Most of the satellites that are launched into space have antennas for communications. Elaborate folding antennas are necessary in order to fit them inside the payload of the launch vehicle. Once the satellite reaches its preferred orbit, the antenna must be unfolded and spread out in order to function. Problems with deploying the antenna can be fatal to a satellite.
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Chinese scientists claim that they could now launch hundreds of mini satellites called “CubeSats” from a large mothership in space with lethal precision and speed. Each CubeSat weights about two pounds. These satellites are so complex that they require artificial intelligence (AI) to control them.
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Avalanche Energy was co-founded by ex-Blue Origin engineers Riordan and Robin Langtry. It entered the fusion race in 2018. It has patented a new lunchbox-sized fusion reactor that they call the “Orbitron.”
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For most people, the term “nuclear energy” conjures images of huge steaming cooling towers over massive buildings containing nuclear power reactors. However, two Seattle-based startups are developing nuclear technologies that one person could pick up and carry. They hope to produce power and propulsion for a new generation of spacecraft.
Asteroids constitute an existential threat to humanity. Sixty-five million years ago, a six mile sized asteroid hit the Earth and rendered dinosaurs extinct. Astronomers say that asteroids that are six tenths of a mile in diameter are expected to hit the Earth every five hundred thousand years. NASA and other space agencies are attempting to map the population of Near-Earth Asteroids.
Space startup Momentus states that their Vigoride water plasma thruster has successfully complete thermal vacuum testing. This is considered to be a critical milestone. The successful test in a simulated space environment means that Momentus’ revolutionary thruster is headed for real-world space applications later this year.
My last post was a five part essay on the NASA Twins Study. It dealt with differences in biomarkers between a pair of twins, one of which was in Earth orbit and the other was on the ground. Recently, there has been interest in old research in blood chemistry.
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What is next?
