UNISTELLAR’s Post

The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) has partnered with the SETI Institute to develop the AlUla Manara Observatory, aiming to position AlUla as a key destination for space research and astro-tourism. This collaboration will enhance the observatory’s capabilities with advanced telescopes, data analysis systems, and the installation of the Laser SETI instrument, contributing to global space research. The initiative aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, focusing on education, innovation, and community engagement, and will offer significant educational opportunities in astronomy and STEM fields. Explore AlUla's journey to becoming a leading space research and astro-tourism destination: https://lnkd.in/dFrneMt4 #astrotourism #alula #saudiarabia #saudivision2030 #travel #technology #spaceresearch #education #innovation #observatory #hospitality #astronomy #leadership #management #strategy #partnership #middleeast #gcc

🌌Have you heard about #ESA's Gaia Mission❓ European Space Agency - ESA 🚀 Gaia's Galactic Map 🌠 ESA's Gaia #spacecraft is charting an unprecedented journey to create the most precise three-dimensional map of our #galaxy. Aiming at nearly two billion objects, #Gaia is revolutionizing our view of the #MilkyWay. 😍 Mission Highlights: - ✨ Mapping stars' positions, distances, movements, and brightness changes. - 🌍 Discovering new celestial bodies, including extra-solar planets and brown dwarfs. - 🔭 Advancing our understanding of Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity. 😍 What Makes Gaia Extraordinary? - 🌌 Gaia's Early Data Release 3 offers an incredibly precise 3D map of nearly two billion objects. - 🤔 This immense data is key to deciphering our Galaxy’s origin, structure, and evolutionary tale. - 🌟 Stellar measurement accuracy is unmatched, revealing the secrets of stars both near and far. 😍 The Spacecraft's Epic Journey: - 🚀 Launched from French Guiana, Gaia's journey is a testament to human ingenuity and curiosity. - 🛰️ Operating from L2 Lagrangian point for the clearest cosmic view. 😍 Continuing a Stellar Legacy: - 🌟 Building on the achievements of ESA’s Hipparcos mission. - 💫 Gaia magnifies our cosmic understanding, transcending its predecessor’s legacy. 🤯 This awe-inspiring journey continues as Gaia unfolds the cosmic story of our Milky Way! Picture Acknowledgments: Based on the paper “Gaia Focused Product Release: A catalogue of sources around quasars to search for strongly lensed quasars” by Gaia Collaboration, A. Krone-Martins et al.; Graphic produced by ATG under contract to ESA.  Source: ESA https://lnkd.in/dCsxd5Uz The below infographic "has three main parts: a visual describing how gravitational lensing works (top left), six images of lensed systems identified in Gaia DR3 (top right), and some key facts about Gaia's discovery of new lensed quasars (bottom). The visual on gravitational lensing illustrates how light travels from a distant quasar to Gaia, bending around a foreground mass (a galaxy) as it travels, and shows how this causes the telescope to see multiple images of the quasar on the sky." #ESAGaia #GalaxyMapping #SpaceExploration #CosmicJourney #AstronomyLovers #MilkyWayGalaxy #DeepSpace #ESA #Astrophysics #StarGazers #science #Astronomy #Space #spacescience #spaceagency #europeanspaceagency #scienceandtechnology #spacetech #Spacetechnology

👨🚀👩🚀 Did you know Space Health Research uses a secret island for our analogue missions? 🌌 🌐 At Space Health Research, we're on a mission to help researchers push the boundaries of space exploration. 🚀 We do this by specialising in analogue missions that simulate the exploration of space. Our expertise lies in designing and running analogue missions that replicate challenges of space for research, providing invaluable insights for future space exploration. 🌌 Whether it's studying the effects on decision-making, testing remote health monitoring technology, or monitoring psychological well-being in isolated environments, we are here to help bring researchers to the forefront of space exploration.🛰️🔬 How do we do this? 🤔 Well, we use a remote and uninhabited island that has very a similar topography (terrain) to the Moon and Mars. 🌍 This makes it a perfect location for research such as astrogeology, as proven during our Meili I analogue mission. Results from the Geological Surveys of Impact Regions are being presented at the 55th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference 2024 in Houston, US! https://lnkd.in/eZkPUYkv Click here to find the abstract, titled “Logistical Considerations for Astronaut Traverses and Geological Data Collection from Meili-I” – https://lnkd.in/emMnEvSV The island we use isn’t just brilliant for astrogeology. The remote location means the conditions are really challenging – even moving around during an EVA is hard work! This means research that investigates space operations, including human factors, can be conducted in a high-quality simulation of being on another planet. 😮 For this reason, the exact location of the island is a well-kept secret to preserve the simulation of space missions to explore other worlds. 🌕☄️ However, there is a away you can have a sneak peek… 🌟 Join Us on the Journey: We're not just exploring space; we're shaping the future of humanity beyond our planet. 🌠 If you're passionate about space science, technology, engineering, art, and maths, we invite you to join us on this incredible journey. Visit our website (https://lnkd.in/eZGcmHdg) to see drone footage of the island, and to find out how you can be a part of our Meili II analogue mission! 🚀 Join us to discover the new space age! 🌌 #SpaceHealth #SpaceExploration #AnalogueMissions #MeiliII 🌍💫

