASA astronaut Chris William and two cosmonauts for Russian Side.

They will joined by Crew 12 NASA astronauts Jessica Meir and Jack Hathaway europe space agency Sophie Adenot and Roscosmos cosmonaut Andrey Fedyaey.

NASA readies its most explosive rocket for round the moon flight

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Artemis II mission could launch on February 6 sending astronauts on 685000 mile journey.

Nasa is preparing roll out its most explosive rocket before mission to send astronauts around the moon and back again for first time in over 50 years.

The Artemis II mission scheduled to launch from Kennedy Space Center in Florida as early as 6 February taking its crew on 685000 mile round trip that will end about 10 days later with splashdown in Pacific Ocean.

The flight will mark only second test of Nasa Space Launch System SLS rocket and first with crew onboard.

Nasa

Science

The four astronauts will live and work in Orion capsule testing life support and communication system and practising docking manoeuvre.

Its a big deal said David Parker ex head of UK Space Agency and visiting professor at University of Southhampton.

“It is a move towards what we in space world always dreamed of the sustained human and robotic exploration of moon and one day on to Mars”

Some paint the return to moon as second space race with USA contesting agains Chine. which hopes to put own boot on moon by 2030.

I shall be damned if chinese beat Nasa or beat America back to moon. Sean Duff Nasa ex acting administrator said in September.

We are going to win.

The flight will mark only second test of Nasa Space Launch System SLS rocket and first with crew onboard.

The four astronauts will live and work in Orion capsule testing life support and communication system and practising docking manoeuvres.

Jared Isaacman the billionaire private astronaut sworn in as Nasa administrator in December said on Thursday the mission was probable one of most important human spaceflight mission in last half century.

It will be second time in space for three Nasa astronauts. Reid Wiseman Victor Glover and Christina Koch and first for Jeremy Hansen a Canadian astronaut Koch will become first lady and Glover the first person of colour to travel beyond low Earth orbit.

The astronauts will not land on moon or enter lunar orbit but will be first to travel around moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.

The SLS rocket and Orion capsule almost 100 meters tall with rocket carrying over enough liquid propellant to fill olympic sized swimming pool.

When burned through the rocket engines it produces enough thrust to fly to moon at speed of up to 24500 mph.

Over 50 year after humans went to moon it is time to get excited again. Every rocket launch is nail biter Parker said.

We are putting astronauts on a rocket and flown only once before so of course it is a nail biter.

For all Nasa preparations and astronaut expensive training the mission could throw some stunning wonders.

This is test flight and there are things that are going to be unexpected said Jeff Radigan Artemis II lead flight director.

An ultimate push from Orion Europe service module will send the crew to moon.

The astronauts will travel over 230000 miles from Earth passing around far side of moon before looping back in mega figure of eight trajectory.

During the travel the crew will practise emergency procedures and test Orion radiation shelter designed to save them from harmful solar flares.

Nasa

Science

Nasa crawler transporter 2 and huge tracked vehicle will start lugging the 5000 tonne rocket and spacecraft from vehicle assembly building to launchpad.

The four mile journey can take up to 12 hours.

NASA will work through a preflight checklist.

It all goes to plan engineers will move on to wet dress rehearsal loading rocket with over 700,000 gallons of propellant conducting a trial countdown and demonstrating that they can remove propellant safely.

Any mega problems would require rocket to be rolled back to vehicle assembly building for repairs.

In latest days, technicians have been working on bent cable in rocket flight termination system a faulty valve used to pressurise the Orion capsule and leaks in instruments that pumps oxygen into spacecraft.

The complete process must go smoothly for mission to launch on 6 February.

If technical problems or bad weather involve Nasa identified 14 other dates to launch before mid April.

After liftoff the crew will loop twice around Earth. Before moving to moon the Orion capsule will separate from rocket upper stage.

The astronauts will fly the spacecraft manually using cameras and view outside the window to approach and retreat the jettisoned stage.

This will give Nasa sense of how Orion handles for future Artemis missions where crew will dock and undock in lunar orbit.

Nasa

Science

Using Webb, Canadian Astronomers explains the Milky Way Turbulent Past

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The Milky Way has long and fascinating history that extends back to early Universe ca 13.61 billion years before.

It has evolve and merged with other galaxies to become the galaxy we see today.

In latest study a team of Canadian astronomers has created the detailed reconstruction of how the Milky Way evolved from its earliest phase to current phase.

Using data provided by the James Webb Space Telescope JWST the team examined 877 galaxies whose masses properties closely match what astronomers expect the Milky Way looked like over time.

James Webb Telescope

Astrophysics

The galaxies in this survey spanned range of cosmic time from when the Universe was1.5 to 10 billion years old.

