Breaking Space News: July 28 - August 3, 2024

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• SPACE SCIENCE

  • The Enigma of the Sun’s Super-Hot Corona: Alfvén W …

  • Japan’s ADRAS-J Conducts Fly-Around Observation of …

  • Joint UK-Canada £1.2 million Aqualunar Challenge t …

  • Planetary Defense and Asteroid Evolution: Findings …

  • Booz Allen Deploys Generative AI on ISS to Enhance …

  • Egypt and Germany Collaborate on Successful Nexsat …

• MILITARY IN SPACE

  • Japan Strengthens Space Domain Awareness with New …

  • U.S. Space Force Awards Major Contracts to ULA and …

  • CACI and SES Secure Major Contracts to Enhance U.S …

  • Defense Science Board Report Urges US DoD to Lever …

• SPACE COMMERCE

  • Vast Unveils Haven-1 Lab: First Commercial Microgr …

• RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

  • Supermassive Black Hole Mergers: Dark Matter’s Rol …

  • Dust Traps and the Early Formation of Life-Friendl …

  • Historical Images Reveal Pre-Collapse State of Ant …

SPACE SCIENCE

The Enigma of the Sun’s Super-Hot Corona: Alfvén Waves and Parker Probe Findings

Recent studies have provided new insights into the long-standing mystery of why the solar corona is significantly hotter than the Sun’s surface. A study, published in The Astrophysical Journal, explores the role of kinetic Alfvén waves (KAWs) in heating the solar corona. These waves, which are oscillations of ions and magnetic fields, are abundant throughout the plasma universe and have been identified as potential candidates for transporting energy from one place to another. Graduate research assistant Syed Ayaz from the UAH Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomic Research (CSPAR) utilized a novel approach to model energetic particles in space plasmas. His investigation focused on how the electromagnetic energy of KAWs transforms into heat during the damping process as the waves move through space. This research provides critical insights into the perturbed electromagnetic fields, Poynting flux vector, and the power delivery rate of KAWs in the solar atmosphere.

Complementing this research, the Parker Solar Probe, launched by NASA, has ruled out S-shaped bends in the Sun’s magnetic field as a cause of the corona’s searing temperatures. These bends, known as switchbacks, were initially thought to contribute to the heating of the corona and the acceleration of the solar wind. However, data from the probe’s first 14 laps around the Sun showed that while switchbacks are common in the solar wind near the Sun, they are absent inside the corona.

Additionally, another study highlights the intriguing behavior of small-scale waves in the Sun’s plasma, which could be responsible for the super-hot nature of the solar corona.These findings suggest that KAWs dissipate and heat the Sun’s corona, offering a crucial clue to the coronal heating mystery and why the solar corona, extending eight million kilometers above the Sun’s surface, reaches temperatures over one million degrees, compared to the cooler 6,500 degrees of the Sun’s surface.

Japan’s ADRAS-J Conducts Fly-Around Observation of Space Debris

Astroscale Japan’s Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J) mission satellite has successfully conducted controlled fly-around operations of a large, abandoned Japanese upper stage rocket body. It captured detailed images from various angles and lighting conditions while maintaining a fixed-point relative position of approximately 50 meters. This mission marks the world’s first attempt to safely approach, characterize, and survey the state of an existing piece of large debris through Rendezvous and Proximity Operations (RPO).

The ADRAS-J mission, starting in February 2024, has been collecting crucial data on debris movement and structure to aid future capture and removal missions for orbital sustainability. Despite an unexpected attitude anomaly causing an autonomous abort during the first fly-around, ADRAS-J successfully reapproached the debris and completed two successful observations.

Joint UK-Canada £1.2 million Aqualunar Challenge to Develop New Lunar Water Purifying Technologies

The UK Space Agency, in collaboration with the Canadian Space Agency, has launched the Aqualunar Challenge, a £1.2 million international prize aimed at developing innovative technologies to purify water ice found in the Moon’s soil. This initiative is crucial for establishing a sustainable human presence on the lunar surface, as it addresses the need for a reliable water supply for drinking, growing food, and producing oxygen and hydrogen.

Ten UK-based teams have been awarded £30,000 each to develop their proposed technologies, which include diamond-encrusted filtration units, concentrated sunshine, and ultrasound purification methods. These technologies must withstand the harsh conditions of the lunar south pole, where water ice is mixed with lunar regolith, making purification a complex task. The finalists’ innovations will be further developed, with winners to be announced in Spring 2025.

