Weekly Space Hangout - May 29, 2015: Dr. Bradley M. Peterson

TL;DR

Latest space updates on Europa mission, SpaceX's commercial crew plans, Rosetta, KBO discovery & Dr. Peterson's insights.

Transcript

all right we got Morgan so far I think you got to unmute yourself I was able to unmute myself your person has to unmute yourself there's a there's a new technology for this oh there we go I can see Charles is making it work Brian's click the video mute button so each right next to the microphone uh Bradley there we go okay Morgan Saves the Day once... Read More

Key Insights

• 🌊 Europa mission instruments focus on studying subsurface ocean.
• 🪛 Commercial crew transportation advancements by SpaceX and Boeing.
• 🏝️ Extension proposal for Rosetta mission to land on Comet 67P.

Questions & Answers

Q: What are the primary goals of the instruments selected for the Europa mission?

The selected instruments aim to study the composition and depth of Europa's subsurface ocean through various measurements.

Q: How is SpaceX contributing to commercial crew transportation to the International Space Station?

NASA has certified SpaceX to provide crew transportation services alongside Boeing starting in 2017, marking a significant step in commercial space travel.

Q: Why is Rosetta considering a controlled landing on Comet 67P rather than going into hibernation?

A controlled landing on the comet would allow Rosetta to continue operations and gather valuable data, enhancing the mission's scientific output.

Q: In what way does the discovery of a Kuiper Belt around another solar system contribute to our understanding of celestial bodies?

The direct imaging of a Kuiper Belt around another star provides valuable insights into planetary formation and dynamics in other solar systems.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• Europa mission instruments selected to study its subsurface ocean.

• SpaceX and Boeing's progress in commercial crew transportation.

• Rosetta mission extension proposed to land on Comet and KBO discovery with Gemini South telescope.