CENAP Infoline - no 167

Magazine Overview

This issue of MORGEN, dated July 15, 2002, with the identifier Nr. 161, published by CENAP-INFOLINE, focuses on aerospace and astronomical news. The cover story details the crash of a Japanese supersonic jet prototype.

Super-Concorde Test Flight Ends in Crash

The lead article reports on the failed test flight of Japan's new supersonic jet model, the 'X1', in Woomera, Australia. The 11.5-meter-long, rocket-powered aircraft, intended to be twice as fast as the Concorde and carry twice as many passengers, lost control shortly after takeoff and crashed spectacularly. Researchers at the National Aerospace Laboratory (NAL) hope to gain insights from the collected data, though they anticipate needing to redesign components. The project, involving Mitsubishi and Nissan, has already cost around 80 million Euros, with a target operational date of 2012. The article notes that the aircraft was designed to be half as loud as the Concorde and consume half the fuel.

Boeing's Gravity-Defying 'GRASP' Jet

Another article introduces Boeing's 'GRASP' project, a new super-flyer that reportedly requires no fuel. The technology is based on work by Russian scientist Evgeny Podkletnov, who has developed a machine that allegedly negates gravity. This technology is intended to be integrated into the aircraft's wings, potentially revolutionizing air travel by making speed, direction changes, and altitude irrelevant.

Astronomical Discoveries and Events

Several astronomical topics are covered:

• 'Hamburger' Galaxy: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has discovered a star resembling a 'hamburger' due to its light beams and dark dust clouds.
• Jupiter Moon Exploration: The Galileo probe has successfully orbited Jupiter's moon Amalthea, collecting data. Its mission concluded with a controlled crash into Jupiter's atmosphere in September 2003. Key findings include evidence of a salt layer on Jupiter's moon Europa, suggesting the potential for life.
• Multiverse Theory: Astronomers propose the existence of a 'multiverse,' a chain of Big Bangs resulting in countless universes. This theory pushes the boundaries of scientific understanding, questioning the universality of physical laws and dimensions across these parallel universes.
• Leonids Meteor Shower: The issue highlights the Leonids meteor shower, expected to be a significant event in November 2002, potentially the last major display for about 100 years. The shower is caused by Earth passing through debris from Comet Tempel-Tuttle. The article also mentions precautions taken by NASA to protect satellites from potential damage caused by the meteoroids.
• Solar Structures: Swedish researchers have captured the sharpest images yet of the sun, revealing previously unknown structures around sunspots, described as 'dark souls' within filamentary gas streams. The origin and function of these regions remain unclear.

Space Station Life and Missions

• ISS Routine: The daily life of astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS) is described as routine, despite the confined environment and microgravity. Activities include scientific experiments, daily chores like cleaning, and personal hygiene. The arrival of fresh supplies via Progress cargo ships is a highlight.
• Endeavour Mission: The US space shuttle Endeavour successfully docked with the ISS after some delays. The mission brought a new carrier for the station's expansion and involved crew rotations. The article notes the challenges of simple tasks like haircuts in microgravity.
• Astra-1K Satellite Incident: A major civilian satellite, Astra-1K, launched from Baikonur, went out of control shortly after liftoff due to an engine failure, leaving it in a useless orbit. Despite the setback, the operating company expressed hope of regaining control.
• Galileo Probe Update: The German-American Galileo probe, which had experienced technical issues with its antenna, has resumed transmitting data. It recently flew close to Jupiter's moon Amalthea and is expected to be deliberately crashed into Jupiter's atmosphere to prevent potential contamination of its moons.

Advanced Aircraft Concepts

• QSP Program: Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin are developing concepts for Mach-2-speed, long-range jets under the DARPA-funded QSP (Quiet Supersonic Platform) program. The goal is to achieve high speeds with a significantly reduced sonic boom (under 14 millibars). The concepts include designs for both business jets and bombers, with a focus on advanced aerodynamics and propulsion systems. Wind tunnel tests are underway to validate the designs.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently covers cutting-edge developments in aerospace, space exploration, and related technologies. It reports on both successes and failures in these fields, providing detailed accounts of missions, technological advancements, and scientific discoveries. The editorial stance appears to be one of informing the public about significant events and ongoing research in these complex and often futuristic domains. The inclusion of various astronomical phenomena, space station activities, and advanced aircraft concepts suggests a broad interest in humanity's reach beyond Earth.