The Aqualunar Challenge intends to support NASA’s Artemis missions by developing technologies to reduce the need for continuous resupply from Earth, making lunar habitation more feasible and sustainable.

Planetary Defense and Asteroid Evolution: Findings from NASA’s DART, Osiris-REx, and JAXA’s Hayabusa Missions

Recent studies have provided new insights into the formation and evolution of binary asteroid systems, particularly focusing on the Didymos-Dimorphos pair targeted by NASA’s DART and Osiris-REx mission, and JAXA’s Hayabusa missions. The DART mission, which impacted Dimorphos in 2022, revealed that Dimorphos likely formed from material ejected by Didymos around 0.3 million years ago. In contrast, Didymos itself is approximately 12.5 million years old. This discovery not only sheds light on the formation and evolution of binary asteroids but also enhances our understanding of potential planetary defense strategies and their potential threats to Earth.

The DART mission also demonstrated the effectiveness of kinetic impact as a planetary defense strategy. By successfully altering Dimorphos’ orbit around Didymos, the mission proved that humanity could, in principle, deflect a worrisome space rock heading for the planet. The mission’s success was confirmed by observing a 32-minute reduction in Dimorphos’ orbital period.

These findings, corroborated by data from the Light Italian Cubesat for Imaging of Asteroids (LICIACube) and various telescopes, provide valuable insights into the geophysical properties and dynamics of binary asteroid systems. The continuous progress in space exploration and related scientific fields paves the way for future innovations and discoveries. Three research teams published their findings on Tuesday (July 30) in Nature Communications.

Booz Allen Deploys Generative AI on ISS to Enhance Operations

Booz Allen Hamilton has deployed a generative AI large language model (LLM) on the International Space Station using Hewlett Packard Enterprise’s (HPE) Spaceborne Computer-2. This marks the first operational use of a generative AI LLM in space, assisting astronauts with rapid, relevant responses and issue resolution without Earth-bound internet. The LLM has been operational since mid-July 2024 to demonstrate its capabilities in a resource-constrained environment.

The AI model, developed over eight weeks, leverages retrieval-augmented generation to efficiently retrieve and interpret data, solving complex issues using natural language processing. Booz Allen used this proof-of-concept to highlight its ability to deploy advanced AI techniques in extreme conditions, potentially expanding to other disconnected environments on Earth and in space.

By processing data in orbit and sending only the insights back to Earth, the Spaceborne Computer-2 reduces data transmission times, enhancing the efficiency of space operations. This deployment underscores the potential for on-orbit generative AI to integrate and develop mission-critical solutions, paving the way for future advancements in space technology. Read more here.

Egypt and Germany Collaborate on Successful Nexsat-1 Satellite Launch

In a significant milestone for Egypt’s space program, the Egyptian Space Agency (EgSA) successfully accomplished the official duration of its experimental satellite, Nexsat-1, launched on February 3, 2024. The satellite was launched using China’s small orbital launch vehicle, Jielong-3 (Smart Dragon-3), from the coast of Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province. Nexsat-1, designed for remote sensing, is a collaborative effort between Egyptian engineers and Germany’s Berlin Space Technologies (BST). The satellite is equipped with a space payload for electro-optical imaging, providing a multispectral resolution of 5.7 meters, which allows for high-detail imagery.

EgSA played a pivotal role in the development of Nexsat-1, focusing on creating critical operating software and systems. Over sixty engineers conducted functional tests, integration, assembly, and testing procedures. Dr. Sherif Sedky, the CEO of EgSA, emphasized the importance of Nexsat-1 in advancing micro-satellite technology localization in Egypt and Africa. The successful launch of Nexsat-1 marks a crucial step in Egypt’s national space program, aligning with the state’s sustainable development goals and creating economic returns by producing this model for other entities.

MILITARY IN SPACE

Japan Strengthens Space Domain Awareness with New Initiatives and Partnerships, Expanding Role in Space Surveillance and Security

Japan is expanding its role in space domain awareness (SDA), as noted by Col. Yuka Nakazato, Japanese Embassy air and space attaché, at the AIAA ASCEND conference in Las Vegas, US. The Japanese Space Operations Group, formed in 2022, is creating a dedicated SDA unit under a general's command. Japan plans to launch its first SDA satellite in 2026 and is renaming its Air Self Defense Course to the Air and Space Self Defense Course.

