You searched for Satellites

Space Technology
0
0
8 min read

Next gen polar satellites: The future shield against missile threats

Northrop Grumman is working on the Next Gen Polar (NGP) satellites. It is known as Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR). They are significant for the defense of our nation by providing advanced warning against strategic missile threats. Additionally, these satellites cover the northern polar region. Which is the shortest route for missiles to reach the US. But it is a challenging area to monitor from space!

How do the Next Gen Polar Satellites Communicate With Each Other?

NGP satellites follow oval orbits and bring a new level of missile warning. Moreover, their upgraded sensors cover the entire northern hemisphere and have extra resilience to work well even in tough situations.

NGP’s better communication system sends wide-band OPIR data to the ground. This lets us pick out important infrared heat signatures from a lot of data. Therefore by using the improved data, we can fine-tune our processes over time and do better in space.

When a mission is as critical as missile warning and defense, experience and data-driven solutions are essential to high-confidence mission performance.

Shortest Rule for a Ballistic Missile Covering by Next Gen Polar Satellites:

Next-Generation Polar (NGP) are two of the OPIR satellites. They’ll orbit in a stretched-out way and cover the northern polar area. This is the shortest route for a ballistic missile to be aimed at the US. Moreover, the U.S. Space Force hired Northrop Grumman to create these satellites, with Northrop Grumman and Ball Aerospace. These are well structured for the mission payloads. These same groups will also make an extra OPIR payload for the Next-Generation Geo (NGG) satellites. All of these satellites will hang out in the same orbit.

How Next Generation Polar Satellites Detects any Potential Danger?

The NGP satellites work like watchers. They look over a huge part of the Northern Hemisphere and pick up heat signs from ballistic missile launches. These satellites will be about 20,000 miles away in their slightly tilted orbits. When the NGP satellites spot a launch, the Hypersonic and Ballistic Tracking Space Sensor satellites (HBTSS) step in. These other satellites will be closer to Earth. They keep a constant eye on missiles from when they start flying to when they glide in the air. Apart from this, they’ll then give really exact tracking info so we can aim at enemy missiles that are launched from land, sea, or air.

Highly Immersive Virtual Environment Technology for Better Designing of Next Gen Polar Satellites:

On March 14, 2023, in Redondo Beach, California, Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE: NOC) used digital technology. It is called Highly Immersive Virtual Environment (HIVE) to improve the design of the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) Polar (NGP) satellites.

Northrop Grumman’s HIVE technology lets engineers create, work on. They maintain satellites in a virtual reality setup even before the production of any physical parts. This saves costs and reduces risks during the early development stages. Moreover, they do it through real-time modeling, simulation, visualization, and human interaction.

Carol Erikson, the vice president of Northrop Grumman, says:

“With digital engineering, we can move through the design, testing and manufacturing phases quickly and with agility, saving money and significantly reducing development timelines for large systems.”

In a recent demo using HIVE tech in Redondo Beach, California, Northrop Grumman engineers used virtual reality gear to simulate putting together the satellites’ main parts. This confirmed the NGP design, and digital tech will keep being used in the satellites’ next development stages.

Ciffone said:

“When it comes to detecting ballistic missiles, it’s a mission that can’t fail.”

NGP is a big improvement over the current polar monitoring system called the Space-Based Infrared System in Highly Elliptical Orbit (SBIRS HEO). NGP can spot both hypersonic and regular ballistic missile launches.

Key Features of NGP:

Northrop Grumman is leveraging digital transformation to deliver capability with speed.
Model-based systems engineering
Advanced modeling and simulation
Updated tools for our business management processes, production, and supply chain management
End-to-end solutions that enable us to deliver predictable capability at an affordable price

What is the next gen polar?

The Next-Gen OPIR polar satellites are designed to detect the heat signatures of incoming missiles and transmit this data to the ground through a robust and secure communication system.

What is next generation overhead persistent infrared satellites?

As part of Next-Gen OPIR, two NGP satellites will give accurate sensor coverage over the northern hemisphere. Which help to prevent and defend against ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

What is the Northrop Grumman missile warning system?

As part of Next-Gen OPIR, two NGP satellites will give accurate sensor coverage over the northern hemisphere. Therefore, they help to prevent and defend against ballistic and hypersonic missiles.

What is near polar orbit?

Another widely used orbit for remote sensing is the near-polar orbit. Because it has a high angle and its path nearly goes across the poles.

What is next generation overhead persistent infrared polar NGP?

The two NGP satellites will orbit widely and use infrared sensors to detect and track ballistic and hypersonic missiles. They’ll also have an improved communication system to send mission data to the ground, helping decision makers identify heat signatures from incoming threats.

What is the next generation of geostationary weather satellites called?

The GOES-R Series includes four satellites (GOES-R/S/T/U) that will keep the GOES satellite system working until 2036.

What is the difference between geostationary and geosynchronous satellites?

A geostationary orbit is a type of geosynchronous orbit. The difference is that in a geostationary orbit, satellites stay fixed over Earth’s equator, while in a geosynchronous orbit, they can be at any angle.

How NGP is a Significant Part of Next Gen Polar OPIR?

NGP is an indispensable part of the next-gen OPIR construct for numerous reasons:

It covers the poles. NGP will cover the northern polar region. Which is the shortest route for a ballistic missile to travel toward the United States.
Failure isn’t an option. Because, the Infrared missile detection strengthens nuclear deterrence and NGP is key to the OPIR construct.
Near total coverage. According to Sneller, NGP provides round-the-clock coverage of the Northern Hemisphere, including adversarial countries in Eurasia, the Middle East and the Indo-Pacific.
Resilient. On top of the wide coverage NGP provides from its unique orbit, HEO is more resilient than other orbits.

Sneller, therefore, said:

“NGP monitors virtually every country from which a ballistic or hypersonic missile threat directed at the United States or its allies is likely to originate.”

Space Technology
0
1
11 min read

Military Satellites: The Role of Satellites in Modern Warfare

Military Satellites have become integral to military operations around the world. They provide crucial services such as communication, reconnaissance, navigation, and weather data. As the demand for these capabilities grows, so does the need for increased space budgets, particularly in the United States. However, military space spending patterns are evolving. The focus now is on finding a balance between the need for advanced and capable systems and the need for more rapid deployment, while also weighing satellite needs against the requirement for other equipment, particularly cyber defense systems.

Before we get started, let’s discuss,

Military Operations and Commercial Satellites:

Military operations around the globe are increasingly relying on commercial satellites to achieve their objectives. The use of commercial communication satellites is particularly cost-effective and beneficial for military purposes. Additionally, commercial reconnaissance satellites are proving to be an asset for countries that cannot afford to launch their satellites, allowing them to access photos of their rivals.

Despite decades of research by superpowers, there has never been a clear military role for humans in space. In the 1960s, the United States experimented with several piloted military space systems, including the DynaSoar spaceplane and the Manned Orbiting Laboratory (MOL). The MOL was intended to carry a large reconnaissance camera, and two astronauts were to spend up to a month in orbit, taking photos of ground targets. However, the program was canceled in 1969 as it became evident that humans were not required for the task, and robotic systems could perform the work efficiently and often better than humans. Similarly, the Soviet Union briefly operated manned space stations resembling the MOL, but they also abandoned the program for the same reason as the United States.

Now you probably might be wondering,

What is the job of military satellites?

Military satellites have been playing an important role in modern warfare. People use them for a variety of purposes such as conducting reconnaissance, navigating, communicating, gathering signals intelligence, monitoring meteorology, and defending against satellites. Reconnaissance and surveillance satellites take photographs of targets on the ground and relay them to receiving stations. They are in low orbits and can photograph a target for only a little over a minute before they move out of range.

