SpaceQ Space news and analysis.
Venus Express has charted the first map of Venus’s southern hemisphere at infrared wavelengths. The new map hints that our neighbouring world may once have been more Earth-like, with both, a plate tectonics system and an ocean of water.
Read More »ESA and NASA establish a joint Mars exploration initiative
The outcome of the bilateral meeting was an agreement to create a Mars Exploration Joint Initiative (MEJI) that will provide a framework for the two agencies to define and implement their scientific, programmatic and technological goals at Mars.
Read More »Canadian Scientists Find Clues to the Water Cycle on Mars
According to findings from the Phoenix Mars Lander mission, snow and water-ice clouds play a crucial role in the exchange of water between the atmosphere and surface of Mars, which suggests that Mars is even more like Earth than previously thought.
Read More »NASA Astronaut Jose Hernandez Starts Agency's First Bilingual Twitter
NASA astronaut Jose Hernandez, set to fly aboard space shuttle Discovery in August, is providing insights about his training on Twitter in both English and Spanish. It will be the agency’s first bilingual Twitter.
Read More »The Canadian Space Agency Comes out a Winner in Conservative Budget, Sort of
The Canadian Space Agency (CSA) were the beneficiary of an additional $110 million in funding over the next three years in yesterday’s budget but a closer look reveals that some of the new money will actually replenish a decreasing budget. The new funding comes at a time when the agency was actually taking a cut in its budget from $368.2 million in 2008-2009 to $348.3 …
Read More »Canadian Led Mission to Mars Will Soon be One Step Closer
Canada may soon have its own mission to the red planet SpaceRef has learned. An official announcement from Canadian Space Agency (CSA) President Dr. Marc Garneau for a feasibility study is expected soon. Garneau became president of CSA nearly 2 1/2 years ago. Throughout that time he’s been pushing for an increase in the CSA’s budget so that Canada could have a greater role in …
Read More »Canada's Budget 2003 – No Money for Mars
The Canadian government released its budget today. Contrary to the expectation of some, this budget did not include any new money for the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) plans for Mars. Nearly two years ago, at the 3rd Canadian Space Exploration Workshop, CSA president Marc Garneau announced his vision for the CSA’s next bold adventure: Mars. At that time he said, “We have the expertise, it’s …
Read More »Auditor General Report: Canada's Space Program is at a Financial Crossroads
Sheila Fraser, Auditor General of Canada, presented her report to the House of Commons this week in which she called in to question the Canadian Space Agency’s (CSA) ability to implement its programs due to funding problems. These problems at CSA are not necessarily of its own making. Indeed, many of them predate the formation of the CSA. According to the Auditor General, the situation …
Read More »Alouette-1 Launched Canada as a Space Nation
Atop a Thor-Agena B rocket, Alouette-1 launched from Vandenberg, California, on September 29, 1962 at 6:05 UTC. This launch made Canada the third nation in space with its own satellite in orbit, following closely on the exploits of the Soviet Union and the United States. “Just as the railroad linking the country from coast to coast has played a key role in Canada’s history, the …
Read More »Canadian Space Agency President Marc Garneau Pushes Mars Agenda
If former astronaut Marc Garneau has his way, Canada will soon become an important partner in several upcoming Mars missions. Garneau would also like to see Canada become a leader in several new space technology fields as well. Next Friday, Garneau, who is now President of the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), will define this vision to an audience at the University of Toronto. He will …
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