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Business Standard
23-05-2025
- Science
- Business Standard
Dragonfly to Titan: Nasa's bold mission to unlock life's ancient recipe
Nasa is gearing up to send a flying robot named Dragonfly to Titan, Saturn's largest moon, in 2028. Roughly the size of a car, this unique rotorcraft isn't built to find aliens – but to explore the chemical clues that could reveal how life first emerged in the universe. Life as we know it can't survive on Titan, where temperatures plunge to minus 292 degrees Fahrenheit. Yet the moon has lakes and rivers – not of water, but of liquid methane and ethane. Even its sand isn't made of silicates like on Earth, but of tiny organic particles, making it a chemically rich but alien world. Unlike Earth, Titan is untouched by biology, and hence it holds some older secrets. Due to a lack of human touch, Titan offers a pure prebiotic chemistry, which makes this mission immensely meaningful. Nasa's Dragonfly to search life's origin in Titan Titan comprises the right ingredients – organics, water and energy. Nasa's previous Cassini mission showed how rich Titan is in molecules such as acetylene, ethane, cyanogen and more in the skies. These molecules fall and collect on the icy surface below. Dragonfly is supposed to land close to Selk crater, a 50-mile-wide site. Scientists believe water once flowed there after an impact. It is also believed that the melted ice may have stayed liquid for centuries. The water would have lasted longer if ammonia were present there, creating a perfect soup of water, organics and minerals. The Selk crater could reveal ancient chemical steps that may have led to life on Earth. On our planet, these signs are erased by microbes over a period of time. But Titan preserved them, frozen in time and chemistry. Probing for complexity, not life The Dragonfly Mass Spectrometer (DraMS) is central to the mission, not to detect life itself, but to search for signs of complex chemistry. It will analyse chemical patterns, such as those found in amino acids, where increased complexity could hint at prebiotic processes. On barren worlds, simpler amino acids are typically more common. By conventional standards, Titan isn't considered habitable. It's extremely cold and lacks liquid water on its surface. Still, the possibility remains that chemistry alone could spark life. If Titan challenges this assumption, it could transform our understanding of life's origins. To quote Zibi Turtle, principal investigator for Dragonfly and a planetary scientist at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, 'Dragonfly isn't a mission to detect life — it's a mission to investigate the chemistry that came before biology here on Earth'. 'On Titan, we can explore the chemical processes that may have led to life on Earth without life complicating the picture,' he says. Dragonfly is under construction at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, with NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Goddard Space Center contributing significantly. The mission is led by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center. Dragonfly won't deliver immediate answers, but it could offer vital clues about how life begins. Amid Titan's icy landscape, we may uncover reflections of our own beginnings.
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
The US isn't prepared for a big solar storm, exercise finds
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. A first-of its-kind space weather "tabletop" exercise has revealed major weaknesses in America's preparedness for severe solar storms. In May 2024, participants representing local and national government agencies gathered at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, and at a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) site in Denver, Colorado, to learn how ready they were for a major solar storm. Results of the unique exercise they conducted have recently been released in a new report. The exercise, which lasted two days, had the participants pretend that the sun expelled several giant coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which were hurtling toward Earth. CMEs are eruptions of strongly magnetized plasma from the sun's upper atmosphere, the corona. These giant clouds of charged particles take several days to reach Earth, but when they do, they can wreak havoc with the planet's magnetic field and the upper atmosphere. The geomagnetic storms caused by these interactions can trigger power blackouts, disrupt satellite signals and damage satellite electronics. They can also subject astronauts in space to high doses of radiation. Although super-powerful geomagnetic storms only hit once every few decades, the disruption they can cause to our technology-dependent society is significant. Yet, the participants of the exercise, which was organized by the Space Weather Research and Operations Center (SWORM) and the National Science and Technology Council (NSTC), found that a lack of communication protocols and insufficient measurements from space and on the ground hamper effective response to such incidents. The scenario explored in the exercise asked the participants to time travel to January 2028. NASA's Artemis 4 mission is orbiting the moon with two astronauts aboard, and their two colleagues have just landed on the surface. At the same time, a giant sunspot has emerged on the solar surface and sent several flares