Wednesday, March 1, 2017

Space Highlights - March 1, 2017

March 1, 2017


United Launch Alliance is preparing to launch the NROL-79 spy satellite atop an Atlas V rocket later this week.  Ironically, the first stage of the launch will be powered by the RD-180 rocket motor, supplied by Russia.
https://sputniknews.com/us/201702281051099670-us-spy-satellite-atlas-rocket/
http://www.spaceflightinsider.com/organizations/ula/ula-readies-atlas-v-for-launch-of-nrol-79-reconnaissance-satellite/


China's next generation, Fengyun-4 weather satellite has transmitted its first set of images and measurements, after reaching its destination orbit.  The satellite was launched in December.
http://english.cctv.com/2017/02/28/ARTIhgcpmD1l08eAc18ctj7L170228.shtml


NASA has released new photographs from the Cassini spacecraft, including images of Saturn's hexagonal polar storm system, as well as images showing new details in Saturn's outermost F-ring.
http://www.space.com/35849-saturn-hexagon-close-up-cassini-photo.html
http://www.sci-news.com/space/cassini-objects-saturns-f-ring-04656.html
http://www.ibtimes.co.in/new-clusters-spotted-by-nasas-cassini-saturns-f-ring-shed-light-space-collissions-717595


NASA has released video depicting the shifting sands underneath the Curiosity rover, as well as dust devils moving across the Martian landscape.
https://www.cnet.com/news/nasa-mars-curiosity-rover-shifting-sands/
http://www.foxnews.com/science/2017/02/28/cool-nasa-video-shows-dust-devils-whirling-on-mars.html


Researchers studying data from the Mars Global Surveyor have concluded that parts of the Elysium lava deposits are only three to four million years old, suggesting that the second largest Martian volcano may still be active.
https://cosmosmagazine.com/space/mars-may-erupt-again


NASA's Juno spacecraft has revealed the most detailed images yet collected of Jupiter's stormy atmosphere.
http://earthsky.org/todays-image/jupiter-atmosphere-photo-juno
http://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-juno-images-jupiter-anticyclone-storms-south-pole-2017-2


The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has approved a naming convention for features on the surface of Pluto, commonising themes across continents.
https://www.seti.org/seti-institute/news/nasa%E2%80%99s-new-horizons-iau-set-pluto-naming-themes
http://www.theverge.com/2017/2/23/14711520/nasa-new-horizons-pluto-surface-features-names-moons-themes

No comments:

Post a Comment