Announcements

HELSINKI — Chinese space scientists have outlined a tentative roadmap for establishing a space resources utilization network stretching into the outer reaches of the solar system. Wang Wei, a scientist affiliated to CASC, China’s main space contractor, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), is proposing a four-stage roadmap for a space resources utilization project which would, eventually, span the entire solar system by 2100. The initiative is titled Tiangong Kaiwu and takes its name from Ming Dynasty scientist Song Yingxing’s work, “The Exploitation of the Works of Nature.” It proposes developing strategic mineral resources, utilizing off-world water-ice for fuel, …

Chandrayaan-3 is also India's first successful Moon lander. Jon Fingas Reporter Updated Wed, Aug 23, 2023, 2:07 PM EDT·2 min read India just made spaceflight history in more ways than one. The Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft's Vikram lander has successfully touched down on the Moon, marking the country's first successful landing on the lunar surface. It's just the fourth country to do so after the Soviet Union, US and China. More importantly, it's the first country to land near the Moon's south pole — a difficult target given the rough terrain, but important for attempts to find water ice. Other nations have only landed near the …

TASS Russian News Agency 27 July 2023 Russia’s state-run space corporation Roscosmos may assist a number of African nations in space launches, Roscosmos Director General Yury Borisov has said. In his words, as more and more countries tend to create satellite constellations on the orbit, "the demand for space launch services is projected to be high." "The demand is growing," Borisov continued. "The African continent’s proximity to the equator has certain benefits. That is why a number of African nations are reflecting on the possibility. We are putting forward ceratin proposals to meet this demand," Borisov said in an interview …

It's confirmed! ESA is building its fourth deep space antenna – much like the Cebreros dish pictured here – that will ensure upcoming missions like JUICE and the Hera mission have someone to talk to when they get to space. 'Deep Space Antenna 4' will be located at the New Norcia ground station in Western Australia, home of Europe’s first 35-metre antenna. ESA’s ESTRACK network is currently made up of three deep space stations across the globe as well as a number of smaller dishes, and it is running at peak capacity. Following analysis of future mission needs, this fourth antenna will provide much-needed communication support to upcoming European and non-European deep-space …

On 14 July, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch Chandrayaan-3 – a Moon mission featuring a lunar lander and a rover that will spend 14 days carrying out scientific activities on the surface. In addition to ISRO’s own deep space communication antenna, the mission will rely on support from ground stations around the world, coordinated by ESA and NASA. Communication is an essential part of every deep space mission. Ground stations on Earth keep operators safely connected to spacecraft as they venture into the unknowns and risks of space. Without ground station support, it’s impossible to get any data from a spacecraft, …

What time is it right now? If you’re in the UK then that might be a bit of an issue because this weekend sees Daylight Savings Time begin. In the longer term there’s also the issue of whether we need to use a negative-second to account for the fact that the Earth is suddenly spinning faster. But what do you do it you’re on the Moon? Not much because it’s a timeless anarchy up there. Not for long. Cue LunaNet, a proposed new system to provide timing and positioning information for anyone or anything on and around the Moon. “LunaNet is …

by Katherine Schauer for GSFC News Greenbelt MD (SPX) Mar 06, 2023 Ever wondered how your phone knows exactly where you are? Or how it can provide directions from one place to another? In the United States, we rely on the Global Positioning System (GPS) - a satellite constellation orbiting Earth that provides precise location and timing information. What a lot of people don't know is that GPS is just one constellation of location and timing satellites. There are currently six GPS-like systems, known as global navigation satellite systems, or GNSS, that provide navigation services to Earthlings traveling the globe. …

by Katherine Schauer for GSFC News Greenbelt MD (SPX) Mar 05, 2023 The Near Space Network provides missions within 2 million kilometers (1.2 million miles) of Earth with robust communications and navigation services. Using a blend of government and commercial assets, the network supports science, human spaceflight, and technology demonstration missions exploring our planet, the Moon, and beyond. In February 2023, NASA issued the Near Space Network Services request for proposal (RFP) seeking relay and direct-to-Earth service providers for integration into the network's expanding portfolio. These services include relays, either near-Earth or at the Moon, that will allow missions without …