#china solar array in space

[mossandfog]

China Planning to Launch 1-Kilometer Wide Solar Farm in Space

Calling it the equivalent of the massive Three Gorges Dam in outer space, the Chinese aerospace industry plans to launch a solar farm in geostationary orbit above earth. The 1-kilometer wide solar array will be able to gather solar energy from the sun 24/7, ten times more efficiently than land-based solar panels. Orbiting 36,000 km above the planet, the solar array will capture the sun’s energy…

[spacenutspod]

Join us for SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 87, where we delve into the latest cosmic events and advancements in space exploration.

**NASA's Parker Solar Probe**: NASA's Parker Solar Probe has just completed its 20th close approach to the Sun, setting a new record as the fastest man-made object ever built. Achieving perihelion at a distance of 7.26 million kilometres from the Sun's surface, the probe travelled at an astonishing 635,266 kilometres per hour. This milestone marks the midpoint of the mission's 20th solar encounter, with more close approaches planned for the future.

- **China's Secretive Space Plane**: China's highly secretive reusable space plane has released another mysterious spacecraft into orbit. The experimental spacecraft, named Sheng Long or "Divine Dragon," has been in orbit for nearly 200 days on its third mission. Launched aboard a Long March 2F rocket, the space plane's activities remain shrouded in mystery, with speculation about its sub-satellite designed for proximity and recapture spy manoeuvres.

- **Seeing the Universe in Radio Waves**: Back in 2016, the Murchison Widefield Array telescope in Western Australia provided a glimpse of the universe as it would appear if human eyes could see radio waves. The GLEAM survey catalogued around 300,000 galaxies, revealing the remnants of distant star explosions, galaxy collisions, and the activities of supermassive black holes. This groundbreaking research offers invaluable insights into the universe's structure and the physics of distant galaxies.

00:00:00 " This is spacetime series 27, episode 87, for broadcast on 19 July 2024

00:00:46 " NASA's Parker solar probe just completed its 20th close approach to the sun

00:05:03 " Large scale radio surveys like Gleam are extremely valuable to scientists

00:10:44 " I have student looking for transient m objects in our survey

00:16:27 " A new study claims modern dingoes share very little ancestry with other breeds

00:18:11 " New research finds people who invest in cryptocurrency more likely to hold fringe views

Follow our cosmic conversations on X @stuartgary, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the universe, one episode at a time.

Sponsor Offer: This episode is proudly supported by NordVPN. Secure your digital journey across the cosmos with a VPN service you can trust. Find your stellar security solution at https://www.bitesz.com/nordvpn

Listen to SpaceTime on your favourite podcast app including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube Music, or wherever you get your podcasts.Support SpaceTime:

Become a supporter of SpaceTime: https://www.bitesz.com/show/spacetime/support/

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[rjzimmerman]

Excerpt from this story from Canary Media:

When we think of solar, we tend to picture shimmering expanses of panels spread across farmland or mounted on rooftops. But how about attached to a raft, floating atop a reservoir?

Floating solar photovoltaics, also called ​“floatovoltaics,” is an emerging technology that’s taken off in countries across Asia and Europe, especially near urban areas with limited space available for land-based solar.

It’s also an untapped resource for the U.S. clean energy transition, according to a new study by researchers at the Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory. They found that federally owned or managed reservoirs could hold enough floating solar to produce up to 1,476 terawatt-hours of clean electricity — enough to power about 100 million homes each year.

“We know we’re not going to be able to develop all of this. But even if you could develop 10% of what we identified, that would go a long way,” said Evan Rosenlieb, geospatial scientist and study co-author.

Even under the most conservative scenario the researchers considered, the potential of floating solar equals more than half of the solar capacity required for a fully carbon-free grid in the U.S. in 2050.

Besides minimizing land use, floating solar shades water bodies, which reduces evaporation and conserves limited water supply at reservoirs. Water also cools down the panels, making them up to 15% more efficient than land-based solar.

But so far, floating solar only makes up a tiny fraction of the U.S. solar market and is mostly limited to small-scale projects, including at a wastewater treatment plant in Healdsburg, California; a reservoir in Cohoes, New York; and a lake at the Fort Liberty military base in North Carolina. The country’s largest floating solar project is an 8.9-megawatt installation at a water treatment plant in Millburn, New Jersey.

Compare that with projects like Thailand’s 45-MW floating solar farm in the Sirindhorn Dam reservoir, or China’s massive 550-MW system that sits atop a body of water used for fish farming in the city of Wenzhou. ​“In the United States, we don’t have a single project over 10 MW,” said study co-author Aaron Levine.

[myeasysolarplans]

China plans to build enormous solar array in space — and it could collect more energy in a year than 'all the oil on Earth' - Livescience.com

China plans to build enormous solar array in space — and it could collect more energy in a year than ‘all the oil on Earth’  Livescience.com Brought to you by Google News. Read the rest of the article here

[nawapon17]

China plans to build enormous solar array in space — and it could collect more energy in a year than 'all the oil on Earth' | Live Science

[rayzonsolar]

Floating Solar Projects: Expanding Solar Energy to New Frontiers

As the demand for renewable energy grows, floating solar farms are emerging as a smart solution to meet these needs. Floating solar power plants are placed on water bodies like lakes, reservoirs, and ponds, making efficient use of space. By doing this, they save valuable land while increasing energy generation. This innovative solar technology is reshaping how we think about solar power and is a key player in the transition to a cleaner, greener future.

