Polar caps wane as Mars tries global warming
Global warming and melting polar ice caps are not just problems here on Earth. Mars is facing similar global changes, researchers say, with temperatures across the red planet rising by around 0.65 degrees over the last few decades.
Monday, April 30, 2007
There Will Be Cooking on Mars
Phoenix mission will take and heat samples that could contain life
The search for life is the holy grail of Mars exploration. Yet oddly, only one mission was ever sent to Mars equipped with the kind of scientific instrumentation needed to identify signs of life—NASA’s 1976 twin Viking lander mission—and that mission yielded conflicting results. Since Viking, most scientists have thought that the liquid water almost certainly needed to support life could not exist on Mars because of its low atmospheric pressure, which is about one-hundredth that of Earth. Within the last year, however, the conventional wisdom about the Viking experiments and life on Mars has changed radically.
The search for life is the holy grail of Mars exploration. Yet oddly, only one mission was ever sent to Mars equipped with the kind of scientific instrumentation needed to identify signs of life—NASA’s 1976 twin Viking lander mission—and that mission yielded conflicting results. Since Viking, most scientists have thought that the liquid water almost certainly needed to support life could not exist on Mars because of its low atmospheric pressure, which is about one-hundredth that of Earth. Within the last year, however, the conventional wisdom about the Viking experiments and life on Mars has changed radically.
Space 50
With just under six months to go before the 50th anniversary of the launch of Sputnik and the generally accepted beginning of the Space Age, one can expect the bookshelves to get crowded with books about the history of spaceflight and its future. (“Crowded” is used here in a relative sense; one can expect far more books about politics, finance, or even chicken soup for the souls of various groups, than for space history.) Some will be celebratory in tone, while others, perhaps, more critical; some will gloss over the basics of the history of spaceflight while others will drill deep into specific topics. One of the first books about the first fifty years of spaceflight, Space 50 by Piers Bizony, offers a basic and lavishly-illustrated, but not overly simplistic, review of the last fifty years.
NASA Sets New Shuttle Launch Targets for 2007
NASA Sets New Shuttle Launch Targets for 2007
NASA aims to launch four space shuttle missions by the end of the year, some aboard different orbiters than originally planned, in order to continue assembly of the International Space Station (ISS), mission managers reported late Monday. The U.S. space agency released new launch targets for three ISS-bound missions in 2007 following the planned June 8 liftoff of the Atlantis shuttle’s STS-117 station assembly flight. The shuttle’s 11-day mission to deliver new solar arrays to the space station has been delayed beyond its initial March 15 target following hail damage to the orbiter’s foam-covered external tank
NASA aims to launch four space shuttle missions by the end of the year, some aboard different orbiters than originally planned, in order to continue assembly of the International Space Station (ISS), mission managers reported late Monday. The U.S. space agency released new launch targets for three ISS-bound missions in 2007 following the planned June 8 liftoff of the Atlantis shuttle’s STS-117 station assembly flight. The shuttle’s 11-day mission to deliver new solar arrays to the space station has been delayed beyond its initial March 15 target following hail damage to the orbiter’s foam-covered external tank
Never on Time
The sun's predicted set of storms is going to arrive later than originally predicted. Since the last fall the sun's 11 year storm was assumed to start March 2008- not so anymore. The peak will come in 2011.
"By giving a long-term outlook, we're advancing a new field - space climate - that's still in its infancy," said retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Johnson, director of NOAA's National Weather Service in Boulder, Colorado. "Issuing a cycle prediction of the onset this far in advance lies on the very edge of what we know about the Sun."
"By giving a long-term outlook, we're advancing a new field - space climate - that's still in its infancy," said retired U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. David Johnson, director of NOAA's National Weather Service in Boulder, Colorado. "Issuing a cycle prediction of the onset this far in advance lies on the very edge of what we know about the Sun."
Sunday, April 29, 2007
New View of Ancient Mars Water System
New View of Ancient Mars Water System
Groundwater once bubbled up from beneath the surface of Mars to form transient, shallow pools before evaporating and leaving behind thick layers of salty minerals, a new computer model suggests.The new model provides an alternative explanation for sulphate-rich “evaporite” deposits discovered on Mars’ Meridiani Planum, hailed by some scientists as the desiccated remains of an ancient ocean covering the planet’s Northern Plains. It also suggests Mars in its early history had a globally connected groundwater system.
Groundwater once bubbled up from beneath the surface of Mars to form transient, shallow pools before evaporating and leaving behind thick layers of salty minerals, a new computer model suggests.The new model provides an alternative explanation for sulphate-rich “evaporite” deposits discovered on Mars’ Meridiani Planum, hailed by some scientists as the desiccated remains of an ancient ocean covering the planet’s Northern Plains. It also suggests Mars in its early history had a globally connected groundwater system.
Space technology and very poor nations
One significant fact about space technology in this decade is the way that developing nations, such as China and India, have been able to use it to enable them to accelerate already impressive rates of economic growth. Other nations, such as Nigeria and Algeria, are following suit by buying and operating small spacecraft from Surrey Satellite Technology Limited in order to jumpstart their national space expertise. Space technology is effectively contributing to the long-term development of these nations. There are plenty of obstacles to their economic, social, and political improvement, but lack of appropriate technology is not one of them.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
Sights set on Mars
Sights set on Mars
Ryan Kobrick will be travelling to the top of the Earth this month. But he has his sights set on a much longer trip, one to the Red Planet. The University of Colorado graduate student will spend four months on Devon Island in Canada's high Arctic to help simulate several key conditions of a mission to Mars.
Ryan Kobrick will be travelling to the top of the Earth this month. But he has his sights set on a much longer trip, one to the Red Planet. The University of Colorado graduate student will spend four months on Devon Island in Canada's high Arctic to help simulate several key conditions of a mission to Mars.
Climate catastrophes in the Solar System
http://www.marstoday.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=22502
Earth is surrounded by worlds that have been ravaged by changes in climate. As current concerns about global warming have now achieved widespread acceptance, pressure has increased on scientists to propose solutions and these extraterrestrial catastrophes can provide extremely valuable information into how climate changes can affect planets which may aid in our own fight against global warming. "It seems that both Mars and Venus started out much more like Earth"
Earth is surrounded by worlds that have been ravaged by changes in climate. As current concerns about global warming have now achieved widespread acceptance, pressure has increased on scientists to propose solutions and these extraterrestrial catastrophes can provide extremely valuable information into how climate changes can affect planets which may aid in our own fight against global warming. "It seems that both Mars and Venus started out much more like Earth"
Friday, April 27, 2007
Beagle Mission Hampered by Funding, Management Problems
Beagle Mission Hampered by Funding, Management Problems
An official investigation into Europe's doomed mission to Mars delivered veiled criticisms of the ambitious project on Monday by recommending better management and funding of any future ventures to the Red Planet. Science Minister Lord Sainsbury said that no single technical failure or shortcoming was to blame for the failure of Europe's first attempt to land a probe on Mars but suggested that scientists had overestimated the success of the mission.
