Space.com
• Chelsea Gohd
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has completed initial tests of a lightweight radar antenna for the proposed SkyFall mission, which would use three small helicopters to explore Mars. The system is designed to detect subsurface frozen water, giving rotorcraft a new role in planetary science and resource mapping.
NASA
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The private LINK spacecraft, launched last month on a mission to save a NASA space telescope, has itself encountered trouble. Engineering teams report progress as they work to recover the spacecraft, adding a second layer of operational risk to an already complex in-space rescue effort.
NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has completed initial tests of a lightweight radar antenna for the proposed SkyFall mission, which would use three small helicopters to explore Mars. The system is designed to detect subsurface frozen water, giving rotorcraft a new role in planetary science and resource mapping.
NASA has freed up enough power from Voyager 2’s dwindling supply to keep one of the 48-year-old probe’s remaining science instruments operating for another year. The successful, risky “Big Bang” maneuver may offer a path to prolong Voyager 1’s scientific mission as its power reserves decline.
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Ampaire has begun real-world hybrid-electric aircraft demonstrations in Utah, flying a modified Cessna Skymaster on a three-leg mission along the I-15 corridor between California and Utah. The FAA-DOT eVTOL Integration Pilot Program effort will test potential regional cargo operations, while Ampaire plans to convert Cessna Grand Caravans for freight and passenger service.
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Jessica Meir and Anil Menon spent 6.5 hours outside the International Space Station on Aug. 6 installing mounting hardware for new rollout solar arrays. The upgrade is intended to provide additional power for the station, according to NASA.
NASA and Roscosmos will continue exchanging astronaut seats between Russian Soyuz and U.S. Crew Dragon spacecraft. The agreement does not yet include Boeing’s Starliner, leaving the crew-transport arrangement limited to the two currently participating vehicles.
Voyager Technologies remains optimistic about Starlab’s prospects but is seeking changes to NASA’s commercial space station request for proposals. The company wants certain requirements relaxed, highlighting the tension between NASA’s program objectives and industry’s ability to deliver commercially viable orbital infrastructure.
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