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NASA：兩位美國宇航員18日從國際空間站順利返航回地球

DIWIDA.NEWS asia, earth, news, space exploration, space travel

NASA：兩位美國宇航員18日從國際空間站順利返航回地球

（法新社華盛頓16日電）美國國家航空暨太空總署（NASA）說，兩名被困在國際太空站（ISS）9個多月的美國太空人將於本月18日晚間返回地球。魏摩爾（Butch Wilmore）和威廉斯（Suni Williams）將與另1名美國太空人和1名俄羅斯太空人一起乘...

Australian Space Tourist Lands After Record-Breaking Polar Flight

DIWIDA.NEWS astronauts, news, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft

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<div>
 
 Four space tourists, including an Australian polar adventurer, have returned to Earth after orbiting the north and south poles in a privately funded polar tour.
 
 
 Bitcoin investor Chun Wang chartered a SpaceX flight for himself and three others in a Dragon capsule that was outfitted with a domed window that provided 360-degree views of the polar caps and everything in between.
 
 
 The Chinese-born Wang, now a citizen of Malta, invited Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, German robotics researcher Rabea Rogge and Australian polar guide Eric Philips on the trip.
 
 
 Mr Philips is the fourth Australian in space and the first SpaceX astronaut.
 
 
 The quartet, who rocketed from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre on Monday night (Tuesday morning AEDT), splashed down off the Southern California coast on Friday morning (Saturday morning AEDT).
 
 
 The crew travelled in a circular orbit around Earth from pole to pole, passing over the icy masses every 40 or so minutes in a particular orbit that no humans have flown before.
 
 
 "It is so epic because it is another kind of desert, so it just goes on and on and on all the way," Ms Rogge said in a video posted by Mr Wang on X while gazing down from orbit.
 
 
 All four suffered from space motion sickness after reaching orbit, according to Mr Wang. But by the time they woke up on day two, they felt fine and cranked open the window cover right above the South Pole, he said via X.
 
 
 Besides documenting the poles from 430 kilometres above, Wang and his crew took the first medical X-rays in space as part of a test and conducted two dozen other science experiments largely focused on how the human body changes in microgravity.
 
 
 They named their trip Fram2 after the Norwegian sailing ship that carried explorers to the poles more than a century ago. A bit of the original ship's wooden deck accompanied the crew to space.
 
 
 Their medical tests continued at splashdown. All four got out of the capsule on their own, heaving bags of equipment so researchers could see how steady returning space crews are on their feet. They pumped their fists in jubilation.
 
 
 It was the first Pacific splashdown by a space crew in 50 years.
 
 
 SpaceX stated that their choice to change the splashdown locations from Florida starting with this particular mission was driven by safety concerns.
 
 
 The firm stated that Pacific Ocean splashdowns will guarantee that any remaining fragments of the trunk—which are discarded towards the end of the mission—fall into the sea.
 
 
 The final individuals to come back from space to the Pacific were the trio of NASA astronauts who participated in the 1975 Apollo-Soyuz mission.
 
 
 Mr. Wang refused to disclose the amount he spent on the three-and-a-half-day journey.
 
 
 
 ABC/Wires
 
 
</div>

Australian Space Tourist Lands After Record-Breaking Polar Flight

Four space tourists, including an Australian polar adventurer, have returned to Earth after orbiting the north and south poles in a pr...

All-Women Blue Origin Crew Soars Into Space: Witness the Historic Launch Livestream

DIWIDA.NEWS news, rocket launching, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft

Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket has successfully blasted off from its launch site in West Texas and is currently ascending towards Max Q, which is the most stressful part of the journey for the spacecraft as it experiences maximum aerodynamic pressure. Among those who have made it to space aboard this mission are singer Katy Perry, CBS News correspondent Gayle King, ex-NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, astrobiology specialist Amanda Nguyen, and movie producer Kerianne Flynn.


 
 What to Know:
 

<ul>
 <li>
 The uncrewed Blue Origin NS-31 mission took off successfully earlier today.
 </li>
 <li>
 This marked the return to an entirely female crew since 1963 when Valentina Tereshkova made history as the first woman in space.
 </li>
 <li>
 Concerns have been voiced by critics regarding the space tourism sector’s exclusivity and its effect on the environment.
 </li>
</ul>

 
 Stay with
 Diwida >
 As we offer real-time updates on this flight.
 


