Space News, updated every weekday
Space News From SpaceDaily.Com
Russian launch of Dutch satellite delayed
Moscow (UPI) Jan 27, 2012
The launch of a Russian rocket meant to put a Dutch communications satellite into orbit has been postponed indefinitely for technical reasons, officials said.
It was the second delay for the Proton-M launch, first scheduled for Dec. 26 but postponed for technical issues, RIA Novosti reported Friday.
"Today we are planning to carry out operations to dismount the Proton-M rocket fr
Romney sees launchers fueled by private enterprise
Cape Canaveral, Florida (AFP) Jan 27, 2012
Republican White House hopeful Mitt Romney tried to boost support on Florida's "Space Coast" Friday ahead of next week's key primary, promising business would play a bigger role in future missions.
Romney criticized US President Barack Obama, who during his first term in office ended the space shuttle program, for lacking a clear vision for the future of space exploration - a failing which
Bus-sized asteroid shaves by Earth
Washington (AFP) Jan 27, 2012
An asteroid about the size of a bus shaved by Earth on Friday in what spacewatchers described as a "near-miss," though experts were not concerned about the possibility of an impact.
The asteroid, named 2012 BX34, measured between six and 19 meters in diameter (20 to 62 feet), said Gareth Williams, associate director of the US-based Minor Planet Center which tracks space objects.
The aste
First US chief technology officer stepping down
Washington (AFP) Jan 27, 2012
Aneesh Chopra, who was tasked with bringing a dose of Silicon Valley to the US government as the first chief technology officer, is stepping down.
"Aneesh Chopra did groundbreaking work to bring our government into the 21st century," President Barack Obama said in a statement on Friday announcing his departure.
"Aneesh found countless ways to engage the American people using technology,
Russia to postpone next manned space launches
Moscow (AFP) Jan 27, 2012
Russia is set to pospone the next two manned launches for the International Space Station (ISS) for several weeks due to technical problems with the Soyuz spaceship, an industry source told Interfax Friday.
The source told Interfax that the Soyuz TMA-04M vessel had not withstood tests to its pressure chamber ahead of the planned mission on March 30 and the first flight would be postponed to
Moon looms bright over Republican debate
Jacksonville, Florida (AFP) Jan 26, 2012
Republican White House hopefuls set their sights high Thursday with some vowing they would shoot for the moon and restore American supremacy in space if elected.
"I do not want to be the country that having gotten to the moon first, turned around, said, it doesn't really matter, let the Chinese dominate space, what do we care?" former House speaker Newt Gingrich said.
"I think that is a
Rocket Man: Gingrich peddles space dreams in Florida
Washington (AFP) Jan 26, 2012
Republican presidential hopeful Newt Gingrich has stirred strong passions by claiming he will establish a permanent moon base by 2020 if elected, but experts say he is living on another planet.
The basic idea is not actually as far-fetched as it sounds. NASA in 2006 announced plans to set up a colony on the south pole of the moon, in around 2020, as a base for further manned exploration of t
JPL begins widespread adoption of Maplesoft technology
Waterloo, Canada (SPX) Jan 27, 2012
Maplesoft has announced a major adoption of its products by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). JPL is implementing Maple, MapleSim, and MapleNet in its various projects.
Whether creating America's first satellite, Explorer 1, sending the first robotic craft to the moon, or exploring the edges of the solar system, JPL has been at the forefront of pushing the limits of exploration.
Classifying Solar Eruptions
Greenbelt MD (SPX) Jan 27, 2012
Solar flares are giant explosions on the sun that send energy, light and high speed particles into space. These flares are often associated with solar magnetic storms known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs). While these are the most common solar events, the sun can also emit streams of very fast protons - known as solar energetic particle (SEP) events - and disturbances in the solar wind known as
ESA Director General praises UK space innovation
Guildford, UK (SPX) Jan 27, 2012
ESA Director General Jean-Jacques Dordain and Rt. Hon. David Willetts, Minister for Universities and Science, has unveiled a commemorative plaque marking the inauguration of Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd's (SSTL) new state-of-the-art Kepler technical facility at an event attended by guests from the UK and European space sectors.
The European Space Agency (ESA) Director General and the Mi
Lockheed Martin-Built GPS Satellites Reach 150 Years of Combined On Orbit Service
Denver CO (SPX) Jan 27, 2012
The U.S. Air Force's fleet of Global Positioning System (GPS) Block IIR and IIR-M satellites has accumulated 150 collective years of successful on-orbit operations.
The Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT] built GPS IIR and IIR-M satellites make up the majority of the current operational GPS constellation and have provided a reliability record of better than 99.9 percent.
In over 150 cumulati
NASA's NuSTAR Ships to Vandenberg for March 14 Launch
Pasadena CA (JPL) Jan 27, 2012
NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, shipped to Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on Tuesday, to be mated to its Pegasus launch vehicle. The observatory will detect X-rays from objects ranging from our sun to giant black holes billions of light-years away. It is scheduled to launch March 14 from an aircraft operating out of Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
"The
Robot competition in zero-gravity
Paris (ESA) Jan 27, 2012
School teams from Europe and America have been commanding robots competing in the Spheres ZeroRobotics tournament in space. The arena: 400 km above Earth on the International Space Station.
Student teams could send a single piece of instruction software to control the small robotic 'Spheres'. The goal of the tournament was to earn points through masterful operation via guidance and navigat
MT Aerospace wins contract for operation and maintenance of launch facilities' mechanical systems
Kourou, French Guiana (ESA) Jan 27, 2012
MT Aerospace again signed an important contract for comprehensive service solutions at the European Space Port: from 2012 until 2016, the Augsburg-based aerospace supplier - through its subsidiary MT Aerospace Guyane - will be responsible for operation and maintenance of the mechanical systems of all launch facilities at the Guiana Space Center (CSG) in Kourou/French Guiana.
By winning the
The Lake Lander's New Home
Laguna Negra, Chile (SPX) Jan 27, 2012
The Planetary Lake Lander has been moored for the past week a short distance off the southern shore of Laguna Negra, near PLL Base Camp. Its proximity to camp enabled engineers to test its data-sampling and communications equipment. And to easily get out to the device to fix whatever annoying problems - miswired connections, transmission glitches - cropped up.
Now that the exciting world o
SPACE.com
Photos: Moon & Venus Dazzle in Skywatcher Views
See images of the moon and Venus close together.
Robotic Russian Supply Ship Docks at Space Station
The Progress 46 cargo ship delivered nearly 3 tons of cargo to the International Space Station.
Freedom 7 Mercury Capsule, Flown by 1st American in Space, Heads to Boston, D.C.
NASA astronaut Alan Shepard flew the Freedom 7 capsule on May 5, 1961.
Last Man on Moon & 7 Other Space Leaders Back Mitt Romney
Two retired astronauts, a former NASA administrator and five other space leaders signed an open letter.
GOP Presidential Candidates: Where They Stand on Space
A summary of the Republican contenders' views on NASA and the future of American spaceflight.
Massive X-Flare Tops Sun's Active Week
The same sunspot to unleash a M.9 flare just a few days ago erupted again with the strongest of flares, X type, on January 27, 2012. Fortunately, the Earth was spared the full brunt of the solar shockwave, but a radiation storm may still be imminent.
Sun Unleashes Strongest Flare Yet of 2012
An X-class flare, the most powerful type of solar storm, erupted from the sun today.
Boat Carrying Atlas Rocket Crashes Into Bridge
The two launch vehicles are apparently undamaged.
Shooting Star Streaks Over Castle Ruins in Skywatcher Photo
The ruins of the castle gleam against the backdrop of the Bakony mountain range in the stunning image.
Retired Satellite's Fall From Space Will Exceed NASA Safety Rules
The forecast for the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer's re-entry projects a return between 2014 and 2023.
Record-Setting Astronaut Retires from NASA
NASA astronaut Jerry Ross, the first person to fly seven space missions, has left the agency.
Bus-Size Asteroid Buzzes Earth in Close Flyby
The asteroid 2012 BX34 came within 36,750 miles of Earth.
Gallery: President Obama and NASA
President Obama has visited NASA facilities and spoken with astronauts in space since taking office in 2009.
Russia Evaluates Space Capsule Cracks Ahead of March Launch
The Soyuz TMA-04M is slated to launch to the orbiting complex on March 29.
Photos: Huge Solar Flare Sparks Major Radiation Storm
A huge solar flare triggered the strongest radiation storm since 2005.
GOP Candidates Clash Over US Space Exploration Future
The four remaining contenders discussed NASA and spaceflight last night in Florida.
Remembering Challenger: NASA's 1st Shuttle Tragedy
See a photo chronicle of NASA's space shuttle Challenger accident on Jan. 28, 1986.
