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NASA’s DIMPLE Mission: Studying Lunar Volcanic Terrain

NASA’s DIMPLE mission: studying lunar volcanic terrain for Moon exploration.

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credit: NASA

NASA’s Artemis program continues to advance our understanding of the Moon with the selection of a new scientific payload called DIMPLE (Dating an Irregular Mare Patch with a Lunar Explorer). This instrument suite will focus on studying the hilly terrain formed by volcanic activity on the near side of the Moon, specifically the Ina Irregular Mare Patch. By investigating this mound, scientists hope to uncover valuable insights into the Moon’s evolution and gain clues about the history of our solar system.

DIMPLE is the outcome of the PRISM (Payloads and Research Investigations on the Surface of the Moon) proposal call, an initiative facilitated by NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS). This marks the first PRISM call that allows researchers to choose and justify a specific landing site for conducting high-priority lunar science investigations. The cost for the DIMPLE payload suite is capped at $50 million, and it is expected to be delivered no earlier than the second quarter of 2027. NASA plans to issue a CLPS task order in 2024 to determine the launch services for DIMPLE’s journey to the Moon.

This endeavor is part of NASA’s broader lunar plans under the Artemis program, which aims to explore the Moon extensively using advanced robotics and astronauts. Through DIMPLE, scientists hope to determine whether Irregular Mare Patches were formed by recent or ancient volcanic processes. The mission will utilize a CLPS-provided rover, a collection gripping instrument, and a spectrometer to analyze the age and composition of samples collected from Ina’s surface. DIMPLE is capable of gathering and analyzing anywhere from three to more than 25 samples, offering valuable insights into the timing of the volcanic activity that shaped this feature.

The findings from DIMPLE could have significant implications for our understanding of the Moon’s geochemical state over time. If the volcanic activity is found to be geologically recent, it could suggest that the lunar mantle was warmer than previously believed or that radioactive elements contributed to ongoing small-scale eruptions. On the other hand, if the eruptions are determined to be older, it would prompt a reassessment of the age and evolution of craters on the Moon, providing crucial insights into the history of Earth and other planets in our solar system.

Joel Kearns, the deputy associate administrator for exploration in NASA’s Science Mission Directorate, emphasizes that DIMPLE’s selection aims to definitively resolve the debate surrounding the Moon’s recent volcanic activity. This mission not only poses intriguing scientific questions but also demonstrates an exciting technology that can be employed to measure absolute ages of diverse geologic terrains across the solar system.

The principal investigator for the DIMPLE mission is F. Scott Anderson from the Southwest Research Institute’s Solar System Science and Exploration Division in Boulder, Colorado. The CLPS initiative, which leverages commercial launch providers, plays a crucial role in NASA’s Artemis lunar exploration efforts, enabling cost-effective scientific advancements on the Moon’s surface. These science and technology payloads will pave the way for future human missions.

To learn more about DIMPLE and NASA’s lunar exploration efforts, visit NASA’s official website at https://www.nasa.gov/clps. The Moon continues to be a captivating destination for scientific discovery, and with each mission, we uncover more about the mysteries of our cosmic neighborhood.

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infrastructure

C-Crete Technologies Awarded $2 Million by the US Department of Energy to Supercharge its Cement-Free Carbon-Negative Concrete Product

Addition of CO2 as a diluted gas from industrial waste sources or the air would turn C-Crete’s concrete into a carbon-negative building material

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SAN LEANDRO, Calif. /PRNewswire/ — C-Crete Technologies is developing a method for using carbon dioxide captured at industrial sources or from the air as an ingredient in its cement-free concrete, in work accelerated by a $2 million funding from the US Department of Energy.

The DOE funding will help propel C-Crete’s already eco-friendly product into the exceptional category of carbon-negative building materials, possibly the first pourable, ready-mix concrete product to achieve this longtime goal of the industry.

Our pourable cement-free carbon-negative concrete not only mitigates carbon emissions but helps reversing climate change

Around 80 tons of C-Crete’s cement-free concrete was recently poured in the foundations, shear walls and floor slab of a commercial building and more projects are underway.

The CO2 incorporated into the product – whether captured from the air as the concrete cures or from industrial point sources – could be used in a diluted form, eliminating the costly step of separating it from other gases. Once mineralized in the concrete, the diluted CO2 would make the new material stronger, tougher and more durable than conventional concrete.

At the core of C-Crete’s innovation lies its patented high-performance, cement-free binder technology that uses different local materials as feedstocks. C-Crete’s binder produces almost no CO2 in its manufacturing and continues to absorb it from the air over time. Its scalability and cost-parity with conventional cement make it a viable alternative to ordinary Portland cement – a notorious contributor to global CO2 emissions.

The DOE’s support for C-Crete’s work underscores the profound impact that innovative approaches can have in the battle against carbon emissions.

“We are committed to crafting a cement-free, ready-mix, carbon-negative concrete that doesn’t just mitigate carbon emissions but actively contributes to reversing climate change,” says Rouzbeh Savary, Ph.D., founder and president of C-Crete Technologies. “Our aim is nothing short of revolutionizing this hard-to-abate, carbon-heavy sector of the construction industry.”