To learn more about the Advantages of Solar Energy for Residential Properties, check out this article: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/advantages-solar-energy-residential-properties

While Rayzon Solar, one of India’s top solar panel manufacturers, focuses on producing high-efficiency solar panels, their products can also be used in floating solar systems. Rayzon Solar's panels are recognized for their durability and high performance, making them a reliable choice for various solar installations, including floating solar farms.

Learn more about How a Solar Energy System Works: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/how-does-a-solar-energy-system-work

What Are Floating Solar Farms?

Floating solar farms (also known as floating photovoltaic (PV) systems) involve placing solar panels on floating platforms on water bodies. These systems harness the sun's energy without taking up valuable land, making them ideal for areas with limited space for traditional ground-mounted solar farms. By using otherwise unused water surfaces, floating solar farms meet the dual challenge of increasing energy production while minimizing the environmental footprint.

For more insight on the environmental benefits of solar energy, read about how Solar Energy Reduces Air Pollution for a Sustainable Future: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/solar-energy-reduces-air-pollution-sustainable-future

How Floating Solar Panels Work

The basic mechanism behind floating solar systems is similar to traditional solar panels, but they come with added advantages. Floating solar panels are installed on pontoons that keep them above water. These floating PV systems generate electricity from sunlight, just like land-based panels, but the surrounding water helps cool the panels, improving their efficiency by up to 10%.

To dive deeper into the architectural impact of solar energy, explore The Impact of Solar Energy on Modern Architecture: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/impact-of-solar-energy-on-modern-architecture

Advantages of Floating Solar Farms Over Traditional Solar Farms

Land Conservation: Floating solar farms conserve land by utilizing water bodies, freeing up land for agriculture, housing, or conservation efforts.

Higher Energy Efficiency: Due to the cooling effect of water, floating solar systems often perform at higher efficiency than ground-mounted systems.

Reduced Water Evaporation: By covering water surfaces, floating solar farms can help reduce water evaporation, especially beneficial in areas facing water scarcity.

To understand the role of solar energy in empowering India’s future, check out this insightful article: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/empowering-indias-future-with-solar-energy

Key Locations for Floating Solar Farms

Countries like China, Japan, and India are embracing floating solar farms to expand their renewable energy capacities. Large-scale floating solar projects are being developed globally on reservoirs, lakes, and even ocean surfaces.

To learn more about solar energy's role in future city designs, read about Solar's Role in Net Zero Cities 2025: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/solar-role-in-net-zero-cities-2025

Cost of Floating Solar Energy Systems

While floating solar energy systems may have higher upfront costs compared to traditional land-based systems, their long-term benefits, such as land conservation and higher energy output, make them cost-effective. The cost is influenced by the size of the solar array, water body type, and anchoring requirements.

Learn how Solar Energy is Improving Healthcare Access in this detailed blog: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/solar-energy-improving-healthcare-access-sustainability

Challenges and Future Potential of Floating Solar Power

Floating solar farms face challenges, such as higher installation and maintenance costs and potential environmental impacts on aquatic ecosystems. However, ongoing research and development are addressing these challenges, paving the way for more efficient and cost-effective solutions.

To explore exciting new frontiers, read about Floating Solar Farms and their potential: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/floating-solar-farms-new-frontiers

Innovations in Floating Solar Technology

Hybrid Solar Energy Systems: Combining floating solar panels with hydropower dams for continuous power generation.

Floating Solar Installations for Islands: Islands with limited land resources can now use floating solar farms to meet their energy needs without harming the ecosystem.

Learn more about how Rayzon Solar Engages with the CSK Team and promotes renewable energy: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/meet-up-with-csk-team

Conclusion: The Advantages of Floating Solar Farms for a Sustainable Future

Floating solar farms represent an exciting evolution in renewable energy production. Their ability to conserve land, increase energy efficiency, and reduce water evaporation makes them a promising solution for meeting the world's growing energy demands. As technology advances, floating solar systems will continue to play an essential role in global clean energy initiatives.

For a better understanding of Rayzon Solar's Green Energy Initiatives at Schools, read the full article: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/rayzon-solar-green-energy-initiative-at-school

Call to Action: Explore the Benefits of Floating Solar Farms with Rayzon Solar

Ready to explore the potential of floating solar farms? Visit Rayzon Solar to discover how you can benefit from this revolutionary technology. Click here for more details: https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/advantages-solar-energy-residential-properties https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/how-does-a-solar-energy-system-work https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/solar-energy-reduces-air-pollution-sustainable-future https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/impact-of-solar-energy-on-modern-architecture https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/empowering-indias-future-with-solar-energy https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/solar-role-in-net-zero-cities-2025 https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/solar-energy-improving-healthcare-access-sustainability https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/floating-solar-farms-new-frontiers https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/meet-up-with-csk-team https://rayzonsolar.com/blog/rayzon-solar-green-energy-initiative-at-school

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

From sun to Earth: A new network for comprehensive space weather monitoring

There's a lot going on between Earth's atmosphere and the sun. Accurately forecasting conditions in this area of space is challenging but critical to the safety of astronauts, satellites, and even ground-based systems such as power grids. Doing so requires using a combination of monitoring techniques to track specific aspects of the sun, solar wind, the ionosphere, and more.

