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Space News
Spaceflightnow
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Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1 concludes successful, 14-day mission on the Moon
- Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost lunar lander successfully concludes a 14-day mission on the Moon with the image of its shadow captured on the lunar surface.
- This mission, the longest lunar surface operation for a commercial company, landed at Mare Crisium near Mons Latreille on March 2.
- The 346-hour mission revealed unexpected thermal conditions, impacting the lander's performance.
- Blue Ghost Mission 1 is part of NASA’s CLPS program aiming to conduct science and tech demos economically on the Moon.
- After fulfilling its $101 million contract with NASA, Firefly plans for more ambitious Mission 2 to the far side of the Moon and Mission 3 near Sinus Viscositatis in 2028.
- Lessons learned from Mission 1 will be applied to enhance future missions with a focus on operational improvements and risk mitigation.
- Mission 2 will include Elytra Dark for communications services and LuSEE-Night, the first operational radio telescope on the Moon.
- Mission 3 aims to increase the frequency of lunar launches and landings to achieve an annual rate, providing reliable lunar access for various payloads.
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Knowridge
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Image Credit: Knowridge
Scientists unveil the wild winds of a distant planet
- A new study has revealed the structure of extreme winds on WASP-121b, a gas giant located 1,300 light-years away.
- This exoplanet is almost twice the size of Jupiter and experiences scorching temperatures reaching 3,000°C (5,400°F) on one side, and a drop of 1,500°C (2,700°F) on the other.
- Scientists used the ESPRESSO spectrograph, mounted on the Very Large Telescope, to directly measure wind speeds on WASP-121b.
- This groundbreaking discovery aids in the understanding of planetary atmospheres and provides insights into hot Jupiters and their migration.
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Nasa
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Image Credit: Nasa
Texas High School Aerospace Scholars: A Launchpad for Future Innovators
- The High School Aerospace Scholars (HAS) program by NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement at Johnson Space Center offers Texas high school students hands-on experience in space exploration projects.
- Nearly 30 HAS alumni have been hired by NASA in the past five years, showcasing the program's impact on inspiring future STEM innovators and fostering collaboration.
- Former participant Jaylon Collins credits HAS for shaping his perspective on STEM careers, leading to his pursuit of aerospace engineering at the University of Texas at Austin.
- Collins highlights lessons in teamwork and problem-solving learned during Moonshot, where he participated in an Artemis-themed mission mentored by NASA scientists.
- Erin Shimoda, another HAS alum, is now a key contributor in NASA's Orion Program, ensuring astronaut safety through ascent abort planning and supporting Artemis recovery operations.
- Shimoda emphasizes the value of collaboration and diverse perspectives in achieving innovative solutions, gained through her experience in HAS and her current role at NASA.
- Student Hallel Chery, who completed all stages of HAS, aims to become an engineer and astronaut, inspired by the program's emphasis on teamwork and problem-solving.
- Chery credits HAS for broadening her confidence and leadership skills, noting the program's impact on her ability to tackle challenges and thrive under pressure.
- HAS has provided Chery with professional networking opportunities, connecting her with NASA professionals and offering insight into the agency's work culture and internship opportunities.
- Chery's aspirations include designing space habitats, developing advanced materials for space use, and inspiring others in the Artemis Generation on the journey to the Moon and Mars.
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Brighter Side of News
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Image Credit: Brighter Side of News
Bold new theory challenges endless expansion of the universe
- A new theory challenges the current model of the universe's evolution.
- The standard model, ΛCDM, combines dark energy and cold dark matter to explain the universe's structure and expansion.
- Inconsistencies in measuring the expansion rate (Hubble tension) and matter distribution (sigma-8 tension) suggest missing pieces in understanding dark energy.
- A proposed model suggests dark energy underwent a phase transition, potentially explaining the observed inconsistencies.
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Livescience
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Image Credit: Livescience
'Stranded' NASA astronauts will be carried away on stretchers after return from space. Here's why.
- NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore are set to return to Earth after over nine months in space, likely being carried out on stretchers due to temporary changes in the body from space travel.
- Astronauts experience motion sickness upon return due to adaptation to weightlessness in space, prompting precautionary stretcher transport after landing.
- The inner ear's sensory vestibular system is impacted by space travel, leading to balance issues upon re-entry and a sensation of 'space motion sickness'.
