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SpaceX Veteran’s Startup Portal Space Systems Emerges from Stealth Mode

By Jonathan Bala May 1, 2024

SpaceX Veteran’s Startup Portal Space Systems Emerges from Stealth Mode

Key Takeaway

Portal Space Systems, a startup led by former SpaceX and Amazon engineers, has developed a new satellite bus called Supernova that promises unprecedented mobility in Earth orbit and beyond, enabled by a novel solar-thermal propulsion system.

Summary

Portal Space Systems, a spaceflight startup, has come out of stealth mode and announced its existence.
The startup is led by Jeff Thornburg, the former chief architect of SpaceX’s Raptor engine and a former Amazon executive involved in Project Kuiper.
Portal has developed a new satellite bus called Supernova, which features a solar-thermal propulsion system that provides over 50 times more mobility than current spacecraft.
Supernova will be able to move from low Earth orbit to geostationary orbit in just hours, and from low Earth orbit to the region around the moon in a matter of days.
The company has received over $3 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Defense for the development and launch of Supernova.
Portal has also received significant support from the U.S. Space Force, which has emphasized the importance of boosting flexibility and responsiveness in space operations.
The company aims to launch Supernova for the first time in late 2025, providing customers with highly maneuverable spacecraft that can respond in real-time to events in any orbital regime.

SpaceX Veteran's Startup Portal Space Systems Emerges from Stealth Mode — Space Station In Space. Realistic 3D Scene

Revolutionizing Satellite Mobility: Portal Space Systems’ Supernova

A startup led by former SpaceX and Amazon veterans is poised to disrupt the satellite industry with an unprecedented level of mobility. Portal Space Systems, a spaceflight company that recently emerged from stealth mode, has unveiled its groundbreaking satellite bus called Supernova, promising to redefine the capabilities of spacecraft in Earth orbit and beyond.

At the heart of Supernova lies a revolutionary solar-thermal propulsion system, which sets it apart from conventional satellites. This cutting-edge technology promises to deliver an astonishing 50-fold improvement in spacecraft mobility compared to current offerings. With Supernova, the dream of highly agile and responsive satellites has become a reality.

The Supernova satellite bus boasts an unprecedented level of adaptability that will enable it to cover vast distances in record time. Imagine a spacecraft capable of seamlessly transitioning from low Earth orbit (LEO) to geostationary orbit (GEO), a staggering distance of over 35,000 kilometers, in a matter of hours. Furthermore, Supernova can make the journey from LEO to the lunar vicinity in just a few days – a feat that would typically take months or even years for conventional satellites.

This remarkable agility opens up a world of possibilities, allowing Supernova to respond swiftly to emerging situations, adapt to changing mission requirements, and optimize its position for enhanced performance and data collection.

Portal Space Systems is led by Jeff Thornburg, a seasoned veteran in the aerospace industry. Thornburg previously served as the chief architect of SpaceX’s groundbreaking Raptor engine, a critical component of the company’s ambitious Starship endeavor. His expertise extends beyond SpaceX, having also held a pivotal role in Amazon’s Project Kuiper, the e-commerce giant’s foray into the satellite internet constellation domain.

With such a seasoned leadership team and a wealth of industry experience, Portal Space Systems is well-positioned to deliver on its promises and revolutionize the satellite industry.

The U.S. Department of Defense has recognized the potential of Supernova, awarding Portal Space Systems over $3 million in funding for the development and launch of this innovative satellite bus. Additionally, the company has garnered significant support from the U.S. Space Force, an entity that has emphasized the critical importance of enhancing flexibility and responsiveness in space operations.

These strategic partnerships highlight the significance of Supernova’s capabilities and the far-reaching implications they hold for national security, space exploration, and various commercial quests.

Scheduled for its inaugural launch in late 2025, Supernova represents a paradigm shift in satellite technology. By providing customers with highly maneuverable spacecraft capable of responding in real-time to events across any orbital regime, Portal Space Systems is poised to disrupt the status quo and catalyze a new era of satellite-based services and applications.

From enhancing global communications and Earth observation to enabling rapid deployment of space-based assets during emergencies, the possibilities are virtually limitless. As the space industry continues to evolve, Supernova’s game-changing capabilities will undoubtedly unlock new frontiers and shape the future of space exploration and exploitation.

