Rostec Reveals Hot-Fire Stand Tests of RD-107A and RD-108A Engines The recently released footage showcases the hot-fire stand tests of RD-107A and RD-108A engines, crucial components utilized in the Soyuz-2.1a and Soyuz-2.1b carrier rockets. These tests rigorously evaluate various parameters such as thrust, fuel system efficiency, turbo pump performance, vibrational stress resistance, temperature tolerance, and time characteristics. Following the tests, the engines undergo disassembly, cleaning, and meticulous preparation for integration with the carrier rockets.

Robot "Teledroid" to Support Astronauts in Space The robot, resembling a human torso with a head and arms but no legs, is tailored for tasks on the station's exterior. "Teledroid" will handle tools and execute standard operations. The system, constructed with Russian components, functions in three modes. The flight model is presently undergoing testing at TsNIImash. Plans are set to launch the equipment into orbit starting in June 2026.

Bright Fireball from Geminids Meteor Shower Captured in Nagano Prefecture, Japan A stunning fireball from the Geminids meteor shower was captured by __kagaya__ in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. This mesmerizing sight delighted skywatchers as the bright fireball streaked across the night sky during the peak of the Geminids meteor shower.

Orion Constellation: Key Features and Myths Orion is renowned for its distinctive Belt comprising three bright stars and the fiery supergiant Betelgeuse, anticipated to explode in the future. At its center is a celestial nursery where new stars are formed. Discover more about the Orion constellation's features, location, and associated myths in the latest article.

Sun's Activity Decreases as Interstellar Object 3I/ATLAS Approaches Earth The Institute of Solar Astronomy of the Russian Academy of Sciences has noted a decrease in solar activity, with a large coronal hole forming on the Sun, potentially resulting in magnetic storms. The main astronomical focus this week will shift from the Sun's activity to the closest approach of the interstellar visitor 3I/ATLAS to Earth on December 19.

Stunning Milky Way Photo Captured Above Lake Wanaka A breathtaking photograph showcasing the Milky Way galaxy above the treetops was taken at Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. The stunning image captures the beauty of the night sky against the silhouette of the trees, creating a mesmerizing and awe-inspiring scene. The clear view of the Milky Way's glowing band of stars against the dark sky serves as a reminder of the vastness and wonder of the universe. This captivating image serves as a reminder of the natural beauty that can be found in the night sky, highlighting the serene and magical moments that can be experienced in locations like Lake Wanaka, New Zealand. The combination of the starry sky and the tranquil surroundings of the lake creates a truly captivating and peaceful sight, inviting viewers to marvel at the wonders of the cosmos from the beauty of Earth.

Turkey Initiates Construction of Spaceport in Somalia Turkey has commenced the development of a new 30x30-kilometer facility in Somalia, intended to function as a spaceport for state launches and upcoming rockets from the company Baykar. According to entrepreneur Seljuk Bayraktar, the Turkish spaceport will join the exclusive group of approximately 12 similar sites worldwide, marking a significant milestone in the country's space exploration efforts.

New findings on dark matter theories from Russian Academy of Sciences member Dark matter plays a crucial role in understanding the Universe's structure, as it affects calculations related to galaxy motion and cluster development. Physicist Andrey Bykov emphasizes that while the existence of dark matter is widely accepted, none of the proposed hypotheses regarding its composition have been definitively proven.

Galaxy's Light Deflected by Massive Elliptical Galaxy The light from the galaxy HerS 020941.1+001557, which reached Earth after 11 billion years, was altered by the gravitational pull of the massive elliptical galaxy SDSS J020941.27+001558.4, situated 2.7 billion light-years away. The Hubble Space Telescope captured an image of this phenomenon.

Polar Auroras Illuminate Saturn's North Pole Saturn's North Pole is aglow with polar auroras, as captured in a mesmerizing video compiled from images taken in the ultraviolet spectrum by the Hubble Space Telescope. A stunning display of colorful lights dances across the planet's atmosphere, showcasing the beauty and wonder of this celestial phenomenon. The video offers a rare and captivating glimpse into the dynamic and otherworldly nature of Saturn's auroras, providing valuable insights into the planet's magnetic field and atmospheric processes. The images not only showcase the incredible beauty of these polar lights but also contribute to our understanding of the complex interactions between the planet's atmosphere and magnetic environment.