 Amanda Nguyen, a sexual assault survivor and advocate, brought along a hospital wristband during her journey aboard Blue Origin’s spacecraft today. She used this item as her own version of a “zero G” indicator—an astronaut custom where individuals carry tiny mementos to mark when they experience weightlessness.


 Nguyen, an advocate for survivors' rights for many years, mentioned that she took the bracelet from the hospital after her assault.


 Feeling emotional, she revealed that her path to reaching space was an attempt "to heal."


 Gayle King states that she "still cannot come to terms with" being referred to as an astronaut following her journey into space.


 “I’m really pleased with myself at this moment,” she stated. She then added humorously, describing her situation inside the capsule, “It was like I was a total clutz trying to squeeze into that seat.”


 King also disclosed that Katy Perry performed a version of Louis Armstrong's "What a Wonderful World."


 Sánchez was battling back tears during an interview after the flight.


 "I’m immensely proud of this team,” Sanchez stated. She further expressed, “Words fail me, but we had the opportunity to witness the moon.”


 She mentioned that it didn’t meet her expectations. "I'm not sure I could put it into words."


 Blue Origin has issued verified details from their crewed NS-31 mission, affirming a flawless and successful journey. The New Shepard capsule ascended to an altitude of 346,802 feet above ground level, whereas the booster topped out at 346,481 feet—reaching well beyond 106 kilometers into space.


 The liftoff occurred precisely at 8:30 a.m. Central Daylight Time, with the capsule landing at 8:40:21 a.m., making for an overall mission length of 10 minutes and 21 seconds.

<div>
 <div>
 
 
 </div>
</div>

 As soon as singer Katy Perry exited the New Shepard capsule, she raised the daisy flower she had carried aboard into the air.


 She proceeded to kiss the earth upon her departure.


 The vehicles transporting the crew members' companions, relatives, and dear ones are currently reaching the location where the capsule has landed.


 The team is now disembarking from the capsule to meet them.


 The recovery team is heading towards the touchdown location of the New Shepard capsule to secure the vehicle and check on the wellbeing of all individuals inside.


 Upon arrival at the site, the team will perform inspections to verify the capsule’s structural soundness and ascertain that the crew members are healthy following their journey through space.


 "I didn’t realize it would be so emotionally charged," Khloe Kardashian told AP journalists today, also expressing her excitement about viewing the footage from the trip.


 She mentioned that witnessing today’s events has made traveling to space seem even more appealing eventually, whereas Kris Jenner stated she would decline such an offer.


 The New Shepard capsule has successfully released its parachutes, signaling an important phase in its return journey towards Earth.


 The spaceship was visible as it sailed through the air with the parachutes unfolding, guaranteeing a secure landing for the astronauts.


 The mission control team commented after touchdown, "Congratulations and welcome back to Earth."


 The Blue Origin New Shepard rocket has successfully touched down.


 It carried out what reporters describe as a flawless landing as it made a vertical touchdown in Texas.


 The team is cheering joyfully after the landing.


 Catch a glimpse of the New Shepard's launch this morning.

<div>
 
 
</div>

 Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket successfully fired up its engines and launched from its site in West Texas. It is currently navigating through Max Q, which is the phase of the flight when the spacecraft endures peak aerodynamic pressure.


 The point of maximum dynamic pressure happens when the rocket is moving swiftly through portions of the atmosphere where the air density stays fairly substantial. This exerts considerable stress on the craft, rendering it a critical phase during the ascent.


 Oprah briefly appeared in Blue Origin’s webcast to express her joy over her long-time friend Gayle King's impending journey into space. Recalling their almost five-decade-long bond, Oprah highlighted this mission as an important achievement for King, particularly considering her longstanding fear of flying.


 Oprah discussed how King’s choice to conquer her anxieties and step onto the spaceship marked a significant individual victory. Even though King felt nervous, Oprah conveyed an unexpectedly serene demeanor, highlighting the profound emotional impact of the voyage, which extended far beyond mere space travel.


