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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Science
- Miami Herald
New super-black paint could fix satellite light pollution problem
By Dean Murray British researchers are working to solve the problem of Elon Musk's reflective satellites by painting them black. A new partnership between Surrey NanoSystems and the University ofSurrey is aiming to tackle what has become a major concern for astronomers worldwide. They are working on using Surrey NanoSystems's newest product, Vantablack 310, which is a super-black coating. When Vantablack 310 is applied to a surface, it reflects only 2% of incoming light, meaning it absorbs the remaining 98%. This high level of light absorption makes the coated surfaces appear extremely dark, helping to minimise the unwanted brightness from satellites that can disrupt the work of stargazers. More than 8,000 low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites already orbit Earth, and projections estimate a rise to 60,000 by 2030, partly driven by the development of mega-constellations. To combat this problem, satellite operators have begun experimenting with mitigation strategies, including dark coatings and changes to satellite position, though the negative impact on ground-based measurement persists. Surrey NanoSystems, with a heritage in ultra-black technologies, says their new solution, Vantablack 310, is a handleable, customer-applied coating, resistant to the challenging LEO environment. The technology will be trialled on the Jovian 1 mission, scheduled to launch in 2026, which will be the first satellite mission from JUPITER – the Joint Universities Programme for In-Orbit Training, Education and Research. One side of a shoebox-sized CubeSat will be coated with Vantablack 310, marking the first UK-led initiative to explore solutions for reducing satellite brightness. The initiative aims to not only improve space sustainability but also demonstrate the efficacy of Vantablack 310 as a hull-darkening solution. Dr. Keiran Clifford, Senior Technologist and project lead at Surrey Nanosystems, said: "Our latest coating technology, Vantablack 310, offers super-black performance across a wide range of viewing angles, while remaining robust to the challenging LEO environment. "We're proud to be working with our partners at the University of Surrey to deliver innovations in the satellite sector, ensuring sustainable and equitable access to a night sky for all." Researchers from the University of Surrey are developing ways to evaluate the experiment from Earth. The post New super-black paint could fix satellite light pollution problem appeared first on Talker. Copyright Talker News. All Rights Reserved.
Saudi Gazette
25-02-2025
- Business
- Saudi Gazette
Saudi economy minister meets with officials in Switzerland
Saudi Gazette report BERN — Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning Faisal Al-Ibrahim held a meeting with Swiss Federal Councillor Guy Parmelin, head of Federal Department of Economic Affairs, Education and Research, during an official visit to Switzerland. The two officials discussed ways to enhance cooperation in innovation, entrepreneurship, and the support of small and medium enterprises. Al-Ibrahim also meets with Swiss State Secretary for Economic Affairs Helene Budliger Artieda. The talks focused on bilateral trade and investment, cooperation in education and research, and opportunities and challenges facing Swiss companies in Saudi Arabia. Both sides stressed the potential for cooperation in the context of diversifying the Saudi economy and major infrastructure investment projects. The two sides also discussed the current global political situation. Switzerland maintains close economic relations with Saudi Arabia. These relations are based on several agreements, including a free trade agreement, a double taxation agreement, and an investment protection agreement. Saudi Arabia is Switzerland's second largest trading partner in the Middle East. Trade has more than tripled since 2020 and is currently worth SR31.02 billion 2024. Switzerland's main exports to Saudi Arabia are precious metals, pharmaceuticals and precision instruments. More than 100 Swiss companies are present in Saudi Arabia, creating a significant number of local jobs.
