CENAP Infoline - no 159

Magazine Overview

Title: CENAP-INFOLINE
Issue: NR.159
Date: April 29, 2002

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE, a German-language UFO and science publication, covers a range of topics including space exploration, astronomy, and aerospace technology. The cover story focuses on NASA's HESSI satellite, while other articles discuss historical Soviet rocket plane projects, space tourism, and recent astronomical discoveries.

HESSI Blickt in die Sonne (HESSI Looks into the Sun)

The lead article details the launch of NASA's High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (HESSI) satellite on February 5, 2002, from Cape Canaveral. The satellite's mission is to observe solar eruptions, which can cause significant damage to communication and energy systems on Earth. The project faced delays, including the destruction of its first prototype during vibration tests, leading to a total cost of $85 million plus $10 million for the launch. Although the mission missed the peak of the eleven-year solar activity cycle, NASA hopes to gain new insights into the Sun.

Projekt „Thema 46" (Project "Thema 46")

This feature explores the Soviet Union's response to the US X-15 rocket plane program during the Cold War. In the mid-1950s, the USSR initiated a program, codenamed "Thema 46," led by designer Wladimir Mjasischtschew. This project aimed to develop a hypersonic aircraft capable of reaching the edge of the atmosphere and potentially space. Unlike the X-15, which was purely experimental, "Thema 46" was conceived as a space vehicle intended to be launched into low Earth orbit by the R-7 rocket. Its proposed uses included reconnaissance of intercontinental ballistic missile launches, satellite destruction, and even bombing missions. The design evolved, with considerations for atmospheric research and support for manned and unmanned spacecraft. By April 1959, the configuration was largely defined, alongside similar projects from research institutes. Development was eventually halted around 1960, as it became clear the X-15 would remain a research aircraft, and other projects demanded resources. The capabilities envisioned for "Thema 46" could also be achieved more easily by unmanned probes.

Kein Quark, dafür superschwer (No Quark, but Super Heavy)

This short report announces the discovery of an extremely heavy star by an international team of astronomers. The star, designated RXJ1856.3-3754, is very small and is believed to be composed of free quarks, the fundamental particles of atomic nuclei. The star's core is incredibly dense, with a temperature of 700,000 degrees Celsius, over 100 times hotter than the Sun's surface. A teaspoon of its material would weigh a billion tons. The findings were based on data from the Chandra X-ray observatory and the Hubble Space Telescope.

Planeten wie eine Lichterkette (Planets Like a Chain of Lights)

This brief note informs readers that between April 20 and May 4, 2002, five planets visible to the naked eye—Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn—would align in a straight line with Earth, creating a "chain of lights" effect. This celestial event was predicted to not occur again until 2040.

Amerikas neue Astronautin: Ihre Freundin starb in der „Challenger“ (America's New Astronaut: Her Friend Died in the "Challenger")

This article reports that Barbara Morgan, a teacher, is set to fly to space with NASA, fulfilling a dream shared with her friend, Christa McAuliffe. In 1986, Morgan was initially selected for the "Teacher in Space" program but was replaced by McAuliffe shortly before the mission. The Challenger disaster occurred 73 seconds after launch, killing McAuliffe and the entire crew. Morgan expresses her intention to fly in memory of her friend.

Atlantis landet sicher (Atlantis Lands Safely)

This brief report confirms the safe landing of the space shuttle Atlantis on April 25, 2002, at Cape Canaveral after an approximately eleven-day mission to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew had conducted four spacewalks to install equipment on the ISS.

Zweiter Weltraumtourist erobert in Moskau die Herzen (Second Space Tourist Captures Hearts in Moscow)

This article focuses on Mark Shuttleworth, the 28-year-old South African internet millionaire who is about to embark on his journey to the ISS as the second space tourist. He is portrayed as a popular figure in Moscow, receiving a warm reception from the Russian public, contrasting with the reception of the first space tourist, Dennis Tito. Shuttleworth's journey, costing an estimated $20 million (22.5 million Euros), is presented as a personal dream and an adventure. He plans to conduct scientific experiments related to AIDS research during his stay on the ISS, aiming to promote AIDS prevention in his home country. The article highlights his background as a self-made millionaire and his patriotic choice to represent South Africa.

„Afronaut“ erfüllt sich Kindheitstraum ('Afronaut' Fulfills Childhood Dream)

This article details Mark Shuttleworth's successful launch to the ISS on April 26, 2002, aboard a Russian Sojus-TM34 spacecraft from Baikonur. The event sparked widespread enthusiasm in South Africa, with former President Nelson Mandela expressing pride. Shuttleworth, who paid $20 million for the trip, aims to conduct AIDS research in space. The article notes the historical significance of the launch site, being the same place where Yuri Gagarin first flew into space 41 years prior. Shuttleworth's family expressed both pride and anxiety during the launch. His scientific endeavors are focused on AIDS research and prevention.

Beste Aussichten (Best Prospects)

Following his arrival at the ISS, Mark Shuttleworth expressed his awe at the view of Earth from space, describing it as the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. He shared this sentiment during a video conference with South African President Thabo Mbeki.

Raum und Zeit vor dem Urknall? (Space and Time Before the Big Bang?)

This article discusses a theory suggesting that the Big Bang may not be the absolute beginning of space and time. According to a theory by American and British scientists, the universe might be undergoing an infinite cycle of expansion and contraction. The Big Bang could be a transition point between an expanding and a contracting phase. The theory incorporates the concept of "dark energy" driving the universe's accelerated expansion. It posits that after billions of years of expansion, the universe collapses, leading to a new Big Bang. A variant of string theory suggests the existence of parallel universes that interact, causing new Big Bang events upon collision.

Glücksfall für die Astronomen (Stroke of Luck for Astronomers)

This report revisits the "Meteor von Bayern" event from 2002, noting that its trajectory was remarkably similar to a predecessor meteor observed in 1959 near Pribram. German Aerospace Center (DLR) experts and scientists from the Ondrejov Observatory reconstructed the meteor's flight path using photographs. The meteor's entry speed was 20.9 km/s (approx. 75,000 km/h), and its bright trail indicated an initial mass of about 500 kg that largely vaporized due to atmospheric friction. The observation was fortunate as the meteor passed over an area routinely monitored by a network of sky cameras.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights advancements and events in space exploration and astronomy, with a particular focus on international cooperation and the growing commercialization of space through tourism. The magazine appears to have a positive stance towards scientific research and technological development, while also acknowledging the historical context of the space race and the human element of space travel. There is a clear interest in reporting on significant space missions, discoveries, and the individuals involved, from scientific endeavors to the experiences of space tourists. The publication also touches upon theoretical physics concerning the origins and fate of the universe.