In addition, there exist satellites that utilize diverse wavelengths to penetrate through camouflage, identify the composition of objects, and scrutinize emissions from smokestacks. Signals intelligence satellites listen for communications from cellular telephones, walkie-talkies, microwave transmissions, radios, and radar. They relay this information to the ground, where it is processed for various purposes. Satellites for communication purposes enable communication with sea vessels, ground troops, and submarines having small dish antennas. Navigation satellites are also vital to military forces as they help determine positions at sea or on land. Accurate weather information is also critical to military operations, and the United States and Russia operate meteorology satellites for military use. Antisatellite and missile defense satellites are not currently part of any nation’s arsenal, but ASAT weapons may be used to intercept missiles in the future.

You should also know,

Why satellites are essential for modern warfare?

Effective military operations depend on the transfer of data. Despite the reduced number of troops stationed overseas compared to previous years, the need for satellite capabilities has remained significant. Militaries around the world face tight budget environments, especially in Western Europe and the U.S. Nonetheless, the U.S. will continue to invest more money in satellites than any other country, and the production of military satellites will remain steady for years to come.

Poland, Germany, and Japan are just a few of the countries launching military satellites. China and Russia will largely drive the market for military satellites during Forecast International’s current forecasting period of 2023-2032. However, the war in Ukraine may hamper Russian efforts. Western countries will require replacements for their aging satellites by the start of the next decade, which should drive production through the 2020s.

Now let’s dig into the past and upcoming,

Military Space Innovation:

SATCOMBw and Syracuse IV are satellite-based networks providing secure communication capabilities for the German and French Armed Forces respectively. Both programs consist of military satellites and ground stations to provide long-range communications between areas of operations and decision-making centers. Airbus is the prime contractor for SATCOMBw and Syracuse IV, responsible for designing, implementing, and delivering deployable systems that provide autonomy, security, and absolute reliability for satellite telecommunications. Additionally, Airbus is the partner for space for the UK Ministry of Defence and has been providing Skynet services for over eighteen years. Skynet is a hardened X-band constellation of satellites providing all Beyond Line of Sight communications to the UK military. Airbus designs, enhances the Skynet fleet, builds the Skynet 6A satellite for launch in 2025, and ensures the sustainability and system availability of Skynet.

military communications satellite — Illustration of the ESPAStar-HP satellite bus. **Credit: Northrop Grumman**

Northrop Grumman’s Battlefield Airborne Communications Node (BACN) gateway system has achieved 200,000 combat operational flight hours since its deployment in 2008, as a leader in the design, development, and delivery of end-to-end communications and advanced networking capabilities. The company’s gateway systems, including BACN, are capable of securely sharing mission information across military branches and enhancing the flow of data, and strengthening the overall command-and-control structure of the Defense Department. The BACN system functions as a communications gateway in the sky, operating at high altitudes to disseminate voice, imagery, and tactical data from various sources. This results in improved communication, coordination, and situational awareness for joint military personnel operating across different domains, including space, air, land, and sea.

Northrop Grumman is creating a geostationary communications satellite that will compete with Boeing’s similar design in a military procurement worth $2.4 billion. The U.S. Space Force selected both companies to develop Protected Tactical Satcom prototype payloads, known as PTS, which will become the military’s next-generation secure communications satellites. Northrop Grumman’s PTS payload will fly on a dedicated spacecraft built on an ESPAStar-HP satellite bus and will launch on a national security space mission aboard a United Launch Alliance Vulcan rocket in 2025. The ESPAStar-HP is faster to manufacture and launch than traditional military satellites and can be operated in geostationary orbit. The Space Force could select one or both companies to produce additional payloads, and whichever PTS version is selected will provide “uninterrupted communications even in the presence of sophisticated jamming threats.”

However, scientists and astronomers around the globe are concerned about the,

The Future of Military Satellites:

As the demand for satellite capabilities grows, militaries will begin to rely on alternative means of accessing the services required to conduct operations. One option is to lease capacity on commercial communications satellites to supplement government-owned birds. For instance, SpaceX offers a business line called Starshield, which derives from the Starlink system created for the military. Another possibility is the use of hosted payload arrangements, where a government pays a commercial satellite operator to install a government-developed payload on board a commercially operated satellite. This offers commercial satellite operators extra funding while also providing a means for militaries to decrease their overall expenses.

Moreover, the US Department of Defense is exploring a plan called disaggregation. This involves purchasing larger numbers of smaller, simpler satellites rather than smaller numbers of larger, complex satellites such as Advanced Extremely High Frequency (AEHF) and Mobile User Objective System (MUOS) spacecraft. The Pentagon believes that disaggregation will lead to satellite networks that have more redundancy, allowing them to survive an attack, and will reduce development costs and timelines. The rise of small satellites in the commercial market, driven by hardware miniaturization, will further accelerate interest in small disaggregated satellites.

Lastly,

On the Whole:

Satellites have revolutionized military operations by providing crucial services. Military operations across the world depend heavily on satellites to provide essential services such as communication, reconnaissance, navigation, and weather data. The need for satellite capabilities continues to grow, leading to increased space budgets worldwide. The future of military satellites lies in finding a balance between the need for advanced and capable systems and the need for rapid deployment while weighing satellite needs against other equipment requirements. The rise of alternative means of accessing satellite capabilities, such as commercial leasing and hosted payload arrangements, will also help reduce overall costs. The future of the military satellite market looks bright, with stable production forecasts for the next decade.

Published by: Sky Headlines

Space Missions
0
0
10 min read

OSIRIS-REx Historic Return with Bennu Samples

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx is an ongoing mission that visited and collected a sample from asteroid 101955 Bennu, with the aim of returning the sample to Earth on Sept. 24, 2023.

What is so Exciting About the OSIRIS-REx Mission?

On Sunday morning, above the Utah desert, a parachute will deploy, gently lowering a capsule carrying approximately 250g of rubble to the ground. As it makes its descent, four helicopters, transporting scientists, engineers, and military safety personnel, will speed across the dry landscape to retrieve this valuable cargo.

This isn’t ordinary soil; it comprises chunks of space rock dating back 4.6 billion years. These fragments have the potential not only to provide insights into the formation of planets but also to offer clues about the origins of life itself.

Ashley King of the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London, says:

“These are some of the oldest materials formed in our solar system. Samples from asteroids [such as this] tell us what all those ingredients were for making a planet like the Earth and they also tell us what the recipe was – so how did those materials come together and start mixing together to end up with [habitable environments]?”

The final act of NASA’s Osiris-Rex mission may resemble the opening scene of an action movie, but it marks the culmination of a seven-year journey. During this, a robotic spacecraft, roughly the size of a transit van, was dispatched to investigate. And subsequently, gather resources from – the debris heap that forms the asteroid Bennu.

Diving Down Towards Earth & Details About Its Speed:

The capsule carrying this collection is anticipated to be released from the spacecraft at 06:42 AM EDT (11:42 AM BST) on Sunday. It will hurtle into Earth’s atmosphere four hours later at a speed of 27,650 miles per hour. As it descends towards Earth, its trajectory will be closely monitored, and parachutes will be deployed to gradually reduce its speed to around 11 miles per hour upon landing.

After the team retrieves the capsule, it will be placed in a sturdy metal crate, securely wrapped, and transported by helicopter to a temporary facility. By Monday, it will be swiftly transported to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston.

While scientists assert that there is minimal risk of the samples posing a threat to Earth, they emphasize the importance of preventing any potential contamination in the opposite direction. To achieve this, filtered air will be permitted to flow into the capsule during its descent to Earth to prevent any potential leaks that might lead to contamination. Subsequently, the capsule will be connected to a stream of nitrogen.

