Daily Archives: May 27, 2024

Space,the final frontierfor human exercise and fitness?That might not be the catchphrase youre used to,but its increasingly relevant as astronauts set sights on the Moon,Mars,and beyond.

A pressing question hangs in the air (or rather,the vacuum of space): How do we keep astronauts healthy and strong in the face of microgravitys bone and muscle-weakening effects?

Thankfully,the International Space Station (ISS) has become a unique laboratory for research in this area. And what theyre learning isnt just helping astronauts; it could revolutionize how we approach fitness right here on Earth.

Before we strap on our space boots and hit the cosmic gym,lets understand the challenge.On Earth,gravity constantly provides resistance,keeping our bones and muscles strong.

But in space,that resistance vanishes.The result?Bones become brittle,muscles atrophy,and astronauts risk returning to Earth weaker than when they left.

The solution is exercise, but not the usual jog around the block. In space, exercise equipment has advanced from simple elastic bands to sophisticated machines that simulate weightlifting and cardio in a weightless environment.

One such marvel is the Advanced Resistive Exercise Device (ARED),the ISSs very own weight room.Using a clever piston and flywheel system,ARED simulates the resistance of lifting weights on Earth.

And the benefits are clear.Research shows that preflight training with ARED improves astronauts performance in space, similar to how athletes train for competition.

Results have shown that preflight exercise training improves an individuals performance while on the space station just as pre-season training helps athletes in later competition.

Next,we have CEVIS,the Cycle Ergometer with Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System.This high-tech stationary bike uses friction and resistance to provide astronauts with a challenging cardio workout.Its like a Peloton for the cosmos.

However,data from CEVIS has also raised several questions.It suggests that even with current exercise countermeasures,up to 17% of astronauts could still experience muscle,bone,and heart health issues on future missions.

The researchers note that this highlights the need to further refine current regimens,add other interventions,or enhance conditioning preflight.

This revelation emphasizes the ongoing need for innovation and improvement in astronaut fitness regimes.

In the early days of space exploration,astronauts spent hours each week on low-intensity exercise,with disappointing results.

Despite spending up to 10 hours per week exercising,astronauts continued to lose muscle mass and bone density.

Then came a game-changer:the Integrated Resistance and Aerobic Training Study (Sprint).This study showed that short, high-intensity workouts were just as effective as longer,low-intensity ones.

The bonus?Less wear and tear on the equipment and more time for astronauts to focus on their mission.

To understand the true impact of space on the body,scientists have delved into the molecular level.The VO2max investigation revealed that long-duration spaceflight significantly decreases astronauts aerobic capacity.

These results have important implications for future long-duration space missions,adding to the evidence that current countermeasures may not be adequate.

Meanwhile,the Muscle Biopsy study identified a potential biomarker for muscle health.The findings suggest that current exercise protocols are effective in preventing muscle de-conditioning.

They also support improvements in countermeasures to protect crew health and performance on future deep space exploration missions.

As we plan for longer missions to the Moon and Mars,astronaut fitness remains a top priority.Research continues to refine the ideal combination of diet,exercise,and medication to keep astronauts healthy in space and upon their return to Earth.

While current exercise programs appear to moderate changes in musculoskeletal systems,individual results vary.

In addition,current regimens cannot directly transfer to longer exploration missions due to space constraints, environmental issues such as removal of heat and moisture,device maintenance and repair needs,and the challenges of finding time for exercise and avoiding interference with the work of other crew members.

But the benefits extend beyond the cosmos.The lessons learned from astronaut fitness research could help people on Earth who suffer from bone and muscle loss due to aging,illness,or sedentary lifestyles.

So,while astronauts are pushing the boundaries of human fitness in the extreme environment of space,their efforts are benefiting us all.

The next time you hit the gym,remember that the exercises youre doing might have been inspired by research conducted hundreds of miles above your head.

Whether youre an astronaut preparing for a mission to Mars or a couch potato looking to get in shape,the message is clear:Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy body,no matter where you are in the universe.

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How astronauts exercise to stay fit and healthy in space - Earth.com

2024 is a busy year for spaceflight and exploration enthusiasts with countless launches, mission milestones and skywatching events to look forward to.

With so much going on, it's hard to keep track of everything. Never fear keep up with the latest events in our 2024 space calendar. You can also Find out what's up in the night sky this month with our visible planets guide and skywatching forecast.

Please note: Launch dates are subject to change and will be updated throughout the year as firmer dates arise. Please DO NOT schedule travel based on a date you see here. Launch dates are collected from NASA events, ESA news, Roscosmos space launch schedule, Spaceflight Now launch schedule, Everyday Astronaut, Supercluster and others.

Related: Wondering what happened today in space history? Check out our "On This Day in Space" video!

Full Flower Moon

May 23: May's full moon rises. The moon will officially reach its full phase at 9:53 a.m. EDT (13:53 GMT) on Tuesday, May 23.

The monthly full moons all receive specific monikers many of which come from Native American sources, according toFarmer's Almanac.The May full moon's title the Flower Moon relates to flowers spring forth across North America during the month of May.

Ready, Aim, PREFIRE

May 24: Rocket Lab will launch the first of two satellites for NASA's latest climate science mission, the Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-Infrared Experiment (PREFIRE), which aims to capture brand new data on how heat is lost to space from Earth's polar regions.

PREFIRE consists of a pair of cubesats that will launch separately into near-polar orbits. "Ready, Aim, PREFIRE," is set to launch no earlier than May 24, on aRocket LabElectron rocketfrom Pad B at the company's Launch Complex 1, in Mhia, New Zealand.

