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https://science.nasa.gov/missions/webb/nasas-webb-peers-deeper-into-mysterious-flame-nebula/#h-related-for-kids
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/2041-8213/adb96a
NASA’s Webb Peers Deeper into Mysterious Flame Nebula
Mar 10, 2025
The Flame Nebula, located about 1,400 light-years away from Earth, is a hotbed of star formation less than 1 million years old.
Within the Flame Nebula, there are objects so small that their cores will never be able to fuse hydrogen like full-fledged stars—brown dwarfs.
Brown dwarfs, often called “failed stars,” over time become very dim and much cooler than stars.
These factors make observing brown dwarfs with most telescopes difficult, if not impossible, even at cosmically short distances from the Sun.
When they are very young, however, they are still relatively warmer and brighter and therefore easier to observe despite the obscuring, dense dust and gas that comprises the Flame Nebula in this case.
NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope can pierce this dense, dusty region and see the faint infrared glow from young brown dwarfs.
A team of astronomers used this capability to explore the lowest mass limit of brown dwarfs within the Flame Nebula.
The result, they found, were free-floating objects roughly two to three times the mass of Jupiter, although they were sensitive down to 0.5 times the mass of Jupiter.
“The goal of this project was to explore the fundamental low-mass limit of the star and brown dwarf formation process.
With Webb, we're able to probe the faintest and lowest mass objects,” said lead study author Matthew De Furio of the University of Texas at Austin.
Image A: Flame Nebula: Hubble and Webb Observations
Smaller Fragments
The low-mass limit the team sought is set by a process called fragmentation. In this process large molecular clouds, from which both stars and brown dwarfs are born, break apart into smaller and smaller units, or fragments.
Fragmentation is highly dependent on several factors with the balance between temperature, thermal pressure, and gravity being among the most important.
More specifically, as fragments contract under the force of gravity, their cores heat up. If a core is massive enough, it will begin to fuse hydrogen.
The outward pressure created by that fusion counteracts gravity, stopping collapse and stabilizing the object (then known as a star).
However, fragments whose cores are not compact and hot enough to burn hydrogen continue to contract as long as they radiate away their internal heat.
“The cooling of these clouds is important because if you have enough internal energy, it will fight that gravity,” says Michael Meyer of the University of Michigan. “If the clouds cool efficiently, they collapse and break apart.”
Fragmentation stops when a fragment becomes opaque enough to reabsorb its own radiation, thereby stopping the cooling and preventing further collapse.
Theories placed the lower limit of these fragments anywhere between one and ten Jupiter masses.
This study significantly shrinks that range as Webb’s census counted up fragments of different masses within the nebula.
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“As found in many previous studies, as you go to lower masses, you actually get more objects up to about ten times the mass of Jupiter.
In our study with the James Webb Space Telescope, we are sensitive down to 0.5 times the mass of Jupiter, and we are finding significantly fewer and fewer things as you go below ten times the mass of Jupiter,” De Furio explained.
“We find fewer five-Jupiter-mass objects than ten-Jupiter-mass objects, and we find way fewer three-Jupiter-mass objects than five-Jupiter-mass objects.
We don’t really find any objects below two or three Jupiter masses, and we expect to see them if they are there, so we are hypothesizing that this could be the limit itself.”
Meyer added, “Webb, for the first time, has been able to probe up to and beyond that limit.
If that limit is real, there really shouldn’t be any one-Jupiter-mass objects free-floating out in our Milky Way galaxy, unless they were formed as planets and then ejected out of a planetary system.”
Image B: Low Mass Objects within the Flame Nebula in Infrared Light
Building on Hubble’s Legacy
Brown dwarfs, given the difficulty of finding them, have a wealth of information to provide, particularly in star formation and planetary research given their similarities to both stars and planets.
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has been on the hunt for these brown dwarfs for decades.
Even though Hubble can’t observe the brown dwarfs in the Flame Nebula to as low a mass as Webb can, it was crucial in identifying candidates for further study.
This study is an example of how Webb took the baton—decades of Hubble data from the Orion Molecular Cloud Complex—and enabled in-depth research.
“It's really difficult to do this work, looking at brown dwarfs down to even ten Jupiter masses, from the ground, especially in regions like this.
And having existing Hubble data over the last 30 years or so allowed us to know that this is a really useful star-forming region to target.
We needed to have Webb to be able to study this particular science topic,” said De Furio.
“It’s a quantum leap in our capabilities between understanding what was going on from Hubble.
Webb is really opening an entirely new realm of possibilities, understanding these objects,” explained astronomer Massimo Robberto of the Space Telescope Science Institute.
This team is continuing to study the Flame Nebula, using Webb’s spectroscopic tools to further characterize the different objects within its dusty cocoon.
“There's a big overlap between the things that could be planets and the things that are very, very low mass brown dwarfs,” Meyer stated. “And that's our job in the next five years: to figure out which is which and why.”
Image C (Animated): Flame Nebula (Hubble and Webb Comparison)
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NASA, Partners to Conduct Space Station Research During Expedition 73
Mar 10, 2025
NASA astronauts are gearing up for a scientific mission aboard the International Space Station.
Expedition 73 NASA astronauts Nichole Ayers and Anne McClain, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov will launch in March as part of the agency’s SpaceX Crew-10 mission.
NASA astronaut Jonny Kim will join the crew when he launches aboard the Roscosmos Soyuz MS-27 spacecraft in April alongside Roscosmos cosmonauts Sergey Ryzhikov and Alexey Zubritsky.
Read more about some of the microgravity research planned by NASA and its partners:
Subjects for human research
Astronauts often serve as test subjects, submitting blood and other samples for research.
NASA astronaut Anne McClain is pictured submitting a sample on a previous mission with assistance from CSA (Canadian Space Agency) astronaut David Saint-Jacques.
McClain will participate in NASA’s Complement of Integrated Protocols for Human Exploration Research investigation, or CIPHER, a suite of integrated studies on physiological and psychological changes seen in space.
Results could provide valuable insights for future deep space missions.
Testing lunar navigation
When Expedition 73 astronauts engage with students worldwide via the ISS Ham Radio program, researchers will use the ham radio hardware to test software for the Navigation and Communication Testbed (NAVCOM) that could help shape future lunar navigation.
Researchers from the investigation recently launched a related study to the Moon aboard Firefly’s Blue Ghost to help bridge existing Earth navigation with emerging lunar-specific solutions.
Advancing fire safety
Expedition 73 is scheduled to conduct a Material Ignition and Suppression Test (SoFIE-MIST), testing material flammability in microgravity.
This research could improve fire safety on future missions, contributing to models used to select materials for space facilities and helping to determine the best ways to extinguish fires in space.
Keeping blood flowing
Expedition 73 crew members will participate in Drain Brain 2.0, which examines how blood flows from the brain to the heart in microgravity using this plethysmograph, a device that can record the volume of blood drainage from the skull.
Results could identify which processes in the body compensate for the lack of gravity, helping to ensure proper blood flow for astronauts on future missions and people with cardiovascular issues on Earth.
https://www.nasa.gov/missions/station/iss-research/nasa-partners-to-conduct-space-station-research-during-expedition-73/
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/armd/aosp/atm-x/paav/about-paav/
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/armd/aosp/atm-x/
About Pathfinding for Airspace with Autonomous Vehicles
Mar 10, 2025
Remotely piloted aircraft could transform the way we transport people and goods and provide our communities with better access to vital services, like medical supply deliveries and efficient transportation.
