Category Archives: Space Exploration

A double Nobel Prize and instruments on board 50 European, American, Russian and Chinese missions. In space, Switzerland is everywhere. It will charter the first garbage truck in earth orbit, it has its own telescope for exoplanets (Cheops) andits technology is also present on the fabulous James Webb Space Telescope.

This content was published on July 19, 2022 - 16:50

Marc-Andr Miserez

After some years in the regional print and broadcast media in French Switzerland, in 2000 I joined Radio Swiss International, which then became swissinfo.ch. Since then I have been writing (and producing short videos) on a variety of subjects, from politics to business, and including culture and science.

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Im Weltraum gehrt die kleine Schweiz zu den Grossen

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Dans lespace, la petite Suisse joue dans la cour des grands Original

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Nello spazio, la piccola Svizzera concorre con i grandi

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En el espacio, la pequea Suiza juega en la liga de los grandes

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A Sua no espao sideral

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Its images are still amazing the world. Because it looks into the infrared, is much larger than the Hubble, and is not positioned in low orbit, the James Webb telescope is the most powerful astronomical instrument ever built by mankind. And among its builders, there are also Swiss.

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This content was published on Jun 17, 2022 Swiss astrophysicist Adrian Glauser guides us through the technology in the most powerful space telescope ever deployed the James Webb.

The announcement by the European Space Agency in December 2020 was a momentous one for the Swiss space community. The agency had agreed to allocate almost CHF100 million to ClearSpace-1, an initiative/start-up by Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Lausanne (EPFL) to clear space debris.

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This content was published on Dec 5, 2020 It is the first time the European Space Agency (ESA) has allocated such a large sum (86 million) to a start-up.

Swiss scientists and engineers have built their reputation in space exploration and research over many years.

A discovery in 1995 made little noise outside scientific circles. But as the years passed, the public began to realise that what was once the realm of science fiction had become a proven reality: the galaxy is teaming not only with stars, but also with planets. The first to have identified one of these planets orbiting a star other than our sun were none other than Switzerlands own Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz.

And 24 years later, the discovery earned Mayor and Queloz the Nobel Prize for physics.

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This content was published on Jan 18, 2020 Joint winner of the Nobel Prize in Physics, Didier Queloz talks about waiting for the call from Sweden and how the award has changed his life.

Excitement aside, the Nobel Prize is certainly justified. The discovery was one of the most important in astronomy in the 20th century. It opened new fields of research for understanding our place in the universe and it multiplied by millions the chances of finding extra-terrestrial life.

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This content was published on Oct 5, 2015 On October 6, 1995, Michel Mayor and Didier Quloz announced the discovery of the first planet orbiting a star other than our sun.

But the search for other lifeforms is not an easy task when we are looking for it on distant worlds that are hundreds of thousands of billons of kilometres away. This is where human ingeniousness intervenes. And here also, is where the Swiss are present.

Ingenuity was required from the very outset of this quest. But how is it, in fact, that we are sure of the existence of these planets when, apart from on one or two grainy photographs of vague spots of light, no one has ever seen them?

But it might not be necessary to explore planets that far away. Bern-based scientists hope to find life in space using a state-of-the art instrument known as ORIGIN that may be used on future space missions to Jupiter and Saturn.

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This content was published on Apr 10, 2021 Scientists hope to find life in space using a state-of-the-art instrument that may be used on future space missions to Jupiter and Saturn.

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This content was published on Nov 9, 2012 Swiss scientists Michel Mayor and Didier Queloz were the first to discover a planet outside our solar system back in 1995. Since then, the catalogue of planets orbiting stars other than the sun (exoplanets) has grown week by week. Although the first photos are now emerging, worlds trillions of kilometres away are still being discovered

Meanwhile, research into exoplanets continues. Today scientists have the instruments and technologyto better understand what such distant planets are made of. This is the mission of the CHEOPS spatial telescope, the first European satellite Made in Switzerland that was launched in December 2019.

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This content was published on Dec 18, 2019 A Russian Soyuz rocket carrying the CHEOPS (Characterising ExOPlanets Satellite) telescope blasted off from Kourou, French Guiana.

