Daily Archives: March 24, 2024

The Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft lifts off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on March 23, 2024. Credit: NASA TV

NASA astronaut Tracy C. Dyson, Roscosmos cosmonaut Oleg Novitskiy, and spaceflight participant Marina Vasilevskaya of Belarus are safely in orbit on the Soyuz MS-25 spacecraft after launching at 8:36 a.m. EDT on March 23, 2024, from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan (5:36 p.m. Baikonur time).

The Soyuz will dock to the space stations Prichal module at about 11:09 a.m. Monday, March 25. About two hours after docking, hatches between the Soyuz and the station will open.

NASA docking coverage will begin at 10:15 a.m. on NASA+, NASA Television, the NASA app, YouTube, and the agencys website. Learn how to stream NASA TV through a variety of platforms including social media.

The Soyuz MS-24 spacecraft carrying three crew members approaches the International Space Station for a docking to the Rassvet module. on September 15, 2023. Nearly three-and-half hours after launching from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, NASA astronaut Loral OHara along with Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Kononenko and Nikolai Chub, would open the Soyuz hatch, enter the station, and begin their space research mission. Credit: NASA

The Soyuz spacecraft is a series of spacecraft designed for the Soviet space program by the Korolev Design Bureau (now RKK Energia) in the 1960s. It has become one of the most reliable and frequently used launch vehicles in the history of space exploration. The Soyuz spacecraft are used for carrying crew and cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS) and have been in service for over five decades, making them the longest-serving operational spacecraft.

The Soyuz consists of three parts: the Orbital Module, which provides living space for the crew during their mission; the Descent Module, which houses the crew during launch, re-entry, and landing; and the Service Module, which contains the spacecrafts systems and supplies. It is known for its robustness and safety features, including a launch escape system that can quickly evacuate the crew in case of a launch emergency.

Throughout its service, the Soyuz has undergone several upgrades and variations, adapting to new technological advancements and mission requirements. Its enduring presence in space exploration symbolizes the success and resilience of human spaceflight endeavors.

Read more:

Soyuz Spacecraft Launches to Space Station With NASA Astronaut - SciTechDaily

On Episode 103 of This Week In Space, Rod and Tariq talk with Space.com's Dr. Mike Wall about last week's third test flight of SpaceX's Starship.

The successful launch, ascent, staging, and testing of propellant transfer and the cargo bay door were all brilliant, yet both vehicles were destroyed before completing their planned trajectories, and the upper stage didn't make it into orbit (though it did reach "orbital velocity," according to Elon).

So what's the real story on this test flight? When will the next one be? How close is SpaceX to routine launches of Starship, and when might it be ready to land NASA astronauts on the moon? And finally--an interstellar Starship, really Elon?

Download or subscribe to this show at:https://twit.tv/shows/this-week-in-space.

Get episodes ad-free with Club TWiT athttps://twit.tv/clubtwit

Finally, did you know you can launch your own SpaceX rocket? Model rocket maker Estes' stunning scale model of a Falcon 9 rocket that you can pick up now. The launchable model is a detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 and retails for $149.99. You can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of our partners collectSPACE.com.

This Week in Spacecovers the new space age. Every Friday we take a deep dive into a fascinating topic. What's happening with the new race to the moon and other planets? When will SpaceX really send people to Mars?

Join Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik fromSpace.comas they tackle those questions and more each week on Friday afternoons. You can subscribe today on your favorite podcatcher.

Social Links Navigation

Rod Pyleis an author, journalist, television producer and Editor-in-Chief ofAd Astramagazine. He has written18 bookson space history, exploration, and development, includingSpace 2.0,Innovation the NASA Way,Interplanetary Robots,Blueprint for a Battlestar,Amazing Stories of the Space Age,First On the Moon, andDestination Mars

In a previous life, Rod produced numerous documentaries and short films for The History Channel, Discovery Communications, and Disney. He also worked in visual effects onStar Trek: Deep Space Nineand theBattlestar Galacticareboot, as well as various sci-fi TV pilots. His most recent TV credit was with the NatGeo documentary on Tom Wolfe's iconic bookThe Right Stuff.