NASA’s Pathfinding for Airspace with Autonomous Vehicles (PAAV) subproject is working with partners to safely integrate remote air cargo and air taxi aircraft into our national airspace alongside traditional crewed aircraft.
These new types of vehicles could make air cargo deliveries and air travel more affordable and accessible to communities across the country.
The Need
The United States large air cargo fleet is expected to grow significantly through 2044 to meet cargo demand, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
However, pilot shortages exacerbated by early retirements and crew reductions implemented during the coronavirus outbreak continue to present a challenge to the air cargo industry.
In the future, one pilot could potentially manage multiple aircraft remotely.
This could help meet the rising demand for air cargo operations, mitigate pilot shortages and costs, and increase the number of daily air cargo deliveries.
Additionally, remotely piloted air taxis could reduce travel time for passengers and alleviate traffic congestion because they could avoid crowded roads and highways.
Identifying the Technical Challenges
Commercial companies are investing in autonomous technologies to enable remote air cargo deliveries and air taxi operations.
NASA is working with the industry along the way to identify the unique technical challenges that must be overcome to safely put these new types of aircraft into routine operation.
The agency has identified several challenges that need to be addressed for safe and scalable remote operations.
Among these challenges are airspace integration, avoiding airborne and ground-based hazards, and resilient communication technologies.
The main difference between conventional crewed aircraft and remotely piloted aircraft is the location of the pilot. Remote pilots operate aircraft from a control station on the ground instead of the cockpit.
This means remote pilots will need new automation and decision support systems for operating the aircraft since they can’t rely on their eyes and view from the cockpit.
Since remote pilots are on the ground, they need a reliable communications link that allows remote pilots to interact with the aircraft and maintain command and control.
If the command-and-control capabilities are lost, an autonomous system would need to take over to make sure the uncrewed aircraft can fly and land safely, according to NASA researchers.
Adequate software and procedures must be in place to safely manage off-nominal losses of the command-and-control capabilities.
Air Traffic Control may help keep the uncrewed aircraft’s path clear from some traffic during takeoff and landing, while onboard automation technologies would need to avoid all other traffic, fly the aircraft along a known path, and check to ensure the runway is clear to land.
A significant related challenge is that pilots are typically responsible for looking out the window for nearby aircraft and remaining well clear of them. Since the remote pilot is not in the aircraft, they will need an electronic detect and avoid system.
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Detect and avoid systems rely on information, sensors, and algorithms to help the remotely piloted aircraft remain clear of other aircraft.
Some detect and avoid configurations are expected to use ground surveillance systems for detecting nearby air traffic at lower altitudes.
These systems could improve overall situational awareness of traffic near the airport by providing a more comprehensive picture of live traffic.
Additionally, automation and decision support tools could help remote pilots with other responsibilities that typically require pilot decisions from the cockpit, like integrating with traffic at non-towered airports.
Implementing Solutions
To address these challenges and others, NASA researchers are working with industry partners to research and test technologies, concepts, and airspace procedures that will enable remotely piloted operations.
For example, industry is developing automated taxi, takeoff, and landing capabilities to help integrate remotely piloted aircraft operating at busy airports.
These technologies could enable aircraft to navigate and integrate with other airport traffic autonomously, following standard routes and air traffic control commands for safe sequencing and spacing between other aircraft.
Automated hazard detection would enable the aircraft to identify potential conflicts or hazards and take corrective actions without input from a remote pilot.
This would ensure the aircraft safely navigates the airport environment even if the remote pilot is supervising multiple aircraft or their response is delayed.
NASA researchers are beginning to test emerging technologies for remotely piloted aircraft operations with commercial partners.
The goal is to help mature technical standards and assist in the development of certification requirements anrtd procedures required to integrate remotely piloted operations into the airspace.
NASA aims to bridge technical and regulatory gaps through these industry partnerships involving research, testing, and development.
Ultimately, NASA hopes to enable pilots to remotely fly multiple large aircraft to airports across the country at once, more efficiently transporting people and goods.
This could enable carriers to meet rising air travel and transport demands in a safe, affordable, scalable way and expand access to new communities.
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Nasa announces shuttering of two departments and office of chief scientist
Mon 10 Mar 2025 16.17 EDT
Nasa announced on Monday it had eliminated the office of its chief scientist and shuttered two other departments including one covering diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA), as Donald Trump’s federal ‘efficiency’ crusade cut deep into the US space agency.
The office of technology, policy and strategy that advises Nasa on important leadership decisions was also shuttered and an unspecified number of workers laid off, according to a memo to employees signed by Janet Petro, Nasa’s acting administrator.
Petro painted the reductions, which she previewed in a January memo that claimed DEI programs were divisive, wasteful and shameful, as “a thoughtful approach that aligns with both administration priorities and our mission needs”.
Analysts, however, are likely to closely scrutinize the apparent juxtaposition of axing the DEIA branch of the agency’s office of diversity, equity and inclusion in particular, given that it comes as Nasa is still touting its desired objective of landing the first woman and first person of color on the moon onboard its Artemis rockets in the coming few years.
Petro, whose leadership position is soon likely to be taken over by the billionaire Jared Isaacman, Trump’s pick for Nasa administrator, urged workers to “embrace the challenge” as the cutbacks take effect.
She said the actions were taken in advance of a forthcoming and more comprehensive agency “reduction in [work]force and reorganization plan” resulting from Trump’s executive orders for cutbacks and the purging of DEI initiatives and programs at federal agencies.
“We’re viewing this as an opportunity to reshape our workforce, ensuring we are doing what is statutorily required of us, while also providing American citizens with an efficient and effective agency,” Petro wrote.
“I know this news is difficult and may affect us all differently. Change of this magnitude is never easy, but our strength comes from our shared commitment to our mission and each other.”
Many will see the elimination of Nasa’s office of the chief scientist as an abrupt U-turn in the agency’s climate policy, and another attack by conservatives on science and evidence-based decision making.
The agency’s current chief scientist and senior climate adviser, Dr Kate Calvin, was appointed in January 2022 by the then Nasa administrator, Bill Nelson, a former Democratic senator.
“Climate change is one of the biggest challenges facing our nation and our planet. Nasa is a world leader in climate and Earth science,” she said at the time.
She took a senior role in advising Nasa leadership of all aspects of its science programs and science-related strategic planning and investments, especially as they relate to the climate emergency and actions of humans on global warming and rising sea temperatures.
The closure of the DEIA office represents a similar reversal in policy for an agency that as recently as September was promoting its partnership with the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) to increase engagement and equity for underrepresented students in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
After succeeding Nelson, Petro insisted in January that such programs “divided Americans by race, wasted taxpayer dollars, and resulted in shameful discrimination”.
The third Nasa office cut on Monday – technology, policy and strategy – was established in 2021 within the office of the administrator to “bring together diverse, multidisciplinary experts to provide Nasa leadership with analytic, strategic, and decisional insights”.
It housed the agency’s chief technologist and chief economist, and its analysis of Nasa policies was recognized as a critical check and balance.
Immediate reaction to the cutbacks on social media was largely critical.
In a post to X, Grant Tremblay, an astrophysicist at the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, conceded Nasa was in need of some reform, but wholesale elimination of departments was excessive.
