Latest news with #VERITAS
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.
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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.
Malaysian Reserve
22-04-2025
- Business
- Malaysian Reserve
FIELD MEDICAL CLOSES $40 MILLION SERIES A FINANCING TO REDEFINE PULSED FIELD ABLATION FOR VENTRICULAR TACHYCARDIA
CARDIFF-BY-THE-SEA, Calif., April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Field Medical Inc., a pioneer in cardiac pulsed field ablation (PFA) technology, today announced the successful closing of $40 million in Series A financing. The round includes $20 million in new capital and the conversion of $20 million in seed-round debt. Participants include several leading strategics, venture capital firms and family offices, with multiple seed investors reinvesting – underscoring strong confidence in the company's initial focus on ventricular tachycardia (VT) and the broader versatility of its technology. The funding will support the completion of two pilot studies – VCAS for VT and Field PULSE for atrial fibrillation (AF) – as well as continued development of Field's commercial PFA system and operational scale-up in preparation for VERITAS, the company's pivotal trial focused on VT. 'This financing is a pivotal milestone as we advance in redefining how electrophysiologists approach ablation therapy,' said Steven Mickelsen, M.D., founder and chief executive officer of Field Medical. 'With the support of our investors, we are accelerating the development of the FieldForce™ Ablation System, building on early clinical evidence, and moving closer to our commercial goal of expanding access to next-generation PFA solutions for cardiac ablation.' 'We are encouraged by the strong support and confidence from both new investors and our reinvesting seed-round investor base,' said Oskar Dadason, chief financial officer. 'This funding enables us to execute our strategic plan with speed and focus as we transition from early-stage innovation into commercial readiness.' Field Medical is developing transformative technology for the treatment of all cardiac arrhythmias, including VT and AF. The FieldForce Ablation System, featuring the first built-for-purpose, contact force focal PFA catheter, enables an instantaneous ablation workflow, with therapy delivered in a fraction of a second. Recent results from the VCAS (VT) and PULSE (AF) pilot studies demonstrate the system's versatility. Powered by FieldBending™, the company's proprietary technology that delivers brief, high-intensity electric fields, the System is positioned as the single, advanced solution for treating a full spectrum of cardiac arrhythmias. About Field Medical® in 2022, Field Medical is advancing next-generation pulsed field ablation (PFA) technologies to address the complex needs of modern cardiac ablation. The company is led by Dr. Steven Mickelsen, a pioneer in pulsed electric field technology and a leading innovator in the field. His foundational work in PFA established the basis for modern advancements in the technology, which Field Medical continues to refine with its groundbreaking solutions. In 2024, Field Medical's technology was recognized by the FDA with Breakthrough Device Designation and inclusion in the TAP Pilot Program. For more information, visit and follow us on LinkedIn and X. The FieldForce™ Ablation System is an investigational device and is limited by federal (or United States) law to investigational use. The Growing Prevalence of VT and AFVentricular tachycardia (VT) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are two of the most common and serious arrhythmias, contributing to stroke, heart failure, sudden cardiac death and escalating health care costs. VT and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) affect more than 6 million people in the United States and Europe, while AF impacts an estimated 2% to 6% of the global population. The AF catheter ablation market is currently valued at $5 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 13% to 16%, surpassing $11 billion by 2034. In comparison, the global VT market— which includes devices and catheter ablation—was valued at approximately $12.5 billion in 2021 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 5.26%, reaching $17 billion by 2027. Notably, the catheter ablation segment within the VT treatment market is projected to grow at a higher rate of 13% annually during this period, reflecting increased adoption of catheter-based interventions for VT management. Media ContactHolly Windler619.929.1275
