AkaSci 🛰️

SatCom Scientist
Writing occasionally about science, space missions, astronomy, planetary science, satellites, Democracy and human rights.
He/Him
#science #space #technology #astronomy #satcom #Democracy

Public Key

npub12ydcxmg6ssn54yd4g36w4eptv7j5ewc8vn08t8k590l7c8223xfq0tf4tg

NIP-05 Address

AkaSci@fosstodon-org.mostr.pub

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs9zxurd5dggf62jx65ga82us4k0f2vhvrkfhn4nm2zhllvr49gnyspz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dswc4t38

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub12ydcxmg6ssn54yd4g36w4eptv7j5ewc8vn08t8k590l7c8223xfq0tf4tg

Show more details

Last Notes

2026-08-14 18:57:23 UTC

- reply

A magnificent crescent Sun captured during the 12 August 2026 total solar eclipse by astrophotographer Marina Prol in Galicia, Spain.
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/A_look_back_at_the_2026_total_solar_eclipse
10/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/117/095/377/638/160/955/original/0dadb9c78e52b9b8.jpg

2026-08-02 12:23:00 UTC

Among 18 study awards of the NASA Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) program is this doozy on geoengineering to combat climate change by deploying a dust cloud of 0.3 µm radius 90%-hollow spherical particles, at the Sun–Earth Lagrangian L1 point, held in place using repulsive forces from multiple spacecraft with ion-thrusters.
It will reduce solar insolation by 1.16% at an initial cost of $134B.
The project is named DimSun.
:eyeroll:
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-awards-2026-innovative-technology-concepts/
https://www.nasa.gov/directorates/stmd/niac/niac-studies/dimming-the-sun-dimsun-using-controllable-dust-cloud-to-reduce-solar-insolation/
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/117/025/872/559/020/484/original/91c8653bed09e156.png

2026-08-01 22:08:37 UTC

- reply

trump posted today that he is not accepting the assessment of his own agencies and appointments on the reflecting pool saga. Accusations and harassment is his modus operandi. Evidence or lack thereof be damned.
Did we expect him to admit that he had been gaslighting the nation all this time?
Let's make sure the electorate notices this disgraceful abuse of power.
😠
#UsPol
7/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/117/022/496/992/651/958/original/eac1b20f3a44380f.png

2026-08-01 13:47:18 UTC

- reply

Statement from Davey Hearn’s counsel Norm Eisen of Democracy Defenders Fund.
https://bsky.app/profile/normeisen.bsky.social/post/3mrxzutfnto2d
https://www.democracydefendersfund.org/news/the-trump-administration-owes-davey-hearn-an-apology/
#UsPol
6/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/117/020/547/905/000/564/original/5e3dd69b024aaa33.png

2026-08-01 05:52:27 UTC

- reply

Who will bell the cat?
#UsPol
5/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/117/018/687/496/971/994/original/df00db6e1e783c8f.png

2026-07-27 16:22:38 UTC

Tesla cybertruck is the new Edsel.
Only 7,133 registered in the US this year through May. Projected annual sales at launch was 250,000 per year.
:eyeroll:
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/teslas-cybertruck-could-be-big-flop-ford-edsel
1/n

2026-07-26 22:00:42 UTC

- reply

The fire map of the Bordeaux region in France over the past 24 hours.
And that of Europe.
https://firms.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/map/#d:24hrs;l:fires_all,countries,earth;@-0.936,44.850,11.079z
#ClimateChange #Climate
11/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/988/513/435/602/169/original/cc6a34c66361d690.png

2026-07-20 22:26:24 UTC

As if space debris on Earth is not bad enough, we also have debris striking the moon.
On Aug 5, 06:34:33 UTC, a SpaceX spent 2nd stage (ID 2025-010D) will crash into the Moon at ~8,700 km/h.
The 2nd stage propelled the Blue Ghost and Hakuto-R missions on Jan 15, 2025. The 2nd stage ended up in an unstable ~200K x 600K km orbit around earth. On Aug 5, the Moon, in its 384K km orbit, will be in the rocket's path.
See map below for impact location.
@nprofile…2wxk
https://www.projectpluto.com/25010d.htm
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/954/614/561/569/380/original/4f13dd575ab8ff59.png

2026-07-13 22:22:26 UTC

- reply

@nprofile…rwst @nprofile…2wxk
The row with the name Hanwha is a LEO constellation from South Korea.
I will add country names to the rows, soon.
https://spacenews.com/hanwha-systems-to-launch-2000-leo-communications-satellites-by-2030/

2026-07-13 20:16:43 UTC

- reply

@nprofile…2wxk
Here is my cheat-sheet of mega-constellations, which is a summary of McDowell's site plus a few more from recent filings.
https://planet4589.org/space/con/conlist.html
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/914/496/934/423/940/original/a380b2d4fe372162.png

2026-07-12 13:54:40 UTC

Caption this!
This is the new look of the West Colonnade of the White House.
#UsPol
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/907/330/988/708/928/original/96dc098ce7718cf4.png

2026-07-11 12:53:44 UTC

- reply

Yes, the idea of catching falling objects using nets goes way back. With real-time adjustments of net position.
🙂
https://www.instagram.com/p/DLVPgK-OgN6/
4/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/901/430/776/225/080/original/5b906d8defac255a.png

2026-07-10 14:37:58 UTC

- reply

Here's the 10-year plan (marketing fluff?) from Reflect Orbital.
Pricing? Please call. :eyeroll:
https://www.reflectorbital.com/
5/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/896/174/651/165/026/original/1e9a690e64e78ee0.png

2026-07-10 13:23:43 UTC

- reply

This is Reflect Orbital's marketing fluff for the application of its sunlight-on-demand technology.
BTW, we have been doing these things for centuries using things called light bulbs, driven by electricity some of which is generated from solar energy during daytime. And that too in a very precise and controlled way, according to need.
https://www.reflectorbital.com/light
4/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/895/877/953/666/172/original/ddefddb649a904bb.png