“Nasa is small, but it is arguably the most legendary and globally beloved agency in American history. Its gutting has begun and the cuts to come are so massive that we won’t recognize it in a year,” he wrote.
“Many of these cuts are likely to be essentially irreversible. It’s hard to build something great from a pile of ash and rubble.
The people you lose will not come back. When you lose a lead, you never recover it. Memory lost is lost for good.”
https://www.theguardian.com/science/2025/mar/10/nasa-cuts-firing-chief-scientist
https://x.com/NASAWatch/status/1899147795917148470
NASA’s Dawn Sees Crescent Ceres
Mar 10, 2025
NASA’s Dawn spacecraft took this image of Ceres’ south polar region on May 17, 2017. Launched on Sept. 27, 2007, Dawn was NASA’s first truly interplanetary spaceship.
The mission featured extended stays at two extraterrestrial bodies: giant asteroid Vesta and dwarf planet Ceres, both in the debris-strewn main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The spacecraft’s name was meant to present a simple view of the mission’s purpose: to provide information on the dawn of the solar system.
The three principal scientific drivers for the mission were to capture the earliest moments in the origin of the solar system, determine the nature of the building blocks from which the terrestrial planets formed, and contrast the formation and evolution of two small planets that followed very different evolutionary paths.
Dawn completed the first order exploration of the inner solar system, addressed NASA’s goal of understanding the origin and evolution of the solar system, and complemented investigations of Mercury, Earth, and Mars. Dawn’s mission ended on Nov. 1, 2018, after two extended missions.
https://www.nasa.gov/image-article/nasas-dawn-sees-crescent-ceres/
Station Readies for Upcoming SpaceX Crew Swap, Keeps Up Space Research
March 10, 2025
The SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that will launch the Crew-10 mission aboard the Dragon crew spacecraft to the International Space Station stands at its launch pad at Kennedy Space Center in Florida today.
Crew-10 is counting down to its liftoff targeted for 7:48 p.m. EDT on Wednesday with NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Kirill Peskov.
For an on-time launch, the Crew-10 foursome would dock to the orbital outpost at 6 a.m. on Thursday and begin their long-duration mission as Expedition 72 flight engineers.
Following the arrival of the new crewmates and after a handover period, four orbital residents will return to Earth aboard another Dragon crew spacecraft ending the Crew-9 mission.
NASA astronaut Nick Hague will command Dragon from undocking to its splashdown carrying NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.
The quartet has spent the last couple of weeks packing cargo and personal items inside Dragon as well as training on procedures for the upcoming departure.
As crew swap activities are underway, advanced space science and lab maintenance continued aboard the orbital outpost on Monday.
Hague once again strapped electrodes to his legs that sent electrical signals from a control unit to stimulate his muscles.
Results may improve muscle function, shorten workout sessions, and lead to lighter exercise equipment offsetting space-caused muscle atrophy.
NASA Flight Engineer Don Pettit stowed research gear and checked out other components that supported the Cell Gravisensing experiment observing how cells respond to microgravity helping scientists develop additional ways to treat muscle and bone loss in space and on Earth.
Williams and Wilmore spent Monday on station upkeep while also gearing up for the end of their mission.
Williams rerouted and reconnected power and data lines in the Columbus laboratory module while Wilmore tested wireless gear inside the Unity module.
Next, the duo set up standard emergency hardware in preparation for Crew-10’s arrival then continued packing for their upcoming departure.
Gorbunov joined his fellow cosmonauts station Commander Alexey Ovchinin and Flight Engineer Ivan Vagner and continued unpacking the Progress 91 cargo craft and updated computer documentation required after the arrival of a new spacecraft.
Ovchinin and Vagner then entered the Soyuz MS-26 spacecraft docked to the Rassvet module and performed a fit test with their launch and entry suits.
https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/spacestation/2025/03/10/station-readies-for-upcoming-spacex-crew-swap-keeps-up-space-research/
Gov. Lee Leads Coalition of Governors Urging Swift Confirmation of NASA Administrator
Monday, March 10, 2025 | 12:25pm
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, Gov. Bill Lee led a coalition of governors in expressing strong support for the swift confirmation of Jared Isaacman as the next Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Securing America’s competitive edge in space depends on strong, decisive leadership, and Isaacman will bring the vision and expertise needed.
“The global space race is accelerating, and America faces an urgent challenge in maintaining its leadership in space exploration, technological innovation, and national security – especially in the face of China’s rapidly advancing space program,” said Gov. Lee.
“Jared Isaacman is uniquely qualified to deliver strong leadership that will strengthen NASA’s core programs and ensure the United States remains at the forefront of scientific discovery, space commerce, and exploration.”
Jared Isaacman is a visionary entrepreneur, accomplished pilot, and pioneer of spaceflight with a proven track record of turning ambitious goals into reality.
He commanded multiple historic space missions and founded a thriving aerospace enterprise, demonstrating an ability to drive bold initiatives, cultivate public-private partnerships, and deliver tangible results.
Isaacman understands the complex landscape of modern space exploration and the importance of aligning NASA’s efforts with the United States’ economic and security priorities.
The absence of a confirmed NASA Administrator delays critical progress at a time when the United States can least afford it, and the governors urge the Senate Commerce Committee to prioritize and expedite Isaacman’s confirmation hearing.
Under Gov. Lee’s leadership, governors from the following states signed the letter: Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
https://www.tn.gov/governor/news/2025/3/10/gov–lee-leads-coalition-of-governors-urging-swift-confirmation-of-nasa-administrator.html
https://app.box.com/s/q6e5te8t4ts1j2fagb2x7dre5c1q2erm
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Eric Schmidt, Former Google Head, Becomes CEO of Relativity Space
March 11, 2025
From Sillicon Valley to space! Eric Schmidt, who was CEO of Google from 2001 to 2011, has taken over as CEO of Relativity Space.
The news comes alongside a significant investment by Schmidt himself in the company, sources tell The New York Times.
Schmidt is recognized for the role he played in transforming Google into a global giant. Now, he will lead this innovative reusable rocket startup, taking over from Tim Ellis, who will continue to serve on the board.
Relativity Space, founded nine years ago in Long Beach, California, has made a name for itself in the space sector through its pioneering use of 3D printing, robotics and artificial intelligence in rocket manufacturing.
In 2023, the company demonstrated its technology with the launch of Terran 1, a rocket almost 3D printed, albeit without reaching orbit.
Since then, the company has focused on the development of the Terran R, a reusable rocket.
Relativity Space’s Return
For a few months, the company kept a low profile. It was known that they were working on the Terran R, but that was as far as it went.
Just this week, Relativity Space shared a press release detailing progress on the development of the Terran R and remaining challenges before launch.
One of the most relevant aspects of the update is the shift in manufacturing strategy.
In order to accelerate the commercialization of Terran R, Relativity Space has decided to adopt a hybrid approach that combines traditional manufacturing with additive manufacturing.
The primary structures of its rocket will now be built from high-strength aluminum alloys using friction stir welding techniques, while the Aeon R engines will continue to employ additive manufacturing made using powder bed fusion (PBF) and wire arc manufacturing (WAAM).
Kevin Wu, Relativity Space’s chief technology officer, explained that this decision seeks to optimize speed to market and improve the rocket’s performance.
He explained, “We are focused on making a high-performance, scalable, and cost-effective launch vehicle for our customers.