One of the mission’s objectives is to gain a better understanding of how to predict and safeguard Earth from potential asteroid impacts. Analyzing the physical properties of the collected samples, such as their density and porosity, is expected to contribute significantly to this endeavor, according to King.

NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft captured this image of the asteroid Bennu using its MapCam imager on Dec. 12, 2018. **(Image credit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona)**

Spacecrafts Involved in the Examination of Asteroids:

The spacecraft was equipped with five instruments that conducted an exhaustive examination, mapping, and analysis of the asteroid, offering an unprecedented level of detail:

OSIRIS-REx Visible and Infrared Spectrometer (OVIRS) – OVIRS carried out its investigations by gauging visible and near-infrared light, with a specific focus on identifying organics and other mineral compositions.

OSIRIS-REx Thermal Emission Spectrometer (OTES) – OTES, using thermal infrared technology, determined Bennu’s temperature and produced maps detailing the distribution of minerals and chemicals. The collaborative efforts of OVIRS and OTES covered a spectrum of wavelengths to pinpoint the optimal location for collecting samples from the asteroid.

OSIRIS-REx Camera Suite (OCAMS) – OCAMS consisted of three cameras designed to map Bennu comprehensively. PolyCam, the largest of the cameras, captured the initial images of Bennu from a distance of 1.2 million miles (2 million kilometers) and also obtained high-resolution images of the chosen sample site. MapCam, on the other hand, scouted for satellites and dust plumes surrounding the asteroid, compiled colour maps of the asteroid’s surface, and took photographs essential for crafting topographic maps. SamCam documented the entire sample collection process, from its gathering to its secure capture.

OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) – OLA meticulously scanned the entirety of Bennu’s surface, transmitting data that facilitated the creation of exceptionally precise 3D models of the asteroid’s surface. During the primary mission, one of the two Canadian-manufactured lasers ceased functioning, but it had exceeded its anticipated instrument lifespan and had successfully collected all the necessary data for OSIRIS-REx’s landing, as confirmed by investigators.

Regolith X-ray Imaging Spectrometer (RExIS) – RExIS concentrated on studying X-ray emissions emanating from Bennu, with the goal of generating a comprehensive map illustrating the distribution of various elements on the asteroid’s surface. Unlike other imaging tools, RExIS delved into the asteroid’s composition at the level of individual atomic elements.

Will OSIRIS-REx hit Earth?

The team operating the OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, an acronym representing Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, and Security-Regolith Explorer, has recently released fresh data. According to this data, there is an extremely low probability, specifically a one-in-2,700 chance, that the asteroid could collide with our planet. This potential impact event is estimated to occur nearly 159 years from now, specifically on September 24, 2182.

What did this mission discover?

The OSIRIS-REx mission journeyed to Bennu, an asteroid abundant in carbon, preserving the ancient history of our Solar System. This mission’s goal is to retrieve a portion of Bennu and return it to Earth. Bennu is believed to hold potential molecular building blocks that could shed light on the origins of life and even the formation of Earth’s oceans.

What is OSIRIS-REx and why is it important?

Indeed, OSIRIS-REx stands for “Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security-Regolith Explorer.” The primary objective of this mission is to acquire a sample weighing a minimum of 2.1 ounces (59.5 grams) from the near-Earth asteroid 101955 Bennu, previously identified as 1999 RQ36, and subsequently transport this sample back to Earth.

Did OSIRIS-REx return?

On September 24, 2023, NASA’s OSIRIS-REx mission will achieve a historic milestone by bringing back samples from the asteroid Bennu to Earth following seven years in the depths of space. This mission, initiated in 2016, successfully reached the asteroid Bennu in October 2020 and obtained samples from the surface of this near-Earth asteroid.

What is this mission powered by?

OSIRIS-REx is equipped with two solar panels attached to the zenith panel of the spacecraft, which serve as power generators. When unfurled, these solar arrays provide the spacecraft with an impressive wingspan of 6.2 meters, covering a total active area of 8.5 square meters.

Who built OSIRIS-REx?

The spacecraft for the OSIRIS-REx mission is being constructed by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver. This mission represents the third instalment in NASA’s New Frontiers Program. Oversight and management of the New Frontiers Program on behalf of NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington are handled by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, situated in Huntsville, Alabama.

How does this mission communicate with Earth?

The OSIRIS-REx spacecraft is equipped with a high-gain antenna located on its sun-facing side, which facilitates communication with Earth. On the opposite side of the spacecraft is the TAGSAM, short for Touch-And-Go Sample Acquisition Mechanism. TAGSAM is a 3.4-meter-long, folding arm designed to extend. And collect a sample from the mission’s target, the near-Earth asteroid Bennu.

Space Technology
0
0
9 min read

What is the purpose of the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter?

On August 21, Roscosmos which is Russia’s space agency, estimated the impact location of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. On August 22, the LRO Camera and Mission Operations teams sent commands to the LRO spacecraft to capture images of the site. They started this sequence at 2:15 p.m. EDT on August 24 and finished around 6:12 p.m. EDT.

Comparing images taken before and after, the LROC team found a small new crater. Therefore, the most recent image of the area before the impact was from June 2022.

We will go through some of the best, and latest updated data on the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter. So, let’s uncover the valuable knowledge that you don’t want to miss out.

The Purposes of Reconnaissance Orbiter:

The LROC has two main jobs:

Checking Landing Sites: LROC takes pictures to make sure it’s safe for spacecraft to land on the Moon, especially near the poles.

Watching the Poles: It also takes pictures of the Moon’s polar areas to see which parts are always dark and which always have sunlight.

Besides these two main tasks, LROC does six other important things:

Maps Polar Mountains: It carefully maps places on the Moon’s poles that always get sunlight.

High-Res Maps: It takes lots of pictures of potential landing spots and other places to create detailed maps.

Resource Check: It uses different colors of light to study what the Moon is made of, especially a mineral called ilmenite.

Big Picture Map: It makes a large map of the Moon with lots of details that are useful for scientists.

Close-Up Pictures: The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter photos are so amazing. The pictures that it clicked includes the close ups of different parts of the Moon’s surface to understand how they are made.

Impact History: It looks at the Moon’s surface to count how many times it has been hit by small rocks since 1971-1972. This helps us know if it’s safe for future missions.

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Apollo 11 landing sites:

Some of the most famous photos from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter are of the six Apollo landing sites. This picture shows the Taurus-Littrow valley.

The Detailed Over view of the Moon Images:

The two narrow-angle cameras take very close pictures of the Moon. They have covered each small square in the picture covering an area of about 0.5 meters (1.6 feet). They capture images in a 5-kilometer-wide area.

The wide-angle camera of Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter provides images at a lower level of detail. It includes the each small square covering 100 meters (328 feet). However, it can capture a much wider area, about 100 kilometers (62 miles) across. Besides this, the wide-angle camera also looks at the Moon in seven different colors. It will assists us to find out where important minerals like ilmenite, which contains iron, titanium, and oxygen, are found.

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter img 1 — Image of the crater Gerasimovich D, located on the far side of the Moon, as seen (a) at optical wavelengths by the LRO wide-angle camera, and (b) at radar wavelengths by Mini-RF on LRO. Due to its sensitivity to rough surfaces, radar is able to highlight a previously unrecognized impact melt flow (indicated by an arrow).

How Lunar Reconnaissance mission will pave a way to further mission?

A NASA mission to map the lunar surface in unprecedented detail and make other observations from orbit. Besides its accomplishments, LRO has photographed all of the Apollo landing sites. It is showing the abandoned lunar modules and the paths the astronauts created during their expeditions. Therefore, LRO’s images may be used to find landing sites for future lunar missions.

Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter img 2 — Oblique LROC NAC view of lunar pits with layered walls found in (a) Mare Tranquillitatis and (b) Mare Ingenii. (c, d) Layered boulders found on the lunar surface within Aristarchus crater. Scale bars in all cases have been estimated from pixel resolution of the NAC images. **NASA/GSFC/Arizona State University, modified by K.H. Joy**

What is the Lunar Reconnaissance mission, and spacecraft design?

Cosmic Ray Telescope for the Effects of Radiation (CRaTER)
Diviner Lunar Radiometer Experiment (DLRE)
Lyman-Alpha Mapping Project (LAMP)
A Lunar Exploration Neutron Detector (LEND)
The Lunar Orbiter Laser Altimeter (LOLA)
Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Camera (LROC)
Mini-RF Miniature Radio Frequency Radar

What is the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter launch date?

According to the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter’s Wikipedia details. LRO was launched on the June 18, 2009, as a joint launch with the Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS) mission.

Now, we will be answering some of the frequently asked queries to have a better over view of this mission, and its purposes!

What is the purpose of the Reconnaissance Orbiter?

LRO’s main job was to make a detailed 3D map of the Moon’s surface from a polar orbit. Furthermore, this map helps find safe landing spots, valuable resources, and study radiation. It also tests new tech for future lunar missions, both robotic and human.

Is the Reconnaissance Orbiter still alive?

The LRO is a NASA spacecraft circling the Moon in a unique orbit. Moreover, it is there to make a 3D map of the Moon’s surface, and it’s still doing this job.

What is the current lunar orbiter?

Lunar orbiting spacecraft:

Name: Lunar

Orbiter: Trailblazer

Country/ Organization Type: USA

What did the Reconnaissance Orbiter discover?

We once thought lunar volcanoes stopped erupting a billion years ago. But pictures from the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) now showing us something different. The patches of recent basaltic deposits, possibly from eruptions in the past 100 million years.

How far is the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter from the Moon?

LRO lives in a circular orbit, roughly 31 miles (50 kilometers) above the lunar surface, according to NASA.

How many rockets land on moon?

There have been 14 successful moon landings. China did 2 (2013 and 2019), the United States did 5, and the Soviet Union did 7. Besides this, all the US and Soviet landings were in the 1960s and 1970s.

What has the Reconnaissance Orbiter mission sent back to Earth?

The mission is all about looking at the Moon’s poles to find water or ice. The LRO is also checking for water ice in dark craters near the poles. In 2009, another spacecraft flying with LRO found water. They have observed it when a rocket stage was purposely crashed into the Moon’s south pole.

Space Technology
10
0
9 min read

How does AI help NASA in space exploration?

Isn’t it interesting that AI in space exploration is making incredible milestones day after day?

When humans look up to the night sky, they often get stunned by its spaciousness and curiosity. Even in today’s world, that sense of curiosity continues. But, thanks to modern technology, and artificial intelligence. They have emerged as a powerful tool that not only gives answers to our fascination but also uncovers some of the universe using innovative methods.

AI Is Being Used in Space Exploration img 1 — **Incredible Ways AI Is Being Used in Space Exploration**

AI, the artificial intelligence play a significant role in many explorational journeys of Space. From the keen control of robots and satellites to the complex analysis of vast datasets and satellites. AI offers us a lot of new knowledge. Besides this, AI functions as a versatile key that effectively unlocks many secrets of the cosmos. That is why AI is allowing scientists to boldly explore realms that were once confined to the realm of imagination.

We will explore some of the best applications of AI in space exploration, and see how it is helping scientists in the best ways.

AI in Space Exploration is Getting Crazy Day by Day!

Artificial Intelligence (AI) plays an essential role in numerous space exploration missions. From controlling robots and satellites to analyzing complex satellites and databases. Artificial intelligence is the heart of mission exploration. AI’s flexibility allows us to unravel its mysteries and provide researchers with new fields they had never thought they could explore. AI helps scientists in a variety of ways.

Let’s take a look at:

Robots for Navigation Purposes

AI in space exploration specifically navigate using self-deployment robots. Rovers such as Mars Exploration Rover and Curiosity have explored Mars independently for a long time, using sensors that detect obstacles such as rocks. They use AI algorithms to analyze the data to map safe routes to prevent collisions.

Robots for Navigation Purposes — **Image credit: NASA/ARC**

Perseverance Rover uses AEGIS to determine the most suitable rocks to collect samples and paving the way for totally independent space-based autonomous rovers.

Satellite Operations utilizing Artificial Intelligence. It is changing satellite operations improving efficiency and increasing intelligence at the same time.

SpaceX incorporates Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms in their navigation satellites. These algorithms utilize sensor data like speed and location measurements to determine the risk of collision. If their AI senses there could be a threat of collision, their computer onboard immediately alters their course in order to ensure that they do not get into a collision.

Optimization of Satellites

AI plays a crucial part in optimizing satellite orbits. It helps satellites to choose more efficient routes that take less fuel and time for precise positioning – thereby saving resources while also increasing the effectiveness of their missions.

Space Data Analysis with Artificial Intelligence allows quicker and more accurate analysis of satellite data making use of machine learning’s ability to recognize patterns to identify patterns in satellite data sets, assisting us identify the most important aspects or issues more quickly.

AI is able to more effectively recognize patterns, and offer more precise, precise and complete analyses than traditional methods have ever been able to do and perform more effectively than other method! AI could be even more economical!

Astrogeology (or planetology) is the study of formations in space

Artificial intelligence (AI) lets scientists make use of it to detect and classify features such as eruptions and craters on planets and moons by constructing 3-dimensional representations of their surfaces, which offer us more insight into their past and the environment they inhabit.

SpaceX has embraced Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve their rockets. AI analyses sensor and instrument data to aid in precise control. In addition, they are making use of this AI to automatically land and focusing on maintaining engines and equipment to ensure landings are successful each time.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an integral component in space exploration. AI technology is able to quickly process information and steer spacecraft independently through space and help probes move faster so that we get a better view into the universe beyond Earth.

What can Artificial Intelligence applications aid space exploration?

AI technology can enhance the efficiency of spacecrafts, assisting them in completing tasks on their own collecting relevant data and enhancing the odds of success in mission by assisting spacecraft move autonomously around studying the information they have collected and identifying problems quickly and enabling tasks to run more efficiently.

What role can AI robots and AI play in space exploration?

NASA makes use of AI to connect spacecraft while SpaceX uses it to land rockets in safety on Earth.

Could Artificial Intelligence find use in the field of space technology?

AI is an essential source of satellite production. Utilizing machine learning techniques to evaluate designs quickly, AI allows us to quickly identify solutions. In assessing aspects like weight, strength and functional considerations, AI gives all the necessary information for designing spacecrafts.

Are there ways to make AI and exploration coexist?

Spacecraft with AI enhancements can be incredible instruments. They are not only capable of autonomously exploring space missions with greater efficiency and cost-effectiveness as well, but they can also help scientists by providing analysis of data capabilities that enhance our understanding of the universe!

When was the first time artificial intelligence be introduced to space exploration?

Deep Space 1 first utilized Artificial Intelligence in space in 1998, through the Space satellite Deep Space 1. AI was used to study two comets which included Borrelly and Braille employing “Remote Agent”, an new method of thinking specifically to analyze the properties of these objects.

Bottom Line:

Artificial Intelligence has proven an important tool when it comes to looking into space. AI assists us in identifying things that would otherwise be difficult to recognize. For example, objects changing their course or even small aspects we could ignore. Before AI became so prevalent with regard to space research, many AI applications relied on satellite data obtained from Hubble Space Telescope satellites alone to get a better understanding of space.

Artificial Intelligence AI in space exploration has performed many roles. From serving as a teacher and guide to spacecraft travel, AI has also helped astronauts master new techniques. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory developed an AI system that can manage missions in a way that is autonomous. Machine learning also analyzes images taken by Mars spacecrafts, looking for possible sources of water or other materials on Mars.

