CENAP Infoline - no 161

Magazine Overview

CENAP-INFOLINE, Issue NR.161, dated May 25, 2002, is a German-language publication focusing on science and technology, with a particular emphasis on space exploration, astronomy, and military technology. The issue features a mix of news reports, research findings, and industry updates.

Key Articles and Reports

Urknall-Meteoriten lassen die Erde beben (Big Bang Meteorites Make the Earth Tremble)

This lead article presents a new scientific theory suggesting that mini-meteorites, ejected during the Big Bang 13 billion years ago, are the cause of many devastating earthquakes. These microscopic but incredibly dense objects (10 million times denser than lead) travel at speeds of 1.6 million km/h through space. According to US scientists, including Professor Eugene Herrin, these 'quark lumps' impact Earth at least once a year, penetrating the crust like arrows and triggering seismic activity. The article notes that scientists have been able to directly link several earthquakes to these mini-meteorites.

Kaufen Sie sich doch mal ein echtes Raumschiff! (Why Don't You Buy a Real Spaceship?)

This short report details the auction of the Russian space shuttle 'Buran' (meaning 'Snowstorm') by a US radio sender. The shuttle only completed one unmanned flight before the program was discontinued due to funding issues. The minimum bid is set at 6.5 million Euros, with hopes that space enthusiast Tom Cruise might place a bid.

Baikonur Incidents

Two separate incidents at the Russian Baikonur cosmodrome are reported:

• Weltraumbahnhof stürzte ein (Cosmodrome Collapsed): On May 13, 2002, a large hall (80 meters high) collapsed during construction work at Baikonur, trapping at least eight workers. Rescuers were dispatched from Moscow.
• Rakete explodiert (Rocket Explodes): On May 15, 2002, a rocket explosion at Baikonur apparently caused a roof to collapse, resulting in seven fatalities.

Sauerstoff-Generator der ISS gibt seinen Geist auf (ISS Oxygen Generator Gives Up the Ghost)

An emergency situation arose on the International Space Station (ISS) when the oxygen generator, named 'Elektron', began experiencing problems and eventually failed. The three astronauts on board, Carl Walz, Dan Bursch (US), and Yuri Onufrienko (Russia), were tasked with repairing it. The generator, which splits water molecules into oxygen and hydrogen, had shown difficulties as early as 2001. While the US space agency NASA expressed confidence, stating they had enough oxygen reserves for over three months, the Russian colleagues attempted to manipulate the software from Earth. If repairs failed, the faulty part would be replaced. The article also recalls a past incident on the Mir space station in 1997 where a similar failure required the crew to wear gas masks due to corrosive fumes, highlighting the importance of functioning oxygen generators.

FORSCHUNG BEI LFK: Testflugkörper erreicht Mach 6.5 (Research at LFK: Test Vehicle Reaches Mach 6.5)

The first flight of a hypersonic test vehicle within the German Hyperschallflugkörper program, developed by LFK, was declared a success. The vehicle, designed with an integrated concept, achieved speeds exceeding Mach 6.5 near ground level. Its high-thrust engine, developed by EADS subsidiary Bayern-Chemie, demonstrated its performance capabilities. The program aims to develop technologies for new ground-to-air and air-to-ground guided missiles.

ERDBEOBACHTUNG: Aqua, Terra und Aura (Earth Observation: Aqua, Terra, and Aura)

NASA's Earth Observing System has a new component, the Aqua satellite, launched on April 18th. Aqua, equipped with six instruments, will study Earth's climate changes from a sun-synchronous orbit for six years, crossing the equator at the same time each day. The program also includes the launch of Terra and Aura satellites and a data distribution system, providing global access to climate data.

Unbemannte Späher (Unmanned Scouts)

This section discusses the growing importance of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) for reconnaissance, suggesting they will largely replace manned aircraft in the future. The article highlights the US-developed Predator and Global Hawk as leading examples, which proved valuable during the Afghanistan conflict. It notes that the US is at the forefront of this technology due to significant investments. The article also touches upon potential export markets, including Germany's Bundeswehr, despite budget constraints. EADS is partnering with Northrop Grumman for HALE (High Altitude, Long Endurance) systems, with plans for a Global Hawk demonstration in Germany. STN ATLAS Elektronik is also active in this market, collaborating with General Atomics, the manufacturer of the Predator drone. The Predator B variant, a larger version with a turboprop engine, is presented as an economical alternative for German needs.

CHINESEN BAUEN STADT AUF DEM MON (Chinese Build City on the Moon)

China has announced its ambition to conquer the moon. Thirty-three years after Neil Armstrong's first steps, Beijing's space agency declared its intention to establish a lunar base. Ouyang Ziyuan, head of the lunar research program, stated that China will build a base on the moon similar to those on Earth's poles, from which 'Taikonauts' (Chinese astronauts) will mine resources for humanity's benefit. The project's first major hurdle is China's first manned space flight, with 12 Taikonauts currently in training. The 'Shenzhou' (Magic Ship) rocket is slated to launch in 2005. China has previously sent only animals (a monkey, a dog, a rabbit, and snails) into space. The moon mission and base construction are planned to begin in 2010.

TIEFRAUMPHÄNOMEN: Pioneer wird langsamer (Deep Space Phenomenon: Pioneer Slows Down)

Physicists and astronomers are puzzled by an unexplained phenomenon concerning the deep space probe Pioneer 10. One of its last, extremely weak signals suggests the spacecraft is being slightly decelerated by an unknown force, contrary to its expected linear motion.

Supernova entdeckt (Supernova Discovered)

US student Karin Sandstrom discovered a star only 150 light-years away that is predicted to explode as a brilliant supernova in a few million years, with its radiation capable of destroying Earth.

Marssonde von Solarfeuer beschädigt (Mars Probe Damaged by Solar Fire)

A Japanese Mars probe on its journey to the Red Planet was severely damaged by intense solar radiation, causing a near-total loss of its radio connection. The probe is expected to reach Mars in March 2004.

ANTARKTIS-FOTOS: Eisberg abgebrochen (Antarctica Photos: Iceberg Breaks Off)

Following the breakup of the Larsen-B ice shelf, a massive iceberg, approximately 40 by 85 kilometers, broke off the Thwaites Glacier in western Antarctica in early March. This colossal ice island, roughly the size of Mallorca, is significant because the Thwaites Glacier accounts for about 15% of West Antarctic ice flow and its behavior is crucial for understanding global climate change.

MORGEN: Sauerstoff für ISS-Bewohner (Morning: Oxygen for ISS Inhabitants)

This is a brief report reiterating the successful repair of the ISS oxygen generator, restoring normal operations and allowing scientific work to continue. The cause of the problem remained unclear, but the generator, of Russian origin, had been working irregularly for days prior.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers cutting-edge scientific and technological developments, with a strong focus on space exploration, including missions, new theories (like the meteorite-earthquake link), and technological advancements (hypersonic flight, UAVs). There is a clear interest in international space programs, particularly those of the US, Russia, and increasingly, China. Military technology, especially in the realm of unmanned systems, is also a significant theme. The publication adopts an informative and reporting stance, presenting findings and developments from various sources, often citing specific scientific institutions and news agencies. The inclusion of reports on natural phenomena like supernovae and icebergs, alongside space-related news, suggests a broad scope within the science and technology domain.