Humor in Space: The Playful Design of Blue Origin’s New Shepard

Humor in Space: The Playful Design of Blue Origin’s New Shepard

Physical characteristics of the new Shepard Blue Origin’s New Shepard spacecraft has become somewhat of a sensation not just for its technical prowess and aspirations to democratize space travel, but also for its unmistakable physical resemblance to, well, let’s just say, a rather risqué object. The shape of a rocket is a complex confluence of […]

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Celestial Precision: Japan’s Leap into Lunar Exploration

Celestial Precision: Japan’s Leap into Lunar Exploration

In a remarkable feat of engineering and ambition, Japan has not only re-established its presence in lunar exploration but has also set a new benchmark with its Moon Sniper mission, known formally as SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating Moon). This endeavor represents a paradigm shift in how nations can approach celestial exploration, focusing on precision […]

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Possible revision: Assessment of Japan’s SLIM Moon Lander’s Survival Questioned due to Power Challenges

Possible revision: Assessment of Japan’s SLIM Moon Lander’s Survival Questioned due to Power Challenges

Japan’s Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) lunar lander has successfully landed on the Moon’s surface, achieving a soft touchdown. However, there is currently an issue with the lander’s ability to generate electricity from its solar cells. The spacecraft is relying on internal battery power, and controllers are working to optimize data recording and downloading […]

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Japanese H-IIA Successfully Launches X-ray Telescope and Lunar Lander

Japanese H-IIA Successfully Launches X-ray Telescope and Lunar Lander

The Mitsubishi Heavy Industries H-IIA launch vehicle continues its successful career with the launch of the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) robotic lunar lander and the X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM) X-ray telescope. This marked the 47th flight of the H-IIA, with only three flights remaining before retirement. Originally scheduled for launch on […]

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Japan’s ‘Moon Sniper’ launch delayed for third time

Japan’s ‘Moon Sniper’ launch delayed for third time

Japan’s space agency, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), has once again postponed the launch of its “Moon Sniper” lunar mission. That’s the third time the launch has been delayed, this time due to strong winds. The new launch date has not been announced yet. The mission was set to take place from the southern […]

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