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China Publishes World's First High-definition Lunar Geologic Atlas
Apr 22, 2024
China on Sunday released a geologic atlas set of the global moon with a scale of 1:2.5 million, which is the first complete high-definition lunar geologic atlas in the world, providing basic map data for future lunar research and exploration.
This geologic atlas set, available in both Chinese and English, includes the Geologic Atlas of the Lunar Globe and the Map Quadrangles of the Geologic Atlas of the Moon, according to the Institute of Geochemistry of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
"The geologic atlas of the moon is of great significance for studying the evolution of the moon, selecting the site for a future lunar research station and utilizing lunar resources. It can also help us better understand the Earth and other planets in the solar system, such as Mars," said Ouyang Ziyuan, who is a CAS academician and a well-known lunar scientist.
"The world has witnessed significant progress in the field of lunar exploration and scientific research over the past decades, which have greatly improved our understanding of the moon. However, the lunar geologic maps published during the Apollo era have not been changed for about half a century, and are still being used for lunar geological research. With the improvements of lunar geologic studies, those old maps can no longer meet the needs of future scientific research and lunar exploration," said Liu Jianzhong, a senior researcher from the Institute of Geochemistry of the CAS.
Since 2012, Ouyang Ziyuan and Liu Jianzhong have led a team of scientists and cartographers from relevant research institutions in compiling this atlas.
With a comprehensive and systematic understanding of the origin and evolution of the moon, the team compiled the atlas based on scientific exploration data gained from China's Chang'e lunar exploration program and other research results from both Chinese and international missions, Liu said.
This atlas set not only provides basic data and scientific references for the formulation and implementation of scientific goals in China's lunar exploration program, but also fills the blank in China's compilation of geologic maps of the moon and planets, contributing to the study of the origin and evolution of the moon and the solar system, Liu said.
Based on the perspective of lunar dynamic evolution, Chinese researchers creatively established an updated lunar geological time scale, objectively depicting the geological evolution of the moon, and clearly showing the characteristics of lunar tectonic and magmatic evolution.
A total of 12,341 impact craters, 81 impact basins, 17 types of lithologies and 14 types of structures all over the moon are mapped in the atlas.
This atlas set has been integrated into the digital lunar cloud platform built by Chinese scientists, and will serve lunar scientific research, science education, as well as landing site selection, lunar resource exploration and path planning for China's future lunar exploration projects, Liu said.
He mentioned that China's upcoming Chang'e-6 mission is expected to collect samples in the Apollo Basin within the South Pole-Aitken Basin on the far side of the moon, which means materials ejected from ancient terrain may be collected in the process. "Our map can provide a macroscopic geologic background to improve the purpose and efficiency of the sample research," Liu explained.
The compilation of this map was an immense task, which required the organization and cooperation of many well-informed researchers over many years to be able to achieve a consistent and complete result, commented Gregory Michael, a senior scientist from the Free University of Berlin in Germany.
"This map, in particular, is the first on a global scale to utilize all of the post-Apollo era data. It builds on the achievements of the international community over the last decades, as well as on China's own highly successful Chang'e program. It will be a starting point for every new question of lunar geology, and become a primary resource for researchers studying lunar processes of all kinds," Michael added.
https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/cas_media/202404/t20240422_660730.shtml
Unseenlabs Announces Next-Generation Satellite Constellation for 2026 to Monitor Sea, Land, and Space Environments from Space
April 30, 2024 09:43 AM Eastern Daylight Time
RENNES, France(BUSINESS WIRE)Unseenlabs, a pioneer and global leader in radio frequency (RF) intelligence from space, is set to redefine global surveillance standards once again with the scheduled launch of a new satellite constellation in 2026. Founded in 2015 by a group of visionary entrepreneurs and headquartered in Europe (France), Unseenlabs has consistently led the way in technological innovation in space-based RF detection.
Since 2019, Unseenlabs operates a cutting-edge satellite constellation specifically designed for maritime surveillance. This constellation has dramatically improved the detection, tracking, and characterization of maritime activities, leveraging a fleet of thirteen monosatellites, with four additional units slated for launch in 2024. These satellites have been pivotal in providing critical intelligence to combat illegal fishing, piracy, and other maritime threats, effectively covering vast areas at sea.