Progress MS-27

May 30: A Roscosmos Progress cargo ship will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) from theBaikonur Cosmodromein Kazakhstan, for the Progress MS-27 cargo mission. Progress is expected to dock with the Russian side of space station, carrying a few thousand pounds of cargo and supplies for the station crew.

Boeing Starliner Crew Flight Test

Starship IFT-4

June 5: SpaceX istargeting June 5for the fourth integrated flight test (IFT-4) ofStarship, the giant vehicle it's developing to get people and cargo to the moon, Mars and beyond. That date is written in pencil rather than pen, however, for SpaceX still needs to secure regulatory approval specifically, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's acceptance of a Starship launch license modification.

244th AAS Astronomy meeting

June 9-13: The 244th meeting of the American Astronomical Society is scheduled for June 9-13, in Madison, Wisconsin. AAS is an international organization with a membership of around 8,200 astronomers, astronomy educators, amateur astronomers, physicists, mathematicians, geologists, engineers, and others whose research falls within the astronomical sciences.

Ariane 6

June 15: TheEuropean Space Agency(ESA) Ariane 6 rocket fromFrance-based company Arianespacewill launch on its debut mission to space. Ariane 6 was initially planned to begin flying in 2020 and ramp up its cadence to replace the olderAriane 5rocket seamlessly.However, the Ariane 5 flew its 117th andfinal missionin early July, 2023, while Ariane 6 has suffered a series of delays, caused by technical issues, COVID-19 and design changes.

Summer Solstice

June 20: Thenext summer solsticefor theNorthern Hemispherewill occur onJune 20, 2024, and the next summer solstice for theSouthern Hemispherewill occur onDec. 21, 2024. The summer solstice marks the official start of astronomical summer and the longest day of the year.It occurs when one of Earth's poles is tilted toward the sun at its most extreme angle, and due to Earth's tilt, this happens twice a year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice falls in June (while the Southern Hemisphere experiences the winter solstice), and in the Southern Hemisphere, it falls in December (while the Northern Hemisphere experiences the winter solstice).

Strawberry Full Moon

June 21: The Strawberry Moon was a sweet treat for skywatchers around the world this month. June's full moon, also known as the Strawberry Moon, will rise at 9:37 p.m. EDT June 21 (0137 GMT June 22), and moonwatchers across the globe will have the chance to see the fully-illuminated lunar face. Following the Strawberry Moon, the moon will begin rising in the night sky later and later while also waning, meaning the lit portion of its visible disk will begin growing smaller. Our planet's natural satellite will thenreach new moonon July 5, at which point it will be totally lost in the sun's glare.

Falcon Heavy GOES-U

June 25: NOAA's GOES-U will launch completethe GOES-R constellation, and will examine thecorona, or outer atmosphere, of the sun. NOAA's Geostationary Extended Observations (GeoXO) satellite system focuses on providing critical information on environmental issues from the land to the sea and sky. Thanks to the GOES-R series, scientists are able to get high-definition images ofEarthfaster than ever before.

Earth at Aphelion

July 5: Happy Aphelion Day! Earth is at its farthest from the sun today than it will be any other day for the next year.

Full Buck Moon

July 21: July's full moon signals its rotation back to opposite side ofthe sunfrom Earth, and as such is fully illuminated. If you were standing on the moon at the right longitude it would be noontime the sun would be directly overhead at the moon's equator, and as high as it ever gets in the sky as one moves north or south. Lunar days are about 14 days long, as the moon always keeps the same face towards Earth. A full moon means that the moon is on the opposite side ofthe sunfrom Earth, and as such is fully illuminated. If you were standing on the moon at the right longitude it would be noontime the sun would be directly overhead at the moon's equator, and as high as it ever gets in the sky as one moves north or south. Lunar days are about 14 days long, as the moon always keeps the same face towards Earth.

Alpha Capricornids meteor shower peak

July 30-31: Though few in number, the Alpha Capricornids frequently produce slow, bright yellow, fireball-class meteors that can be quite spectacular. They can be especially stunning for northern observers because of their long trails, owing to their low radiant elevation.This year, they will last from July 3 - Aug. 15, with a peak during the nights of July 30 and 31.

Polaris Dawn

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Space calendar 2024: Rocket launches and skywatching dates - Space.com

BOULDER The looming crewed Artemis moon missions, which will send astronauts beyond the protective cocoon of Earths magnetic field, are spurring a look at flight rules and sharpening space weather forecasting skills.

Our planets atmosphere and magnetic field protect us from the steady stream of radiation and charged particles released by the Sun. But outbursts of the Sun, as recently highlighted by the super-strong geomagnetic storm on May 10 that buffeted Earth via solar flares and coronal mass ejections, can also be a threat to outbound crews heading for the moon.

Given the recent powerful solar eruptions, what impact on Artemis operations would have happened if a crewed mission was now underway?

Fortunately, most of the spacecraft designed for human exploration including those for Artemis are designed to protect our astronauts from most of this radiation hazard, Ian Cohen, deputy chief scientist for space exploration at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, told SpaceNews.

There are also protocols at NASA to monitor and respond to such events and specifically designed areas of the spacecraft where astronauts can shelter to ride out the hazard, Cohen added.

The largest potential threat is if the astronauts were outside the spacecraft performing an extravehicular activity either in space or on the surface of the moon, Cohen said.

In that scenario NASA would monitor the event and potentially alter the mission plans possibly cancelling the [extravehicular activity] to protect the astronauts. So, while the radiation is a potential hazard for extreme events, NASA does actively monitor the situation and has procedures in place to keep our astronauts safe, said Cohen.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) is working with NASA space radiation specialists to bolster space weather support for human expeditions to the moon.

In late 2025, NASAs Artemis 2 mission is to be the first crewed sojourn to the vicinity of the moon. The 10-day outing will be the first human voyage there since Apollo-era moonwalker flights ended in Dec. 1972.

