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Human gut microbiome and metabolite dynamics under simulated microgravity. ABSTRACT: The Artificial Gravity Bed Rest - European Space Agency (AGBRESA) study was the first joint bed rest study by ESA, DLR, and NASA that examined the effect of simulated weightlessness on the human body and assessed the potential benefits of artificial gravity as a countermeasure in an analog of long-duration spaceflight. In this study, we investigated the impact of simulated microgravity on the gut microbiome of 12 participants during a 60-day head-down tilt bed rest at the :envihab facilities. Over 60 days of simulated microgravity resulted in a mild change in the gut microbiome, with distinct microbial patterns and pathway expression in the feces of the countermeasure group compared to the microgravity simulation-only group. Additionally, we found that the countermeasure protocols selectively increased the abundance of beneficial short-chain fatty acids in the gut, such as acetate, butyrate, and propionate. Some physiological signatures also included the modulation of taxa reported to be either beneficial or opportunistic, indicating a mild adaptation in the microbiome network balance. Our results suggest that monitoring the gut microbial catalog along with pathway clustering and metabolite profiling is an informative synergistic strategy to determine health disturbances and the outcome of countermeasure protocols for future space missions. Source: Gut Microbes https://lnkd.in/ehUK8Chm

The first images captured by the innovative mission were presented at the 7th workshop of the Einstein Probe consortium in Beijing. They illustrate the satellite’s full potential and show that its novel optics, which mimic a lobster’s eyes, are ready to monitor the X-ray sky. The space X-ray telescope zoomed in on a few well-known celestial objects to give us a hint of what the mission is capable of. Launched on 9 January 2024, the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) spacecraft Einstein Probe joins ESA’s XMM-Newton and JAXA’s XRISM in their quest to discover the Universe in X-ray light. The mission is a collaboration led by CAS with ESA, the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE) (Germany), and the National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) (France). In the months since liftoff, the mission operations team has been performing the necessary tests to confirm the spacecraft's functionality and calibrating the scientific instruments. During this crucial phase, Einstein Probe captured scientific data from various X-ray sources. These first-light images demonstrate the outstanding capabilities of Einstein Probe's two scientific instruments. The Wide-field X-ray Telescope (WXT) can observe a panorama of nearly one-eleventh of the celestial sphere in one shot, while the more sensitive Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT) offers close-ups and can pinpoint short-lived events caught by WXT. “I am delighted to see the first observations from Einstein Probe, which showcase the mission’s ability to study wide expanses of the X-ray sky and quickly discover new celestial sources,” says Prof. Carole Mundell, ESA Director of Science. “These early data give us a tantalising glimpse of the high-energy dynamic Universe that will soon be within reach of our science communities. Congratulations to the science and engineering teams at CAS, MPE, CNES and ESA for their hard work in reaching this important milestone.” #EinsteinProbe #WXT #FXT This panoramic view of our Milky Way in X-ray light was taken as part of the calibration and test campaign of Einstein Probe in space. During this test observation lasting more than 11 hours, the satellite detected various celestial objects that generate X-rays. Each object is captured as a purple cross due to the way the spacecraft’s novel lobster-eye optics work. The X-ray observations are shown on top of an optical image of the Milky Way created by European Southern Observatory ground-based telescopes.