2026-07-10 13:04:57 UTC

- reply

5. The FCC dismisses potential eye damage to amateur astronomers believing the risk to be small and worth it.
6. It dismisses objections about national security, public safety and env. harm claiming that they apply to large constellations and hence are out of scope.
7. The FCC relies a lot on assurances from RO.
When the time comes, the current FCC will probably use similar arguments and new ones to approve the full constellation.
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-706A1.pdf
3/n

2026-07-10 12:59:30 UTC

- reply

2. The FCC makes the sweeping claim that it regulates radio transmission, not light. So, environmental harm due to light is out of scope for this assessment. But they also opine, that even if they had jurisdiction, "these harms are unlikely to occur."
3. Harm to optical astronomy is dismissed as being out of scope.
4. Objections from astronomy orgs are dismissed by claiming that one Reflect Orbital satellite will not cause harm.
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-26-706A1.pdf
2/n

2026-07-08 16:36:23 UTC

- reply

@nprofile…j0el
I left that mission out since Vesta and Ceres are relatively large compared to these small asteroids. Perhaps I should add them?

2026-07-08 12:03:00 UTC

The NASA New Horizons team announced that the spacecraft safely woke up on June 23 from a 321‑day hibernation period since Aug 7, 2025.
During hibernation, the spacecraft continued collecting data from its instruments and sending a weekly beacon signal to Earth.
The spacecraft is now 9.58 billion km (8.87 light hours) from Earth , having traveled 390 million km since Aug 7 at an avg speed of ~49,000 km/h.
https://pluto.jhuapl.edu/News-Center/News-Article.php?page=20260707
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/884/208/981/328/818/original/b7d8fe27a1516313.png

2026-07-07 23:03:36 UTC

Switzerland beats Columbia 4-3 on penalties after remaining scoreless through extra time.
The semi-finals roster is now complete.
See graphic below for pairings and dates.
https://www.theguardian.com/football/live/2026/jul/07/switzerland-v-colombia-world-cup-2026-last-16-live
#WorldCup
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/881/162/785/430/290/original/23b9be33ee4320ab.png

2026-07-07 12:35:34 UTC

- reply

Here is a summary of space missions to asteroids and comets since 2000. Overall, the success rate has been quite good - only 2 failures in 15 missions.
These are obviously more complex than LEO/GEO satellites.
We need more!
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_missions_to_minor_planets
https://www.planetary.org/space-missions/every-small-worlds-mission
#Science #Space
10/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/878/710/486/090/329/original/c04829b7651fb1c1.png

2026-07-06 15:39:04 UTC

- reply

Where is asteroid 98943 Torifune?
Currently, it is 93.70 million km from Earth, about 62% of the distance to the Sun.
Aphelion 1.259 AU
Perihelion 0.806 AU
Inclination 4.807°
Orbital period 1.05 yr
https://ssd.jpl.nasa.gov/tools/sbdb_lookup.html#/?sstr=Torifune&view=VOP
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/98943_Torifune
#Science #Space
9/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/873/758/045/011/446/original/a492efd6dc33476e.png

2026-07-06 13:30:00 UTC

- reply

We have data being received from Hyabusa2 at the 34 meter antenna at NASA DSN Madrid at a "speedy" rate of 2 kbps.
So, it might take a while for all the data to get downloaded.
https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/dsn-now/dsn.html
8/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/873/256/427/413/568/original/e93d372f6d2e64bd.png

2026-07-06 10:43:09 UTC

- reply

A gallery of various asteroids that have been imaged by deep space missions.
This graphic is from the press conference conducted by the JAXA Hyabusa2 team earlier today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptnVCeR3rqI
#Science #Space
7/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/872/594/593/477/983/original/5439d00b4d9c6682.jpg

2026-07-06 10:33:54 UTC

- reply

Fascinating hi-res image of asteroid Torifune taken by the JAXA Hayabusa2 spacecraft on July 5, as it flew by at 5 km/s.
The asteroid, like many other, seems to consist of two lobes, joined or touching each other, with boulders scattered across its surface.
Note that its size is estimated at 591 × 461 × 392 m and rotation period at 5 hours.
Data from other instruments will be downloaded later.
https://global.jaxa.jp/press/2026/07/20260706-3_j.html
#Science
6/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/872/532/324/515/931/original/b6d56885f0684244.png

2026-07-01 11:48:47 UTC

- reply

The launch of the NASA Swift Boost Mission was postponed again today due to bad weather.
Next launch attempt: Thursday, July 2, at 9:09 p.m. local time (UTC+12), 5:09 a.m. EDT.
https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift/2026/07/01/weather-delays-launch-of-mission-to-boost-nasas-swift/
11/n

2026-07-01 03:10:33 UTC

Physicists will appreciate the words in this ruling by Judge Federico against the trump admin's zeal to jail immigrants in the U.S. w/o bond, claiming that the terms “seeking admission” and “applicant for admission" both apply.
"As far as we are aware, no other phrase in the U.S. Code has this Schrödinger-esque property. Given that point, one would expect the Govt. to have an exceedingly persuasive argument to justify its interpretive quantum leap."
⚛️ 🙂
https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/28384153/10thcircuit.pdf
#UsPol
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/842/474/003/208/258/original/fcd830eed32da5e9.png

2026-07-01 00:33:45 UTC

@nprofile…7nkt
Does this Texas law on age verification affect Mastodon?
https://bsky.app/profile/safety.bsky.app/post/3mpk7jqcdmc2l
https://ccianet.org/news/2026/05/appeals-court-pauses-injunction-on-texas-app-store-law-that-likely-violates-first-amendment/
#Bluesky
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/841/896/807/464/785/original/f6d516cc2534fe2a.png

2026-06-30 18:26:17 UTC

- reply

Paul Krugman on yesterday's rulings:
"The Supreme Court declared war on U.S. democracy, on modern society, on everything it takes to function in the 21st century.
This is a clear argument that we have to one way or another disempower SCOTUS.
We have 6 people who are fundamentally hostile to democracy and to the modern world, and determined to put the catastrophically bad leader that we currently have sitting in the White House in charge of everything."
https://paulkrugman.substack.com/p/the-court-sides-with-dictatorship
#UsPol
7/n