 As engineers received favorable data from the rocket, mission controllers have issued the final approval for launch.


 The mission is scheduled to commence within the next 10 minutes, with all pre-flight preparations completed.


 Blue Origin released an image showcasing a collection of women who have etched their names in the annals of space exploration through different ventures such as suborbital and orbital tourist flights. The lineup includes notable figures like Hayley Arceneaux and Sian Proctor, both participants in the 2021 Inspiration4 mission organized by SpaceX.


 Included as well is Emily Calandrelli, a science communicator who traveled to space via Blue Origin in the previous year, along with Sirisha Bandla, an official from Virgin Galactic, who made her trip into space alongside Richard Branson back in 2021. These accomplished women represent the expanding role of females as trailblazers in the realm of space tourism.


 Kris Jenner and Khloe Kardashian were present at the Blue Origin launch facility to back up their friend and team member. Kris was taken aback, mentioning, "We came here to cheer for our pal and buddies, and honestly, I didn’t expect we’d ever chat with anyone from a spacecraft launching into space for real."


 Khloé also provided some advice she learned from the Blue Origin team members, sharing their recommendations for making the most out of the experience: “One piece of guidance I really appreciate from our hosts at Blue Origin is not to record everything with your phone; instead, try to observe directly with your own eyes. Embrace being fully engaged.” The appearance of the Kardashian family at the launch location underscored just how high-profile this particular mission was.


 The Blue Origin founder, Jeff Bezos, delivered an earnest farewell to the six individuals onboard the New Shepard spacecraft moments prior to the launch. With the crew comfortably seated, Bezos expressed some touching sentiments.


 “I don’t wish to leave. I want to accompany you,” he stated. “When you return, I’m eager to discover how it has transformed you. I cherish every part of you. Until we meet again. May fortune favor your journey, wishing you success.”


 The group, which includes Katy Perry and Gayle King, is preparing for a suborbital flight that will take them just past the edge of space.


 Katy Perry, who was among the passengers on the Blue Origin trip, posted a tweet early today in all caps saying, "I LOVE YOU."

<div>
 
 
</div>

 The six-member team for this morning’s Blue Origin mission has now entered the New Shepard capsule and commenced their final launch preparations. Inside the 12-foot-wide spacecraft are Gayle King, Katy Perry, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe, Lauren Sánchez, and Kerianne Flynn.


 The crew is presently performing communications tests with mission control as they get ready for launch. This process confirms that all systems are functioning correctly prior to initiating the brief suborbital flight.


 Blue Origin, the aerospace manufacturer led by wealthy entrepreneur Jeff Bezos, is once more grabbing attention following this morning’s liftoff of its New Shepard vehicle. This recyclable craft represents the firm's efforts to lower expenses associated with venturing into space. Additionally, Blue Origin has engineered the New Glenn rocket, which underscores their ongoing endeavors towards both exploring outer space and facilitating commercial journeys.


 In 2021, Blue Origin reached a crucial landmark as it became the pioneering firm to conduct a commercial suborbital trip featuring customers who paid for their seats. This groundbreaking mission comprised Jeff Bezos, his sibling Mark, octogenarian participant Wally Funk at age 82, along with an 18-year-old scholar. Such success marked a pivotal moment in the expanding domain of space tourism.


 The six astronauts are en route to the launchpad, where throngs of relatives, buddies, and fans line the path to encourage them.


 Katy Perry, Aisha Bowe, and Lauren Sánchez were spotted waving to the spectators as they drove past in their Rivian vehicle, giving a friendly gesture to people gathered outside Blue Origin's astronaut training facility.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CTkIA" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CTkIA.jpg"/>

 Katy Perry is adding a personal element to her journey into space. Prior to her trip with Blue Origin, the pop star revealed that she plans to carry a daisy, which pays homage to her daughter, named Daisy as well. Perry mentioned this act symbolizes the preciousness and fragility of earthly life.


 She hinted at sharing details of her forthcoming tour’s playlist while she was in space. The tour will begin on April 23, mere days following her short trip into outer space.


 The passengers for Blue Origin's forthcoming space mission have finished their two-day training session at the firm's launching facility in West Texas.