We are well prepared for this next Artemis mission, to do the best job of forecasting, warning and alerting the astronauts when solar events could be a human health issue, said Shawn Dahl, a SWPC service coordinator.

Dahl told SpaceNews that todays forecasting tool kit features better modeling abilities, higher-quality spacecraft data to gauge particle types and levels churned out by the Sun, along with better computer and communications technology to detect and warn about worrisome events.

Dahl said that those abilities can provide a better idea of when to give an all-clear to Artemis astronauts.

Space agencies are working hard to provide the best models for solar weather, explained Hazel Bain, science lead for the University of Colorados Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences at the Space Weather Prediction Center.

There are a number of solar energetic proton forecast models in the research realm that are being evaluated by NASA and SWPC, Bain said, with the idea of moving best-of modeling from the research realm into operations realm.

In many ways, what were trying to forecast for the new Artemis missions, and looking forward to Mars, is very similar to what we were trying to do for the Apollo era, said Bain. Going back to the moon is re-challenging us to understand how well we know this forecasting topic, and how we can improve our forecasts.

More detailed data is needed, Bain added, about when an event will end and what the peak flux is going to be.

Both SWPCs Bain and Dahl point to the scheduled June 25 launch of NOAAs GOES-U. It is the fourth and final satellite in NOAAs advanced geostationary satellite series and is outfitted with an additional space weather instrument, the Naval Research Laboratorys Compact Coronagraph. It will image the solar corona and be used to observe Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs).

Next year, Bain and Dahl continued, NOAA expects to launch its Space Weather Follow On Lagrange 1 (SWFO-L1) spacecraft. Once on duty in its L1 orbit, it will provide a continuous, unobstructed look at the Suns corona without interference from the Earth. SWFO-L1 also has a compact coronagraph to spot coronal mass ejections emanating from the Sun.

The ability to better gauge commotions on the Sun is near at hand, so now the Orion mission planners are beginning to work on a crew safety plan for when a dangerous uptick in solar action arises.

Steve Johnson, a research engineer with the Space Radiation Analysis Group (SRAG) at NASAs Johnson Space Center, provided a look at the four-seater Orion spacecraft and its 10 foot interior diameter during an April Space Weather Workshop held in Boulder, Colorado, organized by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research and co-sponsored in part by SWPC and the NASA Heliophysics Division.

Flight rules regarding solar events are only at a draft stage, he said, with lots of forward work in process. For radiation monitoring, Orion carries detectors, caution and warning alarms, with crew members outfitted with active dosimeters, said Johnson.

While Orion is relatively highly shielded, Johnson said that in the event of a worrisome solar event, draft Artemis flight rules would have the astronauts establish a shelter utilizing two central stowage bays emptied of contents. Doing so would create a lower dose region within capsule confines. Stowage from the central bays, he said, would be moved to a known hot spot within Orion, to help reduce the dose rate around the spacecraft.

Meanwhile, the team is currently sorting out what procedures can be taken by moonwalking crewmembers if an energetic solar proton episode occurs.

A person booting over the lunar terrain has eight hours of life-sustaining consumables, Johnson said, so getting back to the safe haven of a lunar lander within a one to four-hour timeframe is a consideration. But all of this is still forward work, he said, with flight rules intended to be in place for the first Artemis astronauts to strut across the moon, now projected to happen in Sept. 2026.

Taking part in the space weather meeting was Tonya Ladwig, vice president of human space exploration and Orion program manager for Lockheed Martin Space, builder of the spacecraft.

Ladwig noted that damage to cells and tissue in humans from charged particles can lead to short-term and long-term health impacts. But she stressed the value of engineering solutions plus NOAA and NASAs space weather observational and predictive capabilities, while spotlighting Orions design to protect against high-energy protons, galactic cosmic-rays and secondary particles.

Furthermore, Ladwig noted that Orions electronics will also be shielded from solar weather, as the spacecraft features built-in redundancies of its radiation-hardened electronics combined with fault detection and recovery to mitigate risk of mission loss.

Strategies to mitigate risks to both spacecraft and humans must be codeveloped and implemented by government and industry specialists, Ladwig advised.

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How Artemis astronauts will be protected from solar storms - SpaceNews

50 years ago: USSR kills its Moon rocket

On May 21, 1974, the Soviet government issued a historic decree ousting the leader the nation's piloted space program and essentially discontinuing its secret effort to put a cosmonaut on the Moon. In the re-shuffle, Valentin Glushko, a long-time rival of Sergei Korolev, the de facto founder of the Soviet space program, replaced Vasily Mishin, who had led the N1/L3 lunar expeditionary project from the time of Korolev's death in early 1966.

Previous chapter: Plans for the 5th launch of the N1 rocket (INSIDER CONTENT)

The EU-16 experimental unit representing the third stage of the N1 rocket (Block V) after ground tests.

Mostly unbeknownst to engineers and mid-level managers working on Vehicle No. 8L for the fifth test launch of the N1 rocket, the political climate around the project had worsened drastically by 1974. By that time, the United States had long ended the Apollo program, discontinued the production of the Saturn rocket family and fully embarked on the development of a reusable space transportation system, promising to revolutionize every aspect of space exploration.