The Colombia Espacial 2023 event, held on December 13 and 14 in the auditorium of the Meta Government, brought together the country's outstanding astronomical community. Experts from Brazil, Ecuador, Spain, Luxembourg and Colombia shared their knowledge in conferences that covered everything from space exploration to emerging technologies. The highlight was a closing forum with representatives of the Presidency of the Republic of Colombia, the Colombian Aerospace Force, Planetai Space and Enciso Systems, discussing the future of the national aerospace sector. The synergy generated during the event establishes solid foundations for the continued advancement of Colombian space exploration, with the department of Meta at the epicenter of these discussions. Colombia Espacial 2023 was not only a scientific dissemination event, but also a platform for networking and collaboration between professionals, government institutions and companies in the sector. The experience leaves a promising legacy for the future development of space research in the department and the country.  More information: https://lnkd.in/ewcr7W52 📸From left to right: Edilberto Suárez Torres, Javier Enciso, Santiago Vargas, Mario-Armando Higuera-Garzón. #SpaceColombia #SpaceExploration #ColombiaScience #SpaceEconomy #FutureAstronomy #ColombiaEspacial

NASA's Latest Moon to Mars Missions 1. **Artemis Program**: Returning humans to the Moon by 2024 and establishing a sustainable presence on the lunar surface. This includes conducting scientific research, developing technologies for future Mars missions, and creating a cadence of missions to inform future exploration of farther destinations, including Mars[1][3][4]. 2. **Europa Clipper**: Launching in October 2024, this mission aims to determine if there are places on Jupiter's icy moon Europa that could support life. It will study the moon's subsurface ocean and ice shell to better understand the moon's habitability[2]. 3. **VIPER**: Launching late 2024, this robotic Moon rover will measure the location and concentration of water ice and other resources on the Moon. These resources could eventually be harvested to sustain human exploration on the Moon, Mars, and beyond[2]. These missions are part of NASA's broader strategy to advance understanding of the Moon, Mars, and deep space, while also developing technologies and capabilities for future human exploration and settlement of the solar system. How will the VIPER mission impact future lunar exploration?? The VIPER mission will significantly impact future lunar exploration by:- 1. **Locating and mapping water ice**: VIPER will determine the distribution, accessibility, and composition of water ice at the lunar poles, which is crucial for future human settlements and resource utilization[1][2][3]. 2. **Paving the way for sustainable lunar habitats**: By identifying and characterizing water resources, VIPER will enable the development of sustainable lunar habitats that can support extended human presence on the Moon[1][3]. 3. **Advancing lunar technology**: VIPER's innovative engineering and AI capabilities will set a precedent for future lunar missions, including the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon by 2024[1][3][4]. 4. **Informing future Mars missions**: The VIPER mission's findings on lunar water resources and their accessibility will inform strategies for extracting water on Mars, a critical resource for future human missions[2][3]. 5. **Establishing a commercial space ecosystem**: By partnering with commercial companies like Astrobotic and SpaceX, NASA is building a robust commercial space ecosystem that will support future lunar missions and reduce costs[1][3]. Overall, the VIPER mission will lay the groundwork for a sustainable and resource-rich lunar presence, enabling future human exploration and settlement of the Moon and beyond.