Japan’s SDA constellation will include sensors provided by the U.S. Space Force, developed by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Lincoln Laboratory. These sensors will monitor spacecraft and debris in geosynchronous orbit. In late 2023, Japan joined the Combined Space Operations initiative, a multinational partnership aimed at enhancing joint military operations. This collaboration includes countries such as Australia, Canada, France, Germany, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

Japan is actively involved in the UN's United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) to address space debris and promote responsible space activities. The government plans to add surveillance to next-gen satellites launching in the 2030s to counter China and Russia. Additionally, Northrop Grumman and Japanese heavy-industry manufacturer, IHI Corporation have agreed to develop small, maneuverable satellites to enhance Japan’s SDA capabilities.

U.S. Space Force Awards Major Contracts to ULA and SpaceX Amid Atlas 5’s Final National Security Launch

The U.S. Space Force has increased its launch contracts with United Launch Alliance (ULA) and SpaceX by nearly $1.8 billion. This surge in funding is part of the National Security Space Launch (NSSL) Phase 2 program, which aims to ensure reliable access to space for critical national security payloads. ULA, a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, will see its contract value rise by $1.1 billion, while SpaceX’s contract will increase by $661 million.

This follows ULA’s successful Atlas 5 rocket launch on July 30, 2024, its final national security mission, designated USSF-51. This mission marked ULA’s 100th national security mission and the last NSSL launch on an Atlas 5 rocket. The Atlas 5, powered by a Russian-made RD-180 engine, lifted off from Space Launch Complex-41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. ULA’s next national security flight will be on the new Vulcan Centaur rocket, pending a successful second certification launch slated for September. The development also comes amid calls for more launch options following last month’s Falcon 9 anomaly, which highlighted the need for diversified capabilities to ensure mission success.

CACI and SES Secure Major Contracts to Enhance U.S. Military Space Operations, Navigational Warfare, and Satellite Services Amid SES’s Cost-Saving Measures

Two significant contracts have been awarded to enhance U.S. military space operations and maintain technological capabilities. CACI International, a US-based a provider of information technology solutions and services, has secured a 10-year, $450 million contract to support the Joint Navigation Warfare Center (JNWC) under U.S. Space Command. The contract aims to enhance the Department of Defense’s positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) capabilities through operational assessments, war gaming, and threat simulations, helping combatant commanders navigate PNT-disrupted environments.

SES Space & Defense, the U.S. arm of Luxembourg-based SES, secured a $46.8 million contract to provide geostationary Ku-band satellite communication services to the U.S. Air Force. This multi-year agreement supports the Air Combat Command’s remotely piloted aircraft training and testing program across the continental U.S., Hawaii, Alaska, and the Pacific Ocean. SES will use its high-throughput satellites for ground-to-air and air-to-ground transmission coverage, along with network management and monitoring support.

Meanwhile, SES is pursuing cost-saving measures after losing revenue from a bankrupt Brazilian broadcast customer, affecting its declining video business. The satellite operator expects a 5% drop in annual media revenue by 2025, alongside a continuing decline as satellite TV customers switch to streaming. SES aims to offset this loss through cost-saving efforts and increased revenue from sports and events broadcasting. Growth in SES’s networks division, driven by mobile broadband services, is partially offsetting the video division’s decline.

Defense Science Board Report Urges US DoD to Leverage Commercial Space Tech in Military Strategy

A recent Defense Science Board (DSB) report urges the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to integrate commercial space technologies into its national security framework. Commissioned by Undersecretary of Defense for Research and Engineering Heidi Shyu, the study highlights the importance of leveraging commercial advancements to enhance military capabilities. Chaired by industry executive Mandy Vaughn and retired U.S. Air Force general Ellen Pawlikowski, the DSB panel recommends a comprehensive approach to incorporating these technologies.

The DSB recommends an end-to-end framework for integrating commercial capabilities, evaluating commercial space services, and developing monitoring and response capabilities for adversary use of commercial assets. It also emphasizes incentivizing trust and building resilience among commercial providers.