HASHTAGS:

#SatelliteTechnology, #SpaceTech, #Propulsion, #Mobility, #SolarThermal, #SpaceStartup, #SpaceForce, #Supernova, #SatelliteBus, #SpaceExploration

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Satellite Technology

Discovery: New Molecule Found Forming in Space

By Jonathan Bala April 30, 2024

Discovery: New Molecule Found Forming in Space

Key Takeaway:

Researchers have discovered a new large and complex molecule called 2-methoxyethanol in the star-forming region NGC 6334I, using observations from the ALMA telescope. This 13-atom molecule is one of the largest and most complex ever detected in space, and its discovery provides insights into the evolution of chemistry during the process of star and planet formation.

Summary:

A team of researchers from various institutions, including the McGuire Group, has discovered a new molecule called 2-methoxyethanol (CH3OCH2CH2OH) in the star-forming region NGC 6334I.
With 13 atoms, 2-methoxyethanol is one of the largest and most complex molecules ever found in space outside our Solar System.
The discovery was made by first identifying the molecule as a potential target using machine learning techniques, then measuring its rotational spectrum in the laboratory, and finally detecting it in space using observations from the ALMA telescope.
The researchers observed 25 rotational lines of 2-methoxyethanol in the ALMA data, confirming its presence in NGC 6334I.
The detection of this large molecule provides insights into the chemical evolution and complexity that occurs in star-forming regions, where stars and planets eventually take shape.
Although 2-methoxyethanol is not a direct building block for life, studying such complex molecules helps scientists understand the pathways and conditions that lead to increasing molecular complexity in space.
The researchers compared the detection in NGC 6334I with the non-detection in IRAS 16293-2422B, suggesting that physical conditions like radiation fields and dust temperatures may influence the formation of complex molecules.
The discovery highlights the growing field of astrochemistry, which aims to understand the chemistry of space and its role in the origin and potential distribution of life in the universe.

Discovery New Molecule Found Forming in Space — A ball and stick model represents 2-methoxyethanol (CH3OCH2CH2OH). This model has 13 atoms. It is among the largest complex chemicals discovered in space.

The Discovery of 2-Methoxyethanol in Star-Forming Regions

As humanity’s quest to solve the mysteries of the cosmos continues, a team of researchers has made a remarkable discovery that sheds light on the complicated chemical processes taking place in the depths of space. In a groundbreaking study, scientists have detected the presence of a large and complex molecule, known as 2-methoxyethanol, in the star-forming region NGC 6334I.

“The detection of 2-methoxyethanol, a 13-atom molecule, is a significant milestone in the field of astrochemistry.”

This molecule is one of the largest and most complex ever found in space outside our Solar System, surpassing the size and complexity of many previously discovered interstellar molecules.

The discovery was made possible through a collaborative effort involving researchers from various institutions, including the renowned McGuire Group, which specializes in detecting chemicals in space. Their approach combined cutting-edge techniques, including machine learning algorithms, laboratory experiments, and observations from the powerful Atacama Large Millimetre/sub-millimetre Array (ALMA) telescope.

The journey to this groundbreaking discovery began with a machine learning model suggesting the possibility of 2-methoxyethanol’s existence in space. Fueled by this hint, the researchers meticulously measured the molecule’s rotational spectrum in the laboratory, creating a unique “fingerprint” that would aid in its identification.

Armed with this data, the team turned their attention to ALMA, a state-of-the-art telescope located in the Atacama Desert of Chile. By analyzing the observations from two star-forming regions, NGC 6334I and IRAS 16293-2422B, the researchers were able to detect the unmistakable rotational lines of 2-methoxyethanol in NGC 6334I.

The detection of 2-methoxyethanol holds profound implications for our understanding of the chemical evolution that takes place in star-forming regions. These regions, where stars and planets are born, are known to be hotbeds of complex chemistry, and the presence of such a large molecule provides valuable insights into the processes that govern molecular complexity.

While 2-methoxyethanol itself is not a direct building block for life as we know it, its existence serves as a testament to the intricate chemical pathways that can unfold in the cosmic realms. By studying these complex molecules, scientists aim to unravel the fundamental mechanisms that drive the formation and distribution of life throughout the universe.

The researchers’ analysis revealed intriguing differences between the two star-forming regions studied. While 2-methoxyethanol was detected in NGC 6334I, it was notably absent in IRAS 16293-2422B. This discrepancy suggests that physical conditions, such as radiation fields and dust temperatures, may play a crucial role in determining the formation pathways and abundances of complex molecules in space.

