How astronomers work out the size of the Solar System

Magnetism and gravity both shape the boundaries of our cosmic neighbourhood.

Gareth Dorrian, Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Space Science, University of Birmingham • conversation
July 11, 2024 ~6 min

Even short trips to space can change an astronaut’s biology − a new set of studies offers the most comprehensive look at spaceflight health since NASA’s Twins Study

A set of papers published in Nature contain groundbreaking research into how even quick jaunts to space can affect an astronaut’s health.

Susan Bailey, Professor of Radiation Cancer Biology and Oncology, Colorado State University • conversation
July 3, 2024 ~9 min


To guard against cyberattacks in space, researchers ask ‘what if?’

Sabotaged space stations, falsified space probe data and faked alien contact are just a few of the scenarios a report on space cybersecurity outlines.

Patrick Lin, Professor of Philosophy, California Polytechnic State University • conversation
July 3, 2024 ~9 min

The science behind splashdown − an aerospace engineer explains how NASA and SpaceX get spacecraft safely back on Earth

Safely landing a spacecraft that’s falling from the sky very quickly is easier said than done.

Marcos Fernandez Tous, Assistant Professor of Space Studies, University of North Dakota • conversation
June 27, 2024 ~8 min

US military project aims to prevent hackers targeting satellites and recognises rising threat of cyberattacks in space

Cyberattacks are a growing threat to government and commercial spacecraft.

Sharon Lemac-Vincere, Senior Teaching Fellow in Space and Cyber, Hunter Centre For Entrepreneurship, University of Strathclyde • conversation
June 27, 2024 ~7 min

Why do some planets have moons? A physics expert explains why Earth has only one moon while other planets have hundreds

It’s not a competition, but if it were, Saturn would be winning.

Nicole Granucci, Instructor of Physics, Quinnipiac University • conversation
June 24, 2024 ~7 min

Space radiation can damage satellites − my team discovered that a next-generation material could self-heal when exposed to cosmic rays

Spacecraft exteriors that automatically heal from radiation damage would change the game − one material shows promise.

Ahmad Kirmani, Assistant Professor of Chemistry and Materials Science, Rochester Institute of Technology • conversation
June 21, 2024 ~5 min

Keeping astronauts healthy in space isn’t easy − new training programs will prepare students to perform medicine while thousands of miles away from Earth

Future space missions will fly farther and longer than ever before – which means crew members may need more involved medical care in space.

Arian Anderson, Emergency Medicine Physician, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus • conversation
June 18, 2024 ~8 min


Nations realise they need to take risks or lose the race to the Moon

There’s intense competition between the US and China to establish bases on the Moon.

Jacco van Loon, Reader in Astrophysics, Keele University • conversation
June 17, 2024 ~8 min

The Hubble telescope has shifted into one-gyro mode after months of technical issues − an aerospace engineering expert explains

Hubble’s technical issues continue. But through some clever engineering, the telescope can continue operations with just 1 gyroscope.

Panagiotis Tsiotras, Professor of Aerospace Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology • conversation
June 17, 2024 ~6 min

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