An official investigation into Europe's doomed mission to Mars delivered veiled criticisms of the ambitious project on Monday by recommending better management and funding of any future ventures to the Red Planet. Science Minister Lord Sainsbury said that no single technical failure or shortcoming was to blame for the failure of Europe's first attempt to land a probe on Mars but suggested that scientists had overestimated the success of the mission.
Venus, Mars reveal climate change examples
Earth sits between two worlds that have been devastated by climate catastrophes. In the effort to combat global warming, our neighbours can provide valuable insights into the way climate catastrophes affect planets.
Time to Get Serious
The race for possible life on another planet has just taken an even more serious tone. Michel Mayor, a scientist from Europe has just announced the discovery of habitable planet other than the Earth. He believes that scientists are less than 2 decades from discovering if there is life on this habitable planet as he said Wednesday ""There's only one thing we can do. We can do science, we can do experiments. We have the methodology, the ability to do this simply on science, so let's do it,'' the University of Geneva scientist."
How Safe Is the Race
How Safe Is the Race
To Send Tourists into Space?
The Wall Street Journal Online invited Patricia Smith, who heads the Federal Aviation Administration office responsible for overseeing the nascent industry, to discuss the topic with space entrepreneur Peter Diamandis, a co-founder of Space Adventures and chairman of the X Prize Foundation, which awarded a $10 million prize to Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne in 2004.
To Send Tourists into Space?
The Wall Street Journal Online invited Patricia Smith, who heads the Federal Aviation Administration office responsible for overseeing the nascent industry, to discuss the topic with space entrepreneur Peter Diamandis, a co-founder of Space Adventures and chairman of the X Prize Foundation, which awarded a $10 million prize to Burt Rutan's SpaceShipOne in 2004.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Stephen Hawking goes Weightless!
Stephen Hawking was able to float free for about 4 min today when he went on the company Zero Gravity's hour long flight for free. Hawking's hope is that someday he will be able to go into space. He also believes that " the human race doesn't have a future if it doesn't go into space". Hawking also has a reservation for Virgin Galactic's sub- orbital flights that begin in 2009. Hawking also believes that " private space ventures are vital to reduce the cost of space tourism and make it accessible to a greater number of people". Hopefully Hawking will get his wish!
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Whatever Happened to Mars Polar Lander? U.S. Spy Agencies Might Know
Whatever Happened to Mars Polar Lander? U.S. Spy Agencies Might Know
On January 3, 1999, NASA's Mars Polar Lander roared away from Earth on a bold mission to explore a unique region of the red planet. The spacecraft was to gently set itself down near the border of Mars' southern polar cap, the first ever spacecraft to study the distant world's polar environment.
After months of crossing interplanetary space, Mars Polar Lander was in the final minutes of slowing itself down, ready to make a self-controlled touch down. It was never heard from again.
Nobody knows for sure exactly what occurred at journey's end.
On January 3, 1999, NASA's Mars Polar Lander roared away from Earth on a bold mission to explore a unique region of the red planet. The spacecraft was to gently set itself down near the border of Mars' southern polar cap, the first ever spacecraft to study the distant world's polar environment.
After months of crossing interplanetary space, Mars Polar Lander was in the final minutes of slowing itself down, ready to make a self-controlled touch down. It was never heard from again.
Nobody knows for sure exactly what occurred at journey's end.
Tech companies find a market in Mars
NASA cultivates start-ups, partners, like Google, for space missions.
As the science of space exploration expands, missions are becoming significantly more sophisticated. The institute is looking at the feasibility of robotic space flights to the tiny Mars moon of Phobos. The missions, if they take place, won't begin until 2011. The goal is to determine whether the 13-mile-long, potato-shaped moon has resources such as hydrogen to fuel future space travel.
As the science of space exploration expands, missions are becoming significantly more sophisticated. The institute is looking at the feasibility of robotic space flights to the tiny Mars moon of Phobos. The missions, if they take place, won't begin until 2011. The goal is to determine whether the 13-mile-long, potato-shaped moon has resources such as hydrogen to fuel future space travel.
Soft power and soft logic
The Moon as a military base? It sounds like something from the early days of the Space Age, when military leaders and pundits suggested that the Moon could be used as a military base of some kind, perhaps as a location where missiles could be launched towards Earth—nevermind that it would take three days for those missiles to arrive (see “Heinlein’s ghost (part 1)”, The Space Review, April 9, 2007). Unfortunately, Senator Mikulski doesn’t explain what the Chinese will do with their lunar military base: perhaps guard supplies of helium-3 for reactors that don’t yet exist?
India To Mars?
India plans Mars mission in 2012 to explore life.
Indian space scientists are not merely eyeing the Moon. They plan a probe to Mars for a six-to-eight-month odyssey in 2012-13, to look for evidence of life on the Red Planet.Inter-planetary missions will search for answers to a miriad of questions, from the chemical attributes of the Martian atmosphere to secrets hidden below ground.
Indian space scientists are not merely eyeing the Moon. They plan a probe to Mars for a six-to-eight-month odyssey in 2012-13, to look for evidence of life on the Red Planet.Inter-planetary missions will search for answers to a miriad of questions, from the chemical attributes of the Martian atmosphere to secrets hidden below ground.
Life on a Planet?
20.5 lightyears away there is a possibility of an Earthlike planet. The planet's temperature range varies between 32- 104 degrees F, perfect for the existence of water - aka the key to life. The discovery team found the planet by using back and forth gravitation wobbles from the orbiting planets induced by Gliese 581.
You should read the rest of this article it is very interesting.
USA Today's - Today's paper- front page
You should read the rest of this article it is very interesting.
USA Today's - Today's paper- front page
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Medical research on the ISS: will it payoff at last?
Almost three decades ago, the late G. Harry Stein wrote that the “By the year 2010, according to some very conservative forecasts and estimates, the space enterprise will create at least 1,900,000 jobs… Its annual contribution to the Gross National Product can be as large as $800 billion (1979 dollars) or about 10% of the GNP projected for that time.” Too bad it didn’t work out that way. The shuttle never lived up to the expectations of Stine and others and there is still no low-cost way to get payloads and people into space. Yet in spite of all the disappointments, there are signs that the long-awaited space manufacturing revolution may, finally be ready to take off.
Fond farewell to Mars Global Surveyor
Fond farewell to Mars Global Surveyor
It operated for 4 times longer than expected and returned a stunning array of data, but on November 2nd 2006, the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft made its last call home to Earth. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, has now released the preliminary conclusions of a report by an internal review board, and it appears the reason for the failure may have its origins in a computer mistake made 5 months previously. A routine update in September 2005 sent to onboard computers caused inconsistencies in the spacecraft's memory. When engineers tried to fix the problem they compounded the error by sending further incorrect software commands, and then did not catch these new mistakes because the existing procedures to do so were inadequate.
