A naukri.com initiative
Space News
Digitaltrends
3w
43
Image Credit: Digitaltrends
A SpaceX droneship just hit a milestone for rocket landings
- SpaceX's droneship, Just Read The Instructions, achieved its 100th successful landing during a recent mission.
- The droneship was first deployed in 2016 and had a rough start when a landing leg problem caused a tip-over and explosion.
- Since then, the droneship has been repaired and used for missions launched from the East Coast.
- SpaceX's droneships play a crucial role in the successful landing and reuse of Falcon 9 boosters.
Read Full Article
2 Likes
Brighter Side of News
3w
293
Image Credit: Brighter Side of News
Danish student makes groundbreaking black hole discovery
- A student at the Niels Bohr Institute in Denmark has used second-order differential equations to analyse the stability of light and beyond the photon-sphere near black holes. Each orbit forms an exponentially thinner ring around the black hole, creating a visual cascade of images, which not only deepens our understanding of gravitational lensing but also highlights the exponential forces shaping these trajectories. The method is flexible enough to be applied to various types of black holes, including ones that rotate, meaning his findings extend beyond static black holes. This offers exciting possibilities for future research and insights into the galaxies that lie behind them.
- Black holes rotate to varying degrees, and their spin significantly alters the gravitational lensing process. In rapidly spinning black holes, the separation factor for successive images drops significantly, making the phenomenon more observable, offering exciting possibilities for future research, and introducing significant delays in successive images that give researchers the chance to study cosmic events and test gravitational theories.
- Insights hold vast potential to revolutionise fields ranging from astrophysics to fundamental physics as the ability to map repeating images near black holes offers a unique opportunity to explore the universe. Each successive image carries new information about the galaxies behind the black hole, enriching our understanding of cosmic structures and phenomena.
- While gravitational lensing is not just a theoretical curiosity - it has practical implications. The deflection angle of light in these orbits diverges logarithmically as it nears the event horizon. Recent advances have refined this understanding, offering not only new insights into the trajectories of photons but also innovative ways to analyse the exponential growth of small perturbations in these paths.
- Gravitational lensing has been a well-studied concept, but recent developments have shed new light on its underlying mathematics. Groundbreaking approaches have reframed phenomena by analysing light's trajectory near black holes. This recent elegant proof explains why repeated images near a black hole are separated by a specific factor, deepening our grasp of gravitational lensing and providing a unique way to test Einstein’s theories.
- Researchers can test the boundaries of Einstein’s theories, explore the effects of black hole spin, and unlock the secrets of distant galaxies as observational technologies advance, the potential for discovering new phenomena through gravitational lensing grows exponentially.
- Gravitational lensing is an innovative tool for studying cosmic events and testing gravitational theories, allowing observers to witness events such as supernovae multiple times, separated by measurable delays. Insights gained from gravitational lensing holds the potential to revolutionise fields ranging from astrophysics to fundamental physics; through refining their understanding of light’s behaviour near black holes, researchers can investigate the fundamental principles that govern space, time, and gravity.
- Repeated images near the edges of a black hole’s shadow manifest as infinite repetitions of the universe’s image. Each orbit brings light closer to the black hole's edge, resulting in a strikingly detailed mapping of the cosmos, demonstrating the manner in which light interacts with black holes in intriguing ways.
- The methodological flexibility of analysing light's trajectory near black holes using second-order differential equations allows these insights to be applied to various types of black holes, including rotating black holes. This extension has revealed how black hole spin influences the spatial arrangement of photon paths; this discovery opens new avenues for exploring black hole dynamics.
- Given that light travels in straight lines, researchers use curved spacetime to explain the effects of gravity on light. While photons passing too close to black holes’ event horizons are inevitably consumed, those farther away may escape, often after completing several orbits around the black hole.
