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- Breaking Space News: June 16 - 22, 2024
Breaking Space News: June 16 - 22, 2024
Egypt Chairing COPOUS, Nigerian astronaut and Zimbabwean satellite ready for space, DARPA funds Quantum Laser Tech, Lego for Lunar Habitats, Unprecedented Deep-Space Imaging and more!
Lagrangian Despatch
June 23, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 23 minutes
Dear Lagrangian,
Welcome, and thanks for joining us this week! We hope that you find this week’s installment interesting and entertaining to read. Anything that we missed? Please feel free to leave a message with us.
Enjoy reading!
SPACE GOVERNANCE
China Diversifies Astronaut corps, Embracing Hong Kong and Macao for Future Missions
The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has announced the selection of 10 new astronauts, marking a significant expansion of China’s human spaceflight program. The group includes eight spacecraft pilots and two science payload specialists, the latter being the first from the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions (SAR). This fourth generation of astronauts also includes pilots from the PLA Ground Force and Navy, broadening the traditional pool of Air Force aviators. The new astronauts will undergo extensive training for future missions to the Tiangong space station and planned lunar expeditions.
Panoramic image of the China Space Station, Tiangong, photographed by Shenzhou-16 crew during their return to Earth in October 2023. The core module sits at the center, with two laboratory modules on either side. (Credit: CMSA)
The move is seen as a milestone for the SARs, showing strong central government support for their scientific sectors and potential contributions to national space efforts. It also highlights CMSA’s focus on international cooperation and diversity, including plans to train foreign astronauts for Tiangong space station missions.
Egyptian Space Agency CEO Appointed Chair of COPUOS
Sherif Mohamed Sedky at the ongoing COPUOS session. (Credit: UNOOSA)
Professor Sherif Sedky, the CEO of the Egyptian Space Agency (EGSA), has been appointed as the Chair of the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) at the ongoing 67th session. This appointment signifies the increasing influence and participation of African nations in global space governance. With Sedky’s leadership at the Egyptian Space Agency (EGSA) and his academic background position, he is expected to help steer COPUOS’s efforts in promoting international cooperation, as well as in the utilization of space science and technology for sustainable development. His leadership comes at a crucial time when space activities are becoming increasingly important on the global stage.
SPACE COMMERCE
US NOAA Advances Meteorological Capabilities with GOES-U Satellite Launch via Falcon Heavy
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is preparing to launch its GOES-U satellite aboard a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket. This event is significant as it marks the first time a NOAA satellite will be launched on SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy, which is considered one of the world’s most powerful operational rockets.
The GOES-U satellite, the final addition to the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites (GOES) R series constellation, is equipped with a new sun sensor, the Compact Coronagraph (CCOR), which will significantly improve space weather prediction capabilities. Unlike its predecessors, the CCOR on GOES-U will detect the white light of the upper solar corona and deliver imagery back to Earth within 30 minutes, a vast improvement over the current system that can take up to eight hours. The CCOR-1, developed by the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, will aid in the early detection and analysis of coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are critical in predicting geomagnetic storms that pose risks to Earth’s power and communication infrastructure.
The CCOR-1 is lowered into place on the spacecraft’s solar-pointing platform, where it will reside along with the Solar Ultraviolet Imager (SUVI) and Extreme Ultraviolet and X-ray Irradiance Sensors (EXIS). (Credit: Lockheed Martin)
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy was chosen over United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket, which had flown NOAA’s previous three satellites, and was also involved in the recent Boeing Starliner crewed test flight to the International Space Station. The launch is scheduled for June 25, with a two-hour window opening at 5:16 p.m. EDT.
Nigeria’s Space Program Partners with US based SERA for First Astronaut Mission
Nigeria’s National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the US-based Space Exploration and Research Agency (SERA) to send the first Nigerian astronaut into space. This partnership, which aligns with Nigeria’s National Space Policy and Programme, is a significant step in the country’s 25-year space exploration journey. The collaboration aims to democratize space exploration and provide opportunities for nations traditionally underrepresented in space activities. The MoU was signed in Abuja, with NASRDA’s Director General, Mathew Adepoju, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Uche Nnaji, and SERA’s co-founder, Joshua Skurla.
Zimbabwe Leaps Forward in Space Tech and Earth Observation as it readies for ZimSat-2 launch
Zimbabwe is on track to launch its second satellite, ZimSat-2, by November 2024, aiming to enhance its data and space technology capabilities. Initially scheduled for May, the launch was postponed due to a delay in the readiness of the primary payload. ZimSat-2 will be equipped with advanced sensors and imaging tools for applications such as environmental monitoring, mineral prospecting, drought management, and urban planning. The Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency (ZINGSA) is finalizing technical preparations for the launch. This satellite will build upon the functions of ZimSat-1, which is currently operational for tasks like drought monitoring and mining mapping. A collaborative effort with Japan, the government views this project as pivotal for the country’s modernization and industrialization goals.