Space Discoveries
0
0
8 min read

Stellar Evolution: The Birth, Life, and Death of Stars

Stellar evolution tells us how stars are born, live, and die. Basically, it tells us about the life of a star in perfect ways. Since a star’s life is too long to watch, that is the reason scientists study many stars in our galaxy at different stages. And by doing this, they combine the whole process. This process explains star birth, life, and death.

In general, bigger stars live shorter lives, although nearly all stars exist for billions of years, except the very largest ones, When a star runs out of hydrogen in its core, it stops producing energy. Without this energy, the core of the star contracts and heats up.

Star Life Cycle From Birth to Death

The star’s life cycle is an impressive journey. It begins as a nebula, and later on, it progresses through stages like protostar and main sequence. Then, it turns into into a red giant. And eventually becomes a white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole. Scientists continuously learn more about the life of stars. This is the reason why our powerful telescopes and satellites are just starting their exploration of the stars And they are revealing new cosmic secrets in our surroundings.

Birth

Stars are born in cool, dense clouds called nebulae. They are made mostly of hydrogen and helium. A star’s birth begins when gravity makes a nebula region dense. Gas and dust in that spot squeeze together under their weight. They get hotter and thus forms a protostar.

Main Sequence

Aside from the Birth, here comes the main sequence part of the star. The protostar becomes hotter and smaller until it’s about 10 million degrees Celsius. The process of nuclear fusion begins which changes the hydrogen to helium and releasing energy. This energy fights gravity, and stop further collapsing. Hence, the star is now in the main sequence phase, where it spends most of its life.

Red Giant

With the passage of the time, star use up core hydrogen. It causes the core to shrink. This causes an expansion of the outer layer. And further cool it down. It becomes bigger, brighter, and turns red, known as the red giant phase. Stars like our sun will go through this phase eventually.

Planetary Nebula

After being a red giant, the star sheds its outer layers, making a glowing shell called a planetary nebula. The core contracts and becomes a white dwarf.

White Dwarf

A white dwarf is a compact star that’s cooled down after using up its fuel. It’s Earth-sized but as heavy as the sun. Over time, it becomes colder and turns into a dark black dwarf.

Supernova

Larger stars follow a different path. After the red giant phase, the core gets smaller and hotter until it explodes in a supernova. This explosion releases huge energy and shoots the star’s outer layers into space.

Neutron Star or Black Hole

The star’s core collapses into a neutron star or a black hole. A neutron star is small but very heavy, made of neutrons. A black hole has gravity so strong that nothing, not even light, can get away from it.

Life of a Star Diagram

Life Cycle of a Star NASA Explained

Following is the Life of a Star in Order proper placement. So, let’s have a look over it.

Birth
Main Sequence
Red Giant
Planetary Nebula
White Dwarf
Supernova
Neutron Star or Black Hole

What is the Second and the Longest Stage in the Life of a Star?

The main sequence is a star’s longest stage. And it spans millions to trillions of years based on its starting mass. Our Sun is a yellow dwarf, will stay in this phase for about 10 billion years.

What is the Life Cycle of a mass Star?

A small star turns hydrogen into helium as it ages. The core shrinks, and get hotter and brighter. Eventually, all core hydrogen is used up.

What is the Life Cycle of High Mass Star?

Massive Star has a short main-sequence phase, then becomes giants. They shed layers, exploding and forming neutron stars or black holes.

What is the First Stage of a Star’s Life?

Every star’s beginning involves a nebula. Which is basically a gathering of dust and gas due to gravity. These clouds combine to form a protostar, shrinking under their immense weight.

What is the Life Cycle of a Red Dwarf Star?

Sun-like stars exist for about 10 billion years. Even the oldest red dwarfs haven’t used all their hydrogen. Heavier ones live for tens of billions of years; the smallest endure trillions of years.

How long do stars live?

Big stars use up hydrogen quickly, so they live briefly. An eight-solar mass star lasts less than 100 million years. For 10-15 solar masses, it’s only 10-20 million years. The heaviest giants survive just a few million years.

What is the birth life and death of a star?

A star is born when its core heats up enough for fusion. Stars mostly fuse hydrogen to helium as the main sequence stars. The Sun is halfway through this phase and will become a red giant in around 4.5 billion years.

How does a star begin its life?

Stars begin as material collapses in a large cloud of gas and dust. These clouds form between stars and have turbulent spots that collapse due to gravity.

What are the 4 stages of a star’s life cycle?

The nebula to protostar, main sequence, red giant, and finally white dwarf, neutron star, or black hole – our nearby stars go through remarkable transformations.

What happens when a star dies?

Big stars and some doubles go supernova, lighter ones become nebulae. They add heavy elements to clouds for new stars.

What is the death of a star called?

Stars that die are known as supernovae. They appear as an outshining galaxies for weeks with an explosion billions of times brighter than the sun. Which is the reason why they throw large amounts of matter into space.

What is a star made of?

A star is a massive, and a glowing ball of hot gas. If we look deep inside into it, then we will find hydrogen atoms collision. It creates helium and releases the energy that heats the gas. This process is known as the nuclear fusion. And this process is what makes a star shine. The hot gas pushing outward balances the pull of gravity.

Space Discoveries
0
0
11 min read

What James Webb Pluto has Recently Discovered?

Pluto may no longer be a planet, but the James Webb Pluto findings have been revolving for some time. And this attention is turning towards this small planet and the icy companions that are in the Kuiper Belt. It is a comet and a donut-shaped ring around the sun. And Pluto is one of the dwarf planets of the Kuiper belt.

Why James Webb Pluto Mission is one of the primary tasks lately?

James Webb Space Telescope did a lot of research on the mission focused on examining Pluto and many other celestial entities that live in the Kuiper Belt. As this belt exists in the outer space of our solar system. And it is located in the past Neptune’s orbit, which is why we call the inhabitants as Kuiper Belt objects.

Another name that we can use is trans-Neptunian objects. It showcases an amazing effect of different entities having different colors, shapes, sizes, and arrangements (like clusters and pairs). And not only these, but they also tell a lot about the geological and atmospheric actions. In NASA’s New Horizons mission, they have made brief pathways by these entities. However, we can thanks to Webb’s high-sensitivity infrared cameras. That did help the scientists, as they have the capability to conduct prolonged studies of these objects now!

Heidi Hammel is a Webb interdisciplinary scientist for solar system observations. He says:

“Using James Webb Pluto important findings, we will be able to get information about surface chemistry. That might be able to give us some clues into why there are these different populations in the Kuiper Belt”.

Aside from this, scientists hope to analyze the data to learn about the formative years of the solar system.

Jonathan Lunine is an astronomer at Cornell University and a Webb interdisciplinary scientist. He says:

“These are objects that are in the graveyard of solar system formation.”

He noted that the objects likely have been around for billions of years and could last billions more.

How James Webb Pluto Significant Findings Come Towards Triton (Moon of Neptune)?

Webb will analyze these entities as centaurs. And they are previously categorize as Kuiper Belt objects. As they did experience changes in their orbits, that is why it leads towards them to be drawn nearer to the sun. As a result, they find their place in the region between Jupiter and Neptune. An example of such an entity is Triton, which is now the moon of Neptune.

Hammel said;

“Even though it’s Neptune’s moon, we have evidence to suggest that it is a Kuiper Belt object that got too close to Neptune sometime in its past, and it was captured into orbit around Neptune.”

Pluto & Charon (Pluto’s Moon) are One of the Biggest Inhabitants of the Kuiper Belt:

Pluto and its largest moon, Charon. They emerge as two of the most famous inhabitants of the Kuiper Belt. NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft captured this blend of enriched color pictures of Pluto and Charon. Furthermore, this scene is captured as it made its journey through the Pluto system.