It operated for 4 times longer than expected and returned a stunning array of data, but on November 2nd 2006, the Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft made its last call home to Earth. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, has now released the preliminary conclusions of a report by an internal review board, and it appears the reason for the failure may have its origins in a computer mistake made 5 months previously. A routine update in September 2005 sent to onboard computers caused inconsistencies in the spacecraft's memory. When engineers tried to fix the problem they compounded the error by sending further incorrect software commands, and then did not catch these new mistakes because the existing procedures to do so were inadequate.
Potentially habitable planet found
Astronomers have discovered a planet, although outside of our solar system, that is potentially habitable. the planet, about 120 Trillion miles away, has earth like temperatures and is close to sun. The sun is much smaller and cooler than our sun but it heats the planet like our sun does to Earth. The requirements for a planet to be called inhabitable are that is has similar temperatures and size to Earth. Which this planet may have. Watch this space!
SpaceWorks Engineering
SpaceWorks is a small 12 man company that provides engineering and economic analysis for other companies in space business. In the past two years it has grossed over $2 million in revenues. Some of their projects include space tourism and construction of orbital fuel stations to asteroid prevention technology.
Their orbital fuel stations in particular would be helpful for missions to Mars and other planets. Prices for these ventures are still extremely high, but as more companies launch into the same services as SpaceWorks, prices will become more competitive and technology will advance to meet their needs.
Article Online
Their orbital fuel stations in particular would be helpful for missions to Mars and other planets. Prices for these ventures are still extremely high, but as more companies launch into the same services as SpaceWorks, prices will become more competitive and technology will advance to meet their needs.
Article Online
Monday, April 23, 2007
‘Hiker’s Maps’ of Mars Created
‘Hiker’s Maps’ of Mars Created
When space travelers finally traipse across the dusty Martian surface, they’ll know just what kind of terrain to expect thanks to scientists at the European Space Agency who are producing the first “hiker’s maps” of the red planet.
The new topographic maps, based on data collected by the ESA's Mars Express spacecraft, could become the standard cartographic reference for future Martian research, as well as exploration on foot.
The ESA eventually will create topographic maps for the entire surface of Mars, which would mean more than 10,000 maps each of equal area.
When space travelers finally traipse across the dusty Martian surface, they’ll know just what kind of terrain to expect thanks to scientists at the European Space Agency who are producing the first “hiker’s maps” of the red planet.
The new topographic maps, based on data collected by the ESA's Mars Express spacecraft, could become the standard cartographic reference for future Martian research, as well as exploration on foot.
The ESA eventually will create topographic maps for the entire surface of Mars, which would mean more than 10,000 maps each of equal area.
Seeking A Soft Landing On Mars
Scientists at Washington University in Saint Louis are trying to find a way for the Mars Phoenix mission to have a very smooth landing on Mars. If the Phoenix lands successfully its job will be to dig three feet down into the Martian ground so it can analyze ice and soil samples. These samples will give scientists an idea about what the water content on Mars is like. The Lander must land in an area without rocks larger than a foot high, if it doesn't i will tilt or tip over and the mission is basically screwed. A junior from WU SL has been counting rocks on Mars to see if she can find an area that has the least amount of rocks! Good luck with that!
Mars needs you, Mr. vice president
The red planet's climate appears to be warming.
The red planet is getting warmer. Science News magazine reported in its April 7, 2007, issue: "Modeling conditions on Mars using albedo, the percentage of light reflected from its surface, data from the Mars Global Surveyor, the team calculated an average air temperature at the planet's surface about 0.65 degrees Celsius higher than in comparable simulations" using data from the two Viking spacecraft landings on Mars in the 1970s.
The red planet is getting warmer. Science News magazine reported in its April 7, 2007, issue: "Modeling conditions on Mars using albedo, the percentage of light reflected from its surface, data from the Mars Global Surveyor, the team calculated an average air temperature at the planet's surface about 0.65 degrees Celsius higher than in comparable simulations" using data from the two Viking spacecraft landings on Mars in the 1970s.
Home Bound
The ISS space crew finally returns home. A billionaire and two astronauts return home on the Soyuz (Russian) spacecraft. These spacers have set a record breaking time of for their return flight home.
"With the landing, Lopez-Alegria set a new U.S. record for the longest single spaceflight after the 215-day Expedition 14 mission. He and Tyurin surpassed NASA’s previous spaceflight record of about 196 days, set by astronauts Carl Walz and Dan Bursch during 2002’s Expedition 4 mission, earlier this month. "
"With the landing, Lopez-Alegria set a new U.S. record for the longest single spaceflight after the 215-day Expedition 14 mission. He and Tyurin surpassed NASA’s previous spaceflight record of about 196 days, set by astronauts Carl Walz and Dan Bursch during 2002’s Expedition 4 mission, earlier this month. "
Mars the red planet
Mars the red planet
Because of the planet's cold temperature and thin atmosphere, liquid water is not stable on the Martian surface. Any water would either evaporate into the atmosphere or freeze and be absorbed into the soil.
However, there's quite a bit of evidence suggesting that water once flowed across the Red Planet. The most recent and exciting development came in December of 2006, when a new study of photographs taken from orbit suggested water flowed on Mars as recently as a few years ago.
Because of the planet's cold temperature and thin atmosphere, liquid water is not stable on the Martian surface. Any water would either evaporate into the atmosphere or freeze and be absorbed into the soil.
However, there's quite a bit of evidence suggesting that water once flowed across the Red Planet. The most recent and exciting development came in December of 2006, when a new study of photographs taken from orbit suggested water flowed on Mars as recently as a few years ago.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
UH scientist chosen for simulated mission to Mars
UH scientist chosen for simulated mission to Mars
University of Hawai'i at Manoa scientist Kim Binsted, an assistant professor in the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, is one of seven crew members from around the world that will participate in an unprecedented four-month Mars simulation mission beginning next month. Binsted will leave Wednesday for the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) on Devon Island in the high Canadian Arctic, a location only 900 miles from the North Pole chosen for its striking similarity to the Red Planet.
University of Hawai'i at Manoa scientist Kim Binsted, an assistant professor in the Department of Information and Computer Sciences, is one of seven crew members from around the world that will participate in an unprecedented four-month Mars simulation mission beginning next month. Binsted will leave Wednesday for the Flashline Mars Arctic Research Station (FMARS) on Devon Island in the high Canadian Arctic, a location only 900 miles from the North Pole chosen for its striking similarity to the Red Planet.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Gunman kills hostage, self at NASA center
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18233965/
A NASA contract worker took a handgun inside an office building Friday at the Johnson Space Center and killed a hostage before shooting himself. A second hostage escaped with minor injuries.
