January 2017
Blueprint for NASA’s journey to Mars
... in cis-lunar space or on a subsequent mission to Mars. Planning ahead for sufficient residual propellant provides some radiation shielding for the return journey, allows for recovery of MBC elements, and provides additional options for mission...
July 2017
Hunting for neutrinos in the ice of Antarctica
... is in its pilot-phase. Located in a very specific corner on the Ross ice-shelf with pure ice and shielded by mighty trans-Antarctic mountains from the nearest research stations, nine stations are currently in operation to test...
July 2017
Rapidly evolving space industry needs faster UN response
... need to maintain an equal pace. It reminds me of the lasting historical struggle between artillery on the one hand and shielding on the other. When one innovated, the other had to adjust, and vice versa. Having an imbalanced relationship...
September 2017
Measuring space debris risk
... that the greatest risk posed to spacecraft is from objects in the 2 to 3 mm range. For debris objects below 1 mm, shielding and good design can normally provide a successful defence. So, from a satellite perspective a ‘bad’ conjunction is one with...
May 2018
Challenging the boundaries of materials science
... no substitute material; a component of high-strength-to-weight Al-Li alloys; beryllium oxide for spacecraft cooling devices and heat shields; boric acid, used for high-quality printed circuit board manufacture and plating processes; gallium arsenide...
August 2018
Measuring the pulse of Mars
...; Olympus Mons for example is nearly 100 times greater in volume than Mauna Loa in Hawaii, the largest shield volcano on Earth. Although no active volcanoes have been discovered on Mars - the last eruptions are thought to have...
