Latest news with #lunar
CNN
8 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
Japan-based company is poised for its moon-landing attempt
Update: Date: Title: Ispace's CEO is "very confident" success is on the way Content: Takeshi Hakamada, who founded Ispace in 2010 and serves as the company's CEO, told CNN last month that he is far more optimistic about today's landing attempt than he was going into Ispace's first landing attempt in 2023. 'I'm very confident, more confident than (during) Mission 1,' Hakamada told CNN in May. Hakamada added that he's not a very emotional person, so cold feet and sleepless nights aren't necessarily part of his pre-landing routine. 'I'm not the person emotion so much. I don't feel any peace or joy sometimes — most of the times,' Hakamada, who says he was inspired to puruse an aerospace career by the 'Star Wars' movies, told CNN. 'The importance of this space business is keep going.' Update: Date: Title: Reslience is carrying science — and art Content: Tucked alongside a molecule-splitting science experiment and radiation monitor, Resilience is carrying a couple lighthearted pieces of commemorative art. One includes commemorative coin-sized plates designed by UNESCO and US-based Barrelhand that will 'transport and safeguard 275 distinct languages and cultural treasures on the lunar surface.' Another is from Swedish artist Mikael Genberg, who contributed a miniature red house dubbed the 'Moonhouse.' Genberg has been aiming to put a red house on the lunar surface for more than two decades. 'They wanted to send something to the moon, so there was a good coincidence,' Ispace chief financial officer Jumpei Nozaki told CNN in January, noting that Ispace's European branch in Luxembourg found out about the art piece and worked to put it on the Resilience lander. The pieces may join a slew of other novelties, art pieces and curiosities that have been part of past lunar missions. A Jeff Koons sculpture series called 'Moon Phases,' for example, flew on the Odysseus lunar lander from Houston-based Intuitive Machines last year, becoming the first 'authorized' work of art on the moon. The Moonhouse on board Resilience aims to be an 'expression of humanity's ability to achieve the seemingly unattainable through boundary-crossing thoughts and collaborations and maybe a symbol of humanity's eternal and collective striving; a perspective on existence and (an) eye towards Earth,' according to a web page about the art project. Update: Date: Title: Here's how (another) failed landing attempt could affect Ispace Content: Ispace's roots began in the Google Lunar XPrize, which in the 2010s challenged the private-sector to put robotic landers on the moon for a $20 million grand prize. The compeititon ended in 2018, however, with no winner. 'That was very good program for me to start things here,' Ispace CEO and founder Takeshi Hakamada told CNN in May. 'We survived the Lunar XPrize and and then that created credibility for the next fundraising (effort).' After the competition folded, Ispace kept going, bringing on new investors. And just before its first lunar landing attempt in 2023, the company went public, listing on Tokyo's stock exchange. When Ispace's first landing attempt failed in 2023, crashing to the moon due to a software issue, the company's stock price shed more than half its value. And Ispace could face some significant financial struggles if today's landing attempt is unsuccessful, Ispace chief financial officer Jumpei Nozaki told CNN in January. 'If we do not successfully land on the moon, maybe there are going to be some very strong headwinds against us. It will be reflected to our share price immediately,' Nozaki said. Still, Nozaki added, the company raised money last year around the world, including from one US investor, that should keep the company funded through a third lunar landing attempt. Update: Date: Title: Resilience is aiming to land farther north than other recent missions Content: We're in the midst of renewed space race, with both the public and private sector eager to send robots to further explore the lunar surface. The modern moon dash was largely kicked off by China, which safely landed its first Chang'e spacecraft in 2013 — roughly 40 years after any vehicle, crewed or uncrewed, had soft-landed on the lunar surface. Much of the lunar exploration focus has been on the south pole, as the region is expected to be home to vast stores of water ice that can be converted to drinking water or fuel for rockets. But the vehicles that have made soft landings so far have explored a variety of regions. Update: Date: Title: Soft landing on the moon is still really hard. Here's why Content: All lunar landing attempts — even missions such as this with no humans on board — bring with them an element of risk and awe. Success is far from guaranteed. Overall, more than half of all lunar landing attempts have ended in failure, tough odds for a feat humanity first pulled off nearly 60 years ago. While technology has advanced in the past five decades, the fundamental challenges of landing on the moon remain the same. Here's what Resilience has had to overcome — and what it has yet to face. Update: Date: Title: What went wrong during Ispace's last lunar landing attempt Content: Ispace's first lunar lander, referred to by its model name, Hakuto-R, made a dramatic crash landing on the moon in 2023. When the estimated landing time came and went, and mission controllers had spent about 10 minutes troubleshooting why the lander hadn't sent a signal, it was safe to assume the golf-cart-size vehicle had not made a gentle touchdown, Ispace CEO Takeshi Hakamada, told CNN. A NASA satellite later photographed the crash site. Ispace then spent weeks poring over the data, trying to pinpoint what went wrong. 