How the Apollo 1 Fire Changed Spaceship Design Forever
The tragedy that killed three astronauts changed spacecraft design forever.
NASA to Discuss Discoveries of Material from Beyond Solar System on Tuesday
The space agency is holding a press conference Tuesday (Jan. 31).
Navy's Robot Warplane Tests Its 'Brains' for Midair Refueling
A Learjet tests the brains of the Navy's robotic warplane to see how the military drone could do autonomous aerial refueling.
Remembering the Apollo 1 Fire (Infographic)
On Jan. 27, 1967, the crew of Apollo 1 was killed when fire engulfed their spacecraft during a ground test. The disaster stalled America's race to the moon for a year and a half.
Gallery: A World of Kepler Planets
See amazing artists' illustrations of exoplanets discovered by the Kepler spacecraft.
26 Alien Planets Around 11 Different Stars
NASA's Kepler space observatory discovered a wealth of planets around 11 distant stars.
Bus-Size Asteroid to Give Earth Close Shave Friday
Asteroid 2012 BX34 won't hit us, experts say.
Surprise Asteroid Fly-by! Earth's Un-Welcomed Neighbor's Orbit
Recently discovered bus-sized asteroid 2012 BX34 will come closer to Earth than the Moon (36,750 miles away to be exact) on January 27th, 2012. See the orbit the space rock has and will take from January 10th to February 15th.
NASA Telescope Discovers 26 Alien Planets Around 11 Different Stars
NASA's Kepler space observatory discovered a wealth of planets around 11 distant stars.
Asteroid Threat to Earth Sparks Global 'NEOShield' Project
Scientists from many nations are discussing how best to battle the asteroid menace.
Satellite Snaps Brilliant Figure 8 Algae Bloom
Photosynthesizing micro-organisms called phytoplankton created the figure 8 in the south Atlantic Ocean.
New Clues Into Moon's Magnetic Mystery Revealed
Researchers are still unclear about what might have powered this ancient lunar magnetic field.
President Obama Honors NASA's Fallen Astronauts
NASA's Day of Remembrance honors the lost crews of Apollo 1 and the space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.
Cold Plasma Layer Detected High Above Earth
Scientists had suspected ions existed, but have only now seen.
Latest News About Alien Planets
An alien planet orbits a star other than our sun, and is sometimes called an "exoplanet." Learn more about the types of alien planets, including exoplanets and extrasolar planets, and get the latest news.
Moon or Asteroid? NASA's Next Giant Leap Depends on Who'll Be President
The three chief contenders for the presidency have different ideas for America's space program.
Earth to Be Consumed By Red Giant Star (In 5B Years)
When a star runs out of gas, it swells up and all that lies in its path is destroyed - the inner planets don't stand a chance. Find out what happens to our Sun and others like it when it's in its death throes.
Space Weather: Sunspots, Solar Flares & Coronal Mass Ejections
The sun's unceasing activity affects our planet beyond providing obvious light and heat.
Photos of the Apollo 1 Fire: NASA's First Disaster
The fire that claimed the lives of three NASA astronauts on January 27, 1967 exposed the dangers of space exploration.
Huge Asteroid Vesta May Be Packed With Water Ice
Half of the space rock may have subsurface ice.
New Star Discoveries Found in Antique Telescope Plates
New types of variable stars were discovered from old photographic plates.
NASA Honors Fallen Astronauts in Solemn Ceremony
NASA's Day of Remembrance marks the anniversaries of three space tragedies.
Gingrich Space Plan Promises the Moon, Literally: Lunar Base by 2020
If elected, Gingrich pledges to have an American moon base running by his second term.
Russia Launches Robot Cargo Ship to Space Station
The Progress 46 cargo ship is hauling nearly 3 tons of supplies for the space station crew.
Skywatching Guide: How to Observe the Bright Twin Stars Gemini
Here's what you need to know to spot this celestial stunner.
Will Sunscreen Protect You From the Solar Flares?
You should always wear sunscreen, but there's no need to wear more than normal during a solar flare.
Blue Marble Earth
A 'Blue Marble' image of the Earth taken from the VIIRS instrument aboard NASA's most recently launched Earth-observing satellite - Suomi NPP.
Solar Storm Forecasts Improve as Sun’s Fury Increases
Sophisticated models help scientists predict the nature of solar storms that could affect Earth.
