Category Archives: Space Exploration

The Cosmosphere is not expecting their new craft beer to enter space, but they are hoping those on the ground will enjoy it.

Along with Salt City Brewing Co. in Hutchinson, the Cosmosphere launched Space Race Hazy IPA during a send-off party on Monday at the Cosmosphere.

Space Race Hazy IPA celebrates the history and future of space exploration with a specially designed label. Partial proceeds from the sale of the beer and its branded merchandise support the Cosmosphere.

The brews space theme runs deep down to the hops. In recognition of this special partnership with the Cosmosphere, Salt City Brewing Co. owner Steven Petermann included a variety of hops known as Galaxy in his blend.

"The Cosmosphere approached me, and I am all about local, so anything I can do to promote excitement and support, I'm glad to be there," Petermann said.

Petermann describes the beer as aNew England-style hazy IPA. He said he uses Hutchinson water, which is vital to the taste of Space Race.

"It's very aromatic, very intense hot flavors. Juicy," he said. "This one I would describe as mango tangerine, citrusy flavors."

Petermann, who grew up on a farm near Great Bend and Holyrood, moved to Hutchinson in 1999. Now, he said, "I bleed local through and through. So anything I can do local, I'd love to be a part of."

TheCosmosphere's President and CEO Jim Remar also supports local.

"It's an opportunity for the Cosmosphere to help Salt City grow and to help the Cosmosphere brand," Remar said. "It has been a great partnership with Salt City and with the team at Howerton+White advertising in Wichita, which created the incredible graphics for Space Race."

More: Kansas' premier space museum, the Cosmosphere, gets a major facelift

Space Race is on tap at Salt City Brewing Co. tap room and through various liquor stores and distributors throughout Kansas. T-shirts, hats and pint glasses are for sale at the Cosmosphere. More information is available at spaceraceipa.com.

The Cosmosphereis a Smithsonian Affiliate. Its collection includes U.S. space artifacts second only to the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum. The facilityalso contains the largest collection of Russian space artifacts outside of Moscow.

Located in central Kansas, this unique collection allows the Cosmosphere to tell the story of the Space Race.

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The Cosmosphere in Hutchinson gets its own locally brewed beer Space Race Hazy IPA - The Hutchinson News

Move over, Hubble. The James Webb Space Telescope is finally here.

Twenty-five years in the making, the $10 billion telescope is an unprecedented observatory for space exploration. Unlike Hubble, the James Webb Space Telescope will work in infrared light, providing astronomers including NorthwesternsFarhad Yusef-Zadeh with the ability to peer into the early life of the universe, view Earth-size planets outside our solar system and learn about familiar and yet-to-be-discovered objects in our solar system.

NASA plans to launch Webb later this month from Europes spaceport in French Guiana, and live coverage will airon its website, NASA TV and the NASA app.

The folded-up telescope with its large mirror featuring five times the light-gathering power of Hubble will ride to orbit on a European Ariane 5 rocket. The journey to orbit a million miles from Earth will take one nerve-racking month. Once Webb unfolds and is operational, observations and science can begin, approximately six months after launch.

More than 1,000 teams of astronomers from around the world applied for time on Webb during its first year of observations, with only 286 teams successful, according to an article in the journal Science. Zadeh, an expert inmultiwavelength astronomy, is leading one of the fortunate international teams. Webb will help him look more closely at a mysterious flashing supermassive black hole located in the center of the Milky Way galaxy.

Farhad Yusef-Zadeh

Zadeh is a professor of physics and astronomy and a faculty member at theCenter for Interdisciplinary Exploration and Research in Astrophysics (CIERA)at theWeinberg College of Arts and Sciences.

Northwestern Now spoke to Zadeh about his work studying theblack hole called Sagittarius A* (Sgr A*) and its extreme environment and what Webb will enable him to do.

Sagittarius A* is our black hole, the only supermassive black hole in our galaxy. And its actively flaring. You can learn quite a bit about the properties of the black hole when it flares.On average, there are five flares per day, each about 30 minutes long.They irradiate intensely and arise from hotspots in the accreting material that orbits the black hole.We want to understand what is behind this frequent flaring activity.

Hubble works mainly in the optical part of the light spectrum and is limited in many ways.Webb is a telescope on steroids, addressing lots of questions. As we monitor how the black hole behaves, Webb will allow us to observe emissions activity on an hourly time scale in two different infrared bands with the same telescope at the same time. Thats a big technical achievement. Its very powerful to obtain continuous time coverage. Usually, we can only observe one band at a time and have to switch back and forth.

