Short Takes – 7-24-24 – Space Geek Edition

New extremely r-process-enhanced star detected. Phys.org article. A tad bit geeky. Pull quote: “Now, a team of astronomers led by Xiao-Jin Xie of CAS [Chinese Academy of Sciences] reports the detection of a new RPE star. They employed GTC's [Gran Telescopio Canarias] High Optical Resolution Spectrograph (HORuS) to observe a star designated LAMOST J020623.21+494127.9 (or J 0206+4941 for short). The observational campaign led to the classification of this object as an extremely r-process-enhanced [rapid neutron capture] star.”

Expiring medications could pose challenge on long space missions. Phys.org article. An unusual Mars-trip problem. Pull quote: “Expired medications can lose their strength by a little—or a lot. The actual stability and potency of medications in space compared to Earth remain largely unknown. The harsh space environment, including radiation, could reduce the effectiveness of medications.”

Lunar exploration ground sites will enhance the Near Space Network's communications services. Phys.org article. Pull quote: “To support NASA's Moon to Mars initiative, NASA is adding three new LEGS antennas to the Near Space Network. As NASA works toward sustaining a human presence on the moon, communications and navigation support will be crucial to each mission's success. The LEGS antennas will directly support the later Artemis missions, and accompanying missions such as the human landing system, lunar terrain vehicle, and Gateway.

ABL loses rocket after static-fire test. SpaceNews.com article. Pull quote: ““After a pre-flight static fire test on Friday, a residual pad fire caused irrecoverable damage to RS1. The team is investigating root cause and will provide updates as the investigation progresses,” the company stated. It did not disclose additional details about the incident.”

Federal Review May Delay the Next SpaceX Flight. GovTech.com article. Pull quote: “Neither the FAA nor SpaceX would describe the requested changes, but the agency said previously that if the company changes the craft's configuration or flight profile, a new license would be required.”

No End in Sight for Falcon 9 Grounding. SpaceAndDefense.io article. Pull quote: “Meanwhile, NASA is in a bind. The Falcon 9 rocket is the only US-made rocket capable of carrying astronauts to the International Space Station, and it was due to operate the Crew-9 mission in mid-August. NASA says crew safety and mission assurance are its top priorities so it will review that launch date.”