In early May 1974, the Secretary of the Central Committee for the defense industry Dmitry Ustinov gathered top industry officials for a critical meeting on the fate of the N1 rocket. Among those present were the Head of the Academy of Sciences Mstislav Keldysh, the Chairman of the Military Industrial Commission Leonid Smirnov, and his deputy Boris Komissarov, Sergei Afanasiev, Minister of MOM, which supervised the rocket industry, his deputy Georgy Tyulin, and the Director of the TsNIIMash research institute Yuri Mozhorin. The Minister of Aviation Industry Dementiev was also there, because he supervised the OKB-276 design bureau which worked on engines for the N1 rocket, the most problematic element of the entire Soviet lunar program. Neither Vasily Mishin, Chief Designer at TsKBEM, nor Nikolai Kuznetsov, who led OKB-276, were invited. (685)

Well before that faithful gathering, the industry leadership and the political brass in the Kremlin were convinced that OKB-276 would not be able to improve the reliability of the engines to the point where the 30 units installed on the first stage of the rocket would operate flawlessly on multiple flights. (36) (The subsequent flight history of the the US Antares rocket, which adopted leftover engines from the N1 rocket, did show that it would take far fewer than 30 units to have a catastrophic explosion in flight.)

Therefore, it is not surprising that, according to Mozhorin, all those present supported discontinuing the N1/L3 project, including Afanasiev and Dementiev, despite major involvement of "their" industrial conglomerates into the ongoing lunar effort.

Keldysh admitted the absence of science projects justifying the N1, while also claiming that, for scientists, the Moon was no longer a priority which would require the construction of a lunar base. At the same time, the proposed exploration of Mars would have to be preceded by the development of a reusable space transportation system and by the construction of a large Earth-orbiting station, Keldysh apparently argued, clearly echoing the latest US space strategy.

Mozhorin reportedly tried to argue for proceeding with the launch of Vehicle No. 8L, citing the availability of new engines, which greatly increased chances of success, though he obviously could not guarantee a successful flight.

In any case, the final verdict from Ustinov was predetermined to curtail the N1 project. Due to the huge implications of such a decision for the rocket industry and beyond, the move would require a joint decree from the Soviet of Ministers and Central Committee of the Communist Party.

The death of the N1 also sealed the fate of Vasily Mishin, who was the strongest proponent of the Soviet lunar program. As the Chief Designer at TsKBEM, Mishin bore personal responsibility for the N1 rocket since he was the successor to the late Sergei Korolev, who stood at its roots in the early 1960s. Essentially, Mishin would have to take the blame for the aborted multi-year effort, given the fact that his relations with Ustinov and with some of his own associates had already been strained due to policy disagreements, in particular, after the 1969 decision to pursue a space station project at TsKBEM. To replace him, Ustinov picked Valentin Glushko, an old rival of Korolev and a fierce critic of the N1 rocket. Glushko would obviously have a strong motivation in steering the firm during its painful U-turn after the cancellation of the N1, while commanding a level of respect within the whole industry during what surely expected to be a difficult transition.

At the time, Glushko led the OKB-456 propulsion center, but as one of the pioneers of Soviet rocketry himself, he had well known ambitions and the necessary experience to run the Soviet space program.

News about the impending shakeup at TsKBEM first reached Mishin's deputy Boris Chertok. Around May 15, Chertok got a call from Nikolai Pilyugin, his main supplier of flight control avionics, who gave him the scoop about the imminent replacement of Mishin with Glushko. The next day, at lunch, Chertok could only confirm that Mishin was out of office for some business at the ministry, but still in some disbelief, he called Pilyugin back. This time, Pilyugin broke him the news that the N1 rocket was on the chopping block and that Glushko was fully ready (and eager) to implement the decision, aomething he had already confided to Pilyugin. He advised Chertok to urgently get in touch with Glushko, who, according to Pilyugin, was expecting his call.

With some reluctance, Chertok dialed Glushko on a classified line and immediately got an invitation for a talk at Glushko's office at OKB-456 propulsion bureau in Khimki.

In a 20-minute conversation, Glushko tried to assure Chertok that it was not his initiative to get into Korolev's chair and that he was just following the Politburo's orders. At the same time, Glushko confirmed to Chertok the intention to kill the N1 and "quickly" develop a new family of launch vehicles, capable of supporting a permanent base on the Moon with regularly exchanged scientific crews. To Chertok's argument that TsKBEM already had a strategy for building a base using multiple N1 launches within four or five years, Glushko replied that it would not be possible to build anything with "rotten" engines.

During the May 16 meeting, Glushko told Chertok that the official decision on the management reshuffle at TsKBEM could be issued as soon as the next day, but it would not appear until May 21, 1974. According to the decree, Glushko took the newly created position of Director General, instead of Designer General previously occupied by Mishin. TsKBEM itself was merged with OKB-456 and it was reorganized into the Energia Scientific and Production Association, or NPO Energia.

The day after the official decree, Glushko summoned former Mishin's deputies to the old Korolev's office and outlined his own vision for space exploration which had no use for the N1 rocket. All prospective payloads of the N1 rocket, such as lunar exploration vehicles, modules of the giant MKBS space station, Mars sample return probes and heavy space observatories would have to be re-tailored for new rockets at the cost of at least eight more years and untold millions of rubles.

For a few weeks, Chertok and other veterans of the N1 project held some faint hope that the ministry or the Kremlin would overrule Glushko, but to no avail.

On June 24, 1974, Glushko summoned Boris Dorofeev, the Chief Engineer for the N1 rocket, and offered him to write a directive for the company about the cancellation of the project. When Dorofeev refused, Glushko wrote the document and signed it himself. Such a momentous decision for the entire industry was made without a traditional Chief Designer Council meeting or even an informal gathering of the technical leadership in the bureau. The Military Industry Commission, VPK, which would normally be involved in decisions of this scale, was also essentially bypassed. Obviously, Glushko and Ustinov had little interest in hearing the reaction to this clearly unpopular move. Still, in the relatively benign political atmosphere of the 1970s by the standards of the Soviet regime, the move triggered a shockwave of complaints from multiple contractors to their ministries and to the government and even caused some spontaneous protests.