New instrumentation always generates new discoveries. Webb will allow us to correlate radiation from the black hole in the near- and mid-infrared wavelengths with other types of radiation, such as radio waves, X-rays and gamma rays, detected by other telescopes. By studying flares across the spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, we will gain a better understanding of how flares behave and what the radiation mechanism is.

Our Webb data also will be used by my colleagues at the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) to help them imageSagittarius A*. They dont want the black hole image to be affected by the flickering. Data we get of any variable component can be subtracted from the EHT data to improve image quality of the shadow of the black hole.

Spring of 2023, to coordinate with the time the EHTs network of observatories operates. We have two days with 12 hours each day. Flares are transient phenomena we could get a big flare, a quiet flare or multiple flares next to each other or some combination. We may get some quiet time, but its unlikely we wont see anything. We will learn quite a bit. Its an exciting time, to live in an era where we can continue to discover new things.

Im also part of another project with a group of Europeans looking at how stars are formed near our supermassive black hole. Its observation time will be earlier than the black hole project Im leading.

Webb and its data will mean a lot to many astronomers. A lot of discoveries will be made, whether direct or indirect. Webb certainly will be useful to the exoplanet community. Webb is a luxury, a telescope in space, and it can continuously observe. It will allow researchers to see changes in the orbits of exoplanets, for example.

Definitely. Part is self-interest, and part is that Webb is an incredible, expensive and state-of-the-art instrument. Different dimensions come into this. Im excited and nervous, but Im all there and will be glued to online coverage.

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Looking forward to a huge leap in space exploration - Northwestern University NewsCenter

Dublin, Dec. 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Space Lander and Rover Market - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact, and Forecasts (2021 - 2030)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The space lander and rover market is projected to register a CAGR of over 9% during the forecast period.

The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the space industry in several ways in 2020. The economic crisis triggered by the pandemic is expected to result in a slowdown of investments in the short term. On the other hand, the supply chain bottlenecks have resulted in the postponement of launch schedules in 2020. Nevertheless, the impact is short-lived and several players were back on schedule for their upcoming space projects by the end of the year.

The space sector is currently attracting huge investments, and the demand for activities, like interplanetary exploration and potential space mining, is expected to further boost the market for space landers and rovers in the years to come.

However, the high costs involved in the space exploration missions are restricting investments in such activities to only certain countries and space agencies, thereby hindering the market growth.

Key Market Trends

Growing Focus On Space Exploration Driving the Demand for Landers and Rovers

Globally, several countries are investing in space exploration programs to study the composition of the solar system, detect the presence of water and elements and potentially exploit asteroids in the future. These activities involve the use of landers and rovers to study the lunar and planetary surfaces. Several space agencies are indulging in activities to explore both the lunar and mars surfaces and also developing the necessary infrastructure and techniques to mine and refine asteroid resources. For instance, China's first fully homegrown Mars mission, Tianwen-1, carrying the probe, a combination orbiter, lander, and rover, reached Mars in February 2021.

Following this, in May 2021, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) confirmed that the spacecraft carrying the rover has touched down on the planet. The milestone makes China the sixth entity to get a probe to Mars, joining the United States, the Soviet Union, the European Space Agency, India, and the United Arab Emirates, whose Hope orbiter reached Mars in February 2021. Moreover, several nations across the globe are also working on lunar exploration missions involving landers and rovers. For instance, Russia's Roscosmos is planning to launch the Luna 25 lunar lander mission, whose launch is scheduled for May 2022. Such missions are expected to drive the market for space landers and rovers during the forecast period.

North America Continues to Dominate The Market

The market is expected to be dominated by North America, due to the growing investments by NASA. NASA's budget for fiscal year (FY) 2021 is USD 23.3 billion, which represents a 3% increase over the previous year's amount. NASA's Perseverance rover is the latest to touch down safely on Mars. The mission is expected to cost USD 2.7 billion. The design and construction of the rover and its related components (including landing system and flight stage) account for 81% of the total project cost, while the rest is for launch and operations.

The rover's dependence on Plutonium-238 as a power source has increased the launch costs due to the elevated environmental and safety regulations for launching nuclear material. Perseverance is the third most expensive Mars mission, after Viking 1 & 2 and the Curiosity rover. Players from the country are also focusing on several lunar missions. Intuitive Machines, a US-based private company, is preparing for its first lunar mission in Q1 2022, as part of the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. Nova-C is one of three lunar landers that will be built and launched under the program. Such developments are expected to drive the growth of the revenues from the region during the forecast period.

