Mars Science Laboratory
A signal from NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, including the new Curiosity rover, was received by officials on the ground shortly after spacecraft separation. The spacecraft is flying free and headed for Mars after separation from the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket that started it on its journey to the Red Planet. Liftoff was on time at 10:02 a.m. EST from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/index.html
NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory mission is preparing to set down a large, mobile laboratory — the rover Curiosity — which will carry the most advanced payload of scientific gear ever used on Mars’ surface. The rover’s electrical power will be supplied by a U.S. Department of Energy radioisotope power system assembled and tested at Idaho National Laboratory.
http://www.inl.gov/research/mars-science-laboratory
NZNet in liquidation
Auckland-based ISP & hosting company NZNet has been placed into liquidation, following a coverage scare in October
http://www.techday.co.nz/netguide/news/nznet-in-liquidation—updated/21559/6/
Coming Back Down to our Fragile Oasis
A time-lapse video is about as close as we can come to show what astronauts see in space. This time-lapse video is a collaboration between images taken by Ron Garan and Mike Fossum from the International Space Station and music from Peter Gabriel. The music featured in the video is Peter Gabriel’s “Down to Earth”.
http://www.nasa.gov/news/highlights/Peter_Gabriel_Oasis.html
The Wave Glider
By continuously harvesting energy from the environment, Wave Gliders are able to travel long distances, hold station, and monitor vast areas without ever needing to refuel. A unique two-part architecture and wing system directly converts wave motion into thrust, and solar panels provide electricity for sensor payloads.
http://liquidr.com/technology/wave-glider-concept/
Google kills off seven more products including Wave
Google has announced that it is dropping seven more products in an effort to simplify its range of services.
The out-of-season “spring clean” brings an end to services including Google Wave, Knol and Google Gears.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15853323
Most liveable alien worlds ranked
Scientists have outlined which moons and planets are most likely to harbour extra-terrestrial life.
Among the most habitable alien worlds were Saturn’s moon Titan and the exoplanet Gliese 581g – thought to reside some 20.5 light-years away in the constellation Libra.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-15863549
Long-lasting all-weather night-vision material unveiled
A US-based team of scientists claims to have invented a material that releases over two weeks of night-vision light after just one minute’s exposure to the sun.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-15824288
Most liveable alien worlds ranked
Scientists have outlined which moons and planets are most likely to harbour extra-terrestrial life. Among the most habitable alien worlds were Saturn’s moon Titan and the exoplanet Gliese 581g – thought to reside some 20.5 light-years away in the constellation Libra.