Social Links Navigation

Responsible for Space.com's editorial vision, Tariq Malik has been the Editor-in-Chief of Space.com since 2019 and has covered space news and science for 18 years. He joined the Space.com team in 2001, first as an intern and soon after as a full-time spaceflight reporter covering human spaceflight, exploration, astronomy and the night sky. He became Space.com's managing editor in 2009. As on-air talent has presented space stories on CNN, Fox News, NPR and others.

Tariq is an Eagle Scout (yes, he earned the Space Exploration merit badge), a Space Camp veteran (4 times as a kid, once as an adult), and has taken the ultimate "vomit comet" ride while reporting on zero-gravity fires. Before joining Space.com, he served as a staff reporter for The Los Angeles Times covering city and education beats. He has journalism degrees from the University of Southern California and New York University.

Breaking space news, the latest updates on rocket launches, skywatching events and more!

More here:

This Week In Space podcast: Episode 103 Starship's Orbital Feat - Space.com

ANN ARBOR Registration is open for Washtenaw Community Colleges (WCC) hands-on summer camps for area youth ages 5-18. e

Seven camps are designed to motivate participants with fun activities ranging from NASA-affiliated space exploration and STEM-based problem-solving to archeological discoveries and Lego building projects.

Each camp is conducted by instructors connected to organizations steeped in the subject matter. For example, the space exploration event is a collaboration among WCC, Mad Science Detroit and NASA. All camps occur on the WCC campus, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor.

Visit the Summer Camp webpage to learn more about the camps and to register online.

WCC SUMMER CAMPS

Future Space Explorers (ages 5-12) Train to be an astronaut while exploring our solar systems planets, moons and sun. Learn about the challenges of space travel. Bounce lasers around a room, build a rocket and join in a NASA-style launch. The camp is scheduled from 9 a.m.12 p.m. June 24-28.

Esports for Kids (ages12-17) This offering can be a competitive gateway to those passionate about hands-on gaming, technology and STEM. It exposes participants to opportunities in the Esports industry, providing chances to improve skills and make new friends. The fun happens 9 a.m.12 p.m. July 8-11.

Brixology (ages 7-12) The objectives of this camp are problem-solving and team-building, all accomplished by the fun of constructing projects with Lego blocks. Campers will build a space station, boats and other vehicles, mechanical animals, truss bridges, carnival rides and more. Building begins weekdays 9 a.m.12 p.m. July 22-26.

3D at WCC (ages 14-18) This 3D workshop breathes life into video games, animated films and virtual reality assets for those who want to learn the entire production pipeline (modeling, texturing, lighting, animation, rendering and compositing). Six focused classes will be held Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 1-4 p.m. July 22August 2.

Eureka STEM Maker (ages 5-12) This camp is for inventors and scientists who will use their minds to overcome challenges using basic materials, simple machines and guidance from famous inventors. Campers will build catapults, forts and even light sabers to take home. STEM Maker is scheduled for 9 a.m.12 p.m. July 29August 2.

Underground Explorers (ages 5-12) Participants will investigate the worlds of archeologists and paleontologists, learning how those scientific adventurers excavate lost cities, study ancient civilizations and uncover fossils. Pottery shards, bone fragments and amber deposits will serve as clues to history. The dig lasts from 9 a.m.12 p.m. August 5-9.

Health Care Career Exploration (ages 11-14) Those interested in a health care career can use this camp to explore the field hands-on. Learn CPR. Get a good understanding of what its like to work in professions like nursing, physical therapy and dietetics. Dive in 1-4 p.m. August 5-9.

WCC SUMMER CAMPS

What: Youth summer camps hosted by Washtenaw Community College

Who: Camps are geared for specific age groups from ages 5-18.

When: Week-long camps begin June 24 and continue through the week of August 5.

