Aging ISS a space lab of 'unlimited' opportunity

Aging ISS a space lab of 'unlimited' opportunity

WASHINGTON: It may be 350 kilometers (215 miles) above Earth and a place that only a privileged few will ever visit, but the International Space Station is crucial to advances in science, health and technology, experts say.

Earlier this month, NASA said the life of the $100 billion ISS would be extended by four years, or until at least 2024, allowing for more global research and scientific collaboration.

Aging ISS a space lab of 'unlimited' opportunity

Aging ISS a space lab of 'unlimited' opportunity

WASHINGTON: It may be 350 kilometers (215 miles) above Earth and a place that only a privileged few will ever visit, but the International Space Station is crucial to advances in science, health and technology, experts say.

Earlier this month, NASA said the life of the $100 billion ISS would be extended by four years, or until at least 2024, allowing for more global research and scientific collaboration.

China´s Jade Rabbit moon rover has ´abnormality´: Xinhua

China´s Jade Rabbit moon rover has ´abnormality´: Xinhua

BEIJING: China´s Jade Rabbit moon rover has experienced a "mechanical control abnormality", state media said Saturday, in what appears to be a setback for a landmark mission in the country´s ambitious space programme.

The abnormality occurred due to "the complicated lunar surface environment," the official Xinhua news agency said, citing the State Administration of Science, Technology and Industry for National Defence (SASTIND). Scientists were "organising an overhaul", the report added, without giving further details.

Scientists hope comet-chaser spacecraft wakes up

Scientists hope comet-chaser spacecraft wakes up

BERLIN: A comet-chasing space probe is due to wake up from years of hibernation Monday, but scientists are facing an agonizing wait of several hours until the first signal reaches Earth.

Dormant systems on the unmanned Rosetta spacecraft will be switched back on at 11 a.m. (1000 GMT; 5 a.m. EST) in preparation for the final stage of its decade-long mission to rendezvous with comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko.

Japan scientists test tether to clear up space junk

Japan scientists test tether to clear up space junk

TOKYO: Japanese space scientists are set to trial a tether they hope will help pull junk out of orbit around Earth, clearing up tonnes of planetary clutter, they said Thursday.

Researchers at The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) have developed what they called an electrodynamic tether made from thin wires of stainless steel and aluminium.

Astronauts finish rare Xmas eve spacewalk; station fix a success

Astronauts finish rare Xmas eve spacewalk; station fix a success

CAPE CANAVERAL: Space station astronauts repaired a crippled cooling system during a rare Christmas Eve spacewalk Tuesday, braving a "mini blizzard" of noxious ammonia as they popped in a new pump.

 

It was the second spacewalk in four days for U.S. astronauts Rick Mastracchio and Michael Hopkins, and only the second Christmas Eve spacewalk ever.

Private US launch of satellite delayed

Private US launch of satellite delayed

WASHINGTON: The private US company SpaceX Monday postponed the launch of a rocket carrying a telecoms satellite.

The launch with a Falcon 9 rocket had been scheduled for Monday from Florida. But the company said it has delayed it until Thursday because of unexpected readings in the fuel system.