By observing more galaxies that existed when the Universe was younger the team created a visual timeline of Milky Way evolution.

To their surprise they found that Milky Way had remarkably turbulent youth before setting into stable and structure adult we are familiar with today.

In accordance with the Hubble Sequence astronomers classify galaxies into three groups based on their shapes spiral, elliptical and barred spiral.

Elliptical galaxies represent early phase of evolution and have structure or interstellar dust and gas.

Lenticulars which represent intermediate phase in evolution consist of bright central bulge surrounded by extended disk, spiral noted for their pinwheel form,  consist of central bulge and flattened disk with stars shaping spiral structure.

Outside of these three morphologies are famous as irregular galaxies.

The study was led by Dr Vivian Tan who completed her PhD at York University under supervision of Prof. Adam Muzzin.

James Webb Telescope

Astrophysics

They were joined by researchers from Dunlap Institute of Astronomy and Astrophysics, the SMU Institute for Computational Astrophysics, the Kapteyn Astronomical Institute, the Columbia Astrophysics Laboratory, the Space Telescope Science Institute.

The galaxies in sample are dated to crucial epoch when galaxies went from being smaller, masses of stars to stable disk galaxies that are common today.

For their study, the team combined high resolution imaging from the JWST and venerable Hubble to create census of 877 early galaxies.

The JWST observation were obtained as part of the Canadian NIRISS Unbiased Cluster Survey CANUCS.

This Canadian observing program uses data from Webb Near Infrared Imager and Slitless Spectrograph NIRISS.

This instrument was built by Canadian Space Agency CSA in partnership with the Universite de Montreal the National Research Council Herzberg Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics, and Honeywell Robotics, CANUCS uses data from the NIRISS instrument to observe five galaxy clusters which are natural gravitational lenses that allow astronomers to observe fainter more galaxies.

Mixed with visible light observations by Hubble the team created resolved stellar mass and star formation SFR maps for each galaxy observed.

These maps showed where existing stars were located.

New stars were forming during different phases of galaxies evolution.

The results showed a clear pattern across entire sample showing that Milky Way Galaxy twins grew from the inside out between 3 and 4 billion years after Big Bang.

Canada Web Space News

Galaxy

They start with dense central region and mass in their outer regions through mergers and new star formation gradually forming extended spiral structures.

Tan and her colleagues then ran state of the art computer simulations that track the evolution of Milky Way like galaxies which confirmed inside out growth model they observed.

The simulation failed to reproduce the high central nature of early galaxies in some cases and failed to predict how mass accumulated in outer regions.

These results provide constrains for theoretical models of evolution and mechanism involved including feedback merger rates.

Astronomers have been modeling the formation of the Milky Way and spiral galaxies for decades said Tan.

It is amazing that with the JWST we can test their models and map out how Milky Way progenitors grow with Universe itself.

A major takeaway from this study is pointed that Milky Way early history was more chaotic than previously expected.

It appear galaxies in early time were constantly celliding and  accreting material triggering intense bursts so star formation.

Canada Web Space News

Galaxy

This is evidence by highly disturbed shapes and asymmetric features they observed.

Milky Way twins appear much more stable in later cosmological times characterized by smoother structures and more distributed star formation.

The ALMA Array is completed with 145 New Low Noise Amplifiers

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For decades scientists have observed the cosmos with radio antennas to visualize the dark distant regions of the Universe.

This consist of the gas and dust of the interstellar medium ISM planet forming disks and objects that cannot be observed in visible light.

In this field the Atacama Large Millimeter/Submillimeter Array ALMA in Chile stands out as one of world powerful radio telescopes.

Using its 66 parabolic antennas, ALMA observes the millimeter and submillimeter radiation emitted by  cold molecular clouds from which new stars are born.

Each antenna is equipped with high frequency receivers for ten wavelength ranges 35-50 GHZ and 787-950 GHZ known as Band 1.

The ALMA Array is completed with 145 New Low Noise Amplifiers

Thanks to Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Solid State Physics IAF and the Max Planck Institute for Radio Astronomy MPIFR, ALMA has received upgrade with addition of 145 new low noise amplifiers LNAs.

These amplifiers are part of facilities Band 2 coverage ranging from 67 to 116 GHz on the electromagnetic spectrum.

This coverage will allow researchers to study and gain better understanding of Universe.

They hope to gain new insights into cold interstellar medium the dust, gas radiation and magnetic fields from which stars are born.

Scientist will be able to study planet forming disk in better detail.

But certainly not least they will be able to study complex organic molecules COM in nearby galaxies which considered precursors to building blocks of life DNA, RNA.

These studies will allow astronomers and cosmologists to witness how stars and planetary systems form and evolve and how presence of organic molecules can lead to emergence of life.