The gunman was able to take a revolver past NASA security and into the building. NASA and police identified him as 60-year-old William Phillips who had apparently had a dispute with the slain hostage.
A NASA contract worker took a handgun inside an office building Friday at the Johnson Space Center and killed a hostage before shooting himself. A second hostage escaped with minor injuries.
The gunman was able to take a revolver past NASA security and into the building. NASA and police identified him as 60-year-old William Phillips who had apparently had a dispute with the slain hostage.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Sweet Sounds of Space
Astronauts have discovered musical sounds coming from the sun. The sounds can't be heard by human though, the notes are too low. They go as low as a thousdanth of a hertz. "The study, presented this week at the Royal Astronomical Society's National Astronomy Meeting in Lancashire, England, reveals that the looping magnetic fields along the Sun’s outer regions, called the corona, carry magnetic sound waves in a similar manner to musical instruments such as guitars or pipe organs. "
Dust Devils Whip By Spirit
On February 26th the Mars Rover Spirit captured one of the best dust devils ever seen on the in the three year mission. Spirit took photos of the dust devil as it raced across its path, then those photos were turned into a movie of the the dust devil.
Centrifuges, other devices may keep astronauts fit
The first astronauts headed for Mars will be carrying a lot more than a first-aid kit.
NASA might consider equipping a Mars-bound spacecraft with a centrifuge, a rotating mechanism in which astronauts could spin to help avoid the bone loss that accompanies long space travel.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Mars Stinks: Sulfur Deposits May Make Red Planet Putrid
Mars Stinks: Sulfur Deposits May Make Red Planet Putrid
If youve got a nose for news, heres a bulletin: Mars may smell to high heaven.
Recent revelations about the red planet from NASAs two Mars exploration rovers -- Spirit and Opportunity -- have relayed back details about the volcanic and water-laden landscape.
For example, at the Meridiani Planum site in which the wheeled Opportunity now roves, the robotic field geologist found a very high concentration of sulfur. The chemical form of this sulfur appears to be in magnesium, iron or other sulfate salts
If youve got a nose for news, heres a bulletin: Mars may smell to high heaven.
Recent revelations about the red planet from NASAs two Mars exploration rovers -- Spirit and Opportunity -- have relayed back details about the volcanic and water-laden landscape.
For example, at the Meridiani Planum site in which the wheeled Opportunity now roves, the robotic field geologist found a very high concentration of sulfur. The chemical form of this sulfur appears to be in magnesium, iron or other sulfate salts
India sets its sights on Mars
Indian Space Research Organization willing to launch a mission to Mars
India's space scientists are reaching out further into the universe. Even as an unmanned mission to the moon is readying for launch, and a manned mission to space awaits final approval from the government, they are already eyeing the next destination, Mars. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is willing to launch a mission to Mars if it gets a green light from the government.
India's space scientists are reaching out further into the universe. Even as an unmanned mission to the moon is readying for launch, and a manned mission to space awaits final approval from the government, they are already eyeing the next destination, Mars. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is willing to launch a mission to Mars if it gets a green light from the government.
Spaceflight Raffle
Buzz Aldrin had an idea. His idea is to set up space experiences and sell them off raffle ticket style. The goal is to increase human interest and support of space exploration and space education.
"“It’s something akin to a sweepstakes or a raffle,” Aldrin said Tuesday during the Space Investment Summit here, adding that many details remain to be determined. “We have yet to set up the rules and regulations.”"
"“It’s something akin to a sweepstakes or a raffle,” Aldrin said Tuesday during the Space Investment Summit here, adding that many details remain to be determined. “We have yet to set up the rules and regulations.”"
Mars Science Laboratory Shakedown in the High Arctic
Mars Science Laboratory Shakedown in the High Arctic
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, which lies between the northern tip of Norway and the northern polar ice cap. It is an inviting destination for astrobiology researchers because it contains several Mars analog sites: geologic formations that resemble, in various ways, ones on Mars.
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Norwegian Svalbard archipelago, which lies between the northern tip of Norway and the northern polar ice cap. It is an inviting destination for astrobiology researchers because it contains several Mars analog sites: geologic formations that resemble, in various ways, ones on Mars.
NASA: Mars Surveyor was doomed by humans
Human error triggered a cascade of events that caused the battery to fail on the Mars Global Surveyor last year, according to a preliminary report released Friday.
An internal NASA board determined that power loss likely doomed the spacecraft after a decade of meticulously mapping the Red Planet.Several attempts to locate the spacecraft were unsuccessful, and the mission was declared ended in January.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
One Long Trip: NASA’s Spirit Rover Hits 1,000th Martian Day
One Long Trip: NASA’s Spirit Rover Hits 1,000th Martian Day
NASA’s Spirit rover hit the 1,000-Martian day of its mission on the red planet Thursday, but the mission continues for the hardy robot.To celebrate the Martian milestone, rover mission managers released the McMurdo panorama [image], a mosaic of some 1,449 individual images taken by Spirit’s panoramic camera. “It has been a surprise and delight to see the vehicle survive as long as it has,” Jake Mapijevic, engineering team chief for NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission. “We had anticipated a much shorter mission.”
NASA’s Spirit rover hit the 1,000-Martian day of its mission on the red planet Thursday, but the mission continues for the hardy robot.To celebrate the Martian milestone, rover mission managers released the McMurdo panorama [image], a mosaic of some 1,449 individual images taken by Spirit’s panoramic camera. “It has been a surprise and delight to see the vehicle survive as long as it has,” Jake Mapijevic, engineering team chief for NASA’s Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission. “We had anticipated a much shorter mission.”
The Changing Face of Mars
The Changing Face of Mars
Here are two new bits of news that show the changing face of Mars. In the first, Brown University Professor James Head talks about signs that Mars has enough of a climate shift to allow ice to leave the polar cap areas and accumulate at lower latitudes. In the second, evidence has been discovered that suggests that Mars once underwent plate tectonics, a process that, up to very recently, it was assumed that Mars did not do!
Here are two new bits of news that show the changing face of Mars. In the first, Brown University Professor James Head talks about signs that Mars has enough of a climate shift to allow ice to leave the polar cap areas and accumulate at lower latitudes. In the second, evidence has been discovered that suggests that Mars once underwent plate tectonics, a process that, up to very recently, it was assumed that Mars did not do!
Monday, April 16, 2007
Humans vs. robots: who should argue against humans in space?
Last year, I wrote an article called “The new humans vs. robots debate: introducing the FH Prize” (The Space Review, February 13, 2006). It made the case that robots would do a much better job arguing against human spaceflight than their obsolete human counterparts, and therefore called for anti-human-spaceflight humans to replace themselves with robots. Unfortunately, this advice was not taken up. This email I received recently appears to come from a human being:
Mars Mission
Undergraduate Paves Way For NASA Mars Mission
Scientists at the University of Washington in St. Louis are leading the way for a smooth landing on the Red Planet for the Phoenix Mission that is scheduled to launch in August of this year. They are looking to land the spacecraft on Mars' northern plains that are relatively rock-free.
