Month: October 2023
Amid U.S. rivalry, China launches youngest-ever space crew to advance moon ambitions
The Long March-2F Y17 launch vehicle and the Shenzhou-17 crew spacecraft were transported to the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in China for a mission to the China Space Station. The rocket has undergone 25 technical changes aimed at improving reliability, safety, and launch site operations. The Shenzhou-17 [more…]
Asteroid Mining Books
Several years ago, GoodReads compiled a list of books featuring the topic of asteroid mining. Science fiction dominates the list but there are several factual works included. The list needs updating.
NASA Psyche Mission: Features of the Psyche space vehicle
NASA’s Psyche spacecraft, roughly the size of a tennis court when its solar arrays are deployed, is equipped with cutting-edge technology and science instruments. Its main computer, flight software, and telecommunications systems were developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), while Maxar Technologies provided the main body [more…]
NASA’s Bennu sample collection exceeds target, recovery thwarted by stuck screws
At the Johnson Space Center, the team processing NASA’s asteroid Bennu sample has successfully collected 2.48 ounces (70.3 grams) of rocks and dust, surpassing the agency’s goal of 60 grams. The collected sample includes material found on the outside and inside of the sampler head, accessed through [more…]
OSIRIS-REx mission’s contribution to navigation technology
The team at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has been refining their optical navigation software, GIANT, which played a crucial role in guiding the OSIRIS-REx mission to the asteroid Bennu. Optical navigation uses visual data from cameras or other sensors to navigate, similar to how humans do. [more…]
TransAstra’s FlyTrap Earns Spot on TIME Magazine’s Best Inventions of 2023
In a significant nod to innovation, TransAstra‘s cutting-edge space device, called FlyTrap, has been recognized in TIME Magazine’s esteemed list of the Best Inventions of 2023. Designed to tackle the escalating problem of orbital debris, FlyTrap represents a major stride in space technology and sustainability. The acknowledgment [more…]
Satellite re-entries are introducing unusual metals into stratosphere
Data reveals that approximately 10% of tiny airborne particles in the stratosphere are made up of aluminum and other metals, originating from the disintegration of satellites and rocket parts as they reenter the Earth’s atmosphere. While it’s improbable that these metals will have immediate effects on human [more…]
International Mining and Resource Conference to explore space technologies, sustainability
The earth mining industry is undergoing a transformation driven by concerns about sustainability, environmental impact, and the need for operational efficiency. This has led to a greater adoption of state-of-the-art technologies and collaboration with other industries. These themes will be explored at the 2023 International Mining and [more…]
The Economics of Space Mining: A Science Fiction Dream or Commercial Quandary
It’s hard to quantify the worth of scientific breakthroughs. However, the commercial viability of asteroid mining remains questionable, unless we’re imagining a scenario straight out of science fiction where metals cost a fortune. In reality, Earth itself offers more economically feasible options for metal extraction. Although innovation [more…]
Asteroids May Harbor Unknown “Superheavy” Elements
New research suggests that some asteroids in our solar system might be composed of “superheavy elements,” which are elements that don’t currently exist on the Periodic Table, the most comprehensive list of 118 known chemical elements. Johann Rafelski, a physics professor at the University of Arizona and [more…]