2026-06-30 17:59:54 UTC

- reply

The very much expected response from the White House - ""No pesky Constitutional Amendment necessary."
Thanks Kavanaugh.
#UsPol
6/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/840/352/491/416/639/original/3e03fa8118379a38.png

2026-06-30 17:57:41 UTC

- reply

Kavanaugh provided some advice to Republicans in Congress on the birthright citizenship ruling:
“In my view, the Executive Order does not violate the 14th Amendment. But the Order does contravene a federal statute. Congress could—consistent with the 14th Amendment—amend or otherwise enact new legislation establishing exceptions to birthright citizenship for children born to foreign citizens unlawfully or temporarily in the country.”
https://newrepublic.com/post/212540/brett-kavanaugh-republicans-birthright-citizenship
#UsPol
5/n

2026-06-30 11:06:31 UTC

- reply

Launch of the NASA Swift Boost Mission was scrubbed because of bad weather.
Next attempt - Wednesday, July 1, at 9:43 p.m. local time (UTC+12), 5:43 a.m. EDT.
https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift/2026/06/30/launch-of-mission-to-boost-nasas-swift-scrubs-due-to-weather/
10/n

2026-06-30 01:31:46 UTC

No surprises in this poll by Strength In Numbers/Verasight.
"After Obama at the top is a tight cluster of Democratic-aligned figures - Bernie Sanders, Mamdani, the Democratic Party itself, Buttigieg, Ossoff, AOC, Kamala Harris, and — the lone Republican to crack the top tier — Marco Rubio at 41.
The bottom of the list is mostly Republicans.
The only Democrats to poll worse than Trump - Schumer and Jeffries."
https://www.gelliottmorris.com/p/2026-06-29-most-popular-pols-parties
#UsPol
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/836/446/773/196/882/original/6d306c4e697c35bf.png

2026-06-29 22:58:41 UTC

- reply

The NASA Swift Boost Mission is all set for launch tomorrow, June 30, at 6:23 a.m. EDT (10:23 p.m. local time UTC+12), from Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands.
Approx. timeline of events:
Few weeks: Katalyst LINK spacecraft commissioning
A month: Approach, grab planning, rendezvous and capture
Few months: The slow boost to higher orbit using Hall-effect ion thrusters
A month: Swift restart and testing
https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift/2026/06/29/what-to-expect-commercial-mission-to-boost-nasas-swift/
9/n

2026-06-27 12:53:45 UTC

- reply

Two Iran deals compared - Obama's JCPOA vs trump's racketeering.
Besides, one can bet that a substantial portion of the promised $300 billion will end up in the pockets of the war-profiteers.
We and our children will be stuck with the bills.
https://stevenrattner.com/2026/06/trumps-iran-deal-billions-for-iran-a-huge-bill-for-taxpayers-steve-rattner-on-morning-joe/
2/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/822/153/258/264/765/original/425b136ac9b98798.png

2026-06-27 12:25:55 UTC

The cost of the Iran war is lot more than the $29B number touted by the White House.
"The Pentagon has already asked Congress for $80 billion. Meanwhile, Moody’s Analytics has put the likely total at $132 billion while two other experts think the tab could ultimately reach as much as $1 trillion, once costs like veterans’ benefits and rebuilding damage to American bases are incorporated."
More analysis and charts at https://stevenrattner.com/2026/06/trumps-iran-deal-billions-for-iran-a-huge-bill-for-taxpayers-steve-rattner-on-morning-joe/
#UsPol
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/822/035/351/844/982/original/b39843207cf3aa57.png

2026-06-27 01:33:22 UTC

- reply

Note that the Katalyst Space LINK robotic servicing spacecraft will use three Hall-effect ion thrusters, powered by 60 about 60 kg of xenon gas, to slowly raise the orbit of the NASA Swift observatory over a period of several months.
A Hall-effect ion thruster works by ionizing and accelerating gases like Xenon using an electric field, thereby producing a slow steady thrust for an extended period of time. It effectively converts solar energy into thrust.
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/swift/swift-boost-mission/cast/
8/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/819/457/222/332/115/original/7cdf6cbdb1bf9290.jpg

2026-06-27 00:18:44 UTC

- reply

Since Jan 1, the altitude of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory has fallen from ~420 km to ~365 km. It's initial orbit in 2004 was ~600 km.
Swift would have reached the critical altitude of 300 km by July, were it not for some operational changes to reduce drag.
Targets are now selected that steer Swift into the most streamlined position. Power consumption has been reduced to keep its large solar panels in a more aerodynamic orientation.
https://www.satcat.com/sats/28485
https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift/2026/05/26/nasa-predicts-swift-spacecrafts-location-for-boost-mission/
7/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/819/193/240/537/191/original/2a66b8d4b5d3a51a.png

2026-06-26 23:42:38 UTC

- reply

Update: The mission to raise the orbit of NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory, using the Katalyst Space LINK robotic servicing spacecraft, is scheduled for launch no earlier than Tuesday, June 30, 6:23 a.m. EDT (10:23 p.m. local time UTC+12), from Kwajalein Atoll, part of the Republic of the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific Ocean.
https://science.nasa.gov/blogs/swift/2026/06/19/aircraft-carrying-swift-boost-satellite-takes-off-from-nasa-wallops/
6/n

2026-06-25 23:20:42 UTC

Asteroid watch - 152637 (1997 NC1), a relatively large PHA (Potentially Hazardous Asteroid), will safely pass within 2.5 million km of Earth (6.7x the distance to the moon) on Sat, June 27, 11:16 UTC.
Size: 0.7 - 1.6 km
Perihelion: 0.685 AU
Aphelion: 1.045 AU
Orbit: 293.8 days
https://neo.ssa.esa.int/search-for-asteroids?tab=summary&des=152637%201997NC1
https://www.spacereference.org/asteroid/152637-1997-nc1
https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/ca/
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/813/292/546/767/000/original/7ec74259cb907a7b.png

