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A group of Stanford University researchers has developed rechargeable batteries that can store charge six times that of the lithium-ion batteries available at present. With the help of this new technology, users would have to recharge mobile devices only once a week and an electric vehicle would be able to cover six times more distance on a single recharge. These would be the top two benefits of the research.

At the heart of the research are the new so-called alkali metal-chlorine batteries. The researchers have tried a back-and-forth conversion of sodium chloride or lithium chloride to chlorine. Hitherto, not many researchers have tried to explore the potential of a sodium-chlorine or lithium-chlorine battery because it’s very challenging to convert chlorine — a highly reactive gas — back to a chloride. In cases where scientists achieved some degree of rechargeability, the battery performance was poor.

The research was published in the Nature journal on August 25. However, Stanford chemistry professor Hongjie Dai and doctoral candidate Guanzhou Zhu did not set out to create rechargeable sodium and lithium-chlorine battery. They were working to improve existing battery technologies using thionyl chloride.

“A rechargeable battery is a bit like a rocking chair. It tips in one direction, but then rocks back when you add electricity,” Dai was quoted as saying in a report by Tech Xplore.

The researchers have achieved 1,200mAh per gram of positive electrode material against a commercial lithium-ion battery’s capacity of about 200mAh per gram.

They hope their batteries will one day help other scientists power satellites and remote sensors, where frequent recharging is not practical. For now, the prototype can be suitable for use in everyday electronic items like hearing aids or remote controls.

Are the Galaxy Z Fold 3 and Z Flip 3 still made for enthusiasts — or are they good enough for everyone? We discussed this on Orbital, the Gadgets 360 podcast. Orbital is available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and wherever you get your podcasts.

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ISRO’s Spadex Mission to Demonstrate Satellite Docking on December 30

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December 28, 2024

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ISRO's Spadex Mission to Demonstrate Satellite Docking on December 30

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to close the year with the Spadex mission, scheduled for launch at 9:58 pm on December 30 from the Sriharikota spaceport. This mission involves two satellites, SDX01 (Chaser) and SDX02 (Target), aimed at demonstrating docking capabilities in orbit. By showcasing the alignment, connection, and power transfer between these satellites, the mission is expected to pave the way for future endeavours, including the Chandrayaan-4 and the proposed Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Mission Details and Objectives

According to reports, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C60) will place the 220-kg satellites into a 470-km circular orbit. The satellites will begin by separating to a distance of 10–20 km using relative velocity adjustments provided by the rocket. The Target satellite’s propulsion system will then maintain this distance to prevent further drift, marking the start of what is referred to as the “far rendezvous.” Gradual approaches by the Chaser satellite will follow, reducing the gap in calculated stages until docking is achieved.

Once docked, the satellites will demonstrate electrical power transfer and joint spacecraft control. Following separation, both satellites will operate their respective payloads, which are designed to function for two years.

Technological Highlights and Payloads

The Spadex mission is reported to employ innovative technologies, including docking mechanisms and advanced sensors, ensuring precision during the docking process. A relative orbit determination and propagation system, based on navigation constellations, is also part of this mission. The Chaser satellite features a high-resolution miniature surveillance camera, while the Target satellite carries a multispectral payload for monitoring vegetation and natural resources. A radiation monitor onboard the Target will collect space radiation data for analysis.

Additional Experiments

As per several reports, the rocket’s final stage will host experiments involving 24 payloads, including a robotic arm for debris capture and a study on seed germination and plant growth. The mission marks a significant leap in demonstrating small satellite docking, a challenging feat requiring precise control and coordination.

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Space Missions of 2025: Lunar Landings, Asteroid Sampling, and More

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December 28, 2024

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Space Missions of 2025: Lunar Landings, Asteroid Sampling, and More

The year 2025 is set to witness significant milestones in space exploration as multiple countries prepare to launch missions aimed at deepening scientific understanding of the cosmos. A diverse range of objectives will be undertaken, from lunar exploration to asteroid sampling and planetary flybys. These missions are designed to enhance knowledge about the origins of the solar system, support technological innovation, and explore new possibilities for human and robotic spaceflight. As reported by The Conversation, here is a list of Space Missions scheduled for 2025.

Lunar Missions by NASA and Japan

NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative will continue its lunar exploration efforts through collaborations with private companies like Astrobotic, Intuitive Machines, and Firefly Aerospace. These missions will carry instruments to study lunar geology, test new technologies for human exploration, and collect environmental data.
In January, Japan’s M2/Resilience mission will deploy a lander and micro-rover to the Moon. Research

on lunar soil composition and water-splitting processes will be conducted to assess the potential for generating oxygen and hydrogen. Advanced navigation systems and autonomous operation technologies are expected to be demonstrated as part of this mission.

Asteroid and Comet Exploration

China’s Tianwen-2 mission, planned for May, will collect samples from the asteroid 469219 Kamoʻoalewa before heading to the comet 311P/PANSTARRS. Insights into the early solar system’s formation and the origins of organic materials on Earth are anticipated from these samples.
NASA’s Lucy mission will conduct a flyby of the asteroid 52246 Donaldjohanson in April, offering data on ancient asteroid composition.

Orbital and Deep-Space Research

The European Space Agency’s Space Rider uncrewed spaceplane is scheduled for its maiden flight in 2025, focusing on microgravity experiments and technological demonstrations. Flybys by missions like ESA’s JUICE and NASA’s Europa Clipper will provide critical momentum for their journeys to Jupiter’s moons.
With missions from leading agencies, 2025 is expected to significantly advance space exploration and technological development.

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How Solar Cycle 25 Will Shape 2025 Sun’s Activity Flares and Impacts

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December 28, 2024

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How Solar Cycle 25 Will Shape 2025 Sun's Activity Flares and Impacts

Solar activity is expected to maintain elevated levels throughout 2025, marking a significant phase in Solar Cycle 25. As this cycle continues to progress, heightened solar phenomena, including solar flares, coronal mass ejections (CMEs), and geomagnetic storms, are anticipated to impact various sectors. While no total solar eclipses will occur during the year, partial eclipses are scheduled for March and September, visible in regions like North America, Europe, and New Zealand. The increased activity of the sun has already brought dramatic events, with significant implications for the year ahead.

Insights into Solar Cycle 25

According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the sun is currently in the solar maximum period of its 11-year cycle. This phase, characterised by high sunspot counts, typically sees a rise in solar flares and Earth-directed CMEs. While the exact peak of Solar Cycle 25 has not yet been determined, recent records indicate that this cycle has already surpassed the peak activity of Solar Cycle 24, which occurred in 2014. Scientists have highlighted that the rolling average of sunspot numbers is closely monitored to confirm when the peak has occurred, with smoothed data often lagging behind by several months.

Projected Events and Impacts in 2025

Reports suggest that even if the peak of Solar Cycle 25 has already been reached, the extended period of solar maximum activity is expected to persist. Large-scale geomagnetic storms, similar to those witnessed in 2024, could disrupt satellite-based services and power grids. In May 2024, an extreme geomagnetic storm disrupted navigation systems, reportedly causing substantial losses in agriculture. Similar occurrences in the coming year could pose risks to industries reliant on technology.

Potential for Aurora Sightings

With ongoing high solar activity, opportunities for widespread aurora displays are likely. As historical patterns suggest stronger flares often occur during the declining phase of a solar cycle, scientists remain vigilant for potential large-scale events before the cycle concludes. Observations from missions like ESA’s Solar Orbiter continue to provide critical insights into these solar phenomena.

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