The local Communist Party committee of the 6th Test Directorate in Tyuratam, which was responsible for flight testing the N1 rocket, held an night-long emergency session which produced a rare protest letter from the officers to the Presidium of the 25th Party Congress. Clearly, this unsanctioned move could potentially end with insubordination charges against the officers, but in this case, they got away with a lecture about the new directions of the Soviet space program.

It is also known that Andronik Iosifyan, the head of a major contractor involved in the N1 project, sent a personal protest letter to the Central Committee. Fortunately, his acquaintance at the high echelons of party bureaucracy called Iosifyan on a classified line and asked to come and pick up his letter in order to avoid some real consequences. (685)

In the meantime, Glushko appeared to set about not just canceling N1 but also erasing any memory of its existence. He reportedly ordered the complete disposal of the surviving N1 hardware and associated documentation with no effort to preserve any artifact for posterity, though, given the gargantuan size of the vehicle, it would probably require a considerable expense.

In 1976, the fully assembled N1 rockets No. 4L and 8L, along with the 1M1 full-scale prototype, as well as the components for as many as seven rockets, had been all dismantled. Some pieces of the rockets were recycled into strange gazebos, storage sheds and playgrounds spread across Tyuratam.

Glushko also displayed an equal animosity toward Mishin. On Aug. 19, 1974, just four days after the former head of TsKBEM made his last trip to Podlipki, where he had worked since the bureau's foundation in 1946, to finalize his transfer to a new job at Moscow Aviation Institute, MAI, starting in September, he got a call from a colleague, who said that he was instructed not to let Mishin on campus without an explicit permission from Glushko. (774)

Epilogue to the N1

Although proponents of the N1 project believed that they were closer than ever to resolving engine problems on the N1 and that the work was progressing well toward the fifth test flight (INSIDER CONTENT) of the rocket, the Soviet leadership had already decided to move on and to essentially mirror the development of the reusable Shuttle orbiter that had been initiated in the United States and was increasingly perceived by Moscow as a military threat.

After spending an estimated four billion rubles and a decade-worth of efforts by the industry, the N1-L3 project was abandoned without fulfilling its objectives.

Ironically, the newly imposed strategy of duplicating the Space Shuttle would also bury Glushko's own ambitions in space exploration. His grand vision that he had spent almost a lifetime formulating was quickly re-directed from permanent lunar settlements to a misguided and ultimately wasteful response to the US in the form of the Energia-Buran program...

Next chapter: Energia-Buran program

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50 years ago: USSR kills its Moon rocket - RussianSpaceWeb.com

Science & Exploration

24/05/2024 169 views 1 likes

After eagerly awaiting his return, Denmark could finally welcome Andreas during his Huginn post-flight tour to meet with fans, ministers, the teams behind the science he conducted and anybody who wanted to say hi. Here is a recap of his homecoming in Denmark.

The big homecoming celebration started on 29 April at the famous interactive science museum, Experimentarium in Copenhagen, Denmark. Both the public and special guests filled the large hall of the science museum, including a 50-person choir. Andreas walked on stage to the sound of music and clapping hands, giving a speech to thank all those who took part and followed his mission.

After the big opening, invited guests, including the minister of Higher Education of Denmark, Christina Egelund, and ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher, went into the theatre of Experimentarium for a series of talks. Scientists in charge of the experiments of the Huginn mission, ESA Director General and Andreas himself gave presentations.

The next day, the schedule was filled with interviews with Danish media, during which Andreas talked about his mission, coming back to Denmark and plans for the future, expressing his hope for a seat on future Artemis missions to the Moon.

On 2 May, Andreas went to an event with Danish industry, speaking with space companies in Denmark, some of which provided the experiments that Andreas conducted on his six-month mission to the International Space Station.

The following day he attended an event at Copenhagen City Hall with the mayor, where special rdhuspandekager, or City Hall pancakes, were served; they are thin creps with orange cream and apricot marmalade, finished off with almond flakes.

The day ended with the yearly celebration of the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) where thousands of students, representatives from several faculties, and collaborators gathered to celebrate their academic work and the people who made it happen.

After the big pancake celebration, Andreas made his way to the Museum of National History, located in the Frederiksborg Castle near Copenhagen. Here the portrait of Andreas, the first Danish astronaut, was revealed by artist Maria Wandel. Painted on glass, it shows Andreas floating in the Cupola module on the Space Station, holding an infinity box which symbolises the infinite reach of space. The portrait will hang on the same walls as other Danish scientists, from astronomer Tycho Brahe to physicists Niels Bohr and H.C. rsted.

The week ended with an event at the National Museum of Denmark in Copenhagen, where Andreas joined astrophysicist Anja C. Andersen and museum director Rane Willerslev. They talked about how cultural heritage plays a role when a Dane goes to space. One of the many items Andreas brought with him on his Huginn mission was a gold bracteat, which is a small gold disk; it features the Norse god Odin with one of his two ravens, Huginn or Muninn, on his shoulder and was made around the year 400 to 500 AD.

The second week of his post-flight tour started out with a state visit from the Royal House of Denmark to Sweden, where Andreas met up with fellow ESA project astronaut Marcus Wandt and former ESA astronaut Christer Fuglesang. At a panel at the Technical Institute in Stockholm, the three astronauts spoke about how space exploration and research can help humankind to build a better and more sustainable future.

Nearing the end of the homecoming tour, Andreas returned to Copenhagen City Hall, this time for the Association of Craftsmen in Denmark, who held their yearly award celebration. Here, Andreas was awarded as the honorary craftsman of the year.

What Andreas has achieved, only few people in the world have done. It requires skill, endurance and hard work and a lot of ambition to try reach for the top. We want to honour his work and dedication for showing that anything is possible, says Per Vangekjr, chairman of the Association of Craftsmen in Denmark.

