October 29, 2020

Firefly Transitions to Robotic Manufacturing, with 2022 Production at Florida Site (Source: Firefly)
Firefly today announced a substantial commitment to increase its manufacturing capacity by transitioning large parts manufacturing to Automated Fiber Placement (AFP) Mongoose Hybrid systems from Ingersoll Machine Tools beginning next year. Once fully operational, Firefly’s AFP capabilities will enable it to produce its all-composite Alpha rocket airframe in as little as fourteen days. Firefly will install the first of two planned AFP systems in May 2021 at its manufacturing and test facility in Briggs, Texas, where Alpha will be requalified using AFP manufacturing processes.

Firefly’s new Florida Space Coast factory and launch site will house the second automated assembly line beginning 2022 and will ultimately be capable of producing an estimated 24 Alpha rockets per year, with the Briggs plant switching to automated developmental builds of the larger Beta launch vehicle. Firefly’s new automated rocket factories will produce a broad range of benefits, including a 30-50% reduction in composite materials waste, increased repeatability, reduced touch labor and build times, and a tailored and optimized structure that further reduces weight and overall costs. (10/29)

How Do You Market Outer Space? (Source: AdWeek)
If Trump wins a second term in office, he tweeted about plans to establish a permanent manned presence on the moon, and send the first manned mission to Mars. If he loses, chances are that these top space priorities will happen in the next decade anyway.

It’s not a big surprise: the financial potential of space and the increasing militarization of space has generated big opportunities. And with the increasing humanization of space, the moon and Mars continue to hold consumer mindshare. So here’s how to capitalize on that—and market from, around or at the moon. More and more brands are utilizing the cache of space to market their products. From baking chocolate chip cookies in space to experiments testing the exterior of a Lamborghini or a face cream, companies are able to use the International Space Station to test their products in space. (10/29)

ESA Seeking Dust-Proof Materials for Lunar Return (Source: Space Daily)
When humans return to the Moon they'll have formidable challenge lying in wait: lunar dust. The talcum-like lunar regolith is considered the biggest operational problem facing Moon colonists. Within a few days of dust exposure, Apollo spacesuits suffered obscured visors, clogged mechanisms and eroded suit layers. So an ESA team is looking into novel material options to serve as the basis of future spacesuits or protect rovers or fixed infrastructure.

"The idea came up that as ESA's going back to the Moon we should look into harnessing the many innovations in the materials field since the Apollo spacesuits were designed, more than half a century ago," remarks ESA materials and processes engineer Malgorzata Holynska. "So while we are not developing a new spacesuit at this time, we are looking into selecting candidate materials such a suit might use - as well as protective covers for rovers or fixed machinery and infrastructure - and performing some state-of-the-art testing to see how they stand up against simulated lunar conditions, particularly lunar dust." (10/28)

Kelly Holds Steady Lead in Arizona U.S. Senate Race (Source: Reuters)
Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mark Kelly’s lead over Arizona Republican incumbent Martha McSally is holding steady with less than a week to go until an election that could determine whether Republicans lose control of the Senate, a Reuters/Ipsos poll showed on Wednesday. There are about 12 competitive U.S. Senate races up for grabs in next Tuesday’s election, 10 with vulnerable Republican incumbents and two with vulnerable Democrats. To have a majority in the Senate, Democrats need to pick up three seats if the party wins the White House, which gives the vice president a tie-breaking vote, and four if not. (10/28)

Can We Drink the Moon Water? Scientists Explain (Source: Inverse)
NASA scientists announced they had detected molecular water on the Moon, trapped in ice across the lunar surface. From the data, they estimate there is some 40,000 square kilometers (more than 24,000 miles) of water on the Moon. That much water has big implications for the ambitions to create a sustained human presence on the Moon. So can we actually drink it?

