Computer Model Suggests Greater Sea-Level Rise from Thwaites Glacier
A new study using a computer model developed by NASA researchers and university partners indicates that Antarctica's Thwaites Glacier could contribute more to sea-level rise by the end of the century than previously estimated. By accounting for grounding zones where seawater penetrates beneath the ice and lifts it during tidal cycles, the model matched historical satellite data four times more closely than previous models. The simulation suggests that this seawater intrusion accelerates melt and destabilizes the glacier beyond what distinct boundary lines would allow.
Martian Moons Exploration Mission Launches Toward Mars
The Martian Moons Exploration mission successfully launched aboard an H3 rocket from the Tanegashima Space Center. Led by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency with international contributions including ESA and NASA, the spacecraft is en route to the Martian system. The mission aims to orbit the moon Phobos, collect surface samples, and return them to Earth, with arrival at Mars scheduled for next summer.
NASA Advances Nuclear Power Module for Deep-Space Fission Mission
NASA and its partners have agreed to key contract actions to advance the Space Reactor-1 Freedom mission, humanity's first planned fission-powered spacecraft to travel outside Earth orbit. Sierra Lobo Inc. will provide the closed Brayton cycle power conversion system, which converts thermal energy from a fission reactor into the electrical power needed for nuclear electric propulsion. The mission is targeted for a late 2028 launch to deliver Mars helicopters and demonstrate deep-space nuclear capabilities.
Airbus Tests New Signal Generation Module for Galileo Second Generation
Airbus Defence and Space has successfully tested the first signal generation module for the Galileo Second Generation satellites. Acting as the brain of the spacecraft, the new module reads precise timing information from onboard atomic clocks and generates navigation signals in real time. The hardware can be reprogrammed in orbit to create new signals, providing greater flexibility to improve positioning accuracy and enhance resistance to interference for future users.
Written with AI from original reports. Source names and report dates are shown with each story.
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