ORBITAL REEF
Visible From Space: The Massive Beaver Dam That’s Quietly Reshaping an Entire Landscape
A colossal beaver dam, the largest ever recorded at 850 meters, has been discovered in Alberta, Canada. This massive structure, visible from space, showcases how beavers, acting as ecosystem engineers, can profoundly reshape landscapes. The dam, built over many years by multiple beaver generations, highlights their significant impact on wetlands and hydrological patterns, offering crucial insights into climate resilience.
A $5 nut doomed SpaceX’s first rocket; its satellite crashed through a shed roof and landed beside its own shipping crate
In March 2006, SpaceX’s first rocket failed because of a $5 aluminium nut that cracked from corrosion. The cadet-built satellite on board was thrown clear and landed in a storage shed beside its own shipping crate. Reports first blamed human error, but a review board pointed to corrosion, a cause even Elon Musk called only “most probable”.
Astronomers have found a 'baby' planet and named it Elias 2-24 b. The Jupiter-size world is less than 1 million years old
Astronomers have made an exciting discovery with Elias 2-24 b, recognised as the youngest planet identified to date. This gas giant is still enveloped in the material from its formation, indicating it is in a state of growth as it gathers more matter from its surrounding disk. Analysing previous telescope data has allowed scientists to gain valuable insights into the processes behind the formation and evolution of giant planets.
The 'From Space' Checklist: 9 Natural Structures You Can Spot From Orbit
Earth reveals its dynamic nature from space, showcasing nine natural wonders visible from orbit. These include the Great Barrier Reef, the Himalayas, the Sahara Desert, the Amazon Rainforest, the Greenland Ice Sheet, the Mississippi River Delta, the Aurora Borealis, the Richat Structure, and the Andes Mountains. Their visibility offers important insights into our planet's health and ongoing transformations.
Gaganyaan mission: ISRO conducts important test on main parachutes
The Indian space agency said this test is part of the ongoing series of Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Tests (IMAT) for the qualification of the parachute system for the Gaganyaan mission.
How SpaceX's rocket diplomacy backfired in the Bahamas
SpaceX offered Starlink internet to the Bahamas for rocket landings. Deputy PM Chester Cooper signed the deal. A Starship explosion caused debris on Bahamian islands. This led to a deal suspension. Mexico is also considering action against SpaceX. Starlink is a key tool for SpaceX. The Bahamas is reviewing the environmental impact. Future Starship launches are expected soon.
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Axiom-4 Mission: Creating our own space
Axiom Mission 4, featuring India's Shubhanshu Shukla, is set to dock at the ISS, facilitating over 60 experiments in microgravity. This mission supports India's Gaganyaan program by providing invaluable experience in space medicine and orbital operations. These efforts align with India's long-term goals of establishing its own space station and crewed lunar missions, reinforcing its role in global space exploration.
The very long wait for Jeff Bezos' big rocket is coming to an end
New Glenn built by Blue Origin is larger than SpaceX's current workhorse rocket, the Falcon 9, but not as big as Starship, the fully reusable rocket system that SpaceX is currently developing. Blue Origin is also working on a future private space station called Orbital Reef, a lunar lander for NASA called Blue Moon and a space tug called Blue Ring -- a vehicle that could move satellites around in Earth orbit.
China's 'New Great Wall' casts a shadow on Nepal
Nepal's Humla District residents report Chinese territorial encroachment and pressure on ethnic Tibetan Nepalis. The border has seen increased Chinese fortifications. Despite these issues, Nepal's government has ignored a fact-finding report on the matter, citing strong economic and ideological ties with China. Concerns remain about China’s broader geopolitical intentions and influence in the region.
Chinese fighter jets 'orbit' Philippine patrol aircraft, Manila says
Two Chinese fighter jets were observed orbiting a Philippine aircraft during patrols with Australia in the South China Sea. The Philippines and Australia conducted a second day of sea and air exercises in the region, following patrols with the US. China claims almost the entire South China Sea, a conduit for over $3 trillion of annual ship-borne commerce.
Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin expects split on space station partnership
Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos, is expected to break up its corporate partnership with Sierra Space to build a commercial space station. Blue Origin has reassigned employees working on the project to other programs, such as its moon lander contract with NASA.
Is China ready to spring military surprises?
Last year was full of disconcerting surprises, including the discovery of massive silo fields for intercontinental ballistic missiles, and the testing of a fractional orbital bombardment system. However, more surprises await in 2022.
Blue Origin, Boeing chart course for 'business park' in space
Orbital Reef will be operated as a "mixed use business park", and plans to provide the infrastructure needed to scale economic activity and open new markets in space.
20th century warmest in 1400 years: Study
Global warming over the 20th century has produced the hottest global average temperatures in 1400 years, a major scientific study has found.
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