Latest news with #orbital
Gizmodo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Gizmodo
Jaw-Dropping Video Shows Concept for Fusion Rocket That Might Halve Mars Travel Time
Over the past decade, a U.K.-based nuclear propulsion startup has been working behind the scenes to develop a fusion rocket that could cut flight time to Mars in half. This week, it unveiled the concept in a striking new video. The Sunbird Migratory Transfer Vehicle, designed by Pulsar Fusion, would be capable of reaching 329,000 miles per hour (over 529,000 kilometers per hour), the company claims. This would make it the fastest self-propelled object ever created, drastically reducing space travel time. Unlike current rockets that launch from terrestrial bases, Sunbirds would be stored on giant orbital docking stations each designed to host up to five at a time, Richard Dinan, CEO of Pulsar Fusion, told Gizmodo in an email. In the video, one of these rockets undocks from its station and uses its eight thrusters to gently attach to a larger spacecraft (the video portrays what appears to be a SpaceX Starship upper stage), then propel it to a faraway planet. Picture a jet pack, but for spaceships. Once it reaches the destination, Sunbird detaches and docks to an awaiting station. Such a system would allow these rockets to be used again and again, carrying spacecraft to and from deep space. The Sunbirds' unprecedented speed would be generated by their Dual Direct Fusion Drive (DDFD) engines, which the company claims will harness the power of nuclear fusion: the atomic process that powers the Sun and other stars. In theory, this type of engine could produce significantly more energy per unit of fuel than any that exist today. Pulsar Fusion says its DDFD engines are projected to produce exhaust speeds of roughly 310 miles per second (500 kilometers per second). But this technology still has a long way to go before it becomes available. The company aims to demonstrate components of its power system later this year, according to an emailed statement. The next step will be in-orbit testing, with a goal of achieving nuclear fusion in space by 2027. Getting the world's first nuclear fusion rocket off the ground in just two years is a lofty goal. But Pulsar Fusion is confident that growing interest in fusion-based propulsion will drive development forward, so to speak. Indeed, the U.S. and other global spaceflight leaders have set their own ambitious timelines for missions to the Moon and Mars. Sunbirds could quickly deliver cargo to both destinations. Pulsar Fusion expects these rockets to be able to propel 2,200 to 4,400 pounds (1,000 to 2,000 kilograms) of commercial cargo, such as habitats, rovers, or supplies to Mars in under six months, according to the company's website. Sunbirds could also be used to transport probes throughout the solar system, assist asteroid mining missions, and ferry telescopes to deep space, according to Payload. Each unit is expected to cost about $70 million upon commercial rollout, Dinan said. He believes the rocket's hefty price tag will be tempered by its 'substantial' returns, stating that customers could recoup their investment within one to two years through 'active service in orbital logistics, deep space science missions, or infrastructure deployment.' All of this hinges on rapid development and successful in-orbit testing. But if Pulsar Fusion can get its Sunbirds off the ground, our cosmic neighborhood will suddenly feel a whole lot smaller.
The Sun
20-05-2025
- Science
- The Sun
Unknown bacteria found on China's space station ‘never seen on Earth' with ‘unique ability' after astronauts swab cabin
A MYSTERIOUS form of bacteria has been discovered aboard China's space station, with unique abilities that help it survive hundreds of kilometres above the ground. Scientists found the bacteria, called Niallia tiangongensis, after astronauts swabbed a cabin on the Tiangong orbital outpost in May 2023. Researchers from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering say the study of this new bacteria and others is "essential" in protecting astronauts' health. While it is related to similar bacteria on Earth, it's not clear where the new N. tiangongensis came from, or whether it evolved on the station. It's possible it arrived on Tiangong in spore form, with at least a few of its distinguishing features in place. Scientists are still working out if N. tiangongensis poses any threat to astronauts health. A bacterial cousin on Earth can cause sepsis in immunocompromised patients. A new study on the bacteria, published in a leading microbiology journal, found the new species can break down gelatin as a source of nitrogen and carbon. This rare ability allows it to build a protective biofilm shield over itself when conditions become too extreme to survive. Related bacteria on Earth are able to consume other energy-packed substances for survival - but N. tiangongensis appears to have lost this ability. N. tiangongensis' new skill of breaking down gelatin, paired with the deadliness of its Earthbound bacterial cousin, suggests it could pose a risk to health. US gearing up for all-out SPACE WAR with Russia and China as general warns West 'must be ready' for orbit battlefield Astronauts on the Tiangong space station regularly disinfect surfaces and monitor microorganisms to control the growth of bacteria. There are also air filtration systems built into the space station to purify the air. But despite best efforts, astronauts can get sick with microbial infections from space station bacteria - just like they do on Earth. It cannot be completely prevented, despite the cleaning and monitoring regime, as well as the quarantining of astronauts prior to flight.
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists discover previously unknown microbe on China's Tiangong space station
Chinese scientists have discovered a new bacterial strain aboard the Tiangong space station, the first of its kind found in China's orbital lab. The strain, named Niallia tiangongensis, is a new variant of a known Earth bacteria and was discovered on a cabin inside the space station. Researchers from the Shenzhou Space Biotechnology Group and the Beijing Institute of Spacecraft System Engineering announced the discovery of the new bacterial strain in the International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. The study emphasized that understanding the characteristics of microbes during long-term space missions is essential for protecting astronaut health and maintaining the reliability of spacecraft systems, the South China Morning Post reported. The researchers found that the new strain has unique mechanisms for adapting to the extreme space environment, with potential real-world applications. It showed an enhanced ability to combat oxidative stress—an imbalance that damages cells and tissues—and to repair radiation-induced damage. Understanding how the strain survives in space could help scientists develop targeted strategies to control microbes, with potential applications in space technology, agriculture, and medicine. The China Manned Space Agency noted that Tiangong's research would yield a "bumper harvest" of findings on microbial activity, genetics, and metabolism—insights that could translate into innovative uses on Earth. In a social media post, the agency said the discovery was part of the China Space Station Habitation Area Microbiome Programme (Champ), which monitors microbial changes during extended missions. The microbe was collected in May 2023, while the Shenzhou-15 crew was aboard the station. The Shenzhou-15 crew spent six months on the space station, collecting microorganisms from the surfaces of the station's modules using sterile wipes. These samples were frozen and brought back to Earth. Scientists then analyzed them using genome sequencing and metabolic analysis, leading to the discovery of the new strain. As Chinese media reports, the discovery offers two key insights. First, understanding how the microbe survives in space could lead to precise microbial control strategies, aiding the design of interventions in the fields of spacecraft, agriculture, industry, and medicine. Second, the microbe's ability to break down specific organic compounds points to new, sustainable ways of converting waste into valuable resources, both in space and on Earth. Microorganisms survive in space stations by adapting to complex conditions such as microgravity, radiation, and confinement, an analysis of which could further our understanding of life in space. Despite these harsh environments, they are known for their strength, resilience, and ability to thrive. Ongoing missions aboard Tiangong are expected to produce a wealth of new genetic and metabolic discoveries. These findings from the space station's unique environment could deepen our understanding of microbial life and potentially lead to innovative applications and environmental sustainability.
