Latest news with #CubeSat
Time of India
a day ago
- Science
- Time of India
Did comets bring water to Earth? WHATSUP may know
1 2 3 4 Kolkata: Did comets bring water to Earth? WHATSUP may fetch the answer! Goutam Chattopadhyay, a senior scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, who grew up in Hooghly's Nabagram, has developed an instrument aboard a self-propelled micro-satellite to explore the mysteries of water in the solar system. The Water Hunting Advanced Terahertz Spectrometer on an Ultra-small Platform (WHATSUP) — a shoebox-sized satellite instrument — is designed to detect and analyse different forms of water in space. WHATSUP aims to help answer one of planetary science's enduring questions: Did comets bring water to Earth? "Understanding where and how water exists throughout the solar system could help identify environments potentially capable of supporting life," said Chattopadhyay. You Can Also Check: Kolkata AQI | Weather in Kolkata | Bank Holidays in Kolkata | Public Holidays in Kolkata One of the most widely accepted theories about the origin of Earth's water suggests it was delivered by water-rich asteroids and comets during the planet's early formation. These icy bodies, which formed in the colder regions of the outer solar system, contained not only water ice but also organic molecules and volatile compounds. During the heavy bombardment phase, millions of years of impacts transferred these materials to the young Earth. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Swelling and internal bleeding in the brain, help this baby Donate For Health Donate Now Undo by Taboola by Taboola This slow accumulation eventually provided the water that fills our oceans today. Chattopadhyay says the idea is to deploy multiple WHATSUP units as secondary payloads on future missions to Mars or other planetary bodies. Once in space, they would independently navigate toward various comets to perform high-precision, high-resolution spectroscopic measurements of different water isotopes. "In a sense, water has 'colour' — each isotope of water has a distinct spectral signature, much like how different colours of light have different frequencies. WHATSUP is designed to detect these subtle differences with exceptional accuracy. This capability could mark a major breakthrough in solving a question that fascinated scientists for decades," he explained. WHATSUP is a next-generation, ultra-compact, low-power, room-temperature submillimetre-wave spectrometer operating in the 500–600 GHz range. Designed primarily for CubeSat and SmallSat platforms, it is equally well-suited for a wide range of other space missions. What sets WHATSUP apart is its use of advanced CMOS system-on-chip electronics, an innovative low-profile, low-mass antenna, MEMS-based terahertz switching, and a novel programmable calibration load. "These cutting-edge components are integrated into a highly efficient system weighing just 2 kg and consuming less than 7 watts of power—an achievement that would have seemed impossible only a few years ago," said Chattopadhyay. The technologies developed for WHATSUP have broad applicability beyond comet missions. They can be adapted for future NASA missions to planetary and cometary bodies such as Mars, Europa, Enceladus, Venus, and Titan, as well as for Earth science and astrophysics investigations.
Time Business News
10-07-2025
- Science
- Time Business News
KSF Space Cubesat Kit: Unrivaled Affordability and Accessibility
For years, the high cost of satellite development and launch has been the biggest hurdle for aspiring space innovators. KSF Space has shattered this barrier with their CubeSat kit, making space accessible to a much broader audience. Starting at an incredible US$5,000, the KSF Space Cubesat Kit Version 2.0 is an investment in practical education and groundbreaking research, democratizing space science and engineering like never before. This CubeSat kit is more than just components; it's a complete educational ecosystem. Universities can transform their aerospace and engineering programs by offering students invaluable, hands-on experience in: CubeSat Design: Understanding the modular structure and standardization of CubeSats. Understanding the modular structure and standardization of CubeSats. Power Systems: Implementing efficient energy generation and distribution for CubeSats. Implementing efficient energy generation and distribution for CubeSats. Communication Systems: Mastering the transmission and reception of data to and from a nanosatellite . Mastering the transmission and reception of data to and from a . Payload Integration: Developing and incorporating scientific or technological experiments into their CubeSat kit for real-world application. This practical exposure, facilitated by a truly affordable CubeSat kit, bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, nurturing a new generation of space engineers. The KSF Space Cubesat Kit Version 2.0 stands out for its exceptional versatility. It's designed to be ready to fly to suborbital altitudes straight out of the box. This means immediate opportunities for: Atmospheric Research: Deploying sensors to collect data on temperature, pressure, and humidity in the upper atmosphere. Deploying sensors to collect data on temperature, pressure, and humidity in the upper atmosphere. Technology Demonstration: Testing new components and systems in a near-space environment. Testing new components and systems in a near-space environment. Educational Launches: Providing students with the exhilarating experience of seeing their CubeSat kit ascend to the edge of space. Beyond suborbital missions, the KSF Space Cubesat Kit Version 2.0 offers an easy upgradability to orbital form from the shelf. This strategic design allows users to start with a cost-effective suborbital platform and gradually expand its capabilities for more