annabiotica

Friday, July 17, 2009

India's Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft has experienced a technical problem

A sensor of the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft has experienced a technical problem and steps have been taken to make sure it is capable to carry on its work.

However the chance remains that the mission might have to be cut short.

Chandrayaan-1 was launched on October 2009 and is considered as a most important key for India as it seeks to keep pace with other space-faring nations in Asia.

Scientists in the Indian Space Research Organization said that the "vital star sensor" of the spaceship had "malfunctioned".

ISRO spokesman S Satish said,” The mission is safe, but its lifespan may be affected”.

At present the spacecraft has been placed on a higher orbit, this might have an effect on the quality of the photographs being sent back after the problem is solved the spacecraft will be placed in the same place.

The spaceship is on a two-year task of examination.

The programmed probe will orbit the Moon, compiling a 3-D atlas of the moon surface and mapping the sharing of elements and minerals.

Friday, July 10, 2009

Heliophysics

Heliophysics is a new word coined to represent the study of all the inter-related phenomena in the region of space influenced by the Sun, our star.Understanding the Sun, Heliosphere, and Planetary Environments as a single connected system is the goal of the Science Mission Directorate's Heliophysics Research Program. In addition to solar processes, our domain of study includes the interaction of solar plasma and radiation with Earth, the other planets, and the Galaxy. By analyzing the connections between the Sun, solar wind, planetary space environments, and our place in the Galaxy, we are uncovering the fundamental physical processes that occur throughout the Universe. Understanding the connections between the Sun and its planets will allow us to predict the impacts of solar variability on humans, technological systems, and even the presence of life itself.

Heliophysics is needed to facilitate the accelerated expansion of human experience beyond the confines of our Earthly home. Recent advances in technology allow us, for the first time, to realistically contemplate voyages beyond the solar system.

There are three primary objectives that define the multi-decadal studies needed:
• To understand the changing flow of energy and matter throughout the Sun, Heliosphere, and Planetary Environments.
• To explore the fundamental physical processes of space plasma systems.
• To define the origins and societal impacts of variability in the Earth-Sun System.

A combination of interrelated elements is used to achieve these objectives. They include complementary missions of various sizes; timely development of enabling and enhancing technologies; and acquisition of knowledge through research, analysis, theory, and modeling.