Daily Archives: July 14, 2022

This might not be great for the planet, who knew! Photo: Patrick T Fallon/AFP (Getty Images)

I dont know about you, but when Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson were caught in their race to be the first billionaire in space, I wasnt excited. It didnt feel like a great leap forward for humanity or anything lofty like that. Instead, it just felt like a bunch of rich kids finding a new way to mess up the planet. And I was right to be worried, as it turns out that emissions from private space flight are way worse than we thought.

This is all according to a new report from a few high-profile universities around the world, including UCL in London, the University of Cambridge in, erm, Cambridge, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

Researchers from these three institutions studied the emissions from rocket launches 2019. This included gasses emitted by the rocket engines, as well as particulate matter kicked out during liftoff and re-entry.

Soot and chlorine and water, oh my! Photo: Red Huber (Getty Images)

In order to calculate the impact space travel might have, the researchers collected information on the chemicals released by all 103 rocket launches that took place in 2019. They noted that, at this time, none of the launches were dedicated to space tourism.

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Researchers then compared the emissions with recent private space flight demonstrations from Virgin Galactic, Blue Origin and SpaceX, as well as proposals to begin daily rocket launches, to plot what potential future emissions might look like. And its not good.

According to Treehugger, a traditional rocket launch kicks out gases like nitrogen oxide and water vapor. But private flights from the likes of Virgin Galactic and SpaceX also release carbon particles, better known as soot, as well as chlorine and alumina particles.

This doesnt look like a viable mode of transport for the masses.Photo: David Lienemann (Getty Images)

And while all of those emissions are far from great for the planet, its the carbon particulates emitted by burning solid fuels that the researchers warned are the biggest factor in the rising environmental impact of space travel. According to experts at UCL:

The team found that black carbon (soot) particles emitted by rockets are almost 500 times more efficient at holding heat in the atmosphere than all other sources of soot combined (surface and aircraft) resulting in an enhanced climate effect.

The team warned that global warming due to soot could more than double after just three years of additional space flight due to tourism. It specifically cited private launches from Virgin Galactic and SpaceX, as they use kerosene and synthetic rubber fuels to power their crafts.

This boom in emissions due to the fuel of choice for SpaceX isnt a good look for a firm that shares its CEO with EV maker Tesla. Boss Elon Musk has repeatedly claimed that his stratospheric ambitions will benefit the future of the planet, but that only works if theres still a planet to save in the years to come.

A perfect line showing all the spots this SpaceX rocket left soot on its way to space. Photo: Red Huber (Getty Images)

Whats more, the impact of these soot emissions could be even worse for global warming, as they are directly injected into the upper atmosphere. This, the researchers warn, compounds their effect on the climate as they are 500 times more efficient at retaining heat.

Dr. Eloise Marais, study co-author from the UCL Geography department, said: Rocket launches are routinely compared to greenhouse gas and air pollutant emissions from the aircraft industry, which we demonstrate in our work is erroneous.

Soot particles from rocket launches have a much larger climate effect than aircraft and other Earth-bound sources, so there doesnt need to be as many rocket launches as international flights to have a similar impact. What we really need now is a discussion amongst experts on the best strategy for regulating this rapidly growing industry.

Apollo used kerosene for its launch, then switched to cleaner-burning hydrogen as fuel. Photo: NASA / AFP (Getty Images)

So the big question is, how much of this space travel is really necessary? And, is there a way to clean up any missions into orbit that actually are benefitting the planet?

NASA has used hydrogen as rocket fuel for decades, with the Apollo missions to the moon using the gas as fuel for their second and third stages. Burning hydrogen creates water vapor, so doesnt dump soot into the earths atmosphere like kerosene and synthetic rubber does. Could a change in fuel be needed for anyone that desperately has to go to space?

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Sooty Emissions from Private Space Flight Are Way Worse Than We Thought - Jalopnik

Today, Natures Fynds protein bioreactor is going into orbit aboard SpaceX-25 to develop new ways to provide nutritious, sustainable protein for space exploration.

This flight is an exciting next step in Natures Fynds ongoing collaboration with NASAs EPSCoR (Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research), Montana State University, and BioServe Space Technologies, a Center within the University of Colorado Boulder.

The goal of the flight study is to demonstrate the use of a novel bioreactor technology for growing high-protein food on the International Space Station (ISS). This bioreactor technology has proven to efficiently convert simple feedstocks on Earth, including vegetation and other excess plant material into high-protein biomats of fungi. Now, this flight will research the bioreactors efficacy under low-Earth orbit microgravity and radiation conditions.

We are seeing the possibilities of exploration beyond our planet brought to life just this week by NASAs James Webb Space Telescope. Today, were thrilled to announce our role in the revolutionary NASA research to develop a safe, efficient, and robust system for producing fresh food in space. Our connection to NASA is deepNatures Fynd started as a research project for NASA, which led us to discover a remarkable microbe with origins in Yellowstone National Park. Were delighted to come full circle now and demonstrate our technologys efficacy for future space travel. Our breakthrough fermentation system is relatively simple, uses minimal energy and water, and delivers a nutritious protein that is easy to harvest, with little to no waste in a matter of daysas perfect for space as it is here on Earth, said Thomas Jonas CEO and Co-Founder of Natures Fynd.