ambitious orbital missions. Imagine evolving your initial CubeSat kit into a platform for: Earth Observation: Capturing imagery for environmental monitoring or urban planning. Capturing imagery for environmental monitoring or urban planning. IoT Connectivity: Testing novel communication solutions for global internet of things networks. Testing novel communication solutions for global internet of things networks. Scientific Experiments in LEO: Conducting long-duration experiments in the low Earth orbit environment. This upgradability ensures your initial investment in a CubeSat kit remains relevant and valuable as your space ambitions grow. KSF Space understands that embarking on a satellite project can seem daunting. That's why their CubeSat kit is meticulously designed for ease of assembly and integration. It arrives with all essential hardware and software components, including: Pre-configured PCBs: Streamlining the electronic setup. Streamlining the electronic setup. Antennas and Sensors: Ready for integration to collect vital data. Ready for integration to collect vital data. Comprehensive Communication Systems: Enabling seamless interaction with your nanosatellite. To ensure every user's success, KSF Space provides extensive online tutorials, dedicated training sessions, and continuous support. This commitment means that even beginners can confidently navigate the complexities of satellite engineering. By simplifying the build process, the KSF Space CubeSat kit allows users to focus on the core principles of mission planning, data analysis, and the thrilling application of space technology. The KSF Space Cubesat Kit Version 2.0 is a game-changer for R&D departments and private companies. It offers an unprecedented avenue to: Rapid Prototyping: Quickly iterate and test new space-borne technologies. Quickly iterate and test new space-borne technologies. Cost-Effective Research: Conduct vital experiments without the exorbitant costs traditionally associated with space projects. Conduct vital experiments without the exorbitant costs traditionally associated with space projects. Fostering Innovation: Encourage creative solutions and new applications by lowering financial barriers. This accessible and upgradable CubeSat kit empowers a wider range of organizations to contribute to the rapidly expanding space economy, accelerating breakthroughs in various fields from remote sensing to advanced communications. The KSF Space Cubesat Kit Version 2.0 is not just a product; it's an invitation to join the space revolution. By providing the world's most affordable and user-friendly CubeSat kit, KSF Space is empowering a new generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators to reach for the stars and unlock the vast potential of space. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Hindustan Times
08-07-2025
- Science
- Hindustan Times
This satellite is made of wood and its mission changed space forever
Last year, the world saw something unusual orbiting above - it was a satellite made mostly from wood. Named LignoSat, this small CubeSat spent 116 days circling Earth after being released from the International Space Station. It was built with magnolia wood panels and supported by an aluminium frame; LignoSat was designed to test if wood could hold up in space and offer a more eco-friendly alternative to traditional satellite materials. How LignoSat survived in Orbit LignoSat's main claim to fame is its wooden structure, which was chosen for more than just novelty. Wood is renewable and, when it burns up on reentry, it leaves behind carbon dioxide, ash and water vapour, rather than the metal particles that can come from aluminium satellites. This matters because those metal particles may harm the ozone layer or disrupt atmospheric processes, while wood's byproducts are much less concerning. The satellite's journey wasn't entirely smooth. After deployment, the team on the ground couldn't get in touch with LignoSat. Later analysis pointed to possible issues with the switches that were supposed to activate the satellite and deploy its antenna, or perhaps a software glitch that kept the system from starting up. As a result, the satellite couldn't send back the data on temperature, radiation and magnetic permeability that the mission was hoping for. Still, the satellite itself stayed in one piece, which was a big step for the idea of using wood in space. Takao Doi, a former astronaut and now a professor at Ryukoku University, led the project alongside scientists from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. Despite the communication problems, Doi's team sees LignoSat as a success for proving that wooden satellites can survive in orbit, according to EOS Magazine. It also helped clear some regulatory hurdles for future wooden spacecraft, since safety reviews are now a bit simpler after LignoSat's mission. The team is now working on LignoSat-2, which will be twice as big and come with two separate communication systems, one inside the structure and another on the outside. This way, even if one antenna fails, there's a backup. Interest in wooden satellites isn't limited to Japan. In Finland, Arctic Astronautics and UPM Plywood have built WISA Woodsat, a birch plywood CubeSat with sensors and a deployable camera to watch how wood behaves in space. They are waiting for launch approval from Finnish authorities. As more satellites fill the sky, finding greener materials is becoming more important. Wood isn't perfect, as it can be unpredictable and tricky to engineer, but projects like LignoSat show that it's worth exploring. The hope is that, one day, wooden satellites could help make space more sustainable. First Published Date: 08 Jul, 17:35 IST
United News of India
01-07-2025
- Science
- United News of India
China to set up first international association on deep-space exploration