A set of four CubeSats released from a small satellite deployer on the outside of the Kibo laboratory module on the ISS. The J-SSOD-23 CubeSat deployment mission included: PEARLAFRICASAT-1, the first satellite developed by Uganda at the Science, Technology, and Innovation Office of the President; ZIMSAT-1, Zimbabwe’s first satellite developed by Zimbabwe National Geospatial and Space Agency; TAKA, developed by Kyushu Institute of Technology (Japan); and SpaceTuna1, developed by Mitsui Bussan Aerospace Inc. (Japan). Three of the four satellites were developed as a part of the multinational BIRDS-5 Project sponsored by JAXA. (Credit: NASA)
Kenya Space Expo outlines Blueprint for an Empowered African Space Sector by Building Capacity and Forging Partnerships
The Kenya Space Expo and Conference 2024 (KSEC2024), themed “Space Technologies for Societal Benefit,” took place from June 18 to 20 in Nairobi, drawing over 400 delegates globally. It highlighted the development of indigenous space capabilities and the socioeconomic benefits of space technology, with partnerships from countries like Italy, Egypt, and Uganda. The event gathered government representatives, policymakers, academia, space agencies, international organizations, and young professionals from at least 12 nations, and featured exhibitors from leading global space industry companies, including those from Bulgaria, China, France, India, Italy, South Africa, Spain, the UK, the US, and others.
Key announcements included 15 PhD scholarships in Earth Observation and new facilities at Malindi Space Centre, showcasing Kenya’s commitment to space capabilities. A collaboration with ISRO and a focus on frugal engineering emphasize cost-effective space exploration will be part of an upcoming MoU between the two countries. Kenya will also host a Space4Women Global Expert Meeting with UNOOSA in November 2024.
Boeing and NASA Troubleshoot as Technical Difficulties in Orbit delay Starliner's Return
The return of Boeing Starliner’s Crew Flight Test (CFT) spacecraft to Earth from the International Space Station has been rescheduled. Originally set for return on June 26, 2024, the return is now delayed to no earlier than July 2, 2024. The adjustment is to allow Boeing and NASA more time to assess and troubleshoot several issues that have arisen with the vehicle, including small helium leaks in the propulsion system and problems with five of its 28 reaction control system (RCS) thrusters. A spacewalk which was earlier planned for June 13, is now scheduled for June 24.
An aurora streams below Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft docked to the forward port on the Harmony module as the International Space Station soared 266 miles above the Indian Ocean southwest of Australia. (Credit: NASA/Matt Dominick)
Rocket Lab’s 50th Electron Launch Advances IoT Connectivity
Rocket Lab has successfully conducted its 50th Electron mission, designated “No Time Toulouse,” which involved the deployment of five satellites into orbit for Kinéis, a French provider of Internet of Things (IoT) satellite connectivity. Executed from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand, the payload satellites were deployed approximately one hour and six minutes post-liftoff. This mission marks the inaugural launch in a series of five planned missions, through which Rocket Lab aims to deploy a total of 25 satellites to complete Kinéis' satellite constellation.
A close-up shot of the nine Rutherford engines at the base of Rocket Lab’s Electron rocket. (Credit: Rocket Lab)
New Zealand based, Rocket Lab’s missions are renowned for their rapid launch cadence and lightweight design, catering to the small satellite market with a payload capacity of up to 300 kg to low Earth orbit. The Electron rocket, featuring the world’s first 3D-printed engine, offers precise and cost-effective satellite deployment and with this launch highlights Rocket Lab’s swift rise in commercial spaceflight, achieving this milestone faster than any other commercial rocket.
MILITARY IN SPACE
DARPA Funds Tech that Enhances Laser Vision through Extreme Weather for Advanced Surveillance
A breakthrough in laser technology facilitated by quantum physics, may significantly enhance the performance of lasers in adverse weather conditions. Jung-Tsung Shen, an associate professor at Washington University in St. Louis, is developing a prototype of a quantum photonic-dimer laser, funded by a $1 million grant from U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).
Photons encode information when they travel, but the travel through the atmosphere is very damaging to them. When two photons are bound together, they still suffer the effects of the atmosphere, but they can protect each other so that some phase information can still be preserved.
This new laser technology uses pairs of photons of different colors, “glued” together by quantum effects to form a photonic dimer, which behaves like a blue photon and can maintain phase information despite atmospheric interference. The potential applications of this technology are vast, including improvements in communication, imaging, and possibly aiding in military surveillance.
