Axiom Space’s Post

🚀 So happy to learn about the successful launch of #EarthCARE, European Space Agency - ESA's most complex Earth observation mission to date, created in collaboration with JAXA: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency! Launched aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base, EarthCARE has safely reached its orbit and is poised to begin its vital mission. As we face the escalating challenges of the #ClimateCrisis, EarthCARE will play a crucial role in enhancing our understanding of the complex dynamics between clouds, aerosols, and radiation. This joint venture not only exemplifies international cooperation but also demonstrates our commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and developing tools essential for climate action. With its suite of state-of-the-art instruments, including the world's first radar capable of measuring cloud internal dynamics, EarthCARE will provide unprecedented insights into Earth's radiation balance and climate system. This data is crucial for improving global climate models and, ultimately, for formulating more effective strategies to mitigate #ClimateChange impacts. Join us in celebrating this monumental achievement and stay tuned as we look forward to the first data transmissions that will undoubtedly provide new perspectives on our changing climate. 🌍💡🛰️ #EarthCARE #ClimateChange #Innovation #SpaceTechnology #ESAJAXA

This mission will help fill a major gap in the weatherpredictions. How? by providing data on what happens inside the clouds. To do this it uses 3 instruments (supplied by Europe and Japan). The information goes into models who make predictions on (amongst other things) radiation. The 4th instrument measures the actual radiation and can thus be used to check / update the models. We can only do projects on this scale by working together across borders.

Historic Approach to Space Debris: Astroscale’s ADRAS-J Closes in by 50 Meters  Jun. 14, 2024 Astroscale Japan Inc. announced that its commercial debris inspection demonstration satellite, Active Debris Removal by Astroscale-Japan (ADRAS-J), has achieved another unprecedented milestone for a commercial company. ADRAS-J successfully completed the safe and controlled approach to an unprepared space debris object – a rocket upper stage – to a relative distance of approximately 50 meters, collecting further images and data while maintaining a controlled fixed point relative position from the upper stage. This second image released from the mission, taken in May, follows the first image released on April 26, captured from several hundred meters behind the debris. https://lnkd.in/ea2CkSzJ JAXA: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency

I don't want to overstate this but we should be very aware of the PRC's playbook--think "South China Sea". The Philippines and Vietnam are well aware of this. We ignore this at our own peril. "The latest frontier of the U.S.-China technological Cold War orbits 240,000 miles above us. Though lacking the specter of nuclear war from the U.S.-Soviet space race six decades ago, this new rivalry puts this century’s superpowers on track to spar over lunar real estate, extraterrestrial weaponry and national pride. The lunar territory that both countries covet is the south pole. It contains resources that could sustain a crewed base, so supplies wouldn’t have to be brought from Earth. It has ice, which can be turned into water and oxygen for humans, and into hydrogen for rocket fuel. Some south-pole regions enjoy round-the-clock sunlight, a potential source of solar power." China Launches Moon Mission in Base Race With U.S. https://lnkd.in/er3h4iHQ

GPS in its many variants around the world has become a necessary utility. Thankfully with the more precise clock references developed we can function without the original cesium clock standards.

#Galileo now has 30 satellites in orbit, making the European #GNSS even more robust and accurate. This remarkable European project has brought to the world the first and only civilian-operated satellite-positioning system - making it more reliable than any other GNSS in times of increased military aggression around the world. For the first time, the Galileo satellites were launched by SpaceX. After Russia's full scale invasion of Ukraine, Galileo satellites are no longer launched by Soyuz rockets. Since Europe's Ariane 5 were retired last summer, making SpaceX’s Falcon 9 a logical alternative.

The EU didn't launch anything last night: EUSPA made a post on X similar to this one on LinkedIn, saying that "EU Launched two new Galileo satellites". The two new Galileo satellites were launched by SpaceX from Florida, onboard a Falcon 9 Rocket. Saying that "EU launched" those satellites is a misleading statement, and reflects the intention to not mention SpaceX (which is carefully avoided also in this post). It's a shame, because it’s not SpaceX's fault if Europe is lacking a launcher for those satellites. Several problems in management, competition, foresight, and ambition in the European space sector led the EU in this situation... Acknowledging the launch company which saved the situation, in a very cheap way, is the minimum EU should do. That's also because our money are spent for this. Trying to mislead people writing that "EU Launched" the satellites, or just avoiding mentioning that the launch was performed by a non-EU company, is a proper scam to EU citizens. I rarely comment publicly about those things, given my work at Space Voyaging, but this time I'm doing so as an European Citizen.

Quadsat and ALL.SPACE Conduct Comprehensive Evaluation of an ESA for LEO Constellations https://lnkd.in/eXsDzW82 Quadsat ALL.SPACE

The new #Ariane6 rocket has become a symbol of Russia's failure in space. Its space services are no longer in demand in Europe, and will gradually lose competitiveness throughout the world. Regarding European Space Agency - ESA, I believe that the agency should now strengthen its ties with Ukraine to keep balance. Formerly an important space hub of the USSR, it still retains a wealth of experience from the Soviet #SpaceIndustry, which will help diversify the talent pool at ESA. #UkraineESA https://lnkd.in/gJpfGf5s

Build your own Ariane 6 rocket with ESA!, Build your own Ariane 6 rocket with ESA! Download your printable kit and join the competition., : Build your own Ariane 6 rocket with ESA! Download your printable kit and join the competition.