Later this year, a new large-scale network is set to significantly enhance scientists' ability to watch and predict how events on the sun will affect Earth.

In the journal Space Weather, Chi Wang and colleagues introduce the Chinese Meridian Project (CMP), a comprehensive, ground-based space environment observation network that integrates data from about 300 instruments to monitor space weather as it travels from the sun to Earth's atmosphere.

The CMP is projected to provide continuous monitoring of multiple spatial layers of the solar-terrestrial space environment, enabling both more rapid detection and more accurate forecasting of events such as solar storms.

The CMP is organized around an architecture of "one chain, three networks, and four focuses," the authors write.

The "one chain" refers to a collection of optical, radio, geomagnetic, and other devices that monitor the chain of weather events that travel from the sun to Earth.

The "three networks" cover three areas closer to home: Earth's ionosphere, geomagnetic field, and middle and upper atmosphere. They include radar, lidar, and geomagnetic and ionospheric instruments based in China that observe each of these levels.

The "four focuses" are four locations: the poles, middle- and low-latitude regions in China, and the Tibetan Plateau. Here, specialized tools and monitoring facilities, including telescope arrays, magnetographs, radar systems, and an aurora spectrometer, will offer more detailed views of geomagnetic and atmospheric disturbances.

The network also includes data transmission and storage capabilities, as well as a system for analyzing and sharing data from the CMP with the international research community.

The CMP is expected to improve scientists' ability to gather data on the solar-terrestrial environment. This could enhance their ability to forecast events such as electromagnetic storms that imperil satellite networks and electrical grids.

IMAGE: The Chinese Meridian Project will integrate data from hundreds of ground-based instruments to monitor space weather between the sun and Earth. Credit: Chi Wang et al.

[hobbyspacer]

Videos: Space habitat reports – Nov.1.2023

This week's selection of videos about space stations and living in space including NASA's latest Space to Ground report for the International Space Station: https://youtu.be/nsBhy6dX5JM ** Spacewalk with Astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara: Nov. 1, 2023 (Official NASA Broadcast) - NASA NASA astronauts Jasmin Moghbeli and Loral O'Hara are taking a spacewalk outside the International Space Station on Wednesday, Nov. 1, to remove electronics gear and replace hardware supporting the station's solar arrays. The spacewalk is expected to begin at approximately 8:05 a.m. EDT (1205 UTC) and last for around six and a half hours. Moghbeli (wearing the suit with red stripes) and O'Hara (wearing the unmarked suit) arrived at the ISS earlier this year and are both crew members of Expedition 70, which began on Sept. 27, 2023. This is the first spacewalk for both astronauts. Follow our space station blog for updates: https://blogs.nasa.gov/spacestation/ Learn more about the Expedition 70 crew: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/expediti... https://www.youtube.com/live/q6xAOtRUbtk ** SpaceX CRS-29 Research: Overview - ISS National Lab SpaceX's 29th Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station (ISS) will launch an array of investigations intended to bring value to humanity and enable commerce in low Earth orbit. The ISS National Laboratory is sponsoring more than 25 payloads on this mission, from microbes to brain organoids and even mucus for more effective delivery of therapeutics. This video highlights the latter investigation, Gaucho Lung, and the research team's efforts to understand the role of mucus lining to deliver medication to the lungs. https://youtu.be/FMxCxXXqAi4 ** Space Station Crew Answers Baldwin, New York, Student Questions - NASA Video Aboard the International Space Station, NASA Expedition 70 Flight Engineer Jasmin Moghbeli discussed living and working in space during an in-flight event October 27 with students attending the Baldwin Union Free School District in Baldwin, New York. Moghbeli is in the midst of a science mission living and working aboard the microgravity laboratory to advance scientific knowledge and demonstrate new technologies. Such research benefits people on Earth and lays the groundwork for future human exploration through the agency’s Artemis missions, which will send astronauts to the Moon to prepare for future expeditions to Mars. https://youtu.be/zy0Pwn4buxw ** Chinese astronauts enter Tiangong space station after docking - VideoFromSpace China's Shenzhou 17 crew Tang Hongbo, Tang Shengjie and Jiang Xinlin completed ingress into the Tiangong space station shortly after docking on Oct. 26, 2023. Launch wrap: https://www.space.com/china-launches-... https://youtu.be/Xj7wLfx8B9E ** China's Shenzhou 16 crew undocks from space station for return trip - VideoFromSpace Shenzhou 16 taikonauts Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao are on their way back to Earth from the Tiangong space station after undocking on Oct. 30, 2023. Watch the landing live: https://www.space.com/shenzhou-16-cre... https://youtu.be/VzlEd7JCTIw ** Touchdown! China's Shenzhou 16 crew lands back on Earth after 5 months on Tiangong space station - VideoFromSpace Shenzhou 16 taikonauts Jing Haipeng, Zhu Yangzhu and Gui Haichao returned to Earth from the Tiangong space station on Oct. 30, 2023 (Oct. 31 - Beijing time). Their spacecraft touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. (https://www.space.com/china-shenzhou-...) https://youtu.be/lbrxSwomSv8 ** Ax-3 Mission Crew Media Roundtable - Axiom Space Axiom Space held a virtual media roundtable with the astronauts of Axiom Mission 3 (Ax-3), the first all-European commercial astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS). In an historic venture, three countries – Italy, Türkiye, and Sweden through the European Space Agency (ESA) – have united for Ax-3. Axiom Space’s Chief Astronaut Michael López-Alegría (dual citizen of the U.S. and Spain), former NASA astronaut and Axiom Mission 1 commander, will serve as the Ax-3 commander. Italian Air Force Col. Walter Villadei will serve as pilot. The two mission specialists are Alper Gezeravcı of Türkiye and European Space Agency (ESA) project astronaut Marcus Wandt of Sweden. As part of Ax-3, Türkiye is sending its first astronaut to space in a larger effort to expand the nation’s space exploration capabilities and establish a national human spaceflight program. Ax-3 will also be the first commercial spaceflight mission for an ESA-sponsored astronaut. For Italy, the Ax-3 mission represents a whole-of-country effort to foster its endeavor for safe, secure, and effective access to space. A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will launch the Ax-3 crew aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft to the ISS from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida no earlier than January 2024. Once docked, the Ax-3 astronauts plan to spend up to 14 days on board implementing a full mission comprised of microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities. Learn more about Ax-3: https://axiom.space/ax3 https://youtu.be/VqfB_kuzVHw ** Space habitation articles of interest: - Vast and Axiom Have a New Commercial Space Station Race | NextBigFuture.com - Oct.30.2023 - Shaking up the commercial space station industry | The Space Review - Oct.30.2023 - Lava Tube Stability | Crowlspace - Oct.30.2023 - Poster: Determining the Structural Stability of Lunar Lava Tubes - NASA Sets Coverage for Next SpaceX Resupply Launch to Space Station | NASA - Nov.1.2023 - Nighttime on the East Coast | NASA - Nov.1.2023 ** Snowfall from ID to WY and finishing over CO | Oct 30, 2023 08:38 MDT -   ISS Above Winter snowfall is visible from ID - across WY (Yellowstone NPS / GrandTeton NPS), finishing over CO (Fort Collins) captured live from the Space Station at 8:38 a.m. MDT Oct 30, 2023 https://youtu.be/otaWRJS0CSc ** Live Video from the International Space Station (Official NASA Stream) - NASA Watch live video from the International Space Station, including inside views when the crew aboard the space station is on duty. Views of Earth are also streamed from an external camera located outside of the space station. During periods of signal loss due to handover between communications satellites, a blue screen is displayed. The space station orbits Earth about 250 miles (425 kilometers) above the surface. An international partnership of five space agencies from 15 countries operates the station, and it has been continuously occupied since November 2000. It's a microgravity laboratory where science, research, and human innovation make way for new technologies and research breakthroughs not possible on Earth. More: https://go.nasa.gov/3CkVtC8 Did you know you can spot the station without a telescope? It looks like a fast-moving star, but you have to know when to look up. Sign up for text messages or email alerts to let you know when (and where) to spot the station and wave to the crew: https://spotthestation.nasa.gov https://www.youtube.com/live/xAieE-QtOeM?feature=share ====