Plasma Shielding with Magnetism for Warp Drive. Plasma Shielding: In addition to the challenges and solutions already discussed, another advanced concept for protecting astronauts is the use of plasma-based magnetic shields. This idea draws on the natural protection provided by Earth's magnetosphere. Magnetic Fields to Deflect Radiation: A spacecraft equipped with a magnetic field generator could create a magnetosphere-like shield around itself. This magnetic field would serve to deflect charged particles and cosmic radiation, much like Earth's magnetic field protects us from solar and cosmic radiation. Advantages in Warp Travel: In warp drive scenarios, where the spacecraft may encounter intense cosmic radiation at high effective speeds, such a shielding mechanism could be crucial. The warp bubble itself might alter the paths of incoming particles and radiation, but additional magnetic shielding could offer a necessary layer of protection. Technological Challenges: Implementing plasma shielding effectively would require overcoming several technological hurdles, such as generating a sufficiently strong and stable magnetic field, managing the power requirements, and ensuring the field does not adversely affect the spacecraft or its occupants. Integrating Plasma Shielding with Warp Drive Complementary Technologies: The integration of plasma shielding with warp drive technology could be a complementary approach. While the warp drive manipulates space-time for propulsion, the plasma shield would protect the spacecraft and its occupants from the hazards of high-speed travel. Research and Development: The development of such advanced shielding is part of ongoing research in space travel safety, especially for missions beyond our solar system or at relativistic speeds. This research often intersects with studies in plasma physics, electromagnetism, and materials science. In conclusion, the addition of plasma-based magnetic shields to the warp drive concept addresses one of the key challenges in ensuring astronaut safety during faster-than-light travel. It represents a sophisticated blend of theoretical physics and practical engineering solutions, highlighting the multidisciplinary nature of advanced space travel research. As with warp drive technology, plasma shielding is an area ripe for exploration and innovation, promising exciting developments in the future of space exploration. Steven Koch 2023

Einstein Probe Unveils the X-ray Universe The Einstein Probe, an international collaborative mission led by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) in partnership with the European Space Agency - ESA, the Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics (MPE), and the Centre National d'Études Spatiales (CNES), was launched on January 9, 2024. Weighing about 1.45 tonnes, the satellite is shaped like a lotus in full bloom and features 12 petals and two stamens. The 12 'petals' are 12 modules consisting of Wide-field X-ray telescopes (WXT), while the two 'stamens' consist of two modules of Follow-up X-ray telescopes (FXT). X-rays give us a window into extremely hot, high-energy regions of the universe. The mission aims to capture the first light from supernova explosions, search for X-ray signals accompanying gravitational wave events, and discover dormant black holes and other faint transient and variable celestial objects in the distant universe. By naming the probe after Albert Einstein, the mission acknowledges the fundamental role his scientific theories play in our understanding of these cosmic phenomena. The mission's ability to quickly identify new X-ray sources and track their changes over time is crucial for advancing our understanding of the most violent processes in the cosmos that change the local gravitational fields and emit huge energy, such as colliding neutron stars, exploding supernovas, and matter being consumed by black holes or ejected from their intense magnetic fields. ESA has played a vital role in the mission by providing support for testing and calibrating the X-ray detectors and optics of the WXT. Additionally, ESA's ground stations will assist in downloading data, and CNES offers a VHF ground receiving network for real-time and fast downlink of scientific data. As the Einstein Probe continues its in-orbit calibration activities before commencing routine science observations in mid-June, the astronomy community eagerly awaits the insights this mission will provide. The Einstein Probe's capabilities perfectly complement the in-depth studies conducted by the X-ray Multi-Mirror (XMM)-Newton spacecraft and X-Ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM). Picture Credit: Chinese Academy of Sciences #EinsteinProbe #XrayAstronomy #InternationalCollaboration #HighEnergyUniverse