Where: WCC campus, 4800 E. Huron River Drive, Ann Arbor

Register: Visit the Summer Camp webpage to learn more about each camp and to register!

Excerpt from:

From 3D To Outer Space: Register For WCC Youth Summer Camps - mitechnews.com

As whimsical as it sounds, outer space has been akin to a cosmic detective story, unraveling the origins of everything we know. Poised at the edge of this investigation is the greatest enigma of all: the creation of the universe itselfa story told through the echoes of the Big Bang. This isnt just another space article. This is a glimpse into the abyss where time and space were born, and a salute to the celestial sleuths whove shifted our perspective on realitys dawn.

Space exploration has been our gateway to the past, a time-traveling odyssey with telescopes as our DeLoreans. Amidst this grand cosmic detective work, the Big Bang Theory has stood as the prevailing cosmological model. But our celestial narrative is far from complete, and space exploration has become the co-author in this universes origin story.

The protagonist of our saga, the Hubble Space Telescope, has brought the universe into focus, one galaxy at a time. By measuring the redshift of distant galaxiesa phenomenon where light stretches as objects move away from usastronomers have gleaned insights into the universes expansion, a pivotal clue in the post-Big Bang puzzle. Each redshift measured is like finding a hidden inscription in the universes expanding journal, providing an unprecedented understanding of Big Bangs oeuvre.

The cosmic microwave background (CMB), a relic of the Big Bangs afterglow, is the universes baby photo, a snapshot from a time when atoms and light untangled in the cosmic playpen. By meticulously measuring the CMB, space exploration has presented us with a cosmic time capsule, allowing us to peer at the physical laws governing the universes swaddling days and the implications they hold for its future growth.

The abundance of light elements, those celestial building blocks like hydrogen and helium, believed to have been forged in the crucible of the Big Bang, is yet another piece of evidence astronomers have been tallying. This elemental census is more than just a headcountit offers a glimpse into the raw materials that spun into the cosmic tapestry we gaze upon every night.

But our search doesnt end with the relics of creation; it stretches to the cosmic Dark Ages, the historical chasm between the Big Bang and the ignition of the first stars. Space exploration serves as the bridge across this gap. Powerful telescopes probe this period intensely, hungering for the faint glimmer of the CMB that holds the clues to galaxy formation, star evolution, and the recipe for the universes substance.

So, why does this matter? Because as humans, we are innately curious beings, and understanding our origins is a fundamental questa mosaic that is pieced together by examining the formation of galaxies through our cosmic voyages. Our telescopes, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial, cast their gaze deep into the void, not merely as observers but as cosmic archaeologists, extracting a narrative from the heavens themselves.

To appreciate the drama of space exploration is to appreciate the quest for our own beginnings. With every new observation, model, and theory, we dont just sharpen our view of the Big Bangwere opening new chapters in the history of existence and, perhaps, inching closer to answering the fundamental question of why there is something rather than nothing.

Thus, this is more than an article; its an invitation to look up at the stars and realize that, in a way, when we search the heavens, we are also searching within ourselves. Space exploration, thus, is not simply a journey outward; its an exploration inward, into the soul of humanity and the narrative of all life.

For source articles on space explorations contribution to our understanding of the Big Bang, check credible scientific resources and databases like NASA (a href=https://www.nasa.gov>http://www.nasa.gov) or the European Space Agency (a href=https://www.esa.int>http://www.esa.int), which provide a wealth of information and ongoing research findings.

Marcin Frckiewicz is a renowned author and blogger, specializing in satellite communication and artificial intelligence. His insightful articles delve into the intricacies of these fields, offering readers a deep understanding of complex technological concepts. His work is known for its clarity and thoroughness.

View original post here:

The Cosmic Enigma: How Space Exploration is Unraveling the Universe's Birth Secrets - yTech

Editors note: This media advisory was updated on March 22, 2024, to reflect a change in news conference participants.