A Palette of Enriched Colors:

The color and brightness adjustments for both Pluto and Charon have been applied in the same manner. And this is done to enable a direct color contrast of their surfaces. That is why the picture is illustrating the resemblance between Charon’s reddish polar landscape and Pluto’s red equatorial terrain.

Aside from this, Pluto and Charon are presented at proportional sizes, which is why it’s worth noting that the actual distance between them isn’t depicted to scale.

JWST Modified the Studying Patterns & Includes New Techniques

The JWST is about to completely change how we study the Kuiper Belt in space. This amazing telescope will give us a brand-new way of looking at objects in the Kuiper Belt. This means we’re entering a whole new time of really understanding what’s out there.

Lunine said:

“Its raw infrared sensitivity of James Webb Pluto Findings that will allow us to get good signals [from Kuiper belt objects] because these are very cold, very distant, and relatively small bodies.”

What JWST’S Technology is Capable of in Pluto’s Mission Research?

Planetary scientists are excited about JWST’s incredible ability to precisely measure space. And not just space but its strong skill in using infrared light to learn about things. The telescope’s super advanced cameras are ready to capture sunlight that bounces off objects in the Kuiper Belt. This will also help scientists in James Webb Pluto research. And scientists closely study the special colors of light that are absorbed and given off. By looking at these colors, they can figure out what things are made of. Like tiny particles, gases, icy materials, and minerals. That gives off specific kinds of light in their atmospheres.

What are Two Scientific Projects by JWST in Studying Distant Areas?

JWST is about to start studying these faraway areas. Furthermore, it is getting ready to do two specific scientific projects focused on the Kuiper Belt.

Lunine supervises proposal 1273, which will closely look at the dwarf planet Haumea.

A Kuiper Belt Object called Quaoar
An asteroid named Amycus,
Three other space objects.

These objects are 2008 FC76, Pholus, and 2002 KY14. They all hang out between Jupiter and Neptune and may come from the Kuiper Belt.

At the same time, there’s another project, proposal 1272. That will explore Neptune’s moon Triton. It is a dwarf planet Sedna and two more space objects. These are 2013XZ8 and Chariklo. Henceforth, all of these investigations are the first steps in using JWST to learn more about these places.

Is James Webb Pluto Findings Paving a New Way to Research Other Dwarf Planets too?

In the future, JWST plans to check out other dwarf planets like Eris, Haumea, and Makemake, as well as Pluto.

Lunine says:

“What we’re trying to do is to share these observations and combine them so we can study a number of these objects ranging in size from Pluto on down. We’re going to discover a tremendous amount about the composition of their surfaces and the distribution of ices.”

Is JWST a Solo Contributor in James Webb Pluto Mission?

JWST isn’t the sole contributor to revelations within the Kuiper Belt. Another significant player in this arena is the Vera C. Rubin Observatory, in Chile. This observation is the Large Synoptic Survey Telescope (LSST). It is projected to reshape the exploration of Kuiper Belt Objects (KBOs) differently if compare to JWST. Moreover, boasting a 6.5-meter-class optical telescope along with an unprecedented 3.2-gigapixel CCD imaging camera.

Lunine says:

“Its optical system gives a very wide field designed to discover transient astrophysical and astronomical events and objects,” said “One of those is KBOs that we don’t yet know about — it’s going to be a big discovery tool.”

Is a telescope good enough to see Pluto?

Under sufficiently dark skies (Bortle 3 or better), a 10-inch telescope is capable of providing a fairly clear view of Pluto. However, in areas affected by light pollution, a larger telescope becomes essential.

Which telescope is used to see Pluto?

Following Clyde Tombaugh’s identification of Pluto using the 13-inch Lawrence Lowell Telescope. He extended his quest for additional planets until 1942, surveying approximately 75% of the celestial expanse. That is why, this telescope did a wonderful job for the investigation of asteroids and comets, along with the pursuit of minor natural satellites affiliated with Earth and the Moon.

Why is it difficult to see Pluto even with a telescope?

Pluto maintains a considerable distance from the Sun. Which is approximately 30 to 50 times farther than Earth. Consequently, the intensity of sunlight reaching Pluto’s location is not that bright.

So, what have you found interesting in the James Webb Pluto mission, and the research it will further make in the future?

Space Missions
0
0
12 min read

What are the Recent Projects in Space Agriculture?

If you are wondering is there any need of space agriculture, then your concern is right. Astronauts, and employees who work in space can’t simply make a quick visit to the grocery store, if they need any good range of healthy meal choices. That is why there is a need to have the farming concept in space too.

And this is done to have a fresh, and healthy diet during long space missions. Astronauts must have nutrient-packed food available. Till today, they bring the majority of their needed food from Earth. And as its very common that space missions got prolonged. That is why it has become important for the researchers to cultivate plants. This cultivation will serve to enhance their diet and provides a good atmosphere like home to them too.

Today, we will highlight some of the major projects by NASA & ESA when it comes to the space agriculture research.

What Backgrounded Study has been Provided by SpaceX?

As SpaceX’s 25th cargo resupply mission for NASA (SpX-25) is all ready towards the International Space Station. It will be transporting an important space agricultural and its biology study. Furthermore, this investigation also holds the potential to revolutionize the methods that we use to cultivate and sustain crops. That is why both in the space environment and on our home planet Earth will have a better point of view about agriculture.

How SpaceX has Conduct a Study on Space Agriculture?

This experiment is known as “Dynamics of Microbiomes in Space” (DynaMoS). And it centers around the investigation of small organisms that we don’t know. Moreover, the initial indications of life on Earth trace back more than three billion years.

These microorganisms that is also known as microbe. They will eventually paved the way for all the life forms thriving on our planet today. With the passage of time, these microbes have evolved to effectively to the available resources. And soil stands out as one of the most common, and opted ecosystems that has diverse microbial communities.

Microbes that stays in the soil plays a crucial role in the carbon cycle. And that is why the circulation of other essential nutrients, which in turn supports the growth of plants. Which is an important factor for the quality sustain of all life.

The DynaMoS project has a aim to dissect the impact of microgravity in space agriculture. And other variables on the metabolic plays important role among communities of soil microorganisms. This study will particularly highlight the soil microorganism groups which is known as chitin. It is basically a carbon polymer that ranks as the second most prevalent on our planet.

Results from the Dynamics of Microbiomes in Space (DynaMoS) investigation will compare soil samples full of microbes flown aboard the International Space Station and ground control samples at the Kennedy Space Center (KSC).

How Space Agriculture Pave a Way in Science Inventions & Discoveries?

As we all know that consistent efforts plays an important role in the plant growth. And they holds a good significant in space exploration. This is why paving into the microorganism communities that are found within soil takes on fundamental role in our many space explorations.

What is BPS & How it Contributes to Space Agriculture?

NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences Division takes the lead in driving scientific revelations. And it further facilitates the science exploration. They do it by harnessing space environments for conducting studies that is not possible on Earth.

We all know that investigating biological and physical phenomena within extreme conditions provides researchers with so much knowledge. With the means to push forward the important scientific insights necessary for extending our reach and duration in space missions. Aside from this, the future space agriculture’s research yield valuable insights that have practical applications here on Earth.

Four bags containing 13 tubes each, like this one filled with soil, will fly to the International Space Station as part of the Dynamics of Microbiomes in Space (DynaMoS) investigation.

Important Words by a Scientist of BPS (Biological and Physical Sciences)

Dr. Mamta Patel Nagaraja. Who is a deputy program scientist for space biology for NASA’s Biological and Physical Sciences (BPS) division. He said:

“Farmers on Earth face challenges with weather changes, balancing carbon levels in soil, and other unpredictable forces, but growing crops in space is a whole different playing field.