Building on this success, Unseenlabs is expanding its surveillance capabilities to include terrestrial and space environments in addition to maritime with its upcoming constellation. This new fleet, comprising advanced 150-kilo satellites, is tailored to monitor a wider range of emissions across all domains, enhancing global security and compliance capabilities.
Reflecting on the expansion, Clément Galic, CEO & Cofounder of Unseenlabs, stated: “The launch of our next-generation satellite constellation marks a pivotal moment in our journey. This expansion into terrestrial and space surveillance embodies our commitment to pioneering comprehensive global monitoring solutions. We are not just extending our reach; we are setting new standards for the industry.”
Unseenlabs' unique and patented RF monosatellite technology sets it apart from traditional tri-satellite systems used by competitors. Its innovative approach allows a single satellite to perform RF intelligence collections independently, providing a resilient, cost-effective solution with significant operational savings. This technological edge ensures persistent, global coverage and continuous operation under any weather conditions, 24/7.
Jonathan Galic, Unseenlabs’ CTO and Cofounder, elaborated on the technical advancements, saying: “Our new constellation will leverage cutting-edge monosatellite technology to deliver unparalleled accuracy and flexibility across multiple domains. With this next-generation capability, we will monitor and analyze RF emissions more efficiently than ever, ensuring swift and precise intelligence delivery in near real-time conditions.”
The 2026 constellation will capitalize on Unseenlabs’ proven monosatellite technology, extending its surveillance reach to include land and space, in addition to maritime. This expansion is designed to meet evolving global security needs, offering unprecedented coverage and detection capabilities of many more multidomain targets. On land, the constellation will track crucial emissions from devices such as satellite phones and jammers, while also enhancing existing maritime surveillance prowess.
The effectiveness of Unseenlabs' current constellation in maritime surveillance has demonstrated its capability to significantly reduce illegal activities and economic losses, particularly in the fishing industry, which suffers an estimated $36 billion annually due to illegal operations. Unseenlabs' technology’s unique RF fingerprinting ability enables accurate identification and tracking of vessels, providing vital Intelligence for enforcement and conservation efforts. Unseenlabs also serves a wide array of private sector stakeholders. These include insurers requiring accurate intelligence for risk assessment and claim management, shipowners in need of dependable vessel tracking, and companies in the oil & gas and offshore industries seeking advanced monitoring and security solutions.
With the introduction of its new constellation, Unseenlabs will continue to offer unmatched surveillance intelligence capabilities, interoperability with other Earth observation systems, and rapid delivery of mission-critical intelligence with sub-kilometer accuracy. Its solutions are designed for both current needs and future challenges, ensuring that Unseenlabs remains the leader in RF detection from space.
https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240430686877/en/Unseenlabs-Announces-Next-Generation-Satellite-Constellation-for-2026-to-Monitor-Sea-Land-and-Space-Environments-from-Space
SpaceX vet's startup Portal Space Systems comes out of stealth mode
April 30, 2024
A spaceflight startup with some serious bona fides has just come out of stealth mode.
Portal Space Systems announced its existence today (April 30), revealing that it has snagged more than $3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Defense for the development and launch of its new Supernova satellite bus.
Portal's CEO is Jeff Thornburg. He previously served as senior director of propulsion engineering at SpaceX, where he led the development of Raptor, the brawny next-gen engine that powers the company's Starship megarocket. Thornburg was also head of mechanical engineering and manufacturing for Project Kuiper, Amazon's planned satellite-internet constellation.
Supernova will be far more maneuverable than currently operational satellites, thanks to its new solar-thermal propulsion technology, company representatives said.
"The space industry hasn't fundamentally improved satellite bus technology in decades. Our nation is developing sixth-generation fighter aircraft technology but still uses first-generation satellite buses," Thornburg said in a statement.
"Our novel solar-thermal propulsion system and bus design, combined with our compatibility to support any customer payload, sets us apart," he added. "We provide an over 50x improvement in current spacecraft mobility. For our customers, that means the ability to have spacecraft on orbit that are able to respond in real time to events in any orbital regime."
Supernova will be able to move from low Earth orbit (LEO) — the realm within 1,200 miles (2,000 kilometers) of our planet's surface — to geostationary orbit, which lies 22,235 miles (35,786 km) up, in just hours, company representatives said. And it will be capable of making the trek from LEO to the region around the moon in a matter of days.