Hefei, July 1 (UNI) With an aim to empower other developing countries in developing deep-space technologies, China will launch the International Deep Space Exploration Association (IDSEA) on July 7. Located in Hefei, Anhui Province, the association will be the nation's first international academic organization in the aerospace domain, capitalizing on the growing global interest in China's lunar and Mars missions. The IDSEA will focus on deep-space study, which includes probes into the moon, other planets and asteroids, and promote international cooperation, according to the Hefei-based Deep Space Exploration Laboratory, one of the association's five initiators. Wang Zhongmin, director of the lab's international cooperation center, said the IDSEA aims to become an inclusive academic platform that will benefit developing countries in particular. "We hope to bring in as many developing countries as possible, and by initiating small yet impactful programs, such as on CubeSat design and training of scientists, we hope to enable these nations to access cutting-edge space technologies that once seemed far beyond their reach," he said. Deep-space exploration has long been limited to a few countries due to its high thresholds of capital, technologies and talents. "The vast majority of countries may see a technological monopoly. Deep space technologies must move out of the small circle to benefit the whole of humanity," Wang said. Despite being a latecomer to outer space exploration, China has rapidly emerged as a prominent player in this field while demonstrating its commitment to cooperating with other nations. In April, China announced that seven institutions from six countries — France, Germany, Japan, Pakistan, the United Kingdom, and the United States — have been authorized to borrow lunar samples collected by China's Chang'e-5 mission for scientific research. China has also invited global partners to participate in its Mars missions. The country plans to launch the Tianwen-3 Mars sample-return mission around 2028, with the primary scientific goal of searching for signs of life on Mars. The retrieval of samples from Mars, the first of its kind in human history, is considered the most technically challenging space exploration mission since the Apollo program. UNI AAB GNK 1024
Dominion Post
29-06-2025
- Business
- Dominion Post
TMC Technologies advancing satellite space research
dbeard@ MORGANTOWN – TMC Technologies is aiming to soar into the satellite research universe with its FlexSat and SSDT products. Both were launched in 2024, developed for NASA. They've sold four so far, to the Department of Defense. Now they are looking to broaden their customer base across the U.S. and internationally. The FlexSat The FlexSat looks unassuming – interchangeable components attached to a foot-square sheet of plastic. 'It's a satellite in a box,' said TMC Chief Engineer Scott Zemerick. 'You can purchase it, and without having to build your own satellite, we'll provide one to you out of the box, all integrated, all working.' It's customizable for any research a customer wants to do in space. 'This helps you get up and running faster, it helps you test out your experiment faster.' Potential customers – universities and research-and-development companies, for instance – don't have the money to build their own satellites and spacecraft, he said. But they can buy a FlexSat and have it attached to a CubeSat – a small modular satellite built up in cubes – that would be launched into space by NASA or SpaceX, and deployed into orbit. Clay Vincent with the FlexSat They can have one built in about two to three weeks, he said. It's delivered in a protective pelican case. The SSDT – Small Satellite Digital Twin – is a FlexSat cousin. It's an all-digital software version of the Flex Sat that can be downloaded and run on the customer's computer. It's a data modeling platform, Zachary Lynch, TMC systems engineer, explained. It delivers simulated spacecraft data and updates in real time as a spacecraft in orbit would. It can be used for such things as flight software development and testing, and modeling a mission before the FlexSat goes into space. 'The keyword being customizable,' he said. 'We can help our customers with expertise they may not have.' Back in 2024, TMCwas awarded a NASA Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 1 contract for the SSDT to support Active Space-Debris Removal research using space-based lasers. TMC partnered with the WVU Center for Innovation in Space Exploration and Researchand the West Virginia Small Satellite Center to address the need for a mature simulation test bed to evaluate and analyze space-based laser techniques for active space debris remediation and removal. Both products' first target audience was NASA, said TMC's Vice President of Federal Civilian Division Programs Denise Lindsey. But they saw that universities are doing research critical to space missions. And large industry companies – anyone that flies satellites – could benefit from them. For the SSDT, she said, it could be adapted to Navy and Air Force missions – unmanned autonomous missions that use the same type of software. TMC is house in an unassuming, two-story commercial building on Pleasant Valley Road. You wouldn't guess at the high-tech work going on in there. It's another example of a West Virginia-based company making an impact in advancing technology for the world. 'We pride ourselves on that,' Lindsey said. TMC employs 140 people here and across the country. TMC built West Virginia's first orbiting satellite — the STF-1 CubeSat – for NASA. It supports software assurance for SpaceX, and the FBI NICS E-Check system for firearm purchases. Founder, CEO and President Wade Linger said, 'It's amazing how little people realize the kind of technology being done by West Virginians right now, the contributions that we're making.'