To deliver on that mission, we are using both additive and traditional manufacturing methods in-house while strategically outsourcing certain components to trusted vendors.
This hybrid approach is the right decision for the early days of the Terran R program, optimizing for speed to market.”
This change could be seen as an evolution in the company’s philosophy, which initially relied on 3D printing as the backbone of its strategy.
However, Relativity has felt that the need to attract more investment and deliver a competitive rocket could be achieved with an adjustment in focus.
Other new developments that Relativity has shared have been the end of the design and testing of the entire primary structure, the thrust structure, the barrels, the rocket domes, the avionics that control the rocket, fluid systems, test systems and even the launch pad.
Relativity’s Future Looks Bright
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With an order backlog in excess of $2.9 billion and customers looking for launch solutions, Relativity Space is at a pivotal moment.
By the looks of it, Eric Schmidt’s arrival will not only bring financial stability, but also a valuable network of contacts and experience in expanding business on a global scale.
The launch of Terran R is scheduled for the end of 2026 at its launch pad in Cape Canaveral, Florida. This event will undoubtedly mark a milestone in the evolution of the company and in the competition within the aerospace sector.
With this new leadership and strategy, Relativity Space could consolidate its position as a key player in space exploration, facing giants such as SpaceX, Rocket Lab or Blue Origin. You can learn more HERE.
https://www.3dnatives.com/en/eric-schmidt-former-google-head-becomes-ceo-of-relativity-space-110320256/
AT&T just made a video call from space - and the implications are astronomical
March 11, 2025 at 5:33 a.m. PT
AT&T and its partner AST SpaceMobile have successfully completed a video call using an unmodified smartphone connected via satellite, showcasing the potential of space-based cellular networks to bridge connectivity gaps in remote and underserved areas.
The call, conducted on AT&T's spectrum, used AST SpaceMobile's BlueBird satellites launched in September 2024.
Originating from Midland, Texas, the video call was made using a standard WhatsApp application on an everyday smartphone, demonstrating how seamlessly integrated the satellite technology was with existing mobile devices.
"It's transparent to the phone," John Wojewoda, AVP at AT&T Mobility, tells ZDNET. "It just looks like another wireless network."
A decade in the making
This moment resulted from nearly a decade of AT&T and AST SpaceMobile collaboration.
The two companies have been working together to develop technology that enables unmodified smartphones to connect directly to satellites, eliminating the need for specialized hardware or software.
"We've been along for the ride the whole way as we make first milestones," Wojewoda noted.
This latest achievement builds on earlier successes, including the first two-way voice call over satellite in April 2023 and the first 5G call in September 2023.
The recent video call marks a significant step toward commercial service. According to Wojewoda, the ultimate goal is to offer satellite-enabled messaging, voice, and data services to customers using their existing devices.
Fixing a real-world problem
The technology is designed to augment AT&T's terrestrial network by providing coverage in areas where traditional infrastructure is not feasible.
These include rural regions, national parks, and disaster-stricken zones where terrestrial networks may be compromised.
"We pride ourselves on having the best network of anyone in the U.S.," Wojewoda said. "We still have white spaces and holes that we can't cover." This solution is meant to fill in those coverage gaps.
One key use case for this technology is emergency communication. Hikers in remote locations or first responders operating in disaster zones could rely on satellite connectivity when traditional networks are overwhelmed or unavailable.
"This provides safety and security," Wojewoda emphasized, adding that people want to know they can contact help if something happens.
It's worth noting that satellite-enabled devices like the Garmin eTrex Solar that ZDNET's Matthew Miller tested exist and are frequently used when venturing into blackout areas.
Users can also dial into satellite networks for expanded communication capabilities with certain phone models.
What comes next
The successful test was made possible by a Special Temporary Authority (STA) granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) earlier this year.
This authorization allowed AST SpaceMobile to test its BlueBird satellites with unmodified smartphones on AT&T's spectrum.
AST SpaceMobile plans to eventually expand its capabilities with next-generation Block 2 BlueBird satellites, which will feature higher bandwidth capacity and peak data transmission speeds of up to 120 Mbps.
While commercial service is not yet available, AT&T and AST SpaceMobile are accelerating their testing efforts to refine the technology and secure long-term regulatory approvals.
The companies envision a future where satellite connectivity becomes integral to everyday mobile communication.
With its potential to transform how people stay connected in challenging environments, this milestone represents a significant leap forward in telecommunications.
https://www.zdnet.com/article/at-t-just-made-a-video-call-from-space-and-the-implications-are-astronomical/
https://ast-science.com/
Saudi Arabia, South Korea sign deal to boost cooperation in space sector
March 11, 2025 16:22
The Saudi Space Agency has entered into a new partnership with the Korean Aerospace Administration to boost cooperation in the space sector.
A memorandum of understanding was signed at the SSA’s headquarters in Riyadh, marking a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties between Saudi Arabia and South Korea in space exploration and technology development.
The agreement is in line with the Saudi Space Agency’s broader mission to support the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goal of becoming a global leader in space exploration.
It also seeks to contribute to the nation’s scientific and economic growth through innovation and technological advancements in space.
The MoU comes as part of Saudi Arabia’s growing commercial space sector, which is primarily driven by the private sector.
Over 250 companies are currently operating in the country, emphasizing the strong involvement of the private sector.
Additionally, more than 20 government agencies regulate and support the industry, according to recent findings by SpaceTech in Gulf.
Mohammed Al-Tamimi, CEO of the Saudi Space Agency, emphasized that the agreement reflects the Kingdom’s ongoing commitment to enhancing international cooperation in space.
He stated that the SSA values such global partnerships, viewing them as essential for advancing technological capabilities and growing the space economy.
Al-Tamimi underscored that the MoU will foster collaboration by integrating the expertise of both Saudi and Korean space professionals.
The terms of the agreement outline key areas of collaboration, including the development of deep space technologies, manned flight programs, satellite launches, and payloads.
The MoU also sets out to strengthen capabilities in space sciences and engineering, facilitate the exchange of knowledge, and enhance expertise in advanced space applications.
Moreover, the agreement seeks to advance space research and technical development, while fostering an environment conducive to investment in the space sector.
This partnership is expected to contribute to the growth of the space economy and improve the global standing of both Saudi Arabia and South Korea.
In September, Al-Tamimi led the Saudi delegation to the fifth G20 Space Economy Leaders Meeting in Foz do Iguacu, Brazil, where he highlighted Saudi Arabia’s advancements in space exploration.
He also emphasized the Kingdom’s commitment to using space technology for sustainable development and climate change mitigation.
During the meeting, he participated in discussions on innovation, entrepreneurship, and the role of space in addressing global challenges, further showcasing the Saudi Space Agency’s efforts to improve infrastructure, attract investment, and leverage space technology for sustainable progress.
https://www.arabnews.com/node/2593226/business-economy
Physical effects of space life include dizziness and ‘baby feet’
Mar 10, 2025 / 04:10 PM CDT
Humans who spend a long time in space, like the two American astronauts expected to return to Earth later this month, can experience a variety of physical changes by the time they get back, two former space travelers can attest.
Perhaps the most bizarre side effect of living in near-weightless conditions involves human feet, or the soles. Astronauts shed the calluses normally associated with walking on terra firma.
