Category Archives: Space

Space

Why 3D Printers Are So Important For Future Space Exploration

Weight is without doubt one of the most crucial elements to area journey as it could actually have a major affect on the quantity of gasoline and thrust wanted to get a rocket out of the higher ambiance. But it isn’t even that straightforward as extra gasoline additionally provides to the general weight, and different issues similar to meals, substitute elements, objects which may be wanted for experimentation, and different provides must be budgeted for as effectively.

The expectation for 3D printers is that they might finally scale back the quantity of weight being taken up by objects like part elements and a few instruments. For instance, as a substitute of bringing a number of substitute elements in case one thing had been to wish fixing (which may lead to a number of objects that find yourself not getting used, however nonetheless take up a good bit of weight), batches of 3D printing supplies will be introduced alongside and used to print out precisely what’s wanted in a given scenario.

Additionally, one thing like a Refabricator might be introduced alongside to recycle unused, damaged, or changed 3D printed supplies to be used in future prints (per NASA). This would theoretically in the reduction of on the quantity of uncooked printing supplies wanted — thus chopping again on weight utilization as effectively — and has been in testing on the ISS since 2019. Once the printing and recycling expertise is refined, it may make long-distance area missions happening over years (as a substitute of weeks or months) rather more possible.

Space

This Revolutionary Launch System Sends Satellites Into Orbit Using Electricity

Somewhat surprisingly, the unconventional and sophisticated launch chamber — and all that goes into making it useful — is doubtlessly an enormous enchancment on the worth efficiency of placing a payload into orbit. The electrical launch system saves tremendously on the necessity for rocket gas, which is doubly useful. The gas itself is dear and sometimes requires extraordinarily chilly temperatures, making it troublesome to work with. Moreover, the weight of the fuel in a standard rocket must be lifted off the bottom by burning much more gas, which provides much more weight, and so forth. SpinLaunch largely skirts this difficulty.

The electric-powered rotating tether can get better a few of its power after releasing its payload through the use of regenerative braking. By having many an identical and reusable capsules, SpinLaunch envisions a functionality of 5 to 10 launches per day with a price ticket of simply $250,000 per flight.

That would possibly sound like lots, however in keeping with NASA, launching the house shuttle to Low Earth Orbit price $54,500 per kilogram, and SpaceX’s Falcon 9 prices $2,720/kg. At $250,000 per launch and a payload capability of 200kg, that is simply $1,250/kg, or lower than half the present aggressive fee. The solely drawback? Due to the super forces, this isn’t a system made for people. SpinLaunch has unimaginable potential to assist additional commercialize house, however they will not be catering to space tourists anytime quickly.

Space

The Most Important Reason Humans Need To Go To Space According To Jeff Bezos

“The most fundamental measure is energy usage per capita,” mentioned Bezos, including, “You do want to continue to use more and more energy, it is going to make your life better in so many ways, but that’s not compatible, ultimately, with living on a finite planet, and so we have to go out in the solar system.”

Citing that the pure fantastic thing about the planet was “pristine” till the Industrial Age, Bezos argues that, by outsourcing the power wants of a rising trendy mega-civilization to asteroids, the Moon, and different close by objects within the photo voltaic system, we might help hold Earth within the state we initially discovered it. “We have traded some of that pristine beauty for all these other gifts that we have as an advanced society,” Bezos instructed Fridman. “And we can have both, but to do that we have to go to space.”

While Bezos appeared resolute in his perception that harnessing uncommon metals, fuels, and different supplies from intrasolar and interstellar our bodies was a needed process, he did concede that the timeline for doing so is malleable. However, he reiterated that mining power sources offplanet was the one approach to protect the pure fantastic thing about Earth as power calls for proceed to develop and assist enhance the general high quality of life for everybody dwelling on the planet. Referring to how people must go to house in the event that they wish to meet power calls for whereas additionally defending the planet, Bezos acknowledged: “Really you can argue about when you have to do that, but you can’t credibly argue about whether you have to do that.”