2026-06-18 11:39:55 UTC

- reply

Cool new video from NASA on the Swift Boost Mission, which will boost NASA’s Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory whose orbit is rapidly decaying, currently at 373 km altitude.
The Pegasus rocket carrying the robotic servicing spacecraft named LINK from Katalyst Space, will launch later this month from Kwajalein Atoll, in the Marshall Islands in the South Pacific Ocean. Northrop Grumman will deploy the rocket using Stargazer, the company’s modified L-1011 airplane.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THcvpKWZq4M
5/n

2026-06-17 20:07:47 UTC

U.S.-Iran MOU shared by U.S. Official.
"Among the most significant terms: a pledge to lift all sanctions against Iran, the release of frozen Iranian assets, a U.S.-led commitment to develop a $300 billion reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran, and a timeline for U.S. forces to withdraw from the proximity of Iran following a final deal.
Iran reaffirms it will not procure or develop nuclear weapons."
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/06/17/world/g7-summit-trump-france#us-iran-agreement-deal-text
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2026/06/17/world/g7-summit-trump-france#us-iran-agreement-deal-text
#UsPol
1/n

2026-06-14 12:44:04 UTC

Chris Geidner - "The Kennedy Center is a reminder that we can win, it will be messy, and Trump will be petty
Everything about the six-month naming fight, though, is a perfect illustration of what the Trump administration does, what fighting back looks like, and how we win.
It will be messy, it will take longer than it should, they’re going to be obnoxious and petty and cause needless harm, and — yeah — it will be a little cringe."
#UsPol
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/748/507/328/955/945/original/e843dea7b83ed4ab.png

2026-06-12 15:48:14 UTC

"Democrats should take strength from the New York Knicks who never gave up Wednesday night.
The on-court heroics deserve to be seen as a reminder of what’s possible when a group of humans are clear in purpose and care enough to give everything they have.
I urge everyone to look at the celebrations in the streets of New York after the Knicks won that night and imagine what the celebration will look like after the Repubs are soundly defeated in the midterms."
👍
https://www.americaamerica.news/p/when-the-impossible-becomes-possible
#UsPol
1/n

2026-06-12 02:03:43 UTC

- reply

Average price of a BYD EV/Hybrid in world regions and countries. Canada is not listed yet.
Prices are higher outside China because of tariffs, taxes, ...
The lowest priced model in China sells for $14,000.
Details at https://www.byd.international/pricing
2/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/734/655/724/836/362/original/ee6c1e7453e38353.png

2026-06-11 23:02:20 UTC

BYD is preparing to bring its megawatt “Flash Charging” network to Canada. Will add 400 km of range in 5 minutes, even at -20°C (-4°F) in Canadian winters.
"While American drivers are stuck with a de facto ceiling of 350-500 kW, and US tariffs keep BYD out entirely, Canadians are now likely to get megawatt-class charging alongside some of the cheapest EVs on the market. The contrast at the border is going to become embarrassing fast."
https://electrek.co/2026/06/10/byd-flash-charging-canada-5-minute-ev-charging-network/
1/n

2026-06-11 18:11:45 UTC

Stocks move to session highs, oil tumbles as Trump calls off strikes on Iran
Oh what fun and profits when you can move markets uisng social media posts!
https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/live/stock-market-today-thursday-june-11-dow-sp-500-nasdaq-222511784.html
#UsPol
1/n

2026-06-01 04:59:44 UTC

- reply

The authors conclude -
""Even as every firm recognizes that vanishing paychecks mean vanishing customers, not one of them will stop.
Each firm reaps the full savings of replacing its own workers
yet bears only a sliver of the demand it destroys; the rest lands on rivals.
No firm can afford to be the one that holds back.
This is the trap: an automation arms race that only intensifies as AI improves, that leaves workers and firm owners alike worse off, and that no market force can break."
😲
3/n

2026-06-01 04:51:45 UTC

- reply

The author economic model shows that "wage adjustments and free entry cannot eliminate the excess. Neither can capital income taxes, worker equity participation, universal basic income, upskilling, or Coasian bargaining.
Only a Pigouvian automation tax can; i.e. a per-task levy charged every time a company replaces a human with AI, forcing them to price in the demand.
Policy should address not only
the aftermath of AI labor displacement but also the competitive incentives that drive it."
2/n

2026-06-01 04:46:49 UTC

Important paper by economists Hemenway Falk, U Penn and Tsoukalas, Boston U:
"If AI displaces human workers faster than the economy can reabsorb them, it risks eroding the very consumer demand firms depend on.
Rational firms get trapped in an automation arms race, displacing workers well beyond what is collectively optimal.
Firms automate their way to boundless productivity and zero demand.
The resulting loss harms both workers and firm owners."
https://arxiv.org/pdf/2603.20617
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/672/984/691/088/284/original/925f5786d5276302.png

2026-05-26 23:42:01 UTC

- reply

New NASA Moon Base contracts announced today worth ~$1B -
1. Astrolab, Crewed Lunar Vehicle (CLV 1) - $219M
2. Lunar Outpost, Pegasus lunar terrain vehicle (LTV) - $220M
3. Blue Origin, rover delivery vehicle - $188m + $280.4M option
4. Firefly Aerospace, four drones for the MoonFall mission - $75M
No mention of transport of humans yet.
Few more robotic missions to be announced later this year.
The White House wants to cut NASA funding from $24.4B to $18.8B.
https://www.nasa.gov/news-release/nasa-provides-update-on-moon-base-rovers-landers-missions/
7/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/643/484/935/543/964/original/3466759040f40a64.png

2026-05-23 14:11:27 UTC

Prof. Peter Hotez says what many of have been feeling and wondering - we grew up assuming that the American people were smart, educated, knowledgeable, thoughtful, creative, forward looking. But look at the vast swath of the population now, lapping up the lies, gaslighting and snake-oil emanating from grifters in right-wing media, republican leaders, billionaires and the current White House.
How will we turn things around?
#UsPol
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/624/251/860/912/559/original/02c8bbe8882150fe.png