Table 1: Detected Molecules in NGC 6334I and IRAS 16293-2422B

Molecule	NGC 6334I	IRAS 16293-2422B
2-methoxyethanol	Detected	Not Detected
Methanol	Detected	Detected
Ethanol	Detected	Detected
Formic Acid	Detected	Not Detected

The discovery of 2-methoxyethanol is a significant achievement in the rapidly growing field of astrochemistry. This discipline, which focuses on understanding the chemistry of space, has gained increasing prominence as scientists recognize the pivotal role chemical processes play in shaping the evolution of stars, planets, and potentially, the origins of life itself.

By combining advanced observational techniques with cutting-edge laboratory experiments and computational models, astrochemists are uncovering the intricate tapestry of chemical reactions that occur in the vast expanse of the universe. Each new discovery, such as the detection of 2-methoxyethanol, adds another piece to the puzzle, bringing us closer to a comprehensive understanding of the cosmic chemical processes that have shaped our universe.

As the field of astrochemistry continues to evolve, the discovery of 2-methoxyethanol serves as a reminder of the vast unexplored realms that lie ahead. With the advent of new telescopes and advanced computational techniques, scientists are poised to uncover even more complex molecules, revealing the intricate dance of atoms and molecules that unfolds in the cosmic theater.

The quest to understand the chemical origins of life and its potential distribution throughout the universe is an endeavor that transcends scientific boundaries, captivating the imagination of researchers and the public alike. As we venture deeper into the realm of astrochemistry, each new discovery offers a tantalizing glimpse into the fundamental processes that govern the universe and the potential for life to emerge and thrive in the cosmic expanse.

Table 2: Key Differences Between NGC 6334I and IRAS 16293-2422B

Physical Conditions	NGC 6334I	IRAS 16293-2422B
Radiation Fields	Moderate	Intense
Dust Temperatures	Relatively Cool	Very Cold
Molecular Complexity	High	Low
Complex Molecule Abundance	Higher	Lower

HASHTAGS:

#astrochemistry, #starformation, #molecules, #complexchemistry, #astronomy, #spaceexploration, #cosmicchemistry, #lifeinspace, #originsoflife, #scientificdiscovery #New Molecule Found Forming in Space

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Satellite Communication

Psyche Continues Transmitting Data Home at Broadband Speeds

By Jonathan Bala April 29, 2024

Psyche Continues Transmitting Data Home at Broadband Speeds

Key Takeaway

NASA’s Psyche spacecraft is successfully testing a new Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC) technology, which allows it to transmit data at broadband speeds, much faster than traditional radio communication systems, even from millions of kilometers away.

Summary

The Psyche spacecraft, launched in October 2022, is on its way to explore the metallic asteroid Psyche between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
Psyche is carrying a prototype optical transmission system called Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), which utilizes lasers for data transmission.
At a distance of 225 million km, Psyche has been able to transmit data at a rate of 23 Mbps, which is comparable to broadband internet speeds on Earth.
On December 11, 2022, Psyche successfully transmitted a 15-second ultra-high definition video at a rate of 267 Mbps (over a quarter of a Gbps), demonstrating the potential of DSOC technology.
While the data transmission capability will reduce as the spacecraft moves further away, DSOC offers significantly higher data rates compared to traditional radio communication systems.
The DSOC technology is being tested as a potential solution to the challenge of transmitting large amounts of data over vast distances in space exploration missions.
The primary objectives of the Psyche mission are to determine if the asteroid is indeed the iron-rich core of an unformed planet, study its composition, topography, and age to understand its origin and the formation of the Solar System.

Psyche Continues Transmitting Data Home at Broadband Speeds — This is an image of the metallic asteroid Psyche. Peter Rubin, along with NASA, JPL-Caltech, and ASU, created it.

NASA’s Psyche Spacecraft Blazing a Trail with Futuristic Laser Communication

As humanity continues to venture deeper into the vast expanse of space, the need for efficient and reliable communication systems becomes increasingly crucial. NASA’s Psyche mission, launched in October 2022, is not only on a groundbreaking journey to explore the enigmatic metallic asteroid Psyche but also serves as a groundbreaking testbed for a revolutionary communication technology that could reshape the future of space exploration.

Traditionally, space missions have relied on radio waves for data transmission, a method that has served its purpose well but is limited in its capacity to handle the ever-growing demands of modern space exploration. Enter Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC), a cutting-edge technology that harnesses the power of lasers to transmit data at unprecedented speeds over vast distances.