ISRO launches XPoSat: What is the mission and its significance? XPoSat is the world’s second satellite-based mission dedicated to making X-ray polarimetry measurements. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) put its first polarimetry mission X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) in a precise circular orbit of 650 km on Monday (January 1) morning after a 21-minute flight. XPoSat is the world’s second satellite-based mission dedicated to making X-ray polarimetry measurements. What is XPoSat? X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) is India’s maiden mission dedicated to analysing the polarisation of X-rays emanating from bright celestial sources in the medium frequency band. XPoSat comprises two payloads, including Indian X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX) and X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT). They have been built by Raman Research Institute and UR Rao Satellite Centre, both located in Bengaluru. The spacecraft is designated for observation from low earth orbit (~ 650 km, low inclination of ~ 6 degree). It has an estimated mission life of about five years during which XPoSat will observe sources that emit polarised X-rays. The observations will be done when the magnetars or neutron stars (they are highly magnetic and display a wide array of X-ray activity) are in transit through the Earth’s shadow, for instance, during the eclipse period. What are the two scientific payloads onboard XPoSat? POLIX: It is the world’s first instrument designed to operate in the medium X-ray of 8 to 30 kilo electron Volt (keV) energy band. It comprises a collimator, which is the key component to filter light originating from bright sources in the field of view. Moreover, there is a scatterer consisting of four X-ray proportional counter detectors (that prevent the trapped light from escaping). It will observe a few tens of astronomical sources. It was conceived, designed, and built at RRI. XSPECT: It is designed to conduct fast timing and high spectroscopic resolution in a soft X-ray energy band (0.8-15 keV). It will observe a variety of sources like X-ray pulsars, black hole binaries, low-magnetic field neutron stars, active galactic nuclei or AGNs (a compact region at the centre of a galaxy that emits a significant amount of energy across the electromagnetic spectrum) and magnetars. Why is the XPoSat mission significant? Till now, astronomers have largely used and depended on spectroscopic, imaging and timing–based data obtained from either ground-based telescopes or satellite-based missions from the optical to the radio frequency band of the electromagnetic spectrum. Polarisation of celestial sources was done either in the optical or radio bands. XPoSat, however, will be a game-changer and facilitate X-ray polarisation measurements possible from bright sources, that too, in the medium energy band (8-30 keV) energy range – which has never been attempted ever before. #isro #isroindia #space #spacetechnology #spaceeconomy #blackhole #pslv #india

#XPoSAT: XSPECT Payload Of #India's First #BlackHole Mission Captures Light From Cassiopeia A #Supernova Remnant. Know More XPoSAT, India's first mission to study black holes and neutron stars, has captured light from the Cassiopeia A (Cas A) supernova remnant. Short for X-ray Polarimeter Satellite, XPoSAT is India's first dedicated polarimetry mission to study the dynamics of bright astronomical X-ray sources in extreme conditions, which means the spacecraft will analyse X-rays emitted by celestial bodies such as black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, and pulsar wind nebulae by measuring the beams of light in which the vibrations of electromagnetic waves are confined to one plane. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched XPoSAT on January 1, 2024, atop a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Two scientific payloads onboard the satellite launched on 2024 New Year's Day will study interesting celestial objects, and unravel the mysteries of cosmic X-ray sources. These payloads are: Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX), and X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT). UR Rao Satellite Centre's (URSC's) Space Astronomy Group has developed XSPECT. This payload has captured its first light from Cassiopeia A. Read my article to know everything https://lnkd.in/dMSm9CfG

#XPoSAT: #ISRO #BlackHole Mission Observes #CrabPulsar. Know Interesting Facts About These 'Cosmic Lighthouses' XPoSAT (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite), the Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO's) first mission to study black holes and neutron stars, has yielded interesting results after observing the Crab Pulsar. This is a rapidly spinning neutron star located at the heart of the Crab Nebula. The Crab Nebula, or Messier 1, is a six-light-year-wide remnant of a star's supernova explosion. XPoSAT's Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays (POLIX) observed the Crab Pulsar from January 15 to 18, 2024, and using this data, ISRO obtained a pulse profile of the celestial body. A pulsar is a rotating neutron star observed to emit pulses of radiation at very regular intervals that range from milliseconds to seconds, and has very strong magnetic fields which funnel jets of particles out along the two magnetic poles. There is an eerie blue light in the centre of the Crab Nebula. The scientific basis behind this blue light is the movement of electrons at nearly the speed of light around the Crab Pulsar's magnetic field lines. The Crab Pulsar, which is ultra-dense core of the star that exploded into a supernova, acts like a lighthouse, ejecting twin beams of radiation. As the pulsar rotates, it appears to pulse 30 times per second. This means that the Crab Pulsar rotates 30 times per second around its axis. If the pulsar rotates 30 times in one second, it completes one rotation in 1/30 of a second, or 0.0333 seconds. This is equal to 33.3 milliseconds. The fact that POLIX's observations helped ISRO scientists generate a pulse profile prove that the payload is functioning well, and can be used to study pulsars, black holes, and other celestial bodies. "The pulse profile is like a fingerprint for a particular pulsar," Manish Purohit, a former ISRO scientist and solar panel expert, who was involved in the Mangalyaan-1 and Chandrayaan-2 missions, told ABP Live. Read my article to know everything. https://lnkd.in/gPR5ayBV

