Station Science Top News: June 22, 2023

Measurements show that the energy spectrum of helium in cosmic rays is not constrained by the single power law (a relationship where a relative change in one quantity results in a proportional change in the other). These findings could help address questions about high-energy astrophysics and advance efforts to characterize the risks to astronauts and equipment from high-energy radiation.

JAXA’s International Space Station CALET instrument took the first measurements of the cosmic-ray helium spectrum by a single detector. This paper confirms that the data it reports are consistent with multiple space instruments. CALET examined high-energy astrophysics questions such as the origin of cosmic rays and how these rays accelerate and travel across the galaxy. The instrument also looked for evidence of nearby cosmic-ray sources that could pose a threat to future space explorers.

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Researchers used new algorithms to correct image contrast errors that are caused by camera motion. This ability is needed to compensate for the motion of the International Space Station during Earth imagery operations to produce better panoramic map images.

STP-H7-Falcon Neuro provides high-speed optical sensing and data that can capture brief phenomena such as electrical discharges in Earth’s atmosphere. This International Space Station instrument provides advantages over observatories in geostationary orbit. Improved panoramic images have potential uses such as directing landings for future lunar spacecraft and guiding underground exploration from aerial instruments on Mars.

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The International Space Station Program team provided outreach at the UTeach STEM Educators Conference, which prepares science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors to become teachers. Attendees included about 300 faculty from 49 university partners, UTeach graduates, and K-12 teachers. The International Space Station Program team engaged roughly 100 attendees.