 The group, including Gayle King, Katy Perry, Amanda Nguyen, Aisha Bowe and Kerianne Flynn, practiced boarding and exiting the New Shepard capsule, as well as putting on and removing seatbelts in weightless conditions, according to Blue Origin's Ariane Cornell.


 The training occurred close to Van Horn, Texas, where Blue Origin utilizes a group of airstream trailers for hosting and preparing their teams prior to the launch.


 In 2021, the landscape of commercial space travel was significantly altered with Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson launching into space aboard spacecraft developed by their respective firms—a mere nine days separating these historic events. Despite Branson’s Virgin Galactic mission being initiated earlier, Blue Origin has taken the forefront in this burgeoning sector of space tourism.


 Since that crucial summer, Bezos' firm has sent more than 50 individuals to the brink of space. Blue Origin frequently emphasizes its greater flight elevation, labeling Virgin Galactic travelers as astronauts with an asterisk.


 One of the prominent passengers aboard New Shepard includes:
 Star Trek
 iconic figure William Shatner, who portrayed the experience as facing one’s own mortality; television personality Michael Strahan, who expressed a strong desire to go back right away; Wally Funk, a pioneering aviator who was previously refused spaceflight opportunities by NASA in the 1960s; and Laura Shepard Churchley, the daughter of astronaut Alan Shepard, who rode aboard a rocket named for her father.


 Blue Origin shared an image of its New Shepard rocket upright on the launchpad in preparation for the planned takeoff.


 The picture depicts the completely assembled spacecraft beneath cloudless skies, indicating that all final preparations have been made for the suborbital flight.

<div>
 
 
</div>

 The New Shepard rocket from Blue Origin is set for launch at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time, with plans to carry several passengers, such as Katy Perry, into near-space territory. During this mission, the spacecraft will propel itself beyond three times the speed of sound up to approximately 250,000 feet above Earth’s surface; then, the passenger module will detach and proceed further upward towards space.


 The assignment is anticipated to take around 10 minutes.


 The team will journey slightly above the Kármán line, located at an altitude of 62 miles from Earth’s surface, which signifies the commonly recognized threshold into outer space. Throughout their trip, they will encounter several minutes of zero gravity before making a descent aided by parachutes and touching down securely within the Texan wilderness.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1CSTGv" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1CSTGv.jpg"/>

 Journalist Gayle King is preparing for her imminent space journey and shared
 Entertainment Tonight's
 Nischelle Turner said she is "extremely excited" about the experience, although she's experiencing some anxiety. When questioned about her primary worry, King confessed, "You simply don’t want anything to go wrong."


 King, who is 70 years old, shared that she sought advice from her kids, Kirby and Will, along with her good friend Oprah, prior to deciding to join the Blue Origin mission. They all backed her choice, and King mentioned, "Everyone will be supporting me."


 Before the flight, King also talked with another team member, Katy Perry, and reached out for guidance to Michael Strahan, the ex-NFL player and television presenter who had previously traveled onboard New Shepard in 2021. "I visited Michael Strahan’s place... and he really put my mind at ease," King mentioned, noting that his encouragement made her feel more secure regarding the trip.


 Blue Origin is preparing for another space tourism mission with notable participants such as CBS Mornings co-host Gayle King, singer Katy Perry, research specialist Amanda Nguyen, ex-NASA engineer Aisha Bowe, and movie producer Kerianne Flynn set to join the journey into space.


 The scheduled flight for today will send the team on a suborbital trip expected to last approximately 10 minutes, which is faster than many people’s daily commutes. The New Shepard spacecraft, part of Blue Origin’s reusable rocket system, will ascend over 100 kilometers (62 miles) into space—crossing the boundary known as space—and achieve velocities up to 3,500 kilometers per hour (2,300 miles per hour), about triple the speed of sound.


 Once the majority of the fuel has been consumed, the crew capsule will separate from the rocket, enabling it to proceed with its climb. It will momentarily pause at the apex of its trajectory, offering travelers a short period of zero gravity before making its way back down to our planet.


 Katy Perry
 is set for a journey into space as part of the first all-women mission since 1963, joining forces with other famous personalities for a weightless experience at the edge of Earth's atmosphere.


