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The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) on Friday proposed a $175,000 (nearly Rs. 1.45 crore) civil penalty against SpaceX for failing to submit some safety data to the agency prior to an August 2022 launch of Starlink satellites.

The FAA said SpaceX was required to submit the information, known as launch collision analysis trajectory data, directly to the agency at least seven days prior to an attempted launch. The data is used to assess the probability of the launch vehicle colliding with one of the thousands of tracked objects orbiting the Earth. SpaceX has 30 days to respond to the FAA after receiving the penalty notice.

SpaceX did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The proposed penalty is SpaceX’s latest bout of tension with the FAA as the Elon Musk-owned company’s fast-pace launch business tests US launch and rocket reentry regulations.

In 2020, the FAA found SpaceX in violation of launch regulations for allowing a prototype of the company’s giant Starship rocket to liftoff without securing approval of key data involving the vehicle’s potential blast radius.

In 2021, the FAA revised SpaceX commercial launch requirements to mandate that an FAA safety inspector be present for every flight at its Boca Chica launch facility after the FAA said the company violated license requirements for a Starship launch.

Earlier this month, SpaceX announced its plans to fire up all 33 engines powering its massive Starship launch system ahead of its first orbital launch, a key milestone in the company’s efforts to reach the moon and Mars. The announcement comes about two weeks after the company, formally known as Space Exploration Technologies, filled the rocket and booster with propellant in a “wet dress rehearsal.”

© Thomson Reuters 2023


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Some Chimpanzees Crack Nuts Better than Others, New Study Shows

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Some Chimpanzees Crack Nuts Better than Others, New Study Shows

A team of researchers has observed notable differences in the nut-cracking abilities of chimpanzees within the same group, shedding light on their tool-using behaviours. This discovery emerged after analysing extensive video footage of wild chimpanzees from Bossou, Guinea. The footage captured 3,882 instances of chimps attempting to crack open nuts using stones as tools. The study highlighted distinct levels of efficiency among individuals, suggesting varying degrees of cognitive and motor skills within the community.

According to the study published in Nature Human Behavior, the research team, which included experts from the University of Oxford and Chubu Gakuin University, evaluated five key factors to measure the chimps’ abilities. These included the time taken to crack a nut, the number of strikes needed, success rates, instances where a nut was displaced during striking, and occasions when a chimpanzee abandoned one rock in favour of another.

The process of nut cracking involves several steps, including selecting appropriate nuts, positioning them on a flat rock, choosing a suitable stone as a hammer, and striking with sufficient precision and force. Despite the apparent simplicity, the task demands a combination of cognitive and physical skills.
Findings on Skill Variation

As per the study, marked differences were noted in the chimps’ success rates. While some individuals excelled, others struggled, taking twice as long or failing altogether. The analysis revealed that proficiency generally improved with age, and no significant difference was observed between male and female chimps in their skill levels.

The researchers believe these findings point to measurable cognitive variations within chimpanzee communities. This research underscores the complexity of chimpanzee behaviour and provides a window into their problem-solving capabilities, which may mirror early human technological advancements.

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Underground Hydrogen Reserves Could Power Earth for 200 Years, Study Finds



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Hydrogen Reserves Hidden Underground Could Power Earth for Two Centuries

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Hydrogen Reserves Hidden Underground Could Power Earth for Two Centuries

A vast reserve of hydrogen gas buried beneath Earth’s crust has been estimated to hold trillions of tons of this clean energy source. Scientists suggest that even a small portion of this hidden hydrogen could meet global energy needs for the next 200 years, potentially reducing the dependence on fossil fuels. While the exact locations of these reserves remain unclear, preliminary studies point to immense quantities, indicating significant implications for future energy systems and sustainable development.

Massive Hydrogen Reserves Identified

According to a recent study published in Science Advances, an estimated 6.2 trillion tons of hydrogen could be trapped within rocks and underground reservoirs. This figure vastly exceeds the total oil reserves globally, with hydrogen quantities calculated to be 26 times greater than the remaining crude oil. Despite the enormous potential, much of this hydrogen is believed to lie at depths or locations that may prove inaccessible or economically unviable for extraction.

Key Insights from the Study

Geoffrey Ellis, a petroleum geochemist with the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), emphasised to space.com that a mere 2 percent of these hydrogen stocks could supply sufficient energy to achieve global carbon neutrality for approximately two centuries. Ellis explained that natural hydrogen is produced through various geological processes, including the breakdown of water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

Unlike hydrogen derived from water electrolysis, which requires renewable or fossil energy sources, natural hydrogen found underground is self-generated and stored naturally in reservoirs. This reduces the need for additional energy-intensive storage systems, as the gas can be tapped on demand.

Challenges and Uncertainty in Exploration

Significant challenges persist in determining the precise locations of these underground hydrogen deposits. The study acknowledged that estimates ranged widely, from 1 billion to 10 trillion tons, due to the limitations of the modelling approach. Efforts are underway to refine criteria for identifying viable hydrogen reserves.

If recoverable, natural hydrogen could play a transformative role in global energy systems, with research into its accessibility set to continue in the coming years. Scientists are focusing on narrowing geologic markers to pinpoint reserves more effectively, with further findings expected in 2024.

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Parker Solar Probe’s Closest Sun Flyby Sets Records, Signal Expected Soon



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Will Parker Solar Probe phone home after its closest sun flyby?

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Will Parker Solar Probe phone home after its closest sun flyby?

The Parker Solar Probe, an innovative spacecraft designed by NASA to explore the sun, is expected to transmit a critical status beacon after its historic approach to the star on Christmas Eve. Having travelled within 6.1 million kilometres of the solar surface at a speed of 690,000 kilometres per hour, it has achieved the closest and fastest flyby ever recorded. Communication with the spacecraft has been awaited since December 20, with scientists prepared to receive updates on its condition and data collection progress.

Milestone in Solar Exploration

According to NASA’s timeline, the Parker Solar Probe reached its closest distance to the sun on December 24, enduring temperatures as high as 980 degrees Celsius. Nicola Fox, NASA’s Associate Administrator for Science Missions, highlighted the mission’s achievement, stating the probe had successfully entered an orbit designed to bring humanity closer to understanding the sun. This proximity allows the spacecraft to investigate phenomena such as the sun’s corona, which is significantly hotter than its surface.

Anticipation Builds for Data Transmission

A status signal is expected from the probe on December 27, providing a basic update on the spacecraft’s health. Michael Buckley, a spokesperson for the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, confirmed to Space.com this signal would indicate the system’s general condition, while a detailed report, including telemetry and data storage status, is scheduled for January 1.

Launched in 2018, the $1.5 billion mission has involved 21 prior solar flybys and seven Venusian gravity assists, each propelling the spacecraft closer to the sun. Scientists are optimistic about the success of this recent manoeuvre and look forward to analysing observations set to arrive by late January. This mission represents a significant stride in answering key questions about solar dynamics and its impact on the broader universe.

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