But the Swiss reputation in space exploration was not established with CHEOPS, neither with Mayor and Queloz, nor even with the Swiss astronaut Claude Nicollier first non-American mission specialist at NASA.

In 1969, Armstrong and Aldrin landed on the moon wearing Swiss watches on their wrists. And the first thing they did upon arrival, even before unfurling the star-spangled banner, was to install a solar sail from the University of Bern, itself being the only non-American scientific experiment on board Apollo 11.

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This content was published on Jul 19, 2019 The first manned mission to the moon was also one giant leap for the University of Bern, which helped to clear up a misconception about the Big Bang.

Since the beginning of space exploration, there has hardly been an American or European mission which did not include Swiss technology. Thats because this country knows how to make instruments which are both very precise and very reliable, indispensable attributes for responding to the constraints of a space voyage.

Whether it is propelling a rover on Mars, sniffing the gas which escapes from a comet or taking high definition images of a planet in the solar system, Swiss engineers have the solution.

The most recent example: STIX. This X-ray telescope will study solar eruptions from a European probe which will approach closer to the Sun than anything that has been attempted before.

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This content was published on Feb 10, 2020 The European-American Solar Orbiter probe took off from Florida on Sunday night with a Swiss X-ray telescope on board to study the Sun close up.

Switzerland, country of watchmaking and precision mechanics also has highly advanced education and research support systems, which explains in part how a small country in the mountains has become a big country in space.

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This content was published on Feb 19, 2019 With its ten universities and two institutes of technology, Switzerland is at the forefront of research in many areas.

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In space exploration, Switzerland punches above its weight - SWI swissinfo.ch - SWI swissinfo.ch in English

Starlab. Credit: NASA

Ibadan, 13 February 2024. Starlab Space LLC, the transatlantic joint venture between Voyager Space and Airbus, has announced its leadership team. Retired NASA astronaut and Voyager executive Tim Kopra will become Starlabs Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while Mohit Sharma, currently Head of Mergers and Acquisitions Finance at Airbus Defence and Space, joins Starlab as Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Tim Kopra will leverage his extensive expertise in space exploration and experience overseeing the Starlab program at Nanoracks (part of Voyagers Exploration Segment) to lead the joint venture as it continues down the development path. Kopra will also serve on the Starlab Board of Directors. Likewise, Sharma will oversee all financial and fundraising aspects of Starlab, expanding and developing the joint ventures financial strategy to foster the companys continued growth.

Speaking on his appointment, Tim Kopra said, The collaboration between Voyager Space and Airbus reflects an unparalleled level of expertise, embodied by this top-notch leadership team. The Company is not only positioned to meet and exceed current space exploration standards but also to revolutionize the commercial space sector as a whole. I have the honor to lead Starlab in our mission to transform space exploration.

Similarly, Mohit Sharma said, As we navigate the financial landscape of this innovative international venture, our focus will be on ensuring fiscal strength and strategic allocation of resources. I have the honor to contribute to the success of this ambitious endeavor, creating value for our stakeholders and establishing a solid foundation for the bright future of space exploration.

In addition to these appointments, Voyager Spaces CTO Marshall Smith, Former NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine, Airbus U.S. Space and Defenses SVP and Head of Space Systems Debra Facktor and CFO Mohamed Denden also join Starlab as members of the Board.

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Starlab Announces Leadership Team With new CEO and CFO - SpaceWatch.Global

In a thrilling development for space exploration, private American companies are competing in a race to land on the moon. This competition is part of NASAs public-private partnership program, Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS), aiming to grow the space economy and pave the way for further exploration of the moon, Mars, and deeper space. The program, worth a maximum of $2.6 billion, has ignited a new era of space exploration and economic growth.

Despite the recent fiery failure of Astrobotic Technologys Peregrine lander, the mission was a success for United Launch Alliance, which developed the rocket used for the launch. The setback has only fueled anticipation for the upcoming launches from other US companies. The challenges of soft lunar landings have not deterred NASA from selecting 14 American companies, including SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Lockheed Martin Space, to help reach the moon.