“You basically lose the thick part of the skin on your feet. You kind of have baby feet when you come back,” former NASA astronaut Leroy Chiao told “NewsNation Prime” on Sunday. “The foot calluses come back very quickly.”
In the early-2000s, he was a commander on the International Space Station, the orbiting research facility where astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have effectively been stranded since last summer.
The pair was supposed to be in space for 10 days. A SpaceX ship is expected to bring them back in mid-March.
Other effects, once an astronaut gets home, include dizziness and nausea, Chiao said.
“To me, it feels like kind of like having the flu. It takes a couple of weeks to get back to normal,” he said.
Astronauts serving on the ISS tend to have different physical experiences upon coming home, says Terry Virts, who also served as a commander on the station.
“For me, I felt two things: I felt really heavy and really, really dizzy,” Virts said, adding that his sense of balance improved by the time he recovered.
Once the SpaceX vessel comes for Wilmore and Williams, the actual trip back to Earth — splashing down off Florida — will take less than an hour, Virts said.
https://www.newsnationnow.com/space/physical-effects-of-space-life-include-dizziness-and-baby-feet/
https://thedebrief.org/james-webb-space-telescope-reveals-mysterious-structures-encircling-planetary-nebula-ngc-1514/
https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.21281
James Webb Space Telescope Reveals Mysterious Structures Encircling Planetary Nebula NGC 1514
March 10, 2025
Stunning new imagery and other data from NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) reveal new details about a pair of enigmatic infrared ring structures accompanying a distant planetary nebula.
The new JWST imagery reveals the twin rings, whose unusual appearance had previously baffled astronomers, as well-defined features embedded within the nebula’s outer shell.
The latest observations of the mysterious structures, made possible by JWST’s Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), have revealed their mostly dusty composition.
This suggests that they were shaped by the interactions between high-speed stellar winds and slower-moving ejected material produced by the nebula’s central binary star system.
The new findings appeared late last month on the arXiv preprint server, offering new insights into the composition and formation of the nebula’s massive twin rings’ distinctive, structured appearance.
The Crystal Ball Nebula
Composed of spacious shells of stellar gas and dust ejected by dying stars, planetary nebulae are produced as stars finally transition into white dwarfs.
Although they are typically rare, observations of these nebulae can provide astronomers with potentially crucial information about the chemistry behind the evolution of stars and galaxies.
NGC 1514, known to astronomers as the Crystal Ball Nebula, has long been recognized as a unique feature of the cosmos.
At the time of its discovery by William Herschel on November 13, 1790, the nebula’s captivating appearance prompted the astronomer to characterize it as “a most singular phaenomenon (sic)” due to the presence of a single star surrounded by “surrounded by a faintly luminous atmosphere,” prompting Herschel to conclude that “the nebulosity about the star is not of a starry nature.”
Today, astronomers recognize NGC 1514 as a large and complex planetary nebula.
Located approximately 1,500 light-years from Earth, the nebula’s origins lie in the binary system HD 281679, which is comprised of a bright A-type giant star and a much hotter, sub-luminous O-type companion.
The latter is responsible for the nebula’s formation.
In the past, observations of NGC 1514 revealed a striking pair of axisymmetric rings, designated as R10, which are visible at infrared wavelengths.
At somewhere between 0.65 and 1.3 light-years in diameter, these curious rings exist almost completely inside the outer shell of the nebula.
They also possess a unique morphology whose distinctive characteristics contribute to their prominent appearance within the mid-infrared spectrum while remaining almost invisible at normal optical wavelengths.
A Complex Planetary Nebula
Given their unusual appearance and the lingering mystery of how they formed, a team of researchers led by Michael E. Ressler of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) decided to investigate them with JWST’s advanced imaging and spectroscopy capabilities.
“We therefore chose to investigate NGC 1514’s rings in more detail using the Mid-Infrared Instrument on JWST,” Ressler and the research team write in their study, “both through high-spatial-resolution imaging and through spatially resolved medium-resolution spectroscopy where the rings are most prominent.”
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Based on the team’s observations, the JWST data helped reveal the presence of an intricate network of filamentary features and other “clumpy” regions within the rings.
Additionally, the team was able to discern the presence of cloud-like material exhibiting turbulence within each ring’s interior.
This cloud-like substance presented a mystery for Ressler and the team since, despite its apparent turbulence, the rings nonetheless maintain a well-defined structure, as the new Webb imagery helps showcase.
Additionally, faint ejecta-like features the team discerned, visible extending just beyond the boundaries of each of the rings, appear to reveal that these enigmatic structures could have been shaped earlier in the nebula’s evolution by slower outflows produced during the star’s slow demise, which were eventually succeeded by much faster asymmetrical stellar winds.
Dusty Rings Born Out of a Dying Star
One of the team’s key findings during their recent investigations of NGC 1514 had been that spectroscopy revealed the nebula’s rings were primarily composed of dust, with little contribution from atomic hydrogen, forbidden atomic lines, or polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs).
The absence of these features makes NGC 1514 an outlier, as they are commonly observed in planetary nebulae.
Additionally, the estimated color temperature of the dust ranges from 110 to 200 K (-261 to -73°F), lending further weight to the theory that the rings formed as the result of a slow, heavy mass-loss phase from the nebula’s progenitor star.
One theory the team proposes for the rings’ formation is that as the material was expelled as the dying star gradually lost its mass, it was slowly shaped over time with the help of fast stellar winds.
Overall, the long-term interactions between stellar wind phases have crafted the distinctive appearance of NGC 1514 today, representing one of the most complex planetary nebulae ever discovered.
Ressler and the team’s new study emphasizes that the new JWST data helps expand astronomers’ understanding of NGC 1514’s curious appearance and the formation of planetary nebulae more broadly.
Still, questions linger about the exact processes that created the Crystal Ball Nebula’s distinctive infrared rings and their role in its broader lifecycle.
In the future, the team hopes that additional observations of this distinctive celestial feature may uncover further clues that could help explain the complex dynamics involving stellar winds and their influence on the shaping and structure of distinctive planetary nebulae like NGC 1514.
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https://phys.org/news/2025-03-quantum-tornadoes-momentum-space-experimental.html
https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.15.011032
Quantum tornadoes in momentum space: First experimental proof of a new quantum phenomenon
March 10, 2025
Researchers from Würzburg have experimentally demonstrated a quantum tornado for the first time by refining an established method. In the quantum semimetal tantalum arsenide (TaAs), electrons in momentum space behave like a swirling vortex. This quantum phenomenon was first predicted eight years ago by a Dresden-based founding member of the Cluster of Excellence ct.qmat.
The discovery, a collaborative effort between ct.qmat, the research network of the Universities of Würzburg and Dresden, and international partners, has now been published in Physical Review X.
Scientists have long known that electrons can form vortices in quantum materials. What's new is the proof that these tiny particles create tornado-like structures in momentum space—a finding that has now been confirmed experimentally.
This achievement was led by Dr. Maximilian Ünzelmann, a group leader at ct.qmat—Complexity and Topology in Quantum Matter—at the Universities of Würzburg and Dresden.
Demonstrating this quantum phenomenon marks a major milestone in quantum materials research.
The team hopes that the vortex-like behavior of electrons in momentum space could pave the way for new quantum technologies, such as orbitronics, which would use electrons' orbital torque to transmit information in electronic components instead of relying on electrical charge, potentially slashing energy losses.