ISS after undocking of STS-132 === Amazon Ads === Lego Ideas International Space Station 21321 Toy Blocks, Present, Space, Boys, Girls, Ages 16 and Up  ==== Outpost in Orbit: A Pictorial & Verbal History of the Space Station  Read the full article

[mrm101]

On cue the crew of Shenzhou 17 was announced today (25 Oct), a day before launch. The Commander will be Senior Colonel Tang Hongbo of the PLAAF, aged 48. He was selected in 2010 (China Group-2) and previously flew onboard Shenzhou 12. That was the first mission to Tiangong which then only consisted of the Tianhe core module. This raises the possibility he will oversee the arrival of the second core module, Tianhe-2 (presumably), however an official said today they would first launch the Xuntian crew tended free flying space telescope before the 'extended module'. Tang Hongbo will be the first Chinese astronaut to visit Tiangong for a second time.

The other two crew are launching on their first mission and little information has been released about them. Operator Tang Shengie (no relation to Hongbo I presume), aged 34, is also a pilot in the PLAAF but was selected in 2020 (China Group-3) the third crew member is Jiang Xinlin, possibly a research engineer or payload specialist because he is said to be a 'professional tank driver and pilot with 1,000 hours of flight time'... that's a lot of flight hours for a tank driver. So maybe he is an army test pilot (does not say what kind of aircraft), they did not say he is in the PLAAF or any military service. He was also selected in 2020 (Group-3).

Other snippets of information from the press briefing... Shenzhou 16 will undock and land on 31 October, but before it departs the crew will photograph the assembled Chinese Space Station in HD, presumably from the orbital module of Shenzhou 16.

The new crew, during what will be CSS Expedition 6, will conduct an EVA and perform 'experimental maintenance' on the station for the first time (as opposed to outfitting and equipment testing), they suggested this may be associated with the solar arrays. I wonder if they are planning to move the original wing like arrays of Tianhe 1, now somewhat obscured by the two science modules, to the ends of the large arrays on the ends of the two science modules, as depicted earlier in some illustrations of the completed station. Presumably they would have to retract at least two of the big arrays to do that, it would be a major task.

In future only one Tianzhou supply ship will visit the station per year instead of two, because from Toanzhou 6 onwards the craft have a bigger payload capacity, in both terms of mass and volume, and also they have improved their inventory management systems.

The selection of Chinese astronaut Group-4 is expected to be completed by the end of 2023 when a further 12 to 14 astronauts will be selected from the current group of finalist which include candidates from Hong Kong and Macau.