One factor that is key is understanding how soil microbes perform and function in microgravity since they heavily affect the carbon and nutrient levels. Understanding the behavior of these microbes in spaceflight has the potential to improve agricultural production for long duration space travel. Which includes to other planets, and of course, farming right here on Earth.”

What is APH & How it Contributes to Space Agriculture?

The Advanced Plant Habitat (APH) also serves as a growth chamber into the station which helps in the plant research. This system has LED lights and a micro clay substrate. That is couple with control release fertilizer. It effectively provide water, nutrients, and oxygen to the plant roots.

However, what sets APH apart is its enclosed and automated design. Which is equipped with cameras and over 180 sensors. They maintain constant communication with a ground-based team stationed at Kennedy.

Space Agriculture — John “JC” Carver, a payload integration engineer with Kennedy’s Test and Operations Support Contract, opens the door to the growth chamber of the Advanced Plant Habitat Flight Unit No. 1 for a test harvest of half of the Arabidopsis thaliana plants growing within.
**Credits: NASA/Leif Heimbold**

Furthermore, it demands less day-to-day attention from the crew. Automation handles aspects such as water recovery and distribution, atmospheric composition, moisture levels, and temperature regulation. APH features an expanded palette of LED light colors compared to Veggie, including red, green, blue, white, far red, and even infrared. Which further benefits the nighttime imaging capabilities.

What is BRIC LED Lights?

The Biological Research in Canisters (BRIC) serves as a facility that help out in investigating the impact of space conditions on tiny organisms. Which can be cultivate in petri dishes. These organisms encompass entities like yeast and microbes. The latest iteration, known as BRIC-LED, has introduced light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to cater to biological specimens such as plants, mosses, algae, and cyanobacteria that rely on light to produce their sustenance.

Currently, BRIC-LED is undergoing tests to validate its hardware. Scientists are diligently ensuring that the LEDs remain within suitable temperature ranges for the plants while also conducting various system checks. In the near future, researchers like Dr. Simon Gilroy from the University of Wisconsin-Madison will utilize this facility to carry out their studies.

When did NASA start growing plants in space?

The timeline of these space-based projects of space agriculture is as follows:

Advanced Plant Habitat. It commenced its journey aboard the ISS in April 2017.
Bion Satellites. That stary back in 1973.
Biomass Production System. Which embarked on its mission in April 2002 aboard the ISS.
Vegetable Production System (Veggie). And it took off in May 2014, finding its place aboard the ISS.

How does NASA help agriculture?

NASA Acres collaborates with various stakeholders within the agricultural domain to create data and tools derived from Earth observatories. These resources are aims at enhancing production levels. While protecting the land, water, the atmosphere, and human well-being.

What food did NASA grow in space?

NASA has achieved successful cultivation of plants. That includes lettuce and radishes, and has examined their reactions to the space environment in space agriculture research. This has a comprehensive analysis ranging from gene expression to even assessing the spiciness of the plants. NASA’s Plant Habitat-04 experiment further builds upon prior endeavors, extending to the growth of peppers within the confines of the Advanced Plant Habitat (APH).

Farming Projects by NASA — The first growth test of crops in the Advanced Plant Habitat aboard the International Space Station yielded great results. Arabidopsis seeds – small flowering plants related to cabbage and mustard – grew for about six weeks, and dwarf wheat for five weeks.
**Credits: NASA**

What is the NASA Veggie program?

The Vegetable Production System (Veggie) stands as a plant growth setup developed and employed by NASA within the context of outer space conditions. Veggie holds a dual purpose: to furnish astronauts with a self-sustaining and lasting food source, while also offering a platform for leisure and relaxation through therapeutic gardening activities.

What is the Role of ESA in Space Agriculture?

On January 25, 2023, the European Space Agency (ESA) has a collaboration with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and the German Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE). They held an event that united the research of space agriculture in space exploration and agri-food sectors. The goal was to collaboratively address common challenges and lay out a shared trajectory for progress.

Space Missions
0
0
10 min read

How NASA’S Juno is Getting Closer to Moon Io of Jupiter?

NASA’s Juno mission is going to fly by the moon io of Jupiter on July 30, 2023. And this spacecraft is going to make its nearest approach to the planet.

Will Juno’s Mission Explore Volcanoes of Moon Io of Jupiter?

On July 30, NASA’s Juno mission will conduct another examination of Jupiter’s fiery moon, Io. This time, the solar-powered spacecraft will make its closest approach yet, coming within 13,700 miles (22,000 kilometers) of the moon. During this flyby, the Italian-built JIRAM (Jovian InfraRed Auroral Mapper) and other science instruments will collect valuable data, offering insights into the moon’s numerous erupting volcanoes that spew molten lava and sulfurous gases across its surface.

Juno Principal Investigator Scott Bolton of the Southwest Research Institute in San Antonio remarked that while JIRAM’s primary purpose was to observe Jupiter’s polar aurora, its ability to detect heat sources has proven crucial in identifying active volcanoes on Io. As Juno approaches the moon with each flyby, JIRAM and other instruments on board contribute to an ever-growing repository of data about Io. This accumulation not only aids in a more detailed examination of surface features but also enables a better understanding of their dynamic changes over time.

What is the Recent Discoveries in Moon Io of Jupiter So Far?

The spinning, solar-powered spacecraft, launched in 2011, has been studying the Jovian system since 2016. It is set to begin the third year of on July 31.

Io, slightly larger than Earth’s moon, is a world in constant turmoil. Gravitational forces from Jupiter and its Galilean siblings, Europa and Ganymede, continuously pull and stretch the moon. And contributing to the ongoing eruption of lava from its many volcanoes.

During Juno’s previous flyby of Io on May 16, the JunoCam imager captured an image from 22,100 miles (35,600 kilometers) showing a smudge in the moon’s Volund region, near the equator. These smudges act as valuable clues for planetary scientists, indicating changes on the surface of the moon.

Jason Perry of the University of Arizona’s HiRISE Operations Center in Tucson pointed out the expansion of the lava flow field to the west. And the fresh lava flows surrounding another volcano just north of Volund. And comparing it to visible-light images taken during Galileo and New Horizons flybys in 1999 and 2007. This direct observation of changes on Io’s surface after 16 years is an exciting development for researchers studying its extreme volcanic activity.

Moon Io of Jupiter: Moon with Hundreds of Erupting Volcanoes

Jupiter’s moon, Io, stands as the most volcanically active world in our solar system. Which is boasting hundreds of volcanoes, some erupting lava fountains that can reach dozens of miles (or kilometers) in height. The impressive activity on Io is a consequence of a constant interplay between Jupiter’s powerful gravity. And the smaller yet precisely timed gravitational pulls from its neighboring moons, Europa and Ganymede, which orbit farther from Jupiter.

In size, Io is slightly larger than Earth’s Moon and ranks as the third largest of Jupiter’s moons, occupying the fifth position in terms of distance from the gas giant.

Io’s orbit around Jupiter is influenced by the large moons, Europa and Ganymede. They results in an irregularly elliptical path. Consequently, Io is subjected to significant tidal forces, causing its surface to bulge up and down (or in and out) by up to 330 feet (100 meters). This tidal effect far exceeds the tides experienced on Earth’s oceans, where the difference between low and high tides is only about 60 feet (18 meters) in water, not solid ground.

How does the Proximity of Moon Io of Jupiter will Spark Lightning and Transform its Surface?

Due to its proximity to Jupiter at approximately 262,000 miles (422,000 kilometers). The orbit of Moon io has cuts across the planet’s powerful magnetic field lines, effectively turning the moon into an electric generator. Io can develop a staggering 400,000 volts across its surface, generating an electric current of 3 million amperes. This electric current travels along Jupiter’s magnetic field lines, resulting in lightning within Jupiter’s upper atmosphere.

