In science fiction films, nothing raises tension quite like the good guys’ spaceship getting caught in an invisible tractor beam that allows the baddies to slowly reel them in. But what was once only a sci-fi staple could soon become a reality. Scientists are developing a real-life tractor beam, dubbed an electrostatic tractor. This tractor beam wouldn’t suck in helpless starship pilots, however. Instead, it would use electrostatic attraction to nudge hazardous space junk safely out of Earth orbit. The stakes are high: With the commercial space industry booming, the…
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Booster Set to Hit the Moon Turns Out to be Chinese Rocket — Not SpaceX
The booster previously identified as SpaceX hardware turns out to be from the Chang’e 5-T1 mission. The timing and site of the impact remain the same. The post Booster Set to Hit the Moon Turns Out to be Chinese Rocket — Not SpaceX appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
Read MoreRussia Conducts Antisatellite Test; Space Station Crew Takes Cover
A Russian missile struck a defunct satellite early Monday morning, forcing International Space Station crew to shelter in place. The post Russia Conducts Antisatellite Test; Space Station Crew Takes Cover appeared first on Sky & Telescope.
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