Finally, Andreas came back to the European Astronaut Centre (EAC) near Cologne, Germany, where he was greeted by fellow astronaut classmate Alexander Gerst and Director of Human and Robotic Exploration Daniel Neuenschwander. The hall was filled with colleagues waving Danish flags, a Danish celebratory tradition when friends and family come home. The returning astronaut will start in a new position at EAC after the summer.

Andreas has more events throughout the rest of the year to meet with the public and talk more about his exciting second flight to the International Space Station.

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ESA - Celebrating Andreas - European Space Agency

A Chinese spaceplane has recently released an unknown object into orbit. This mission, which began on December 14, 2023, has attracted significant international attention due to the secretive nature of the spacecraft and the ambiguity surrounding its objectives and the characteristics of the released object.

The Chinese spaceplane, which launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket, initially entered orbit with a perigee of 333 km, an apogee of 348 km, and an inclination of 50 degrees. Throughout its mission, the spacecraft performed a series of maneuvers, eventually raising its orbit to a higher altitude of approximately 602 by 609 kilometers.

The unknown object was released on May 24, 2024, and was first recorded by Jonathan McDowell of the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, a noted tracker of space activities. This event was later confirmed by the U.S. Space Force's space domain awareness teams, which cataloged the object as 59884 (International designator 2023-195G).

The Chinese authorities have maintained strict secrecy regarding the mission and the spaceplane's purpose. Official statements have been minimal, with the only public acknowledgment being a brief launch report stating that the spacecraft is intended for reusable technology verification and space science experiments.

This tight-lipped approach has led to various speculations about the mission's true objectives. Analysts, including McDowell, have suggested that the released object could be a subsatellite deployment or a piece of hardware ejected before the spacecraft's return to Earth. Another possibility is that the object could be used for proximity and capture maneuvers, a capability that was demonstrated during the spaceplane's previous mission.

The Chinese spaceplane is often compared to the U.S. Air Force's X-37B, an autonomous reusable spaceplane that has been in operation since 2010. Both spacecraft share similar characteristics and functionalities, suggesting that China's spaceplane could be an attempt to develop comparable capabilities.

The Long March 2F rocket, which has a payload capacity of just over eight metric tons to low Earth orbit, supports this notion, as does imagery of the payload fairing wreckage from the spaceplane's second launch. These images, posted on the Sina Weibo social media site, provide clues about the dimensions and shape of the spacecraft.

China's spaceplane has now completed three missions. The first mission, launched in 2020, lasted two days. The second mission, which took place in 2022, lasted 276 days. Both of these missions included the release of objects while in orbit, similar to the current mission.

The third mission, launched in December 2023, has seen the spacecraft in orbit for 164 days as of the release of the object. This mission has involved a series of orbital maneuvers to alter its altitude and trajectory, showcasing the advanced capabilities of the spacecraft.

The development and deployment of the Chinese spaceplane represent significant advancements in the country's space capabilities. Reusable spacecraft offer the potential for reduced costs and increased frequency of missions, making space more accessible and sustainable.

The ability to release and recapture objects in orbit also opens up new possibilities for satellite servicing, on-orbit repairs, and debris removal, which are critical for maintaining the long-term sustainability of space activities.

The secrecy surrounding the spaceplane's missions, however, raises questions about the dual-use nature of the technology. While the official statements emphasize peaceful scientific and technological objectives, the potential military applications cannot be overlooked. The capability to maneuver in orbit and to deploy and retrieve objects could be leveraged for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and even offensive operations in space.

The international community, particularly spacefaring nations, is closely monitoring the chinese spaceplane activities. The comparisons with the U.S. X-37B highlight the strategic significance of such technology in the context of global space competition. As China continues to develop and refine its reusable spacecraft, it is likely to play an increasingly prominent role in shaping the future of space exploration and utilization.

Moving forward, the key questions revolve around how China will use its spaceplane technology and how other nations will respond. Increased transparency and international cooperation could help mitigate concerns and promote the peaceful use of space. However, the current trajectory suggests that space is becoming an arena for strategic competition, with advanced technologies like reusable spaceplanes at the forefront.

The release of the mysterious object by the Chinese spaceplane underscores the rapid advancements and the complex dynamics of modern space activities. As the mission progresses and more information becomes available, the world will be watching closely to understand the implications for the future of space exploration and security.

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Chinese Spaceplane Releases Mysterious Orbital Object - The Daily Galaxy --Great Discoveries Channel

Ever since NASAs Perseverance rover landed on Mars three years ago, its been collecting rocks and soil from the red planet.

The plan was for NASA to send a robotic spacecraft to Mars to bring those samples back to Earth, but the agency has scrapped those plans due to a ballooning price tag and extensive delays.

At a news conference in April, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said, The bottom line is that $11 billion is too expensive and not returning samples until 2040 is unacceptably too long.

With no way of getting to Mars on its own, NASA is hoping to hitch a ride with private space companies to finish the mission. Think Elon Musks SpaceX or Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos.

Marketplaces Lily Jamali spoke to Kenneth Chang, science reporter at The New York Times, about NASAs difficulties on Mars and its partnerships with the private sector.

The following is an edited transcript of their conversation.

Kenneth Chang: This is probably the biggest, most ambitious robotic mission that anyone has ever tried. Because pretty much by definition, you have to land on Mars, pick up the rocks and then launch from Mars. This is something no ones done before yet, launching a rocket from another planet. And you have to get it right on the first try. And it turned out to be even more difficult than NASA thought it would be. Anything thats difficult ends up being really expensive, and really slow as well.