Read Full Article
17 Likes
Nasa
3w
4
Image Credit: Nasa
NASA to Test Technology for X-59’s Unique Shock Wave Measurements
- NASA is preparing to test a cone-shaped air probe which has been designed to capture the unique sonic thumps that are made by its quiet supersonic X-59 research aircraft while in flight. The shock-sensing probe has been developed in two versions to capture precise pressure data during supersonic flight - one will be optimised for near-field measurements and the other will measure the mid-field, at altitudes between 5,000 and 20,000 feet below the aircraft.
- NASA’s F-15B Aeronautics Research Test Bed will perform calibration flights mounted with the shock-sensing probe, which will capture shock waves from the X-59 and provide data that may change limits for overland supersonic flight from being speed-based to sound-based. The probes will capture small pressure changes that can be compared to predictions from advanced computer models, thereby improving their accuracy.
- Data from the sensors will be vital for validating computer models that predict the strength of the sonic thumps that the X-59 produces. A "follow-the-leader" set-up will allow researchers to analyse shock waves in real-time as they collect thousands of pressure samples per second from the mid-field and near-field probes.
- NASA principal investigator for the probe, Mike Frederick, said that the probe reaffirms that "NASA can take existing technology and adapt it to solve new challenges."
- The X-59 is designed to minimise loud sonic booms generated by an aircraft's supersonic shock waves, reducing them to quieter sonic thumps. The aircraft is part of NASA’s Quesst mission and the data from the shock-sensing probe will be invaluable for examining its shock characteristics.
- The near-field probe will be mounted on one F-15B that will collect data by chasing another F-15 that is flying at supersonic speeds. Previously, a 12-foot design caused delays in recording times and distorted measurements because the probe's pressure transducers had to be placed 5 inches from the ports. A heating system has been developed to maintain the pressure transducers at a consistent temperature during flight.
Read Full Article
Like
Nasa
3w
298
Image Credit: Nasa
NASA Invites Media to Administrator Flight in Electra Hybrid-Electric Aircraft
- NASA Administrator, Bill Nelson, is set to fly in Electra's EL2 Goldfinch experimental prototype aircraft to showcase their goals of reducing emissions and noise, and connecting underserved communities.
- The flight will feature ultra-short takeoffs and landings with as few as 150 feet of ground roll, as well as a battery-only landing.
- NASA's aeronautics research focuses on developing sustainable aviation technologies and supporting industry providers like Electra to design innovative, greener aircraft.
- Electra was selected as one of five recipients of NASA's Advanced Aircraft Concepts for Environmental Sustainability 2050 awards to develop design studies and explore key technologies for next-generation sustainable commercial aircraft.
Read Full Article
17 Likes
Discover more
Nasa
3w
258
Image Credit: Nasa
10 Years Ago: Orion Flies its First Mission
- Orion, Lockheed Martin's spacecraft, completed its maiden flight largest ever spacecraft for NASA's Artemis missions, exploring the moon and the universe beyond.
- On December 5, 2014, Orion blasted off from Launch Complex 37B at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station to begin the Engineering Flight Test-1 mission.
- The EFT-1 mission demonstrated the success of a new spacecraft, heat shield, and designed recovery systems.
- Although EFT-1 did not have crew, the spacecraft flew at higher altitudes than any human-rated spacecraft in over 40 years.
- Orion splashed down in the Pacific ocean 4 hours and 24 minutes after launch, more than 600 miles south-west of San Diego, California
- The mission reaffirmed American capabilities for deep space exploration and spacecraft development.
- The Orion spacecraft, after receiving final inspections and decontamination, is now a prized artifact at the KSC Visitor Complex.
- Orion is the principal element of NASA's Artemis Program, which includes human deep space exploration on future flights.
- On November 16, 2022, the first in a series of missions for Orion took place with the Artemis I mission.
- The Artemis II mission, with a crew of four, plans to take an Orion on a 10-day journey around the moon to human-rate the spacecraft and SLS.
Read Full Article
15 Likes
Nasa
3w
61
Image Credit: Nasa
Space Station Trajectory Data
- NASA has made Space Station trajectory data, called an ephemeris, available to the public.
- The trajectory data is generated by the ISS Trajectory Operations and Planning Officer (TOPO) flight controllers to track the ISS's position and ensure it doesn't collide with other objects in space.
