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SpaceX Targets July 31 for Historic Polaris Dawn Astronaut Mission

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SpaceX is gearing up for another groundbreaking moment in space exploration with the upcoming Polaris Dawn astronaut mission launch, scheduled for no earlier than July 31. This mission marks the second spaceflight for billionaire Jared Isaacman and promises to be a significant milestone in commercial spaceflight.

Polaris Dawn
Image Credit: SpaceX

Polaris Dawn Mission

Polaris Dawn is part of a private human spaceflight program funded by Jared Isaacman, who also spearheaded the successful all-civilian Inspiration4 mission in September 2021. The mission will see Isaacman and his crew embarking on a journey that includes the first-ever private spacewalk, utilizing bespoke SpaceX spacesuits designed for the occasion.

One of the most notable aspects of the Polaris Dawn mission is its ambitious orbit, which will take the crew approximately 435 miles above Earth. This altitude surpasses that of the International Space Station, marking the highest-altitude crewed flight since the Apollo moon missions of the 1960s and 1970s.

Polaris Dawn Crew. Image Credit: SpaceX

The Polaris Dawn mission is just the first of a series of missions planned under the Polaris Program, all of which are funded and commanded by Jared Isaacman. With a focus on advancing human space exploration and supporting charitable causes, Isaacman’s initiatives in space have not only pushed the boundaries of what is possible but have also contributed to important charitable endeavors like raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital during the Inspiration4 mission.

As excitement builds for the upcoming launch of Polaris Dawn, all eyes are on SpaceX and its collaboration with Jared Isaacman to achieve new milestones in space exploration. Stay tuned for more updates as we countdown to this historic mission and witness the next chapter in the evolution of commercial spaceflight.

For further reading on the Polaris Dawn mission, please check out the links below.

https://www.space.com/spacex-polaris-dawn-progressing-toward-ambitious-launch

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polaris_Dawn

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts

  • Daily News Staff

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Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art.

Science

Sceye Partners with NASA and USGS to Address Climate Change from the Stratosphere

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Strategic collaborations above 60,000 feet unlocks new potential for traffic and climate management, earth observation and imaging, methane, storm, and wildfire detection, and more

ROSWELL, N.M. /PRNewswire/ — Sceye, a leading U.S. aerospace company specializing in High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS), announced a cooperating research and development agreement with United States Geological Survey (USGS) and a Space Act agreement with NASA. The purpose of these agreements is to enhance climate and environmental imaging, monitoring, and data collection from the stratosphere. This partnership builds on Sceye’s successful 2024 flight program, which concluded with a milestone launch on October 24, 2024, demonstrating the platform’s readiness for commercialization and long-duration missions in 2025.

Sceye launch October 2024

This collaboration positions Sceye’s HAPS technology as a critical partner in providing precise earth observation and lifting multi-mission payloads. Using advanced hyperspectral imaging, Sceye will help NASA and USGS detect methane “super emitters,” monitor wildfire activity, storms, earthquakes, and other extreme weather events. The partnership will help track essential environmental data and metrics in real-time and also positions Sceye to support NASA and USGS in expanding the range of climate data collection and in strengthening forecasting models.

“Our partnership with NASA and USGS is built on the potential of HAPS to stay over an area of operation for long periods of time. In contrast to satellites, HAPS can do that below orbital altitude, thereby offering a unique vantage point to address climate change and better prepare for extreme weather events,” said Mikkel Vestergaard Frandsen, CEO and Founder of Sceye. “We are unlocking the stratosphere as the next frontier to make important scientific advancements that will help communities across the world.”

With climate change accelerating and methane emissions at record levels, Sceye’s HAPS technology offers a solution to precisely detect emissions down to the pixel. Sceye is also collaborating with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the New Mexico Environmental Department on a five-year program to detect methane emissions across the state. Sceye’s last flight of the year demonstrates the platform’s operational readiness by capturing essential data through onboard infrared cameras.

Sceye’s HAPS are powered by solar energy captured during daylight and stored in batteries to operate throughout the night. This enables continuous flight above 60,000 feet, where few technologies can operate effectively.

“HAPS are a gamechanger for the scientific community because they can linger over events, take high resolution data continuously in real time, and give a more accurate understanding of what may happen before, during, and after an event,” said Jonathan Stock, Director, USGS National Innovation Center.

The final launch of Sceye’s 2024 flight program completed a successful flight year and the full characterization of the vehicle, including achieving the important milestones of controlled relocation, full diurnal flight, and the ability to stay over an area of operation for long periods of time.

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With a focus on commercialization and endurance in 2025, Sceye will transition to testing the platform’s capacity to sustain long-duration “seasonal flights.” These missions will enable continuous monitoring during critical periods like wildfire season, supporting rapid response efforts with near real-time data on evolving threats.

Following a successful Series C round that raised the company’s pre-money valuation to $525 million, Sceye is advancing its mission to create world-changing solutions.

About Sceye

Founded in 2014, Sceye is an aerospace company dedicated to advancing stratospheric technology to connect people and protect the planet. Sceye leads the High-Altitude Platform Systems (HAPS) industry, focusing on universal connectivity, climate monitoring, natural resource management, and disaster prevention.

SOURCE Sceye

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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Space and Tech

NASA Set for SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon Station Relocation

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SpaceX Crew-9
The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft carrying NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov approaches the International Space Station as it orbits 259 miles above Oregon. Credit: NASA

SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon Update

NASA is gearing up for an exciting event as it prepares for the relocation of its SpaceX Crew-9 Dragon spacecraft aboard the International Space Station (ISS) on Sunday, November 3rd. This carefully coordinated maneuver is essential for making way for the upcoming arrival of the 31st commercial resupply services mission, ensuring that the ISS continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.