Momentum space vs. position space
Momentum space is a fundamental concept in physics that describes electron motion in terms of energy and direction, rather than their exact physical position.
Position space (its "counterpart") is the realm where familiar phenomena like water vortices or hurricanes occur. Until now, even quantum vortices in materials had only been observed in position space.
A few years ago, another ct.qmat research team made waves worldwide when they captured the first-ever three-dimensional image of a vortex-like magnetic field in a quantum material's position space.
Theory confirmed
Eight years ago, Roderich Moessner theorized that a quantum tornado could also form in momentum space.
At the time, the Dresden-based ct.qmat co-founder described the phenomenon as a "smoke ring" because, like smoke rings, it consists of vortices. However, until now, no one knew how to measure them.
The breakthrough experiments revealed that the quantum vortex is created by orbital angular momentum—electrons' circular motion around atomic nuclei.
"When we first saw signs that the predicted quantum vortices actually existed and could be measured, we immediately reached out to our Dresden colleague and launched a joint project," recalls Ünzelmann.
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Quantum tornado discovered by refining a standard method
To detect the quantum tornado in momentum space, the Würzburg team enhanced a well-known technique called ARPES (angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy).
"ARPES is a fundamental tool in experimental solid-state physics. It involves shining light on a material sample, extracting electrons, and measuring their energy and exit angle.
"This gives us a direct look at a material's electronic structure in momentum space," explains Ünzelmann.
"By cleverly adapting this method, we were able to measure orbital angular momentum. I've been working with this approach since my dissertation."
ARPES is rooted in the photoelectric effect, first described by Albert Einstein and taught in high school physics.
Ünzelmann had already refined the method in 2021, gaining international recognition for detecting orbital monopoles in tantalum arsenide.
Now, by integrating a form of quantum tomography, the team has taken the technique a step further to detect the quantum tornado—another major milestone.
"We analyzed the sample layer by layer, similar to how medical tomography works.
By stitching together individual images, we were able to reconstruct the three-dimensional structure of the orbital angular momentum and confirm that electrons form vortices in momentum space," Ünzelmann explains.
"The experimental detection of the quantum tornado is a testament to ct.qmat's team spirit," says Matthias Vojta, Professor of Theoretical Solid-State Physics at TU Dresden and ct.qmat's Dresden spokesperson.
"With our strong physics hubs in Würzburg and Dresden, we seamlessly integrate theory and experiment.
"Additionally, our network fosters teamwork between leading experts and early-career scientists—an approach that fuels our research into topological quantum materials.
And, of course, almost every physics project today is a global effort—this one included."
The tantalum arsenide sample was grown in the US and analyzed at PETRA III, a major international research facility at the German Electron Synchrotron (DESY) in Hamburg.
A scientist from China contributed to the theoretical modeling, while a researcher from Norway played a key role in the experiments.
Looking ahead, the ct.qmat team is exploring whether tantalum arsenide could be used in the future to develop orbital quantum components.
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Watch live: Images from Hera’s Mars flyby
10/03/2025
On Wednesday 12 March 2025 Hera – ESA's first Space Safety mission – comes to within 5000 km of the surface of the red planet and 300 km of Mars’s more distant and enigmatic moon Deimos.
During this flyby Hera is performing observations of both Mars and the city-sized Deimos. Hera then needs to swing its High Gain Antenna back to Earth to transmit its data home.
The next day, on Thursday 13 March, these images will be premiered by Hera’s science team from ESA’s ESOC mission control centre in Darmstadt, Germany, explaining what they reveal, during our public webcast starting at 11:50 CET.
The team is being joined by ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst and renowned science fiction writer Andy Weir, author of The Martian and Project Hail Mary, as well as a surprise special guest! Also in the programme: our Hera Space Companion AI answering questions on deep space planetary defence!
Three Hera instruments are being used during the flyby, imaging Deimos from a minimum distance of 1000 km away:
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Hera’s black and white 1020x1020 Asteroid Framing Camera used for both navigation and scientific investigation acquires images in visible light.
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Hera’s Hyperscout H hyperspectral imager observes in a range of colours beyond the limits of the human eye, in 25 visible and near-infrared spectral bands, to help characterise mineral makeup.
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Hera’s Thermal Infrared Imager, supplied by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) images at the mid-infrared wavelengths to chart surface temperature, in the process revealing physical properties such as roughness, particle size distribution and porosity.
Results from the Deimos close encounter should help guide operational planning for next year’s Martian Moons eXploration Mission, MMX, being led by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with NASA, the French space agency CNES, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), and ESA.
MMX will not only collect detailed measurements of both martian moons but also land on Phobos to collect a sample and return it to Earth for analysis.
With Didymos being 780 m across and Dimorphos just 151 m across, Hera’s twin destinations are many times smaller than the city-sized Deimos moon, but Hera is headed on course towards them.
A series of ‘impulsive rendezvous’ thruster firings during October 2026 will fine-tune its heading to reach the Didymos system that December.
https://www.esa.int/Space_Safety/Hera/Watch_live_Images_from_Hera_s_Mars_flyby
https://www.youtube.com/live/cHiASEowrio
Watch SpaceX, NASA launch SPHEREx and PUNCH science probes tonight after multiple delays
March 11, 2025
Two NASA missions called "SPHEREx" and "PUNCH" could share a ride to space this evening (March 11) after multiple delays.
The agency had planned to launch both missions at the same time on Saturday (March 8) aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, but SpaceX delayed the launch to complete vehicle checkouts.
The next attempt, planned for March 10, was scrubbed due to poor weather and an undisclosed issue with one of the spacecraft.
SpaceX has now announced a new launch window starting at at 11:10 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, March 11 (0310 March 12 GMT). Liftoff will occur from Launch Complex 4E at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California.
NASA has predicted a 40% chance of weather violation due to clouds, however. SpaceX has a backup opportunity at the same time on Wednesday (March 12) in case weather forces another delay.
SPHEREx — which stands for Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer — is a conical white spacecraft constructed to work as a sort of wide-angle version of the James Webb Space Telescope.
It'll be working with information-rich infrared light wavelengths emanating from the distant universe just like the JWST does, but it will do so on a much wider scale.
The JWST can peer into the crevices of a faraway galaxy with remarkable resolution, for instance, while SPHEREx will be able to detect the other galaxies around the JWST's single target with its own stellar imaging capabilities.
Meanwhile, PUNCH — which stands for Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere — will be searching for secrets of solar dynamics.
Made up of four satellites that'll be stationed around our planet, this mission is meant to help scientists understand how the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, turns into the solar wind.
This is important because the solar wind ricochets around the bubble our solar system sits within, known as the heliosphere; the edges of that bubble represent the barrier between our cosmic neighborhood and the rest of the universe.
Decoding how our sun operates in general can offer many benefits to humanity, but the most obvious probably has to do with space weather.
Sometimes, for instance, bursts of plasma rip off the sun and turn into what are known as coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, that can barrel toward our planet.
This happens relatively often, meaning a CME headed our direction doesn't mean we're in for doomsday, to be clear — but space weather resulting from such events can indeed affect things like our power grid and the health of astronauts in space.
Meanwhile, PUNCH — which stands for Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere — will be searching for secrets of solar dynamics.
Made up of four satellites that'll be stationed around our planet, this mission is meant to help scientists understand how the sun's outer atmosphere, or corona, turns into the solar wind.