and CMEs in Earth's direction. The exercise made the participants aware of significant limitations of current space weather forecasting capabilities, according to the report, which was published by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in mid-April. As the hypothetical CMEs neared the planet, the participants realized that the lack of measurements prevented accurate modelling and forecast of impacts, which in turn therefore complicated effective decision making. The biggest problem, the participants realized, was the fact that, although a CME takes up to three days to reach the planet, the scope of its impact is dependent on the orientation of the magnetic field in the plasma it carries. When the cloud and Earth's magnetic field meet with the same poles, they mostly repel each other. When opposite poles collide, however, an enormous energy exchange follows that can wreak havoc on Earth and in orbit. The magnetic field orientation of the incoming cloud, however, is only known about 30 minutes before the CME hits, when the cloud passes the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1, a gravitationally stable spot about 930,000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) from Earth where several sun-observing spacecraft are located. The report highlights the need to deploy more satellites to improve the forecasters' "ability to predict events, enhance real-time data collection, improve forecasting models and provide earlier warnings." In the hypothetical scenario, the sequence of powerful eruptions led to widespread power blackouts, disruption of satellite and radio communication and degradation of GPS positioning, navigation and timing services. In a real-life situation, the primary impacts would lead to serious disruptions in many sectors, including aviation, emergency response and health care, as hospitals would have to rely on back-up power generators for days. In space, satellites deviated from their trajectories due to the changes in air density caused by the sudden heating triggered by the energetic processes. As a result, satellite trackers on the ground were unable to ascertain satellite positions and determine collision risk. NASA experts, at the same time, were trying to determine the risk to the astronauts and decide on emergency measures. As the hypothetical solar storm worsened, the exercise participants quickly became overwhelmed with information. The report recommended that government authorities develop communication and messaging templates like those used in other natural disaster situations such as hurricanes. The participants concluded that government agencies across the board need to cooperate to prepare for significant space weather events. Coincidentally, the exercise took place at the same time as the Gannon Storm, the most powerful solar storm in 20 years, which meant many of the problems studied could be, on a smaller scale, verified in practice. Related Stories: — The worst solar storms in history — May solar superstorm caused largest 'mass migration' of satellites in history — Space weather: What is it and how is it predicted? The Gannon Storm hit Earth on May 10, 2024, and triggered a mass migration of satellites that rendered Earth's orbit unsafe for days. It also caused local power outages and widespread radio and satellite communication blackouts. Still, the Gannon Storm was nowhere near as potent as the most energetic solar storm to take place in recorded history — the 1859 Carrington Event. Since the current solar cycle — the 11-year ebb and flow in the number of sunspots and eruptions — has only just reached its peak, scientists worry that more solar drama is on tap in the coming years.
USA Today
11-05-2025
- Science
- USA Today
NASA's Dragonfly passes key test. A look at its upcoming mission to Saturn's moon
NASA's Dragonfly passes key test. A look at its upcoming mission to Saturn's moon NASA's eight-rotor Dragonfly drone just finished a crucial test, which confirmed the spacecraft's design and will allow the project to move forward with full-scale fabrication of the spacecraft, according to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, which manages the mission for NASA. The mission is expected to launch in 2028 to Titan, one of Saturn's moons. The Dragonfly mission has faced several delays and expense overruns. Dragonfly has a total lifecycle cost of $3.35 billion, NASA said. The rotorcraft is anticipated to arrive at Titan in 2034 and "fly to dozens of promising locations on the moon, looking for prebiotic chemical processes common on both Titan and the early Earth before life developed," according to the agency's release. What will the Dragonfly's mission be on Titan? Here's a brief look: NASA's Dragonfly nuclear helicopter To study Titan's atmosphere and surface, Dragonfly will have a variety of instruments, including a mass spectrometer, a drill system and a neutron spectrometer. "Dragonfly marks the first time NASA will fly a vehicle for science on another planetary body," NASA said in a recent statement. "The rotorcraft has eight rotors and flies like a large drone." More: 'Like a large drone': NASA to launch Dragonfly rotorcraft lander on Saturn's moon Titan Where is Saturn's moon Titan? Of the 274 moons orbiting Saturn, Titan is its largest and is roughly 759 million miles away from Earth. In some ways, Titan is the closest moon we know of that is similar to the atmosphere of Earth, complete with its