Lily Jamali: With this announcement, NASA seems to be saying we cannot figure out a way to do this ourselves for a reasonable amount of money and over a reasonable period of time, but maybe someone else can. Is that the message? Is NASA growing more dependent on these partnerships with private companies to carry out or complete missions?

Chang: This is something that NASA has been doing for more than a decade now. It started with sending cargo to the International Space Station. SpaceX got one of those contracts. And thats really how SpaceX grew into the SpaceX we know today. And it turned out to be a great plus for both SpaceX and NASA. SpaceX got business that sort of jumpstarted them from basically nothing to the behemoth that they are today. And NASA got a service that they can send cargo to the space station much cheaper than they could when they were using the space shuttles. So, its a win-win for everybody. And NASA really shouldnt be in the FedEx business. Thats not their strong point. Their strong point is building these great instruments to go study Mars or Jupiter and doing things that no ones done before. Whereas the mundane things like getting people into orbit, maybe even getting now instruments to Mars, thats perhaps something that entrepreneurs can do better, faster, cheaper, and NASA can focus on the things it really wants to do. It doesnt really want to be a delivery company.

Jamali: So how would you characterize the current state of NASA? When you think about where NASA was when we were kids, it was probably the first government agency that I learned about, and it was a symbol of what mankind, and the American government specifically, was capable of. What did you think of NASA as a kid?

Chang: I loved it. I am old enough to remember the last few Apollo moon landings, and that was an exciting thing to watch on TV, of course. It was a great moment where NASA did something that felt like an achievement for NASA, for the United States, and entire world, in fact. That we could do something that seemed absolutely impossible. And that was a great achievement. Its been more than 50 years since that time, and times change and NASA is changing. And if it can do things better, with the help of smart people outside of NASA, thats a benefit to everyone. NASA and the space industry have grown beyond what Apollo was in the 1960s. And yes, theres now SpaceX, theres these private citizens going into space, and it doesnt seem quite as special. But in a sense, thats what makes it more exciting because now we can hopefully get more applications of people going into space, sending more satellites, doing more different things. And so this becomes more and more the fabric of our everyday lives, and not just something we watched on TV a few times when we were kids.

Jamali: So as NASA does more of these partnerships with the private sector, does that change the place that NASA has long held in the public imagination?

Chang: As I was saying, they sort of lost the way they were thought about during the moon landings. Everyones still excited by NASA, kids are so excited to be an astronaut. And this idea that theyre going to go to Mars, hopefully in the next 10 years, maybe 20 years, thats exciting. The first astronauts to walk on Mars will be as famous as Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin. So, theres still new achievements out there for NASA to accomplish in the future. But NASA is evolving. And this was actually a conscious decision by various administrations in the U.S. They wanted NASA to encourage the private sector. Thats actually in the law that that governs NASA, that they should be relying on the private sector to the greatest extent possible. And theyre succeeding. So, if it doesnt seem quite as exciting, its because theyre actually being successful.

Jamali: It sounds like youre saying this was part of the plan all along.

Chang: It was part of the plan, at least on paper. And its only in the last 20 years that people really started taking it seriously.

The space race that began last century is far from over, but China is now the main competitor to the U.S.

The Atlantic reports that China is scheduled to return its own samples from the red planet in the 2030s. The magazine cites an independent review ordered by NASA that ominously warned last year that by letting other nations get ahead, the U.S. abandons the preeminent role President John F. Kennedy assigned to space exploration.

Lest talk of cost overruns gets us all down on Americas endeavors in space, were sharing a video of NASAs Perseverance rover in action. You can hear the sparks and crackles as the machines lasers vaporize rock surfaces to study them.

Its not often that I quote a random commenter on YouTube, but I had to share this one, in slightly edited form: The fact that its been just over 100 years between the first flight on earth and humanity hearing sounds from the surface of another planet is absolutely stunning.

Yeah, it really is.

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NASA scrapped the next phase of its Mars mission. Now what? - Marketplace

WASHINGTON NASA Administrator Bill Nelson defended the cost and schedule performance of the agencys Artemis lunar exploration effort even as officials hinted as the possibility for changes in one upcoming mission.

At a May 23 hearing, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chair of the Senate Appropriations Committees commerce, justice and science subcommittee, pressed Nelson on costs associated with Artemis and suggested that the agency convene an independent review of those costs.

She asked Nelson to describe what NASA is doing to hold contractors accountable for cost overruns and scheduling delays including whether the agency withheld payments to contractors for those overruns. She did not cite specific cases with Artemis but rather past studies on the overall costs of the program, including one estimate by NASAs Office of Inspector General (OIG) that each of the first four Space Launch System/Orion launches will cost $4.2 billion.

Nelson said that the companies are docked for award fee payments if their performance falls short. He also emphasized NASAs use of commercial partnerships on Artemis, such as for the Human Landing System program that makes use of fixed-price contracts.

Given the high cost, has NASA considered an independent review board for exploration? Sheheen asked, citing the benefits of independent reviews on the James Webb Space Telescope program when it encountered additional overruns and delays late in its development.

Nelson argued such a review was not necessary. We are constantly having other eyes on Artemis, he said, citing reviews by OIG as well as the Government Accountability Office. The fact is, when you go to the moon in order to go to Mars, its hard.

NASA officials have, in fact, expressed some frustration with the level of outside scrutiny on Artemis. The agencys response to the most recent OIG audit related to Artemis, regarding the agencys readiness for the Artemis 2 mission, complained that OIG had not found any issues they were not already addressing and that working with the auditors caused disruptions to ongoing workflow and priorities for those working on the upcoming mission.

That Artemis 2 mission remains scheduled for launch in September 2025, a realistic date, Nelson told the subcommittees ranking member, Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), despite ongoing work on the Orion heat shield and other technical issues. Nelson emphasized, though, that we dont fly until its ready.