Intuitive Machines is set to be the latest private space company attempting a lunar landing. Launching from Cape Canaveral aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, a successful landing would mark the first U.S. robotic lunar landing since 1968, and potentially the start of for-profit moon exploration. This mission is part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services program, with two other lunar lander missions planned this year.

However, the path to the moon is not without its hiccups. The launch of a private US moon lander was recently postponed due to a technical glitch in Florida. Similarly, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has delayed the launch date of its new H3 flagship rocket due to poor weather forecasts.

Intuitive Machines is preparing to launch a robotic moon lander named Odysseus on a NASA mission, marking the first US lunar touchdown in over 50 years and the first by a privately owned vehicle. The mission aims to achieve the first controlled descent to the lunar surface by a US spacecraft since the final Apollo crewed moon mission in 1972, and the first by a private company. This mission is part of NASAs Artemis program, which aims to return astronauts to the moon before China lands its own crewed spacecraft there.

The lunar lander is expected to reach its destination near the moons south pole and will focus on space weather interactions, radio astronomy, precision landing technologies, and navigation. With plans for future moon missions in 2024 and beyond, Intuitive Machines is set to play a crucial role in the next chapter of space exploration.

For the second time this year, a US company is embarking on a mission to put a spacecraft on the moon and end Americas 50-year lull. The planned launch of Houston-based Intuitive Machines Inc.s moon lander on a SpaceX rocket was delayed by approximately 24 hours. Now targeting a launch at 1:05 a.m. Eastern time on Feb. 15, the spacecraft, called Nova-C, will attempt to touch down softly on the moons surface about a week later.

These missions underscore the determination and innovative spirit of private American companies in contributing to the next era of space exploration. Despite the challenges and setbacks, the race to the moon continues, signaling an exciting future for both space travel and the burgeoning space economy.

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The New Space Race: Private American Companies Compete to Land on the Moon - Medriva

The Psyche Spacecraft Surpasses its 100-Day Milestone, Marking a New Era in Space Technology and Communication

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo., Feb. 14, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- As the Psyche spacecraft, part of NASA's ambitious deep space exploration, completes its crucial 100-day checkout phase, Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, a leader in high-reliability circuit card assembly and contract manufacturing, announces its significant role in this milestone. Launched on October 13, 2023, aboard the SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket, the Psyche mission has successfully deployed its solar arrays and entered the operational phase, thanks in part to Spectrum's high-precision circuit boards.

"Spectrum's circuit boards are at the heart of the Psyche spacecraft's communication systems," says Jeff Gilbert, Chief Operating Officer of Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies. "Our involvement in this project demonstrates our commitment to advancing space technology. Our products' performance during the critical initial 100 days is a testament to our team's expertise and the reliability of our technology in extreme conditions."

According to NASA, the Psyche mission, managed by Arizona State University and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), represents a significant leap in deep space exploration. The spacecraft's journey to the asteroid Psyche will be propelled by an innovative solar electric propulsion system, enhanced by Spectrum's cutting-edge technology. This advancement is critical for the Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) experiment, designed to drastically improve long-distance space communication. By employing a near-infrared laser system, the DSOC aims to facilitate swifter transmission rates and substantially greater bandwidth, setting a new standard for sending and receiving data across the vast expanse of space.

Now, with the checkout phase behind, the Psyche spacecraft sets its sights on a Mars gravity assist in 2.5 years, a crucial step in its 5.5-year journey to the asteroid belt. Spectrum's contributions are integral to the success of this mission, highlighting the company's leading role in developing technologies critical for the future of space exploration.

Spectrum has a rich history in aerospace, including projects like the James Webb Space Telescope and the Roman Space Telescope. To learn more about Spectrum and its cutting-edge circuit board technology, visit spectrumamt.com.

About Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies, Inc. (Spectrum AMT) stands as a prominent leader in high-reliability circuit card assembly and contract manufacturing, with over 25 years in the industry. Serving sectors such as Aerospace, Spaceflight, DoD, Medical Devices, and Enterprise and industrial, Spectrum consistently meets high standards and client expectations. Key collaborations include systems for the MK-48 Torpedo, MH-60 SeaHawk Helicopters, and NASA's Dragonfly project. Adhering to principles of precision and "never fail" reliability, Spectrum AMT exemplifies commitment and excellence. Learn more at spectrumamt.com.

Media Contact:

Melissa Whitworth | Lightspeed PR/M | [emailprotected]

SOURCE Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies

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Spectrum Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Plays Vital Role in NASA's Deep Space Optical Communications - PR Newswire

NASAs Artemis program, the quest to eventually return astronauts to the surface of the moon, is off to a fitful start. In January, the first attempt to land a robotic spacecraft on the lunar surface in more than 50 years was thwarted by a fuel leak that prevented the craft from reaching the moon. The next day, NASA announced that two of its landmark flights one to send a crew of four around the moon, the other to land astronauts on it will be delayed significantly while the space agency works through technical issues.

But now, Intuitive Machines, a company based in Houston, is planning to launch its spacecraft to the moon early on Wednesday, setting up a possible landing later this month. If successful, it will be the first landing for the United States since the last of the Apollo missions in 1972 and the first commercial spacecraft ever to touch down on the lunar surface. The companys phone-booth-size lander, Odysseus, is aiming for near the moons south pole, a region that is of particular interest to NASA because of the existence of water in the form of ice in its permanently shadowed craters.

Although the spacecraft is owned and operated by Intuitive Machines, NASA has several science experiments on board and is paying the company $118 million to deliver them to the surface. The flight is part of a $2.6 billion space agency program designed to send a fleet of robotic spacecraft, operated not by NASA but private industry, to the moon over the next several years to bolster the space agencys attempt to land astronauts there.

The effort demonstrates the growing role the commercial space industry has assumed in space exploration. NASA now relies on contractors not just to fly cargo and astronauts to the International Space Station, but also to develop the spacecraft that will land astronauts on the moon and the spacesuits they will wear while there. It is also looking to the corporate sector to build the habitats that could eventually replace the space station in Earth orbit.

A successful lunar landing by a commercial vehicle would mark a significant milestone in the exploration of space by private enterprise, which NASA hopes will eventually help open up new economic and scientific activity on and around the moon. By advancing our capabilities to operate on the lunar surface, the mission sets the stage for more ambitious endeavors, including the establishment of lunar bases and the exploration of potential resources, Intuitive Machines said in a statement.

All of that remains years away, and landing on the moon is extremely difficult. In the first of the uncrewed flights to the lunar surface, a spacecraft developed by Astrobotic, a company based in Pittsburgh, suffered a problem with its propulsion system last month and sprang a leak, preventing it from reaching the lunar surface. Shortly afterward, a spacecraft operated by the Japanese space agency landed softly, making Japan the fifth country to land on the moons surface. But the spacecraft ended up on its side.

NASAs moon program has had some recent setbacks, as well. The space agency had been hoping that a quartet of astronauts would fly around the moon in its Orion spacecraft later this year, a mission, known as Artemis II, that would be somewhat similar to the Apollo 8 flight in 1968. But last month, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said the flight will be delayed to September 2025 because the space agency needs to further study Orions heat shield, which showed more charring than anticipated.

Artemis III, the flight that will transport astronauts to the surface, was also pushed back from 2025 to no earlier than September 2026. This time, the issue is delays in SpaceXs development of its Starship spacecraft, which is supposed to ferry the crew to and from the lunar surface. Nelson said there are also delays with developing the spacesuits the astronauts will wear on the moon. That effort is being led by Axiom Space, another private space company.

I want to emphasize that safety is our number one priority, Jim Free, NASAs associate administrator, said during a briefing last month. As we prepare to send our friends and colleagues on this mission, were committed to launching as safely as possible. And we will launch when were ready.

Intuitive Machines says that after an extensive test campaign it is ready to launch as early as 12:57 a.m. Eastern time Wednesday, setting up a landing about nine days later.