Portal has received "significant support" from the U.S. Space Force, the Seattle-based startup wrote in the same statement. That's not terribly surprising; the Space Force has repeatedly stressed the importance of boosting the nation's flexibility and responsiveness in the final frontier, all the way out to the moon.
Supernova has not flown yet; Portal is currently eyeing late 2025 for the spacecraft's debut launch.
https://www.space.com/portal-space-systems-startup-out-of-stealth-mode
CSO visits 6th Space Warning Squadron
April 29, 2024
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman visited Guardians and Airmen at the 6th Space Warning Squadron at Cape Cod Space Force Station, Massachusetts, April 26. Saltzman’s visit highlighted the work Guardians accomplish at Cape Cod SFS by providing early detection of missile threats that enable timely responses in the face of evolving security challenges around the world.
6 SWS is one of twelve geographically separated units of Space Delta 4. Saltzman engaged with Guardians and Airmen to observe firsthand how the Space Force Generation Model, or SPAFORGEN, is being implemented. He also saw how the squadron is working to field combat-ready forces in preparation for potential future threats.
“The missile warning mission is one of the Space Force’s no-fail missions. It’s critical to integrated deterrence, which is a key element of our national defense strategy,” said Saltzman. “Without the Guardians of Delta 4, we would not be able to assure that our adversaries cannot attack the homeland.”
During the visit, Saltzman was briefed on various capabilities 6 SWS provides the nation, such as the Missile Warning Operations Center and Ground-Based Radar intelligence. He also learned about a robotic dog used for installation security.
“Knowing that my work directly contributes to safeguarding the lives and interests of fellow citizens gives me a strong sense of purpose and fulfillment,” said Spc. 3, Leona Claus, crew chief. “I feel a deep sense of duty and responsibility to use my skills and training to protect my country and its allies from potential threats.”
Cape Cod SFS personnel successfully showcased that they stand ready to face any challenge, amplify the Guardian Spirit as a team and echo the core values of the Space Force.
“Here at 6 SWS, it’s been very obvious how committed these Guardians and Airmen are to the mission set, and this plays out in their day-to-day training,” said Saltzman. “They’re committed to becoming true experts in this weapon system and understanding how it fits into the larger context of space domain awareness and missile warning, and they’re truly committed to both missions.”
https://www.spaceforce.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3759321/cso-visits-6th-space-warning-squadron/
China’s Shenzhou-17 crew return to Earth
April 30, 2024
China’s Shenzhou-17 crew returned to Earth Tuesday following six months aboard the Tiangong space station.
Astronauts Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin had been operating the Tiangong space station since October. The crew departed the station at 8:43 p.m. Eastern April 29 (0043 UTC on April 30) and landed at Dongfeng landing site in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region near Jiuquan spaceport at 5:46 a.m. Eastern (0946 UTC) April 30.
Recovery crews were on the scene moments after the return capsule touched down. Commander Tang Hongbo was first out of the capsule. “I feel so proud for my country. I departed in autumn and came back in spring and I feel I have experienced the most beautiful seasons,” Tang said.
“Flying for over 180 days in the space station, I finished all the tasks, but at the same time, I miss my home everytime I fly over my homeland.”
Shenzhou-17 launched Oct. 25 Eastern, 2023, taking over control of Tiangong from the outgoing Shenzhou-16 crew days later. Tang Hongbo and his colleagues welcomed the incoming Shenzhou-18 crew aboard Tiangong April 25.
The two crews participated in a handover ceremony April 28. Tang handed over the hatch key as a symbolic handing of the baton to Shenzhou-18 mission commander Ye Guangfu.
The Shenzhou-17 crew embarked on two spacewalks to conduct repair and maintenance work on the station’s solar arrays. The panels had suffered damage from micrometeoroid strikes.
The trio also oversaw the arrival of the Tianzhou-7 cargo resupply mission in January. The astronauts also sent live lunar new year’s greetings to television viewers on Earth and participated in electroencephalogram (EEG) tests, which focused on the human brain in space.
They return having conducted 84 in-orbit experiments with more than 200 samples produced, according to China Central Television (CCTV), and have brought back over 400 material samples retrieved after being exposed to space outside the Wentian experiment module.