In a parallel of NASA's commercial resupply program the CMS (China Manned Spaceflight) program have invited Chinese commercial companies to submit proposals for commercial supply ships for the station using Chinese commercial launchers, four proposals have been selected for further detailed design studies. In addition Universities and car companies have been invited to design lunar rover vehicle, currently 11 industry teams have submitted proposals.

Launch of Shenzhou 17 is scheduled for early Thursday morning our time at 04:14BST, docking will be six hours 30 minutes later, at around 10:45BST at the front axial port of the Tianhe core module.

[charles5436]

Chinese Smartphone Giant Vivo Is Latest to Splurge on Tech Tower || NeoDrafts

China’s No. 2 smartphone company Vivo Mobile Communications Co. has broken ground at a high-rise building in Shenzhen to house its potential headquarters, reflecting the boom in the country’s booming technology market. Scheduled for completion in 2025, the 32-story gadget manufacturer will house 5,800 employees. It was planned by NBBJ, the designers behind Samsung’s Silicon Valley facility and Seattle’s Amazon Spheres.

The new building will feature Vivo’s flagship store, indoor gardens on all floors, and also a spiral exterior with self-shaped glass, according to the architectural firm.

Vivo joins with Tencent Holdings Ltd. and ByteDance Ltd. in investing a great deal on new office space. A lot of it in the booming technology hub of Shenzhen. It will contribute to the mega-building boom at a time when economic uncertainty is causing many companies to cut back. WeChat developer Tencent is constructing an adjacent campus roughly the size of Midtown Manhattan on reclaimed land in Qianhai Bay. It costs the company $1.2 billion.

Cost for New Buildings:

Vivo paid 1.3 billion yuan ($182 million) for the location of its new headquarters. ByteDance, owner of TikTok, recently invested 1.1 billion yuan on the property in the city’s downtown district. It is according to the local land authorities. Also Kuaishou, a YouTube-like video network backed by Tencent, is investing 3 billion yuan based on its fledgeling e-commerce business in Chengdu, complete with live-streaming studios for hawking products.

Some economists claim that building booms signify an overheated economy that precedes a crash. Yet NBBJ, which also built campuses for Google’s Alphabet Inc. and Ant Group’s associated Alibaba Group Holding Ltd., claims that China’s tech giants have outgrown their old digs. They are now merely finding space to lead a possible wave of future global expansion. Vivo, which began life during Android’s growth ten years ago, has gradually developed into a pioneer at home and throughout Asia and Europe. Alongside compadres Huawei Technologies Co. and Xiaomi Corp. The production encapsulates the way Chinese names have started to wave abroad.

“What we’ve seen right now is part of the natural life cycle of these businesses, where they’ve outgrown their current facilities and need new ones to operationally sustain their increasing global scope,” said NBBJ partner Robert Mankin, who is responsible for the Vivo project. “It’s very uncommon for businesses in the U.S. to build their headquarters building, and you still see it in Asia.”

Tencent Growth Plans:

The tech sector boom fits with China’s trillion-dollar initiative to boost the economy and lay the groundwork for networking and data centering for next-generation Internet technology. As far as offices are concerned, Tencent has among its peers the most ambitious growth plans. Dubbed Net City, the latest initiative involves solar panels, automated sensor arrays, flood control mangroves and also a pedestrian-friendly transit system. This will take about seven years to finish.

According to the local government, Tencent currently has 38,000 employees in Shenzhen. Also with headcount projected to more than double in seven years. ByteDance said it plans to create 40,000 new job opportunities this year.  They also leased new offices in Hong Kong and purchased a Beijing shopping plaza to turn it into a workspace. Oppo, the cross-town competitor of Vivo, is also building new HQ in Shenzhen. The building, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, will include a 20-story architectural lobby, an art gallery, restaurants and also shops. The building is scheduled to be completed by 2025.

[spacenutspod]

The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has put out a call for international and industry partners to contribute science payloads to its Chang’e-8 lunar lander, set for launch to the Moon in 2028. The mission, which will involve a lander, a rover, and a utility robot, will be China’s first attempt at in-situ resource utilization on the Moon, using lunar regolith to produce brick-like building materials. Just like NASA’s Artemis plans, the CNSA’s plans for the Moon are targeted at the Lunar south pole, which is expected to be rich in useable resources, especially water. The presence of these resources will be vital for long-term human activity on the lunar surface. Possible landing sites for Chang’e-8 include Leibnitz Beta, Amundsen crater, Cabeus crater, and the ridge connecting the Shackleton and de Gerlache craters, according to a presentation by Chang’e-8 chief deputy designer in October 2023. Chang’e-8 will be the last CNSA robotic mission to be launched before construction begins on the International Lunar Research Station, China’s crewed moonbase being planned in collaboration with Russia’s Roscosmos. That makes Chang’e-8’s attempt to create building materials out of regolith a vital proof-of-concept for their lunar aspirations. In order to make moon-bricks, the lander will carry an instrument that uses solar energy to melt lunar soil and turn it into useable parts at a speed of 40 cubic cm per hour. Alongside the regolith processing equipment, the lander will be equipped with an array of science instruments, including cameras, a seismometer to detect moonquakes, and an x-ray telescope. Part of the mission will focus on moon-based Earth observation, with several instruments designed to monitor Earth’s atmosphere and magnetosphere. The rover, meanwhile, will carry ground penetrating radar, cameras, a mineral analyzer, and tools for collecting and storing samples (leaving open the possibility of future missions to retrieve the samples). The utility robot is a key piece of the mission, but CNSA isn’t developing it in-house. Instead, the space agency is seeking proposals from partners interested in developing it as a piggyback payload to ride alongside the rest of Chang’e-8. According to the call for proposals, the 100kg, battery-powered robot will need to be able to “capture, carry and place items, shovel, and transfer lunar soil.” It will also need to be able to travel at 400m per hour. There is room for an additional 100kg of piggyback payloads besides the robot, for which full proposals are expected to be submitted later this year. While planning for Chang’e 8 is ongoing, the CNSA has two additional robotic moon missions in the works for the near future. The first, Chang’e-6, will launch this spring, and aims to return a regolith sample from the lunar far side (a never before accomplished feat). The next mission is planned for 2026, when Chang’e-7 will carry out a geological examination of the permanently shadowed craters scattered around the Moon’s south pole. The post China's Chang'e-8 Mission Will Try to Make Bricks on the Moon appeared first on Universe Today.