The vehicle is ready, Stephen Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines, said in an interview in October. Its performing wonderfully. We know the odds of what were up against. Weve done extensive testing beyond development testing, to make sure that the vehicle is performing as designed. And were confident coming out of our reviews that weve hammered all those issues flat and that we know how the vehicle behaves.

Odysseus will be carried to space on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Fla., and will then speed toward the moon while undergoing complicated steps along the way. Once the spacecraft separates from the rocket, it will use special cameras to take images of stars that will allow it to autonomously orient itself in the correct position so that its solar arrays point toward the sun. Once powered up, it will turn on its communication radios to make contact with controllers on the ground.

On the way to the moon, the spacecraft will use its propulsion system to make course corrections to keep it on the right path, like a car driver making minor adjustments with the steering wheel along a straight stretch of road, the company said. It will aim for a spot near the moon that will allow it to enter lunar orbit, similar to how basketball players aim for the square on the backboard of the hoop. If a basketball player hits the backboard square with a shot, the ball is likelier to go in the hoop, it said.

As it approaches the moon, the spacecraft will fire its engine again, this time to put it into an orbit about 62 miles above the lunar surface. The plan calls for it to orbit the moon approximately 12 times while waiting for the lighting conditions to be right on the lunar surface. Each pass also will present a challenge for the spacecraft, as it alternates between the heat of the sun and the cold of darkness that will require heat drawn from batteries to keep systems warm. The spacecraft will lose communications with the ground for about 45 minutes on each orbit when the moon blocks Odysseuss radio signal.

As the vehicle begins its descent toward the surface, it will fire its engine to drop from 62 miles to just over six miles. Then its cameras and lasers will feed data to the onboard navigation computers that will autonomously guide it to a safe place on the surface. At about 100 feet, it will flip itself to a vertical position with its landing legs pointed down. During the descent, the engine thrust will continuously decrease as the lander burns fuel and, as a result, gets lighter and lighter.

Because lunar dust will kick up as the vehicle approaches the surface, it wont use cameras or sensors for the final touchdown, relying instead on what the company calls inertial measurement, which the company said senses acceleration and rotation like a humans inner ear. Terminal descent is like walking toward a door and closing your eyes the last three feet, the company said. You know youre close enough, but your inner ear must lead you through the door.

The landing speed will be about three feet per second, or about 2 mph.

Odysseus is carrying several scientific payloads from NASA, including an instrument that will capture images of the dust plume kicked up by the spacecrafts engines. Since it anticipates eventually landing multiple spacecraft close to one another, NASA wants to better understand what effects landings have on the moons surface and environment.

It is also carrying a camera system designed by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University students and faculty that will be ejected from the spacecraft at about 100 feet above the moons surface to take images of the vehicle during the landing sequence.

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Intuitive Machines Odyssey lunar lander to be launched early Wednesday - The Washington Post

The 7.4m funding from the UK Space Agency will accelerate work towards international space science and exploration projects.

Among the projects set to receive funding is the Space Science and Exploration Bilateral Programme, where Royal Holloway will develop software for the Indian Space Agency Chandrayaan-2 orbiter. This technology will help to detect ice under the surface of the lunar south pole.

Another project will see the University of Leicester lead on a Raman spectroscopy instrument for iSpaces commercial rover and lander missions investigating water ice on the Moon. The space exploration project aims to improve understanding of whether the resource could be used for longer-term lunar exploration.

Other projects to receive a share of the funding include the Open University and universities of Sussex, Aberdeen and Cambridge teaming up with NASA, the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, said: These projects present an opportunity for UK science to make crucial contributions to ground-breaking global missions that will deepen our understanding of the Moon and our neighbouring planets.

The announcement coincides with the Global Space and Technology Convention (GSTC), taking place in Singapore this week. The convention is set to showcase Asias growing space sector and opportunities for international collaboration.

The space exploration projects and a UK delegation at the GSTC highlight how the UK supports its scientists to work with partners around the world, as implemented in the National Space Strategy.