- Long durations in space can cause muscle and bone loss due to reduced gravity, leading to muscle atrophy in astronauts.
- To counteract spaceflight effects, astronauts follow a rigorous exercise routine onboard the ISS to maintain strength and readiness for Earth's gravity.
- NASA astronauts Williams, Wilmore, Hague, and Gorbunov are part of the Crew-9 mission returning aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft on March 18.
- The Crew-9 mission faced setbacks with the Boeing Starliner capsule, including thruster malfunctions, but the astronauts are in good spirits and confident about their return.
- Research on the effects of long-term spaceflight on the human body continues, with Russian Cosmonaut Valeri Polyakov holding the record for the longest consecutive time in space at 437 days aboard the Mir space station.
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TechCrunch
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Image Credit: TechCrunch
A Google-backed weapon to battle wildfires made it into orbit
- The first satellite of the Google-backed FireSat constellation successfully made it to orbit over the weekend.
- The constellation will consist of more than 50 satellites and will be able to image nearly all of Earth's surface every 20 minutes.
- Equipped with multispectral infrared cameras, the satellites will provide high-resolution imagery for wildfire detection.
- The FireSat constellation aims to provide near real-time updates on a fire's whereabouts and behavior, assisting firefighters in their efforts.
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Nasa
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Image Credit: Nasa
NASA Space Day to Share Progress, Opportunities at Texas Capitol
- NASA is organizing Space Day activities at the Texas State Capitol in Austin, Texas.
- The two-day event will include astronaut visits, interactive exhibits, and legislative proclamations.
- The event will focus on space exploration, astronauts, and STEM education.
- NASA's impact in Texas includes over 10,000 aerospace employees and $2 billion in contracts and federal salaries in 2024.
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Teslarati
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Image Credit: Teslarati
SpaceX rescue mission for stranded ISS astronauts nears end — Here’s when they’ll return home
- SpaceX is preparing to bring home the two astronauts stranded on the International Space Station (ISS) for nine months.
- The Dragon spacecraft will undock from the ISS, move away, jettison the trunk, and re-enter Earth's atmosphere for splashdown off the coast of Florida.
- The Crew-10 mission will bring the astronauts home, ending their extensive and unscheduled stay in space.
- SpaceX was tasked with their return after the Boeing Starliner was determined not to be suitable.
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TechCrunch
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Image Credit: TechCrunch
Google and Muon Space launch a new satellite to battle wildfires
- The first satellite of the Google-backed FireSat constellation was successfully launched to orbit to revolutionize wildfire detection and monitoring.
- FireSat's constellation, which will consist of more than 50 satellites, aims to image almost the entire Earth's surface every 20 minutes for enhanced monitoring.
- The initial phase of the project involves three satellites equipped with six-band multispectral infrared cameras tuned to detect wildfires from a distance.
- The FireSat constellation will provide near real-time updates to firefighters, offering high-resolution imagery and specific sensors for accurate wildfire tracking.
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Nasa
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Image Credit: Nasa
Students Dive Into Robotics at Competition Supported by NASA JPL
- High school students participated in the FIRST Robotics Los Angeles regional competition in El Segundo.
- The event, supported by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, involved robots inspired by ocean ecosystems.
- Four teams from the competition earned a chance to compete in the international championship tournament in Houston.
- The competition aims to provide students with engineering experience and business skills in STEM fields.
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Popsci
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Image Credit: Popsci
A startup wants to mine the moon for helium
- Interlune, a startup company, aims to mine the moon for helium-3 isotopes, essential for quantum computers and nuclear fusion reactors.
- The company plans to conduct lunar excursions starting in 2027 to extract helium-3, which is rare on Earth but more abundant on the moon.
- Helium-3's cooling properties make it valuable for specialized technologies, with a single kilogram estimated to be worth around $20 million.
- Interlune's Prospect Moon mission, scheduled for 2027, will evaluate the feasibility of a full-scale lunar mining operation.
- Despite potential financial gains, uncertainties remain regarding the quantity of helium-3 in lunar regolith and legal jurisdiction over moon resources.
- Lunar mining operations could impact the lunar environment, sparking international debates over lunar territory and conservation.
- Interlune's scientific adviser, Clive Neal, believes preserving the moon's environment may not be necessary due to the absence of life on the moon.
- However, considerations about cultural significance and the ethical implications of altering the moon's surface are raised as potential concerns.