Competitive Landscape

The space lander and rover market have significant growth potential over the next decade as several launches for the moon and mars are planned by many countries. Some of the prominent players in this market are National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Lockheed Martin Corporation, Airbus SE, ISRO, and Blue Origin among others. The market is a mix of private and government organizations that collaborate on new technologies that can revolutionize space exploration. Investments in space mining are also increasing which is expected to open new opportunities for the market players.

Space agencies are also collaborating to develop newer space rovers and landers, which is expected to drive the growth of the market. For instance, Japan's JAXA is planning the Martian Moons Exploration mission to explore two moons of Mars, which include rovers being developed by JAXA along with French space agency CNES and German space agency DLR. Such developments are expected to drive the growth of the players during the forecast period.

Key Topics Covered:

1 INTRODUCTION1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition1.2 Scope of the Study

2 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

4 MARKET DYNAMICS4.1 Market Overview4.2 Market Drivers4.3 Market Restraints4.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis4.4.1 Threat of New Entrants4.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers4.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers4.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products4.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

5 MARKET SEGMENTATION (Market Size by Value - USD million)5.1 Type5.1.1 Lunar Surface Exploration5.1.2 Mars Surface Exploration5.1.3 Asteroids Surface Exploration5.2 Geography5.2.1 North America5.2.2 Europe5.2.3 Asia-Pacific5.2.4 Rest of the World

6 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE6.1 Company Profiles6.1.1 Canadian Space Agency6.1.2 National Aeronautics and Space Administration6.1.3 Lockheed Martin Corporation6.1.4 Northrop Grumman Corporation6.1.5 Airbus SE6.1.6 Roscosmos6.1.7 Blue Origin6.1.8 ISRO6.1.9 Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)6.1.10 China Academy of Space Technology6.1.11 ispace, inc.6.1.12 SPACEBIT TECHNOLOGIES6.1.13 ASTROBOTIC TECHNOLOGY -

7 MARKET OPPORTUNITIES AND FUTURE TRENDS

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/aoybx4

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Global Space Lander and Rover Market (2021 to 2030) - Growth, Trends, COVID-19 Impact and Forecasts - GlobeNewswire

One trillion dollars. Thats the economic potential of space commerce for businesses by 2040, according to estimates from investment bank Morgan Stanley.

Working together, private sector business leaders and government agencies have transformed what was once merely a dream of travel among the stars into a fully functioning global market forming private aerospace companies, launching rockets and satellites, and even creating opportunities for space travel. In fact, this year there have been 64 commercial space flights, more than double the number in recent years, with everyone from famed actor William Shatner and NFL Hall of Famer Michael Strahan among those taking the trip.

To be sure, the growth in space exploration and the private aerospace business opens a host of economic possibilities, from new markets for businesses to job opportunities for people. "Space is a domain of commerce now, so much so that investors have committed nearly $31 billion over the past 10 years to make it so," Charity Weeden, Vice President of Global Space Policy at Astroscale, said at the recent LAUNCH Space Summit 2021 from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "Those investors also include in some part the U.S. government, because it is understood that the economic strength and ingenuity of the United States space industry is one of our greatest jewels."

From well-established players to business moguls building rockets to launch themselves into space to entrepreneurs creating companies to collect orbital debris and make space travel more sustainable, the space economy is poised for a growth trajectory similar to one of its rocket launches straight up into the stratosphere. During the LAUNCH Space Summit, executives from companies like Boeing, Rocket Lab, and Space Tango, as well as officials from the U.S. Air Force and Federal Aviation Administration shared insights about the potential of space commerce for businesses. Here are four trends they identified that will shape the space economy in 2022.

This year marks the biggest year on record for private equity and venture capital investment in space companies, with more than $10 billion invested in the industry through the third quarter, according to research firm Space Capital. Next year is likely to be even bigger, as investment funds look to provide capital to startups and early-stage space ventures in the hopes of a big return.

The more private capital there is to fuel space ventures, the faster companies can scale and new innovations can come to market, which in turn, will fuel further growth. Such investments helped Rocket Lab go public in August, according to CEO Peter Beck.

If you think of the space industry, at least on the private side, it's been played for a very long time with just enough capital to get things going but not large amounts of capital to really reach its potential," Beck said. "And I think this year has been really transformational for the industry because there's a significant number of companies that have IPOed or raised private rounds of substantial capital. And that's really going to help the industry to grow and start to execute the programs of ambition that have so long been dreamed about."

Lisa Callahan, Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Civil Space at Lockheed Martin Space, echoed this sentiment. She notes the movement in the private sector will benefit science and research for Earth as well.