Marie-Claire Perkinson, Chair of the Space, Science and Exploration Committee at UKspace said: Developing strong relationships through these projects is a key step toward future industrial collaboration.

Following an initial funding round, the space projects have already received a total of 400,000.

They represent both UK scientific excellence in critical areas of space science and exploration technology, such as detector hardware development, pipeline processing, and optics and spectroscopy.

The projects also provide opportunities to work collaboratively with international counterparts who are making progress in similar areas.

The projects that have received funding include:

The project is responsible for processing multi-band radar and developing analysis software to detect lunar south pole sub-surface ice.

The project will study the formation of the Universe using the time-domain method and multi-messenger astrophysics by developing high-level science data.

Provision of superconducting detectors, detector systems, optics, filters, and data pipelines. This technology could be used for a probe mission to investigate the formation of planetary systems and the evolution of galaxies.

The funding will develop an instrument to monitor air and ground temperature, wind, humidity, and hydration state of salts, for a Mars rover studying water cycle, chemistry, and habitability.

The space project will focus on high-performance detectors for the Mars multispectral and stereo imager for the International Mars Ice Mapper mission. The technology will map accessible water ice deposits on the Martian surface.

The project will lead the development of the Raman analytical spectroscopy instrument based on the Raman laser spectrometer. The instrument will be used for commercial small lunar landers and rovers that will explore the lunar surface for space resource utilisation.

The team will develop a mission and space platform for a cube-sat that will deploy a precision radiometer to measure spectral distortions in the Universes cosmic microwave background.

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New funding for space projects ensures the UK's role in global missions - Innovation News Network

SpaceX and Intuitive Machines Undertake Historic Lunar Mission

SpaceX has successfully launched a spacecraft, named Odysseus, on a mission to the moon as part of the 1M-1 mission. This mission is led by Houston-based Intuitive Machines and is a crucial part of NASAs Artemis program. The spacecraft aims to soft-land its Nova-C lander at the moons South Pole on February 22. The Odysseus is carrying five NASA payloads and will conduct experiments related to radio astronomy and space weather.

This mission is the first of a suite of missions from Intuitive Machines. Subsequent missions include the IM-2 mission scheduled to land at the lunar south pole in 2024, and the IM-3 mission, which will carry NASA payloads and a rover to explore the moons lunar swirl called Reiner Gamma in 2025.

The mission is also a significant part of NASAs Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, which aims to involve the private industry in building the hardware needed for space exploration. The role of SpaceX and Intuitive Machines in this mission is a testament to the increasing collaboration between government agencies and private firms in advancing technological and scientific research in space.

The Odysseus carries a total of six NASA instruments and six commercial payloads, including sculptures, a proof of concept cloud storage technology, insulation blankets, and a student-built camera package. The spacecraft is partially funded by NASA and is a trailblazing initiative for the Artemis program. The launch aims to study the lunar environment and test technologies needed for future missions.

SpaceX had to delay the launch due to unusual temperature readings and the need to rely on a high power 3D printed main engine burning liquid oxygen and methane propellants. However, this hasnt deterred the missions progress. The launch was rescheduled, and the Odysseus is expected to operate on the moons surface for about a week before the sun sets.

The extreme low temperatures of the two-week lunar night pose a significant challenge as the spacecraft is not designed to survive these conditions. Despite these hurdles, the mission holds the promise of revolutionizing lunar exploration. It aims to probe for water near the Moons South Pole, offering potential access to frozen water, which could be used to generate vital resources for future astronauts and reduce costs associated with lunar missions.

The successful completion of this mission is crucial for the future moon landings under the Artemis program, scheduled for 2025 and 2026. The mission cost NASA about $129 million for the Odysseus instruments and transportation to the moon, and it is considered a commercial mission. But the potential scientific and technological gains from this mission could far outweigh the costs.

The Odysseus is a testament to the future of lunar exploration and the role that private firms like SpaceX can play in advancing our understanding of the moon and the wider universe. As we await the results of this mission, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for another giant leap for mankind in the world of space exploration.

