Archives 2024

China’s Chang’e 6 robotic probe accomplished an extraordinary feat by retrieving nearly 2 kilograms (1,935.3 grams) of lunar samples from the far side of the moon. This mission marked the world’s first attempt to bring samples back from the lunar far side, a region that had never been explored until the Chang’e 4 probe landed […]

Messier 4 (NGC 6121) is a standout globular cluster, shining at a remarkable magnitude of +5.8 and spanning an impressive 26 arcminutes across the sky. This makes it one of the largest globular clusters visible in the Messier catalogue. Despite its grand appearance, Messier 4 is relatively close, situated at a distance of approximately 7,200 […]

Are you fascinated by cutting-edge aerospace technology? Look no further than “Scramjet Propulsion: A Practical Introduction,” a must-have addition to any aviation enthusiast’s library. This comprehensive guide, part of the esteemed Aerospace Series, delves into the intricacies of scramjet propulsion systems with a practical approach that makes complex concepts accessible to readers of all levels […]

In a future ravaged by a relentless war against extraterrestrial invaders, Earth’s survival rests on the shoulders of the Planetary Defense Corps, led by the unwavering Emma Barnett. As the battles escalate and casualties mount, a colossal alien mothership arrives, bearing an unexpected human ambassador. This enigmatic figure delivers a chilling ultimatum, forcing Emma to […]

NASA’s InSight probe has provided groundbreaking insights into the frequency of meteorite impacts on Mars. By analyzing seismic data recorded by the spacecraft’s seismometer, researchers have discovered that the Red Planet is bombarded with basketball-sized meteorites on an almost daily basis. Before this study, estimates of meteorite strikes on Mars were based on visual observations […]

The long-awaited analysis of the Bennu asteroid sample has unveiled fascinating insights into its composition. Predominantly composed of clay minerals, especially serpentine, the sample bears striking resemblance to rock types found at mid-ocean ridges on Earth, where mantle material encounters water. This interaction not only forms clay but also produces minerals like carbonates, iron oxides, […]

The countdown to liftoff began with rolling back the 90-meter tall Ariane 6 mobile gantry building, standing 120 meters away from the launch pad. This momentous occasion marked the first time the complete rocket stood freely, a sight that sent waves of excitement through the air. The journey leading up to this pivotal moment was […]

The European Space Agency’s ambitious space transportation initiatives are making steady progress. The Ariane 6 program, Europe’s next-generation heavy-lift launch vehicle, has successfully completed its qualification tests and is on track for its maiden flight in late 2024. Designed to be more reasonable investment and flexible, Ariane 6 will secure Europe’s independent access to space […]

Many signs point to a possible catch attempt on the fifth flight of Starship. Elon Musk did post on X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, that he thought there should be a catch attempt on Flight 5. A new communications license from the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has language that states […]

Imagine being an astronaut on a long-haul flight to Mars, and suddenly, components on your spacesuit break down. With Mars being approximately 140 million miles from Earth, getting replacement parts or a new suit is simply not an option. However, Pablo de Leon, chair of the Department of Space Studies at the University of North […]