'Almost everything performed perfectly — propulsion system, communication system, and also structure,' Ispace chief financial officer Jumpei Nozaki told CNN in January about the first Hakuto-R mission. 'The issue was the software and the altitude measurement has some issue.' Essentially, Hakuto-R had miscalculated its altitude, and the vehicle ended up running out of fuel before touching down on the surface. This time around, executives are far more confident. A software patch is in place. And mission controllers are hoping to get confirmation of a smooth touchdown within a minute or so after the 3:17 p.m. ET expected landing time. Update: Date: Title: Here's what to expect during today's moon-landing attempt Content: Resilience, a spacecraft built by Tokyo-based Ispace that could redeem the company after a failed moon-landing attempt in 2023, is ready to make its final descent to the lunar surface. Ispace has broken down its mission in to series of 10 goals or anticipated 'successes.' Resilience has already notched through the first eight of those steps. All that's left is the landing sequence and the harrowing moment of touchdown. Here are the key moments to watch out for: • During the touchdown attempt, Ispace will confirm it has started the 'lunar landing sequence' — the final steps the Resilience lander will need to tick through in the moments before the vehicle leaves it circular orbit around the moon and begins its touchdown attempt. • There a several critical phases within the sequence. The vehicle will begin to change its orientation and start the braking process, aiming to slow down Resilience's speed. • Resilience's targeted touchdown time is 3:17 p.m. ET. The lander is aiming for a spot within Mare Frigoris — or the 'Sea of Cold' — which lies in the moon's far northern reaches. • If all goes according to plan, Ispace should confirm the vehicle is safely on the surface within a minute or so after touchdown, the company's CEO, Takeshi Hakamada, told CNN. • Ground controllers will then conduct a series of health checks to make sure the lander, its science instruments and all other components are functioning as intended. • The first image from the lander is expected within the first 12 hours after the spacecraft reaches the surface, perhaps sooner. (Take note: Every lunar landing mission has to deal with limited bandwidth to beam data back to Earth. Sometimes, visuals are not the highest priority.)
CNN
9 hours ago
- Business
- CNN
Japan-based company is poised for its moon-landing attempt
Update: Date: Title: Soft landing on the moon is still really hard. Here's why Content: All lunar landing attempts — even missions such as this with no humans on board — bring with them an element of risk and awe. Success is far from guaranteed. Overall, more than half of all lunar landing attempts have ended in failure, tough odds for a feat humanity first pulled off nearly 60 years ago. While technology has advanced in the past five decades, the fundamental challenges of landing on the moon remain the same. Here's what Resilience has had to overcome — and what it has yet to face. Update: Date: Title: Here's what to expect during today's moon-landing attempt Content: Resilience, a spacecraft built by Tokyo-based Ispace that could redeem the company after a failed moon-landing attempt in 2023, is ready to make its final descent to the lunar surface. Ispace has broken down its mission in to series of 10 goals or anticipated 'successes.' Resilience has already notched through the first eight of those steps. All that's left is the landing sequence and the harrowing moment of touchdown. Here are the key moments to watch out for: • During the touchdown attempt, Ispace will confirm it has started the 'lunar landing sequence' — the final steps the Resilience lander will need to tick through in the moments before the vehicle leaves it circular orbit around the moon and begins its touchdown attempt. • There a several critical phases within the sequence. The vehicle will begin to change its orientation and start the braking process, aiming to slow down Resilience's speed. • Resilience's targeted touchdown time is 3:17 p.m. ET. The lander is aiming for a spot within Mare Frigoris — or the 'Sea of Cold' — which lies in the moon's far northern reaches. • If all goes according to plan, Ispace should confirm the vehicle is safely on the surface within a minute or so after touchdown, the company's CEO, Takeshi Hakamada, told CNN. • Ground controllers will then conduct a series of health checks to make sure the lander, its science instruments and all other components are functioning as intended. • The first image from the lander is expected within the first 12 hours after the spacecraft reaches the surface, perhaps sooner. (Take note: Every lunar landing mission has to deal with limited bandwidth to beam data back to Earth. Sometimes, visuals are not the highest priority.)