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SpaceX and Intuitive Machines Lunar Mission: Challenges, Expectations, and Future - Medriva

NASA portrait of astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II. Credit: NASA

Thomas Kenneth Mattingly II, retired United States Navy Rear Admiral and distinguished NASA astronaut, passed away on October 31, 2023, at the age of 87. Known affectionately as TK, Mattinglys career was marked by his heroic contributions to the U.S. space program and his notable role in the historic Apollo missions.

Born on March 17, 1936, in Chicago, Illinois, TK Mattinglys passion for aviation and space exploration took flight early in his life. He went on to receive his wings in 1960 after joining the U.S. Navy, where he served with distinction. His excellence as a pilot and his keen intellect led him to NASA, where he joined the astronaut class of 1966.

Throughout his storied career, Mattingly was involved in key aspects of the Apollo program. Before he journeyed into space, he worked tirelessly behind the scenes, contributing to the development of the Apollo spacesuit and backpack. He served as the command module pilot for Apollo 16, where his skill and resolve were vital to the missions success. Mattingly further left his mark as the spacecraft commander for space shuttle missions STS-4 and STS 51-C, illustrating the versatility and leadership that became his hallmark.

Astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II (right foreground), command module pilot of the Apollo 16 lunar landing mission, participates in extravehicular activity (EVA) training in Building 5 at the Manned Spacecraft Center (MSC). Credit: NASA

Perhaps one of the most significant moments of Mattinglys career came during the Apollo 13 mission. Although he was grounded due to exposure to rubella, Mattingly played a crucial role in the safe return of his fellow astronauts, showcasing his unwavering dedication to the program and his colleagues.

TK Mattinglys impact extended beyond his technical contributions. His eloquence and introspection provided a window into the profound experiences of space travel. He once shared his awe of the cosmos, saying, I had this very palpable fear that if I saw too much, I couldnt remember. It was just so impressive.

Astronauts Thomas K. Mattingly II (left) and Henry W. Hartsfield Jr., STS-4 commander and pilot, respectively, get in some training time in the motion base Shuttle Mission Simulator (SMS) at the Johnson Space Centers Mission Simulations and Training Facility. Credit: NASA

His decorations included the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the NASA Distinguished Service Medal, and numerous other awards that testified to his exceptional service. Mattingly was not just an astronaut; he was an explorer at heart, who braved the vast unknown for the betterment of humanity.

Mattingly is survived by his family, who shared and supported his passion for exploration. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations of explorers who look to the stars and dream of the possibilities that lie within the cosmos.

As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary individual, we also celebrate his remarkable lifea life that encapsulated the spirit of adventure and the dedication to pushing the boundaries of human achievement. Ad Astra, Rear Adm. Thomas K. Mattingly II, may your final journey be as wondrous as those you undertook among the stars.

The following is a statement from NASA Administrator Bill Nelson on the passing of former NASA astronaut Rear Adm. (ret.) Thomas K. (TK) Mattingly II.

We lost one of our countrys heroes on October 31 NASA astronaut TK Mattingly was key to the success of our Apollo Program, and his shining personality will ensure he is remembered throughout history.

Beginning his career with the U.S. Navy, TK received his wings in 1960 and flew various aircraft across multiple assignments. Once he joined the Air Force Aerospace Research Pilot School as a student, NASA chose him to be part of the astronaut class in 1966. Before flying in space, he aided the Apollo Program working as the astronaut support crew and took leadership in the development of the Apollo spacesuit and backpack.

His unparalleled skill as a pilot aided us when he took on the role of command module pilot for Apollo 16 and spacecraft commander for space shuttle missions STS-4 and STS 51-C. The commitment to innovation and resilience toward opposition made TK an excellent figure to embody our mission and our nations admiration.

Perhaps his most dramatic role at NASA was after exposure to rubella just before the launch of Apollo 13. He stayed behind and provided key real-time decisions to successfully bring home the wounded spacecraft and the crew of Apollo 13 NASA astronauts James Lovell, Jack Swigert, and Fred Haise.

