Nebula Public Library

The objective of Silky Way is to explore the possibility of using spider dragline silk as sensing element for fibre-based biosensors by transmitting light through silk fibre and monitoring the change in the silk's optical properties induced by biochemical compounds

Performance of nanosatellite systems is reaching a level sufficient for supporting Earth Observation applications, while instrument development focuses on miniaturization. By using a multitude of cooperating and cost effective satellites, nanosat technology could be a serious competitor for conventional EO missions

The use of lasers for space missions has been increasing in the past and will dramatically increase in the future. Lasers in space often fulfill tasks that cannot be accomplished by other means. Examples are measuring distances of millions of kilometers with nanometer precision, detecting trace gases in the atmosphere of Earth from a satellite, or transmitting data between satellites over distances of some 10,000 km at very high rates. With the exception of semiconductor lasers, almost all of the la- sers used in space are optically pumped solid state lasers.

Libration Point Orbits (LPO) and Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEO) are often selected for astrophysics and solar terrestrial missions as they offer vantage points for the observation of the Earth, the Sun and the Universe. No guidelines currently exist for LPO and HEO missions' end-of-life; however, as current and future missions are planned to be placed on these orbits, it is a critical aspect to define a sustainable strategy for their disposal, with the objective to avoid interference with protected regions.