[toniatrujillo]

Buy Bulk Solar Lights Made in China: A Guide to Finding the Best Prices and Quality

In the quest for sustainable and energy-efficient lighting solutions, businesses often need help to balance cost-effectiveness and quality. When considering large-scale illumination projects or seeking solar lighting solutions for resale, the prospect of sourcing bulk solar lights becomes a pivotal concern. The dilemma lies in identifying a reliable source that can provide competitive pricing and assurance of top-notch quality. With numerous options flooding the market, getting lost in a sea of choices and potential pitfalls is easy.

Imagine investing significant resources into bulk solar lights, only to realize that the quality needs to be improved. Flimsy construction, subpar components, and inconsistent performance could lead to frustrating maintenance issues and customer dissatisfaction. The thought of dealing with erratic supply chains, unresponsive suppliers, and unexpected delivery delays can send shivers down the spine of even the most seasoned business owner. Furthermore, the complex web of import regulations, and customs duties, and shipping logistics can add overwhelming complexity to the process.

Fortunately, there's a beacon of hope amid this maze of challenges: sourcing solar lights made in China wholesale through reputable suppliers. China's manufacturing prowess in solar lighting has earned it global recognition. Businesses can harness the power of cost-effective production without compromising quality by partnering with established and respected manufacturers. These suppliers offer a comprehensive array of solar lighting solutions, ranging from garden to street lights, all available for bulk orders tailored to your requirements.

When selecting a supplier, diligent research and careful evaluation become your allies. You can identify trustworthy partners who uphold stringent quality control measures by leveraging online directories, attending trade shows, and scrutinizing supplier credentials. A personalized approach to communication and negotiation ensures that your needs are met, whether it's customization, bulk discounts, or favorable payment terms.

Furthermore, the solution extends beyond the procurement stage. It involves establishing a long-term relationship built on transparency, reliability, and mutual trust. By aligning with Chinese suppliers who adhere to eco-friendly production practices, you're illuminating spaces with solar energy and contributing to a sustainable future.

Understanding Bulk Solar Lights

Before delving into the world of bulk solar lights, it's important to understand the variety of options available. From solar garden lights to street lights and floodlights, a wide range of solar-powered lighting solutions are designed to cater to different needs. Buying in bulk has advantages, including cost savings, consistent design, and a reliable supply chain. Regarding solar lights, the initial investment in bulk can lead to significant long-term savings on energy bills and maintenance costs.

Why Choose China for Bulk Solar Lights?

China has emerged as a global manufacturing hub, and it's no different regarding solar lighting. The country boasts a robust solar lighting manufacturing industry, producing diverse, high-quality products. The production cost efficiency in China often translates into competitive pricing for bulk orders. Moreover, Chinese manufacturers offer customization options, allowing businesses to tailor solar lights to their specific requirements. With advanced manufacturing technologies and a commitment to eco-friendly production, China has become a destination for those seeking bulk solar lights.

Finding the Best Suppliers

Sourcing bulk solar lights from China requires diligent research to ensure you're partnering with reliable suppliers. Online directories and B2B marketplaces are excellent starting points for exploring potential suppliers. Additionally, attending industry trade shows and exhibitions can provide valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations. When evaluating suppliers, consider their reputation, production capacity, adherence to quality standards, and the extent of customization they offer. Open communication and effective negotiation are key to establishing a successful partnership.

Ensuring Quality and Reliability

Quality control is paramount when buying bulk solar lights. Reputable suppliers in China typically follow stringent quality control processes, including material inspection, production monitoring, and testing for performance and safety. Consider visiting the manufacturer's facilities to learn firsthand their production practices. Establishing a long-term relationship with a reliable supplier can ensure consistent quality and timely delivery.

Securing the Best Prices

While cost is a crucial consideration, it's important not to compromise on quality. When negotiating prices with Chinese suppliers, be prepared to discuss factors that influence pricing, such as design complexity, materials used, and customization options. Bulk discounts and special offers are common incentives for large orders. It's also advisable to explore various payment terms and methods to find the most suitable arrangement for both parties.

Logistics and Shipping

Shipping logistics play a vital role in successfully delivering bulk orders from China. Consider different shipping options, such as sea or air freight, depending on your timeline and budget. Familiarize yourself with your country's import regulations and customs duties to avoid unforeseen costs. Opting for shipping insurance provides an added layer of protection in case of unforeseen circumstances during transit.