Jung-Tsung Shen is developing a prototype of a quantum photonic-dimer laser with a two-year $1 million grant from the DARPA of the U.S. Department of Defense. (Credit: Jung-Tsung Shen, using DALL.E and Affinity Designer)
SpaceX, Blue Origin, ULA are Key Players in Pentagon’s Strategic $5.6 Billion Launch Plans
The Pentagon has awarded Blue Origin, SpaceX and United Launch Alliance a collective firm-fixed-price contract with a ceiling of $5.6 billion for National Security Space Launch (NSSL) services. These services are to deliver payloads into orbit for national security missions, including launches of classified satellites for agencies such as the Missile Defense Agency, Space Development Agency, and National Reconnaissance Office. The contract spans fiscal years 2025 through 2029 and includes at least 30 NSSL Lane 1 missions targeting low Earth orbit.
The contracts aim to enhance U.S. national security in space. Blue Origin’s inclusion, after being previously overlooked, marks a shift showing the Pentagon’s confidence in its New Glenn rocket, which has yet to make its first orbital flight. ULA’s Vulcan Centaur rocket, launched in January 2024, reflects the Pentagon’s trust in ULA’s technology and commitment to a diverse industrial base. SpaceX solidifies its role as a reliable partner for national security payloads, with its successful Falcon rockets and the development of the revolutionary Starship vehicle.
SPACE SCIENCE
New Webb Telescope Data Revises our View of the Crab Nebula, the Unusual Supernova Remnant
The study, led by Tea Temim at Princeton University, utilized the James Webb Space Telescope’s (JWST) advanced instruments to analyze the nebula’s composition, challenging previous theories about its origin. The data suggest that the nebula could be the result of a weak iron core-collapse supernova, rather than an electron-capture supernova as previously thought.
Employing the telescope’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) and Near-Infrared Camera (NIRCam), they collected data that contributes to a clearer understanding of the nebula’s historical narrative. For example, the Crab Nebula’s unique dust distribution in its outer filaments, contrasting with central dust in other remnants like Cassiopeia A and Supernova 1987A, underscoring the nebula’s peculiar nature among well-studied astronomical objects.
Image of the Crab Nebula captured by Webb’s NIRCam and MIRI, with compass arrows, scale bar, and color key for reference. The scale bar is labeled in light-years, which is the distance that light travels in one Earth-year. One light-year is equal to about 5.88 trillion miles or 9.46 trillion kilometers. The field of view shown in this image is approximately 10 light-years across. This image shows invisible near-infrared and mid-infrared wavelengths of light that have been translated into visible-light colors. The color key shows which components were observed by NIRCam and MIRI, and which visible-light color is assigned to each feature. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Tea Temim - Princeton University)
The supernova explosion from a dying star 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus, was first observed on Earth in 1054 CE. Since then its cloud of debris has been expanding at 1,500 kilometers per second and now spread across 11 lights-years.
The findings of the study were published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.
ESA’s Moon Bases might be Built with Lego-Inspired Space Bricks
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) latest approach to building potential lunar bases for the Artemis program uses Lego inspired 3D-printed bricks made from meteorite dust, biodegradable polymer, and lunar regolith simulant. These “ESA Space Bricks” demonstrate the feasibility of constructing habitats and other structures on the Moon using in-situ resources. The bricks will be displayed at select Lego Stores to showcase how space materials can be utilized for construction beyond Earth.
"ESA Space Bricks" were 3D printed from a feedstock made from a 4.5-million-year-old meteorite, polylactide and regolith simulant as a test to see if they could be used a lunar building brick. As a stand-in for lunar regolith, ESA scientists ground down a meteorite found in 2000 in Northwest Africa. (Credit: Lego)
NASA’s Perseverance Finds Novel Geological Mosaic and Navigates an Ancient River Channel on Mars
This maneuver let the rover traverse the Neretva Vallis ridge, an ancient riverbed that may have fed fresh water into the Jezero Crater billions of years ago, as a way to avoid a field of boulders that had hindered its progress and shortened the travel time by several weeks. On its way to Bright Angel, its current area of interest, the rover photographed the varied textures and compositions of rocks at Mount Washburn, a collection of geological treasures likely originating from the crater rim or further, with one notable rock, dubbed “Atoko Point,” standing out among them.
01 - Stitched together from 18 images taken by NASA’s Perseverance rover, “Mount Washburn’s” boulder field, highlighting a central light-toned boulder with diverse textures and composition, aptly named “Atoko Point” by the science team. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/MSSS). 02 - Superimposed on an image from NASA’s Mars Odyssey orbiter, this map shows Perseverance’s path between Jan. 21 and June 11. White dots indicate where the rover stopped after completing a traverse beside Neretva Vallis river channel. The pale blue line indicates the rover’s route inside the channel. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona)
The rover is currently in the later stages of its fourth science campaign, investigating carbonate and olivine deposits in the Margin Unit along Jezero Crater’s rim. The Bright Angel site features light-toned rocky outcrops that could provide new insights into the crater’s geologic history.
