CENAP Infoline - no 168

Magazine Overview

This issue of CENAP-INFOLINE, dated December 8, 2002, with issue number 168, focuses on a variety of topics ranging from space technology failures and astronomical events to historical art interpretations and controversial organizations.

Space Technology and Failures

Ariane 5-Plus Launch Failure The lead story details the spectacular failure of Europe's new Ariane 5-Plus super-rocket during its maiden launch from Kourou, French Guiana, on December 8, 2002. Despite a completed countdown, the rocket remained motionless on the launchpad. Jean-Yves Le Gall, the head of Arianespace, initially suspected a problem with the fuel supply arms but investigations revealed that a ground computer failed to react to the ignition sequence, aborting the launch three seconds prior. This incident is described as "unconventional" and has led to fears of a loss of prestige for Europe's space program. The expensive 600 million Euro project, including the rocket and two satellites, will now face significant delays and further costs as the rocket undergoes thorough inspection and the new, powerful upper stage, capable of carrying up to ten tons, needs to be removed and checked.

MarsFlyer Test Flight On September 20, 2002, the MarsFlyer, a 1:50 scale model of a planned NASA uncrewed research aircraft designed to explore the Martian surface, successfully completed its first test flight over Oregon. The aircraft, developed by Aurora Flight Sciences Corp. in Virginia, demonstrated its flight capabilities.

FOTON-13 Satellite Explosion A significant loss occurred when the FOTON-13 research satellite, carrying 44 experiments from the European Space Agency (ESA), exploded shortly after its launch from the Plessezk spaceport. Irregularities in the engine command led to the shutdown of the engines and the subsequent explosion, resulting in the complete destruction of the payload.

Northrop Grumman X-47A Roll Tests In preparation for its delayed first flight, the X-47A Pegasus drone, developed by Northrop Grumman, underwent a second series of roll tests. These tests involved more complex maneuvers, including taxiing to the runway and executing a zigzag course. Earlier tests on July 19 were limited to short, straight-line taxiing.

Astronomical Events and Missions

Total Solar Eclipse Tens of thousands of spectators in Australia and Africa witnessed the only total solar eclipse of 2002 on December 8. The event, described as a "daydream" and "like the end of the world," was celebrated with drumming and dancing. While many observers in South Africa were hampered by clouds, those in Messina, Zimbabwe, and Ceduna, Australia, enjoyed clear views. The eclipse, where the Moon completely obscured the Sun, lasted about 30 seconds in Australia. The next total solar eclipse visible from Germany will be a partial one on May 31, 2003.

Rosetta Mission to Comet Wirtanen The ESA's Rosetta space probe is preparing for its launch in January 2003. The mission aims to study the origins of life by landing a probe on Comet Wirtanen. The 700 million Euro mission will involve a three-ton spacecraft launching on an Ariane 5 rocket. After an initial elliptical orbit around Earth, Rosetta will use its EPS upper stage to accelerate towards Mars, using its gravity for a boost towards the comet. The journey to the comet is expected to take 950 days, with the probe expected to reach its destination in eight years.

Historical Mysteries and Art

UFOs in Medieval Art? Italian natural scientist Roberto Volterri claims to have found evidence of UFOs in medieval paintings. He points to Fra Filippo Lippi's "The Madonna and the Holy John," where a man in the background appears to be looking at a disk in the sky. Volterri also suggests that a ceiling fresco in Siena's San Lorenzo church depicts a rocket, and Masolino da Panicale's 1429 painting "Snow Miracle" shows peculiar dark, elongated clouds resembling cigar-shaped UFOs.

Other News

Scientology's Psychological Impact A study by Munich scientists suggests that the Scientology organization employs high-level psychological manipulation, leading to a high risk of mental dependency and psychological distress among former members. The study found that half of the surveyed ex-Scientologists suffered from psychological dependence and experienced physical and psychological symptoms, including hallucinations, after leaving the organization.

Bigfoot Debunked Ray Wallace, an American who recently passed away, has been revealed as the creator of the Bigfoot legend. His son, Michael Wallace, confessed to a newspaper that his father had faked the monster tracks decades ago, thus debunking the existence of the creature.

"Sky Ray" Parachuting Device Christoph Aarns, a parachuting instructor, has been using a "Sky Ray" device, a wing-like construction weighing six to seven kilograms, which allows him to glide horizontally for nearly two minutes during freefall, significantly longer than a standard parachute jump. The device, developed by Alban Geisler, utilizes aerodynamic principles to generate lift.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The CENAP-INFOLINE consistently covers a broad spectrum of topics, with a particular interest in space exploration, technological advancements, and unexplained phenomena. The magazine presents news on both successes and failures in space missions, explores historical mysteries through the lens of modern theories (like UFOs in art), and delves into controversial social and psychological topics. The editorial stance appears to be one of reporting and investigation, presenting different perspectives and scientific findings, while also acknowledging the public's fascination with the unknown and the extraordinary. The inclusion of reader service information (like contact details and product offers) suggests an engagement with its readership.