Short answer: Yes, we can, explains Shuai Li, an assistant researcher at the University of Hawaii’s Institute of Geophysics and Planetology. At least, in theory we can. “It is water ice, the same as the water ice on Earth,” Li says. John Priscu, a professor at Montana University who studies the biochemistry of icy environments, agrees. "Bottom line, if treated properly, it should be potable," he says. But the water on the Moon isn’t ready for astronaut's making cocktails yet. First, scientists have to know more about what else may be swirling within that water. (10/27)

Venus Is Dead! New Analysis Shows Phosphine, A Possible Biosignature, Is Absent (Source: Medium)
In one of the biggest surprises in the history of planetary science, a September 2020 study announced the presence of phosphine gas in Venus’s cloud decks: a tantalizing hint that could be due to biological processes. A new study has just been submitted that calls the entire detection into doubt. But there’s another possible explanation that — if we’re being responsible scientists — we have to consider. Perhaps there’s a flaw in how the data was analyzed, and perhaps that means that phosphine isn’t present after all. If there’s no phosphine, there’s no indirect evidence for biological activity there. (10/29)

NASA Detects Bright Flashes of Light on Jupiter (Source: Futurism)
A team of NASA scientists has spotted strange flashes of light known as “transient luminous events” (TLEs) in the upper atmosphere of Jupiter. Events like these have never been observed on another world until now — though here on Earth, scientists have observed similar flashes of light that occur far above lightning storms here on Earth, triggered by discharges of electricity in the upper atmosphere.

For a while, astronomers have theorized their existence in Jupiter’s massive, turbulent atmosphere. Thanks to new data collected by the ultraviolet spectrograph instrument (UVS) attached to NASA’s Juno spacecraft, a small space probe that’s been orbiting the gas giant since 2016, the team was finally able to confirm their presence. (10/28)

An Earth-Sized Rogue Planet Discovered in the Milky Way (Source: Phys.org)
The scientists announced the discovery of the shortest-timescale microlensing event ever found, called OGLE-2016-BLG-1928, which has the timescale of just 42 minutes. "When we first spotted this event, it was clear that it must have been caused by an extremely tiny object," says Dr. Radoslaw Poleski from the Astronomical Observatory of the University of Warsaw, a co-author of the study.

Indeed, models of the event indicate that the lens must have been less massive than Earth, it was probably a Mars-mass object. Moreover, the lens is likely a rogue planet. "If the lens were orbiting a star, we would detect its presence in the light curve of the event," adds Dr. Poleski. "We can rule out the planet having a star within about 8 astronomical units (the astronomical unit is the distance between the Earth and the sun)." (10/29)

Ice Loss Will Trigger Increased Warming in a Vicious Feedback Loop (Source: Science Alert)
The loss of billions of tons of ice from Earth's frozen spaces is likely to increase global temperatures by an additional 0.4 degrees Celsius, according to research Tuesday highlighting the danger of a "vicious circle" of warming. Arctic summer sea ice levels have declined by more than 10 percent each decade since the late 1970s and mountain glaciers have shed roughly 250 billion tons of ice annually over the last century. Decades of studies have sought to quantify how Earth's melting ice will contribute to sea level rise - Antarctica and Greenland alone contain enough frozen water to boost oceans' height by around 60 meters.

Scientists in Germany used a climate model that includes components on atmosphere, ocean, sea- and land-ice data to predict temperature change from ice loss under a variety of emissions scenarios. They found that under current levels of atmospheric CO2 - roughly 400 parts per million - the melting of Arctic sea ice, mountain glaciers and the polar ice caps would raise temperatures by 0.4C. That's on top of the 1.5C of warming our current emissions levels have rendered all but inevitable, and the safer cap on global warming aimed for in the Paris climate accord.

