Station Science Top News: Nov. 10, 2023
Microgravity does not affect early development of mouse embryos, according to results published by JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) researchers. The effect of microgravity on embryo development has previously been reported in sea urchins, fish, and amphibians, but mammalian reproduction is complicated and highly specialized. This finding suggests that mammalian embryos could develop fully in space.
The JAXA investigation Space Embryo studied the developmental potential of mammalian embryos in microgravity. Sustaining life on future long-term space missions and stays on other planets requires understanding how space affects key phases of reproduction. This investigation also contributes to the science of embryology and could support advances in medical care on Earth.
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Researchers report results from the first joint observations by Neutron star Interior Composition Explorer (NICER) and the Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array (NuSTAR) of the Ultra Compact X-Ray Binary (UCXB) 4U 1543-624 in 2020. NICER monitored 4U 1543−624 for multiple days in 2017 but this was the first observation by NuSTAR. The combined frequencies of NICER and NuSTAR are ideal for detecting reflected emission and allow scientists to analyze the reflection spectrum and origins of its components. These results help researchers fine tune models of gravitational waves from UCXB-type sources.
NICER is an exterior payload studying the nature and behavior of neutron stars. UCXBs have short orbital periods that indicate the compact object of the pair, in this case likely a neutron star, is accreting material from its companion. UCXBs are sources of gravitational waves, invisible ripples in space generated by powerful astrophysical events such as exploding stars that could help scientists observe the universe in a totally different way.
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Researchers demonstrated acquisition of a signal from a ground terminal by a CubeSat with an installed pointing beacon. Nanosatellite technologies can produce data faster than it can be transmitted to the ground. Increasing data transmission may require higher radio frequencies, which have drawbacks including higher data loss. Optical communications for CubeSats are a possible alternative to higher radio frequencies. This result helps develop range control between two satellites to maximize communication crosslinks.
The Click A (CubeSat Laser Infrared Crosslink, Vehicle A) experiment demonstrated small, lightweight, energy-efficient technology for communicating between small spacecraft and to gauge relative distance and location among constellations or swarms of small spacecraft. Such technology could enable high-rate processing and transmission of scientific data on future missions.
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