2026-05-23 03:02:22 UTC

I missed watching flight 12 of the SpaceX Starship. Here is what is being reported -
- Launch: normal
- Booster lost one raptor engine.
- After Hot-Staging, only 5 of the target 13 Booster Raptors were lit
- Booster crashed uncontrolled with 1 engine in the ocean
- Starship lost 1 of 6 engines but made it close to intended orbit; deployed dummy payloads
- Raptor re-light was skipped
- Starship normal reentry; landed in the ocean with 2 of 3 engines, then exploded
Success 🍾
:eyeroll:
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/621/625/172/022/568/original/a1c531a2e62e598f.png

2026-05-18 23:11:13 UTC

- reply

The SMILE UVI uses a four-mirror optical system and detectors to provide a wide FOV of 10°, enabling coverage of the entire polar region at altitude > ~50,000 km.
UV light at 160–180 nm is "converted" to green light and imaged by the 1024x1024 CCD.
The micro channel plate (MCP) generates an electron cloud when struck by UV photons. This electron cloud bombards the P43 phosphor screen, resulting in visible light emission at ~545 nm towards the CCD.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11214-025-01160-y
3/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/598/092/243/619/912/original/da06073f27a1773e.png

2026-05-18 22:48:39 UTC

- reply

SMILE will be placed in a highly elliptical 5,000 x 121,182 km 11-month near-polar orbit.
SMILE will spend 80% of its time at high altitude, allowing it to collect continuous wide-angle observations for long periods of time.
The soft X-ray imager (SXI) will record X-ray emission from the Sun-facing edge of Earth’s magnetic field as well as the holes in the magnetic field at Earth’s poles.
The Ultraviolet Imager (UVI) will study auroras in UV wavelengths.
https://sci.esa.int/web/smile/-/59141-operations
2/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/597/967/726/992/918/original/869fe2640246d101.png

2026-05-18 22:30:31 UTC

The Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer (SMILE) space observatory will launch tomorrow May 19, at 7:52 UTC, from EuropeSpacePort in French Guiana.
SMILE will study the magnetosphere of the Earth in soft X-rays and UV, improving the understanding of the dynamic interaction between the solar wind and Earth's magnetosphere.
The SMILE mission is a collaboration between ESA and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS).
https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/Smile/Smile_factsheet2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SMILE_(spacecraft)
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/597/888/106/692/079/original/7a0cc66b661e51b7.png

2026-05-11 14:57:05 UTC

The plot thickens.
No agreement with Iran yet.
Iran announces its readiness to support a four-point plan from Chinese leader Xi Jinping.
trump travels to China on Wednesday for Trump-Xi Summit.
#UsPol #Iran
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/556/503/509/417/680/original/3f398be74dbd9e8a.png

2026-05-11 07:38:14 UTC

- reply

Curious to know how other countries are managing their passengers.
Are they quarantining them?
Are they testing passengers for the virus, even if they exhibit no symptoms?

2026-05-11 01:34:31 UTC

17 Americans aboard MV Hondius will be flown to the U.S. — with a first stop in Nebraska, home of the highly specialized National Quarantine Unit.
The CDC is not considering this a quarantine, but rather a brief visit to monitor their health.
The passengers will be checked for symptoms, but not tested for hantavirus, as testing is not recommended for those without symptoms, according to a CDC official.
🤔
https://www.cnn.com/2026/05/10/us/hantavirus-cruise-passengers-nebraska-facility
#Health
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/553/361/326/016/413/original/7c6d0e61fa58f57c.png

2026-05-02 04:20:40 UTC

Waves on Titan vs Earth, based on PlanetWaves, a model developed by MIT/NASA to explore waves on planets and moons.
The threshold wind speed to create waves decreases as surface tension decreases, atmospheric pressure increases, or gravity decreases. The wave height increases as liquid density decreases, atmospheric pressure increases, or gravity decreases.
A gentle wind can stir up huge waves in Titan's hydrocarbons filled lakes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kECVsTTetM
https://news.mit.edu/2026/waves-hit-different-on-other-planets-0416
1/n

2026-04-27 00:22:55 UTC

Will Bunch with his incisive take on the big picture:
"Right outside the ballroom at the Washington Hilton, the gunfire was still echoing, a Secret Service agent whose bulletproof vest apparently deflected a bullet was speeding to the hospital, ...
Yet inside, the first instinct of the president and the media superstars of an America comfortably numb to gun violence was to party on."
https://www.inquirer.com/opinion/trump-dinner-shooting-violent-america-20260426.html
#UsPol
1/n

2026-04-22 18:17:27 UTC

Alt-Math.
Idiot-Math.
Loony-Math.
Gaslight-Math.
https://bsky.app/profile/drkatemarvel.bsky.social/post/3mk3wv3tmp22y
#UsPol
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/449/718/229/616/175/original/cac511b53d7063c2.png

2026-04-13 22:41:12 UTC

- reply

Here is a skymap with the location of Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) in the predawn sky until April 17, within the Pegasus Constellation.
After perihelion on April 19, it will appear after sunset, but remain low in the sky.
It will brighten to Mag 3.5 and even to 0.0 due to forward scattering as it flies between Earth and the Sun.
https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/lifestyle/astro-bob/astro-bob-comet-pan-starrs-makes-brief-bright-appearance-at-dawn
https://astro.vanbuitenen.nl/comet/2025R3
2/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/399/772/492/715/622/original/e5ccb1d448b73c2c.png

2026-04-13 22:20:29 UTC

Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) is now putting on a show, visible low in the predawn sky, with binoculars or telescope.
Perihelion: Apr 19, Mag 3.6, 0.5 AU from Sun, 0.587 AU from earth, inside orbit of Venus
Nearest approach: Apr 26, Mag 1.2, 0.489 AU from Earth
Here is spectacular image of Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS), taken at 03:46 UTC April 13, using a 12” telescope at Farm Tivoli, Namibia, by Gerald Rhemann and Michael Jäger, .
Image source: https://www.facebook.com/groups/236984486729162/user/100003512456563/
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/399/705/404/727/528/original/03c682eac3cb715d.png

