News — Spacecraft RSS

Dancing with Danger: The Art of Spacecraft Proximity Operations and Collision Avoidance The final frontier is becoming increasingly crowded. As space exploration thrives, the risk of collisions between spacecraft – a real and growing concern – becomes more pressing. But fear not, because amidst this celestial traffic jam, there are teams of brilliant engineers and scientists orchestrating a delicate dance: spacecraft proximity operations and collision avoidance. Imagine maneuvering two high-speed vehicles in close proximity, blind to most external stimuli, and with communication delayed by light-years. That's the essence of what these experts do every day. They utilize sophisticated sensors, advanced algorithms, and meticulous planning to ensure spacecraft operate safely within each other's vicinity, avoiding a catastrophic clash that could damage...

Keeping it Cozy: The Crucial Role of Insulation in Spacecraft Space is a harsh mistress. Scorching sunlight can bake spacecraft surfaces to hundreds of degrees Celsius, while the cold vacuum plunges them into frigid temperatures just as quickly. It's a brutal environment where extreme temperature swings are constant threats. But fear not, intrepid explorers! Behind the scenes, a silent guardian protects our precious technological marvels from these cosmic extremes: insulation. You might think of insulation as something purely terrestrial, keeping your home warm in winter and cool in summer. But in the realm of spacecraft, it plays a vital role in ensuring mission success. Without effective insulation, sensitive instruments would be fried by solar radiation, delicate electronics would short-circuit from...