- TOPO updates the predicted trajectory approximately three times a week to minimize errors caused by the thin atmosphere at the ISS's altitude.
- The trajectory data is provided in the CCSDS Orbital Ephemeris Message (OEM) standard and includes information on the ISS's position, velocity, and upcoming translation maneuvers and visiting vehicle activities.
Read Full Article
3 Likes
Nasa
3w
368
Image Credit: Nasa
How do I Spot The Station?
- The sighting information provided by SpotTheStation includes the time, visibility period, maximum height, location of appearance, and location of disappearance.
- Time: Wed Apr 25 7:45 PM, Visible: 4 min, Max Height: 66 degrees, Appears: WSW, Disappears NE.
- The International Space Station orbits with an inclination of 51.6 degrees and will never go directly over your head if you live north or south of 51.6 degrees latitude.
- The space station resembles a bright star or airplane in the sky and moves faster than a typical airplane, flying at 17,500 miles per hour.
Read Full Article
22 Likes
Nasa
3w
403
Image Credit: Nasa
Spot the Station Frequently Asked Questions
- The International Space Station serves as a testbed for technologies and allows us to study the impacts of long-term spaceflight to humans.
- The sighting opportunity schedule indicates that the space station passed over my house last night.
- You will only receive an alert if the space station will reach a max height of at least 40° on flyover.
- The space station looks like an airplane or a very bright star moving across the sky.
- The space station isn’t bright enough to see during the day.
- It needs to be dark where you are and the space station needs to be overhead in order for you to see it.
- No, you can see the space station with your bare eyes, no equipment required.
- Spot The Station will only send out notifications when you will have an opportunity to see the space station, not every time it will be overhead.
- The space station will be visible for an approximate 50 mile (80 km) radius around each of the listed locations.
- In order to update your email address or phone number, you need to register using a different email address or mobile phone number.
Read Full Article
24 Likes
Nasa
3w
17
Image Credit: Nasa
Dragon Departure Adjusted to Next Week, Crew Works Science and Spacewalk Preps
- The science-packed SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will wait another week before departing the International Space Station as mission managers monitor weather conditions at the splashdown sites.
- Meanwhile, the Expedition 72 crew prepared for a spacewalk planned for December and performed various tasks related to science hardware and exercise equipment.
- NASA astronauts completed the installation of science freezers and powered lockers inside Dragon, loaded station hardware, and secured it for return to Earth.
- Other activities on the space station included space physics experiments, spacesuit maintenance, treadmill inspection, and preparations for upcoming spacewalks.
Read Full Article
1 Like
Earthsky
3w
17
Image Credit: Earthsky
Artemis 2 and 3 moon missions delayed, NASA says
- NASA Administrator Bill Nelson announced that the next two planned moon missions have been delayed. Artemis 2, which was to carry astronauts around the moon from September 2025, has been postponed until at least April 2026, while Artemis 3 has been delayed from September 2026 to mid-2027.
- The delay came after NASA examined the Orion crew capsule, which malfunctioned during a 2022 flight. Engineers uncovered charred bits of the heat shield tasked with protecting the crew from high temperatures, which had broken off unexpectedly.
- Delaying the mission will give teams of scientists and engineers the needed time to ensure that the Orion capsule is ready to safely deliver the astronauts to deep space and back to Earth.
- Prior to the announcement, NASA’s Artemis blog had been reporting steady progress on preparations for Artemis 2, which would be the first crewed mission to orbit the moon since Apollo 17 in 1972.
- NASA’s Artemis program was established to return the astronauts, including the first woman and first person of color, to the moon for the first time in over 50 years. Ultimate goals include a lunar base and human missions to Mars.
- Artemis 1 successfully completed its mission in 2022, and Artemis 2 is to become the first crewed mission to orbit the moon.
- NASA established another moon mission, Artemis 4, which was supposed to follow in September 2028. Its goals include multiple launches and spacecraft dockings in lunar orbit.
