Miguel RubensteinNorthwestern University, Chicago We propose a mission to use ~10,000 actively steerable femtosats to map the ring composition, atmospheric composition and density, and distribution of Saturn’s magnetic field. Conducting in situ studies of Saturn’s rings with a single flagship mission, such as Cassini, would carry an unacceptably high risk of mission failure due to
Benjamin SchäferRare Technologies, Inc. We propose a new approach for atmospheric sensing at altitudes of 30 to 100 km using photophoretically levitating tracers. These lightweight structures take advantage of sunlight to remain suspended for up to months at controlled altitudes and can be tracked remotely using lidar or satellite radar. Unlike natural sprays, these tracers
David BlacksmithDuke University The growing population of space vehicles and satellites motivates increasingly powerful technologies for space situational awareness (SSA). While the US Space Surveillance Network (SSN) can monitor objects up to approximately four inches in size using, for example, the latest space fence upgrade, associated requirements limit implementation to ground-based tracking of objects in
Pablo Sobron SanchezSETI Institute This proposal explores a new class of survey spacecraft that maps minerals from orbit using Raman spectroscopy during high-speed flybys, without landing, sample return, or prolonged dwell. If feasible, this concept would allow NASA to evaluate ice and ilmenite on the Moon, mineral content on asteroids, and volatile minerals on the
Media are invited to join NASA for a virtual press conference at 2 p.m. EDT, Wednesday, July 29, to preview the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope mission, scheduled to launch Sunday, August 30 from the agency’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. NASA will broadcast this event live across a variety of platforms. Learn where to
NASA Langley’s “Stars, Stripes and Supernovas – Symphony Under the Stars” event brought together employees, families and community members for an evening filled with music, connection and celebration. Organizers planned the event, which took place on July 16, to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the founding of the United States of America. The evening featured