Sustainability Times
27-05-2025
- Science
- Sustainability Times
China Stuns the World by Firing Precision Laser at the Moon in Daylight, Reaching Historic Deep-Space Targeting Milestone
IN A NUTSHELL 🚀 China achieved a groundbreaking feat by firing a laser at a Moon-orbiting satellite in broad daylight. at a Moon-orbiting satellite in broad daylight. 🔍 The precision of the laser targeting was likened to hitting a single hair from 6.2 miles away. of the laser targeting was likened to hitting a single hair from 6.2 miles away. 🌕 The success enables continuous navigation and communication between Earth and the Moon, crucial for future missions. and communication between Earth and the Moon, crucial for future missions. 🌌 This advancement is part of China's broader vision for sustained lunar exploration and international collaboration. China has once again demonstrated its prowess in space technology with a groundbreaking achievement that could redefine lunar navigation and exploration. By successfully bouncing a laser off a Moon-orbiting satellite in broad daylight, China has overcome a significant challenge that has long perplexed scientists and engineers. This remarkable feat, conducted by the Deep Space Exploration Laboratory (DSEL) using the Tiandu-1 satellite, signifies a major leap forward in deep-space navigation and paves the way for future lunar missions. As the world watches, this innovation marks the dawn of a new era in space exploration. Laser Precision: 'Like Hitting a Hair from 6 Miles Away' The successful laser targeting achieved by China's DSEL team is nothing short of a technological marvel. The precision required for this operation was likened to 'hitting a single hair from 6.2 miles away', a testament to the extraordinary accuracy needed to lock onto a fast-moving satellite in the challenging environment of cislunar space. By achieving this level of precision, China has not only demonstrated its technological capabilities but also ensured that it can gather orbital data whenever the satellite is in view. This breakthrough effectively multiplies the number of usable data points, significantly enhancing positional accuracy for future missions. The Tiandu-1 satellite, launched in March 2024 as part of a trio, is integral to China's ambitious Queqiao relay constellation. This planned Earth-Moon communication and navigation network is designed to support an array of future lunar activities, including landers, rovers, and potentially crewed missions before the end of the decade. The success of this laser targeting experiment underscores the robustness of the architecture that will support these upcoming missions, marking a significant step toward sustainable lunar exploration. 'China's Nuclear Sites Could Be Attacked': These Future War Threats from the PLA Spark Global Fear and Urgency A New Era in Lunar Communication and Autonomy By enabling laser ranging in daylight, China has removed a major obstacle in Earth-Moon tracking. This capability is essential for autonomous spacecraft operations, providing high-precision landing guidance and facilitating the real-time coordination of rover fleets on the Moon's surface. The technology is poised to play a central role in approach, descent, and landing systems for future missions, particularly those targeting the lunar south pole. This milestone is part of a broader wave of advancements in China's lunar exploration program. Following the recent success of the Chang'e-6 mission, which returned the first-ever samples from the Moon's far side, China is gearing up for the Chang'e-8 mission in 2028. This mission aims to test small nuclear reactors and other critical infrastructure for the International Lunar Research Station, a Moon base project co-developed with Russia. As these initiatives unfold, China continues to establish itself as a leader in space exploration, driving innovation and international collaboration in the process. 'Mach 20 Strike in 30 Minutes': China's Hypersonic Weapon Shatters Global Defenses with Terrifying Precision and Speed Implications for Deep-Space Infrastructure The ability to conduct laser ranging in broad daylight has far-reaching implications for deep-space infrastructure. By overcoming the challenge of solar interference, China can now ensure continuous navigation and communication between Earth and the Moon, a critical requirement for sustained lunar operations. This breakthrough is expected to enhance the efficiency and reliability of future deep-space missions, providing a robust framework for exploration and research. The successful deployment of the Tiandu-1 satellite and its counterparts, Tiandu-2 and Queqiao-2, marks a significant step toward establishing a comprehensive Earth-Moon network. This network will not only facilitate scientific research but also support commercial endeavors and international partnerships. As China continues to advance its space capabilities, the possibilities for deep-space exploration and collaboration expand, opening new avenues for discovery and innovation. 