Scientists at the University of Washington in St. Louis are leading the way for a smooth landing on the Red Planet for the Phoenix Mission that is scheduled to launch in August of this year. They are looking to land the spacecraft on Mars' northern plains that are relatively rock-free.
Giant Pool of Water Ice at Mars' South Pole
Giant Pool of Water Ice at Mars' South Pole
Mars is unlikely to sport beachfront property anytime soon, but the planet has enough water ice at its south pole to blanket the entire planet in more than 30 feet of water if everything thawed out.With a radar technique, astronomers have penetrated for the first time about 2.5 miles (nearly four kilometers) beneath the south pole’s frozen surface. The data showed that nearly pure water ice lies beneath.
Mars is unlikely to sport beachfront property anytime soon, but the planet has enough water ice at its south pole to blanket the entire planet in more than 30 feet of water if everything thawed out.With a radar technique, astronomers have penetrated for the first time about 2.5 miles (nearly four kilometers) beneath the south pole’s frozen surface. The data showed that nearly pure water ice lies beneath.
Ghost Mystery Solved
The 45 year old mystery of the ghost arms continually being seen in some photos of space has been solved. http://www.space.com/scienceastronomy/070416_mm_ghostly_arms.html
Software 'fix' responsible for loss of Mars probe
Software 'fix' responsible for loss of Mars probe
Mars Global Surveyor had been in space for nearly 10 years – the longest any spacecraft has ever spent studying the Red Planet – when NASA lost contact with it on 2 November 2006 (see NASA struggles to contact lost Mars probe). Despite attempts by other probes to come to its aid, the spacecraft never made contact again
Mars Global Surveyor had been in space for nearly 10 years – the longest any spacecraft has ever spent studying the Red Planet – when NASA lost contact with it on 2 November 2006 (see NASA struggles to contact lost Mars probe). Despite attempts by other probes to come to its aid, the spacecraft never made contact again
Sunday, April 15, 2007
NASA Images Suggest Water Still Flows in Brief Spurts on Mars
NASA photographs have revealed bright new deposits seen in two gullies on Mars that suggest water carried sediment through them sometime during the past seven years. "These observations give the strongest evidence to date that water still flows occasionally on the surface of Mars," said Michael Meyer, lead scientist for NASA's Mars Exploration Program, Washington.
Mars-probe failure 'human error'
NASA is now saying that human error was to blame for the failure of the Mars global surveyor spacecraft at a cost of $247 million. The loss of the spacecraft was the result of a series of events linked to a computer error made five months before the likely battery failure," said Dolly Perkins, of NASA.
Mars Global Surveyor
Ill-fated Mars Global Surveyor has human error to blame
While we've no idea how much the Mars Global Surveyor actually cost to construct, launch, and manage whilst hovering around in space, it's entirely likely that a single human error wiped out even more than was initially lost by the Alaska Department of Revenue earlier this year. galaxy geeks everywhere now have a scapegoat to direct their wrath at, as a review board of the mishap found that "a single command (root@mars-surveyor: rm -rf /) that oriented the spacecraft's main communications antenna was sent to the wrong address," subsequently leading to a series of events that finally dismantled its communication system.
While we've no idea how much the Mars Global Surveyor actually cost to construct, launch, and manage whilst hovering around in space, it's entirely likely that a single human error wiped out even more than was initially lost by the Alaska Department of Revenue earlier this year. galaxy geeks everywhere now have a scapegoat to direct their wrath at, as a review board of the mishap found that "a single command (root@mars-surveyor: rm -rf /) that oriented the spacecraft's main communications antenna was sent to the wrong address," subsequently leading to a series of events that finally dismantled its communication system.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
NASA: Faulty Software Doomed Mars Spacecraft
Faulty software was responsible for the loss of the Mars Global Surveyor late last year. The board said the Orbiter failure was likely due to a computer code uploaded five months before that ultimately caused one of the spacecraft’s battery to overheat. Earlier this year the board was formed to investigate the orbiter's disappearance last November and to make recommendations to prevent the loss of any future spacecraft.
Friday, April 13, 2007
A new life awaits you in the off-world colonies (enjoy the crime, and the jazz…)
Contrary to popular belief, science fiction rarely tries to predict the future. At best, it tries to project it. Occasionally it seeks to provoke, asking what is possible, or warning of the potential dangers of technological and social progress.
NASA Tests Inflatable Lunar Shelters
NASA Tests Inflatable Lunar Shelters
NASA is preparing to test an inflatable structure that might one day be used to establish an outpost on the Moon. Created by NASA contractor ILC Dover LP, the pumped-up structure sits poised for tests at the agency’s Langley Research Center in Virginia. “Right now it is a concept demonstrator,” said Inflatable Structures Project Leader Karen Whitley. “We use it for publicity and tours and exhibits for senior staff. We’ve had several congressmen come here to see it.”
The inflatable structure is made of multilayer fabric and looks like an ungainly white robot with legs. The main unit is 12 feet in diameter and 18 feet tall. It has a volume of about 1,600 cubic feet and is connected to an airlock, also inflatable. The two spaces are essentially pressurized cylinders, connected by an airtight door.
NASA is preparing to test an inflatable structure that might one day be used to establish an outpost on the Moon. Created by NASA contractor ILC Dover LP, the pumped-up structure sits poised for tests at the agency’s Langley Research Center in Virginia. “Right now it is a concept demonstrator,” said Inflatable Structures Project Leader Karen Whitley. “We use it for publicity and tours and exhibits for senior staff. We’ve had several congressmen come here to see it.”
The inflatable structure is made of multilayer fabric and looks like an ungainly white robot with legs. The main unit is 12 feet in diameter and 18 feet tall. It has a volume of about 1,600 cubic feet and is connected to an airlock, also inflatable. The two spaces are essentially pressurized cylinders, connected by an airtight door.
Likely Causes of Mars Spacecraft Loss
The Mars Global Surveyor lasted four times longer than it was originally expected too, but on Nov. 2nd 2006 MGS made its last communication with Earth. The causes of the Global Surveyor's loss, NASA says was a "series of events linked to a computer error made five months before" the error basically exposed one of the orbiters batteries to direct sunlight which in turn eventually overheated the battery, causing it to shut down.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
NAU researchers find possible caves on Mars
http://www.marstoday.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=22340
Scientists using rover technology have proposed that photos from the Mars Odyssey mission reveal large holes that could be entrances to caves. "The Martian surface is an extremely harsh environment, so the significance of caves is in their protective nature," said Cushing, a graduate teaching assistant in NAU's Department of Physics and Astronomy. He was the first to spot the black areas on the photographs.