Hello, Earth! Satellite Snaps Amazing 'Blue Marble' Photo
NASA's newest Earth-observing satellite has sent back a stunning image of our home planet.
Three Space Shuttle Veterans Chosen for Astronaut Hall of Fame
A spacewalker, a four-star general and an ex-astronaut chief will join the Hall of Fame this year.
Contest Challenges Students to Control Space Station Robots
A NASA contest challenged high school students to write the best code for floating robots on the space station to simulate asteroid mining.
Lasers Mimic Exploding Stars to Explain Cosmic Magnetic Fields
How galaxies got magnetic fields is a perplexing mystery for astronomers.
Apollo 1 Remembered - Report from the Archives
Universal Newsreel report on the death of Apollo astronauts in a capsule training exercise on January 27th, 1967. Fire engulfed the sealed capsule taking the lives of Virgil "Gus" Grissom, Edward H. White and Roger B. Chaffee. Ed Herlihy narrates.
Universe Today
“Bad Boy” Sunspot Unleashes Powerful X-Class Flare
The active region on the Sun that created all the hubbub and aurorae earlier this week put out one last shot before that area of the Sun turns away from Earth’s view, and that shot was a biggie. At 18:37 UT (1:37 pm EST) today (January 27, 2012) sunspot 1402 unleashed an X-class flare, the [...]
Emerging Supermassive Black Holes Choke Star Formation
Located on the Chajnantor plateau in the foothills of the Chilean Andes, ESO’s APEX telescope has been busy looking into deep, deep space. Recently a group of astronomers released their findings regarding massive galaxies in connection with extreme times of star formation in the early Universe. What they found was a sharp cut-off point in [...]
Large Amounts of Water Ice Found Underground on Mars
Many models predict that water ice shouldn’t be stable on Mars today, anywhere beyond the poles, no matter how deep you bury it. And yet, a recently published study shows that large regions outside the polar areas may, in fact, contain a relative abundance of water. This is exciting, not only because water has implications [...]
Test Failure Points to Potential Delay for Next Soyuz Launch
Russia may have to delay the launch of the next crew to the International Space Station, as the descent module of the Soyuz spacecraft experienced an air leak during testing. The next crew of three for the space station had been scheduled to launch on March 30, 2012. Russia’s news agency Itar-Tass quoted Russian space [...]
Orion Capsule Embarks on Cross Country Public Tour
Here’s your chance for a birds-eye view of an Orion capsule, up-close and personal ! Catch it if you can ! A full scale test version of one of NASA’s Orion spacecraft has embarked on a cross country tour from White Sands, New Mexico, across several states in the southern United States that ultimately lands [...]
Rocket Carrier Causes Bridge Collapse in Kentucky
A cargo ship carrying rocket two Atlas 5 rockets for upcoming launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station collided with a bridge in Kentucky early January 27, 2012 causing a portion of the bridge to collapse. There were cars on the bridge at the time of the incident but no injuries were reported. The 312-ft [...]
CosmoQuest: Taking Citizen Science to the Next Level
“X” marks the spot for a new place for Citizen Science on the web. It’s called CosmoQuest and the collaborators of this new website invite you to come visit and do more than just click your mouse. Besides contributing to real science for NASA space missions, there are also places to learn, converse, hang out [...]
Mystery Moon Flashes Caused by Meteorite Impacts
For hundreds of years, people have seen tiny flashes of light on the surface of the Moon. Very brief, but bright enough to be seen from Earth, these odd flashes still hadn’t been adequately explained up until now. Also known as Transient Lunar Phenomena (TLPs), they’ve been observed on many occasions, but rarely photographed. On [...]
Astronomers Capture Images of Asteroid 2012 BX34′s Close Flyby of Earth
Small asteroid 2012 BX34 skimmed past Earth today, January 27, 2012, with closest approach at about 15:25 UT, and it passed only about 59,044 km (36,750 miles) or about ~0.2 lunar distance (or 0.0004 AU) above the Earth’s surface. It was discovered just a few days ago by the Catalina Sky Survey in Arizona. Above [...]
Op-Ed: Lunar Twitter — Republicans Debate Manned Moon Base
Editor’s note – Bruce Dorminey, science journalist and author of Distant Wanderers: The search for Planets beyond the Solar System, is a lifelong proponent of lunar exploration. Newt Gingrich certainly has his own political motives for suddenly deciding that now is the time to see that the decades-long dream of a lunar base finally makes [...]