This is important because the solar wind ricochets around the bubble our solar system sits within, known as the heliosphere; the edges of that bubble represent the barrier between our cosmic neighborhood and the rest of the universe.
Decoding how our sun operates in general can offer many benefits to humanity, but the most obvious probably has to do with space weather.
Sometimes, for instance, bursts of plasma rip off the sun and turn into what are known as coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, that can barrel toward our planet.
This happens relatively often, meaning a CME headed our direction doesn't mean we're in for doomsday, to be clear — but space weather resulting from such events can indeed affect things like our power grid and the health of astronauts in space.
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/missions/nasa-launching-its-spherex-and-punch-space-missions-on-feb-28-how-to-watch-live
https://spaceflightnow.com/2025/03/10/live-coverage-spacex-to-launch-nasas-spherex-and-punch-spacecraft-on-falcon-9-rocket-from-vandenberg/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BqBUQoPW0Aw
Polish Space Agency President Sacked Over Falcon 9 Debris Controversy
March 11, 2025
The President of the Polish Space Agency, Grzegorz Wrochna, has been dismissed following a botched response to the uncontrolled re-entry of a Falcon 9 second stage that scattered debris across multiple locations in Poland.
On 19 February, between 04:46 and 04:48 CET, a Falcon 9 second stage underwent an uncontrolled atmospheric re-entry over Poland.
The stage partially broke apart during re-entry, with at least four fragments surviving and landing in various locations across the country.
According to POLSA, one of these fragments landed on the premises of an electrical equipment wholesaler.
In a 20 February statement regarding the uncontrolled re-entry, the Polish Space Agency (POLSA) stated that its Space Security Department “constantly monitors and analyzes threats in outer space originating from artificial objects, including rockets.”
It went on to explain that all “relevant services and institutions in the country” were informed about any potential threats.
The statement specifically referenced reports being generated and sent to the Ministry of Development and Technology, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Administration, the Ministry of Infrastructure, and the Government Security Center.
However, a 20 February update from the Ministry of Development and Technology disputed POLSA’s claim that it had adequately warned the government about the uncontrolled re-entry.
According to the statement, due to “irregularities that occurred in the process of reporting by the Polish Space Agency,” the Minister of Development and Technology, Krzysztof Paszyk, had “urgently summoned” the President of POLSA to provide an explanation.
“The information provided to the public by POLSA did not reflect the assessment of the situation resulting from the reports sent by the Agency and could have misled the public,” explained the Ministry’s statement.
In a 28 February POLSA update, the agency confirmed that the information regarding the uncontrolled re-entry of the Falcon 9 second stage had been sent to the wrong email addresses at the Ministry of National Defence.
Further compounding the crisis, the Polish Space Agency was hacked on 2 March, forcing it to “immediately disconnect from the Internet.”
“A cybersecurity incident has occurred at POLSA. The relevant authorities and institutions have been informed,” POLSA explained in response to European Spaceflight questioning.
“An analysis of the situation is currently underway. To secure the data after the breach, POLSA’s network was immediately disconnected from the Internet. We will keep you updated.”
The POLSA systems were officially restored on 5 March “in cooperation with the services and institutions responsible for cybersecurity.”
On 11 March, the Minister of Development and Technology announced that POLSA President Grzegorz Wrochna had been officially dismissed.
The statement did not include any information about his replacement.
https://europeanspaceflight.com/polish-space-agency-president-sacked-over-falcon-9-debris-controversy/
https://www.gov.pl/web/rozwoj-technologia/odwolanie-prezesa-polskiej-agencji-kosmicznej
Earth from space: Erupting 'sharkcano' spits out a giant underwater plume in Oceania
March 11, 2025
This unusual image shows a large plume of discolored water rising toward the Pacific Ocean's surface from the Kavachi volcano, also known as "sharkcano," during an undersea eruption.
Kavachi is a submarine volcano that is part of the Solomon Islands, around 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of Vangunu Island.
Its peak stands roughly 3,600 feet (1,100 meters) above the seafloor and lies just 65 feet (20 m) below the waves.
The volcano is named after the sea god of the Vangunu people and is also referred to as "Rejo te Kvachi," or "Kavachi’s Oven," according to NASA's Earth Observatory.
In 2015, a research expedition discovered multiple scalloped hammerhead sharks (Sphyrna lewini) and silky sharks (Carcharhinus falciformis) living within the volcano's central crater.
The surprising presence of the oceanic predators at the volcano raised "new questions about the ecology of active submarine volcanoes and the extreme environments in which large marine animals exist," the researchers wrote.
It is unclear whether any of the sharks at Kavachi were hurt by the outburst that triggered the plume in the image or if they were able to sense the incoming eruption and evacuate the crater.
The image was first released in May 2022 by NASA Goddard on the social media platform X along with the caption: "You’ve heard of sharknado, now get ready for sharkcano."
The plume in the photo is part of an eruption that began in October 2021 and lasted for just a few weeks after the aerial image was taken.
Similar plumes occurred during subsequent eruptions in August 2023 and April 2024, according to the Global Volcanism Program at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History.
Before then, the volcano's most recent major eruptions were in 2016, 2014, 2007 and 2003.
In the past, researchers also sighted ephemeral islands up to half a mile (1 km) wide being birthed by the eruptions and then sinking.
A similar ghostly landmass recently emerged after an undersea volcano in Japan blew its top in 2023.
Explosive plumes
Kavachi experiences "phreatomagmatic eruptions," which occur when magma meets water and ejects steam, ash, volcanic rock fragments and chunks of magma known as "incandescent bombs," according to the Earth Observatory.
A study conducted in the wake of the 2007 eruption found that the volcanic plumes are made of warm, acidic water that also contains particulate matter and sulfur, which "attracts microbial communities that thrive on [the chemicals]," the researchers wrote.
The volcano can also launch jets of heated water without any visible plumes or other signs of erupting.
Residents of neighboring islands have frequently reported that they regularly see steam and ash on the water's surface between eruptions, further confirming that the so-called sharkcano is percolating beneath the surface.
https://www.livescience.com/planet-earth/volcanos/earth-from-space-erupting-sharkcano-spits-out-a-giant-underwater-plume-in-oceania
Record UK contract wins through European Space Agency
11 March 2025
These contracts are expected to deliver £1 billion in wider UK economic benefits. The UK is a founding member of ESA and one of its leading funders.
A fundamental principle of ESA is that money from each country’s taxpayers returns to that country, after ESA overheads, through industrial contracts, a process known as geographical return (geo-return).
However, for too long, the value of these contracts has fallen short of the UK’s total investment – after overheads, in 2022 UK space organisations were receiving 93p back in contracts for every £1 invested.
Determined to address this issue, the UK Space Agency committed to reducing the deficit, with the full support of ESA.
New figures, released on the opening day of Space-Comm Expo in London, demonstrate the positive impact of these efforts.
In the fourth quarter of 2024 alone, the work helped secure £80 million (€96 million) in additional contracts – the highest single quarter return ever recorded by an ESA member state.
Science Secretary Peter Kyle said:
These figures show not only the incredible results of a government working hand-in-glove with industry to get even more bang for our buck, but also send a clear message to the private sector across the globe: when it comes to space, science and tech, the UK is a powerhouse for innovation and investment.
