Daily Archives: July 27, 2022

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Overview Effect

Astronauts have experienced the Overview Effect in almost 100 percent of cases where they return with a new sense of obligation and responsibility to do more for their home planet, to protect it. Experts say in this way, space tourism can be beneficial.

Scientific Research

The recent space tourism flights were not long enough or with a big enough sample size of travellers, to determine the impact of space on humans, their physiology, as well as psychology. However, with more people going to space and potentially longer spaceflights, we will learn more about this important aspect if space tourism can indeed become a regularity like taking a flight and touring Europe.

Space tourism will also lay the basic groundwork for understanding if it would be possible to colonise the moon and other planets and if yes then under what conditions?

Problems with sustainable space tourism

Another very concerning issue on space travel remains on the lawful regulation of the ventures. Who is in charge? Will it be the selected few billionaires who will be regulating space travel? Would the policies be made as per them? What would then be the laws regarding space pollution, exploration, experimentation, etc?

Currently, it is only three companies who are offering space tourism commercially and space travel being at the mercy of these three billionaires is certainly an unsettling thought.

ISRO, is a government-regulated space agency, providing a little relief here. However, according to minister Jitendra Singhs announcement, ISRO will be involved in developing the indigenous technology for space tourism and it is unclear whether it will indeed be taking up the mantle itself or will it be outsourced.

Having considered all the possibilities, safety remains one of the top but uncomfortable concerns regarding space travel. Even though enhanced safety parameters are not employed across the world, the risks will always be there. But it should not be a real concern for the actual enthusiasts as the risk factor is as good as when you drive a car.

Environmental cost

While space exploration is inarguably one of the most important aspects of human evolution. Learning about the universe is what gives humanity a purpose. Beyond that, such explorations can also teach us on how to save our home planet. Having said that, the environmental cost for leisure space tourism might not be the one we are willing to pay. Carbon footprint will increase many times and it can also contribute to depleting the ozone layer.

Is it worth it?

In short Yes! Space travel is certainly worth it, there are no two ways about that. However, there are many situations that need to be dealt with currently as well as pre-emptively to ensure that space tourism works towards providing survival of the human race beyond this planet and a future for our existence. However, regular leisure trips do not seem like a good idea in the interest of our planet, home to eight billion people.

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How practical is space tourism as India too explores to venture in this area - Times Now

The search for life beyond Earth has been the ultimate goal of deep space exploration and while our gaze remains fixed on Mars, another world is teeming with possibilities. A world that has Moon with its own oceans, bodies with their own magnetic field, and a size that bewilders our imagination.

Jupiter, the fifth planet in our solar system, has its own system that is characterised by its Moon, unique environment, and surface features that present a riot of colours in images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. When the Juice mission arrives in this system, it will uncover the secrets that could make Jupiter a potential candidate for long-term exploration and even a target for future interplanetary missions.

The Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, being developed by the European Space Agency, will launch in April 2023 on an Ariane-5 rocket from Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana. The destination will be the humongous Jupiter system that will be uncovered layer by layer in a series of 35 Jovian moon flybys.

This 'family portrait' shows a composite of images of Jupiter, including it's Great Red Spot, and its four largest moons. From top to bottom, the moons are Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto. (Photo: ESA)

When the Juice mission arrives in the Jovian system in the early 2030s, it will be prime to look at the planets and the Moon in the system that has long been a source of curiosity for astronomers the world over. The spacecraft, which is equipped with 85 square meter solar wings, will make detailed observations of the giant gas planet and its three large ocean-bearing moons Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa.

The spacecraft will use remote sensing, geophysical, and in situ instruments to characterise these moons as both planetary objects and possible habitats while also exploring Jupiters complex environment in-depth, and studying the wider Jupiter system as an archetype for gas giants across the Universe.

Also Read | Humans could live in caves on the Moon

The Galilean Moons, four large moons of Jupiter Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto -- have long been speculated to have conditions that could one day support life. The Juice mission will provide measurements to determine the positions of the Galilean moons with unprecedented accuracy. The European Space Agency has said that the mission will give insight into energy exchanges between the giant planet and its natural satellites, and between the satellites themselves, providing information on the past evolution of the orbits and even the origin and formation of Jupiter and the moons themselves.

While Jupiter remains a big part of the exploration, Juice will also look to deep dive into Ganymede, the largest moon in the Solar System larger than Pluto and Mercury. It will find answers to why it is the only Moon to have an intrinsic magnetic field.