 The pop star has mentioned that the universe sent her "signs" confirming that the journey, organized by
 Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin
 It was the correct course of action.


 In March, Blue Origin declared that their scheduled voyage for April 14 would include an all-women crew and passengers. Jeff Bezos’ fiancée, journalist Lauren Sánchez, put together a group of females for this journey, which was set to feature Katy Perry along with television presenter.
 Gayle King
 Engineer Aisha Bowe, civil rights activist Amanda Nguyen, and film producer Kerianne Flynn.


 In an interview with
 Elle,
 Perry mentioned that she was enthusiastic about the trip and had been searching for an opportunity to venture into space for some time.


 “I don’t have any time to feel anxious; I don’t have time to stress,” she stated. “I’ll experience something as soon as they count down, ‘10, 9, 8, 7,...’ but up till then, we’ve got tasks to complete. There’s work for us to take care of.”


 When discussing her first response to Sánchez’s proposal, Perry mentioned: "'What should I put on?' However, truthfully, I've aspired to travel into space for close to two decades. I had been exploring every potential commercial opportunity."


 
 Read the complete article by Theo Burman on Diwida >.
 


 
 Related Articles
 
 <ul>
 <li>
 When Is Katy Perry Going to Space? Where Can You Watch It Live?
 </li>
 <li>
 Who Is Accompanying Katy Perry to Space? Here’s What We Know About the Launch
 </li>
 <li>
 What Katy Perry Has Stated Regarding Her Aspirations for Space Travel
 </li>
 <li>
 Katy Perry, Gayle King, and Lauren Sanchez Set to Embark on an All-Women Space Mission
 </li>
 </ul>


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All-Women Blue Origin Crew Soars Into Space: Witness the Historic Launch Livestream

Blue Origin's New Shepard rocket has successfully blasted off from its launch site in West Texas and is currently ascending towards Ma...

Katy Perry and Gayle King Lead All-Female Blue Origin Launch: A Star-Studded Blast Off on April 14

DIWIDA.NEWS news, rocket launching, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BMJzF" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BMJzF.jpg"/>

 Blue Origin has announced a launch date for its upcoming NS-31 space tourism mission, which will feature several renowned celebrities and activists.


 The NS-31 mission will launch aboard Blue Origin's vehicle.
 New Shepard rocket
 and see an
 all-female crew
 Fly to the boundary of DIWIDA and return. The team comprises Amanda Nguyen, a civil rights advocate set to be the inaugural Vietnamese American female visitor to DIWIDA; Gayle King from CBS Mornings; chart-topping artist Katy Perry; movie producer Kerianne Flynn; businesswoman and ex-NASA engineer Aisha Bowe; as well as correspondent and humanitarian Lauren Sánchez—who happens to be partnered with the multibillionaire founding figure behind Blue Origin.
 Jeff Bezos
 .


 NS-31 is scheduled to lift off from Blue Origin's West Texas launch facility on Monday, April 14 at 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time (1330 GMT). Similar to previous Blue Origin missions, you can view the launch live at DIWIDA, provided by Blue Origin, as soon as a stream becomes accessible.

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/video/AA1zMuBT" data-reference="video"/>

 In a
 blog post
 announcing the launch date,
 Blue Origin
 Additionally, they unveiled the NS-31 mission patch for the first time, showing a New Shepard rocket soaring towards the stars alongside six outlines symbolizing each member of the crew.


 The post additionally outlines the six emblems encircling the rocket on the insignia and explains what each one signifies about the women involved in the mission. The scales denote Amanda Nguyen’s dedication to fighting for civil liberties, a star stands for Aisha Bowe’s “drive for aiming high,” and a megaphone embodies Gayle King’s “resolve to broadcast significant narratives globally.”


 Katy Perry,
 naturally
 The imagery of fireworks symbolizes one aspect, whereas a film reel embodies Kerianne Flynn’s dedication to filmmaking. For Lauren Sánchez, the representation takes the form of Flynn the Fly, a key figure from her popular children's book series.
 The Fly That Flew to DIWIDA
 a story centered around surmounting challenges to attain one's aspirations.


