CENAP Infoline - no 182

Magazine Overview

Title: MORGEN
Issue Date: September 2003
Volume/Issue: NR.182

This issue of MORGEN, dated September 15, 2003, is a German-language magazine focusing on science and technology, with a particular emphasis on space exploration, astronomy, and related news.

Key Articles and Features

Die Riesen-Linse! (The Giant Lens!)

The cover story announces the launch of NASA's SIRTF (Space Infrared Telescope Facility), a massive infrared telescope designed to observe distant celestial objects. The article highlights its size (85 cm length, 1.19 billion dollars cost) and its mission to follow Earth's orbit for 30 months, capturing infrared images of heat waves from distant objects. NASA Project Scientist Michael Werner is quoted, emphasizing the telescope's ability to penetrate planetary veils and nebulae to provide unprecedented images of galaxies.

UFO-Telefon klingelt Sturm (UFO Phone Rings Loudly)

This short piece reports a surge in UFO sightings reported to a UFO reporting center in Mannheim. An astronomer attributes the phenomenon to the planet Mars being unusually close and bright in the eastern sky.

Abschlussbericht kritisiert die Nasa (Final Report Criticizes NASA)

This article details the findings of a NASA investigation commission into the 'Columbia' space shuttle disaster. The report, due to be published, is said to reveal not only mechanical failures but also to be highly critical of NASA's management. The disaster resulted in the deaths of seven astronauts. The commission's findings suggest that a piece of insulation foam falling from the external tank during launch caused a hole in the shuttle's left wing, leading to the catastrophic failure upon re-entry.

Mit dem Raumgleiter zum Urlaub ins All (With the Space Glider for a Vacation in Space)

This feature discusses the 'Phoenix' project, a 1:7 scale model of the 'Hopper' reusable space glider. Developed by EADS Space Transportation, the 'Hopper' is envisioned as a vehicle for space tourism to a 'space hotel' at an altitude of 500 kilometers, potentially available in 15 to 20 years. The 'Phoenix' model is undergoing wind tunnel tests in the Netherlands to assess its landing capabilities. The project involves EADS, OHB System GmbH, and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), with a budget of 16 million Euros.

Nasa zieht Konsequenzen (NASA Draws Consequences)

Following the 'Columbia' disaster, NASA chief Sean O'Keefe is implementing changes to the agency's corporate culture. The article mentions the dismissal of a manager at NASA's flight center in Huntsville for basing decisions on incorrect information regarding a shuttle launch. The agency is working on a 78-page report detailing improvements to prevent similar accidents.

Mikroskop für Himmelscheibe (Microscope for Sky Disk)

Researchers plan to build a large scanning electron microscope to study the 3600-year-old 'Nebra Sky Disk.' This Bronze Age artifact, approximately 32 cm in diameter, displays constellations, including the Pleiades, and is considered the oldest known accurate depiction of a celestial arrangement. The project is seeking funding from the German Research Foundation (DFG).

Asteroid rast auf Erde zu (Asteroid Races Towards Earth)

NASA scientists have identified asteroid 2003 QQ47, measuring 1.2 km in diameter, which is predicted to pass within 50,000 km of Earth on March 21, 2014. While the probability of a collision is extremely low (1 in 1,754,000), the asteroid will be closely monitored.

Nachschub für Raumstation (Resupply for Space Station)

A Russian cargo spacecraft successfully docked with the International Space Station (ISS), delivering essential supplies to the crew.

Abschluss-Bericht! NASA schuld am Columbia-Absturz (Final Report! NASA to Blame for Columbia Crash)

This article reiterates the findings of the investigation commission, stating that NASA's culture is responsible for the 'Columbia' tragedy, citing the detachment of heat tiles as a critical factor. The commission warns that similar problems could occur with the remaining shuttles if not addressed.

Startet die Raumfähre im März? (Will the Shuttle Launch in March?)

NASA has presented a plan for the resumption of shuttle flights, potentially as early as March 11. The plan outlines improvements based on the investigation commission's recommendations, focusing on enhanced communication and the ability for astronauts to conduct external repairs. However, a NASA spokesperson cautioned that this is a tentative schedule and could be delayed.

Runen foppen Badeort (Runes Fool Seaside Resort)

An archaeological sensation in Gorleston, UK, involving a stone with intricate carvings believed to be ancient Viking runes, turned out to be a hoax. A local bricklayer confessed to creating the carvings out of boredom, using a stone imported from Norway.

NASA entdeckt Musikplanet (NASA Discovers Music Planet)

Astronomers have detected mysterious, deep sounds emanating from a supermassive black hole in the Perseus constellation. These sounds, described as being in B-flat minor and 57 octaves below middle C, are inaudible to humans and are thought to be caused by the intergalactic gas surrounding the black hole.

„Galileo