"The rapid growth that we're seeing in this market is amazing," said Callahan. "There's a huge amount of new technology and innovation that's flowing into the space sector [and it has] a huge amount of private and capital investment coming into the market. And this investment in my mind is not just going to benefit the science and exploration that we do in [low earth orbit] and beyond. But it's also going to create innovations that can benefit us back here on Earth."

One of the biggest trends we've seen in space-related activities in recent years and will continue well into 2022 is the rise of public-private partnerships versus governments doing things only for themselves. For example, the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida has grown tremendously as the top launch pad in the world for both public and private launches.

"Last year, we had more orbital launches than any single location on the planet," Kelvin Manning, Deputy Center Director for the John F. Kennedy Space Center, said. Manning says a key factor in the decision to partner on private launch was long-term sustainability and affordability for NASA. Our processing and launching infrastructure is available not only for the government but also for our commercial partners. That way, we distribute the costs among multiple users and reduce the costs for NASA."

The public-private partnerships also can help avert threats, including protecting humans currently in space or going to space. Governments and companies are working together to better manage space traffic and contain orbital debris.

It's no longer just about machines there are humans at risk here, says Maj. Gen. DeAnna M. Burt, Deputy Commander of Space Operations Command, U.S. Space Force. So, it is really important that we get traffic management right because it is dangerous for human life. I think to continue to grow we have to do as Charity mentioned earlier. This is a partnership with our international commercial partners here at the combined Space Operations Center. We work with our coalition partners and share information on both space traffic management and threats day in and day out.

Additionally, the long-standing public-private partnership between NASA and Boeing has enabled considerable progress on the International Space Station and what space stations can look like in 2022 and beyond.

Boeing has worked with NASA since the development phase and has helped design, deliver, integrate, and operate the nation's largest orbital laboratory for NASA and its international partners, Dr. Michelle Parker, Vice President and Deputy General Manager of Boeing Space and Launch, said. Our success together has led us to 23 years of the ISS in orbit, with 21 of them having a consistent crew presence in space. The lifecycle of NASA Space Station now represents a model of how future space stations will develop over time.

An important facet for the space economy is also the growth of jobs and not just for rocket scientists. The number of jobs in the space economy is estimated to be somewhere around 400,000 today, but it is projected to rise to 1.5 million jobs or more in the future.

In fact, an entire labor ecosystem is needed for space commerce to meet its full economic potential. Included among the areas where workers are needed are accounting, marketing, design, I.T., and manufacturing, along with STEM jobs traditionally associated with space. The advanced manufacturing sector, for example, has seen a boost from launch services, says Steve Dickson, Administrator for the FAA.

U.S. launch services rely on advanced manufacturing and were the source of 40% of all commercial launches, more than any other single country, says Dickson. So, this brings more than $2 billion a year in revenues to our manufacturing industries. And all this stuff is made in America."

Moreover, the next generation will seek out new jobs related specifically to the space economy, says Marshall Smith, Senior Vice President of Space Systems at Nanoracks. And these workers wont have worked in space or science beforehand either.

This rapid growth is going to bring in a new, young, diverse generation into the space world instead of just engineers, Smith says. You're going to see a lot of diversity, [including] marketing, design, and manufacturing enough to create a whole economy. It's going to require everybody to see a massive change in the way we do business in space and on the ground.

Recent policy decisions from public agencies have given rise to commercial opportunities for businesses. Among the biggest of these decisions has been the move by government agencies away from building and owning assets to licensing them from private companies. The move towards licensing materials and assets gives private businesses a foundation to build and scale.

"What the U.S. government specifically has been good at over the last decade or two is transitioning from building and owning their own space hardware to using the services of companies," said Dr. Alain Berinstain, Chief Strategy Officer for Space Tango.

Berinstain cites transportation services for rockets and crew, lunar landers, and commercial space stations among the things government agencies are now licensing from private companies.

Those kinds of policy decisions by the government really helps give rise to that economy [and] ecosystem. And then, with the government becoming a sort of anchor tenant for some of those services, it certainly does help support and kick off the possibility for companies like ours and other companies to take hold and to go and get their own customers that are not government customers."

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Space Economy: 4 Trends to Watch in 2022 - uschamber.com

While the U.S. has been a leader in space exploration, including investing billions of dollars to achieve a set of national priorities, there are many great unknowns on Earth where we can step up similar efforts.

With such a significant focus in space, it is incredible to me that over 80 percent of our Earths oceans remain unexplored. It is also unacceptable. Understanding our oceans is critical to our economy, security and way of life. Our oceans are essential in adapting to and mitigating changes to the earths climate, but the marine environment is under threat. High-value fisheries are moving north, dangerous tropical storms are intensifying and harmful algal blooms are becoming more frequent. The general public is increasingly concerned, resulting in a doubling of funding for marine conservation worldwide over the last decade to nearly $2 billion. More and more, governments, companies and private citizens are supporting ocean causes that range from fundamental science, coral reef conservation, marine litter removal, endangered species protection, to habitat restoration.