TKs contributions have allowed for advancements in our learning beyond that of space. He described his experience in orbit by saying, I had this very palpable fear that if I saw too much, I couldnt remember. It was just so impressive. He viewed the universes vastness as an unending forum of possibilities. As a leader in exploratory missions, TK will be remembered for braving the unknown for the sake of our countrys future.

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Farewell to a NASA Hero: Apollo Astronaut Thomas K. Mattingly II Departs at 87 - SciTechDaily

During a ceremony at the Dutch Ambassadors Residence in Washington on Wednesday, the Netherlands became the 31st country to sign the Artemis Accords. NASA Administrator Bill Nelson participated in the signing ceremony for the agency, and Netherlands Space Office (NSO) director Harm van de Wetering signed on behalf of the Netherlands.

NASA Deputy Administrator Pam Melroy and the following also were in attendance:

NASA welcomes the Netherlands as the newest and 31st member of the Artemis Accords family, said Nelson. It takes global leadership and cooperation to ensure the peaceful, transparent exploration of space for the Artemis Generation and beyond. As one of Americas oldest allies, NASA is proud to expand our partnership with the Netherlands and build a future defined by limitless opportunity and discovery.

The Artemis Accords establish a practical set of principles to guide space exploration cooperation among nations, including those participating in NASAs Artemis program.

NASA and the Netherlands have been strong partners in space from the early days of spaceflight. Pushing boundaries by technology brings new responsibilities. By signing the Artemis Accords, we underline the values we share in space, and we acknowledge we have a common responsibility, said van de Wetering.

NASA, in coordination with the U.S. Department of State,established theArtemis Accordsin 2020 together with seven other original signatories. Iceland became the 30th country to sign the Artemis Accords in October.

The Artemis Accords reinforce and implement key obligations in the 1967Outer Space Treaty. They also strengthen the commitment by the United States and signatory nations to the Registration Convention, the Rescue and Return Agreement, as well as best practices and norms of responsible behavior NASA and its partners have supported, including the public release of scientific data. Signatories are also discussing implementation of key Accords principles, including how best to avoid unintended interference on the lunar surface.

More countries are expected to sign the Artemis Accords in the months and years ahead, as NASA continues to work with its international partners to establish a safe, peaceful, and prosperous future in space. Working with both new and existing partners adds new energy and capabilities to ensure the entire world can benefit from our journey of exploration and discovery.

Learn more about the Artemis Accords at:

https://www.nasa.gov/artemis-accords

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China's Shenzhou 16 astronauts have been growing vegetables aboard the Tiangong space station, as part of plans for future deep space exploration.

Mission commander Jing Haipeng and rookie astros Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao have been aboard Tiangong since late May and are due to return to Earth on Oct. 31, after handing over control of the station to the newly arrived Shenzhou 17 mission crew.

Jing and company have spent time cultivating veggies using two sets of specialized equipment. The first started operation in June and has reaped four batches of lettuce. The second one was put into operation in August for growing cherry tomatoes and green onions.

Related: See latest configuration of China's Tiangong space station in stunning new video

The China Astronaut Research and Training Center has also set up replicas on Earth, allowing researchers to compare results and more accurately analyze divergences in how plants grow in space and on the ground. This, researchers say, is part of a long-term plan to aid deep space exploration.

"This vegetable cultivation apparatus is a key part of the whole Environmental Control and Life Support System [ECLSS], and it is used in space to verify the relevant technologies. In the future, we will focus on rapid and large-scale cultivation," Yang Renze, a researcher from China Astronaut Research and Training Center, told CCTV.

"The system can be applied to the field of deep space exploration, including our crewed lunar and Mars landing missions," Yang said.

"As a key part of the ECLSS, the plants grown from the cultivation apparatus can absorb carbon dioxide in the air to generate oxygen with the photosynthesis, and then regenerate and purify water with transpiration."

China is working to put a pair of astronauts on the moon before 2030. It is also planning to build a moon base, called the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), in the next decade. A crewed Mars landing is much further off, but the Red Planet has been noted as a future destination for Chinese spaceflight.

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China's astronauts tend orbital garden to aid deep space exploration - Space.com