Latest news with #DAVINCI
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Here are 10 NASA missions that could be grounded under Trump's 2026 budget
Missions across the final frontier could die as a result of the proposed cuts to NASA's budget made by President Donald Trump, the Washington Post reported Sunday. In his fiscal year 2026 budget request made on May 30, Trump proposed cutting NASA's science funding by 53%, the newspaper reported. NASA receives over $7 billion a year, but Trump's budget request lowers that to $3.9 billion to '[support] a leaner, more focused science program that reflects the administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility,' according to the budget proposal. Trump submitted the proposal to Congress, where it awaits approval. The request, 'if approved by Congress, would kill many of NASA's plans for robotic exploration of the solar system,' the Post explained. 'Gone, too, would be multiple space-based missions to study Earth, the sun and the rest of the universe.' The Planetary Society, an advocacy group supportive of science education and space exploration, founded by astronomer Carl Sagan and led by Bill Nye 'the Science Guy,' called the budget 'a retreat, a narrowing of ambition.' 'This request represents the smallest NASA budget since FY 1961 — a level enacted before the first American had launched into space,' according to the organization in a statement on May 30. 'Unlike that era of growth, high ambition and bold vision, this budget revels in the opposite: what the nation cannot do." The cuts could impact 41 current and future missions, which make up one-third of NASA's space exploration portfolio, the Post reported. Of these missions, here are 10 that could be affected by Trump's budget proposal: Venus Emissivity, Radio Science, InSAR, Topography and Spectroscopy (VERITAS) probe The VERITAS probe is anticipated to be launched no later than 2031 to explore the second planet in the solar system and Earth's 'twin,' Venus, according to NASA. 'Veritas will discover the secrets of a lost habitable world, gathering data to reveal how the paths of Venus and Earth diverged,' the space agency stated. Deep Atmosphere Venus Investigation of Noble gases, Chemistry and Imaging (DAVINCI) spacecraft Like VERITAS, the DAVINCI spacecraft is also set to study Venus following its tentative launch in 2030, NASA stated. It will explore the planet's poisonous clouds and conduct both a flyby observation of the planet and a probe that will land on its surface. Voyager 1 and 2 Two twin spacecraft launched in 1977 to study the outer solar system are expected to see cuts that were already expected to happen, the Post reported. This was inevitable due to the probes' diminished power source: the radioactive decay of plutonium-238. Sagan was also involved in the prep work on the Voyager spacecrafts. Along with a golden disc carrying recordings from Earth in case extraterrestrial life found the probes, Sagan requested that Voyager 1 photograph Earth once it reached the outer solar system. By 1990, the probe photographed Earth — represented by a small pinpoint of light — in the famed photo referred to as the 'Pale Blue Dot.' Trump's proposed cuts would lower Voyager's funding from $7.8 million to $5 million in 2026, eventually until it reaches zero in 2029. Chandra X-ray Observatory Named after astrophysicist Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar, the Chandra X-ray Observatory's funding would go from $69 million to zero if Trump's cuts are approved. The observatory itself is NASA's most powerful X-ray telescope and 'has eight times greater resolution and is able to detect sources more than 20 times fainter than any previous X-ray telescope,' the agency stated. Rosalind Franklin rover's Mars Organic Molecule Analyser (MOMA) A rover that is expected to be launched to the Red Planet, Mars, in 2028. The rover is operated by the European Space Agency through its astrobiology program, but is partnered with NASA. Aboard the rover is the MOMA, which will study organic compounds in the Martian soil, according to the ESA. Polarized Submillimeter Ice-cloud Radiometer (PoLSIR) Rather than study deep space, this mission consists of two small satellites orbiting Earth to 'help humanity better understand Earth's dynamic atmosphere and its impact on climate by studying ice clouds that form at high altitudes throughout tropical and sub-tropical regions.' Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification and Security-Apophis Explorer (OSIRIS-APEX) The OSIRIS-APEX space mission continues the work of past OSIRIS probes that study asteroids and their passages near Earth, according to NASA. This latest mission aims to study the asteroid Apophis when it passes close to Earth around June 2029 to see how the planet's gravity affects it. 