The biggest mission goal will, however, remain to find if life ever appeared in the Jovian system? Do any of the Galilean moons have the building blocks needed for life?

"By studying the Galilean moons hidden oceans, magnetism, heating processes, tidal effects, orbits, surface activity, cores and compositions, atmospheres, and space environments, Juice will investigate whether the conditions necessary for life could ever have emerged on Ganymede, Europa or Callisto," ESA has said.

Also Read | Jupiter shines like knight in test image captured by JWST

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The secrets of Jupiter: Europe's Juice mission to find if life ever existed on distant world - India Today

L3Harris Hardware on Axiom

L3Harris

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) will provide a critical communications radio to Axiom Space for its planned commercial space station. The S-band radio will mirror the functionality that exists on the International Space Station (ISS) for NASAs Common Communications for Visiting Vehicles.

The L3Harris C/TT 520 S-band radio will serve as the common data link between Axioms space station called Axiom Station as well as its docking vehicles, enabling audio, video and telemetry data at varying data rates and communications ranges. L3Harris radios have performed this role on the ISS for visiting vehicles during all phases of rendezvous, docking and mated operations since 2018.

Our tremendous record of flawless communication transmissions in the harshest environments is a testament of the dedication to our customers and their mission and makes the C/TT 520 the perfect choice for Axiom Station, said Kristin Houston, President, Electro Optical, L3Harris.

Axiom Station is currently being constructed, with its first section planned for launch in late 2024 ahead of the ISS decommissioning in 2031.

Numerous NASA programs have relied on L3Harris expertise and technology from early spacecraft through the Mercury, Gemini, Apollo, Space Shuttle, ISS and previous Mars missions. L3Harris has supported deep space exploration with work on the Hubble Space Telescope, and now the James Webb and Nancy Grace Roman space telescopes. In addition, the company supports space-based weather forecasting on U.S. and international satellites and has navigation technology on every U.S. GPS satellite.

About L3Harris TechnologiesL3Harris Technologies is an agile global aerospace and defense technology innovator, delivering end-to-end solutions that meet customers mission-critical needs. The company provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across space, air, land, sea and cyber domains. L3Harris has more than $17 billion in annual revenue and 47,000 employees, with customers in more than 100 countries. L3Harris.com.

Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect managements current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. Statements about the value or expected value of orders, contracts or programs and about technology capabilities are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

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Future Commercial Space Station Will Use L3Harris Technology - Space Ref

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Combining cutting-edge technology with additive manufacturing redefines the limits set within traditional manufacturing and delivers innovation in places you might not expect

Innovation With the Additive Advantage_1

Sung Park, material processes engineer at Northrop Grumman, using additive manufacturing technology to create parts with advanced materials.

Innovation With the Additive Advantage_2

Northrop Grumman is at the forefront of innovative additive manufacturing processes. One process called direct metal laser sintering uses a laser to melt powdered metal into intricate parts.

FALLS CHURCH, Va., July 27, 2022 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- While companies across the world rise to the challenges affecting supply chains, a transformation in technology and innovation is shifting the manufacturing paradigm. Additive manufacturing (AM), more commonly known as 3D printing, is an innovative process where objects are created one layer at a time. Shapes and designs that were once thought impossible and too complex are now possible to produce. The range of design is expanded, and its potential is limitless.

Combined with powerful technology, analysis tools and new materials, Northrop Grumman is reshaping how it approaches design and manufacturing processes, like using 3D printing to support missions in new ways, said Matt Bromberg, corporate vice president, global operations, Northrop Grumman.

Northrop Grumman has been at the forefront of adopting this compelling design and build method. AM delivers agility, consolidation and savings on lead-times, costs and resources. Products are produced faster and cheaper through its capabilities. Northrop Grumman continues to innovate using AM and has helped facilitate this transformation across several platform-types, ranging from radio frequency sensors, engines, hypersonic weapons and aerospace structures.

3D Printing in Action

From 3D printing rocket motors to using advanced materials to produce aircraft parts, the company uses AM across the enterprise.

Northrop Grumman has also advanced AM applications to space. For NASAs Artemis I mission, Northrop Grumman designed twin solid rocket boosters to propel the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket. In 2020, Northrop Grumman shipped 10 rocket motor segments from Promontory, Utah, to the Kennedy Space Center, where the motor segments were assembled into two separate solid rocket boosters. The assembly of these boosters relied in part on 3D printing and computer modeling to modify heritage component designs from the shuttle program and to create new components that are compatible with heritage assembly ones in use.