For these reasons, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) recently initiated and oversaw the development of the National Strategy and Plan to map and explore the Americas oceans i.e. U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) as well as similar efforts to add new and expand existing marine protected areas (MPAs), clean up marine plastic pollution, combat coral disease and advance ocean science and technology.

NOAA elevated attention to these efforts in 2019 at a White House Summit on Ocean Science and Technology Partnerships, which spurred the signing of a trove of agreements between the agency and partner organizations to move forward in areas such as ocean mapping, exploration, science, public understanding, countering illegal fishing, conserving coral reefs, as well as expanding the research and operational application of autonomous systems and artificial intelligence. NOAA continues to support all things ocean through its leadership in the UN Ocean Decade.

The one area where the U.S. stands to fall behind is human exploration of the deep sea. The U.S. flagship for this capability is the Human Occupied Vehicle (HOV) Alvin, funded by the Navy and operated by the National Deep Submergence Facility (NSDF) at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute (WHOI). Alvin recently suspended test certification dives for a maximum depth is 6500 meters due to inspect for potential damages, only reaching 5338 meters.

Compare that to the November 2020 dive by Chinas HOV Fendouzhe, which broke their national record by reaching 10,909 meters in the Challenger Deep, just 26 meters above the deepest point in the Marianas Trench.

Fortunately, the private sector has stood up to show American leadership in this realm. Victor Vescovo of Caladan Oceanic, in partnership with Triton Submarines, developed and dived in the HOV Limiting Factor during a stunning series of dives to the worlds deepest ocean trenches. First, with the Five Deeps Expedition in 2019, then later in subsequent campaigns, Vescovo made over 60 dives below 10,000 meters, including 14 to Challenger Deep. Before Vescovo, four times more people had walked on the moon (12) than had been to the oceans deepest depths in Challenger Deep (three).

Now, the Biden administration has set a goal to return to the moon, including landings by a woman and person of color. In an ocean equivalent of this moonshot, Vescovo has already done that, too.

In American ocean leadership, Vescovo has exponentially exceeded what can be expected from any single citizen. So, he cannot be criticized for putting the Limiting Factor and its support vessel, Pressure Drop up for sale. Now, the U.S. government to take ownership of the deep ocean by acquiring Vescovos vessels for the NSDF. To realize the greatest benefit for the nation, they could be funded by NOAAs Ocean Exploration Cooperative Institute (OECI), which includes WHOI, University of Rhode Island, University of New Hampshire, University of Southern Mississippi and Bob Ballards Ocean Exploration Trust. With OECIs unmatched expertise in planning and conducting multidisciplinary ocean mapping and exploration cruises, the ship and submersible would see the maximum possible return on investment.

Human exploration of the deep sea is not without its critics. Many point to the fact that remotely operated or autonomous underwater vehicles (ROV/AUV) are much less expensive and risky. But their argument ignores the same justification for human and robotic exploration of space in the U.S. Space Priorities Framework that space inspires us and is a source of American innovation, opportunity, leadership, and strength. All equally hold true for the ocean.

Similar to their activity in space, China has set its sights on the deep seabed to fuel its economic and military ambitions. Especially appalling, Beijing is exhibiting a complete disregard for the environment in the deep sea that is on par with their abuses around the rest of the planet. During one of Vescovos Challenger Deep Dives, he observed miles of plastic-coated synthetic cable jettisoned from a ROV or HOV. Because Chinas vehicles are the only platforms other than ours to venture near this remote patch of the seafloor, the cable is undoubtedly theirs. Not only does this present a serious safety hazard to future expeditions, it has resulted in the sad fact that no corner of the ocean has escaped the reach of anthropogenic plastic pollution.

From the dark side of the moon to the Arctic and Antarctic polar regions, Chinas aspirations for dominance have no boundaries. To prevail in this great power competition, the U.S. needs to lead now more than ever before. With massive investments and policy priorities to lead in space, our trajectory is clearly arcing upward. To do the same in the ocean, we need to look downward and go deep.

Rear Admiral (ret.) Tim Gallaudet, Ph.D., is the former deputy administrator at NOAA, assistant secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere, as well as oceanographer for the Navy. He is a fellow in the Explorers Club and has a Ph.D. in oceanography from Scripps Institution of Oceanography and is a research affiliate with the Galileo Project at Harvard University.