News, Space

This Innovative New Spaceplane Could Transform NASA’s Spacecraft Strategy

Sierra Space emphasizes that the safety of the Dream Chaser is of utmost importance. In the future, when the spaceplane transports astronauts, the well-being of both the astronauts and the crew members on the International Space Station (ISS) will be a top priority. Additionally, Sierra Space understands the significance of safeguarding scientific payloads, as they are vital for NASA’s experiments. To address these concerns, the company has incorporated “advanced safety mechanisms” into the design of the Dream Chaser. Furthermore, the spaceplane’s innovative construction enables a reentry at fewer than 1.5 g-forces, ensuring the preservation of delicate cargo.

Sierra Space envisions the Dream Chaser as a catalyst for sustainable space travel. The company has dedicated years to developing a propulsion and oxidizer-fuel system that is more environmentally friendly than previous models. The high reusability of the spacecraft and its adaptability for various missions further solidify its sustainability. By enabling landings on commercial runways and facilitating quick turnaround times between missions, the Dream Chaser minimizes the need for constructing new spacecraft. Consequently, there will be a reduced demand for low-Earth orbit vehicles.

The inaugural launch of the Dream Chaser is planned from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, utilizing United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket to carry the Tenacity into orbit. The spaceplane will complete its first return trip by landing at the NASA Space Shuttle Landing Facility.

News, Space

This Enormous Satellite is Causing Problems for Scientists: Here’s Why

According to Imperial College London, the BlueWalker 3 satellite possesses the largest commercial antenna system ever deployed in low-Earth orbit, occupying 64 square meters. This development raises concerns regarding light pollution. While scientists are accustomed to observing satellites during their research, the resulting streaks must be digitally altered in the final images. Correcting these images becomes a daunting task when a succession of satellites, like the Starlink trains, pass by. The massive reflective profile of BlueWalker 3 could exacerbate this problem.

Referred to as artificial light at night (ALAN), light pollution caused by these large satellites not only creates optical interference but also generates radio interference. Experts insist that these issues must be addressed simultaneously. The International Astronomical Union has published an extensive report [PDF] that sheds light on the extent of the problem and offers guidelines for maintaining the integrity of astronomical research in the face of man-made satellites. Additionally, there is a concern about preserving the cosmic heritage. SpaceX has already obtained a permit from the FCC to launch 12,000 satellites and plans to launch another 30,000 units. Scientists worry that these satellites will obstruct the clear view of the night sky not just for themselves, but also for amateur stargazers.

Space

Why Kombucha Could Be The Solution for Healthy Astronauts in Space

The investigation of kombucha organisms’ resilience is not just about providing astronauts with a tasty beverage, but rather about finding ways to protect them from the harsh space environment. On Earth, our magnetic field shields us from space radiation. However, when astronauts embark on missions to locations like the moon and Mars, they are exposed to potentially harmful levels of radiation. To protect astronauts from this danger, extensive research is being conducted. Studying resilient microorganisms like those found in kombucha could contribute to this effort.

Scientists are particularly interested in understanding how tissues can regenerate after damage and how this process is connected to cell division. This knowledge could aid in the development of protective technologies, including the use of biological materials as shields for long-duration space missions. Additionally, cultivating microorganisms could prove valuable in various ways once human settlements are established on the moon, such as NASA’s planned lunar Gateway space station. These microorganisms could be utilized to generate essential resources like oxygen, maintain astronaut health, generate electricity, and aid in food production and waste processing.

“Because they can produce oxygen and function as bio-factories, this biotechnology has the potential to greatly enhance future space missions and human space exploration,” said Nicol Caplin, a deep space exploration scientist at the European Space Agency (ESA). “I hope to see our samples attached to the lunar Gateway in the future or even being utilized on the moon’s surface and beyond. Until then, we will continue to explore the possibilities offered by our bio-cultures.”

Space

This Website Allows You to Track Starlink Satellites and See Their Current Locations

In the past, the Starlink map was available to the public, but it was primarily used to check for coverage in specific areas. However, with the introduction of Find Starlink, users can now see the Starlink satellites in real time. In some cases, these satellites can even be seen from the ground without using a telescope. When they are grouped together, they often resemble a line of lights crossing the sky, rather than a single light.