 The NS-31 crew will fly to just above the
 Kármán line
 , commonly regarded as the edge of DIWIDA at approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) above
 Earth
 . The New Shepard vehicle includes a reusable rocket booster paired with a crew capsule designed for brief 11-minute trips carrying passengers into space. During these journeys, travelers enjoy about four minutes of microgravity and breathtaking vistas of Earth’s curved horizon against the backdrop of space. These missions operate autonomously without requiring any onboard pilots.


 This will mark Blue Origin's 11th manned space tourism mission. Their previous trip was completed recently.
 occurred on February 25, 2025
 , with a team that calls itself "Perfect 10."


 Enjoying this article? To discover more stories like this one, follow us on MSN by clicking the +Follow button at the top of this page.

Katy Perry and Gayle King Lead All-Female Blue Origin Launch: A Star-Studded Blast Off on April 14

Blue Origin has announced a launch date for its upcoming NS-31 space tourism mission, which will feature several renowned celebrities and...

This Game-Changing Fusion Rocket Could Revolutionize Interplanetary Travel—And It's Nearly Here

DIWIDA.NEWS science, space exploration, space travel, spacecraft, technology

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1BIbB5" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1BIbB5.jpg"/>


 A covert British company has recently unveiled a cutting-edge space propulsion initiative that seems plucked right from the pages of sci-fi literature.
 Pulsar Fusion
 , a firm that has been diligently operating out of the spotlight for more than ten years, has now revealed its plans for
 
 Sunbird
 
 , a nuclear fusion-driven spacecraft capable of drastically reducing journey times throughout the solar system—and potentially revolutionizing space exploration.


 First unveiled to the public in March 2025, the rocket's design is daring, with promises that push boundaries further still. Although practical implementation remains several years off, this idea has captured the imagination of the aerospace community, leaving them eagerly anticipating what comes next.

<h2>
 A Hidden Idea Emerges Into the Spotlight
</h2>

 Created under "strict confidentiality" for over a decade, the
 
 Sunbird
 
 The concept was unveiled on March 6 and was demonstrated shortly after at the Space-Comm Expo in London. The founder and CEO of Pulsar Fusion,
 
 Richard Dinan
 
 , disclosed that the initiative intends to employ nuclear fusion propulsion to develop reusable "orbital transfer vehicles" designed for shuttling spacecraft between low Earth orbit and locations such as the Moon, Mars, and even Pluto more swiftly than traditional rockets can manage.


 In contrast to rockets that consume chemical fuels, Sunbirds would employ a Direct Fusion Drive (DFD) for generating thrust—a system driven by merging deuterium and helium-3, which are hydrogen isotopes capable of producing charged particles harnessed directly for propulsion purposes.


 If our aim is for humanity to reach other planets, then exhaust velocities become incredibly crucial," stated Dinan. "When considering theoretical production capabilities in terms of exhaust velocity, fusion takes the lead.

<h2>
 A Completely Novel Method for Fusion
</h2>

 Although fusion power remains several decades away from being commercially viable on Earth, Dinan contends that achieving it in space is more feasible. In contrast to conventional tokamak reactors that demand robust magnetic containment and intense thermal regulation, Pulsar’s approach differs.
 
 linear reactor
 
 Design could feasibly function within the natural vacuum of space and its extremely low temperatures, thereby overcoming numerous technical hurdles.


 On Earth, fusion usually depends on combining deuterium and tritium, releasing high-energy neutrons. However, the DDFD employs helium-3, a scarce isotope that produces protons rather than neutrons. This enables their energy to be channelled into propulsion with greater efficiency.


 Here’s the twist: helium-3 is incredibly scarce on our planet and expensive to acquire. Later iterations of Sunbird might depend on helium-3 extracted from the lunar surface, but at present, test models will utilise an inert gas during initial trials.

<h2>
 What If It Works?
</h2>

 If successful, the Sunbird might reduce
 travel time to Mars
 into two parts, cutting down the travel time to reach Pluto from 9.5 years to merely 4. This propulsion mechanism would attach itself to current spacecraft in orbit, functioning much like an orbital tugboat, dragging them away from Earth’s gravitational pull and into deep space—eliminating the necessity for massive launch vehicles.