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Over 80 percent of Earth's oceans remain unexplored the US can step up | TheHill - The Hill

A SpaceX Falcon 9 is set to blast off in the early morning hours Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center.Its the last launch that will cap a record-breaking year for SpaceX. Once the resupply mission launches, itll be the 30th launch for the year.The Falcon 9 rocket, sitting on launch pad 39A, will be the last SpaceX mission of the year.It's a year that has seen more of these rockets launch than ever before. The mission is to resupply the International Space Station with critical needs for the crew of seven living and working there."Elon Musk for example -- SpaceX there making plans to go to the Moon and Mars and you know those sort of planning helps bring the cost of space travel down. Some people are looking at manufacturing on the Moon," Bob Dempsey with NASA's International Space Station Program said.That all folds into the goal of deeper space exploration from SpaceX and NASA. Even though the International Space Station is nearing the end of its shelf-life, there is a busy schedule of missions and already talk about extending its service.Once the International Space Station is at the point where it needs to be retired, private space stations will take over. NASA has already signed deals with three companies to produce joint government/private stations.Liftoff Tuesday is set for 5:06 a.m.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 is set to blast off in the early morning hours Tuesday from the Kennedy Space Center.

Its the last launch that will cap a record-breaking year for SpaceX. Once the resupply mission launches, itll be the 30th launch for the year.

The Falcon 9 rocket, sitting on launch pad 39A, will be the last SpaceX mission of the year.

It's a year that has seen more of these rockets launch than ever before. The mission is to resupply the International Space Station with critical needs for the crew of seven living and working there.

"Elon Musk for example -- SpaceX there making plans to go to the Moon and Mars and you know those sort of planning helps bring the cost of space travel down. Some people are looking at manufacturing on the Moon," Bob Dempsey with NASA's International Space Station Program said.

That all folds into the goal of deeper space exploration from SpaceX and NASA.

Even though the International Space Station is nearing the end of its shelf-life, there is a busy schedule of missions and already talk about extending its service.

Once the International Space Station is at the point where it needs to be retired, private space stations will take over. NASA has already signed deals with three companies to produce joint government/private stations.

Liftoff Tuesday is set for 5:06 a.m.

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2021 marks a record-breaking year for launches on the Space Coast - WESH 2 Orlando

By Lin Chia-nan / Staff reporter

A batch of virus-like particles developed by Taiwanese researchers were yesterday launched into space by Space Exploration Technologies Corp (SpaceX), as part of a Commercial Resupply Service (CRS) mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

The CRS-24 mission using SpaceXs Dragon spacecraft and a Falcon 9 rocket launched at about 5:07am from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

The National Synchrontron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC), which is affiliated to the Ministry of Science and Technology, cultivated the particles.

Photo: screen grab from Youtube

The batch would stay on the space station for one month for crystallization experiments, the center said last month.

The delivery was coordinated by Taiwans space service supplier HelioX Cosmos Co () and Japans Space BD Inc, which was appointed as the sole private partner by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) because of its high-quality protein crystal growth experiment service.

It is the first time that Taiwan has conducted such an experiment, thanks to the commercialization of space technology, HelioX Cosmos founder and chief executive Bill Chang () said yesterday, adding that JAXA had conducted similar experiments for nearly a decade.

It was moving to watch the batch of particles lift off into the space very different from watching other launch missions, NSRRC deputy director Chen Chun-jung () said yesterday, adding that he hopes to one day watch a launch mission on site.

The particles would crystallize while in space, and after being returned to Earth, they would be kept in liquid nitrogen at minus-196C and be sent back to the center in Hsinchu, he said.

We expect the quality of the particles crystallization to elevate significantly in a gravity-free environment, in comparison with that seen in general laboratories on Earth, Chen said.

With better crystallization, researchers can better analyze the viruses atomic structures and improve understanding of their pathogenic mechanisms, he said.

After the particles are returned to the center, researchers plan to use high-intensity X-ray and protein crystallography technology at the centers Taiwan Photon Source facility to observe changes in the particles, the NSRRC said, adding that it hopes to make breakthroughs in precision medicine and pandemic-prevention technology.

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Virus-like particles made in Taiwan head for ISS -

MIAMI, Dec. 21, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- via CryptoCurrencyWire Boutique space training and travel company Astranaut is giving away one free ticket to space at the North American Bitcoin Conference (TNABC), slated for Jan. 17-19, 2022, at the James L. Knight Center in Miami. This landmark opportunity represents the pinnacle of humanitys pioneering efforts to expand and innovate in the fields of space travel, cryptocurrency and blockchain.

