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Europe's Space Ambitions and Protein Study Breakthroughs
1 year ago•Source: European Space Agency
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2.165 min•1 year ago
New Spacesuit Recycles Urine into Drinking Water for Astronauts
Researchers propose a new in-suit water recovery system for EVA suits that filters urine into potable water using a dual forward osmosis-reverse osmosis system, potentially improving astronaut hydration and comfort during long spacewalks.
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ThinkOrbital Unveils X-Ray Toolkit for Satellite Repairs
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"ESA Partners with Firms to Develop Commercial Space Cargo Program"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Financial Times
The European Space Agency is aiming to develop its own version of SpaceX by focusing on reusable rocket technology and reducing the cost of space exploration. This move is seen as a response to the success of SpaceX in the commercial space industry and a bid to compete in the growing market for satellite launches and space missions.
"Starship's Future: SpaceX Prepares for IFT-4 Launch"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by NASASpaceflight.com
SpaceX is preparing for the upcoming IFT-4 launch of Starship Ship 29 and Booster 11, with plans for future versions of the vehicle taking shape. IFT-4 aims to test Ship 29's reentry into the atmosphere and in-space engine restart, while Booster 11 will attempt a return to a "virtual tower" in the Gulf of Mexico. The company is also working on versions 2 and 3 of the Starship system, with upgrades to increase payload capability and performance. Additionally, Starbase infrastructure is being upgraded to support the evolving Starship program, including the construction of a giant factory known as the "Starfactory" and upgrades to the Masseys site.
"2025: Japanese Satellite to Transmit Solar Power to Earth"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Space.com
Japan is set to launch a small satellite in 2025 to demonstrate the transmission of solar power from space to Earth, marking a significant step towards a potential space-based solar power station. The satellite will wirelessly transmit energy from low Earth orbit using a photovoltaic panel and microwaves, with the mission part of a project called OHISAMA. While the concept of space-based solar power was once considered impractical and costly, recent technological advances and the urgency to decarbonize the world's power supply have renewed interest in the idea, although some challenges and concerns remain.
"China's Queqiao-2 Satellite Paves the Way for Lunar Exploration"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Space.com
China's experimental lunar satellites, Tiandu-1 and Tiandu-2, have begun tests for future lunar communication and navigation services, transmitting images of the moon's far side and Earth. The satellites, launched alongside the Queqiao-2 lunar communications relay satellite, are part of China's preparations for upcoming lunar missions and the planned International Lunar Research Station. The tests will inform the design and construction of lunar infrastructure, including a Queqiao satellite constellation for communication, navigation, and remote sensing.
"Sierra Space's Ghost: Delivering Critical Supplies Worldwide in 90 Minutes"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Gizmodo
Sierra Space is developing a revolutionary Ghost spacecraft to deliver critical supplies to any location on Earth within 90 minutes, with a focus on aiding national security operations and disaster relief efforts. The spacecraft will be capable of re-entering Earth's atmosphere, withstanding extreme temperatures, and guiding payloads to designated landing areas using a parafoil. This innovative project aims to provide rapid-response courier services and could significantly enhance our ability to deliver essential supplies to those in need.
"French Space Tech Startup Dark Raises $6 Million for Rocket-Powered Space Debris Interceptor"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by TechCrunch
Paris-based startup Dark is developing Interceptor, a spacecraft designed to launch, attach to, and de-orbit uncooperative objects in space using a rocket-powered boxing glove approach. The company aims to become the "S.W.A.T. team of space" and is focused on unplanned, short missions for orbital defense. Dark closed a $6 million funding round and is working on critical systems and technologies needed for quick missions, with a demonstration mission planned for 2026 and a de-orbit attempt in 2027.
"Overcoming Upper Stage Challenges: Lessons from Unforgiving Failures"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by SpaceNews
Upper stages of rockets have faced a series of failures in 2023, highlighting the complexity and challenges they pose. Failures from companies like Firefly Aerospace, Virgin Orbit, Rocket Lab, Relativity Space, and Japan's H3 rocket have demonstrated the unforgiving nature of upper stage malfunctions, which can be more complex and less forgiving than those of lower stages. These failures have been attributed to a range of issues, from manufacturing defects to electrical system failures, and have prompted companies to focus on inspections, testing, and quality control to address these challenges.
"Advancements in Space-Based Solar Power Technology"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Space.com
A U.K.-based startup, Space Solar, has successfully tested a wireless power transmission system for a space-based solar power plant, marking a significant step towards the development of the CASSIOPeiA concept. The system, designed to wirelessly transmit power 360 degrees around, aims to provide gigawatts of clean energy more efficiently than solar plants on Earth. Placed in geostationary orbit, CASSIOPeiA would be a vast modular structure assembled in space by robots and could power more than a million homes. The successful test is a crucial milestone in making space-based solar power a reality and demonstrates the U.K.'s leading position in this new energy revolution.
"Rocket Lab Set to Launch NASA's Advanced Solar Sail Technology"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by Space.com
NASA's upcoming ACS3 solar sail mission, aimed at testing new space travel materials in Earth's orbit, is set to launch no earlier than April 24. The mission will test the deployment of solar sails using new composite booms, which are tube-shaped materials meant to unfurl and hold four very thin triangular sheets tautly. Scheduled to launch onboard Rocket Lab's Electron rocket from New Zealand, the spacecraft will test changing its orbit via the solar sail, potentially offering useful data for future missions. If successful, the solar sail will measure about 860 square feet and could sparkle as brightly as the brightest star in the night sky.
"Space Force Contracts Rocket Lab at Double Price for Historic Orbit War Simulation"
Originally Published 1 year ago — by The Motley Fool
Rocket Lab wins a $515 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to build satellites for a missile defense system and secures a $14.5 million contract to launch an experimental satellite. The company's move to develop a launch complex in the U.S. near a NASA facility has paid off, allowing it to compete for lucrative government contracts. Rocket Lab aims to increase profitability by charging higher prices for its launches, reusing rockets, and winning more government contracts.