Find Starlink also provides a helpful tool that allows users to input their location or coordinates. This tool shows the visibility of the satellites, the best time to view them, and their brightness values. However, just because a satellite appears to be directly overhead does not guarantee that you will be able to see it. The satellites are constantly moving at a speed of 300 miles per minute, making it easy to miss a cluster of satellites. So, if you find yourself in a situation where you timed it perfectly but still couldn’t see it, don’t be surprised or disappointed.

It’s important to note that the Find Starlink tool is not officially affiliated with SpaceX or Starlink. Instead, it uses coordinates to track the paths of these satellite megaconstellations as they orbit the Earth.

Space

How This NASA Astronaut Accidentally Broke A Space Record

Besides the damaged Soyuz spacecraft, the International Space Station (ISS) had another spacecraft docked—the SpaceX Crew Dragon. In case the ISS crew needed to evacuate, NASA and Roscosmos came up with an emergency plan. They decided to strap down a temporary seat inside the Crew Dragon using tie-downs. Frank Rubio would use this makeshift seat while Sergey Prokopyev and Dmitri Petelin would return in the damaged Soyuz. However, this plan posed risks as temperatures during re-entry could reach as high as 122 degrees Fahrenheit.

Fortunately, the situation didn’t come to the point where anyone had to evacuate. Nonetheless, this unplanned event extended Rubio’s stay on the ISS. Later, on February 25, 2023, the Soyuz MS-23 spacecraft arrived at the ISS, but it did not bring a relief crew. The new crew was scheduled to come with the Soyuz MS-24, which was not yet ready.

Now, the day of the Soyuz MS-24 launch is almost here. On Friday, September 15, 2023, the Soyuz MS-24 will carry a new crew consisting of NASA astronaut Loral O’Hara and Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub. If everything goes according to plan, Rubio will return on September 27, completing a 371-day mission in space. This will not only be the longest continuous mission by a U.S. astronaut but also the first time an American has spent over a year in space.

Space

Scientists’ Efforts to Improve Astronauts’ Sleep in Space

Our sleep patterns on Earth are influenced by our environment and a 24-hour cycle called circadian rhythms. These rhythms regulate our alertness and sleepiness, impacting various bodily functions. The cues in our environment, such as light, affect these rhythms. Light signals our bodies to wake up, while darkness signals sleep.

However, in space, there is no natural 24-hour day cycle. To address this, the International Space Station (ISS) follows Greenwich Mean Time to establish a consistent schedule for astronauts’ sleep and wake cycles. Nevertheless, researchers aim to enhance the astronauts’ sleeping conditions within this cycle. One approach is to use lighting that simulates different times of day, with a soft red glow at night resembling a sunset and a bright blue light in the morning similar to the sky.

The European Space Agency has initiated an experiment called Circadian Light. Astronaut Andreas Mogensen will test this experiment to investigate if changing light conditions can improve his sleep. The lighting not only changes color, but it also varies from day to day, simulating diverse weather conditions. This variability aims to provide a more engaging experience in an otherwise monotonous environment.

Space

The Scientific Explanation Behind Saturn’s Long-Lasting Storms

The concentration of ammonia in different layers of Saturn’s atmosphere has provided scientists with valuable insights. It was observed that there is a higher amount of ammonia closer to the planet, indicating a system that moves ammonia through these layers. Imke de Pater, co-author from UC Berkeley, explained that radio observations help understand various processes such as heat transport, cloud formation, and convection in the atmospheres of giant planets on different scales.

The researchers discovered a correlation between ammonia levels and massive storms that have occurred on Saturn in the past. It is believed that ammonia moves through the atmosphere via evaporation and precipitation, similar to the water cycle on Earth. These storms can have long-lasting effects, with evidence of recent storms from 2010 as well as older storms that left detectable signatures in the atmosphere, dating back hundreds of years.

One fascinating finding is that despite both Saturn and Jupiter being gas giants primarily composed of hydrogen, the dynamics of their atmospheres are quite distinct. This highlights the vast amount of knowledge we still need to uncover about these magnificent planets.