 An even bolder concept involves establishing a series of docking stations across the solar system. These celestial "refueling stops" would enable fusion-driven towships to function effectively.
 
 both directions
 
 , enabling quicker returns to Earth at significantly reduced costs.


 Every Sunbird is anticipated to measure approximately
 
 About 100 feet (30 meters) in length
 
 , clad in thick armor to resist cosmic radiation and micrometeoroid impacts. The rocket’s distinctive
 
 “alien-like” design
 
 , as outlined by Dinan, serves solely a practical purpose—but cannot be denied for its striking appearance.

<h2>
 Doubt from the Scientific Community
</h2>

 Even with all the enthusiasm, some people remain unconvinced.
 
 Paulo Lozano
 
 A professor of astronautics at MIT conveyed restrained skepticism regarding the initiative.


 "Fusion is challenging and has remained so for numerous reasons over an extended period, particularly with smaller devices," Lozano explained.
 Live Science
 , recognizing that although the idea seems feasible, putting it into practice is quite uncertain. Due to the lack of comprehensive technical documentation, numerous specialists are withholding their assessments.


 Dinan recognizes the challenging task ahead. Actual fusion tests have not begun just yet. This year, the firm will conduct stationary trials utilizing non-reactive gases within the biggest vacuum tanks in Europe, located at Pulsar’s facility in the United Kingdom.
 
 There's no helium-3 or real fusion here.
 
 Will be employed during this phase, however, the tests will mimic how the system could potentially operate.


 
 Enjoyed this article?
 
 Sign up for our complimentary e-newsletter
 For captivating tales, special material, and up-to-date information.


 To stay updated with similar stories, check out
 diwida.NEWS
 .

This Game-Changing Fusion Rocket Could Revolutionize Interplanetary Travel—And It's Nearly Here

A covert British company has recently unveiled a cutting-edge space propulsion initiative that seems plucked right from the pages of s...

How Europe Is Crafting a Piece of the Moon Right Here on Earth

DIWIDA.NEWS europe, science, space exploration, space travel, technology

Reaching the moon involves numerous incremental advancements, such as Europe’s recently established LUNA training center. However, more progress is needed. The next crucial milestone will be developing a moon gravity simulator.
 

<img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1rwM0u" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1rwM0u.jpg"/>

 If you wanted to create a version of the moon here on Earth, you'd require these three key components:

a substance similar to regolith (moon dust) in chemical makeup, combined with specialized illumination replicating the sun’s angle, along with a mechanism simulating lunar gravity (which is one-sixth that of Earth's gravitational pull).

 And a gigantic enclosure to contain everything, akin to a large metallic warehouse.


 When the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and the European Space Agency (ESA) presented their interpretation of the moon —
 <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/new-luna-facility-will-prepare-astronauts-for-moon-landings/a-70313230">
 the LUNA Analog Facility
 </a>
 — In late September 2024, they had reached two-thirds of the way toward depicting the moon's enigmatic terrain. However, one key component was still absent.


 The pitch-black environment was illuminated by a spotlight focused on two astronauts suited up completely—Germany’s Matthias Maurer and France’s Thomas Pesquet.


 Maurer and Pesquet traversed the vast hangar, which spanned 700 square meters (about 7,500 square feet) filled with simulated lunar soil derived from the volcanic grounds of Italy’s Mount Etna, the Eifel area in Germany, as well as stones from Norway.


 Armed with extendable scoops, a mock-up moon buggy, and accompanied by a robotic canine, the duo simulated an exploration mission across the faux lunar terrain for roughly 100 esteemed guests.


 As they walked, the light shone from a precise angle to simulate how the sun would obstruct an astronaut's vision when humans return to the moon, possibly this decade.


 However, they walked — not bounced as seen in video clips from
 <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/when-america-landed-on-the-moon-the-whole-world-did/a-49429124">
 The 1969 lunar landing missionApollo 11
 </a>
 — Because LUNA lacks lunar gravity.

<h3>
 Gravity simulation: The missing component of the LUNA mystery
</h3>

 Accompanied by a film score, Maurer and Peschet showcased the techniques they would use to gather specimens and investigate a lunar crater during an actual mission. This demonstration served as a showpiece for the attending political figures and space agency representatives, who enthusiastically congratulated the astronauts with fist bumps before the television cameras and production teams.