let me take the concept of the Galactic Voyager Telescope (GVT) even further and propose an even more advanced and innovative space-based observatory that I'll call the "Cosmic Odyssey Telescope" (COT). The key features of the Cosmic Odyssey Telescope would include: 1. Unprecedented Aperture Size: - The COT would feature an enormous primary mirror with a diameter of up to 30 meters, significantly larger than the GVT's 20-meter mirror. - This massive aperture would provide unparalleled light-gathering power, allowing the telescope to observe the faintest and most distant celestial objects with unprecedented detail. 2. Multi-Segmented Mirror Design: - The primary mirror of the COT would be composed of a mosaic of smaller, lightweight mirror segments that can be precisely aligned and controlled using advanced adaptive optics. - This innovative design would enable the construction of an ultra-large mirror that can be folded and compactly stowed for launch, then deployed and configured in space. 3. Comprehensive Wavelength Coverage: - In addition to the broad wavelength range of the GVT, the COT would be designed to capture the full spectrum of electromagnetic radiation, from low-energy radio waves to high-energy gamma rays. - This comprehensive wavelength coverage would allow the telescope to study a vast array of astronomical phenomena, from the formation of the earliest stars and galaxies to the most energetic events in the universe. 4. Integrated Spectroscopy and Imaging: - The COT would feature a highly advanced suite of scientific instruments, including state-of-the-art spectrometers and imagers, seamlessly integrated to provide simultaneous spectroscopic and imaging data. - This combination of spectroscopic and imaging capabilities would enable the detailed characterization of the physical, chemical, and dynamical properties of celestial objects, revolutionizing our understanding of their composition, structure, and evolution. 5. Autonomous and Adaptive Observation: - The COT would be equipped with a highly sophisticated AI-powered control and data processing system, capable of autonomous target selection, observation planning, and real-time adjustments to the telescope's systems. - This adaptive and self-optimizing capability would allow the COT to respond to changing observational conditions, maximize observational efficiency, and ensure the highest-quality data is collected. 6. Distributed Network of Robotic Observatories: - The COT would be part of a network of robotic observatories strategically placed throughout the solar system, including on the Moon, in orbit around other planets, and even on interplanetary spacecraft. - This distributed network would provide a comprehensive and coordinated view of the universe, enabling simultaneous observations from multiple vantage points and the ability to study celestial objects from diverse perspectives.

As new spacecraft and companies enter a new space race, more complex and longer missions are no longer a moonshot. To travel as safely as possible, researchers and innovators are studying how our bodies handle space. 🧑🚀 Explore what is already known in this wonderful and comprehensive Space Omics and Medical Atlas (SOMA)! 🌌 ℹ It includes infographics, articles, and preprints on topics like countermeasures to risks, such as cardiac fibrosis in space travel (by Afshin Beheshti and his team). Our #EUfunded project plans to add to this growing constellation of knowledge with our innovative magneto-acoustic 3D bioprinter. With it, we will fabricate more complex and realistic cardiac models to study how microgravity and radiation affect the heart, and how to protect it. 🛡 💗 https://lnkd.in/ebmXKTUk