'Satellite Images Don't Lie': China Is Quietly Building the Largest Military Complex on Earth, and It's Already Massive China's Vision for Lunar Exploration China's recent achievements in lunar exploration are part of a broader vision to establish a permanent presence on the Moon. By developing advanced technologies and infrastructure, China aims to create a sustainable environment for research and exploration, fostering international cooperation and technological innovation. The success of the daylight laser ranging experiment is a crucial step toward realizing this vision, demonstrating China's commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in space exploration. As China continues to make strides in lunar exploration, the international community watches with anticipation. The advancements achieved through these endeavors not only hold promise for future missions but also inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers. With the potential for groundbreaking discoveries and unprecedented collaboration, one can't help but wonder: What new frontiers will China explore next? Our author used artificial intelligence to enhance this article. Did you like it? 4.4/5 (23)
South China Morning Post
18-05-2025
- Science
- South China Morning Post
Discover the moon's secrets during Hong Kong's total lunar eclipse on September 8
Have you ever wondered how Earth's moon could have been created? Some scientists think the moon formed about 4.5 billion years ago after a collision between an early version of Earth and a small planet called Theia. It released a huge amount of debris, eventually forming the moon we see today. This is known as the giant-impact hypothesis. What's on the moon? Decades of research have found that the moon has layers. On the outside is a crust. A mantle is below that, and a core is at the centre (see graphic). Dark skies all day When sunlight reaches Earth, it is scattered by gases and particles in Earth's atmosphere. Blue light is scattered more than other colours because of its short wavelength. That is why our sky looks blue. However, the moon has only a thin layer of air. Even when it is daytime there, the sky looks black. Because the sky is pitch-black, you can see the stars during the day. Lunar eclipse A lunar eclipse happens when the Earth is between the moon and the sun, blocking the sunlight that usually shines on the moon. This makes its surface appear darker. A total lunar eclipse can be seen from Hong Kong on September 8. If you miss it, you will have to wait another three years for the next one.
Sky News
15-05-2025
- Science
- Sky News
The moon's very different sides explained in new NASA study
Scientists have discovered key differences under the moon's surface that may explain why its two hemispheres look so different. The moon's near side, the side visible to Earth, is dark and covered in the remnants of ancient lava flows. Its far side, which we can't see from Earth, is rugged and rocky. Scientists have long suspected the differences could be explained by what's inside the moon but until now, couldn't prove it. "We found that the moon's near side is flexing more than the far side, meaning there's something fundamentally different about the internal structure of the moon's near side compared to its far side," said Ryan Park, who led the team from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "When we first analysed the data, we were so surprised by the result we didn't believe it. So we ran the calculations many times to verify the findings. "In all, this is a decade of work." The team studied data gathered by the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission. For that mission, two spacecraft, Ebb and Flow, were sent to orbit the moon for a year between 2011 and 2012. They used that data to map how the moon responds to Earth's gravitational pull as it orbits. The moon's gravity slightly fluctuates as it circles the Earth which causes it to flex. That movement helped the scientists to understand the moon's deep internal structure and discovered that the moon's near side is internally warmer than its far side. Although this helps with crucial understanding of the moon, it may also help us understand other planets. In fact, the team have already used their technique to map the internal structures of planets like Jupiter and the Vesta asteroid. "There are many opportunities in the future to apply our technique for studying the interiors of intriguing planetary bodies throughout the solar system," said Mr Park.