'If funding is terminated, as Trump proposes, the spacecraft will circle the sun indefinitely without yielding any science,' the Post reported. Mars Sample Return Also overseen by NASA and ESA, this 'multi-mission campaign ... would bring carefully selected Martian samples to Earth for the first time,' NASA stated. These samples would 'revolutionize our understanding of Mars, our solar system and prepare for human explorers to the Red Planet,' the American space agency added. The mission has been repeatedly delayed due to cost issues and technical issues, the Post reported. Trump's proposal would provide no funding for it Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) Another NASA and ESA partnership, this joint mission is intended to study gravitational waves and ripples in the fabric of space-time emitted by black holes when they collide, according to ESA. The mission is comprised of an observatory that would be launched into space in 2035 and then orbit around Earth. Trump's answer to the mission through the budget request: NASA would no longer be involved in the mission. Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) orbiter Since it was launched in 2014, the MAVEN mission also studies Mars by taking a look at how much of the planet's atmosphere has been lost over time, NASA stated. Trump's proposal would cut the mission's funding, leaving the probe to circle the Red Planet and not produce any science, the Post wrote. Eventually, it would crash down on Mars. 'The cancellation of ongoing Mars missions and Mars Sample Return eliminates major efforts to understand the environmental conditions that astronauts will face, to understand Mars as a planet and to prepare the science for human missions,' Bruce Jakosky, a senior scientist at the University of Colorado, told the Post. Selfie on Mars? Here's how NASA caught a new glimpse of the Martian surface New research says our universe only has a quinvigintillion years left, so make 'em good ones Video: Erupting volcanoes cause 'dancing' light show in space Massive solar flare erupts, causing radio blackouts across Earth Where will failed '70s Soviet probe land after it crashes back to Earth? Nobody knows Read the original article on MassLive.
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
12-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Earth's 'twin' planet was more active than we thought
Venus, which was long believed to be barren, was once geologically active, reveal Nasa's researchers. Scientists used decades-old radar data to discover tectonic activity on Venus, suggesting it was an active planet. These latest findings revise Venus' conceptualisation and revive the reinterpretation of Earth's geological processes, and open a new perspective towards planetary evolution as well as on what is needed to sustain habitabilit. NASA reveals tectonic activity on Venus' surface Venus was believed to have a solid, immobile crust and lacked any internal activity for decades. It has a dense carbon dioxide atmosphere and hot temperatures, and the motionless scene seemed to be serene. Nasa's latest research has changed the idea. The study suggests that Venus' surface could actually be remoulding itself, similar to how Earth's crust remoulds through tectonic activity. The latest research is based on the re-examination of images captured by NASA's Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. The team of researchers used advanced computer modelling techniques and enhanced image analysis programs, which scientists used to compare Venus' ancient surface characteristics, and discovered some surprising signs of movement. The images show that the parts of Venus' surface appeared to be fragmented into enormous crustal blocks, which shift and rotate relative to each other, as ice floes drift on the ocean. It suggests a mobile crust and mantle convection beneath, which means that Venus retains internal heat and is dynamically active to this day. What is 'Flake Tectonics'? Venus's crust is composed of weaker and smaller pieces similar to flakes on a soft, churning mantle, which scientists call "flake tectonics." Driven by internal heat, the flakes slowly move and reprocess the surface over time. However, the process differs from Earth's plate tectonics, implying that Venus does have a geologically active interior. Lead author Paul Byrne said, "This tells us that Venus is not a dead planet. It's actually doing things." Why now? The study used old data from the Magellan mission, but researchers were able to see things they had missed before using new computer models and techniques. The researchers used old data and saw things which were missed before using computer models and techniques. The timing of the findings holds important significance as Nasa is planning two new missions to Venus – VERITAS and DAVINCI are both expected to launch in the next decade. Findings make way for new doubts This latest finding, shifting crust, opens new questions about how rocky planets work and shows how similar, different they are from Earth. As Nasa is gearing up for the new missions, these findings could be the beginning of a wholesome understanding of our closest planetary neighbour.