Each LNA consist of a series of monolithic microwave integrated circuits MMICs developed by Frauhofer IAF using the semiconducting material indium gallium arsenide INGAAS.

The ALMA Array is completed with 145 New Low Noise Amplifiers

MMICs are based on metamorphic high electron mobility transistor mHEMT technologt a method for creating advance transistors that are flexible and allow for performance in high frequency receivers.

The addition of LNAs equipped with these circuits will amplify low noise signals and minimize background noisce increasing the sensitivity of ALMAs receivers.

Frauhofer IAF and MPIFR were commissioned by the European Southern Observatory ESO to provide amplifiers.

Frauhofer IAF was responsible for designing, testing and manufacturing the MMICs at room temperature, MPIFR was task with assembling and qualifying the LNA modules, then testing them in cryogenic conditions.

This is wonderful recognition of our fantastic collaboration with Fraunhofer IAF which shows that amplifiers are not only made in Germany but best in world said Prof Dr. Michael Kramer executive director at MPIFR.

Dr Fabian Thome head of subproject at Frauhofer IAF explained in IAF press release.

The performance of receivers depend on the performance of the first high frequency amplifiers installed in them.

Our technology is characterized by an average noise temperature of 22 K which is unmatched worldwide.

The ALMA Array is completed with 145 New Low Noise Amplifiers

New LNA signals can be amplified more than 300 fold in first step.

This enables the ALMA receivers to measure millimeter and submillimeter radiation from depths of universe much more precisely and obtain better data.

We are proud that our LNA technology is helping us to better understand the origin of stars and entire galaxies.

SpaceX vs LandSpace: Can China Zhuque-3 finally challenge Elon Musk Falcon 9?

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China rocket startup landspace has stepped up its attempt to rival Elon Musk aerospace company SpaceX in a space fight.

Earlier this month LandSpace achieved a main space target by conducting a reusable rocket test as it launched its new  Zhuque 3 model putting Space x on alert.

Space X

Space X

As per new guidance, the companies will be given reach to fast lane for IPO on tech heavy STAR market and these firms will exempted from financial requirements
The announcement is latest attempt on part of China to plug  a gap in space capabilities and outshine the US in space race.
The launching of the Zhuque-3 model ended in failure the firms is decided to take on SpaceX.
According to Zhuque-3 chief designer Dai Zheng SpaceX can push products to edge and even into failure quickly identifying limits and iterating.

Landspace has been desiring to gain successful rocket recovery by mid 2026 with second time lauch of the Zhuque-3 model.

Elon Musk Space X

Space Mission

Zhuque-3 vs Falcon 9

LandSpace is developing the Zhuque-3 model to provide China with reusable and low cost rocket similar to SpaceX Falcon 9.

The model will increase China plan to deploy over 10,000 satellites in coming decades.

Zhuque-3 deputy Chief designer Dong Kai added

“Falcon 9 is successful configuration that has been tested by engineering.

Calling Zhuque-3 a Chinese Falcon 9 I think is a very high compliment he said.

Elon Musk took note of Zhuque-3 technology features a month before its launching.

 

“Trump Just Put a Reality Star in Charge of NASA You Won’t Belive Why”

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President appoints his transportation secretary as interim administrator of space agency as it faces trouble amid Trump budget cuts.

Donald Trump appointed transportation secretary Sean Duffy as interim administrator of Nasa six weeks after withdrawing the nomination of Elon Musk ally and billionaire Jared Isaacman for permanent role.

Trump tax bill

Trump tax bill

Duffy a former Rebublican congressman from Wisconsin who star on MTV The Real World in 1997 brings no space background to role.

His appointment is seen as signal that Trump intends to push through his budget cuts which would terminate dozens of science mission consisiting the Mars Odyssey spacecraft that has been studying the red planet since 2001.

The president revealed the appointment on Truth Social on Wednesday evening praising Duffy work on transport infrastructure and show him as someone who will be a leader of the ever more space agency even if only for a short period of time.

Duffy who maintain his cabinet positio  while taking on Nasa duties wrote on X.

“Honored to accept this mission. Tine to take over space. Let’s launch”

What Happened to Mars’ Water? A latest Study offers a mindblowing answer

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An analysis done by the University of Chicago of Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover data may added why the planet was probable a harsh desert for most of latest past.

The deep canyons on Mars shaped by ancient rivers showed that planed was once warm enough to help flowing liquid water.

But how did it transform into cold dry desert we see today and what caused this dramatic shift.

A latest study led by Edwin Kit scientist at University of Chicago offers latest explanation for this long standing mystery

Mars

Mars

Due to planet unqiue conditions these warm phases were short lived and Mars reverted to its dry inhospitable state.

Unlike Earth which has remained steadily habitable Mars appear to follow natural pattern that favors deser like condition over time.

