Tag

Space Environment

All articles tagged with #space environment

space1 day ago•10 min saved

Atomic Oxygen: The Hidden Material Menace in Low Earth Orbit

Atomic oxygen in low Earth orbit aggressively erodes carbon-based polymers, carbon composites, and optical surfaces on spacecraft such as the ISS. NASA tests exposed material trays outside the station to study damage and variations in material properties, leading to protective coatings like silicon dioxide or aluminum oxide to mitigate reactions with single oxygen atoms. In LEO, the atmosphere is a thin, UV-driven environment rather than a hard vacuum, so long-duration missions require careful material selection and protective measures; very low orbits demand extra care for satellites. Deep space exposure to atomic oxygen is much less of a concern, making this primarily a LEO issue.

via Hackaday|

#atomic-oxygen #coatings #low-earth-orbit

space5 months ago•8 min saved

Addressing the Growing Threat of Space Debris and Micrometeoroids

In 2025, space debris around Earth has reached nearly 130 million pieces, causing increased collision risks and prompting emergency responses like China's spacecraft re-entry delay, highlighting the urgent need for better debris tracking, international cooperation, and sustainable space practices to prevent future crises.

via Space|

#china-space-incident #orbital-safety #space

science-and-technology5 months ago•6 min saved

Satellite Collision Risks Accelerate Amid Solar Storm Threats

A new study warns that a severe solar storm could trigger satellite collisions in Earth's orbit within days, especially in low Earth orbit where most satellites like SpaceX's Starlink operate, potentially leading to a cascade of debris and making space unusable. The risk is higher now than in 2018 due to increased satellite numbers, and future solar storms could cause significant disruptions if satellite operators are unprepared.

via Space|

#kessler-syndrome #satellite-collisions #science-and-technology

space-safety7 months ago•5 min saved

ESA Launches Space Environment Health Index Amid Growing Orbital Concerns

The European Space Agency (ESA) has introduced a Space Environment Health Index to quantify the impact of human activities on Earth's orbital environment, highlighting that current space debris levels are four times higher than the sustainability threshold and emphasizing the need for stronger mitigation efforts to ensure long-term space sustainability.

via European Space Agency|

#esa #health-index #space-debris

science8 months ago•1 min saved

Scientific Balloon Observed Over Albuquerque

A high-altitude scientific balloon launched by NASA from Fort Sumner was spotted over Albuquerque, with a second balloon launched from Kirtland AFB, both used for atmospheric and space research.

via KOAT|

#albuquerque #atmospheric-research #nasa

science8 months ago•2 min saved

Scientists Identify Cause of Satellite Electrical Surges

Scientists have identified a direct link between electron flux peaks in space and electrical discharges on satellites, which can cause damage. Using sensors on a satellite, they observed that high electron activity precedes electrical surges by 24 to 45 minutes, opening possibilities for predicting and mitigating satellite damage from space weather events.

via Gizmodo|

#electrical-surges #electron-flux #satellites

science1 year ago•4 min saved

New Space-Found Microbe Could Revolutionize Exploration

Scientists have discovered a new bacterial species, Niallia tiangongensis, on China's Tiangong space station, which exhibits unique traits like biofilm formation and radiation resistance, highlighting the importance of understanding microbial life in space for crew safety and potential biotechnological applications.

via Ynetnews|

#bacteria-discovery #microbial-resilience #science

space2 years ago•1 min saved

FAA Proposes Stricter Rules to Curb Space Debris

The FAA has proposed a rule to limit new orbital debris from commercial space vehicles in order to reduce the risk of collisions with spacecraft and satellites. The proposed rule focuses on how commercial operators will be required to dispose of the upper stages of their launch vehicles, offering five disposal options. The FAA aims to align commercial space orbital debris mitigation practices with those accepted by the U.S. government for its space missions. The rule will be open for public comment for 90 days.

via AVweb|

#commercial-space-vehicles #faa #orbital-debris

space-exploration2 years ago•0 min saved

"Space Startup Pioneers Human Reproduction and IVF in Zero Gravity"

Start-up companies are working towards making human reproduction in space a reality, addressing the challenges of building a self-sustaining human population on Mars. Scientists need to determine how reproduction can occur in a hostile space environment, which lacks gravity, is bombarded with harmful radiation, and lacks essential resources.

via Interesting Engineering|

#challenges #human-population #mars

science3 years ago•6 min saved

Sleeping in Space: Astronauts' Solutions.

Astronauts face challenges in sleeping during space missions due to the unique space environment and the need to establish a natural sleep cycle. NASA researchers are developing tools to help astronauts overcome sleep challenges, including managing exposure to blue light and shifting sleep schedules. Simulated missions on Earth, such as the Human Exploration Research Analog, allow for more control and data collection. NASA is also monitoring the sleep of Earth-bound scientists and engineers working on Mars missions to better understand the effects of the planet's longer day on the human body. Understanding sleep is crucial for astronaut performance, alertness, and relationships during long-duration missions to Mars.

via CNN|

#astronauts #circadian-rhythm #mars-missions