Economic Times
11-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
Earth's ‘twin' is not dead but very much ‘alive'; NASA's latest discovery explained
NASA's recent analysis of Magellan spacecraft data suggests Venus may possess a dynamic surface, challenging the long-held belief of a static crust. Evidence indicates the presence of 'flake tectonics,' where crustal blocks shift due to mantle activity. This discovery, coupled with upcoming missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI, could revolutionize our understanding of rocky planet evolution and Earth's future. In this recent study its found out that Venus's surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What did NASA find? Some parts of Venus's crust appear to be broken into blocks, These blocks seem to move and shift like ice floes floating on water. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is this important? What is 'Flake Tectonics'? Why now? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads VERITAS and DAVINCI are both expected to launch in the next decade. These missions could confirm if Venus is really as active as it now seems. What does this mean for us? Learn how rocky planets evolve. Understand why Earth became habitable and Venus did not. And predict what could happen to Earth in the distant future. In a breakthrough that could change how we see our 'twin' planet, NASA has discovered that Venus may not be the hot, dead world we thought it was. Instead, its surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet, similar to Earth's underground activity. It suggests the planet is still geologically decades, scientists believed Venus had a solid, motionless crust — but this new study paints a different scientists studied radar images of Venus taken by the Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. By comparing surface features, they noticed something surprising:This movement is a sign of mantle activity underneath the surface, which means Venus may still have a warm, churning has moving tectonic plates, which help regulate its temperature and recycle materials. Venus was thought to lack such activity, making it more like a stagnant, overheated these new findings suggest that Venus's crust is not static. The surface may be slowly reshaping itself over time, a process called 'flake tectonics.'Paul Byrne, the study's lead author, says, 'This tells us that Venus is not a dead planet. It's actually doing things.'Venus may have smaller, weaker crustal blocks than Earth's large tectonic plates. These float and shift because of heat from the mantle pushing type of surface behavior is different from Earth's plate tectonics but still suggests internal geological study used old data from the Magellan mission, but researchers were able to see things they had missed before using new computer models and findings come at the perfect time — NASA is planning two new missions to Venus:Understanding Venus's crust can help scientists:The discovery of a shifting crust opens new questions about how rocky planets work — and how similar, or different, they are from Earth. As NASA gears up for new missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI to explore Venus more closely, this finding could be just the beginning of a wholesome understanding of our closest planetary neighbor.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Earth's ‘twin' is not dead but very much ‘alive'; NASA's latest discovery explained
NASA's recent analysis of Magellan spacecraft data suggests Venus may possess a dynamic surface, challenging the long-held belief of a static crust. Evidence indicates the presence of 'flake tectonics,' where crustal blocks shift due to mantle activity. This discovery, coupled with upcoming missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI, could revolutionize our understanding of rocky planet evolution and Earth's future. In this recent study its found out that Venus's surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What did NASA find? Some parts of Venus's crust appear to be broken into blocks, These blocks seem to move and shift like ice floes floating on water. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Why is this important? What is 'Flake Tectonics'? Why now? Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads VERITAS and DAVINCI are both expected to launch in the next decade. These missions could confirm if Venus is really as active as it now seems. What does this mean for us? Learn how rocky planets evolve. Understand why Earth became habitable and Venus did not. And predict what could happen to Earth in the distant future. In a breakthrough that could change how we see our 'twin' planet, NASA has discovered that Venus may not be the hot, dead world we thought it was. Instead, its surface could be alive with movement, with chunks of crust slowly shifting and reshaping the planet, similar to Earth's underground activity. It suggests the planet is still geologically decades, scientists believed Venus had a solid, motionless crust — but this new study paints a different scientists studied radar images of Venus taken by the Magellan spacecraft in the 1990s. By comparing surface features, they noticed something surprising:This movement is a sign of mantle activity underneath the surface, which means Venus may still have a warm, churning has moving tectonic plates, which help regulate its temperature and recycle materials. Venus was thought to lack such activity, making it more like a stagnant, overheated these new findings suggest that Venus's crust is not static. The surface may be slowly reshaping itself over time, a process called 'flake tectonics.'Paul Byrne, the study's lead author, says, 'This tells us that Venus is not a dead planet. It's actually doing things.'Venus may have smaller, weaker crustal blocks than Earth's large tectonic plates. These float and shift because of heat from the mantle pushing type of surface behavior is different from Earth's plate tectonics but still suggests internal geological study used old data from the Magellan mission, but researchers were able to see things they had missed before using new computer models and findings come at the perfect time — NASA is planning two new missions to Venus:Understanding Venus's crust can help scientists:The discovery of a shifting crust opens new questions about how rocky planets work — and how similar, or different, they are from Earth. As NASA gears up for new missions like VERITAS and DAVINCI to explore Venus more closely, this finding could be just the beginning of a wholesome understanding of our closest planetary neighbor.