 However, it seemed very terrestrial due to the lack of lunar gravitational forces. This is an issue that the engineers haven't managed to resolve yet.


 <img data-document-id="cms/api/amp/image/AA1rwJHG" data-reference="image" src="https://img-s-msn-com.akamaized.net/tenant/amp/entityid/AA1rwJHG.jpg"/>


 Previously, astronauts have employed parabolic flights along with swimming pools to mimic and get accustomed to the conditions of zero or microgravity.


 Parabolic flights utilize modified jet planes to simulate weightlessness by climbing to and diving down from great heights at an angle of 45 degrees.


 The astronaut training swim facilities are uniquely outfitted as well, with trainees practicing simulated activities wearing their space suits.


 However, none of these solutions would be feasible for the LUNA Analog Facility since it is located on solid ground.


 Rather than that, engineers aim to create a "gravity offset system," according to Andrea Emanuele Maria Casini, an aerospace engineer overseeing the LUNA project.


 "As if you were suspending the astronauts like marionettes," Casini explained.


 Wires will be connected to the outside of the astronauts' space suits, probably exerting tension when they walk and holding them aloft as they leap.


 The project remains in the prototype stage. Until it becomes available, Casini concurred: LUNA is an extremely costly sandbox. However, ultimately they will aim to test new technologies and train astronauts within a sealed setting.


 Casini stated, 'The magic occurs within.' He added that the landscape would assist the upcoming cohort of astronauts in returning to the moon.


 Moreover, there is potential for growth. Adjacent to the LUNA Analog Facility, there are two extra components: a habitat simulator and a converted greenhouse from the EDEN ISS project. This initiative aimed at simulating food production in frigid extraterrestrial conditions.


 Next to the main hall, there’s an empty plot of land that could potentially serve as a site for a future "LUNA 2" mission or a Mars simulation area.

<h3>
 The moon was brought down to Earth
</h3>

 The LUNA Analog Facility has been under development for 12 years.
 <a href="https://www.dw.com/en/german-astronaut-to-return-to-earth-after-six-month-mission/a-61689721">
 Maurer, having logged 177 days in orbit,
 </a>
 He has been driving this idea since day one. He informed SANTIJAYA that the facility accurately represented the conditions on the moon, despite lacking the gravity offloading system.


 “When I descend into the crater within the facility and am completely bathed in sunlight, it blinds me,” Maurer stated. Additionally, since he is inside the crater, the rim casts a shadow over everything ahead, leaving his view shrouded in darkness.


 This serves as a stress test for astronauts, subjecting them to challenging and occasionally conflicting circumstances they will face on the lunar surface.


 An additional challenge is posed by the moon's regolith. According to Maurer, this represents a significant technological hurdle. It wreaks havoc with all electronic devices, infiltrates mechanical components causing blockages, and even affects spacesuits. However, we have the capability to simulate these conditions for testing purposes right here on Earth.


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<h3>
 Links around the globe
</h3>

 LUNA has the capability to connect with mission control centers around the globe, including facilities such as DLR in Cologne and the German Space Operations Center (GSOC) in Munich, along with NASA’s center in Houston, USA, and even the International Space Station.


 This implies that simulations might be conducted from afar, allowing NASA astronauts, for instance, to go through a mission rehearsal in Germany under the guidance of their team based in the United States.


 Once operational, the LUNA Analog Facility will serve as a symbol of Europe’s dedication to space exploration, according to Kai-Uwe Schrogl, who serves as a special advisor for political affairs at ESA.


 [LUNA] lends credibility," Schrogl stated. "While many discuss venturing to the moon and further into space, having just a handful of rockets or a lander at the conceptual stage isn’t enough. It’s essential to possess such facilities to demonstrate your seriousness.


 In addition to supporting NASA's Artemis mission, Europe aims to reach the Moon by the 2030s with its independent efforts. The LUNA Analog Facility represents just one of several smaller initiatives aimed at achieving this objective.


 
 Edited by: Zulfikar Abbany
 


 Author: Matthew Ward Agius

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