The Shenzhou-18 crew will carry out more than 90 experiments aboard Tiangong. They will conduct two to three extravehicular activities and six cargo outbound deliveries via the station’s cargo airlock during their six-month-long mission.
Shenzhou-17 was the sixth crew to visit Tiangong. While crewed missions and handovers have apparently become routine for China, the country is advancing its human spaceflight ambitions.
China is close to selecting a fourth batch of astronauts which will be trained to travel to, and work aboard, Tiangong. The new batch may also be involved in training for China’s crewed lunar plans.
China approved its space station plan in 1992 and began building the three-module, T-shaped low Earth orbit outpost in 2021.
China is preparing to expand Tiangong in the coming years. The first move will be sending a multi-functional expansion module with six docking ports to the orbital outpost. This expansion could allow for greater possibilities for international, tourist and commercial visits without disrupting core operations.
https://spacenews.com/chinas-shenzhou-17-crew-return-to-earth/
China selects new space missions including lunar far side astronomy and terrestrial exoplanet survey
April 30, 2024
The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is backing a new suite of diverse, cutting edge missions, advancing its ambitious agenda in space science.
The initiatives—spanning lunar farside astronomy, astrophysics, exoplanets and heliophysics—aim to place China at the forefront of astronomical research and space exploration. Wang Chi, director of the National Space Science Center (NSSC) under CAS, revealed the missions at the annual Zhongguancun Forum meeting April 27.
Selected missions include Discovering the Sky at the Longest Wavelength (DSL), the Enhanced X-ray Timing and Polarimetry (eXTP) mission, and the ExoEarth Survey, an exoplanet-hunting spacecraft. Another mission will see a spacecraft sent to observe the solar poles. The Taiji mission will use three satellites to detect gravitational waves.
The missions are separate from the China National Space Administration’s planetary and lunar exploration programs. These are known as Tianwen and Chang’e respectively.
The eXTP mission will be a powerful X-ray observatory to monitor the sky and enable multi-messenger studies for gravitational waves and neutrino sources. It will also study the universe under extreme states of matter density, gravity and magnetism.
DSL will consist of an array of 10 small satellites sent into lunar orbit. The nine spacecraft and one mother spacecraft will use the moon as a shield against Earthly electromagnetic interference to enable it to pick up faint, ultra-long wave signals from the early universe.
The ExoEarth Survey, likely a mission also referred to as “Earth 2.0,” or ET, will use the transit, photometry and microlensing methods to search for terrestrial planets and rogue planets. The selected solar mission appears to refer to the previously proposed Solar Polar-orbit Observatory (SPO). This aims to study poles of the Sun, orbiting at an inclination of greater than 80 degrees with respect to the plane of the ecliptic.
Taiji will consist of three spacecraft in heliocentric orbit, building on earlier experimental missions. These will create an ultra-long baseline of 3 million kilometers to detect medium and low-frequency gravitational waves. It is centered on research into the nature of gravity and space-time.
The missions largely come from an earlier round of 2022 candidate missions as part of an expected third Strategic Priority Program (SPP III) to be initiated by CAS.
Of the 13 proposals, 5-7 missions were expected to be selected. It appears however that a new space science program is being created, though still selecting from proposals under SPP III.
None of the missions proposed under the pillar of planetary and earth science appear to be selected. However, there remains the possibility that one or more these are selected under a separate track of missions. A mission to Venus, as proposed by a team SPP III, remains of great interest to China’s planetary science community.
The new missions will follow the first and second round of Strategic Priority Program on Space Science missions. The first included the DAMPE dark matter probe, HXMT X-ray observatory, Shijian-10 recoverable satellite and Quantum Experiments at Space Scale (QUESS) missions. launched across 2015-2017.
SPP II missions include the Einstein Probe which launched early this year and the upcoming Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) in collaboration with the European Space Agency. The Electromagnetic Counterpart All-sky Monitor (GECAM) and the Advanced space-based Solar Observatory (ASO-S) were also launched in recent years.
Meanwhile China is set to launch its Chang’e-6 lunar far side sample return mission from Wenchang spaceport May 3.
https://spacenews.com/china-selects-new-space-missions-including-lunar-far-side-astronomy-and-terrestrial-exoplanet-survey/