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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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Jupiter’s Earth-Sized Storms Might Be Caused by Magnetic Tornadoes

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Jupiter’s Earth-Sized Storms Might Be Caused by Magnetic Tornadoes

Magnetic vortices descending from Jupiter’s ionosphere into its deep atmosphere are believed to trigger the formation of ultraviolet-absorbing anticyclonic storms, according to a study published on November 26 in Nature Astronomy. These storms, appearing as dark ovals, span the size of Earth and have been observed primarily in Jupiter’s polar regions. The phenomenon was first detected in ultraviolet (UV) light by the Hubble Space Telescope in the 1990s and later confirmed by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft in 2000.

Research Unveils Tornado Dynamics

The study, published in the Nature journal, was led by Troy Tsubota, an undergraduate researcher at the University of California, Berkeley, in collaboration with Michael Wong from UC Berkeley, Amy Simon of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, and others.

The findings suggest these dark ovals are formed by swirling magnetic tornadoes generated due to friction between Jupiter’s immense magnetic field lines and those in its ionosphere. These tornadoes are thought to stir aerosols, creating dense patches of UV-absorbing haze in the stratosphere.

The Role of the Io Plasma Torus

The study highlights that Jupiter’s magnetic field, among the strongest in the solar system, interacts with the Io Plasma Torus — a ring of charged particles released by volcanic activity on Jupiter’s moon Io. This interaction generates friction, potentially initiating magnetic vortices that descend into the planet’s atmosphere.

The exact mechanism remains unclear, with researchers debating whether these tornadoes dredge up material from deeper atmospheric layers or create the hazes independently.

Regular Observations Confirm Patterns

The Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) project, which captures annual images of Jupiter using the Hubble Space Telescope, played a pivotal role in the discovery. Between 2015 and 2022, dark ovals were observed at the south pole in 75% of images but were significantly rarer at the north pole. These formations typically appear over a month and dissipate within two weeks, resembling a magnetic “tornado alley.”

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NASA Is Using AI Tools to Monitor and Map Disaster Affected Areas

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NASA Is Using AI Tools to Monitor and Map Disaster Affected Areas

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and open science by NASA has been reported to significantly advance disaster preparedness, response and recovery efforts. According to the space agency, NASA’s Disasters Program, supported by the agency’s commitment to open science, has been developing innovative tools and datasets to assist in managing natural disasters like hurricanes. These tools aim to equip communities and emergency responders with accurate, timely data for informed decision-making, as highlighted by the programme’s application during Hurricane Ida in 2021.

Hurricane Ida and NASA’s Contribution

Hurricane Ida, which struck Louisiana on August 21, 2021, was among the most destructive hurricanes in the US history. While emergency teams worked on the ground, NASA’s Disasters Program utilised satellite-based models and tools to provide critical data.

Reports indicate that information on soil moisture, precipitation, vegetation changes, and power outages was shared through the NASA Disasters Mapping Portal. This data enabled organisations to understand the storm’s impact and prioritise response strategies effectively.

Innovative Use of AI in Disaster Assessment

A notable application of NASA’s AI tools was the detection of blue tarps covering roofs post-hurricane, a method designed to assess the extent of damage in affected regions. Based on a study by the Interagency Implementation and Advanced Concepts Team (IMPACT), such technologies have been recognised as valuable for gauging damage severity and aiding recovery efforts.

This approach was initially tested following Hurricane Maria in 2017 and has since been refined, as reported.

Open Science and Future Applications

NASA, in collaboration with IBM, is currently developing open-source AI models to process the agency’s extensive satellite data archives. According to Kevin Murphy, NASA’s Chief Science Data Officer, these models aim to reduce technical barriers, allowing users to apply the data for various purposes, including disaster prediction and agricultural management.

Murphy stated that such efforts align with NASA’s objective of making scientific resources accessible to global communities, as per reports.

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Japan’s New Rocket Engine Explodes Again During Testing

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Japan's New Rocket Engine Explodes Again During Testing

An explosion occurred during a test of the second-stage engine for Japan’s Epsilon S rocket on November 26, according to officials. The engine failure, which took place at the Tanegashima Space Center, has cast uncertainty on the rocket’s development schedule. The Epsilon S was expected to debut in March 2025 with the launch of a Vietnamese satellite, but the incident raises doubts about its readiness.

Investigations to Determine the Cause

The explosion, which happened 49 seconds into the engine test, marked the second such incident involving this design in less than two years. A similar test failure in July 2023 at JAXA’s Noshiro Rocket Testing Center resulted in significant damage to the facility, according to reports from The Asahi Shimbun.

In response to the explosion, officials from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) announced plans to launch an investigation in an official statement. The cause of the malfunction remains unknown. Takayuki Imoto, Project Manager for the Epsilon S programme, expressed regret during a press briefing, as reported by Kyodo News.

He said that they are extremely sorry for being unable to meet expectations. He further added that they can learn from failure and will use this opportunity as a lesson to develop a more reliable rocket.

Significance of Epsilon S for Japan’s Space Programme

The Epsilon S rocket has been positioned as a key vehicle for boosting Japan’s presence in low Earth orbit. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, speaking to reporters, emphasised the importance of flagship rockets for the nation’s space autonomy, as reported by the Associated Press.

This setback is part of a broader series of challenges for JAXA. The agency has faced multiple high-profile failures, including the first launch of its H3 rocket in 2023 and issues with its SLIM lunar lander earlier this year.

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