ESA's Gaia Telescope Data and GRAVITY Expose Hidden Stellar Neighbors, including Faint and Failed Stars
A team of scientists have successfully imaged eight dim companion objects to bright stars, seven of which were theorized but previously unseen. using the European Space Agency’s Gaia space telescope have successfully identified previously unseen companions to bright stars. Three of the objects are small and faint stars, while five are brown dwarfs—objects larger than gas giants but lacking the mass for hydrogen fusion.
Artist impression of a brown dwarf orbiting its host star. (Credit: ESA)
The team identified stars and companions from Gaia’s catalogue of stellar orbits, for targeting by GRAVITY. An advanced near-infrared interferometer at European Southern Observatory's (ESO) Very Large Telescope in Chile, GRAVITY, uses interferometry to combine infrared light from different telescopes, capturing tiny details in faint objects.
The ability to image these dim companions, despite the overwhelming brightness of their host stars, showcases the precision of the Gaia telescope and the power of ground-based interferometry. The findings of the study were published in the Astronomy and Astrophysics journal.
RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
High-Precision Velocimetry uses Doppler Effect to understand Cepheid Star Evolution and the Size of the Universe
Cepheid variable stars, known for their periodic pulsations, are crucial for measuring cosmic distances due to their consistent luminosity changes. However, their pulsations and interactions with companion stars complicate accurate measurements. Advanced high-definition velocimetry helps scientists understand these stars' internal structures and evolution by measuring their radial velocities. These measurements are improved by precise luminosity data from space-based observations.
The bright southern hemisphere star RS Puppis, rhythmically brightens and dims over a six-week cycle and is one of the most luminous Cepheid variable stars with an average intrinsic brightness is 15,000 times greater than our Sun's luminosity. (Credit: NASA, ESA, Hubble Heritage Team - STScI/AURA, Hubble/Europe Collaboration)
The VELOcities of CEpheids (VELOCE) project, led by Richard I. Anderson, collected over 18,000 high-precision radial velocity measurements of 258 Cepheids from 2010 to 2022. They used two high-resolution spectrographs, CORALIE in the southern hemisphere and HERMES in the northern hemisphere, to isolate and measure electromagnetic radiation wavelengths to obtain such accurate data.
We measure radial velocities using the Doppler effect. That is the same effect that the police use to measure your speed and also the effect you know from the change in tone when an ambulance approaches or recedes from you.
This extensive dataset aims to reconcile discrepancies from different observational methods by providing new insights into the behavior of Cepheids. The precision of these measurements is remarkable, with some as accurate as the speed of a fast-walking human. The project’s findings, based on observations from the Flemish Mercator telescope in La Palma and the Swiss Euler telescope in Chile, offer a detailed resource for further astronomical research and improve our understanding of the universe’s scale. This project is a collaboration between EPFL, the University of Geneva, and KU Leuven, among many other contributors.
The findings of the study were published in the Astronomy and Astrophysics journal.
SOMA, The World’s Most Extensive Aerospace Medicine and Space Biology Data Collection, is now Live.
The Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA) package, is an extensive aggregation of manuscripts, data, protocols, and code for space biology and aerospace medicine. It has already led to multiple scientific papers published in Nature, addressing the impact of spaceflight on human physiology, the spread of viruses in zero-gravity, and potential countermeasures for long-duration missions.
It is the first comprehensive, open-access database to include commercial astronaut health information, including data from Inspiration4, the 2021 all-civilian mission to orbit, datasets available on NASA GeneLab, from the NASA Twins Study, the JAXA CFE study and other ESA and JAXA missions.
The compendium presents a unified repository of spaceflight’s multi-level (cellular, tissue, organismal, and systemic) impact combining research from over 100 institutions, across 25 countries, on cellular profiles, ground analogs, computational models, countermeasures, and extensive model organism data. It also marks the beginning of gender-specific spaceflight response research and tailored countermeasures.
Diagram depicting the steps needed for developing drugs that counter the effects of spaceflight on immune cells. Analysis of human PBMCs exposed to simulated microgravity integrated with analysis of data from flight crew allows the identification of key signature changes such as transcriptional alterations in immune cells. Strategies such as gene-compound enrichment analysis followed by compound validation are utilized for drug discovery purposes. (Credit: Nature)
“Space omics” refers to the comprehensive study of various ‘omics’ sciences—like genomics, proteomics, metabolomics, and others—within the context of spaceflight and space biology. This tool is significant for upcoming lunar, Mars, and exploration-class missions, offering essential data for health monitoring, risk mitigation, and countermeasures. Additionally, the database may benefit people on Earth with limited mobility or who are bedridden, as the physiological changes in astronauts can resemble those experienced by such individuals.
Despatch Out. 👽🛸