Scientists using rover technology have proposed that photos from the Mars Odyssey mission reveal large holes that could be entrances to caves. "The Martian surface is an extremely harsh environment, so the significance of caves is in their protective nature," said Cushing, a graduate teaching assistant in NAU's Department of Physics and Astronomy. He was the first to spot the black areas on the photographs.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Indian Space Organization studying proposal on mission to Mars
India plans to undertake an unmanned mission to the moon in March-April next year.
Indian Space Research Organization is studying a proposal on a mission to Mars and is confident of undertaking a trip to the red planet within five years of the Indian government giving the nod, ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair said on Wednesday in Bangalore the capital of south Indian Karnataka state.
Indian Space Research Organization is studying a proposal on a mission to Mars and is confident of undertaking a trip to the red planet within five years of the Indian government giving the nod, ISRO chairman G Madhavan Nair said on Wednesday in Bangalore the capital of south Indian Karnataka state.
Radiation Simulation
Mars project to simulate radiation exposure
Irene Schneider Puente, a graduate student in geosciences at Penn State, has a beeen named a member of the Crew 61 during a two-week simulation of Martian exploration. During this simulation the crew will be monitoring radiation from solar flares to ensure that fellow crew members on the surface receive ample warning about the incoming radiation.
Irene Schneider Puente, a graduate student in geosciences at Penn State, has a beeen named a member of the Crew 61 during a two-week simulation of Martian exploration. During this simulation the crew will be monitoring radiation from solar flares to ensure that fellow crew members on the surface receive ample warning about the incoming radiation.
Green
The color isn't always green. Scientists say that plants on other planets may not always appear green. The color could change to a red, orange or yellow, and not only in autumn either, year round possibly.
"“You have a particular spectrum which is affected by the star’s surface temperature, but once that light comes down through the atmosphere, the atmosphere filters that radiation,” said study team member Victoria Meadows of the Virtual Planet Laboratory (VPL) at Caltech."
"“You have a particular spectrum which is affected by the star’s surface temperature, but once that light comes down through the atmosphere, the atmosphere filters that radiation,” said study team member Victoria Meadows of the Virtual Planet Laboratory (VPL) at Caltech."
Earth's magnetic field grew strong at a young age
Earth's magnetic field grew strong at a young age
The history of Earth’s geomagnetic field plays a key role in scientists’ understanding of the development of our planet’s deep interior, its atmosphere, and even the early evolution of terrestrial life. But scientists have had a hard time pinning down how long ago the magnetosphere first formed.
The history of Earth’s geomagnetic field plays a key role in scientists’ understanding of the development of our planet’s deep interior, its atmosphere, and even the early evolution of terrestrial life. But scientists have had a hard time pinning down how long ago the magnetosphere first formed.
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Asteroid missions: be patient, or bring lotsa gas
There’s been an upsurge in interest in crewed missions to visit a near Earth asteroid. The prospects of new spacecraft, along with the more distant, yet still possible, larger rockets to push the new craft to the Moon, Mars, and beyond have fired the imaginations of scientists and laymen alike.
Life on Mars to do eighties sequel
The BBC has announced an Eighties sequel to the TV smash hit Life on Mars.
Filming is due to begin in London this summer for broadcast on BBC1 next year.
Filming is due to begin in London this summer for broadcast on BBC1 next year.
New Tanks Arrive
The new external tanks have finally arrived in Florida. These tanks will decide whether Atlantis will be taking off in June or May. "The 154-foot-long tank now is scheduled to fly with the orbiter Endeavour on an International Space Station assembly mission later this year." But scientists would like to use the tank to replace the damaged tank currently belonging to Atlantis. The new external tank has many options for its use, the question is now...just where to use it?
Mars Spectacular
Mars Spectacular
Some things never go out of style, and this one is the same “Mars Spectacular.” It is yet another example of a widely-circulated e-mail containing information that was once true but which continues to be forwarded around year after year, long after the information it contains has become outdated.
Some things never go out of style, and this one is the same “Mars Spectacular.” It is yet another example of a widely-circulated e-mail containing information that was once true but which continues to be forwarded around year after year, long after the information it contains has become outdated.
Monday, April 9, 2007
Private Launches, New Tech ... This Isn't Your Parents' Space Age
This week an estimated 7,000 government officials will meet to discuss this decades push for manned space exploration. "We are likely entering a second space age," Sabathier, director of space initiatives at the Centerfor Strategic & International Studies, said. "The question is whether it will be cooperative or whether it will be competitive."
Space Tourist Simonyi's Stash of Space Station Souvenirs
Charles Simonyi will be the fifth tourist in Space. He has decided that he is going to take his passport, among other things, to space with him. "Just to get it stamped, not that I think you should have to have a passport to go to space," Simonyi, a former Microsoft software developer. Simonyi will spend his time conducting experiments for international space agencies including the European Space Agency, the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency and the Hungarian Space Office. In his free time, the American billionaire plans to blog about his experience on his website, communicate with students on the ground and take many photographs
European scientists to land a man on Mars
European Science Foundation talks up 'ambitious programme'
The European Science Foundation (ESF) has unveiled details of "an ambitious programme" of research for the exploration of the Moon and Mars.
The Aurora Programme, set up by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2001, envisages a flotilla of robotic probes to pave the way towards the ultimate goal of landing humans on Mars in the 2030s. Full details will be available sometime next month.
The European Science Foundation (ESF) has unveiled details of "an ambitious programme" of research for the exploration of the Moon and Mars.
The Aurora Programme, set up by the European Space Agency (ESA) in 2001, envisages a flotilla of robotic probes to pave the way towards the ultimate goal of landing humans on Mars in the 2030s. Full details will be available sometime next month.
Sun-like Stars and New Thoughts
Scientists are beginning to think a little differently now about the death of sun like stars. Uncharacteristically the stars have been blowing away the clouds that develop when a star dies and scientists are a bit miffed as to why. Scientists believe they might have the answer to explain this mystery."Perhaps some of the carbon in the oxygen-rich stars could help force the outer layers of the stars into space. They believe shock waves from the pulsations of dying stars could make carbon in oxygen-rich stars form pitch-black dust." And there you have it.
Study: Red planet heating up
Study: Red planet heating up
Earth's dusty neighbor Mars is grappling with its own form of climate change as fluctuating solar radiation is kicking up dust and winds that may be melting the planet's southern polar ice cap, scientists said!!! Will we find water on there--who knows!
Earth's dusty neighbor Mars is grappling with its own form of climate change as fluctuating solar radiation is kicking up dust and winds that may be melting the planet's southern polar ice cap, scientists said!!! Will we find water on there--who knows!
Sunday, April 8, 2007
Getting there
On March 20, the cameras showed us, from three different angles, the Falcon 1 vehicle at the ready on the tiny Omelek Island at Kwajelein Atoll. Blue sky, palm trees moving in the equatorial breeze, liquid oxygen (LOX) streaming from the vehicle, an occasional sea bird in camera shot. Launch control had declared “Everything green for launch”, and we watched as the countdown went five, four, three, two, one, all the way to zero. Lots of steam, and then the call “Terminal count abort”. It was 5:05pm California time, and it looked like the launch was off for the day.
