In Today’s Deep Space Extra… European Space Agency chief Jan Woerner sees a human lunar settlement as the next step on the road to Mars.
Human Deep Space Exploration
Human flights to Mars still at least 15 years off
Reuters via New York Times (6/22): Mars as a human destination is at least 15 years away, according to European Space Agency Director-General Jan Woerner. He advocates for a permanent human settlement on the moon as a step toward a future Mars mission. A lunar village would preserve, perhaps expand, the partnerships forged through the International Space Station, according to Woerner.
Space Science
No matter the job, passion is key to space ventures
Seattle Times (6/23): New space ventures seek talent in and outside of engineering as they prepare for growth. Make sure you know your Star Trek and Star Wars folklore, advised Caitlin O’Keefe, director of communications and marketing for Seattle based Planetary Resources, an asteroid mining venture. O’Keefe was among panelists speaking on the topic at a recent Seattle space conference, NewSpace 16.
European Mars spacecraft sees its destination from afar
Space.com (6/22): Exo Mars, a joint mission of the European Space Agency and Roscosmos, the Russian Space Agency, has its red planet destination in sight in new photos. The mission, which includes the Trace Gas Orbiter and the prototype lander Schiaparelli, launched Mar. 14. They are on course to maneuver into orbit and land on Mars on Oct. 19. TGO will study the Martian atmosphere and search for sources of methane, a waste gas that may indicate past or present biological activity. Schiaparelli will test entry, descent and landing techniques for a future surface rover.
An ocean lies a few kilometers beneath Saturn’s moon Enceladus’s icy surface
Science Daily (6/21): Saturn’s moon Enceladus may have a rocky core and internal heat source, a global ocean and ice layer, and perhaps a habitable environment, according to a new interpretation of data from the Cassini spacecraft that has been orbiting Saturn since 2004. Enceladus sports a geyser like spray emerging from its south pole.
SETI eavesdrops on nearby star in smart alien hunt
Seeker (6/22): Trappist-1 is a red dwarf star with three extra solar planets. Just 40 light years away, the Trappist-1 planetary system has the attention of SETI, which is listening for possible broadcast signals from an intelligent civilization using the Allen Telescope Array in California.
Rainbow-colored shooting stars may fly overhead someday
Space.com (6.22): A Japanese company proposes the launch of artificial meteorites that would fall back to Earth with a rainbow of colors. Some express concerns of a possible orbital debris issue.
Huge plasma tsunamis hitting Earth explains third Van Allen belt
Universe Today (6/22): Interactions between unstable solar activity and the Earth’s magnetic field may be responsible for a transient third Van Allen radiation belt.
Low Earth Orbit
China confirms Saturday for launch of new rocket from new launch site
Spacepolicyonline.com (6/22): China’s new rocket, the Long March 7, will debut with the launch of a new human spacecraft. The unpiloted test flight is planned for Saturday. Public viewing areas are planned as well for the launch from China’s new Wenchang Satellite Launch Center on Hainan Island.
Commercial to Low Earth Orbit
Boeing’s long game includes satellites, space and, yes, fighter jets
Washington Post (6/22): Boeing intends to remain a force in the military fighter jet arena as it marks its 100th anniversary this summer, according to Boeing chief executive Dennis Muilenburg in an interview. However, the company intends to invest in other areas, including unmanned systems, satellites and space travel.