NASA’s retired InSight Mars lander was recently spotted by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) in an image taken on October 23, 2024, using its High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) camera. The image shows dust build-up on the lander’s solar panels, which now match the reddish-brown colour of the Martian surface. Reports suggest this observation continues to provide insights into the movement of dust and wind patterns on Mars.

InSight’s Mission and Retirement

The InSight lander, which touched down in November 2018, was central to detecting Marsquakes and studying the planet’s crust, mantle, and core. NASA officially ended the mission in December 2022 after the lander stopped communicating due to excessive dust accumulation on its solar panels. Engineers from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California continued to monitor the lander for any signs of reactivation, hoping Martian winds might clear its panels. However, as per reports, no signals have been received, and listening operations will conclude by the end of this year.

Tracking Dust Movement

The new HiRISE images were captured to monitor how dust and wind alter the Martian surface over time. Ingrid Daubar, a science team member at Brown University, told sources that the images of InSight’s location offer crucial data on how dust accumulates and shifts. This information helps researchers understand the Martian dust cycle and wind dynamics, which are vital for future missions.

Surface Changes and Impact Studies

Dust movement not only impacts solar-powered missions but also helps scientists study surface ageing processes. Blast marks left by InSight’s landing thrusters, once dark and prominent in 2018, have faded significantly, indicating dust deposition over time. This phenomenon also aids researchers in estimating the age of craters and surface features, as dust gradually erodes their visibility.

Ongoing Role of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter continues to play a key role in observing Mars’ surface changes. It monitors both active missions, such as the Perseverance and Curiosity rovers, and inactive ones, including Spirit, Opportunity, and the Phoenix lander. Managed by JPL for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, the orbiter’s HiRISE camera remains a vital tool for long-term studies of the Martian environment.

Jared Isaacman, billionaire entrepreneur and private astronaut, has been nominated by U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next NASA administrator, as per several reports. Isaacman, who was born in Union, New Jersey, in February 1983, amassed his fortune by founding the payment-processing company Shift4 Payments at the age of 16. His nomination was announced on December 4, marking Trump’s first significant space-related decision ahead of his incoming administration, according to reports.

Extensive Spaceflight Experience

Reportedly, Isaacman’s wealth has enabled him to become actively involved in space exploration. He commanded Inspiration4, the world’s first all-civilian orbital space mission in September 2021, launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. The mission orbited Earth for three days and was aimed at raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. This was followed by the Polaris Dawn mission in September 2023, which included the first private spacewalk and set several records, including flying over the Earth’s poles, as per sources.

According to reports, Isaacman’s nomination signals Trump’s interest in aligning NASA’s objectives with private space initiatives. On his social media platform, Isaacman stated that space holds “unparalleled potential for breakthroughs in manufacturing, biotechnology, mining, and pathways to new energy sources.” He further highlighted the goal of enabling humanity to live and work in space.

Challenges and Priorities at NASA

If confirmed, Isaacman will oversee NASA at a critical time as the agency competes with China in lunar exploration. NASA’s Artemis program aims to return astronauts to the Moon by 2027, while China has pledged to land its astronauts by 2030. Speaking at the Spacepower Conference, Isaacman was quoted as saying, “We can’t be second” regarding U.S. competitiveness in space.

The future of programs like the Space Launch System (SLS), the Mars Sample Return mission, and transitioning from the International Space Station to commercial low-Earth orbit destinations will be key areas of focus during Isaacman’s tenure, as reported by experts. Concerns regarding conflicts of interest due to Isaacman’s ties with SpaceX are also expected to arise during Senate confirmation hearings.

While some view Isaacman as an outsider without government experience, others suggest his entrepreneurial success and spaceflight background could bring a fresh perspective to NASA’s leadership.

A significant advancement in antenna design, with implications for 6th generation (6G) networks, has been reported by researchers from the City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK). A study, published in Nature Communications, describes a new metasurface antenna capable of generating and controlling multiple frequency components simultaneously through software, potentially revolutionising wireless communication systems.

Led by Professor Chan Chi-hou, Chair Professor in the Department of Electrical Engineering at CityUHK, the research introduces a concept referred to as a “synthetic moving-envelope” metasurface. The design enables antennas to independently manage arbitrary harmonic frequencies and wave properties, an achievement not previously demonstrated. Reports suggest this innovation may enhance data transmission capacity and provide advanced functionality for real-time imaging, wireless power transfer, and secure communication systems essential for future networks.

Key Features and Applications

According to the study, the technology allows for the simultaneous transmission of multiple signals in different directions, increasing channel efficiency. As per the research team, this capability holds particular importance for 6G networks, where integration of communication and sensing technologies is crucial.

The antenna’s ability to achieve spectral control via a simple coding strategy was highlighted by Professor Chan, who also serves as Director of the State Key Laboratory of Terahertz and Millimetre Waves. Professor Wu Gengbo, another researcher involved in the project, indicated that the system’s 1-bit coding approach and sideband-proof design offer compatibility with on-chip integration. Potential uses could extend beyond communications to include cognitive radar, integrated photonics, and even quantum science.

A Step Towards 6G Networks

As detailed in the report, this development represents a departure from conventional fixed-parameter antennas, opening possibilities for more dynamic and efficient systems. While practical applications remain under exploration, the metasurface antenna’s innovative approach is seen as a critical step towards enabling the advanced communication demands of 6G.