Conclusion

In the realm of solar lighting, sourcing bulk solar lights in China offers a promising avenue for businesses seeking cost-effective, high-quality solutions. The country's manufacturing prowess and commitment to sustainable production make it an ideal partner for bulk orders. By carefully researching suppliers, prioritizing quality control, and leveraging effective negotiation strategies, businesses can secure the best prices and ensure the timely delivery of bulk solar lights. Embrace the power of solar energy and illuminate your surroundings with eco-friendly brilliance.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. Are bulk solar lights from China of good quality?

Chinese manufacturers have made significant strides in producing high-quality solar lights. Reputable suppliers follow stringent quality control processes to ensure their products meet international standards. Conduct thorough research, read reviews, and request samples to assess the quality before deciding.

2. How can I customize bulk solar lights to fit my requirements?

Many Chinese suppliers offer customization options, allowing you to tailor solar lights to your specific needs. You can discuss design modifications, color variations, and branding elements with the supplier to create a unique product that aligns with your vision.

3. What is the shipping time for bulk solar light orders from China?

Shipping times can vary depending on factors such as the chosen shipping method (sea freight or air freight), destination country, and any potential customs processing delays. It's recommended to discuss shipping timelines and options with your chosen supplier to get a clear understanding of the expected delivery time.

[therenewableenergy]

Space Solar Power Japan's 2025 Quest

Japan, in a public-private partnership, is boldly advancing in the field of space solar power. Set to make a significant leap in renewable energy, Japan is planning to beam solar energy from space by 2025. This initiative is groundbreaking. It blurs the lines between science fiction and reality. It pushes the limits of technology and sustainability. The project is ambitious. It's about space solar power. Naoki Shinohara leads it. He's a professor at Kyoto University. He's been in this futuristic field since 2009. Japan and its space administration, JAXA, have been pioneering efforts in this field for decades. A significant breakthrough was achieved in 2015 when JAXA scientists managed to wirelessly beam 1.8 kilowatts of power, enough to power an electric kettle, over a distance of more than 50 meters. Now, the country is ready to bring this technology closer to reality​. Japan Space Solar Power The plan is to deploy a series of small satellites in orbit. These satellites will attempt to collect solar energy and beam it to ground-based receiving stations hundreds of miles away. The concept of using orbital solar panels and microwaves to send energy to Earth was first proposed in 1968. Since then, countries like China and the US have spent time and money pursuing this idea​. Orbital solar arrays have the potential to provide an unlimited supply of renewable energy. In space, solar panels can collect energy no matter the time of day, and the use of microwaves to beam power ensures that cloud cover isn't a concern. However, this technology still has significant hurdles to overcome. Currently, an array capable of generating 1 gigawatt of power, equivalent to the output of a nuclear reactor, would cost about $7 billion with currently available technologies​. Despite the challenges, Japan's commitment to this project shows its determination to explore innovative solutions for meeting its growing energy needs sustainably. Success in this endeavor could revolutionize the global energy landscape and provide a potential solution to the world's quest for clean and renewable power sources​​. As the project progresses, the world will watch with great anticipation. The transformative impact of space-based solar energy could potentially redefine our planet's future energy scenario​1​. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION SOURCE: https://rstguide.com Read the full article

[nawapon17]

China begins trial operations with world’s largest solar telescope array | Space

[sciencespies]

A Large Object Landed on His Sheep Farm. It Came From Space.

https://sciencespies.com/space/a-large-object-landed-on-his-sheep-farm-it-came-from-space/

A Large Object Landed on His Sheep Farm. It Came From Space.

“It’s not something you see every day on a sheep farm,” a farmer said of the pieces of debris that wound up in rural Australia. They are thought to be from a SpaceX spacecraft.

Mick Miners was herding sheep on a four-wheeler last week when he stumbled upon a pointy black object that looked more than nine feet tall. It reminded him of either a burned tree or a piece of farm machinery.

“Pretty frightening, actually,” Mr. Miners, 48, said by phone on Thursday from his roughly 5,000-acre property in a remote corner of southeastern Australia.

“I was quite surprised,” he added. “It’s not something you see every day on a sheep farm.”

Mr. Miners took a picture and sent it to a neighboring farmer, Jock Wallace, who happened to have discovered a similarly mysterious object on his farm a few days earlier.

It was space debris.

The U.S. space agency, NASA, said in a statement that SpaceX confirmed that the object was likely the remaining part of the jettisoned trunk segment from a Dragon spacecraft used during the Crew-1 mission’s return from the International Space Station in May last year. “If you believe you have identified a piece of debris, please do not attempt to handle or retrieve the debris,” NASA said.

Space debris refers to equipment in space that no longer works. Most space debris burns up while re-entering the atmosphere, and much of what’s left over often falls in the ocean. However, with more spaceships entering orbit — such as those from private companies like SpaceX, founded by Elon Musk — impacts on land may happen more frequently. SpaceX did not respond to a request for comment.

Jonathan McDowell, an astrophysicist at the Center for Astrophysics in Cambridge, Mass., said that it’s not unusual for space debris to be found on land after an uncontrolled re-entry.