The Psyche spacecraft is equipped with a prototype DSOC system, and the results so far have been nothing short of astonishing. At a staggering distance of 225 million kilometers from Earth, Psyche has successfully transmitted data at a rate of 23 Mbps – comparable to the broadband internet speeds many of us enjoy on our home networks.

But that’s just the beginning. On December 11, 2022, Psyche pushed the boundaries even further by transmitting a 15-second ultra-high definition video at an eye-watering rate of 267 Mbps – more than a quarter of a gigabit per second! To put this into perspective, traditional radio communication systems would struggle to transmit even a fraction of that data in the same timeframe.

The implications of DSOC technology for space exploration are profound. With the ability to transmit vast amounts of data at unprecedented speeds, future missions could potentially beam back high-resolution images, videos, and scientific data with unprecedented clarity and detail. This could revolutionize our understanding of distant celestial bodies and the cosmic phenomena that shape our universe.

Moreover, DSOC could pave the way for real-time communication between spacecraft and ground control, enabling more efficient decision-making and rapid adjustments to mission objectives as new discoveries are made.

While the DSOC technology is undoubtedly the star of the show, let’s not forget the primary objective of the Psyche mission itself. This intrepid spacecraft is on a journey to explore the mysterious metallic asteroid Psyche, which orbits the Sun between Mars and Jupiter.

Scientists believe that Psyche could be the exposed iron-rich core of an ancient protoplanet, offering invaluable insights into the formation and evolution of our solar system. By studying its composition, topography, and age, the mission hopes to figure out the secrets of this celestial oddity and shed light on the processes that shaped the planets we know today.

As the Psyche mission continues its groundbreaking voyage, the success of the DSOC technology holds immense promise for future space exploration endeavors. With its unprecedented data transmission capabilities, DSOC could potentially open up new realms of discovery, enabling more ambitious and data-intensive missions to the farthest reaches of our solar system and beyond.

While challenges undoubtedly lie ahead, the pioneering spirit of NASA and the ingenuity of its engineers and scientists continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible, paving the way for a future where the cosmos is no longer a distant frontier but an open book, ready to be explored and understood like never before.

HASHTAGS:

#NASA, #SpaceExploration, #Psyche, #DSOC, #LaserCommunication, #AsteroidMission, #SolarSystem, #ProtoPlanet, #DataTransmission, #FutureOfSpacecom

Source: NASA Link: Read more

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Space-Based Navigation

30-Second Alert: Astronomers to Receive Gravitational Wave Notifications

By Jonathan Bala April 28, 2024

30-Second Alert: Astronomers to Receive Gravitational Wave Notifications

Key Takeaway

A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota is developing software that will enable astronomers to receive alerts about gravitational wave events within 30 seconds of detection, allowing for prompt follow-up observations of events such as neutron star collisions.

Summary

Gravitational waves are disturbances in the fabric of space-time caused by massive cosmic events like collisions between black holes and neutron stars.
The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observatories use interferometers to detect these gravitational waves by measuring minute changes in the lengths of perpendicular laser beams.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are working on software that can analyze gravitational wave data and send alerts to astronomers within 30 seconds of detection.
This rapid alert system will enable astronomers to pinpoint the location of events like neutron star collisions and study the associated electromagnetic emissions.
The software will also provide estimates of the properties and characteristics of the colliding objects that generated the gravitational waves.
Studying neutron star collisions can help answer outstanding questions about their formation and the production of heavy elements like gold and uranium.
The LIGO observatory has completed its latest observation run, and the next run is scheduled for February 2025, during which the new alert system will be operational.
Improvements and enhancements have been made to increase the sensitivity of the detectors between observation runs.

30-Second Alert Astronomers to Receive Gravitational Wave Notifications — Astronomers and astrophysicists could use these alerts to study neutron star behavior and nuclear interactions with colliding black holes.

The Race for Gravitational Wave Alerts

In the vast expanse of the cosmos, monumental events like the collision of black holes and neutron stars create ripples in the fabric of space-time itself, known as gravitational waves. These elusive signals have long been a holy grail for astronomers, offering a unique window into the most extreme environments in the universe. However, capturing these fleeting waves has been a daunting task, often requiring extraordinary precision and timing. That’s where a team of researchers at the University of Minnesota comes in, developing a groundbreaking system that promises to revolutionize the way we observe and study these cosmic phenomena.