The novel bioreactor onboard the ISS will grow Fy, Natures Fynds highly versatile, nutritional fungi protein harnessing their patented fermentation technology that uses a fraction of the land, water, and energy required by traditional agriculture. Packed with all twenty amino acids, including the nine essential ones, Fy is a complete, vegan protein and a healthy source of fiber and other essential nutrients. Natures Fynd recently launched its Meatless Breakfast Patties and Dairy-Free Cream Cheese made with Fy in grocery stores across the USto deliver on its mission of creating amazing foods that nourish people while nurturing the planet.

NASA EPSCoR Project Manager Jeppie Compton added, Each of these projects has the potential to contribute to critical innovations in human spaceflight on the International Space Station and beyond. Were very impressed with the ideas put forward in these investigation concepts and look forward to seeing how these technologies perform.

About Natures Fynd

Natures Fynd is a Chicago-based food company creating versatile alternative proteins to nourish the worlds growing population while nurturing the planet. Born out of research conducted for NASA on microbes with origins in Yellowstone National Park, the companys breakthrough fermentation technology grows Fy. Fy is a new-to-the-world nutritional fungi protein that uses only a fraction of the resources required by traditional agriculture. The company has raised over $500 million in equity and debt financing to date. Natures Fynds products are available in stores across the country, including Berkeley Bowl in California, Fairway Market in New York, Marianos in Chicago and now select Whole Foods Markets stores in ten states across the West and Northeast. For more information visit http://www.naturesfynd.com Or follow along on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn. The termsNatures Fynd,The Fynder Group,Fy, andFy Protein are trademarks of the Company.

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Natures Fynd collaborates with NASA to grow Fy, its revolutionary fungi-based protein in space - Space Ref

According to a new study by researchers at the University of British Columbia, theres a six to 10 per cent chance rocket junk may re-enter the Earths atmosphere and could even severely injure or kill a human.

The study was a joint collaboration between professors in the universitys departments of political science and physics.

The researchers say governments need to take collective action to mandate rocket junk be guided safely back to Earth after use. They say such a mandate would inevitably increase the cost of launches but should be a necessary cost.

While the risk to any one person is very low being struck and killed by space junk should not be high on your personal list of worries the researchers still believe it is dangerous enough to warrant being addressed and easy enough to solve, albeit somewhat expensive.

What were proposing is entirely feasible and theres, therefore, no excuse for delaying action on this matter, said Michael Byers, a professor of political science at UBC and the lead researcher on the project.

Technological advancements in space travel now include engines that can reignite as well as extra fuel which can aid in guiding debris to remote areas of the oceans. In addition to the potential threat that it poses to humans, space junk remaining in orbit can also cause significant property damage.

In 2020, a 12-metre long pipe fell from the sky and struck the Ivory Coast village of Mahounou, causing damage to local buildings.

As a vast nation, Canada is at an increased risk of being hit by debris.

In 1978, a nuclear-powered Soviet satellite, falling back to Earth, scattered potentially radioactive debris into the Northwest Territories, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

The cleanup project that ensued, called Operation Morning Light, ended up costing nearly $14 million. Canada had originally sought $6 million from the Soviet Union but only ended up receiving $3 million.

Because of the Earths rotation, it is unlikely the nation launching a spacecraft will also be the one that suffers the consequences of its debris.

Despite most spacecraft being launched from the global north, the researchers found the global south disproportionately bears the risk of being struck by space junk because of the earths tilt and rotations.

RELATED: VIDEO: NASAs new telescope shows star death, dancing galaxies

The study found the latitudes aligned with Jakarta, Dhaka and Lagos are approximately three times more likely to be struck by debris than those of New York, Moscow and Bejing.

Byers suggests following the model of international collaboration that took place after the Exxon Valdez oil spill in 1989 and the Montreal Protocol, a 1987 treaty that phased out the use of substances causing rapid ozone depletion.

Both required some cost to change practice, but in response to new scientific analysis, there was a collective will to do so, said Byers. In both instances, they were complete successes.

According to NASA, there are 27,000 pieces of orbital debris being tracked by the American government. However, much more debris, too small to be tracked but large enough to threaten human spaceflight and robotic missions, exists.

Spacecraft and debris both travel at extremely high speeds (upwards of 25,000 km/h) so even a small piece of debris could create big problems, NASA indicates.

As of 2017, the United States had the most pieces of debris in orbit with 3,999. Russia was a close second, with 3,961 pieces of debris (including items from the Soviet Union).

Proportionally, China is the leading pollutor of space junk, with 7.5 pieces of debris objects per payload. The United States and Russia are responsible for 1.3 and 4.3 objects per payload, respectively.

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Death by objects falling from space could be more likely than people realize Terrace Standard - Terrace Standard

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Unconscious mind activates central cardiovascular network and promotes adaptation to microgravity possibly anti-aging during 1-year-long spaceflight |...