“It was a bit surprising to me that so much of the trunk survived the heating process of re-entry,” Dr. McDowell said, but he added that there was no indication that there was anything particularly risky about the trunk. He said that in the new commercial era for space exploration, it has been much harder to get technical information from private companies to assess risk. With more information, “we could have a better assessment of, ‘Did we just get really unlucky, or should we expect this from all the trunk re-entries if they happen over land?’”

The trunk segment, which is used to carry cargo and also includes the spacecraft’s solar arrays and radiators, is jettisoned from the body of the capsule shortly after the burn is completed when it goes out of orbit. “It typically burns up in the atmosphere over the open ocean, posing minimal risk to public safety,” the Federal Aviation Administration said in a statement.

NASA said that SpaceX confirmed that the object that landed in Dalgety, Australia, was likely Dragon hardware from the jettisoned trunk segment of its Crew-1 spacecraft.Brad Tucker via Reuters

Last week, after debris from a large Chinese rocket re-entered Earth’s atmosphere over the Indian Ocean, the administrator of NASA, Bill Nelson, issued a rebuke, saying that China “did not share specific trajectory information as their Long March 5B rocket fell back to Earth.” He added that all countries should “share this type of information in advance to allow reliable predictions of potential debris impact risk, especially for heavy-lift vehicles, like the Long March 5B, which carry a significant risk of loss of life and property.”

The possibility that debris from the rocket could have struck a populated area led people around the world to track its trajectory for days. This was the third flight of Long March 5B, China’s largest rocket, which made what is called “uncontrolled re-entry” back to Earth.

Last year, a malfunction caused a SpaceX rocket stage to complete an uncontrolled re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere near Seattle in what looked like bright objects lighting up the night’s sky. Pieces of the burning rocket debris landed on a farmer’s property in Washington State. The debris had re-entered the atmosphere after 22 days in orbit.

The rural area of Australia where Mr. Miners discovered the space debris on July 25 lies about 100 miles south of the capital, Canberra.

Ron Lane, who owns a restaurant in the town of Dalgety, said that most people in the area — with the notable exception of himself — were not especially worried about additional space debris potentially landing on them or their homes.

“If there’s three we know about, there could be another 10 we don’t know about,” Mr. Lane said by phone from his restaurant, Tuscany In Dalgety.

Mr. Miners, who was born on the farm where he discovered the unidentified debris, said that his neighbor, Mr. Wallace, had called the authorities to report the other debris that he had found on his own property earlier in July. Public interest grew, Mr. Miners said, after Mr. Wallace called the Australian national broadcaster, which later reported on the farmers’ discoveries and said that three pieces of debris had been found.

“Then everybody found out, and I’ve had about 300 calls,” said Mr. Miners, who has about 5,500 sheep, 100 cattle and 30 horses on his farm in the district of Numbla Vale.

His own piece of debris is almost 10 feet tall by 1.3 feet, he said, and an official from the Australian Space Agency called on Thursday to say that its experts planned to visit his property next week to “have a look at it.”

Mr. Miners said he had so far enjoyed learning the preliminary details about how the debris had landed and that he was not sure what would happen next.

He said he would be “happy to keep it” but was also interested in “a bit of compensation,” if the space agencies or company wanted it back.

Sa’id Mosteshar, a professor of international space law and the director of the London Institute of Space Policy and Law, said that a person would be able to claim compensation only if the debris harmed him or her or caused any damage to his or her property.

“My guess is they’ll want it back,” Mr. Miner added. “I don’t know. I don’t know anything about it. As I said, I’m a sheep farmer.”

#Space

[blessyourhondahurley]

Oh My God, They Were Tube Mates

Written for GISH 2021 Item #37 - “NASA’s Perseverance Rover and China’s Zhurong Rover are on Mars together. Are they bitter rivals? Is there a meet-cute and romance? Is it a love triangle with Ingenuity? Write the fanfic story of their relationship.”

[Read on AO3]

The dust storm came out of nowhere.

The previous sentence is not true in a literal sense, of course. The system had been scrupulously tracked by Earthside support. Zhurong had been apprised of the time of its arrival, accurate to the quarter-minute.

And yet the storm appeared unheralded, at full force, out of a featureless, camel-colored sky. One moment the rover was finishing analysis of a batch of data from the ground-penetrating radar, solar panels charging at a steady pace. Then the wind was everywhere, and with it lashings of fine dust that clung to the panel array and threatened to worm into every gear and crevice. Zhurong was compelled to seek shelter from the unanticipated strength of the onslaught.

A recent survey of the surrounding area had mapped a lava tube nearby, and at top speed the trip took minimal time. Inside the cavernous space, terrain cameras revealed an existing occupant. This was a discovery of the most improbable sort. Zhurong was not the only rover on the planet, but it had been assumed that the nearest rival “other” was many kilometers away. Yet Perseverance was here, parked beneath a skylight hole, industriously transferring a capped sample tube into its on-board storage rack. A minor alteration in trajectory had Zhurong rolling to a stop less than half a meter from its counterpart.

A murky light filtered down through the skylight high above, along with a constant fine trickle of dust. Attempts to position the solar panels for charging in this limited light were unsuccessful; diagnostics indicated that the particles which had adhered while traversing the storm remained, reducing efficiency below functional levels. The process of generating a distress call Earthside began, then the task aborted when array output abruptly rose to 96%. A rerun on diagnostics showed the panels were now clear by dint of Perseverance's gaseous dust removal tool.

The rovers powered down into standby mode in tandem as the storm continued to rage outside their placid sanctuary.