That would be followed in September 2026 by Artemis 3, the first crewed landing. Artemis 3, if you compare it to the Apollo program, is a combination of Apollo 9, 10 and 11, he said. It is a difficult task and, if we land, it is dependent on SpaceX having their lander ready.

Nelsons use of if regarding an Artemis 3 landing raised some eyebrows. Nelson said SpaceX has hit all of their milestones so far in development of the lunar lander version of their Starship vehicle that will be used on Artemis 3. Agency officials, though, have publicly questioned SpaceXs ability to have the Starship lander ready in time, and have suggested that NASA might change the Artemis 3 mission if Starship is behind schedule. There have been more recent reports that NASA is examining options for Artemis 3 that fall short of a crewed lunar landing.

That issue came up during an online Lunar Surface Science Workshop session May 23. We are fundamentally focused on Artemis 3 being a human lunar return mission, said Mike Sarafin, NASAs Artemis 3 mission manager, when asked questions about potential alternative mission profiles.

However, he acknowledged the agency was working on alternative concepts. If we run into issues, we may choose an offramp, he said. We do what-if exercises internally but he did not disclose what might trigger an offramp or what those alternatives would detail.

Sarafin did state that NASA was closely watching the series of tests ahead for Starship, including one projected for next year to demonstrate propellant transfer between two Starship vehicles, a key technology needed to refuel the lunar lander Starship. Should any of those show results that are unsatisfactory, he said of those tests, we absolutely will take more time.

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NASA defends Artemis cost and schedule amid planning of possible changes - SpaceNews

Summary

The public's fascination with true crime and investigations into historical disasters has existed for a long, long time. Whether it's books, podcasts, documentary features, or documentary series, fans will always seek their next fix and binge like there's no tomorrow. Some streaming platforms have capitalized on this, and even a modern network was born because of the subgenre's popularity. There's no shortage of material, and there won't be any time soon.

But, as fascinating as the material may be, we should always be cautious when approaching it. The popularity of some docuseries has sparked the idea that the truth can be manipulated if it hooks audiences beyond expectations. Unfortunately, this hasn't been the only issue with this matter: people are intrigued and excited by graphic material, and sometimes the material goes too far, especially films and TV series that show the unthinkable without a single display of respect.

Luckily, one show came out recently that does justice to a tragedy that's still making us scratch our heads as we try to solve the mystery. Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight is the latest documentary series by CNN in which we go very deep inside the last mission of the Columbia shuttle, one that sadly ended in the accidental deaths of all its crew. Here's what the documentary does differently from the rest and why

The 28th flight of the Space Shuttle Columbia launched from NASA's Kennedy Space Center on January 16, 2003. After being delayed for two years and 13 postponements, the seven-member crew of mission STS-107 boarded the ship. William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark, and Ilan Ramon were responsible for entering space for a series of outer space experiments.

During takeoff, cameras recorded a piece of foam breaking off one of the bipods and hitting the plane's left wing at impressive speed. After specialists reviewed the footage, attempts were made to inquire about and check the integrity of the shuttle, but nothing was achieved in the end. The Columbia was diagnosed as safe to enter our atmosphere and land.

On February 1, 2003, the shuttle was set to return. However, at some point during the reentry, the ship disintegrated midflight. The data from the sensors indicated the cause of the accident was the damage to the left wing. As everyone's eyes looked toward the sky, the pieces of the Space Shuttle Columbia burned in the sky and fell in areas in Louisiana and Texas. Families and NASA crew stared in terror as all seven lives were lost in an accident that reminded everyone of what had happened to the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1986.

The documentary Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight is a CNN Originals 4-part documentary series produced by the BBC and Mindhouse Productions, which can be streamed on Max, that goes very deep into the investigation of what happened before, during, and after the tragedy. The accident is a haunting event in the world of space exploration and is one that NASA would learn from. Unfortunately, people had to perish for them to see that some programs had to be terminated, some ships retired, and emergency strategies completely remodeled.

Testimonies by the families of the crew members and those who participated in the investigation make up the episodes of the documentary that don't exactly magnify or romanticize space exploration. Often, in movies and series of this nature, everything, good or bad, is justified for the sake of science and technology. In this case, the risks are exposed, but again, those who went understood them.

Then again, the docuseries clarifies something: the accident could have been prevented if the crew that remained on Earth had listened to those who analyzed the footage and recommended a better assessment of the risks. In this regard, Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight is a solid and revealing documentary that speaks very loudly about one of the most important and renowned organizations in history. NASA, where supposedly the most brilliant people work, can fail, and this time, it cost the lives of those who dared step inside a ship that shouldn't have flown the way it did.

It's essential that the important questions are asked and everyone who feels the need to talk is given an opportunity to speak. Nevertheless, this also produces a mystery: Why weren't more resources used? What were they trying to hide? In the best style of true crime documentaries, some theories remain dormant and generate the intrigue that makes Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight very compelling compared to other documentary series that dig into the same issues.

Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight is a fascinating view into a dark time in American history where corporate politics seemed important enough to prevent an investigation that could have changed things around and possibly stopped the accident in which innocent scientists lost their lives.

The documentary is also worth a watch because it pays tribute to those with enough vision and grit to get on board a spaceship that didn't look good enough (yes, this is visible in the footage of the documentary series). In the words of those who still miss them, there lies a message of courage and love that goes beyond the coldness of an investigation. Space travel is relevant to science, but clearly, as history has repeatedly shown, the dangers involved can be overlooked, even by those responsible for the safety of the astronauts. Space Shuttle Columbia: The Final Flight is streaming now on Max.

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Max Just Released a Documentary That Finally Does Justice to a Tragic NASA Disaster - MovieWeb