The countries participating in the Preparatory European Space Exploration Programme Aurora have recently confirmed and increased their contributions. This preparatory phase has attracted additional contributions for the period 2005-2006. Sweden has now joined the programme. The subscribed envelope has nearly tripled, from the original
Martian moon Phobos in detail
These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA
Travelling to Mars and hibernating like a brown bear
Manned missions beyond the Moon are no longer wild dreams. For example, the objective of ESA’s Aurora programme, after exploring Mars with robotic missions, is to send astronauts to the red planet. Engineers are already considering the space systems that will be required, from the spacecraft and propulsion systems to the life support systems, for journeys that will last 6-9 months.
Gourmet cooking on the way to Mars
Technologies from space provide new solutions for food handling on Earth. In exchange travellers in space will get gourmet menus from Earth to cheer them up during long space missions. At the International Food Exhibition SIAL in Paris this week, ESA presents an exchange of ideas between food and space, including recipes for travellers to Mars.
Plastic fantastic – bringing space composites down to Earth
Innovative uses for plastics, rubber and their derivatives will be on display next week in D
The grabens of Claritas Fossae
These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA
Conjunction over, engineers wake Mars Express
For mission controllers, a solar conjunction means that a spacecraft, the Sun and Earth are in alignment. Yesterday, engineers successfully woke up ESA’s Mars Express from a lengthy and long-planned ‘nap’ as it travelled out of a conjunction, avoiding potential communications interference from the Sun.
Solis Planum, Thaumasia region
These images, taken by the High Resolution Stereo Camera (HRSC) on board ESA
Space houses on Earth
An ESA-designed house that uses technology designed for space could become the basis of the new German Antarctic station, Neumayer-III. The new station has to meet stringent laws set up to protect the Antarctic environment, which is where the use of space technology comes in.