orange haze and methane seas, according to NASA. Titan shows all the characteristics of a planet – including rivers, lakes, clouds, rain and even a salty subsurface ocean. Titan was discovered in 1655 by the Dutch astronomer Christiaan Huygens, who named it simply "Luna Saturni," meaning Saturn's moon. Later on, it was renamed after the Titans, a group of Greek mythological beings. How Titan compares to Earth in size Titan is about half the size of Earth. NASA has found Titan experiences seasons just like Earth, but because of Saturn's lengthy orbit, Titan's seasons are much longer than Earth's. Titan is nearly the same size as Mars and larger than Mercury. How long will it take the Dragonfly to get to Titan? After launching aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket in July 2028, Dragonfly is expected to take about six years to reach Titan by 2034, according to NASA. On its way to Titan, the spacecraft will fly by Earth utilizing gravity assistance to increase its velocity toward Saturn. How will the Dragonfly land on Titan? Once the Dragonfly reaches Titan, it will go through a series of steps to launch into its atmosphere. The drone will evaluate its surroundings and take panoramic images. The cameras will provide detailed views of the terrain. These will allow scientists to select promising geological targets. Then, the drone will fly in a series of "leapfrog" flights to those locations to perform scientific investigations during its 2.7 year mission on Titan, according to NASA. Each of its flights is expected to be about 5 miles. The Dragonfly will have plenty of power to perform its many experiments. The drone has eight electric motors and is powered by a lithium-ion battery. A Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG), a nuclear battery, recharges the battery during Titan's night. "Titan is unlike any other place in the solar system, and Dragonfly is like no other mission," said Thomas Zurbuchen, NASA's associate administrator for Science at the agency's Headquarters in Washington. "Dragonfly will visit a world filled with a wide variety of organic compounds, which are the building blocks of life and could teach us about the origin of life itself." CONTRIBUTING Jonathan Limehouse SOURCE NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, University of Arizona, The Johns Hopkins University, U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy and USA TODAY research
The Hill
13-04-2025
- Science
- The Hill
Commercial space companies are ready for the next stage of lunar exploration
Recently, some of the players in the Commercial Lunar Payload Services program met with the House Subcommittee on Space and Aeronautics, part of the House Science, Space and Technology Committee. The witnesses included representatives from NASA administration, Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, Astrobotic Technology, Intuitive Machines and Firefly Aerospace. Intuitive Machines made a 'partially successful' lunar landing in March after a similar attempt in February 2024. Firefly Aerospace conducted an entirely successful lunar landing also in March 2025. Astrobotic failed its first lunar landing attempt in January 2024. The hearing covered two main topics. The first was what to do with the NASA VIPER lunar rover. The second was a discussion of the possibility of a Commercial Lunar Payload Services 2.0. VIPER, or Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover, was planned by NASA to be delivered by an Astrobotic Griffin lander to the moon's south pole. It would trundle across the lunar surface with a drill and a suite of instruments, searching for ice. NASA abruptly canceled the rover in July 2024, citing cost overruns. The VIPER is essentially finished and needs only some more testing before it is sent to the moon. The decision elicited cries of outrage from both the scientific and commercial space communities. Some demanded that the project be revived through a commercial partnership. Intuitive Machines developed a plan to do just that, using one of its planned landers. NASA finally put out some requests for proposals for plans to deliver the VIPER to the moon with a commercial partnership. The space agency stated that it will respond sometime in the summer of 2025. Members of the subcommittee expressed exasperation with NASA's decision to cancel VIPER, according to Space News. Nicola Fox, the associate administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate, defended the decision, stating that moving forward with the lunar rover would have adversely affected the funding of several future Commercial Lunar Payload Services missions. Brett W. Denevi, the principal staff scientist at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, expressed skepticism about the commercial partnership approach. 