The live coverage of this significant event will kick off at 6:15 a.m. EST and can be viewed on NASA+, concluding shortly after the docking process is complete. For those interested in following along, NASA offers various platforms, including social media channels, to keep the public engaged and informed about the latest space developments.

On the morning of November 3rd, the crew comprising NASA astronauts Nick Hague, Suni Williams, and Butch Wilmore, alongside Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, will undock the Crew-9 Dragon from the forward-facing port of the Harmony module at 6:35 a.m. and execute a redocking maneuver to the module’s space-facing port at 7:18 a.m. This relocation marks the fifth time a Dragon spacecraft carrying crew has been moved, following similar missions during Crew-1, Crew-2, Crew-6, and Crew-8.

The move will be supported by flight controllers at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston and the Mission Control team at SpaceX headquarters in Hawthorne, California. This collaboration underscores the strength of partnerships in advancing human spaceflight initiatives.

After the relocation, Harmony’s forward-facing port will be available for a Dragon cargo spacecraft mission set to launch no earlier than Monday, November 4th, reaffirming the ongoing efforts to maintain a steady rhythm of missions to the ISS.

For avid space enthusiasts eager to learn more about the operations aboard the ISS, NASA encourages following their social media accounts, including @space_station and @ISS_Research, as well as their Facebook and Instagram pages dedicated to the ISS.

The Crew-9 mission, which launched on September 28 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida and docked the following day, represents SpaceX’s ninth rotational crew mission as part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program. The Crew-9 team is scheduled to return to Earth in February 2025, continuing its vital work aboard the ISS to conduct research and experiments that benefit life on Earth and beyond.

Get ready to witness this remarkable display of human ingenuity and collaboration as NASA and SpaceX continue to push the boundaries of exploration and science in space!

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Find NASA’s commercial crew blog and more information about the Crew-9 mission at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/

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  • Rod Washington

    Rod: A creative force, blending words, images, and flavors. Blogger, writer, filmmaker, and photographer. Cooking enthusiast with a sci-fi vision. Passionate about his upcoming series and dedicated to TNC Network. Partnered with Rebecca Washington for a shared journey of love and art. View all posts


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Space and Tech

Back on Earth: NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 Mission Splashes Down Off Florida

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Crew-8
NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 members, from left to right, Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin and NASA astronauts Michael Barratt, Matthew Dominick, and Jeanette Epps, are seen inside the Dragon spacecraft shortly after having landed off the coast of Pensacola, Florida, on Oct. 25, 2024. Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky

In a remarkable testament to human ingenuity and collaboration, NASA’s SpaceX Crew-8 mission concluded with a successful splashdown at 3:29 a.m. EDT Friday, just off the coast of Pensacola, Florida. This milestone marks the end of a nearly eight-month scientific expedition—NASA’s eighth commercial crew rotation mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

Crew-8: A Journey to Remember

The Crew-8 mission launched on March 3 aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center. Astronauts Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, and Jeanette Epps, along with Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, spent an impressive 232 days living and working aboard the ISS. During their time in space, the crew traveled nearly 100 million miles and completed an astounding 3,760 orbits around Earth, all while pushing the boundaries of human exploration.

Science in Space

The Crew-8 mission was not just about being in space; it was about advancing our understanding of the universe and improving life on Earth. The crew engaged in a variety of groundbreaking research projects aimed at enhancing human health, both in space and on our planet. Some highlights of their work included:

  • Stem Cell Research: The astronauts developed organoid models to study degenerative diseases, a vital step in understanding potential treatments and therapies.
  • Material Flammability Studies: Investigating the effects of fuel temperature on material flammability in the unique environment of space could lead to safer spacecraft and equipment for future missions.
  • Spaceflight and Immune Function: The team studied how prolonged exposure to spaceflight influences the immune system of astronauts, which is crucial for ensuring their health during long-duration missions.

These research endeavors contribute significantly to space medicine and help prepare for future human exploration beyond low Earth orbit, potentially easing the challenges of long-term space travel.

Safe Return and Next Steps

Upon splashdown, recovery teams from NASA and SpaceX were quick to secure the spacecraft and assist the returning astronauts as they exited. The crew will now make their way to NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, where they will debrief and reflect on their experiences. Meanwhile, the Dragon spacecraft will be returned to SpaceX facilities at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station for inspection and refurbishment—readying it for future missions.

The Crew-8 mission’s return is particularly notable, as it follows the arrival of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-9 team to the ISS on September 29. Both missions are part of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, an initiative focused on providing reliable access to space through partnerships with private companies. This collaborative approach maximizes the use of the ISS for research and development and supports future missions aimed at deep space exploration.

Looking Ahead

As we celebrate the successful return of Crew-8, we also look ahead to the future of space exploration. The insights gained from this mission will not only enhance our ability to live and work in space but will also contribute to advancements that benefit humanity on Earth. The journey of exploration is far from over, and with missions like Crew-8 paving the way, we are excited to see what lies ahead in our quest to understand the cosmos. Welcome back, Crew-8!

Learn more about NASA’s Commercial Crew program at:

https://www.nasa.gov/commercialcrew

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The science section of our news blog STM Daily News provides readers with captivating and up-to-date information on the latest scientific discoveries, breakthroughs, and innovations across various fields. We offer engaging and accessible content, ensuring that readers with different levels of scientific knowledge can stay informed. Whether it’s exploring advancements in medicine, astronomy, technology, or environmental sciences, our science section strives to shed light on the intriguing world of scientific exploration and its profound impact on our daily lives. From thought-provoking articles to informative interviews with experts in the field, STM Daily News Science offers a harmonious blend of factual reporting, analysis, and exploration, making it a go-to source for science enthusiasts and curious minds alike. https://stmdailynews.com/category/science/


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