After spending 199 days in space, NASAs SpaceX Crew-7 crew members will discuss their science mission aboard the International Space Station during a news conference at 2:30 p.m. EDT Monday, March 25, at the agencys Johnson Space Center in Houston.

NASA astronaut Jasmin Moghbeli, ESA (European Space Agency) astronaut Andreas Mogensen, and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Satoshi Furukawa will answer media questions about their mission aboard the space station and their return to Earth. The three crew members, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Konstantin Borisov returned aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, splashing down at 5:47 a.m., March 12, off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, before flying back to Houston.

Event coverage will stream live on NASA+, NASA Television, and the agencyswebsite. Learn how to stream NASA TVthrough a variety of platforms including social media.

Media are invited to attend in-person or virtually. Media must RSVP to the Johnson newsroom no later than 12:30 p.m. March 25 at jsccommu@mail.nasa.gov or 281-483-5111. Media should dial-in to the news conference by 2 p.m. the day of the event to ask a question. Questions also may be submitted on social media using #AskNASA. A copy of NASAs media accreditation policy is online.

The crew spent six-and-a-half months in space, with 197 days total aboard the space station. During the mission, Moghbeli completed a spacewalk, a first in her career, alongside NASA astronaut Loral OHara. It was the first spaceflight for Moghbeli and Borisov, and the second for Furukawa and Mogensen.

The crew lived and worked aboard the station since Aug. 26, 2023. Duringthe mission, crew contributed to hundreds of experiments and technology demonstrations, including studying plant immune function in microgravity, testing materials in the space environment, and observing thunderstorms to understand the effects of lightning and electrical activity on Earths climate and atmosphere. These experiments are helping to prepare for exploration beyond low Earth orbit and to benefit life on Earth.

They spent five days with the newly arrived crew of NASAs SpaceX Crew-8 mission, who docked to the station on March 5, and conducted a direct handover introducing three first-time flyers to the space station, discussing ongoing tasks and system statuses.

Get the latest NASA space station news, images, and features on Instagram,Facebook, andX.

Learn more about NASAs Commercial Crew Program:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

-end-

Josh Finch / Claire OShea Headquarters, Washington 202-358-1100 joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov / claire.a.oshea@nasa.gov

Chelsey Ballarte Johnson Space Center, Houston 281-483-5111 chelsey.n.ballarte@nasa.gov

Here is the original post:

Following Safe Return, NASA's SpaceX Crew-7 to Recount Space Mission - NASA

In an impressive video released by SpaceX, viewers can experience the essence of space travel condensed into a stunning time-lapse. This footage encapsulates the Falcon 9 rockets journey from Floridas coast to the cosmos and back, creating an engaging visual trip for space enthusiasts and the general public alike.

The video originates from the Falcon 9s Transporter 6 mission, which commenced from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, on January 3, 2022. The mission marked the tenth return of this specific Falcon 9 booster, which had a historical portfolio of missions including supporting Crew Demo-2 and transporting payloads for the CRS-21 and Transporter-1 missions, as well as deploying multiple batches of Starlink satellites.

After separation, the first stage of the rocket achieved a successful landing back on Earth at SpaceXs Landing Zone 1. Significantly, the mission was not just about the spectacular visuals, but also about the delivery of a diverse cargo of 105 spacecraft ranging from CubeSats to microsats, all shaping a new era of access to space for various commercial and government entities.

The time-lapse footage, which has enraptured subscribers of their YouTube channel, serves as a highlight reel of what the future holds for space travel. It echoes SpaceXs larger ambitions of establishing a human presence on Mars, underlining their statement that their Starship spacecraft, dubbed the most powerful launch system, could potentially carry humans on extended missions beyond Earth.

With a track record boasting a total launch count of 323 rockets and 287 successful landings, the spaceflight company continues to push the boundaries of whats achievable, driven by Elon Musks vision of interplanetary exploration and colonization.

Summary: This article regards the exciting time-lapse video shared by SpaceX, capturing a Falcon 9 rockets journey from Florida into space. It reflects on both the technical success of the mission as well as the broader implications for space travel, including SpaceXs aspirations for Mars colonization.

