. | . |
NASA seeks public's designs to throw shade in space by Staff Writers Washington DC (SPX) Jul 20, 2022
Searching the universe for Earth-like planets is like looking for a needle in a haystack. To further this exploration, NASA is supporting the early-stage study of a concept for a hybrid observatory that would combine a ground-based telescope with a space-based starshade. These devices block glare from stars when observing planets outside our solar system, known as exoplanets, from the ground. The Hybrid Observatory for Earth-like Exoplanets (HOEE) would convert the largest ground telescopes into the most powerful planet finders ever made - and the public has an opportunity to be part of this groundbreaking endeavor. The Ultralight Starshade Structural Design Challenge asks participants to develop a lightweight starshade structure that could be used as part of the HOEE concept. The ideal design would allow for compact packaging and successful deployment once in its Earth orbit. It must also have the lowest possible mass so that chemical thrusters can keep it aligned during observations and propulsion systems can change its orbit to observe different targets - all while using as little fuel as possible. One way to pinpoint an exoplanet in the vast darkness of space and determine its potential habitability, is to observe the light it reflects as it orbits its star. This light is influenced by surface minerals, oceans, continents, weather, vegetation, and the gases that make up its atmosphere. But the star often produces a glare when observing the planets from ground-based telescopes, disrupting observations. Starshades cast a dark shadow over the star without blocking the light of its planets, providing observers a better view. "The hybrid observatory might help us answer some of the most pressing questions about extraterrestrial life," said Dr. John Mather, senior astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, and senior project scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope. "Observing many systems would help answer the question of why configurations like our own are rare and why none is quite like home. It is truly exciting that the public can be part of this revolutionary effort. I can't wait to see what ideas they bring to the table." The top five submissions will share a prize purse of $7,000. The contest deadline is Aug. 22. The challenge is administered by GrabCAD. For more information about the challenge, visit here. This contest supports the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) study of the HOEE concept. The NASA Tournament Lab, part of the Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing program, manages the challenge. The program supports public competitions and crowdsourcing as tools to advance NASA research and development and other mission needs. NIAC and the Prizes, Challenges, and Crowdsourcing program are part of NASA's Space Technology Mission Directorate. Learn more about opportunities to participate in your space program via NASA prizes and challenges here
Discs for fault detection Paris (ESA) Jul 10, 2022 Embedded within these resin discs are vital clues to determine whether future space missions will fail or thrive. These are microsections taken from printed circuit boards (PCBs) and other parts, being considered for use by coming ESA projects. Such elements are key building blocks of space missions. As their components become smaller, spacecraft are becoming much smarter and more capable - provided of course that the parts work as they are supposed to. ESA's Materials and Electrical C ... read more
|
|
The content herein, unless otherwise known to be public domain, are Copyright 1995-2024 - Space Media Network. All websites are published in Australia and are solely subject to Australian law and governed by Fair Use principals for news reporting and research purposes. AFP, UPI and IANS news wire stories are copyright Agence France-Presse, United Press International and Indo-Asia News Service. ESA news reports are copyright European Space Agency. All NASA sourced material is public domain. Additional copyrights may apply in whole or part to other bona fide parties. All articles labeled "by Staff Writers" include reports supplied to Space Media Network by industry news wires, PR agencies, corporate press officers and the like. Such articles are individually curated and edited by Space Media Network staff on the basis of the report's information value to our industry and professional readership. Advertising does not imply endorsement, agreement or approval of any opinions, statements or information provided by Space Media Network on any Web page published or hosted by Space Media Network. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) Statement Our advertisers use various cookies and the like to deliver the best ad banner available at one time. All network advertising suppliers have GDPR policies (Legitimate Interest) that conform with EU regulations for data collection. By using our websites you consent to cookie based advertising. If you do not agree with this then you must stop using the websites from May 25, 2018. Privacy Statement. Additional information can be found here at About Us. |