This report follows two recent strategy documents released by the DoD and U.S. Space Force in April, both advocating for greater military adoption of commercial space technologies for communications, space surveillance, navigation, and other essential services. The DSB study underscores the potential risks associated with adversary exploitation of these systems and calls for a balanced approach to investment, regulation, and procurement decisions. Read more about the analysis here.

SPACE COMMERCE

Vast Unveils Haven-1 Lab: First Commercial Microgravity Research Platform

Vast, a space habitation technology company, has announced the Haven-1 Lab, the first commercial microgravity research, development, and manufacturing platform on a commercial space station. Scheduled to launch in the second half of 2025 on a Falcon 9 rocket, Haven-1 will host crews transported by Crew Dragon spacecraft. The lab will feature 10 middeck locker equivalents for payloads up to 30 kilograms and 100 watts of power. Payloads will launch with the station, and users can return samples via visiting Dragon spacecraft.

Vast has partnered with Redwire Space and European space biotech company Yuri to provide advanced experiment platforms. Redwire will supply its Advanced Space Experiment Processor (ADSEP) and PIL-BOX pharmaceutical experiment platforms, while Yuri will provide its ScienceTaxi experiment package. These partnerships aim to offer new opportunities for experiments not accommodated on the International Space Station (ISS) due to space limitations.

The Haven-1 Lab is part of Vast’s efforts to demonstrate its capabilities to NASA and the industry, positioning itself as a potential awardee for NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program. This initiative reflects the growing interest in commercial space stations as the ISS approaches its planned retirement in 2030. Read more here.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Supermassive Black Hole Mergers: Dark Matter’s Role in Solving the Final Parsec Problem

Recent research has proposed a groundbreaking solution to the “final parsec problem” in supermassive black hole mergers, leveraging the mysterious properties of dark matter. The final parsec problem refers to the challenge of explaining how supermassive black holes, which are drawn together during galaxy mergers, overcome the last 3.3 light-years (one parsec) of separation to eventually merge. Traditional models have struggled to account for this final stage, as the black holes’ gravitational interactions with surrounding matter should theoretically stall their approach.

A new study published in Physical Review Letters suggests that self-interacting dark matter could provide the necessary dynamical friction to bridge this gap. The researchers argue that dark matter particles, which interact with each other, can extract significant momentum from the black holes, facilitating their merger. This interaction creates a dense dark matter spike around the black holes, which acts as a reservoir for the energy liberated from their orbits. This model not only resolves the final parsec problem but also aligns with current gravitational wave observations, offering a more comprehensive understanding of supermassive black hole mergers.

This innovative approach underscores the potential of dark matter to influence cosmic phenomena and highlights the importance of continued exploration into its properties and interactions.

Dust Traps and the Early Formation of Life-Friendly, Organic Molecule Around Young Stars

Recent research has unveiled a crucial role of dust traps in the formation of complex organic molecules, essential for life, around young stars. These dust traps, regions where dust and ice accumulate in protoplanetary disks, are exposed to intense starlight, which irradiates the icy particles and rapidly converts them into macromolecular matter. This process, occurring within just a few decades, challenges previous assumptions about the timescales required for the formation of life’s building blocks.

A study published in Nature Astronomy highlights that these macromolecules, which include carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen, are crucial for the life-friendly composition of planets. The researchers used computer modeling to demonstrate that the radiation-driven ice chemistry in dust traps can produce complex organic matter similar to that found in meteorites known as chondrites. This finding suggests that the conditions for life could be established much earlier in the planet formation process than previously thought.

The implications of this discovery are profound, as it not only provides insights into the origins of life on Earth but also enhances our understanding of habitability around different types of exoplanets and stars. This research opens new avenues for exploring the potential for life beyond our solar system.

Historical Images Reveal Pre-Collapse State of Antarctic Glaciers

In a recent study, researchers have utilized nearly 1,000 historical photographs to reconstruct the state of five Antarctic glaciers before the dramatic collapse of the Larsen B Ice Shelf in 2002. These images, dating back to the 1960s, have enabled scientists to accurately calculate the glaciers’ contributions to sea-level rise. The Larsen B Ice Shelf collapse, which occurred over the course of a week after consecutive years of unusually warm temperatures, led to rapid melting of the glaciers that once flowed into it. This event underscores the profound impact of Antarctic changes on global sea levels. Read more about it here.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