The Significance of the Project and the Experience of Traveling to Russia to Witness the Launch of Kosar and Hodhod Satellites The launch of the Kosar and Hodhod satellites into space is not only a major scientific and technical achievement for our country but also an extraordinary opportunity to witness this historic moment up close. This project, utilizing advanced technologies and the relentless efforts of engineering and scientific teams, marks a significant step forward in Iran's space progress.  Project Significance 1. *Scientific and Technological Advancement: The launch of Kosar and Hodhod satellites symbolizes our country’s scientific and technical capabilities. This project, through the use of cutting-edge technologies and international collaborations, strengthens Iran’s position in the space arena. 2. Diverse Satellite Applications: The Kosar satellite is designed for Earth imaging, providing precise agricultural and environmental data, while the Hodhod satellite aims to enhance the Internet of Things. These applications will have positive impacts on our economy, security, and daily lives. 3. Strengthening International Cooperation: This project highlights international cooperation and scientific collaboration between Iran and leading space-faring nations. Such partnerships facilitate the transfer of knowledge and experience, fostering the development of indigenous technologies.  The Experience of Traveling to Russia This journey offers a unique opportunity for space and technology enthusiasts. You can witness the satellite launch up close and gain insights into the preparation and launch operations. Visiting space museums is also part of this experience, allowing you to learn about the history of space exploration and significant space achievements. - Witnessing a Historic Moment: Being present at the launch site and watching the rocket ascend into the sky is an unparalleled and thrilling experience that you will never forget. - Visiting the Launch Site: You will have the chance to see advanced equipment and the launch pad up close, observing the behind-the-scenes efforts of technical and engineering teams. - Learning About Space History:* Visiting space museums in Russia provides an opportunity to see spacecraft and technologies used throughout history and to learn about major space exploration achievements.  Conclusion The launch of the Kosar and Hodhod satellites into space is not only a major scientific and technical achievement for the country but also an extraordinary opportunity for space and technology enthusiasts to witness this historic moment up close. This journey to Russia will be an unforgettable and unique experience. For more information about this project and how to participate in this journey, please contact us. #KosarSatellite #HodhodSatellite #omid_be_faza #SpaceExperience #ScientificAdvancement #InternationalCollaboration #SpaceTechnology #IranToSpace

Meeting The Milky Way: ESO La Silla Observatory in Chilean Atacama Desert FriendsofNASA.org | High-res image: https://lnkd.in/g6xjHscg The road to the European Southern Observatory’s La Silla Observatory in the Chilean Atacama Desert appears to curve around the mountain and collide with the downward slope of the Milky Way in this picture. Small yellow bulbs light up the road at regular intervals. It is prohibited to use headlights on these roads between dusk and dawn, as even dim lights can interfere significantly with telescope observations. This site is among the darkest night skies on Earth. A number of interesting objects populate the sky above the observatory. To the left, almost hidden behind the telescope, is the faint green glow of Comet 252P/LINEAR and, overhead, the tail of Scorpius curves into the glowing clouds of the Milky Way, keeping close company to Mars and Saturn. Further up the bright galactic band are two bright stars—the intriguing triple-star systems Alpha and Beta Centauri—and at the very top right of the image is the iconic diamond of the Southern Cross. The darkness, high altitude, and resulting dry air at La Silla make it an exceptional location for astronomy. In the foreground of this image, the Danish 1.54-meter telescope is performing its nightly observations. Its instruments have allowed astronomers to achieve several “firsts”. In 2005, for example, astronomers observed the afterglows of short gamma-ray bursts and showed that the bursts are likely caused by the dramatic collision of two neutron stars. Furthermore, in 2006, the telescope was part of a global network of telescopes that discovered an exoplanet five times as massive as Earth. Learn more about the Danish 1.54-meter telescope: https://lnkd.in/gtjc9U3S Credit: ESO/P. Horálek Image Date: Jan. 25, 2021 Petr Horálek European Southern Observatory #ESO #Earth #Astronomy #Space #Science #Planets #Comets #SolarSystem #MilkyWayGalaxy #Stars #Cosmos #Universe #DanishTelescope #LaSillaObservatory #AtacamaDesert #Chile #SouthAmerica #LightPollution #DarkSkies #Astrophotography #PetrHorálek #Europe #STEM #Education