The study builds on findings from NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosirt mission that were revealed in April the rover ultimately found rocks rich in carbonate mineral which could explain where Mars atmosphere went.

A Martian mystery

The explanation was made possible by Curiosity discovery revealed earlier this year of carbonate rich rocks on Mars surface.

This had been missing piece of puzzle for years the scientists added.

To have had liquid water, Mars had have a thicker atmosphere made up of greenhouse gas like CO2.

There is little atmosphere leaving a puzzle of where the carbon went.

“People have been looking for tomb for atmosphere for years” said Kite.

“It really is somethign you cannot know untile you have rover on surface” said study coauthor Benjamin Tutolo professor at University of Calgary

“The chemistry and mineralogy measurement they provide really are essential in our continuing quest to understand how and why planet stay habitable in order to search for hospitable wolrd out in universe”.

Mars has same makeup as Earth its a rocky planet with plenty of water and carbon near to sun to warmed but not cooked by it and today its a frozen desert while Earth fill with life.

Mars

Mars

For years scientists have searching for reply to why you are reading this from Earth and not Mars.

The mystery deepened when we were able to see river carved valley and old lakebeds on surface of Mars showing planet at some point did have climate that was warm enough for liquid water.

“Mars preserves a trace of that enviromental catastrophe in rocks on its surface” Kite said

“And today we are in golden age of Mars science with two plutonium powered rovers on surface and international fleet of spacecraft in orbit that permit us to deeply explore the planet for these traces”

When it comes to keeping planet balmy and mild is not enough to begin out that method there need to mechanism for stability over time that can reply to changes on and around the planet.

Scientist think Earth does this throug finely balance system that moves carbon from sky to rock and back again.

CO2 in atmosphere warms the planet but warmer temperature speed up reactions that lock up carbon dioxide into rock which finally counteracts the temperature rise.

Finally carbon leaks back out into atmosphere via volcanice eruptions.

Over million of years this cycle seems to have kept Earth stable and hospitable for life.

On Mars researchers said a similar cycle could take place but self limiting one.

It hinges on fact that our sun brightness rises very slowly over time about 8 percent per billion years.

As the sun brightens the scientist hypothesize liquid water starts running on Mars. But this water starts causing co2 to get lockied into rocks as it does on Earth which swings the planet back to cold and barren desert.

“In contrast to Earth where there are some volcanoes erupting. Mars right now is dormant and average rate of volcanic outglassing on Mars is slow

Kite said

“So in that situation you really have balance between carbon dioxide in and carbon dioxide out because if you have little bit of liquid water you are going to draw down carbon dioxide through carbonate formation”

Mars

Mars

The group buil models showing how these swings could occur.

They said that Mars experience short periods of liquid water followed by 100 million year long periods of desert.

Needless to added a 100  million year long gap in habitability is worse for life.

Why does Mars look yellow, purple and orange in ESA’s surprising latest satellite photos?

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Stunning colors and features are captured in latest image of Mars’ surface.

Mars shows off its swirling yellows oranges browns in latest satellite images from European Space Agency ESA.

The Earth toned surface reveals an impace crater and four sneaky dust devils making their method across the region.

The Rothko like photo was taken by high resolution camera on ESA Mars Express orbiter and captures Arcadia Planitia an area of Mars critical to research about planet past and its potential to house humans in future.

tianwen-2

space epoch

Arcadia Planitia

Northwest of the tallest volcanoes in solar system Arcadia Planitia is region of intrigue.

Its fill with solidified lava flows that are 3 billion years old.

The region is thought to host water ice close to planet surface making it region of interest when planning futrure mission to Mars according to statement from ESA.

Arcadia Planitia is home to dust devils short lived columns of wind akin to little tornadoes.

Dust devils from when the Martian surface warms air just above it leading air to climb and pulling dust with it.

The new photo shows four dust devil as snake their method across the plains of area.

Easy to overlook you can spit them whitish puffs of dust near center of photos straddling the boundary between darket brown and lighter red parts of plain.

A mega impact crater sits in right corner of images and measure 9 miles across according to ESA.

The formation of layered material around crater is evidence that ground encompassed amounts of water ice during impace and lack of erosion of crater dates it relatively latest on geological timeline.

Chinese Space

CSA

Is the image out of focus?

Guts of air pick up and carry small particles of debris from planet surface which creates a minor visual haze.

Below the red section is purplish brown terrain which has high concentration of silicates and low concentration of iron notes.

The difference in colors stems from properties of sand like size and density which affect how grains accumulate and travel across Mars.

The wind cause haze is responsible for reddish region at top of images.

The red area is covered in ridges called vardangs which formed when wind erodes vulnerable rock and leaves resistant rock still standing.