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In 2019, Made In Space (MIS) selected Northrop Grumman to support NASAs Space Technology Mission Directorate (STMD) demonstration of the autonomous robotic manufacturing and assembly platform, Archinaut. The objective of Archinauts flight demonstration mission is to construct two 10-meter solar arrays, on orbit, to power a small Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle (EELV) Secondary Payload Adapter (ESPA) satellite. Once on orbit, Archinaut will employ its extended structure AM capabilities and advanced robotics to manufacture and assemble the satellites power generation system.

Demonstrating additive manufacturing in space will open up new doors in the design and construction of space structures that to date have been limited by the volume of a launch vehicle, said Richard Stapp, vice president and chief technology officer, Northrop Grumman. Effectively building structures in space is one of the next big steps in our continuous journey of space exploration.

Investing in the Transformation of Manufacturing

Northrop Grumman has invested more than $70 million in AM with more than 5,000 AM parts currently integrated into the companys aeronautic platforms, all produced by small- and medium-sized suppliers and partners. The company also currently collaborates with several universities and colleges.

In 2019, Northrop Grumman awarded the U.S. Naval Academy (USNA) Foundation a $150,000 grant to support AM in the Academys Division of Engineering & Weapons. The grant funded the growth of the USNA MakerSpace, a student-faculty 3D printing laboratory, and its associated engineering programs.

Advancements in additive manufacturing are enabling the rapid development of next-generation materials and hardware with reduced life-cycle costs and cycle times to give our warfighters the tactical advantage against emerging threats in complex combat environments, says Larry Ferranto, vice president, maritime/land systems and sensors operations, Northrop Grumman. Investing in educational programs like this helps to develop critical manufacturing capability in future military leaders and further strengthens our important partnership with the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d7b3d97c-22ef-4cc1-97e1-84eadd259825

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/82983ff6-7436-4f64-815c-a187dc8d4e08

Excerpt from:

Innovation With the Additive Advantage - Yahoo Finance

Good morning.

The US attorney general, Merrick Garland, said he would pursue justice without fear or favor in his decision on whether to charge Donald Trump with crimes related to the Capitol attack and his attempt to overturn the 2020 election, as news reports indicate the justice departments investigation is heating up.

The department is conducting a criminal investigation into the events surrounding and preceding the January 6 insurrection, an effort that Garland speaking to NBCs Lester Holt yesterday called the most wide-ranging investigation in its history.

News reports suggested the inquiry is homing in on Trumps role. The Washington Post reported citing sources who spoke on condition of anonymity that investigators had specifically questioned witnesses about Trumps involvement in schemes to overturn the vote. The New York Times also reported that federal investigators had directly questioned witnesses about Trumps efforts, signaling an escalation.

Meanwhile, Trump returned to Washington yesterday with a plea for police to be given the respect that they deserve.

Can the House January 6 committee make a criminal referral? It can, but whether it should, or will, and whether it has presented sufficient evidence to do so, is a matter of extensive debate around the US and on the committee itself.

Yosemite national parks dramatic vistas were shrouded by a thick grey haze this week as smoke from the fiercely burning Oak fire hung over its granite peaks. Along the road winding toward the valley, skeletal trees told the story of the Washburn fire that tore through weeks earlier.

The blazes the two largest to ignite in California so far this year have besieged Yosemite during one of its busiest months, causing entrance closures and cancellations, and cloaking the landmark in hazardous air.

But many visitors, some of whom had traveled to see the sights from across the US and around the world, were determined not to let the conditions slow them down. On Monday afternoon, as the air quality index (AQI) pushed past 250, a level categorised as very unhealthy, cars zigzagged through the park carrying bikes and inner tubes, ready for the day.

Under a fiery orange glow, visitors could be seen picnicking, trekking, and floating in the river despite the strong scorched scent that filled the air as ash danced in the breeze.

Is the fire under control? Firefighters battling an explosive blaze near Yosemite significantly slowed the spread of the flames, but thousands of residents from mountain communities remained under evacuation

Portland is facing another grueling heatwave with temperatures in the normally temperate Pacific north-west city expected to climb as high as 102F on Tuesday.

The Oregon city is one of the least air-conditioned in the US and officials have declared an emergency in response to the severe heat, opening cooling centers in public buildings, including emergency overnight shelters, and installing misting stations in parks.

Much of the region is facing extreme heat this week, with parts of Oregon and Washington state under excessive heat warnings. In Seattle, temperatures set a new all-time high for a 26 July day of 94F (34.4C), breaking the previous record of 92F (33.3C) from 2018, according to the National Weather Service.

