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Category: space travel – Page 67

Are we surrounded by dark energy? A spacecraft tetrad will look for it

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Most astrophysicists believe that 95% of the universe is dark stuff — dark matter and dark energy. We can’t see, feel, or hear it, but it’s supposedly all around us. NASA scientists recently proposed a new experiment to test what is going on with the dark stuff in our vicinity. The want to use four small spacecraft flying around the solar system in a tetrahedron formation to look for variations from Einstein’s theory of gravity. Let’s have a look.

Paper: https://arxiv.org/abs/2404.02096v1

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00:00 What.
03:45 How

Researchers detect a new molecule in space

New research from the group of MIT Professor Brett McGuire has revealed the presence of a previously unknown molecule in space. The team’s open-access paper, “Rotational Spectrum and First Interstellar Detection of 2-Methoxyethanol Using ALMA Observations of NGC 6334I,” was published in the April 12 issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Zachary T.P. Fried, a graduate student in the McGuire group and the lead author of the publication, worked to assemble a puzzle comprised of pieces collected from across the globe, extending beyond MIT to France, Florida, Virginia, and Copenhagen, to achieve this exciting discovery.

“Our group tries to understand what molecules are present in regions of where stars and solar systems will eventually take shape,” explains Fried. “This allows us to piece together how chemistry evolves alongside the process of star and planet formation. We do this by looking at the rotational spectra of molecules, the unique patterns of light they give off as they tumble end-over-end in space.

New SpaceX Starship Lunar Cargo Lander Design Unveiled by NASA

What modifications will be made to SpaceX’s Starship for the Artemis missions?

— The cargo version of SpaceX’s Starship will be adapted from the human Landing systems for Artemis missions, with modifications focused on payload interfaces and deployment mechanisms, excluding human life support systems, and featuring a payload door, elevator system, and potential adaptations for larger payloads such as Rovers.

SpaceX’s Latest Progress in Starship Development and Lunar Exploration

SpaceX is making rapid progress in the development of their Starship, with improvements in heat shield tiles, construction of a second launch tower, and multiple successful launches, showcasing their commitment to innovation and progress in space exploration.

Questions to inspire discussion.

What progress has SpaceX made with their Starship development?
—SpaceX has made rapid progress with improvements in heat shield tiles, construction of a second launch tower, and multiple successful launches.

SpaceX’s Upcoming Starship Launch Schedule and FAA Approval Update

SpaceX is preparing for upcoming Starship launches and is working on upgrading launch support infrastructure, but still needs FAA approval for the new launch schedule.

Questions to inspire discussion.

What upgrades is SpaceX making to the Starship launch support infrastructure?

—SpaceX is repairing and upgrading the infrastructure to improve vehicle landing, engine burn control, booster landing, heat shield tile security, and re-entry roll issues.

Japan to build NASA a pressurized Moon campervan for 30-day trips

Haven’t posted in a while, my mother is not doing well, had to take her to the ER the other day, but this is important and I hope it sets a trend of cooperation.

When NASA returns to the Moon, its astronauts will enjoy tooling around in a pressurized camper van courtesy of JAXA and Toyota. The two-person vehicle is part of a US/Japan agreement that includes putting the first Japanese astronauts on the Moon.

It’s beginning to look like NASA’s program to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon will resemble a car show as much as it does a scientific expedition. The space agency recently awarded contracts to develop an open off road vehicle to carry astronauts around on the Moon, though these are small and the driver and passengers have to wear spacesuits. Meanwhile, the Japanese vehicle being developed by JAXA and Toyota is a mobile outpost where the crew can live and work for up to 30 days in a shirt sleeve environment.

No doubt while wearing loud Hawaiian shirts.

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