The main driver of temperature gain from ice loss would be due to a process known as albedo feedback, in which heat reflective bright ice is replaced by absorbent darker sea water and/or soil. This is one of Earth's so-called climate "feedback loops," in which increased temperatures lead to further ice loss, which in turn further increases temperatures. Looking solely at Arctic sea ice - which unlike polar ice caps might be totally absent during summer months within decades - they found its melt would contribute 0.2C to global temperatures alone. (10/28)

As Climate Disasters Pile Up, a Radical Proposal Gains Traction (Source: New York Times)
As the effects of climate change become more devastating, prominent research institutions and government agencies are focusing new money and attention on an idea once dismissed as science fiction: Artificially cooling the planet, in the hopes of buying humanity more time to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

That strategy, called solar climate intervention or solar geoengineering, entails reflecting more of the sun’s energy back into space — abruptly reducing global temperatures in a way that mimics the effects of ash clouds spewed by volcanic eruptions. The idea has been derided as a dangerous and illusory fix, one that would encourage people to keep burning fossil fuels while exposing the planet to unexpected and potentially menacing side effects.

On Wednesday, a nonprofit organization called SilverLining announced $3 million in research grants to Cornell University, the University of Washington, Rutgers University, the National Center for Atmospheric Research and others. The work will focus on practical questions, such as how high in the atmosphere to inject sunlight-reflecting aerosols, how to shoot the right size particles into clouds to make them brighter, and the effect on the world’s food supply. (10/28)

SpaceX Includes Mars Declaration in Starlink Terms of Service (Source: Independent)
SpaceX will not recognize international law on Mars, according to the Terms of Service of its Starlink internet project. Elon Musk’s space company will instead reportedly adhere to a set of “self-governing principles" that will be defined at the time of Martian settlement. Musk revealed plans to create a self-sustaining city on Mars last week, though no timeframe is yet to be put in place for its development. Any future colony created by SpaceX would likely use constellations of Starlink satellites orbiting the planet to provide internet connection to people and machines on the surface.

Users noted that the terms of service within the app state that Starlink services provided to Earth or Moon will be governed in accordance with the laws of the State of California. Beyond our planet and its satellite, however, the laws and regulations by which it will abide are less clear. “For services provided on Mars, or in transit to Mars via Starship or other colonisation spacecraft, the parties recognise Mars as a free planet and that no Earth-based government has authority or sovereignty over Martian activities,” the governing law section states. “Accordingly, disputes will be settled through self-governing principles, established in good faith, at the time of Martian settlement.” (10/28)

Second Highest Ranking Officer in US Space Force Tests Positive for Covid-19 (Source: CNN)
The second highest ranking officer in the US Space Force has tested positive for coronavirus, the US Air Force said in a statement Wednesday. "General David D. Thompson, Vice Chief of Space Operations, tested positive today for COVID-19. He took the test today after learning that a close family member, with whom he had contact, tested positive for the virus," the statement read. "In accordance with established COVID policies, General Thompson is self-quarantining and working remotely from home." (10/28)

Space Companies Use Earth-Imaging Satellites to Combat Climate Change (Source: Space Daily)
A growing number of space companies are launching satellites intended to combat climate change by using Earth-observation technology. Such satellites monitor a range of climate conditions, such as sea levels, deforestation and the release of greenhouse gases, particularly methane, according to new industry reports and a panel of experts at the recent International Astronautical Congress. Climate change services are helping drive up sales in the Earth-observation industry, which are expected to reach $8.1 billion annually by 2029.

For some new satellite companies, climate ethics and new global sustainability goals are part of their mission, said an engineer with Planet, formerly Planet Labs. The company has launched 150 satellites using such companies as SpaceX and California-based Rocket Lab. Planet uses the United Nations' sustainable development goals to guide its business. Such goals include combatting climate change around the globe and providing access to clean water and affordable clean energy for everyone.

Other companies in the Earth observation sector include Bluefield Technologies and Capella Space. Bluefield still is testing sensors that detect leaks of methane - a potentially dangerous gas that contributes to global warming. Capella is focused on high-resolution radar images from its spacecraft, named Denali and Sequoia. Space agencies in Germany and France are also developing new technology to detect methane leaks. Constellations of satellites that feature optical technology, radar or radio frequency monitoring are expected to grow to more than 1,000 in orbit. (10/28)

US Space Force May Provide Security for Private Sector Assets (Source: Sputnik)
The US Space Force may be called on to provide security as governments and private companies develop a trillion-dollar economy in Earth's orbit and the Moon, the unit's commanding General John Raymond said. "I don't think it's tomorrow. But I would [not] rule it out," Raymond said. "Maybe not today or tomorrow or 10 years from now, but I do believe that if you look towards a space economy that's going to be over a trillion dollars between here and the moon, I really believe there's going to be a role for enhanced security in that domain and the role of the space force is to provide that stability across the domain."