2026-04-12 19:18:35 UTC

- reply

"With nearly half of all votes counted (45.71%), the opposition Tisza party is now on course to get 135 seats – the much-needed 2/3 majority – in the new 199-seat parliament."
:mastodance:
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/12/hungary-election-latest-results-viktor-orban-peter-magyar-fidesz-tisza-russia-europe-live-news-updates#maincontent
5/n

2026-04-12 19:13:09 UTC

- reply

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has conceded!
4/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/393/321/115/740/522/original/c4cc49fad44eafcd.png

2026-04-12 18:51:00 UTC

- reply

Hungary Election update: "At 21.54% of votes counted, Tisza is currently projected to get 128 seats – just short of the 133 needed for the 2/3 majority – to Fidesz’s 62 and Mi Hazank’s 8."
This is a projected result.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/12/hungary-election-latest-results-viktor-orban-peter-magyar-fidesz-tisza-russia-europe-live-news-updates#maincontent
3/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/393/230/003/037/420/original/ff5e34eed5144cd8.png

2026-04-12 18:28:24 UTC

- reply

Hungary's opposition party Tisza off to a good start in the count.
"The state of play at the moment gives Tisza 110 seats, Fidesz-KDNP 71, and Mi Hazank 9 – with Tisza winning single-seat constituency votes, but Fidesz marginally ahead in the national party list votes."
There will be ups and downs in the next few hours.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/12/hungary-election-latest-results-viktor-orban-peter-magyar-fidesz-tisza-russia-europe-live-news-updates#maincontent
🤞
2/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/393/137/615/051/518/original/fc65ad40e0836c04.png

2026-04-12 17:34:45 UTC

Polls closed in Hungary at 7 p.m. local.
Record-high 77.8% turnout by 6:30 p.m.
"Two new pre-election day polls suggest significant opposition lead
Two polls conducted before the vote and released as the polling stations closed appeared to suggest a likely win for the opposition Tisza party.
BUT, these are not exit polls, but normal polls conducted before the election, and lots of caveats apply, so we should treat them with caution."
https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/apr/12/hungary-election-latest-results-viktor-orban-peter-magyar-fidesz-tisza-russia-europe-live-news-updates
1/n

2026-04-07 15:03:04 UTC

- reply

A fascinating image of the Moon's far side during the total solar eclipse, as seen last night by Artemis II astronauts around 01:06:19 UTC.
The corona forms a glowing halo around the dark lunar disk, revealing details of the Sun’s outer atmosphere typically hidden by its brightness.
The left side of the moon is dimly lit up by Earth-shine, light reflected off the Earth, which is located off the frame in the distance on the left side.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/55193054741/
64/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/364/008/298/722/840/original/aaf21831a71ec603.jpg

2026-04-07 14:54:09 UTC

- reply

Hi-res Earth-set images captured using the Nikon D5 camera by astronauts aboard the Artemis II Orion spacecraft last night.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/55193180468/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/55193178333/
More images at
https://www.flickr.com/photos/nasa2explore/with/55193462360
63/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/363/983/157/179/969/original/32ac9983e4edb511.png

2026-04-07 11:43:27 UTC

- reply

Sun-set and Sun-rise across the Moon as observed by Artemis II astronauts last night.
This is a simple composite of two images taken about 45 minutes apart around the solar eclipse.
Source: https://www.
youtube.com/watch?v=6RwfNBtepa4
62/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/363/238/601/935/295/original/7394517dae5d6a56.png

2026-04-07 11:41:32 UTC

- reply

Earth-set and Earth-rise over the Moon as observed by Artemis II astronauts last night.
This is a simple composite of two images taken about 45 minutes apart.
Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RwfNBtepa4
61/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/363/228/130/546/936/original/7e831b888e3dfde4.png

2026-04-07 10:31:48 UTC

Can't find any info on the status of the TACHELES 6U CubeSat from Germany, deployed by Artemis II. Except that it is in a 156.4 x 70,254.4 km elliptical inclined orbit.
The satellite is designed to test the effect of radiation on electronics for lunar rovers being built by the German company NEUROSPACE.
The name comes from the German Tacheles, "straight talk," which is itself derived from Yiddish תּכלית (takhles, 'purpose, result').
@nprofile…tcju @nprofile…pt8z
https://www.neuro-space.de/portfolio-collections/missions/project-title-5
60/n

2026-04-06 23:18:50 UTC

- reply

@nprofile…00ee
The moon is blocking signals as Orion is traveling behind it.
DSN can receive signals from Voyager 1 which is over 25 billion km away! Orion is just 413,000 km away.

2026-04-06 15:57:24 UTC

- reply

The Artemis II Orion spacecraft is currently 396,390.6 km from Earth, crossing the orbit of the Moon. It will go past it as the Moon slides under it, reach apogee at 22:07 UTC while observing the far side of the Moon and then head back to Earth. Closest approach to Moon = 6,550 km at 22:02 UTC.
Webcast begins at 17:00 UTC.
https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/04/06/artemis-ii-flight-day-6-crew-ready-for-lunar-flyby/
53/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/358/556/098/044/862/original/07b964392fd298e6.png

2026-04-05 22:02:18 UTC

- reply

OK, you figure out which torsos, hands and legs belong to which astronaut in this scene aboard Artemis II Orion, as the astronauts "conduct a full sequence of suit operations, including putting on and pressurizing their suits, performing leak checks, simulating seat entry, and assessing mobility and their ability to eat and drink."
😄
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3kR2KK8TEs
https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/04/05/artemis-ii-flight-day-5-crew-starts-day-with-suit-demo/
50/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/354/344/850/851/393/original/7d95de1106b0a01f.jpg