The unprecedented giveaway will happen on the same stage thats responsible for launching hundreds of blockchain and crypto projects like Ethereum, Litecoin, Dash, Factom, Blockchain Capital projects which collectively hold a market cap of over $568 billion.

Were thrilled to be launching an actual human being into outer space from our Miami stage, says Keynote CEO Moe Levin. Anyone who attends TNABC in person will automatically be entered into the Space Ticket Giveaway for free, and well draw and announce the winner on stage on the last day.

Astranaut founder and CEO Shannon Graham says, We are thrilled to be at the North American Bitcoin Conference amongst the innovators and early adopters who will help mold this exciting future Astranaut aims to create through NFTs, crypto, and unprecedented space training and travel.

Shannon Graham became an entrepreneur at 16. His projects have included helping to launch the world's first platform aimed at ending video game addiction, raising tech entrepreneurship levels in New Zealand, and building financial empowerment for Hispanic immigrants through a fintech startup.

Graham says, As we stand at the crossroads of multiple emerging markets such as crypto and space exploration, the utility and narrative for both are wide open. Our mission is to craft them into something that holds meaning and long-term value for everyone involved.

The North American Bitcoin Conference Space Ticket Giveaway is sure to be a powerful, watershed moment in an already dynamic event where attendees can hear from the planets brightest and most brilliant minds including Mark Cuban, Harry Yeh, and the founders of Tether, Tezos, Wax, Tron, Voyager and Fantom.

The North American Bitcoin Conference is the pioneer of crypto-events and has remained the most influential yearly event by curating world-class experiences filled with Hackathons, Pitchfests, NFT galleries, Bitcoin Museums, live podcast sessions featuring thought leaders, and change-makers like Ran NeuNer (host of Crypto Banter), exclusive parties, and after-hours experiences. This years conference will also feature masterclasses on Bitcoin, NFTs, the Metaverse, Defi, DAOs, Stablecoins, Blockchain and more.

Confirmed speakers include:

The North American Bitcoin Conference (a.k.a. BTC Miami) brings together leading technologists and disruption pioneers to share insider insights, unconventional wisdom, and industry knowledge, innovations and opportunities.

Tickets are now on sale at btcmiami.com, along with a full speaker list and event agenda.

Event Contact: Contact Person: Lyndsey RobsonContact Email:lyndsey@keynote.aeSocials:https://twitter.com/keynote_aeWebsite:www.btcmiami.com

Media Contact: IBN (InvestorBrandNetwork)Los Angeles, Californiawww.InvestorBrandNetwork.com310.299.1717 OfficeEditor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com

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The North American Bitcoin Conference Heads to the Moon - GlobeNewswire

A NASA probe has entered the sun's atmosphere and "touched" the blazing corona, in a first for solar science.

The Parker Solar Probe, which launched in 2018, conducted seven flybys of the sun before dipping into the corona during its eighth flyby on April 28, 2021. It made three trips into the sun's atmosphere, one of which lasted for 5 hours, mission scientists reported at a press briefing on Tuesday (Dec. 14) at the annual meeting of the American Geophysical Union (AGU).

In the upper reaches of the solar atmosphere, where temperatures average about 2 million degrees Fahrenheit (1 million degrees Celsius) hotter than the light-emitting surface of the sun, which is only 10,000 F (5,500 C) the spacecraft collected atmospheric particles in a special instrument called the Solar Probe Cup. By entering and sampling the sun's atmosphere, the Parker Solar Probe accomplished a scientific achievement akin to landing on the moon, scientists said at the briefing.

Related: 15 unforgettable images of stars

"Imagine yourself sitting on a beach and staring at the ocean wondering what lies beneath the surface. This is basically what scientists have been doing for decades, wondering what mysteries lie in the sun's corona," said Nicola Fox, Heliophysics Division Director of the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. And just three years after Parker Solar Probe's launch, "we have finally arrived; humanity has touched the sun," Fox said at AGU, held this year in New Orleans and online.

Powerful solar winds made of streaming plasma and high-energy particles are born in the corona, but are mostly held back by the sun's magnetic fields, which also restrain bursts of plasma that spurt from the sun's surface. When solar winds exceed a certain speed and extend just past the sun's atmosphere, a location known as the Alfvn point, they can break free of their magnetic restraints. However, scientists didn't know where exactly that point was located.

Now, Parker Solar Probe has answered that question. Prior estimates based on remote images of the corona predicted that the Alfvn point would be found approximately 4.3 million to 8.6 million miles (6.9 million to 13.8 million kilometers) from the solar surface. Parker detected those conditions on April 28, at a distance of about 8.1 million miles (13 million km) above the sun, telling researchers that it had entered the sun's atmosphere for the first time.

