Is the US ready for a space rescue service?
A recent discussion among experts highlights a critical gap in the United States’ capacity for in-space rescues. As human spaceflight missions become more common, the absence of a dedicated “space rescue service” raises concerns about the safety of astronauts in distress. The historical lessons from missions like Apollo and the space shuttle seem to have faded, with current efforts primarily focused on launching and returning crews safely. The recent difficulties encountered by Boeing’s Starliner, which experienced thruster issues during its first crewed flight, underline the need for proactive measures to ensure astronaut safety in emergencies.
The Urgent Need for a Rescue Service
Grant Cates, Senior Project Leader at The Aerospace Corporation, emphasises the importance of establishing a robust in-space rescue capability before emergencies occur. He states, “The U.S. has the resources to implement space rescue capabilities, but planning must begin now, rather than waiting until a crisis arises.” The discussions around this topic have gained momentum since a workshop held by The Aerospace Corporation and RAND, where various stakeholders explored strategies for developing a long-term vision for space rescue.
Addressing the Rescue Gap
While there is agreement on the necessity of a space rescue capability, Jan Osburg, a Senior Engineer at RAND, notes the lack of a clear mandate. He believes that a collaborative approach, possibly involving private industry, could lead to effective solutions. Osburg suggests that a modest team could begin initial planning for a rescue service, requiring minimal investment compared to the overall costs associated with space missions.
Potential for International Collaboration
Osburg’s insights draw parallels between the need for a space rescue service and the existing frameworks for underwater rescue, such as the International Submarine Escape and Rescue Liaison Office. He argues that establishing an effective rescue service would not only enhance astronaut safety but also foster international goodwill. A well-designed service could significantly mitigate risks in human spaceflight, potentially leading to an expansion of human activities in space and enhancing the United States’ reputation in space exploration.
In conclusion, the establishment of a space rescue service is critical to ensuring the safety of astronauts and advancing human exploration of space. As discussions continue, it is clear that both governmental and private sectors must collaborate to address this pressing issue.
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An unprecedented nine-day tsunami following a significant rockslide in Greenland’s Dickson Fjord was recently recorded by the international Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, a collaborative mission by NASA and France’s Centre National d’Études Spatiales (CNES). The event, which took place in September 2023, saw a unique pattern of seismic waves resonate around the world, marking one of the rare instances where satellite data captured a prolonged natural phenomenon with such clarity.
Satellite’s Breakthrough Detection in Remote Fjord
As per a report by NASA, the rockslide unleashed over 25 million cubic meters of rock and ice into the fjord, displacing the water and creating a massive wave that moved rhythmically between the fjord walls every 90 seconds for nine consecutive days. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory scientist Josh Willis highlighted this as a first, saying, “SWOT’s technology allowed us to see the wave contours, something we couldn’t achieve before.” The water levels on the northern side of Dickson Fjord rose as high as 1.2 metres in contrast to the southern side, emphasising the powerful impact of the rockslide.
Advanced Technology for Global Hazard Monitoring
At an altitude of around 900 kilometres, SWOT utilises a Ka-band Radar Interferometer (KaRIn) to measure surface water height with precision. This technology captured the event’s effects in the confined fjord setting, which conventional altimeters could not do due to their larger footprint. Nadya Vinogradova Shiffer, a scientist at NASA Headquarters, noted that this capability highlights SWOT’s potential for monitoring hazards, contributing to preparedness and disaster risk reduction.
Innovative Partnership in Satellite Research
Since its launch in December 2022, SWOT has been instrumental in mapping global water levels. Developed with contributions from the Canadian and UK space agencies, NASA leads the mission’s U.S. operations, including the KaRIn instrument, with CNES managing various onboard systems and support. The data collected promises ongoing contributions to scientific understanding of Earth’s water dynamics.
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