space exploration
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Eric Schmidt Funds Hubble Telescope Successor
Read Full Article: Eric Schmidt Funds Hubble Telescope Successor
Former Google CEO Eric Schmidt and his wife, Wendy, have announced a significant investment in four innovative telescope projects, collectively called the Schmidt Observatory System. Among these, the space-based telescope named Lazuli stands out as a potential successor to the aging Hubble Space Telescope, promising enhanced capabilities for astronomical research. The Schmidts are funding these projects to support scientific advancements that might not receive government or private sector backing, potentially revolutionizing the field of astronomy and astrophysics. This matters because it represents a shift back to private funding for groundbreaking scientific instruments, potentially accelerating discoveries in space exploration.
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Medical Concern Delays ISS Spacewalk
Read Full Article: Medical Concern Delays ISS Spacewalk
A planned spacewalk outside the International Space Station was postponed due to a "medical concern" involving a crew member, as announced by NASA. Originally scheduled for Thursday morning, astronauts Mike Fincke and Zena Cardman were set to spend six-and-a-half hours outside to prepare for the installation of new roll-out solar arrays, which are crucial for the station's electrical system upgrade before its decommissioning in 2030. While NASA emphasized the importance of medical privacy and did not disclose further details, they assured the situation is stable and will provide updates on a new date for the spacewalk. This mission was intended to be the first of two spacewalks planned for the month, with the second aimed at completing maintenance tasks. This matters because ensuring the health and safety of astronauts is crucial for the successful completion of essential upgrades and maintenance on the International Space Station, which plays a key role in ongoing space exploration and research.
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NASA Science Budget Secures Future Missions
Read Full Article: NASA Science Budget Secures Future Missions
The NASA science budget is set to be approved soon, with the House of Representatives and the Senate expected to vote on the bill, and President Trump likely to sign it into effect for the current fiscal year. The Mars Sample Return mission, initially paused due to its high projected cost, will not be supported in its current form, but $110 million is allocated for the "Mars Future Missions" program, which focuses on developing critical technologies for future missions. The budget also preserves funding for other scientific endeavors, including the DAVINCI probe to Venus, a study for a Uranus orbiter, and a flagship telescope aimed at discovering signs of life on Earth-like planets. This matters because it ensures continued investment in space exploration and scientific research, maintaining NASA's competitive edge globally.
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Top Space and Defense Tech Startups at Disrupt
Read Full Article: Top Space and Defense Tech Startups at Disrupt
TechCrunch's Startup Battlefield pitch contest highlights innovative startups in space and defense technology, showcasing seven standout companies. Airbility is developing a two-seat electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft with a unique VTOL technology and electric propulsion system for enhanced maneuverability. Astrum offers a propellantless space propulsion system that eliminates onboard fuel, potentially extending spacecraft lifespans and reducing costs for deep space exploration. A fintech-like platform provides risk analysis for spacecraft, enabling insurance coverage and fostering new credit forms in the space industry. Endox combines AI and robotics to inspect and maintain U.S. military equipment, while Hance develops an AI neural network to enhance real-time audio in unpredictable environments. Skylark's self-learning AI is designed for machine use in safety applications, addressing challenges in processing information at the edge. Lastly, Skyline offers navigation software independent of GPS, using AI to combat GPS jamming effectively. These innovations matter as they push the boundaries of technology in critical sectors, potentially transforming how we explore space and enhance defense capabilities.