- Artemis 2 astronauts are Christina Hammock Koch, Victor Glover, Reid Wiseman, and Canadian Jeremy Hansen. Artemis 3 is to be the first mission to return humans to the moon since the Apollo missions of the 1960s and ’70s.
- NASA’s vision for the Artemis program is to go to the moon’s south pole, which has large amounts of water ice containing oxygen, thus making it possible for future astronauts to stay longer.
- The delay on the upcoming moon missions may give China the advantage as their plans to reach the moon by 2030 remain on course.
Read Full Article
1 Like
Digitaltrends
3w
57
Image Credit: Digitaltrends
NASA pushes back its Artemis moon missions due to heat shield issues
- NASA has delayed its Artemis II and Artemis III missions by six months due to heat shield issues.
- The heat shield of the Orion spacecraft, which must withstand high temperatures during re-entry, degraded more than anticipated.
- A report found critical issues with the shielding that need to be fixed before it is safe for astronauts.
- The Artemis II mission will proceed with the current heat shield system, while new heat shields will be manufactured for Artemis III.
Read Full Article
3 Likes
Earthsky
3w
39
Image Credit: Earthsky
Magnitude 7 earthquake off California coast
- A magnitude 7 earthquake struck off the California coast on December 5, 2024.
- The earthquake occurred around 45 miles southwest of Eureka, California.
- A tsunami warning was issued for 5 million people along the coast, but has been canceled.
- Minor damage was reported in Ferndale, California.
Read Full Article
2 Likes
Nasa
3w
78
Image Credit: Nasa
2024 NESC Technical Update
- The 2024 NESC Technical Update provides a summary of the technical work, engineering advancements, and knowledge capture efforts made by the NASA Engineering and Safety Center (NESC) in FY24.
- The NESC focused on performing independent testing, analysis, and assessments of NASA's high-risk projects to ensure safety and mission success.
- The report includes summaries of technical assessments, bulletins, and innovative techniques resulting from the assessment work.
- NESC knowledge products are available at nasa.gov/nesc, and feedback and engagement from stakeholders are welcomed.
Read Full Article
4 Likes
Mensjournal
3w
144
Boeing Whistleblower Offers Grim Warning Over Alleged Factory Safety Issues
- Boeing whistleblower, Craig Garriott, warns about alleged safety issues in the company's satellite division.
- Garriott claims that Boeing is putting workers' lives at risk and has created a 'toxic culture' in their Los Angeles plant.
- He recalls an incident where a four-ton satellite fell to the factory floor, narrowly missing a worker.
- Garriott has raised concerns about hundreds of safety violations and has filed a lawsuit against Boeing for retaliation.
Read Full Article
8 Likes
Nasa
3w
263
Image Credit: Nasa
NASA Flights Map Critical Minerals from Skies Above Western US
- The US Geological Survey has led a nationwide survey from the inside out utilizing tools to probe ancient terrain in new detail to jumpstart mineral exploration
- USGS is leading the Geological Earth Mapping Experiment with NASA to map critical minerals across more than 190,000 square miles of North American soil using airborne instruments, including imaging spectrometers
- The technology detects hundreds of wavelengths of light reflected off planetary surfaces and identifies surface minerals across dry, treeless expanses of the Western US
- Undiscovered US deposits of critical minerals, from lithium to aluminum and rare earth elements including neodymium and cerium, are thought to exist and modern mineral maps will support exploration by the private sector
- The completed survey will cover parts of California, Nevada, Arizona and Oregon on an area about the size of Spain
- GEMx scientists believe mineral maps will support exploration of critical minerals by the private sector, jumpstarting mineral exploration
- The initiative is funded by the USGS Earth Mapping Resources Initiative and will last four years
- The project has collected enough data to start producing a complete hyperspectral map of California - the first of its kind
- Already the technology has been used to help identify surface minerals across dry, treeless expanses of the Western US creating maps which goes beyond mineral identification
- The hyperspectral map is expected to provide new insights into invasive plant species, mine waste that can contaminate the environment, and natural hazards such as earthquakes, landslides, and wildfires
Read Full Article
15 Likes
For uninterrupted reading, download the app