Friday, April 6, 2007
ESA Prepares for a Human Mission to Mars
http://www.marstoday.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=22275
Starting in spring next year, a crew of six will be sent on a 500 day simulated mission to Mars. The Mars500 mission will take place in a isolation facility in Russia and will focus on the psychological and medical aspects of a long-duration mission. Currently the ESA is looking for experiment proposals for research to be carried out during their stay. During this period the crew will be put through simulations of a launch, an outward journey of up to 250 days, arrival at Mars and, after an excursion to the surface, they will face the long journey home.
Starting in spring next year, a crew of six will be sent on a 500 day simulated mission to Mars. The Mars500 mission will take place in a isolation facility in Russia and will focus on the psychological and medical aspects of a long-duration mission. Currently the ESA is looking for experiment proposals for research to be carried out during their stay. During this period the crew will be put through simulations of a launch, an outward journey of up to 250 days, arrival at Mars and, after an excursion to the surface, they will face the long journey home.
Global warming on Mars
Causes of planet's heating believed to be different from those on Earth.
Global warming has hit Mars, but the shifting winds and swirling dust that scientists theorize power climate changes there bear no relation to the heat-trapping gases that concern the people of Earth. Scientists, say that average global ground temperatures on Mars have risen by more than 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit during the past two decades, while the surface air temperature has risen by a little more than a degree in the same period.
Global warming has hit Mars, but the shifting winds and swirling dust that scientists theorize power climate changes there bear no relation to the heat-trapping gases that concern the people of Earth. Scientists, say that average global ground temperatures on Mars have risen by more than 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit during the past two decades, while the surface air temperature has risen by a little more than a degree in the same period.
Parade for Spaceflyers
"In one of their last days before blasting off in a closet-sized capsule, two Russian cosmonauts and a U.S. billionaire computer programmer enjoyed an array of earthly pleasures Wednesday -- a springtime stroll, a game of ping pong and a freshly cooked lunch. "
They partied it up until the cows came home and celebrated their soon departure.
They partied it up until the cows came home and celebrated their soon departure.
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Another Space Tourist
So another tourist in space huh. Set him off.
"With his bags packed and his menu set, American entrepreneur Charles Simonyi is ready to launch towards the International Space Station (ISS).
The Hungary-born billionaire is on track to rocket towards the ISS with two Russian cosmonauts aboard their Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft, now being primed for an April 7 liftoff at the Central Asian spaceport of Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. "
"With his bags packed and his menu set, American entrepreneur Charles Simonyi is ready to launch towards the International Space Station (ISS).
The Hungary-born billionaire is on track to rocket towards the ISS with two Russian cosmonauts aboard their Soyuz TMA-10 spacecraft, now being primed for an April 7 liftoff at the Central Asian spaceport of Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. "
MARSIS Radar Estimates the Volume of Water in the South Pole of Mars
http://www.marstoday.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=22277
In studying the southern pole radar of the Mars Express space probe has used radar to map the planet's surface and for the first time in the history of planetary exploration, topographic maps of the Martian sub-soil have been produced which have revealed considerable volumes of ice.
In studying the southern pole radar of the Mars Express space probe has used radar to map the planet's surface and for the first time in the history of planetary exploration, topographic maps of the Martian sub-soil have been produced which have revealed considerable volumes of ice.
NASA IT contract a boon for companies large and small
NASA IT contract a boon for companies large and small
NASA, which administers the contract, announced the winners of the Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement IV contract last week. It is one of several Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts used to provide information technology services throughout the government, overseen by agencies including the U.S. General Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Commerce Department.
NASA, which administers the contract, announced the winners of the Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement IV contract last week. It is one of several Government-Wide Acquisition Contracts used to provide information technology services throughout the government, overseen by agencies including the U.S. General Services Administration, the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. Commerce Department.
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Ironically, India Outsources Space Development
This article talks about how India has decided to outsource much of it's space production to outside companies, allowing it to maintain a smaller staff, but take on additional projects. India is known to be a strong location for outsourced talent, and this provides another strong example. As NASA's budget continues to shrink, I would expect to see more attention put on outsourcing projects to private industry.
Aurora space research plan nearly complete
"Scientists working with the European Science Foundation said they are nearly finished outlining a program for the exploration of the moon and Mars" The Aurora program is part of an international plan to explore the solar system. the goal of this plan is to land humans on Mars around the 2030's. The plan begins with robotic probes that will pave the way for human exploration. "he first Aurora mission will be ExoMars, a robotic spacecraft scheduled to be launched in 2013 or 2014. After landing on Mars, it will release a rover carrying a laboratory able to analyze rock and soil samples for signs of life."
Missing Medal Recovered
Don't worry the FBI has finally recovered the astronauts missing medal. "A Presidential Medal of Freedom that was prepared for award to Apollo 13 astronaut Captain James Lovell, Jr.," has been missing since 1970 and finally found. A defective metal was to be sent to be destroyed but ended up finding its way into the White House. Lovell a private collector became concerned with the metal so she contacted the FBI. Problem Solved. A good deed is rewarded.
The SANs of Mars
The SANs of Mars
Advancements in photographic telescopes and aerial cameras, digital images of Mars are ably to capture remarkable photos of Mars. These business that have developed the cameras that cover areas of 6km by 12km will send back photos that give us information about the area's topography; the photos will have 1.2 gigapixel and 240 megapixes…this is much more than most camera developers would have ever thought possible.
Advancements in photographic telescopes and aerial cameras, digital images of Mars are ably to capture remarkable photos of Mars. These business that have developed the cameras that cover areas of 6km by 12km will send back photos that give us information about the area's topography; the photos will have 1.2 gigapixel and 240 megapixes…this is much more than most camera developers would have ever thought possible.
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Earth's extremes could hold clues to Mars life
Scientists are examining algae in deserts of China
A recent study of China's remote deserts could help astrobiologists refine their maps for uncovering Martian life. Ongoing studies of Mars analogs on Earth have combed the iciest regions and the driest areas. However a new study has taken a comprehensive look at the microbial life in the extreme deserts of China.
A recent study of China's remote deserts could help astrobiologists refine their maps for uncovering Martian life. Ongoing studies of Mars analogs on Earth have combed the iciest regions and the driest areas. However a new study has taken a comprehensive look at the microbial life in the extreme deserts of China.
Europe to Join 500-Day Mock Mission to Mars
The European Space Agency (ESA) will partner with Russian researchers in a simulated mission to Mars.
The spaceship mock-up will include areas for research, medicine, living, and a kitchen, having a total area of 200 square meters, connected only by narrow passages. A special tank will be provided to represent a descent vehicle for travel to the Martian surface.
