european space agency
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Engineers Devise Plan to De-Ice ‘Dark Universe’ Telescope from a Million Miles Away
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Euclid telescope has been gradually losing its vision as layers of water molecules have frozen onto its mirrors. That’s bad news for a mission tasked with observing the dark universe using super-sensitive cameras, but the team behind the telescope has come up with a plan to keep Euclid warm in…
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The ISS Is Getting a New Pair of Creepy Robot Arms
Astronauts on board the International Space Station (ISS) are about to make a new cyborg friend in the form of two short mechanical arms that will do their bidding in the cold, dark vacuum of low Earth orbit. California-based startup GITAI is launching its 4.9-foot-long (1.5-metres) autonomous dual robotic arm system, called S2, to the…
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Europe’s Next-Gen Rocket Performs Successful Full-Scale Rehearsal Ahead of Inaugural Flight
The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully conducted a full-scale rehearsal of its new Ariane 6 rocket at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a significant step towards the launch vehicle’s first flight. Ground controllers performed the full-scale wet dress rehearsal on Thursday, November 23, according to an ESA press release. The exercise (carried out…
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Troubling Motor Issues Will Delay Revival of Europe’s Vega-C Rocket
After a disheartening failure in December 2022, the return flight of Europe’s Vega-C rocket has been pushed to late 2024. The delay, just revealed by the European Space Agency, stems from a required redesign of the rocket’s motor nozzle. The 35-metre-tall rocket’s misfortune struck just 2 minutes and 27 seconds after its departure from the…