In Japan, a magnitude 7.6 earthquake on January 1 killed 213 and sent 26,000 to emergency shelters. Satellite photos suggest the earthquake displaced the coastline 800 feet (250 meters). The earthquake raised beaches the size of two football pitches and dried bays on Japan’s Noto Peninsula. Widespread Coastal Alteration: Japan’s Earthquake-Induced Land Uplift Revealed in … Read more
Geologists using satellite data found that major Atlantic coast cities are subsiding 2 to 5 millimeters (.08-0.2 inches) every year. Satellite imagery shows faster subsidence than a year earlier. According to an article in the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, community and infrastructure resilience planning is especially important for crucial elements including highways, … Read more
Spanish scientists investigated sending a spacecraft to Mars using electric propulsion methods instead of chemical rockets. Electric Propulsion Systems for Mars: Efficiency vs. Speed While not ideal for transporting huge payloads into orbit, electric propulsion methods are efficient in space. Electric propulsion systems need 10-40% of launch mass as fuel, unlike chemical rockets, which use … Read more
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to play a pivotal role in NASA’s Artemis moon program by contributing to the lunar Gateway space station. In a groundbreaking agreement announced on January 7, the UAE’s Mohammed bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC) will construct the Crew and Science Airlock module for the Gateway, marking the nation’s … Read more
Propulsion system anomalies hampered Astrobotic’s Peregrine moon lander, launched on United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan Centaur rocket. A propellant leak prevents the lander from orienting itself for solar panel charge, preventing a gentle moon landing. Despite the disaster, the mission crew found a silver lining: Peregrine had 40 hours of fuel, exceeding earlier expectations. Peregrine’s Lunar … Read more
Astronauts report to smell fascinating aromas in space during spacewalks and lunar landings. Despite being hard to smell in space, many chemicals emit distinct aromas when astronauts re-enter their spacecraft. Spacewalk Scents: From Gunpowder to Charred Steak and Beyond Spacewalks smell like gunpowder, ozone, and charred steak, according to astronauts. One oxygen atom sticking to … Read more
The Vulcan Centaur rocket launched Astrobotic’s Peregrine lunar lander, but its propulsion system failed shortly after. The January 8 issue is predicted to derail Peregrine’s moon mission. Astrobotic admitted the propulsion system failure and attempted propellant stabilization. After attempts to ameliorate the problem, the mission prioritized scientific data collection and is considering alternative mission profiles. … Read more
The Aditya-L1 spacecraft has finished its 127-day trip to its orbit, prepared to reveal important Sun behavior details. ISRO chief S Somanath confirmed the successful insertion of Aditya-L1 into a Halo Orbit around Lagrange Point 1, 1.5 million kilometers from Earth. The satellite’s results are expected to aid the Indian scientific community and advance space … Read more
Brad Spakowitz‘s recent space news coverage has been fascinating, carrying us from the Sun to Mars and back to Earth. Solar Orbiter, Mars Rovers, and SpaceX: A Glimpse into Cutting-Edge Space Exploration The SOLAR ORBITER will reveal unparalleled insights into our solar system’s star as it approaches the Sun. This project could transform our understanding … Read more
Many positive events in 2023 gave optimism and progress. The breakthroughs included cancer treatment advances, womb transplants, and uncommon animal births. Scientists found that induction chemotherapy before normal treatment reduced cervical cancer death and recurrence by 35%. The UK saw its first womb transplant, giving fertility patients hope. Medical Advancements, Green Air Travel, and Ocean … Read more