An artist's impression of an accreting X-ray pulsar. (Dana Berry/NASA)Neutron Star Spins at Unbelievable SpeedA neutron star located 27,400 light-years away is exhibiting one of the most remarkable rotational speeds ever observed.In the binary system 4U 1820-30, this dead star spins so rapidly around its axis that it completes an astounding 716 rotations per second....
The Micro-Reactor can be used for nuclear space propulsionRolls-RoyceRolls-Royce has received an additional £4.8 million (US$6.2 million) from the UK Space Agency (UKSA) to develop critical technology for a nuclear micro-reactor, potentially powering lunar bases and spacecraft propulsion in the future.In the 1969 science fiction film Doppelganger (also known as Journey to the Far...
Artist's concept of the USDV docked with the ISSSpaceXNASA has shared details about its plan to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) after it is decommissioned in 2030. During a press conference, NASA explained that the US Deorbit Vehicle (USDV), which is being built by SpaceX, will be used for this task.The ISS, one...
An international research team discovered a lava tube on the Moon, indicating a potential habitat safe from harsh lunar conditions. The study, which reanalyzed NASA LRO mission data, offers significant insights for future lunar exploration. (Artist’s concept.) Credit: SciTechDaily.comFor the past 50 years, the existence of tunnels beneath the lunar surface has been a...
Artist's concept of Ariane 6 lifting offESAEurope will re-enter the heavy lift rocket market on July 9, 2024, with the maiden flight of the Ariane 6, which will carry nearly a dozen satellites and experiments. The launch window at Kourou, French Guiana, begins at 2:00 pm EDT. Here's how you can watch.ESA has eagerly...
A supermassive black hole in galaxy SDSS1335+0728 has lit up, possibly giving astronomers a look at how such beasts are awakened.M. KORNMESSER/ESOFor the last four years, astronomers have observed the supermassive black hole at the center of SDSS1335+0728 undergo a transformation from a dim and inactive state to a bright and active one.This...
Starship sitting atop the launch padspacexStarbase, located in Boca Chica, TX, is undergoing a major upgrade known as Starfactory, set to be operational by this summer with a hefty price tag of $100 million and ambitious objectives.Construction began in February, adding an extra 100,000 square feet (9,290 sq m) of factory space dedicated...
Starliner awaiting launchBoeingBoeing canceled its attempt to send two astronauts into orbit. Technical issues with the oxygen release valve of the Centaur second stage of the Atlas V rocket led to the halt of the Starliner spacecraft's launch at 8:33 pm EDT.The launch of Starliner, initially scheduled for 10:34:14 pm EDT, was aborted after...
JWST captured a near-infrared image of the boundary of the Horsehead Nebula. (Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA, CSA, K. Misselt/University of Arizona, and A. Abergel/IAS/University Paris-Saclay/CNRS)A fresh perspective has just unveiled a renowned feature in our planet's sky.Mid- and near-infrared investigations conducted by the James Webb Space Telescope have revealed never-before-seen characteristics in the Horsehead Nebula...
Credit: PixabayThe International Space Station has a limited lifespan, prompting NASA to invest hundreds of millions of dollars into potential successors. Among these prospects is Orbital Reef, a collaborative project between Blue Origin, led by Jeff Bezos, and Sierra Space.NASA announced on Wednesday that Orbital Reef achieved four significant milestones in its crucial technologies,...
