September 2017
Engaging the private sector in space exploration
... southern hemisphere and the South Pole. Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL) is developing this idea in cooperation... Europe. Such capability would enable the testing of new technologies and the delivery of scientific payloads to the Moon, leading...
November 2018
Being human in space
...interstellar space vehicle, to be constructed from a hollowed-out asteroid. The aim is not just to focus on the necessary technology but also to consider the biological and social factors involved in making such a gargantuan voyage feasible. “We need...
February 2019
Simulating lunar and martian regolith in the laboratory
...the recent resurgence of interest in missions to both the Moon and Mars, it is an exciting time for research and technology developments that rely on planetary regolith simulants. ESA’s Sample Analogue Curation Facility will provide access to curated...
February 2020
Aeroshells – from LEO to Mars
... aeroshells may have an important role to play. In summary, aeroshells are a simple, low cost and space-tested technology with the potential to enable new forms of space transportation. In doing so, aeroshells are well positioned to make a valuable...
August 2020
Interstellar aspirations
... in microelectronics to construct a gram-class spacecraft, dubbed ‘nanocraft’. The second breakthrough is the rapidly decreasing cost of laser technology and increased laser power. Laser costs and capability have been on a ‘Moore’s Law’ curve for the...
October 2020
Essential role of satellites in disaster and pandemic management
... such as remote sensing to access high-resolution satellite imagery. That was critical in enabling stakeholders’ use of satellite technologies for more effective mapping, to overcome the outdated colonial maps, during the Ebola outbreak. For example...