The spaceship mock-up will include areas for research, medicine, living, and a kitchen, having a total area of 200 square meters, connected only by narrow passages. A special tank will be provided to represent a descent vehicle for travel to the Martian surface.
Eyes on the lunar lander prize
For the past few years, the entrepreneurial space industry has struggled to find ways to demonstrate the progress that it is making, particularly in the development of suborbital vehicles. There are always conference presentations and press releases and the like, but there’s nothing quite as effective in capturing the public’s attention as actually building and flying hardware, as the flights of SpaceShipOne in 2004 so clearly demonstrated. With none of the leading suborbital vehicle developers planning to make test flights of their vehicles before next year, there would seem to be few near-term opportunities to see what various companies are capable of.
NASA Grant Energizes Student-Developed Mars Project
NASA Grant Energizes Student-Developed Mars Project
The Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program announced that they have received a $200,000 NASA advanced projects development grant. The funding will support development of a full payload engineering model, as well as make possible a number of tasks that push the project nearer to a real-time liftoff.
The Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program is the first ever mission to study the effects of Martian gravity on mammals, a fundamental step moving humans out beyond low Earth orbit to the red planet.
The Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program announced that they have received a $200,000 NASA advanced projects development grant. The funding will support development of a full payload engineering model, as well as make possible a number of tasks that push the project nearer to a real-time liftoff.
The Mars Gravity Biosatellite Program is the first ever mission to study the effects of Martian gravity on mammals, a fundamental step moving humans out beyond low Earth orbit to the red planet.
Google and NASA pair up for virtual space exploration
Google and NASA pair up for virtual space exploration
As a little kid everyone dreams of being an astronaut and going and walking on the Moon, but in reality the likelihood of that occurring is about .000001%. So, Google and NASA have teamed up to produce an interactive map of Mars and the Moon to allow not only children achieve a space walk, but also adults who are still wanting to get that walk on the Moon. This has not been created yet, but they are hoping to have this 3D program up and running soon!
Monday, April 2, 2007
Human Mission To Mars???
ESA Plans For Human Mission To Mars
Starting in Spring 2008 the European Space Agency will be sending a team of six on a simulated 500 day trip to Mars. The project is designed to investigate the psychological and medical aspects of a long-duration mission, such as to Mars. During the simulated Mars mission, known as Mars500, the crew will be locked inside a special Russian isolation facility in Moscow and will experience various scenarios as if they really were traveling to the Red Planet.
Starting in Spring 2008 the European Space Agency will be sending a team of six on a simulated 500 day trip to Mars. The project is designed to investigate the psychological and medical aspects of a long-duration mission, such as to Mars. During the simulated Mars mission, known as Mars500, the crew will be locked inside a special Russian isolation facility in Moscow and will experience various scenarios as if they really were traveling to the Red Planet.
Private space firm tests futuristic rocket engine
Private space firm tests futuristic rocket engine
If we are struggling to get ourselves to Mars due to the weight of gas and funding then XCOR Aerospace has started towards the answer. The company has developed rocket engine fuelled by liquid methane and liquid oxygen. This combination that they have created will more 20% more efficient than the ‘traditional hypergolic fuels’ that we use. It does not stop there, they believe that we could actually extract methane and oxygen from the Martian atmosphere to fuel the operations there—which would cut TONS of costs since we will not have to carry gas to get back into Earth’s orbit!!
If we are struggling to get ourselves to Mars due to the weight of gas and funding then XCOR Aerospace has started towards the answer. The company has developed rocket engine fuelled by liquid methane and liquid oxygen. This combination that they have created will more 20% more efficient than the ‘traditional hypergolic fuels’ that we use. It does not stop there, they believe that we could actually extract methane and oxygen from the Martian atmosphere to fuel the operations there—which would cut TONS of costs since we will not have to carry gas to get back into Earth’s orbit!!
New Caves Possibility for Life
Seven dark spots near Mar's equator have lead to a furry of excitement for astronomers. They believe that these dark spots could be possible caves on Mars, which of course could ultimately lead to life. The football sized holes were discovered by Mars Odyssey's Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS)."The potential caves were spotted near a massive Martian volcano, Arisa Mons. Their openings range from about 330 to 820 feet (100 to 250 meters) wide, and one of them, Dena, is thought to extend nearly 430 feet (130 meters) beneath the planet's surface. " This should lead to further exploration of Mars.
Shanghai scientists developing atomic rover
Scientists in Shanghai have created a new moon rover for future space exploration. This model will be able to dig for samples, and transmit video in real time. It travels at 100 meters per hour and has special sensors to prevent if from crashing into anything. Beijing and other cities are also creating new and improved space rovers.
Perhaps the US should look outside itself for better technology in the future. Collaboration in space exploration will be essential someday to ensure peace. Why not start now and have access to the latest technology available?
Article Online
Perhaps the US should look outside itself for better technology in the future. Collaboration in space exploration will be essential someday to ensure peace. Why not start now and have access to the latest technology available?
Article Online
MARSIS Radar Calculates Water on Mars
For the first time in the history of planetary exploration, topographic maps of the Martian sub-soil have been produced, revealing considerable volumes of ice. The Marsis low frequency radar has been designed so that its signals penetrate into the Martian sub-soil. Consequently, its radar signals can reach a depth of more than two miles, which has made it possible to map the boundary between the layered deposits and the floor of the basin.
Sunday, April 1, 2007
Why the Moon? Human survival!
NASA wants to return humans to the Moon. Those of us who are middle-aged or older may recall that we have been there before. I can conjure up images of blurred figures in spacesuits jumping about on my black-and white 12-inch television screen. This time the plan, the Vision for Space Exploration, calls for the construction of a permanently-staffed lunar base. The cost has not been presented, but outside estimates have placed at it a few hundred billion dollars. This idea deserves praise, but the reasons provided for it have provoked the opposite reaction.
MARS IN MOJAVE DESERT
'Spaceward Bound' sows seeds for space exploration among teachers, scientists
In Cima Crater, California teachers are studying the rocks of the Mojave desert to learn about Mars. In all, 40 scientists and 40 teachers from across the nation collaborated in the weeklong, hands-on workshop. The expedition was geared toward teaching teachers about the similarities of volcanic regions on Mars and the Mojave Desert so they go back to their classrooms and inspire their students about exploring Mars, the moon and the space frontier. The program is aimed at sowing the seeds for future generations to explore Mars.
In Cima Crater, California teachers are studying the rocks of the Mojave desert to learn about Mars. In all, 40 scientists and 40 teachers from across the nation collaborated in the weeklong, hands-on workshop. The expedition was geared toward teaching teachers about the similarities of volcanic regions on Mars and the Mojave Desert so they go back to their classrooms and inspire their students about exploring Mars, the moon and the space frontier. The program is aimed at sowing the seeds for future generations to explore Mars.
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