Elsewhere in Washington state, record temperatures were also registered in Bellingham and in the capital, Olympia, which experienced 90F (32.2C) and 97F (36.1C) respectively.

Is there evidence that the heatwaves are caused by climate change? A detailed scientific analysis found that last summers heatwave, which killed about 900 people in Oregon, Washington and British Columbia, would have been nearly impossible without human-caused climate change.

Property sales in China could fall by one-third this year, spelling more trouble for the countrys housing sector as people lose faith in the market and pressure increases on struggling developers to complete presold apartments. Experts at the rating agency S&P have concluded that the fall in sales will be twice as bad as they had originally forecast for this year.

The EU has agreed a plan to ration gas this winter in an attempt to avoid an energy crisis generated by Russian cuts to supply. All except Hungary backed a voluntary 15% reduction in gas usage over the winter, a target that could become mandatory if the Kremlin orders a complete shutdown of gas to Europe.

The jacket worn by Buzz Aldrin on his first mission to the moon has become the most valuable American space artefact ever sold at auction, fetching $2.77m (2.3m). It was sold by Sothebys yesterday as part of the most valuable single sale of space exploration items ever staged, which achieved a total of $8.2m.

There are now more than 1,000 confirmed cases of monkeypox in New York City, which continues to be a hotspot for the virus, health officials have said. New York reached 1,040 cases as of Monday, accounting for about a quarter of all confirmed cases in the US. The US leads the world in confirmed cases, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). There were 3,846 confirmed cases in the US and 18,095 globally, the CDC said.

Mena Suvaris shocking memoir tells how shame and denial prevented her from telling anyone she was raped when she was 12, which led to another abusive relationship with an older man and years of drug addiction. She tells Emine Saner that modelling and acting gave her a way to express her feelings, but also taught her that the only thing that mattered was the way she looked, and that if she looked sexy, that was even better. At her first modelling shoot, she says, everyone was raving about how I looked 18. But I was 12. Her voice rises in anger.

More human remains have been found as the shoreline of Lake Mead recedes in the face of a drought gripping the western United States. The National Park Service said the unidentified remains were spotted at Swim Beach in the Lake Mead national recreation area late on Monday afternoon. As the lakes surface area has shrunk, various grim discoveries have been made at the popular recreation spot formed by the building of the Hoover Dam between Nevada and Arizona.

A US$6,250 artwork consisting of a single slice of pickle plucked from a McDonalds cheeseburger and flung on to the ceiling of an Auckland art gallery is a deliberately provocative gesture designed to question what has value, the artists gallery says. The work, titled Pickle, belongs to the Sydney-based Australian artist Matthew Griffin. Some fans are relishing in the work, calling it genius and brilliant; others have called it moronic.

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First Thing: DoJ investigators dig into Trumps role in January 6 - The Guardian US

A new lunar rover is under development by Lockheed Martin and Goodyear as NASA gears up for a return to the moon.

Unlike the rover first used during the Apollo 15 mission in 1971, built to last only a few days and for short trips, the new lunar vehicle is being built for extended use. And this time, its not just for NASA.

Were developing this new generation of lunar mobility vehicle to be available to NASA and for commercial companies and even other space agencies to support science and human exploration, said Kirk Shireman, vice president of Lunar Exploration at Lockheed Martin. This approach exemplifies NASAs desire for industry to take the lead with commercial efforts that enable the agency to be one of many customers.

Neil Armstrong became the first person to step onto the moons surface on this day in 1969 as part of the Apollo 11 mission.

Goodyear, which was also involved in NASAs Apollo missions, will employ the airless tire technology it uses here for autonomous shuttles and other passenger vehicles. Lockheed Martin, based in Fort Worth, Texas, has worked with NASA for more than 50 years, including NASAs Orion exploration-class spaceship for Artemis and numerous Mars planetary spacecraft.

The lunar vehicles will need to withstand extreme conditions on the moons surface, where temperatures drop to -250 degrees Fahrenheit (-156.67 degrees Celsius) at night and rise to over 250 degrees Fahrenheit (121.11 degrees Celsius) during the day.

Aside from Goodyear, based in Akron, Ohio, and Lockheed Martin, MDA of Canada will provide its commercial robotic arm technology for the vehicles.

The companies anticipate having their first vehicle on the moons surface at the same time as NASAs mission, planned for 2025.

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New lunar rover in the works as NASA moon mission advances - The Associated Press - en Espaol