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Smithsonian Unveils Bennu Asteroid Sample, Previews Future U.S. Exhibits
The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History in Washington, D.C., marked a notable event with the debut of a piece of asteroid Bennu. This sample is part of the collection returned to Earth by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft, which completed its journey by landing in Utah. At the [more…]
NASA’s Lucy Probe Discovers Mini Moon of Asteroid Dinkinesh
NASA’s Lucy spacecraft just completed a flyby of asteroid Dinkinesh, a small asteroid located in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, and discovered something new: a mini-moon in its small orbit. Dinkinesh itself measures just half a mile across, and its tiny satellite is even smaller, [more…]
Unlocking the Future of Space Mining: New Method Efficiently Extracts Metals from Asteroids
Scientists led by Rodolfo Rivera at the University of Leicester have developed a new method for extracting metals from asteroids, a process that could drastically change the future of space mining and exploration. The study was recently published in Scientific Reports and focuses on the use of [more…]
Space Exploration Fuels Innovation and Economic Opportunities, Paving the Way for Asteroid Mining
Debates over the cost and practicality of space exploration have been a point of contention for decades, yet the potential for innovation and economic gain remains a constant driver. Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson argues that the first trillionaire could be someone who mines asteroids for natural resources. [more…]
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…]