Associated Press
24-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Vocdoni raises $1M to launch DAVINCI: The first universal digital voting protocol
Vocdoni, a leader in governance solutions, announces the upcoming launch of DAVINCI, a protocol designed to set a new global standard in secure, accessible, anonymous, anticoercion and censorship-resistant digital voting. Following a successful $1M angel investment round, Vocdoni will launch DAVINCI's public testnet this June. Canton of Zug, Switzerland, April 24, 2025 -- Backed by individuals from leading projects in the Web3 sector, Vocdoni is redefining digital democracy with DAVINCI, the first digital voting technology that meets all the criteria for universal adoption. DAVINCI, an acronym for 'Decentralized Autonomous Vote Integrity Network with Cryptographic Immutability,' addresses critical vulnerabilities in existing digital and traditional voting systems by using advanced cryptographic methods such as zkSNARKs and threshold homomorphic encryption, leveraging Ethereum security and cryptographic integrity. These technologies ensure voter privacy, prevent coercion, and enable verifiable transparency without relying on central authorities. 'Current digital voting systems are costly, vulnerable, and inaccessible, failing to meet the democratic needs of billions,' stated Pau Escrich, Vocdoni cofounder. 'DAVINCI solves these issues, providing universally anticoercion, anonymous, tamper-proof, and cost-efficient voting capabilities.' Inspired by Bitcoin and Ethereum's success in enabling censorship‑resistant financial participation, DAVINCI brings that proven model to governance. Its token powers a fully decentralized voting network in which organizers stake tokens to launch transparent elections, and sequencers earn rewards by honestly aggregating votes. Vocdoni's longstanding leadership in decentralized governance has already provided secure voting solutions to over 300 organizations globally, including city councils, political parties and DAOs. DAVINCI emerges as a culmination of Vocdoni's extensive experience with the aim to establish new standards in digital democracy, enabling low‑cost, highly scalable, coercion-free and anonymous voting. Throughout 2025, Vocdoni will initiate token pre-sales, offering individuals and communities an opportunity to shape the future of digital governance. For more information, please visit About the company: Vocdoni, a pioneer in decentralized governance technology, empowers communities and institutions through secure, verifiable, and censorship-resistant digital voting solutions. Built on open-source principles, decentralized technologies and advanced cryptography, Vocdoni ensures integrity, privacy, and accessibility in global democratic processes. Vocdoni works with notable clients such as FC Barcelona, the Barcelona City Council, the Belarusian Coordination Council, Esquerra Republicana, one of the largest political parties in Spain, and Òmnium Cultural, the largest cultural association in Europe, along with hundreds of other Web2 organizations, institutions, and DAOs. Contact Info: Name: Ferran Reyes Email: Send Email Organization: Vocdoni Phone: +34744407401 Website: Disclaimer: This press release is for informational purposes only. Information verification has been done to the best of our ability. Still, due to the speculative nature of the blockchain (cryptocurrency, NFT, mining, etc.) sector as a whole, complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. You are advised to conduct your own research and exercise caution. Investments in these fields are inherently risky and should be approached with due diligence. Release ID: 89158313 In case of identifying any errors, concerns, or inconsistencies within the content shared in this press release that necessitate action or if you require assistance with a press release takedown, we strongly urge you to notify us promptly by contacting [email protected] (it is important to note that this email is the authorized channel for such matters, sending multiple emails to multiple addresses does not necessarily help expedite your request). Our expert team is committed to addressing your concerns within 8 hours by taking necessary actions diligently to rectify any identified issues or supporting you with the removal process. Delivering accurate and reliable information remains our top priority.
