In Today’s Deep Space Extra… Scientists estimate the Earth’s moon appeared soon after the solar system formed, based on studies of lunar samples gathered by NASA’s Apollo 14 astronauts.
Human Deep Space Exploration
How old is the moon? Scientists say they finally know
Space.com (1/11): Using new dating techniques on lunar samples gathered by NASA’s Apollo 14 astronauts, scientists believe they provided the most accurate data yet for the formation of the moon, 4.51 billion years ago, or just 60 million years after the solar system formed. Previous estimates suggest the moon formed 150 million to 200 million years after the solar system was born. The findings were published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances.
Space Science
Legendary radio telescope hangs in the balance
Nature News (1/10): The National Science Foundation (NSF) discloses a possible release of the Arecibo Observatory, a radio telescope in Puerto Rico that has studied near-Earth asteroids and listened for possible signals from deep space intelligent civilizations. The NSF, facing constrained budgets, is seeking proposals for future uses of the observatory so that it can pursue new telescope technologies. Opponents believe the NSF is being hasty.
Arizona city sees success keeping its night sky dark
Associated Press via ABC News (1/11): For those who enjoy being outside at night to gaze at the sky, Flagstaff, Arizona, should be a destination. Flagstaff’s residents have stayed true to a commitment made decades ago to dim lights after sunset.
Low Earth Orbit
Loss of Progress space vehicle probably caused by ‘foreign particles’ in pump
TASS of Russia (1/11): A Russian space agency investigative panel identifies possible causes of the loss of the country’s most recent cargo mission launch to the International Space Station. The Progress MS-04 lifted off December 1, but never reached orbit. The probe points to flaws in the Soyuz launch vehicle’s third stage, possibly failure of the oxygen propellant tank. Foreign debris in the rocket engine or a breach of an assembly protocol may under lie the failure.
What is the International Space Station?
Universe Today (1/11): After NASA’s Apollo moon successes, the U.S. and rival Soviet Union turned their efforts to developing long-term capabilities in space. Their collaboration led to the 15 nation International Space Station, which has been continuously staffed since late 2000 for scientific research and technology development.
Space Shuttle Endeavour exhibit gains flight-worthy solid rocket boosters
Space.com via Collectspace.com (1/11): NASA and Orbital ATK have joined to donate two flight worthy solid rocket boosters for the shuttle orbiter Endeavour, which is on public display at the California Science Center in Los Angeles, along with previously provided external fuel tank.
Commercial to Low Earth Orbit
NASA ready to proceed with small satellite Earth science data buys
Space News (1/11): As part of its strategy to turn to commercial providers for low Earth orbit operations, NASA is prepared to purchase Earth science data from small satellite operators. The agency is currently assessing the balance of traditional large and small satellites to meet its needs. NOAA and U.S. intelligence agencies are pursuing similar courses.
Space Coast could host more than 30 launches in 2017
Florida Today (1/11): Authorities on Florida’s space coast predict as many as 32 launches from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and Kennedy Space Center, Florida this year, a significant leap over 2016.