Expanding the Vibrant and Progressive Space Industry

The space industry has experienced a renaissance in recent years, propelled by breakthroughs in rocket technology, miniaturization of satellites, and a growing interest in space tourism and exploration. SpaceX is a prominent figure within this market, consistently pushing the envelope with milestones such as the one captured in their time-lapse video.

Market Forecasts and Growth Trajectory

The global space industry is projected to continue its growth, expanding beyond traditional government contracts and into commercial ventures. Analysts predict that the market will reach hundreds of billions of dollars in the next decade, driven by increasing satellite launches, space tourism, and the prospect of extraterrestrial ventures. SpaceX is strategically positioned in this market, offering competitive launch services, and developing infrastructure for future missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Recognition of Industry Issues and Solutions

Despite its rapid growth, the space industry faces challenges, including regulatory hurdles, space debris management, and the sustainable use of space resources. Addressing these issues is vital to ensuring the longevity and safety of space operations. SpaceXs Falcon 9 rocket incorporates reusability principles, which not only reduce costs but also diminish the impact of launches on the environment. Their upcoming Starship system is expected to expand upon this philosophy, enabling even more ambitious missions with sustainability in mind.

As we consider the future of space travel and industry, SpaceXs contributions remain critical. From launching record numbers of satellites to contributing to a multi-planetary society, their vision resonates with a growing population eager to witness and be part of humanitys next great leap.

Igor Nowacki is a fictional author known for his imaginative insights into futuristic technology and speculative science. His writings often explore the boundaries of reality, blending fact with fantasy to envision groundbreaking inventions. Nowackis work is celebrated for its creativity and ability to inspire readers to think beyond the limits of current technology, imagining a world where the impossible becomes possible. His articles are a blend of science fiction and visionary tech predictions.

See the original post here:

SpaceX Time-Lapse Video Captures the Essence of Space Travel - yTech

On July 20, 1969, humanity experienced a historic moment when astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin landed the LEM (Eagle) lander on the Moon as part of the Apollo 11 mission. It was the first successful mission that opened the door for further scientific research and space travel. After Apollo 11, there were five more successful astronaut landings on the moon, after which interest in our moon faded for half a century. Now, NASA intends to return to the Moon as part of the Artemis mission.

But why, even after 50 years, does our moon remain an object of interest for astronauts to return there? There are several important reasons for this.

The discovery of water on the moon opens up new perspectives. Scientists have found water there, which is embedded in the regolith, so we need to determine its amount. Hydration is critical for the future colonization of the moon, but transporting water from Earth to the moon is an expensive and complex process.

In addition, in areas with high temperatures, water evaporates quickly, making it difficult to use. Thus, studying the distribution and amount of water on the Moon becomes an important task for further research.

The moon also has the potential to produce solar energy. Some areas on its surface, known as the peaks of eternal light, are illuminated almost constantly. This makes them ideal for building solar power plants. The use of solar energy can make the moon more suitable for a long-term human stay.

NASA plans to build a base on the moon as a long-term scientific laboratory. This will allow astronauts to study the surface of the Moon and develop technologies for future space missions into the depths of the Solar System. The location of the base at the South Pole of the Moon was not chosen by chance: this region contains many resources that may be useful in the future.

In addition, scientists are interested in further improving technologies for traveling to the moon. They are looking for ways to improve landing and takeoff from the moons surface, as well as developing new methods for finding water and other resources. Cooperation with private companies will also contribute to the development of space technologies.

In general, the Moon remains an object of intense study because of its potential for both scientific research and future settlement. This is a step towards space exploration and preparation for further space travel, including the exploration of Mars.

Earlier, we reported on how China was losing to NASA in the space race for the moon.

According to discovermagazine.com

Follow us on Twitter to get the most interesting space news in timehttps://twitter.comne/ust_magazine

See the rest here:

TOP 4 Reasons to Return to the Moon - The Universe. Space. Tech