Lifeboat Foundation

Detecting dark energy with tetrahedral spacecraft.

Shared with Dropbox.

New research from the group of MIT Professor Brett McGuire has revealed the presence of a previously unknown molecule in space. The team’s open-access paper, “Rotational Spectrum and First Interstellar Detection of 2-Methoxyethanol Using ALMA Observations of NGC 6334I,” was published in the April 12 issue of The Astrophysical Journal Letters.

Zachary T.P. Fried, a graduate student in the McGuire group and the lead author of the publication, worked to assemble a puzzle comprised of pieces collected from across the globe, extending beyond MIT to France, Florida, Virginia, and Copenhagen, to achieve this exciting discovery.

“Our group tries to understand what molecules are present in regions of space where stars and solar systems will eventually take shape,” explains Fried. “This allows us to piece together how chemistry evolves alongside the process of star and planet formation. We do this by looking at the rotational spectra of molecules, the unique patterns of light they give off as they tumble end-over-end in space.

What modifications will be made to SpaceX’s Starship for the Artemis missions?

— The cargo version of SpaceX’s Starship will be adapted from the human Landing systems for Artemis missions, with modifications focused on payload interfaces and deployment mechanisms, excluding human life support systems, and featuring a payload door, elevator system, and potential adaptations for larger payloads such as Rovers.

SpaceX is making rapid progress in the development of their Starship, with improvements in heat shield tiles, construction of a second launch tower, and multiple successful launches, showcasing their commitment to innovation and progress in space exploration.

Questions to inspire discussion.

Continue reading “SpaceX’s Latest Progress in Starship Development and Lunar Exploration” »

I found this on NewsBreak: Scientists Discover Potential Interstellar Origins of Life on Earth.

SpaceX is preparing for upcoming Starship launches and is working on upgrading launch support infrastructure, but still needs FAA approval for the new launch schedule.

Questions to inspire discussion.

Continue reading “SpaceX’s Upcoming Starship Launch Schedule and FAA Approval Update” »

A crucial development is propelling engineers toward faster-than-light travel.

Haven’t posted in a while, my mother is not doing well, had to take her to the ER the other day, but this is important and I hope it sets a trend of cooperation.

When NASA returns to the Moon, its astronauts will enjoy tooling around in a pressurized camper van courtesy of JAXA and Toyota. The two-person vehicle is part of a US/Japan agreement that includes putting the first Japanese astronauts on the Moon.

It’s beginning to look like NASA’s program to establish a permanent human presence on the Moon will resemble a car show as much as it does a scientific expedition. The space agency recently awarded contracts to develop an open off road vehicle to carry astronauts around on the Moon, though these are small and the driver and passengers have to wear spacesuits. Meanwhile, the Japanese vehicle being developed by JAXA and Toyota is a mobile outpost where the crew can live and work for up to 30 days in a shirt sleeve environment.

Continue reading “Japan to build NASA a pressurized Moon campervan for 30-day trips” »

SpaceX is striving to create the most powerful and reliable rocket engine with the Raptor engine, which will revolutionize the aerospace industry Questions to inspire discussion What is the goal of the Raptor engine? —The goal of the Raptor engine is to exceed 700,000 lb of thrust and become the most powerful and reliable rocket engine.