Elon Musk’s SpaceX may have ‘punched hole’ in edge of space with rocket launch

A recent analysis suggests that a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, launched by Elon Musk’s SpaceX on July 19 from California’s Vandenberg Space Force Base, may have created a hole in the Earth’s ionosphere. The ionosphere is a layer around the Earth consisting of plasma, a state of matter with electrically charged particles, located at approximately 80-650 km (50-400 miles) above the surface.

Space physicist Jeff Baumgardner from Boston University reviewed footage of the launch and stated that it was “quite possible” that the rocket made an ionospheric “hole” during the launch. Such holes are a well-studied phenomenon when rockets burn their engines around 200 to 300 km (approximately 120 to 190 miles) above the Earth’s surface.

With the increasing number of rocket launches worldwide, these ionospheric holes are becoming more common. However, they play a crucial role in enabling radio communications on Earth.

The ionosphere is dynamic and its size varies based on solar conditions. It consists of sub-regions called D, E, and F, categorized by the wavelength of solar radiation they absorb.

Rocket launches can affect the charged particle formation in the ionosphere. Rocket motion through the ionosphere can generate large disturbances that travel faster than the speed of sound, creating shockwaves in the layer.

As rockets move toward the edge of space, they release water and carbon dioxide in their exhaust, which can reduce the ionization process in the ionosphere’s F-layer, where electron density is highest.

These “punched” holes in the ionosphere caused by rockets are identified by their red color, resulting from the reaction between oxygen ions in the layer and electrons from the rocket exhaust, releasing light in the same wavelength as red auroras.

This is not the first time a SpaceX launch has caused an ionospheric hole. A Falcon 9 rocket launched in August 2017, carrying Taiwan’s Formosat 5 satellite, created a large-scale ionospheric plasma hole about 900 km in diameter, leading to TEC (Total Electron Content) depletions of 10-70% in comparison to reference days.

As the number of rocket launches increases, scientists continue to study their impact on the ionosphere and its implications for communication and space research.

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Technology

SpaceX wins $733M Space Force launch contract

by George Mensah 2024-10-19

The U.S. Space Force has awarded SpaceX a contract worth $733 million for eight launches, reinforcing the organization’s efforts to increase competition among space launch providers. This deal is part of the ongoing “National Security Space Launch Phase 3 Lane 1” program, overseen by Space Systems Command (SSC), which focuses on less complex missions involving near-Earth orbits.

Under the contract, SpaceX will handle seven launches for the Space Development Agency and one for the National Reconnaissance Office, all using Falcon 9 rockets. These missions are expected to take place no earlier than 2026.

Space Force launch contract

In 2023, the Space Force divided Phase 3 contracts into two categories: Lane 1 for less risky missions and Lane 2 for heavier payloads and more challenging orbits. Although SpaceX was chosen for Lane 1 launches, competitors like United Launch Alliance and Blue Origin were also in the running. The Space Force aims to foster more competition by allowing new companies to bid for future Lane 1 opportunities, with the next bidding round set for 2024. The overall Lane 1 contract is estimated to be worth $5.6 billion over five years.

Lt. Col. Douglas Downs, SSC’s leader for space launch procurement, emphasized the Space Force’s expectation of more competitors and greater variety in launch providers moving forward. The Phase 3 Lane 1 contracts cover fiscal years 2025 to 2029, with the option to extend for five more years, and the Space Force plans to award at least 30 missions over this period.

While SpaceX has a strong position now, emerging launch providers and new technologies could intensify the competition in the near future.

Technology

5 FREE ESIGNATURE ALTERNATIVES TO DOCUSIGN

by George Mensah 2024-10-18

Electronic signature tools have transformed the way we handle documents, allowing you to sign, send, and manage paperwork digitally without the need for printing or scanning. With these tools, you can sign documents from anywhere, simplifying the process.

While DocuSign is a widely recognized eSignature tool with many useful features, it may not be affordable for everyone, especially for those who need it occasionally. Fortunately, there are plenty of 5 free eSignature alternatives available. After testing several, we’ve compiled a list of the top five free options to help you sign your documents with ease.

DocuSeal

DocuSeal is a highly versatile, open-source tool that lets you create electronic signatures for a wide variety of file types, such as PDFs and Word documents. Its easy-to-use interface makes it simple for anyone to sign documents, and the best part is, it’s completely free.

DocuSeal offers customization options like choosing from different signature styles, adding text, or even uploading images. It also provides secure document storage and encryption, ensuring that your sensitive information stays protected. This makes DocuSeal a strong free alternative to DocuSign for users who need both flexibility and security.

OpenSign

OpenSign is another excellent free eSignature solution that allows you to sign and send documents without any cost. It offers unlimited signatures, making it ideal for individuals or small businesses needing a budget-friendly tool.

One of OpenSign’s standout features is the ability to track your documents in real time. This way, you know exactly when a document is signed. Additionally, every signed document includes a completion certificate, which provides added security. OpenSign supports various file formats, including PDFs and Word docs, offering the flexibility to handle different types of documents.

Smallpdf

Best known for its PDF tools, Smallpdf also provides a robust eSignature feature. You can upload documents, sign them digitally, and send them for signatures in just a few steps. It supports a range of file formats, such as PDFs, Word, and Excel files.

One of Smallpdf’s key advantages is its integration with popular cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, making it easier to access and sign your documents directly from the cloud. Available on both desktop and mobile, Smallpdf is a convenient choice for users who need a reliable, multi-functional tool.

Adobe Acrobat Reader

Adobe Acrobat Reader is widely used for viewing PDFs, but it also includes eSignature functionality. You can use it to sign documents yourself or send them to others for signing.

Adobe Acrobat Reader also features document tracking, allowing you to monitor when a document has been viewed or signed. While some advanced features require a subscription, the free version provides sufficient eSignature capabilities, making it a good option for occasional users who want a secure and trusted tool.

Canva PDF Editor

Canva is best known for its design capabilities, but it also has a handy PDF Editor that includes eSignature functions. You can upload PDFs and add signature fields as needed, making it a versatile tool for signing contracts, agreements, and other documents.

In addition to signing, Canva allows you to customize your documents by adding logos, text, and design elements. Canva’s PDF Editor also supports real-time collaboration, making it an ideal choice for teams or individuals working together on documents. It’s accessible on both desktop and mobile, making it convenient for signing documents anytime, anywhere.

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