The Weekly Astronaut

[Wires]

A thread for The Weekly Astronaut newspaper, in which all Articles will be stored and posted in to be saved outside of nationstates.

[Wires]

Article I

The Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018, has 3 scientific goals:

1. Track down the flow of energy in the suns outer atmosphere.
2. Discover the sources of solar winds.
3. Explore how solar energetic particles are transported and accelerated.

The probe has been in the works since 1958, but its technology was only finished entirely in 2018, its launch date. It was designed and built at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland, carrying a heatshield and onboard intelligence to keep its heatshield pointed at the sun, so it doesn't it melt from the horrifyingly hot temperatures, but it also has an efficient and powerful cooling system.

The probe has also broken the record for closest man made object to the sun multiple times, passing within 42.72 million kilometers, also becoming the fastest man made object ever reaching 244,620 kilometers per hour, months after its launch date. Its expected the probe will reach a top speed of 700,000 kilometers per hour as it flies within 6.2 million kilometers of the suns surface in 2024.

The probe has four instrument suites, of which I am not qualified to speak about. To learn more about The Parker Solar Probe, you can easily read a better, more in depth explanation, at Nasa.gov.

[Jabberwocky]

A fine endeavor. Best of luck.

[Wires]

Thank you!

[Wires]

Article II
1. Study the history of water on Mars.

2. Studying smaller more intricate surface features.

3. Provide Great Telecommunications systems for future missions.



The orbiter is studying the Martian Surface with its instruments, taking photography of the Martian Surface, studying mineral deposits and the amount of dust, water in the Martian Atmosphere, and monitor Martian weather. These studies are identifying mineral deposits possibly caused by water over periods of time, as well as looking for proof of past shorelines, seas, and lakes.



While surveying Mars, the amount of areas surveyed on mars close up has increased ten fold. Mostly due to the orbiter having one of the largest cameras ever launched on a planetary mission. While other cameras could spot something as small as a Bus, the orbiter can see objects the size of dinner tables. This is important for future landing missions, as rocks and jagged surface areas could end them before they land.



The orbiter's communications will be crucial for future space missions, serving as a first bridge back to us on Earth, which can be used by future international missions. The orbiter also has an experimental navigation camera to assist with future landings, similar cameras on other orbiters will help land in what seemed to be previously impossible areas.



The orbiter has finished 2 of its goals in a 2 year primary science, but had 2 more goals added to its list, the latest one being in 2010.



For more information, visit Nasas Mars Website.

[Jabberwocky]

Keep up the good work!