This Week @NASA: Experimental X-Plane, ISS Power Upgrade, Mars Postcard, Laser Communications System
Here are the highlights from NASA’s latest endeavors:
Equipping the Space Station with Enhanced Power
On June 15, NASA astronauts Steve Bowen and Woody Hoburg embarked on their second spacewalk in a week to install an advanced solar array called the International Space Station Roll Out Solar Array (IROSA). This marked the completion of the planned installation of six IROSAs, which are designed to augment the station’s power system. With these new arrays, the space station will be able to generate approximately 30% more power, enhancing its capabilities as an orbiting laboratory.
NASA’s Newest Experimental X-Plane
At the AIAA Aviation forum in San Diego during the week of June 12, NASA and Boeing announced their collaboration on an experimental aircraft as part of NASA’s Sustainable Flight Demonstrator project. This cutting-edge aircraft, designated by the U.S. Air Force as the X-66A, aims to support the United States in achieving the ambitious goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Boeing will work closely with NASA to modify an MD-90 aircraft, incorporating a Transonic Truss-Braced Wing design, characterized by long, thin wings and engines mounted underneath, supported by aerodynamic trusses.
Testing the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System
In preparation for NASA’s Artemis II mission, which will witness astronauts circumnavigating the moon for the first time since the Apollo missions, the Orion spacecraft has received the Orion Artemis II Optical Communications System (O2O) at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. This laser communications system will be integrated with the spacecraft and tested during the mission. Laser communications offer enhanced data transfer rates, surpassing traditional radio wave systems and enabling the transmission of greater volumes of information in a single transmission. This technology opens up new possibilities for scientific discoveries.
Curiosity’s Captivating “Postcard” of Mars
NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has recently captured a mesmerizing composite image of an area called “Marker Band Valley.” Combining a morning scene, an afternoon scene, and enhanced colors for artistic interpretation, the image highlights the stark differences in lighting conditions throughout the day, emphasizing intricate details in the scene. Marker Band Valley is situated in a region where the rover unexpectedly unearthed evidence of an ancient lake, adding to our understanding of Mars’ intriguing history.
These are the noteworthy updates from NASA for this week!