We are on a mission to deliver sustained economic growth, and it is fantastic to see such a vital industry helping us turbocharge our Plan for Change, ultimately raising living standards for everyone.
In total, between June 2022 and the end of 2024, the UK secured £844 million (€1.01 billion) in ESA contracts, from an expected return of £732 million.
The additional £112 million will have a large, positive impact on the competitiveness of the UK’s space sector, supporting businesses to attract further private investment, develop cutting edge technologies and expand internationally.
It means the UK now receives 99p back in contracts for every £1 invested, after overheads.
Dr Paul Bate, CEO of the UK Space Agency, said:
While the value to the UK economy of our membership of ESA is many times greater than the sums invested, it is important for us to demonstrate the UK’s competitiveness in securing industrial contracts.
First and foremost, the record figures announced today are down to the efforts of the UK space sector, so I would like to congratulate all those working on the new contracts.
I would also like to thank the teams in ESA and the UK Space Agency for their hard work in delivering this exceptional result.
In 2022, the UK Space Agency identified several reasons for the historic deficit.
These include the relatively high resource requirements for applying for ESA funding, limited awareness of UK contributions and deficits in certain programmes, and some gaps in understanding how smaller companies can engage effectively with ESA and put forward the strongest funding proposals.
To address the issues, a joint UK Space Agency-ESA Industrial Policy Task Force was established. This identified and secured additional contracts, and improved access to specialist expertise for UK space companies.
Josef Aschbacher, Director General of the European Space Agency, said:
ESA and the UK Space Agency are working hand in hand to empower the UK’s space sector, including its adjacent industries and vibrant startup scene.
The results of our collaboration stand for economic growth, technological and scientific autonomy, high-value jobs for Europe and the UK, but also for a shared European vision of space that is both ethical and sustainable.
The new figures announced today reflect ESA’s longstanding commitment to help the UK in building one of the most attractive and innovative space economies in the world, whilst developing new scientific and industrial capacity and capabilities with partners across Europe.
The UK Space Agency delivered 21 training courses across the UK (Bid Writing and ESA 101 Workshops), increased promotion of existing ESA resources and rolled out a new internal data tool to enable a more comprehensive, strategic overview of the UK’s entire ESA portfolio.
A boost in direct engagement with industry led to the UK having the most registered entities on ESA’s procurement platform and the largest number of smaller companies (SMEs) in the ESA ecosystem.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/record-uk-contract-wins-through-european-space-agency
Space Symposium to break records
March 10, 2025
A record number of exhibitors are confirmed for the 40th Space Symposium at the Broadmoor Hotel in Colorado Springs.
And while it’s too soon to say for sure, international participation at the April 7-10 conference could also break records, Thomas Dorame, Space Foundation senior vice president for Symposium 365, told SpaceNews.
In spite of growing demand for exhibits and 100 firms on a waiting list, the Space Foundation plans to continue holding the annual conference at the Broadmoor.
“There’s a magic about Space Symposium and part of that magic is the location,” Dorame said.
The campus atmosphere attracts government and industry leaders, and lends itself to planned or impromptu meetings among individuals, companies and government agencies, he added.
Emerging Players
More than 300 exhibitors have claimed booths in the Broadmoor North and South Halls.
In addition, 48 small and emerging space companies will be showcasing products and services in the Broadmoor’s Rocky Mountain Ballroom on the west side of the venue.
“The Innovate Space: Supplier Showcase is an opportunity to let more people truly participate, as opposed to just have meetings on the side,” Dorame said.
“We’ll promote the Supplier Showcase, so we get the right foot traffic over there.”
For new entrants and emerging companies, the Space Symposium includes a New Frontiers track, featuring a pitch competition, interviews and investment panels at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort.
U.S. Space Force leaders including Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman and Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. Michael Guetlein have confirmed their attendance.
Also present will be Kelli Seybolt, U.S. Air Force undersecretary for international affairs, and Lt. Col. Walter Shedroff, Air Force combat operations chief.
Although no NASA Administrator has yet been confirmed, NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro along with former administrators Dan Goldin and Jim Bridenstine will be speaking at the event.
“From a senior leadership perspective, you’re going to see the same people that you would want to see, want to engage with, want to hear from,” Dorame said.
It’s too soon to say how overall attendance will stack up with previous years. Budgetary constraints are likely to prevent some U.S. Air Force and Space Force personnel from coming.
https://spacenews.com/space-symposium-to-break-records/
Watch sparks fly as Blue Ghost lander drills into the moon
March 11, 2025
Firefly's Blue Ghost lander continues to deliver stunning results from the surface of the moon.
Blue Ghost aced its lunar landing attempt on March 2, touching down near Mons Latreille, a solitary lunar peak in the vast basin Mare Crisium ("Sea of Crises") in the northeastern region of the moon's near side.
The spacecraft quickly got to work on its science objectives, including taking a stunning image on the lunar sunrise.
New updates from Firefly Aerospace deliver video action of some of Blue Ghost's payloads in action.
One of these is the Lunar Instrumentation for Subsurface Thermal Exploration with Rapidity (LISTER) experiment which has been drilling into the lunar surface over the past week.
Video of the pneumatic, gas-powered drill developed by Texas Tech University and Honeybee Robotics shows it boring into the moon, resulting in small explosive eruptions that throw off sparks, possibly due to the electrically-charged lunar surface.
LISTER, which uses purified nitrogen, is aiming to reach a depth of around 6-9 feet (2-3 meters), taking temperature measurements as it goes to study how well heat flows through the moon's interior, and the thermal changes between depths.
Meanwhile, the Blue Ghost lander also deployed four tethered electrodes and an 8-foot (2.4m) mast that make up NASA's Lunar Magnetotelluric Sounder (LMS) payload to study the structure and composition of the moon's mantle.
Another payload, Lunar PlanetVac, successfully collected, transferred, and sorted lunar soil from the moon using pressurized nitrogen gas with video showing the instrument in action.
NASA has 10 payloads on Blue Ghost as part of NASA's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative and eight of these had already met their mission objectives as of March 6, according to Firefly.
This includes SCALPSS, which observed the effects of the lander's engine plumes on lunar regolith when Blue Ghost touched down on the moon.
Progress has been very good for Blue Ghost, but the mission is approaching its end.
The sun is due to set on Blue Ghost on March 16, after which the solar powered lander will run out of energy and come to the end of its mission.
The lander is however preparing to image the sunset to learn how lunar dust levitates above the surface at the close of the lunar day.
https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/watch-sparks-fly-as-blue-ghost-lander-drills-into-the-moon-video
SpaceX Starlink Mission
March 11, 2025 10:48 p.m. ET.
SpaceX is targeting Tuesday, March 11 for a Falcon 9 launch of 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, to low-Earth orbit from Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.
Liftoff is targeted for 10:48 p.m. ET., with additional launch opportunities available until 11:50 p.m. ET.
A live webcast of this mission will begin about five minutes prior to liftoff, which you can watch here and on X @SpaceX. You can also watch the webcast on the new X TV app.
This is the 22nd flight for the first stage booster supporting this mission, which previously launched CRS-24, Eutelsat HOTBIRD 13F, OneWeb 1, SES-18 and SES-19, and 17 Starlink missions.
Following stage separation, the first stage will land on the A Shortfall of Gravitas droneship, which will be stationed in the Atlantic Ocean.
https://www.spacex.com/launches/mission/?missionId=sl-12-21