The US is attempting to commercialize low Earth orbit with plans to privatize the International Space Station. NASA officials have also indicated that US-led plans to colonize the Moon could lead to private companies mining the lunar landscape for rare minerals. The creation of the US Space Force was prompted by Chinese and Russian development of weapons that could be used against satellites, according to US officials. (10/28)

NASA’s Artemis Program Must Lead Us Back to the Moon (Source: Orlando Sentinel)
Great nations and their leaders seek a claim upon history. Whatever the outcome of the coming election, the president will be given the awesome responsibility to send Americans back into deep space. And this time, to stay.

As in the early days of the space program, Florida remains the epicenter of this endeavor. With the imminent return of human deep space exploration, the country is reminded of the state’s storied contribution to American spaceflight. When Artemis astronauts launch from legendary Pad 39B, they will join the ranks of those pioneers who came before to expand the edge of human knowledge. (10/29)

With New Northrop Grumman Boosters, ULA Plans Nov. 3 NRO Launch at Cape Canaveral Spaceport (Source: SpaceFlight Now)
United Launch Alliance teams mounted a top secret payload for the National Reconnaissance Office on top of an Atlas 5 rocket at Cape Canaveral Monday in preparation for a liftoff scheduled just after sunset Nov. 3. The Election Day launch — codenamed NROL-101 — will be the first Atlas 5 rocket flight to be powered by a new model of strap-on solid rocket boosters built by Northrop Grumman. The Northrop Grumman boosters replace solid-fueled motors from Aerojet Rocketdyne that flew on previous Atlas 5 rockets. (10/27)

With Turbopump Issues “Sorted Out,” BE-4 Rocket Engine Moves Into Production (Source: Ars Technica)
Blue Origin appears to have solved some development issues related to the turbopumps in its powerful BE-4 rocket engine. ULA Chief Executive Tory Bruno said that the problem was "sorted out," and that the full-scale, flight-configured BE-4 engine is now accumulating a lot of time on the test stand. Bruno made his comments about one hour into The Space Show with David Livingston.

Bruno's company, ULA, is buying the BE-4 engine to provide thrust for the first stage of its upcoming Vulcan-Centaur rocket. This booster may make its debut next year, although ULA is still awaiting delivery of BE-4s for the first flight. Two of these large engines—each providing about 25-percent more thrust than the RS-25s used on the Space Shuttle—will power each Vulcan rocket. (10/26)

Rocket Lab Launches Smallsats From New Zealand (Source: Space News)
Rocket Lab successfully launched 10 smallsats Wednesday. The company's Electron rocket lifted off from its New Zealand launch site at 5:21 p.m. Eastern and deployed the 10 satellites about an hour later. Nine of the satellites are SuperDove imaging cubesats for Planet, while the tenth is a larger imaging microsatellite built by Canon Electronics. The launch was the sixth commercial launch this month licensed by the FAA, a new record for the agency. (10/29)

SpaceX Identifies Launch Abort Cause (Source: Space News)
SpaceX says it's tracked down the cause of an aborted Falcon 9 launch early this month. The Oct. 2 launch of a GPS 3 satellite was stopped at the last second because of a problem with a gas generator in one of the rocket's Merlin engines. At a briefing Wednesday, SpaceX said a relief valve in the rocket was blocked by "masking lacquer", similar to nail polish, that was not properly cleaned out during the manufacturing process. SpaceX is replacing two Merlin engines in the Falcon 9 booster that will launch NASA's Crew-1 commercial crew mission because they showed similar behavior in testing to the engine from the GPS launch attempt. NASA has rescheduled the Crew-1 launch for the evening of Nov. 14. (10/29)