As the 2022 Farnborough International Airshow gets under way near London, its an ideal time to explore some of the exciting developments that are energizing both the present and the future of Alabamas multi-layered aerospace industry.

Here is a brief look at a few of those developments.

HUNTSVILLE SPACEPORT

In May, the Huntsville International Airport won FAA approval to allow commercial space vehicles to land on its runway, making it the first commercial airport in the U.S. licensed to operate as a re-entry site for space vehicles.

The decision means Sierra Spaces Dream Chaser spaceplane is one step closer to landing in Huntsville, realizing a vision city leaders set into motion beginning in 2014.

TheDream Chaseris a reusable re-entry vehicle to deliver supplies to the International Space Station as part of a NASA resupply program.

The spaceplane could begin landing in Huntsville as soon as next year.

The landing of Dream Chaser at Huntsville International Airport is part of a vision for economic development that continues our legacy in space science and taps into our workforce expertise and assets developed for the International Space Station, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle said.

The FAA decision positions Huntsvilles airport as a potential landing spot for other space re-entry vehicles, according to the Huntsville Madison County Chamber.

DIGITAL HYPERSONICS FACTORY

Lockheed Martins new facility in Courtland known as Missile Assembly Building 4, or MAB4 is no typical factory. Rather, its a digital first center for the development of hypersonic strike technologies.

MAB4 was designed to pull together the best advanced production processes from across the entire company. Its team uses cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, electronic foam boards, smart torque tools, artificial intelligence, augmented reality and model-based data consumption.

Lockheed Martin said MAB4, which opened in late 2021, represents a milestone in its strategic commitment to establish North Alabama as the Home of Hypersonic Strike Production.

These weapons, flying at five times the speed of sound or faster, can intercept and destroy ultra-fast enemy missiles.

This Lockheed Martin factory underscores the fact that important defense work is being conducted in Alabama, enhancing national security and keeping us all safer, Secretary Canfield said.

SOLVING ADDITIVE RIDDLES

Additive manufacturing, or industrial 3-D printing, is poised to revolutionize how aircraft components are made, but only if we can be certain the parts are reliable.

Thats where Auburn Universitys additive manufacturing research center comes in, thanks to its work with the FAA to improve commercial air travel by raising the reliability of 3-D printed metal aircraft components.

The FAA said its $3 million partnershipwith Auburns National Center for Additive Manufacturing Excellence (NCAME) is intended to improve safety by standardizing certification of existing and emerging structural applications of advanced materials.

NCAMEs researchers will help the FAA develop additive manufacturing specifications related to understanding how microscopic features in 3-D printed metal affect overall fatigue and fracture properties in parts, along with variability issues across different production platforms.

By understanding the sources of variability, controlling them, or accounting for them, we can generate more reliable materials data, and more reliable AM products, said Nima Shamsaei, the NCAME director.

In other words, the Auburn researchers will be cracking the code on 3-D printed parts to make them safer.

ROARING ROCKET ENGINES

When Blue Origin selected Huntsville as the site for its new, $200 million rocket engine factory, the spaceflight company had its eyes on the future and the past.

Specifically, Blue Origin glimpsed the resurrection of historic Test Stand 4670 at Marshall Space Flight Center, where NASA evaluated the engines that propelled the Saturn V rocket on the Apollo programs journey to the Moon. The 300-foot structure, commissioned in 1965, had been inactive since 1988.

Blue Origin launched an extensive rehabilitation project to put the test stand back in action for the BE-4 and BE-3U engines made at its new Huntsville facility. The first test could happen later this year, reviving the rocket engine roar residents remember from back in the day.

One of the coolest things about this whole project is the history, David Helderman, Blue Origins director of Alabama test operations, told the Huntsville Business Journal in May.

We love that were building our history on history. Its a cool, long history of Americas Space Program, he added.

For the first time, our Huntsville engines team has installed a #BE4 engine into Blue Origins refurbished and historic MSFC Test Stand 4670 preparing for commissioning tests. pic.twitter.com/AdVemeFfFC

Blue Origin (@blueorigin) June 21, 2022

Blue Origins Alabama-made BE-4 engines will power the companys own New Glenn rocket as well as the United Launch Alliances next-generation Vulcan Centaur rocket, which will soon launch on its first mission.

ULA builds the Vulcan Centaur at the nations largest rocket factory in Decatur, just minutes away from Blue Origins facility and the NASA test stand in Huntsville.

Vulcan Centaurs future was given a boost in April 2022, when Amazon selected the ULA rocket for 38 launches supporting deployment for its ambitious Project Kuiper, Amazons initiative to increase global broadband access through a constellation of 3,236 advanced satellites in low Earth orbit.

The 1.6 million-square-foot ULA factory in Decatur has been the production site for the companys workhorse Atlas V and Delta IV rockets. CEO Tory Bruno tweeted in late July that the company has orders for 70 Vulcan rockets, with eight of them in the production flow in Decatur.

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Alabama aerospace industry blasting off with dynamic developments - Made In Alabama