“Concrete is one of the most difficult materials to address within the construction industry because the way it is used often precludes other sustainable strategies such as re-use and effective recycling,” says Stuart Macalister, technical design lead at Heatherwick Studio, an international award-winning architecture firm based in London. “C-Crete are pioneering significant reductions in the embodied carbon of concrete and their continued research into alternative techniques to avoid over dependence upon a single material source, is both savvy and inspiring.

“C-Crete’s sequestration of CO2 into cast-in-place concrete is another aspect with huge potential. The consensus amongst climate scientists is that even if we do everything else right to reduce emissions, the world still needs to remove gigantic amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere. Direct-air capture of CO2 is very expensive currently, so other methods, such as those being developed by C-Crete, are vitally important,” says Macalister.

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“We need to do testing to get the use of next-generation materials like C-Crete’s right, and that requires early adopter field trials,” says Donald Davies, a developer and structural engineer with 33 years in the business, whose building in Seattle was the site of C-Crete’s first commercial pour. “It’s exciting to be a part of helping C-Crete on this important next step forward.” Davies is also chair of Building Transparency, a nonprofit dedicated to enabling the building industry to address embodied carbon’s role in climate change.

About: C-Crete Technologies is a leading materials science company committed to inventing, building and scaling up the next generation of infrastructure materials with ultra-low or negative CO2 footprints. With a relentless focus on environmental stewardship and technological innovation, C-Crete aims to address the global challenges of climate change while delivering superior infrastructure materials at scale.

SOURCE C-Crete Technologies

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aerospace

United States Space Force: Protecting America’s Interests in Space

“Learn about the United States Space Force: its formation, purpose, and role in protecting national security and space assets.”

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The United States Space Force (USSF) is the newest branch of the U.S. Armed Forces, established to protect American interests in space. It was formed on December 20, 2019, when President Donald Trump signed the United States Space Force Act, making it the first new independent military service in over 70 years.


Cloudy rocket launch. The elements of this image furnished by NASA.

While the concept of a Space Force had been discussed since the 1950s, the need for a dedicated space-focused military branch became increasingly evident with the growing importance of space in national security and defense. The USSF operates under the Department of the Air Force, similar to how the Marine Corps operates under the Department of the Navy. It is led by the Secretary of the Air Force and its military heads are the Chief of Space Operations and the Vice Chief of Space Operations.

The Space Force’s primary purpose is to ensure the freedom of operation in space and protect U.S. space assets. It is responsible for organizing, training, and equipping space forces, which are then deployed to the unified combatant commands, particularly the United States Space Command. The Space Force operates various programs and systems, including GPS, the Space Fence, military satellite communications constellations, X-37B spaceplanes, the U.S. missile warning system, the U.S. space surveillance network, and the Satellite Control Network.



The USSF’s formation marked a significant recognition of the critical role space plays in national security, communication, and technological advancement. As the world becomes increasingly reliant on space-based assets for navigation, communication, and intelligence gathering, the Space Force aims to protect these capabilities, deter aggression, and maintain superiority in space.

By establishing the Space Force, the United States has demonstrated its commitment to safeguarding its interests in space and maintaining its position as a global leader in space capabilities. As technology continues to advance and more nations venture into space, the United States Space Force will play a vital role in ensuring the security and resilience of American assets in this final frontier. Kindly click on the link for further details: https://www.spaceforce.mil/

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Join Metro in Clearing the Air on California Clean Air Day

“Go Metro for FREE on California Clean Air Day! Clear the air by taking the bus, train, bike, or walking. Join us!”

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Metro is excited to announce its support for California Clean Air Day and invites you to join us in our efforts to combat air pollution. On Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Metro is offering FREE rides on buses, trains, and bikes, encouraging everyone to take part in this important initiative. By choosing Metro as your mode of transportation, you can contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality in our region. Let’s take action together and make a positive impact on the health of our communities.




Air pollution affects us all, and it’s essential that we work collectively to address this issue. California Clean Air Day serves as a call to action, inspiring us to adopt sustainable transportation alternatives. Metro offers a range of options for you to participate in this day of action.

Choose the Bus or Train:
By taking the bus or train, you can significantly reduce your carbon footprint and help clear the air. Metro’s extensive network covers various destinations throughout the region, making it a convenient and eco-friendly choice. Enjoy a stress-free commute while actively contributing to a cleaner environment.

Walk or Ride a Bike:
For shorter distances, consider walking or riding a bike. Metro not only supports these active modes of transportation but also offers free rides on California Clean Air Day for Metro Bike Share and Metro Micro. Redeem your free rides using the provided codes and enjoy emissions-free travel while exploring your city.

Plan Your Trip:
To make your journey seamless, Metro provides a trip planner on metro.net. This tool helps you find the best routes, schedules, and connections, ensuring a smooth travel experience. Take advantage of this resource to optimize your trip and make the most of California Clean Air Day.


On October 4, let’s take a break from traffic and pollution by choosing Metro as our preferred mode of transportation. Together, we can make a difference in our communities and pave the way for cleaner air. Visit metro.net/cleanair to learn more about this initiative and how you can contribute. Join us in taking the pledge to clear the air and embrace sustainable transportation options. Remember, every journey counts towards a greener and healthier future. Visit Metro for more info: https://www.metro.net/about/california-clean-air-day-2023/

https://stmdailynews.com/category/the-bridge/urbanism/

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