CENAP Infoline - no 172

Magazine Overview

This issue of MORGEN, identified as NR. 172 and dated March 31, 2003, is a German-language publication from CENAP-INFOLINE, focusing on Science & Technology with a strong emphasis on space exploration and related events.

Columbia Disaster Aftermath

The cover story, "Nasa präsentiert Video," details the recovery of a video by NASA from the wreckage of the space shuttle Columbia. The 13-minute video, partially damaged by heat, shows four of the seven astronauts engaged in routine tasks minutes before the shuttle's disintegration over the Pacific. The astronauts identified are Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William McCool, Flight Engineer Kalpana Chawla, and Doctor Laurel Clark. A related article, "Sie leben noch 11 Minuten," elaborates on the recovered video, describing the astronauts' final moments and the catastrophic end as the shuttle broke apart. The video was found in Texas and released by NASA.

Another article, "Rettungsversuch scheiterte," analyzes data suggesting that Commander Rick Husband may have attempted a last-minute manual override of the autopilot seconds before the explosion, indicating awareness of the impending disaster. This contradicts earlier assumptions that the crew was unaware.

Further investigation into the cause of the Columbia disaster is presented in "Führte Windstoß zu „Columbia“-Unglück?" This article posits a new theory: a strong wind gust 62 seconds after launch may have weakened the shuttle's left side, causing parts of the outer skin to break off and penetrate the left wing, ultimately leading to the catastrophic failure during landing.

"Experten kritisieren Nasa" reports on criticism leveled against NASA by the "Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel." The panel accused NASA of neglecting safety precautions, specifically failing to implement emergency escape systems for the shuttle crews despite warnings and recommendations in 2000 and 2001, citing cost concerns. NASA Chief Sean O'Keefe reportedly reacted defensively, suggesting that the safest option was to cease flying altogether or abandon space exploration.

The article "Umbau der Shuttles zu teuer?" discusses the significant cost and potential delays associated with modifying the remaining three shuttles, estimated at one billion dollars each, to resume flights. While NASA has not ruled out resuming flights in the fall, experts believe the modifications will cause considerable delays.

Finally, "Datenrecorder der Columbia gefunden" reports the discovery of a data recorder in Texas, which is expected to provide crucial information about temperatures, aerodynamic forces, and vibrations during the Columbia's final flight, potentially shedding light on the cause of the disaster.

International Space Station (ISS) Challenges

"Stellenabbau bedroht Forschung an Bord der ISS" highlights the impact of the Columbia disaster on the ISS. The article states that the ISS crew size will be reduced from three to two astronauts, with the current crew departing in April via a Russian Soyuz capsule. NASA Chief Sean O'Keefe does not expect shuttle flights to resume before the end of the year. Russia plans a second Soyuz flight in October to bring the next crew. The article identifies Edward Lu (USA) and Juri Malentschenko (Russia) as likely future long-term residents, replacing the planned larger crew. The European Space Agency (ESA) faces disruptions, with a planned April flight for a Spanish astronaut on a Soyuz capsule being canceled. The article also touches upon the financial implications for Russia, which had sold seats on Soyuz capsules to ESA and tourists, and a US law prohibiting funding for Russian rocket programs. A proposal by Congressman Nick Lampson aims to allow US funding for new Soyuz capsule construction.

The article "Sorge um ISS-Programm" from March 31, 2003, expresses concern from the Russian space industry about the potential end of the ISS program if American shuttle flights are not resumed by 2004.

Astronomical Discoveries and Phenomena

"Der Jupiter hat 48 Monde" reports that scientists have discovered eight new moons orbiting Jupiter, bringing the total count to 48. This discovery is expected to provide new insights into the planet's formation.

"Mars innen flüssig" discusses research suggesting that Mars has a liquid iron core, similar to Earth's, with a portion of its iron core possibly being molten.

"Hier verdampft ein Planet im All" features sensational images from the Hubble Space Telescope showing the exoplanet HD 209458b, located about 150 light-years away. The gas giant orbits its star so closely that its heat and solar winds cause approximately 10,000 tons of planetary atmosphere to evaporate into space every second. This phenomenon offers insights into planetary evolution.

"Sterne explodieren zu Wolken" presents spectacular images from the Hubble Space Telescope of debris clouds from past stellar eruptions in the constellation Monoceros. These gas and dust shells, ejected thousands of years ago, were illuminated by a recent stellar outburst, making them visible. The article explains "light echoes," where light from the star reflects off surrounding matter, allowing astronomers like Howard Bond to estimate the distance to the star V838 Monocerotis at a minimum of 20,000 light-years.

"Ufo-Alarm durch Selbstmord-Katze" humorously debunks a UFO sighting in mid-Norway. The mysterious flash of light was traced to a cat that climbed a power pole, causing a short circuit and a significant electrical discharge.

"Meteoriten-Hagel durchschlägt Hausdächer" describes a meteor that exploded over the Midwestern USA, scattering fragments the size of tennis balls that impacted several houses in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Eyewitnesses reported a blue light and a whistling sound before the debris rained down.

Future Space Missions

"Russen wollen zum Mars" outlines a potential Russian Mars expedition planned for 2025, despite significant costs (estimated at $100 billion). The plan involves international cooperation with NASA, ESA, Boeing, Astrium, Roscosmos, Energija, and Khrunichev. The expedition aims to explore the Red Planet, driven by the discovery of extensive water ice layers beneath the surface, which increases the probability of finding signs of life. The mission would involve a cargo freighter and a crew transport vehicle, with a journey time of 1.5 to 2 years. Experts suggest an optimal crew of six astronauts, aged 45-50, exclusively male due to perceived physical and psychological limitations for women in space.

Other News

"Zeppelin fliegt auch ins Elsass" reports that the Deutsche Zeppelin Reederei (DZR) plans to offer more passenger flights beyond the Lake Constance region, including round trips to the Rhine Falls and flights to Alsace and the Markgräflerland. The DZR will operate two "giant cigars" with a capacity of twelve passengers each.

"Galileo nach Deutschland" announces the resolution of a long-standing dispute between Germany and Italy over the leadership of the European satellite navigation system Galileo. The agreement places the headquarters of Galileo Industries in Germany and leadership of the space segment, paving the way for the project's development.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue consistently highlights the challenges and advancements in space exploration, with a particular focus on the aftermath of the Columbia disaster and its impact on NASA's programs and international cooperation. Astronomical discoveries and phenomena are presented as significant news items, showcasing the ongoing exploration of the universe. The magazine also touches upon future ambitious projects like the Mars expedition, underscoring a forward-looking perspective on space endeavors. The editorial stance appears to be one of informative reporting, presenting both the triumphs and tragedies of space exploration, along with scientific findings and technological developments.