Hopkins to Join Space Force While Aboard Space Station (Source: Space News)
One of the astronauts on the Crew-1 mission will formally join the Space Force while in space. Michael Hopkins, a U.S. Air Force colonel and the commander of the mission, is transferring to the Space Force and will be sworn in to the service during his time on the International Space Station. Hopkins would be the first member of the Space Force to serve in NASA's astronaut corps. (10/29)

Redwire Acquiring Roccor (Source: Space News)
Redwire is acquiring spacecraft deployable structure company Roccor, the companies announced early Thursday. Roccor, founded in 2012, supplies deployable booms, structures, antennas, thermal products and solar arrays for spacecraft. AE Industrial Partners, a private equity firm, formed Redwire in June with the acquisitions of Deep Space Systems and Adcole Space, then acquired Made In Space. Redwire is in "growth mode," a company executive said, and is looking to acquire more "differentiated capabilities that enhance our space infrastructure strategy." The companies did not disclose the terms of the Roccor acquisition. (10/29)

General Atomics Acquiring Guidestar Optical Systems (Source: Space News)
General Atomics is buying space and defense company Guidestar Optical Systems. General Atomics said Wednesday it will integrate Guidestar into its Electromagnetic Systems group, which includes work on space systems. Guidestar, founded in 2013, focuses on designing and developing optical systems for directed energy and laser communications. (10/29)

India to Resume Launches (Source: Swarajya)
India plans to resume launches next week after a long hiatus during the pandemic. The Indian space agency ISRO said Wednesday a PSLV rocket will launch Nov. 7 carrying the EOS-01 Earth observation satellite as the primary payload, along with nine secondary payloads from international customers. The launch will be the first this year for ISRO, which halted preparations for a launch in March because of technical issues and then shut down the spaceport because of the pandemic. (10/29)

Launchspace to Test Orbital Debris Tech on ISS (Source: Space News)
Launchspace Technologies Corporation will test orbital debris technologies on the ISS. Launchspace announced an agreement with Airbus to place its Orbital Debris Collection and Spacecraft Shielding payload on the Bartolomeo external platform that Airbus operates on the station in 2022 for a year. The demonstration is designed to pave the way for Launchspace to send Debris Collection Units into orbit to capture debris ranging in size from one to 50 millimeters, which are too small to track. (10/29)

D-Orbit Demonstrates Last-Mile Delivery (Source: Space News)
D-Orbit demonstrated the first commercial last-mile delivery service with a recent launch of Planet cubesats. D-Orbit launched its In-Orbit Now (ION) Satellite Carrier Sept. 3 on an Arianespace Vega rocket. The ION started deploying its payload of 12 SuperDove cubesats over a one-month period that concluded on Wednesday. D-Orbit is among the companies developing in-space tugs, transporting small satellites from the point where a rocket drops them off in space to their desired orbital destinations. D-Orbit recently secured $17.6 million in funding from the European Investment Bank. (10/29)

China Picks Mars Landing Site (Source: Space.com)
China has selected a landing site for its first Mars lander. According to a Chinese publication, the lander on the Tianwen-1 mission will touch down in the southern portion of the Utopia Planitia region of the planet, one that appears relatively flat and smooth, and thus safe for a landing. The site has scientific interest as well, as it may have been covered by mud flows early in the planet's history. The landing is expected to take place two to three months after Tianwen-1 goes into orbit around Mars in February 2021. (10/29)

ESA Finds Comet's Surface is Foamy (Source: Nature)
The surface of a comet is softer than the froth on a cappuccino, according to data from a European mission. Scientists identified a landing site on the surface of the comet 67P/Churyumov–Gerasimenko where ESA's Philae lander touched down and bounced. The site, seen in images from the Rosetta orbiter, helped scientists analyze the consistency of the icy surface. The lander penetrated 25 centimeters into the ice there on that bounce, which led them to determine the surface is extraordinarily weak. (10/29)