2026-04-05 21:48:53 UTC

- reply

Pic of a shrinking Earth, taken earlier today from Artemis II, as the spacecraft approaches the moon.
Camera: NIKON D5 (DSLR, 20.8 MP)
Lens: 14-24mm f/2.8
FocalLength: 24 mm
ISO 400
ExposureTime: 1/1250 s
CreateDate: 2026:04:05 06:35:18 UTC
Distance from Earth: 318,900 km
Still another 24 hours for lunar flyby, as Orion slows down in its orbital path, now traveling at 2,436 km/h.
https://images.nasa.gov/details/art002e009186
49/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/354/275/709/762/737/original/0cd00994ee56a3bf.png

2026-04-05 18:49:12 UTC

- reply

Artemis II astronauts woke up on Easter Sunday to the catchy tune of "Working Class Heroes (Work)” by CeeLo Green."
"Get up, get out, go get that money
It's time to work, eh alright
Work, eh alright
Early in the morning
I'm ready and I go
It's feel like struggle
We can open up the doubts
Everybody cans crack
I got hustle in my blood
A little bit is not enough"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2a1Nz-iojfY
48/n

2026-04-05 14:25:50 UTC

Easter Sunday message by the President of the United States.
A message to blow up power plants and bridges of a sovereign state and rain death and destruction upon its civilians. In the name of Allah?
How many Christians agree with this message and the messenger?
#UsPol
1/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/352/538/859/435/252/original/6b866627b0b1133f.png

2026-04-05 01:47:31 UTC

- reply

Visualization of what Artemis II astronauts will see during the lunar flyby as Integrity approaches the Moon and flies around its far side.
The flyby will last from 2:45 – 9:40 p.m. EDT on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Highlights in the 420x time-compressed video:
00:35: Earth sets behind the lunar llimb
00:35 - 00:40: Earth is eclipsed by the moon for about an hour
00:40: Earth-rise on the other side of the moon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pMr86Yrvzlo
Also at https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/04/04/artemis-ii-flight-day-4-deep-space-flying-lunar-flyby-prep/
NASA/Ernie Wright
47/n

2026-04-04 19:30:51 UTC

- reply

Wake-up music at Artemis II Integrity earlier today - "Chappell Roan – Pink Pony Club."
"I know you wanted me to stay
But I can’t ignore the crazy visions of me in LA
And I heard that there’s a special place
Where boys and girls can all be queens every single day
I’m having wicked dreams
Of leaving Tennessee
Oh, Santa Monica
I swear it’s calling me
Won’t make my mama proud
It’s gonna cause a scene
She sees her baby girl
I know she’s gonna scream
..."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GR3Liudev18
46/n

2026-04-04 18:46:31 UTC

- reply

Pics of a crescent Earth and the Moon, taken from Artemis II at about the same time last night.
Earth:
Camera: NIKON D5 (DSLR, 20.8 MP)
Lens: 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6
FocalLength: 150 mm
ISO 500
ExposureTime: 1/640 s
CreateDate: 2026:04:03 23:38:59 UTC
Distance: 198,200 km
Moon:
Camera: NIKON D5 (DSLR, 20.8 MP)
Lens: 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6
FocalLength: 400 mm
ISO 500
ExposureTime: 1/500 s
CreateDate: 2026:04:03 23:44:47 UTC
Distance: 233,800 km
https://images.nasa.gov/details/art002e004437
https://images.nasa.gov/details/art002e004438
45/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/347/905/266/132/784/original/9b79a572399fe984.png

2026-04-04 13:16:01 UTC

- reply

Two of the 4 CubeSats deployed by Artemis II failed to enter proper orbit.
"The Artemis II cubesats TACHELES, SWC-1 and K-RADCUBE have now been identified on Space-Track.
ATENEA was not cataloged+was expected to have reentered at 1st perigee since it had no propulsion to raise its orbit. K-RAD may also have reentered, and is reported to have failed."
https://fosstodon.org/@planet4589.bsky.social@bsky.brid.gy/116345118308094276
44/n

2026-04-04 10:33:03 UTC

- reply

Photo take by the GoPro camera, located on the tip of one of the 4 solar array wings, shows part of the Orion spacecraft with the Moon in the distance.
The ESA European Service Module (ESM) and its thrusters are clearly visible.
Camera: GoPro, HERO4 Black
FocalLength: 3.0 mm
ISO 100
ExposureTime: 1/3900 s
CreateDate: 2026:04:03 14:21:47UTC
Distance to moon: 238,900 km
Image and EXIF data at https://images.nasa.gov/details/art002e004429
Another image at https://images.nasa.gov/details/art002e004411
43/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/345/930/344/658/604/original/c3c37f8ffd00718e.png

2026-04-04 04:40:06 UTC

- reply

A closeup of the aurora australis over the Antarctic in the Blue Marble image highlights the thin fragile atmosphere that sustains all life on Earth. Note that South is up.
These images, the first such images taken by humans in over 54 years, remind us of the beauty and the fragility our planet, and of our shared responsibility to care of it and of each other.
🧑‍🤝‍🧑 🌍
https://
images.nasa.gov/details/art002e000192
40/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/344/588/488/182/616/original/68f453d46352f0b8.png

2026-04-04 03:30:35 UTC

- reply

The view from the Artemis II Orion spacecraft 45 minutes later at 23:20 UTC April 6 of a crescent Earth rising over the dark lunar surface, as visualized using the NASA Eyes on the Solar System tool. In this image, Orion has traveled past the moon and is looking over its far side.
https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-system/#/sc_artemis_2?rate=0&time=2026-04-06T23:20:00.000+00:00&surfaceMapTiling=true&lighting=flood
41/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/344/302/441/180/078/original/84c5a6c11edbfc09.png

2026-04-04 03:13:51 UTC

- reply

A possible view from the Artemis II Orion spacecraft at 23:35 UTC April 6 of a crescent Earth rising over the limb of a crescent Moon, as visualized using the NASA Eyes on the Solar System tool. Orion has traveled past the moon and is looking over its far side.
https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-system/#/sc_artemis_2?rate=0&time=2026-04-06T22:35:00.000+00:00
40/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/344/250/345/389/971/original/934f620f6b9deda4.png