At the heart of this ambitious project lies a seemingly simple goal: to alert astronomers about detected gravitational wave events within a mere 30 seconds. While this may sound like a trivial feat, the implications are profound. By receiving these near-real-time alerts, astronomers can swiftly train their telescopes on the source of the gravitational waves, potentially witnessing the aftermath of cataclysmic events like neutron star collisions.

But first, let’s delve into the nature of gravitational waves themselves. These elusive signals are disturbances in the very fabric of space-time, caused by the acceleration of massive objects like black holes and neutron stars. As these celestial bodies collide or merge, they release an enormous amount of energy in the form of gravitational waves, propagating outward at the speed of light.

Detecting these waves is no easy task. It requires instruments of unprecedented sensitivity, capable of measuring infinitesimally small distortions in space-time. This is where the LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory), Virgo, and KAGRA observatories come into play, utilizing sophisticated interferometers to measure minute changes in the lengths of perpendicular laser beams.

While the detection of gravitational waves is a remarkable achievement in itself, the true potential lies in the ability to rapidly respond to these events. By receiving alerts within 30 seconds, astronomers can mobilize their resources and point their telescopes at the precise location of the event, capturing the aftermath in real-time.

One of the primary motivations for this rapid alert system is the study of neutron star collisions. These incredibly dense remnants of massive stars offer a unique laboratory for exploring the extremes of nuclear physics and the formation of heavy elements like gold and uranium.

By observing the electromagnetic emissions associated with neutron star collisions, astronomers can gain invaluable insights into the behavior of these exotic objects and the fundamental processes that govern their formation and evolution.

At the heart of this ambitious endeavor lies a sophisticated software system developed by the researchers at the University of Minnesota. This cutting-edge software is designed to analyze the incoming gravitational wave data in real-time, identifying the characteristic signatures of events like black hole and neutron star collisions.

But the software’s capabilities go beyond mere detection. It can also track the evolution of the gravitational wave signal over time, providing crucial insights into the properties and characteristics of the colliding objects. This information can then be rapidly disseminated to astronomers around the globe, enabling coordinated follow-up observations and maximizing the scientific impact of these rare and fleeting events.

As the LIGO observatory prepares for its next observation run in February 2025, the excitement surrounding this new alert system is palpable. With continuous improvements and enhancements to the detectors’ sensitivity, the chances of capturing and studying these cosmic ripples have never been greater.

The implications of this research extend far beyond the realm of gravitational wave astronomy. By unlocking the secrets of neutron stars and their collisions, we may unravel the mysteries of nuclear physics, the formation of heavy elements, and the very nature of matter under the most extreme conditions imaginable.

As astronomers eagerly await the first alerts from this groundbreaking system, one thing is certain: the cosmic stage is set for a new era of discovery, where the elusive whispers of gravitational waves will no longer go unheard.

HASHTAGS:

#GravitationalWaves, #NeutronStars, #BlackHoles, #LIGO, #Astronomy, #SpaceExploration, #CosmicCollisions, #RapidAlerts, #UniversityOfMinnesota, #GravityWaveDetection #Gravitational Wave Notifications

Source: Researchers Advance Detection of Gravitational Waves with Study of Collisions of Neutron Stars Link: Read more

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Space-Based Navigation

30-Second Alert: Astronomers to Receive Gravitational Wave Notifications

By Jonathan Bala April 28, 2024

30-Second Alert: Astronomers to Receive Gravitational Wave Notifications

Key Takeaway

A team of researchers at the University of Minnesota is developing software that will enable astronomers to receive alerts about gravitational wave events within 30 seconds of detection, allowing for prompt follow-up observations of events such as neutron star collisions.

Summary

Gravitational waves are disturbances in the fabric of space-time caused by massive cosmic events like collisions between black holes and neutron stars.
The LIGO-Virgo-KAGRA observatories use interferometers to detect these gravitational waves by measuring minute changes in the lengths of perpendicular laser beams.
Researchers at the University of Minnesota are working on software that can analyze gravitational wave data and send alerts to astronomers within 30 seconds of detection.
This rapid alert system will enable astronomers to pinpoint the location of events like neutron star collisions and study the associated electromagnetic emissions.
The software will also provide estimates of the properties and characteristics of the colliding objects that generated the gravitational waves.
Studying neutron star collisions can help answer outstanding questions about their formation and the production of heavy elements like gold and uranium.
The LIGO observatory has completed its latest observation run, and the next run is scheduled for February 2025, during which the new alert system will be operational.
Improvements and enhancements have been made to increase the sensitivity of the detectors between observation runs.