Solar winds and solar flares swift eruptions of solar radiation can affect electrical grids and disrupt communication networks on Earth, and the new data from the probe provides an unprecedented glimpse into these solar events, the researchers reported Dec. 14 in the journal Physical Review Letters.

"Our voyage is revealing a range of surprises as we venture into new places," Nour Raouafi, Project Scientist for NASA's Parker Solar Probe and a researcher at The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, said at the briefing. "The new physics we are learning about the immediate solar environment and the solar wind is mind-boggling."

A heat shield protects most of the probe from the sun, but the Solar Probe Cup had to extend beyond that protection in order to sample the corona. Engineers constructed the cup from materials with very high melting points sapphire, tungsten, molybdenum and niobium so that it could function under the extreme heat, according to representatives of the Harvard and Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics (CfA).

When the cup is exposed and making its measurements, "it's literally red-hot, with parts of the instrument at more than 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit [1,000 degrees Celsius], and glowing red-orange," CfA astrophysicist Anthony Case, the instrument scientist for the Solar Probe Cup, said in a statement.

Data collected by Parker Solar Probe in the corona reveals the sun as it's never been seen before, which will help scientists to better understand the roiling forces that generate the enormous quantities of energy powering our sun and other stars.

"This milestone is a first for any spacecraft, and marks one major step for Parker Solar Probe and one giant leap for solar science," Fox said.

Originally published on Live Science.

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'Humanity has touched the sun' in a pioneering achievement for space exploration - Livescience.com

The NASA/Marshall Retirees Association is taking steps to ensure that the difficult and innovative work of space exploration by Huntsvillians will always be recognized and never forgotten.

Americas space explorations endeavors peaked with the moon landing in 1969, one of humankinds greatest achievements, but the nations spacefaring activities are continuing into the future.

All those efforts will be the focus of a memorial that is expected to be located at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center, according to plans that have been outlined by the retirees association.

That effort received a boost this week from the Madison County Commission in the form of a $50,000 grant presented to the group by Commission chairman Dale Strong. He provided the check at the groups holiday luncheon on Tuesday, December 14.

There is no better fitting tribute to recognize and honor the thousands of workers from NASA and their contractors whose dedicated teamwork made Americas space exploration possible from Huntsville and Madison County as well as all of North Alabama, Chairman Strong said. This memorial will forever recognize these space explorers and serve as an inspiration for generations to follow in their footsteps and take us back to the Moon, Mars and points beyond.

The space explorers in Huntsville have built the rockets and spacecraft which have enabled humankinds greatest journey, according to NASA/Marshall Retiree Association President Rick Chappell. These tens of thousands of explorers, together with their families, have been the wind beneath the wings of Americas space program.

He said plans are to open the memorial in 2023 to coincide with the Artemis launch to travel back to the Moon. This project will require $1.5 million to build. Using the Association website, donations for the memorial can be made in honor or in memory of others, and all donors will be recognized there unless otherwise requested.

The MRA is developing an online database as part of the memorial that contains the names and accomplishments of the Marshall and contractor employees. An interactive kiosk will be built alongside the Space Exploration Memorial where visitors can search names found on the monument and learn more about that persons specific contributions to the advancement of spaceflight.

The MRA is developing an online database as part of the memorial that contains the names and accomplishments of the Marshall and contractor employees. An interactive kiosk will be built alongside the Space Exploration Memorial where visitors can search for names of space explorers and learn more about that persons specific contributions to the advancement of spaceflight.

Chappell said individuals and family members are encouraged to submit information of those to be honored to the Space Memorial Database.

He said the database currently includes the names of some 22,000 current and former members of the Marshall workforce, and the Association is encouraging all contractor employees to add their names as well. This will help ensure the history and legacy of all who have worked on the program.

Chappell is encouraging association members and active team members at Marshall and The University of Alabama in Huntsville to direct retirees and current employees both civil servants and contractors to the online workforce database to verify their names and add biographical information to help support the memorial effort.

The Retirees Association has given us the opportunity to come together to reflect on the spirit of teamwork and perseverance that put the first Americans on the Moon, helped launch the International Space Station, and soon will enable crewed journeys back to the Moon and on to Mars, Chappell said. Were excited to share this monument with the entire Huntsville community as a teaching tool for space campers and all those who visit the Rocket City.

Ray Garner is a contributing writer to Yellowhammer News.

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Memorial will ensure Huntsville's space exploration contributions will be preserved - Yellowhammer News