NICER

02 Jun

NASA to launch first-ever mission to study neutron stars

Washington: NASA is set to launch the world's first mission devoted to studying rapidly spinning neutron stars, the densest objects in the universe. The US space agency plans to launch the Neutron Star Interior Composition Explorer, or NICER, aboard SpaceX CRS-11, a cargo resupply mission to the International Space Station, now rescheduled to be launched aboard a Falcon 9 rocket on Saturday. The SpaceX cargo resupply mission was earlier scheduled for launch on Thursday. The launch was aborted due to bad weather. About a week after its installation aboard the International Space Station as an external attached payload, this one-of-a-kind investigation will begin…

20 May

SpaceX Dragon to deliver crew supplies, research to ISS

Washington: SpaceX will launch its Dragon spacecraft for its 11th commercial resupply mission to the International Space Station (ISS) from NASA's Kennedy Space Centre on June 1. Dragon will lift into orbit atop the Falcon 9 rocket carrying crew supplies, equipment and scientific research to crewmembers living aboard the station, NASA said in a statement on Saturday. The flight will deliver investigations and facilities that study neutron stars, osteoporosis, solar panels and tools for Earth-observation. "In addition to studying the matter within the neutron stars, the payload also includes a technology demonstration called the Station Explorer for X-ray Timing and Navigation…