2026-04-04 00:26:00 UTC

- reply

The Artemis II Orion spacecraft is now just over half way through on its journey to the vicinity of the moon.
It will take 2 more days to arrive near the moon as its velocity decreases over time, currently at 5,218 km/h.
Go #Integrity
https://eyes.nasa.gov/apps/solar-system/#/sc_artemis_2
39/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/343/576/876/141/199/original/b9648c2d7b21fdbc.png

2026-04-03 18:42:38 UTC

- reply

This is an image of the full night-side Earth disk taken seconds before the previous image but with a shorter exposure time.
In this image, we can see the electric lights of human activity. In the lower right, sunlight illuminates the limb of the planet.
Camera: NIKON D5 (DSLR, 20.8 MP)
Lens: 14-24mm f/2.8
FocalLength: 22.0 mm
ISO 51200
ExposureTime: 1/15 s
CreateDate: 2026:04:03 00:27:20 UTC
Distance: 10,050 km
Image and EXIF data at https://images.nasa.gov/details/art002e000193
37/n
38/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/342/202/775/967/073/original/ffa4d237b1b511a4.png

2026-04-03 18:16:41 UTC

- reply

The Blue Marble imaged by Artemis II Commander Reid Wiseman ~30 minutes after translunar injection yesterday, as Orion started its sprint to the moon.
The image features 2 auroras (top right and bottom left) and zodiacal light (bottom right). This is the night side of Earth with the Sun behind it.
Camera: NIKON D5 (DSLR, 20.8 MP)
LensInfo: 14-24mm f/2.8
ISO 51200
ExposureTime: 1/4 s
CreateDate: 2026:04:03 00:27:39 UTC
Distance: 10,150 km
Image and EXIF data at https://images.nasa.gov/details/art002e000192
37/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/342/089/227/347/016/original/3aade06e2a88685a.png

2026-04-03 17:59:13 UTC

- reply

A magnificent view of a serene blue Earth taken yesterday by NASA astronaut and Artemis II commander Reid Wiseman from one of the Orion spacecraft's four main windows while approaching Earth 5 hours before the translunar injection. The Sun is to the right in the image.
Camera: NIKON D5 (DSLR)
ExposureTime: 1/250
LensInfo: 35mm f/2
CreateDate: 2026:04:02 18:53:12
ISO 250
Distance: 51,800 km
Image and EXIF data at https://images.nasa.gov/details/art002e000191
36/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/342/016/769/388/175/original/7089388957992d86.png

2026-04-03 12:27:21 UTC

- reply

The 20-minute event last night where Artemis II astronauts spoke from space, answered questions and eloquently described their experience so far and the importance of this historic mission.
Inspiring!
Go #Artemis2
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=myscgUlbua4
35/n

2026-04-03 03:15:21 UTC

- reply

Immersive 360° view video of the launch of the Artemis II mission.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9LFBFRH51Jo
34/n

2026-04-03 02:35:33 UTC

- reply

Artemis II astronauts are preparing to do a public event in the next few minutes where they will speak directly with media.
👍
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3kR2KK8TEs
33/n

2026-04-03 02:02:08 UTC

- reply

It's lonely out there 😞
Artemis II Orion is now 33,668 km away, traveling at 15,347 km/h, approaching geo-sync orbit, as Earth gets smaller and smaller in the dark distance.
Astronauts have a few more hours of activities before they get some sleep.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RwfNBtepa4
32/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/338/283/532/755/868/original/b1bf6aa6f324d781.jpg

2026-04-02 23:58:19 UTC

- reply

Artemis II TLI complete. All systems good.
Here is view of Earth from the spacecraft during the TLI.
31/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/337/817/834/506/666/original/95ad21562051a45a.jpg

2026-04-02 23:06:39 UTC

- reply

One might consider it dangerous for Artemis II Orion to come screaming down at 11 km/s to 191 km altitude, crossing the paths of the LEO constellations and debris around 500 km, in and out.
But we can be assured that all that is taken care of and LEO satellites will maneuver to get out of the way if necessary.
😱🤞
https://satellitetracker3d.com/track?norad-id=27426
30/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/337/613/416/677/469/original/38cc80ca8a466e93.png

2026-04-02 22:29:10 UTC

- reply

Artemis II Trans Lunar Injection (TLI) burn coming up at 7:49 p.m. EDT.
The 349-second burn will increase Integrity's speed of ~11,000 m/s by 388 m/s and stretch the current 191x70,133 km elliptical orbit to go ~10,427 km beyond the moon and return back to earth.
A few minor burns will be made during the trip to fine-tune the trajectory.
The graphic below shows the approx. location of Integrity and the moon - now, during TLI and around April 6-8.
Go #Artemis2!
https://www.nasa.gov/blogs/missions/2026/04/02/artemis-ii-flight-day-2-crew-houston-poll-go-for-translunar-injection-burn/
29/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/337/466/040/663/991/original/1058f8ce1d2fe545.png

2026-04-02 18:36:23 UTC

- reply

Cubesats deployed by Artemis II in High Earth Orbit:
TACHELES, German Space Agency: Effects of space env on electrical components.
K-RadCube, Korea AeroSpace Admin: Space radiation and its biological effects
Space Weather CubeSat-1, Saudi Space Agency: Space weather at a range of distances from Earth
ATENEA, Argentina's Space Agency; Assess radiation shielding methods, measure Earth's radiation spectrum, collect GPS data and validate a long-range comm link
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=6197&context=smallsat
28/n
https://cdn.fosstodon.org/media_attachments/files/116/336/546/215/783/484/original/c0d7a69164a29ef8.png

2026-04-02 16:23:58 UTC

- reply

Check out this site for real time status and telemetry from Artemis II.
https://artemis.cdnspace.ca/
h/t https://fosstodon.org/@cdnspace@mstdn.ca/116336006900298832
27/n