✨ Today In Tech #046 - June 24th 2024✨ 💡Topics💡 1️⃣ Space => French-Chinese Satellite SVOM Launches to Investigate Gamma-Ray Bursts and Unravel Universe Mysteries 2️⃣ Company & AI => Apple Partners with OpenAI for ChatGPT Integration in Siri, Explores Similar Deal with Meta 3️⃣ Company & AI => Meta Expands Availability of Llama-3-Powered AI Chatbot to All Users in India 1️⃣ Space => French-Chinese Satellite SVOM Launches to Investigate Gamma-Ray Bursts and Unravel Universe Mysteries 🛈 Source : https://lnkd.in/gA9UX7NY A French-Chinese satellite, the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM), has successfully launched on Saturday to search for the most powerful explosions in the universe. The satellite, developed by engineers from both countries, is carrying four instruments – two French and two Chinese – that will seek out gamma-ray bursts, which have traveled billions of light years to reach Earth. The 930-kilogram (2,050-pound) satellite took off aboard a Chinese Long March 2-C rocket from a space base in Xichang, in southwestern Sichuan province. Gamma-ray bursts generally occur after the explosion of huge stars or the fusion of compact stars. These extremely bright cosmic beams can give off a blast of energy equivalent to more than a billion billion suns. Observing them is like looking back in time, as the light from these objects takes a long time to reach us. The rays carry traces of the gas clouds and galaxies they pass through on their journey through space, valuable data for better understanding the history and evolution of the universe. The project stems from a partnership between the French and Chinese space agencies as well as other scientific and technical groups from both nations. Philippe Baptiste, CEO of France’s CNES space agency, told AFP after the launch. Space cooperation at this level between the West and China is fairly uncommon, especially since the United States banned all collaboration between NASA and Beijing in 2011. Once in orbit 625 kilometers (388 miles) above the Earth, the satellite will send its data back to observatories. The main challenge is that gamma-ray bursts are extremely brief, leaving scientists in a race against time to gather information. Once it detects a burst, SVOM will send an alert to a team on duty around the clock, who will have to rev up a network of telescopes on the ground to make more detailed observations.

It might be the end of the road for two of NASA’s most iconic telescopes as the space agency looks to reduce the funding for the Hubble Space Telescope and the Chandra X-Ray Observatory, much to the dismay of scientists who rely heavily on the cosmic observations of the missions. The Fujifilm X100VI is the Most Fun I’ve Had With a Camera in Years Shortly after the fate of its 2024 budget was sealed, NASA released its budget proposal for 2025, requesting $1.58 billion for its astrophysics division. Despite the 3% increase from what the space agency received this year to spend on astrophysics research, it represents a small reduction in the amount spent on Hubble and a major downgrade for Chandra’s budget. The proposed budget for Hubble Space Telescope in 2025 is $88.9 million, a slight decrease from $98.3 million in 2024, while the Chandra X-Ray Observatory would drop from $68.3 million in 2023 to $41.1 million in 2025 and a further reduction to $26.6 million the following year. “The reduction to Chandra will start orderly mission drawdown to minimal operations,” the budget document read. In its budget request, NASA argues that the Chandra spacecraft “has been degrading over its mission lifetime to the extent that several systems require active management to keep temperatures within acceptable ranges for spacecraft operations. This makes scheduling and the post processing of data more complex, increasing mission management costs beyond what NASA can currently afford.” Patrick Slane, director of the Chandra X-ray Center, responded in a statement, arguing that, while temperatures of the spacecraft have been increasing, the team has “developed thermal models and processes to manage this situation and have done so with amazing success—experiencing little or no decrease in observing efficiency, which far exceeds the initial requirements for the mission.” In the statement, Slane also expressed confusion over NASA’s claim of increasing costs, recalling that there was only one instance in which the Chandra mission requested two additional people on the flight team, resulting in a 1% increase in cost in 2022. The decision may not be a reflection of Chandra per say, but rather an indication of the budgetary constraints on NASA. The space agency received $24.875 billion for its budget this year, about half a billion less than its 2023 budget and some $2.31 billion short of what it was hoping to spend on its various programs in 2024. Chandra and Hubble are the only two remaining Great Observatories, NASA’s four large telescopes launched between 1990 and 2003, marking a golden age of cosmic discovery (the Compton Gamma Ray Observatory, launched in 1991, and the Spitzer Space Telescope, launched in 2003, are the others). Hubble launched on April 24, 1990, and has since revolutionized our view of the universe, capturing images of merging galaxies and nebulae teeming with baby stars as far as 13.4 billion

Great to see the Economist cover European Southern Observatory's Extremely Large Telescope twice in one week! The first article covers the challenging and ambitious engineering work taking place in Chile and Europe (Thanks Yahoo Finance for the open link), how we will float a 5,000-tonne telescope dome on oil while keeping the 798 segments that make up the main 39m mirror smooth within a few billionths of a metre. The second is paywalled, but the main message is that Europe benefited from this unique post-war period where we formed intergovernmental organisations (think CERN, ESA, EUMETSAT, ECMWF, ESRF, EMBL, and ESO) to achieve more than any one nation could achieve alone. Thankfully, the Extremely Large Telescope is a result of these decades of organisational and funding stability that is lacking in other science systems. https://lnkd.in/df7-nZ5x https://lnkd.in/dmn7qfkD #sciencediplomacy #sciencepolicy #astronomy