- Large-scale lunar mining projects are still in the distant future, leaving room for discussions involving stakeholders and regulators.
- Interlune did not provide further comments regarding their lunar mining plans at the time of publication.
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Earthsky
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Image Credit: Earthsky
Life on Mars? Odd rings and spots tantalize scientists
- NASA's Perseverance rover discovered odd 'leopard spot' rings and 'poppy seed' spots on Mars, resembling features on Earth created by microbes, hinting at potential ancient Martian life.
- Two new science papers presented at a recent conference suggest a biological explanation is the most likely, although definitive proof is still lacking.
- The rock formations with leopard spots and poppy seeds were found in an ancient riverbed, with characteristics similar to Earth features associated with microbial activity.
- Chemical analysis indicated the involvement of iron, phosphorus, and sulfur in the formation process, hinting at a microbial role as iron and sulfate minerals reacted with organic compounds in the rock.
- Further studies and sample returns are needed to ascertain if the spotted formations on Mars indeed point towards ancient microbial life, although non-biological explanations are still plausible.
- Scientists remain intrigued by the unusual features on Mars, including green spots found in the same riverbed, potentially indicating further clues to the planet's geological and biological history.
- The tantalizing discoveries raise questions and call for more in-depth investigations and analysis to confirm the presence of ancient life on Mars.
- Future laboratory and modeling studies are essential to explore these Martian features in more detail and understand the possible role of microbial processes in their formation.
- The proposed Mars Sample Return Program aims to bring back samples for extensive study on Earth, providing a clearer understanding of the origin of the intriguing formations on the red planet.
- The recent findings present compelling evidence, but definitive conclusions regarding the existence of ancient life on Mars remain pending further research and analysis.
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Livescience
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Image Credit: Livescience
'Stranded' NASA astronauts are finally coming home: Here's when they'll be back on Earth
- Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams will return to Earth on Tuesday (March 18) aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.
- Their return, part of NASA's scheduled rotation, was originally planned for Wednesday but has been moved forward due to favorable weather conditions.
- The duo's extended stay on the International Space Station was a result of issues with Boeing's spacecraft.
- Wilmore and Williams' return will be live-streamed by NASA starting on Monday (March 17) at 10:45 p.m. ET.
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Spaceflightnow
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Fresh crew docks at space station; Starliner astronauts expected to return to Earth Tuesday
- A new crew of four SpaceX Crew-10 members docked at the International Space Station, joining the seven Expedition 72 crew members for a welcoming ceremony.
- The Crew Dragon capsule successfully docked with the ISS after launching from the Kennedy Space Center, bringing fresh crew members and preparing for the return of the Starliner astronauts after nearly 300 days in space.
- Following standard procedures, motorized latches engaged to create an airtight seal between the Dragon capsule and the ISS before the crew members entered the space station.
- Commander Anne McClain and her crew expressed joy and gratitude for the journey and the SpaceX ride to the ISS, with co-pilot Nichole Ayers also sharing excitement about working in space.
- The Crew-10 members replaced Crew-9 commander Nick Hague and others, while three other crew members are scheduled to return to Earth next month aboard a Russian Soyuz spacecraft.
- Starliner commander Barry “Butch” Wilmore and pilot Sunita Williams were originally part of Crew 9 but stayed aboard the ISS due to Starliner technical issues, now set to return with Crew 10.
- NASA announced the return of Crew 9 on Tuesday, targeting a splashdown in the Gulf near Florida, allowing for a smooth handover with Crew 10 while considering favorable weather conditions.
- Barry “Butch” Wilmore and Sunita Williams will have been in space for 286 days upon landing, still short of the U.S. record for a single flight held by astronaut Frank Rubio at 371 days.
- Williams will move up to second place on the list of most experienced U.S. astronauts with around 570 days in space overall, behind Peggy Whitson who has spent 675 days over four flights.
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Nasa
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Image Credit: Nasa
NASA, Firefly Invite Media to Discuss End of Blue Ghost Moon Mission
- NASA and Firefly Aerospace will host a news conference to discuss Blue Ghost Mission 1 on the Moon's surface.
- Firefly's Blue Ghost lunar lander performed operations on the Moon from March 2 to March 16.
- The lander's NASA payloads were activated, collecting science data as part of NASA’s CLPS initiative and Artemis campaign.
- The news conference will include participants from NASA and Firefly Aerospace.
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