The tidal forces produce an immense amount of heat within Io, keeping much of its subsurface crust in a liquid state. This causes the moon’s surface to constantly renew itself, filling in impact craters with molten lava lakes and spreading smooth new floodplains of liquid rock.

The exact composition of this material remains somewhat uncertain, with theories suggesting it may primarily consist of molten sulfur and its compounds (explaining the varied coloring) or possibly silicate rock (which better accounts for the extreme temperatures, possibly too hot for sulfur). The thin atmosphere of moon Io mainly comprises sulfur dioxide, and unlike the other Galilean moons, it lacks water. Data from the Galileo spacecraft indicates that Io may have an iron core, thus possessing its own magnetic field.

How Does the Moon’s Interaction with the Gas Giant Shape Auroras, Plasma Torus, and Reveal Planetary Orbits?

As Jupiter rotates, its magnetic field interacts with Moon Io. Which is causing about 1 ton (1,000 kilograms) of Io’s material to be stripped away every second. This material becomes ionized in the magnetic field, creating a doughnut-shaped cloud of intense radiation known as a plasma torus. Jupiter’s atmosphere pulls some of these ions along the magnetic lines of force. Which results in auroras in the planet’s upper atmosphere. Additionally, ions escaping from this torus contribute to inflating Jupiter’s magnetosphere to more than twice its expected size.

If we look onto the previous history of Moon Io. Then Io was first discovered on January 8, 1610, by Galileo Galilei. This discovery, along with three other Jovian moons, marked the first time scientists. As they found a moon orbiting a planet other than Earth. The observation of these four Galilean satellites ultimately led to the realization that planets in our solar system. Which are revolving around the Sun, contrary to the previous belief that our solar system revolved around Earth. Galileo’s initial observation of Io occurred on January 7, 1610. But he was unable to distinguish between Io and Europa until the following night.

How did Jupiter’s Moons Receive Their Names and What Stories Lie Behind Io’s Name?

Originally, Galileo referred to Jupiter’s Moon io as the Medicean planets, naming them after the influential Italian Medici family. He labeled the individual moons numerically as I, II, III, and IV. This naming system persisted for a couple of centuries.

However, it wasn’t until the mid-1800s that the names we now use for the Galilean moon. Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto—were officially adopted. The shift occurred mainly because as astronomers discovered more moons around Jupiter and other planets, using numbers became confusing.

In mythology, Io undergoes a transformation into a cow due to a marital dispute between Zeus, the Greek god. Which is (also known as Jupiter in Roman mythology), and his wife, Juno.

What’s in the Name of Juno Mission and its Mythological Connection?

NASA named the Juno mission in honor of Juno. Who, according to mythology, possessed the ability to see through clouds and reveal her husband’s misdeeds. Similarly, the Juno spacecraft peers through the clouds of Jupiter to unveil the secrets hidden beneath.

Regarding the potential for life, Io is not a favorable destination due to constant volcanism and intense radiation. Which make it an inhospitable environment for life as we know it.

Space Discoveries
0
0
6 min read

A Lightning Imager Revolutionizes Storm Prediction in Europe and Africa

Now, for the first time, a satellite device known as Lightning Imager has been turned on that can always spot lightning across Europe and Africa. New animations of the novel Lighting Imager show that it will change how violent storms are found and predicted.

Today, ESA and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (Eumetsat) shared the first images from the Lightning Imager on the first Meteosat Third Generation satellite. The date for launching this satellite is December 13, 2022.

How does the lightning imager work?

Leonardo made the Lightning Imager, which can keep track of lightning flashes in the Earth’s atmosphere day or night. The distance the device is capable of recording is 36000 km. The device has four cameras that can look at Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and parts of South America. Each camera can take up to a thousand pictures per second and will always be looking at lightning from space.

Each animation comprises a series of pictures made by adding lightning readings from one minute to a single image of Earth taken by the Lightning Imager. The Lightning Imager will give weather experts more trust in their predictions of severe storms. It will be helpful especially in remote areas and on the seas where there aren’t as many ways to spot lightning.

What were the different perspectives regarding the capabilities of lightning imager?

Director of Earth Observation Programs at ESA Simonetta Cheli once said about the instrument’s impressive abilities:

“The animations show that the instrument can accurately and effectively detect lightning activity over the whole area of the cameras’ field of view, 84% of the Earth disc.”

“ESA and Eumetsat, along with European industrial partners, are making sure that communities and parts of the economy in Europe and beyond can take advantage of highly innovative new technology.”

Getting data on lightning and figuring out what it means eventually will help a lot with studying short-term weather forecasts and how such events affect climate change. At the same time, the Lightning Imager will be crucial to keeping air traffic safe since lightning can damage the instruments on board an airplane.

The head of Eumetsat, Phil Evans, also said;

“Severe storms are often preceded by sudden changes in how often lightning strikes. By watching these changes in activity, Lightning Imager data will give weather experts more trust in their predictions of severe storms.”

“When these data are combined with the high-resolution data from the Flexible Combined Imager, weather forecasters will be better able to track the development of severe storms and have more time to warn authorities and communities.”

What were the thoughts of Lightning Imager’s charge?

Guia Pastorini, in charge of engineering for the Lightning Imager at Leonardo, said,

“The Lightning Imager has four cameras. Each one can take 1000 pictures per second, day or night. This means that even a single lightning bolt can be found in less time than blinking an eye. Thanks to specific algorithms, data is processed to send only useful information to Earth. This, as a result, helps make weather predictions more accurate, helps study weather events, and improves safety in air travel.”

“Additionally, Leonardo has worked on this great technology for ten years with ESA, Eumetsat, and an international industrial team. Today, we are very proud to show the images of the first European lightning hunter, the only one in the world with these unique capabilities.”

Even though the videos are the first result from the Lightning Imager, the Meteosat Third Generation Imager is still being set up. During this time, the devices are calibrated, and the data is checked. Afterward, starting in early 2024, data from the Lightning Imager will be more sensitive and ready to be used.

The MTG satellites are made by a big group of European companies working together, led by Thales Alenia Space and including OHB. Leonardo, an Italian company, made the innovative Lightning Imager, and Telespazio helps Eumetsat get into space and stay there.

Meteosat’s Third Generation:

The Meteosat Third Generation Imager is the first of six satellites comprising the entire MTG system. Over the next 20 years, this system will give important information for short-term and early warnings of possible extreme weather events. When the mission is entirely up and running, two MTG-I satellites and one MTG Sounding (MTG-S) satellite will work together.

Additionally, there is another primary device, Flexible Combined Imager on the satellite that looks at Earth. Its images were shared earlier this year. The MTG-S sounding satellites will have an Infrared Sounder and an Ultraviolet Visible Near-Infrared instrument. This is a first for Meteosat.

Advancing Atmospheric Insights

By measuring the instability of the atmosphere in three dimensions throughout the clouds, the sounder will, therefore, be a big step forward in giving early warnings of severe thunderstorms. It is also expected to provide unique information from a geostationary orbit about how the atmosphere comprises ozone, carbon monoxide, and volcanic ashes.

Latest post

Popular Posts

Hubble OPAL Program Monitors Jupiter’s storms and Uranus’ atmosphere (1067)

MASCARA-4 Exoplanet Sets New Record with Discovery of Heaviest Element! (953)

NASA’s Chandra and Webb Telescopes Unveil Cosmic Wonders (884)

Polar Cyclone Discovered on Uranus – NASA Unveils (878)

Stellar Nursery Secrets: Uncovering Sun’s Origins (871)

Stay Connected