'We should not expect VIPER science to happen by hoping that someone will offer to fly and operate it on their own dime,' he said. He stated that Congress must come up with the extra money lest China become the first country to prospect for water ice on the moon. On the subject of Commercial Lunar Payload Services and its future, the three representatives of the commercial lunar lander companies were filled with praise for the program and would like more of the same. The current program lasts through 2028. A Commercial Lunar Payload Services 2.0 would continue and expand the program that has NASA helping to finance commercial moon landings. Steve Altemus, president and CEO of Intuitive Machines, suggested that Commercial Lunar Payload Services 2.0. would start delivering 'infrastructure' to the lunar surface. Infrastructure means habitats, rovers, power sources and everything else that would support the long-term exploration and development of the moon. By 2028, if NASA's plans hold up, the Artemis III mission should have already taken place. A Human Landing System derived from the SpaceX Starship will have delivered two astronauts and their equipment to the lunar surface. With the Starship human landing systems' ability to carry 100 to 150 metric tons to the moon, the first two moonwalkers since 1972 will have a lot of stuff coming with them. The advent of the Starship human landing system could provide a lot of opportunities for commercial companies. It could be that Artemis III will leave behind robots provided by commercial companies to continue the work of the next moonwalkers when they leave the lunar surface. The opportunity presented by the Starship human landing system depends on NASA following through with the Artemis return to the moon program and not pursuing the pivot to Mars that Elon Musk advocates. The moon is an opportunity for science, economic development and political soft power (i.e., beating China.) Fortunately, Jared Isaacman, the billionaire entrepreneur who Trump nominated to be NASA administrator, has expressed his full support for a return to the moon before the end of the current presidential term. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee that oversees NASA, agreed on X, stating, 'The moon mission MUST happen in President Trump's term or else China will beat us there and build the first moonbase.' Isaacman also noted during testimony at his confirmation hearings that while Mars is a priority, 'Along the way, we will inevitably have the capabilities to return to the Moon and determine the scientific, economic, and national security benefits of maintaining a presence on the lunar surface.' Commercial Lunar Payload Services companies can play a continuing role in the opening of the lunar frontier. Mark R. Whittington, who writes frequently about space policy, has published a political study of space exploration entitled ' Why is It So Hard to Go Back to the Moon? ' as well as ' The Moon, Mars and Beyond,' and, most recently, ' Why is America Going Back to the Moon? ' He blogs at Curmudgeons Corner.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Parker Probe Repeats Record Brush With The Sun in Daredevil Dive
NASA's Parker Solar Probe has repeated its record-smashing performance of December 2024, swooping down within a scorching 6.1 million kilometers (3.8 million miles) of the Sun's surface. That distance marks the closest any human-made object has ever been to the Sun, with the probe cruising at a breakneck speed of 192 kilometers per second – the fastest speed ever recorded by a human-made object. Both records were originally set by the probe on 24 December 2024. Now, both have been successfully repeated on 22 March 2025, bringing the probe deep into the Sun's atmosphere, which extends more than 8.3 million kilometers from its visible surface. Icarus, eat your heart out. What makes these daring feats of Sun 'chicken' even more amazing is that the solar atmosphere is so much hotter than the surface, reaching temperatures of millions of degrees. This means that Parker's specially designed heat shield has protected it not once, but twice now from these searing temperatures. "The spacecraft checked in on Tuesday [March 25] with mission operators at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland – where the spacecraft was also designed and built – with a beacon tone indicating it was in good health and all systems were operating normally," NASA's Sarah Frazier wrote in a mission update. Parker launched in 2018 on a mission that involves repeatedly looping around the Sun on closer and closer orbits to study the star's atmosphere, its crazy particle winds, and its wild magnetic fields – all of which are pieces of the solar puzzle we still don't fully understand. The close approach of 22 March is the 23rd that the spacecraft has conducted overall, and second of five that the spacecraft is planned to make at the 6.1 million kilometer distance. The third will take place on June 19. If the spacecraft survives, and has enough fuel, it will go on to conduct two more, on September 15 and December 12. It's unlikely that Parker's mission will continue much past that date, though. "One day, we will run out of fuel for the rocket thrusters that help us control trajectory and the solar probe will no longer be able to compensate for the pressure of the sunlight. The Sun will flip us around and the entire backside of the spacecraft should be incinerated in seconds," explained astrophysicist and Parker principal investigator Justin Kasper of the University of Michigan in 2018. "The carbon heat shield, the Faraday cup and some other parts should be able to survive those high temperatures. So what you'll basically have is a sort of molten blob that will be in a ten-solar-radii orbit – for the next billion years or so." After that, we suppose we'll just have to wait and see. Moon's Shadows Could Harbor Microbes. Here's Why That's A Concern. Einstein Didn't Think This Stunning Picture Was Possible. We're Glad He Was Wrong. NASA's Unexpected Discovery of The Largest Organics on Mars Explained
