Connect with us

Technology

NASA Tech Contributes to Soft Moon Landing, Agency Science Underway

Published

on

WASHINGTON, Feb. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — For the first time in more than 50 years, new NASA science instruments and technology demonstrations are operating on the Moon following the first successful delivery of the agency’s CLPS (Commercial Lunar Payload Services) initiative.

Intuitive Machines’ Nova-C lander, called Odysseus, completed a seven-day journey to lunar orbit and executed procedures to softly land near Malapert A in the South Pole region of the Moon at 5:24 p.m. CST on Feb. 22. The lander is healthy, collecting solar power, and transmitting data back to the company’s mission control in Houston. The mission marks the first commercial uncrewed landing on the Moon.

Carrying six NASA science research and technology demonstrations, among other customer payloads, all NASA science instruments completed transit checkouts en route to the Moon. A NASA precision landing technology demonstration also provided critical last-minute assistance to ensure a soft landing. As part of NASA’s Artemis campaign, the lunar delivery is in the region where NASA will send astronauts to search for water and other lunar resources later this decade.

“For the first time in more than half a century, America returned to the Moon. Congratulations to Intuitive Machines for placing the lunar lander Odysseus carrying NASA scientific instruments to a place no person or machine has gone before, the lunar South Pole,” said NASA Administrator Bill Nelson. “This feat from Intuitive Machines, SpaceX, and NASA demonstrates the promise of American leadership in space and the power of commercial partnerships under NASA’s CLPS initiative. Further, this success opens the door for new voyages under Artemis to send astronauts to the Moon, then onward to Mars.” 

During the journey to the Moon, NASA instruments measured the quantity of cryogenic engine fuel as it has been used, and while descending toward the lunar surface, teams collected data on plume-surface interactions and tested precision landing technologies.

Odysseus’ surface operations are underway and expected to take place through Thursday, Feb. 29.

New lunar science, technology
NASA’s Navigation Doppler Lidar for Precise Velocity and Range Sensing (NDL) guidance system for descent and landing ultimately played a key role in aiding the successful landing. A few hours ahead of landing, Intuitive Machines encountered a sensor issue with their navigation system and leaned on NASA’s guidance system for an assist to precisely land. NASA’s instrument operates on the same principles of radar and uses pulses from a laser emitted through three optical telescopes. It measures speed, direction, and altitude with high precision during descent and touchdown.

“We are thrilled to have NASA on the Moon again, and proud of the agency’s contribution to the successful landing with our NDL technology. Congratulations for completing this first lunar delivery for NASA, paving the way for a bright future for our CLPS initiative,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters. “Some of the NASA science instruments on this mission will bring us insight on lunar plume interactions and conduct radio astronomy. The valiant efforts and innovation demonstrated by Intuitive Machines is exemplary and we are excited for the upcoming lunar deliveries that will follow this first mission.”

Now that they are on the lunar surface, NASA instruments will focus on investigating lunar surface interactions and radio astronomy. The Odysseus lander also carries a retroreflector array that will contribute to a network of location markers on the Moon for communication and navigation for future autonomous navigation technologies.

Additional NASA hardware aboard the lander includes:

Lunar Node 1 Navigation Demonstrator: A small, CubeSat-sized experiment that will demonstrate autonomous navigation that could be used by future landers, surface infrastructure, and astronauts, digitally confirming their positions on the Moon relative to other spacecraft, ground stations, or rovers on the move.Laser Retroreflector Array: A collection of eight retroreflectors that enable precision laser ranging, which is a measurement of the distance between the orbiting or landing spacecraft to the reflector on the lander. The array is a passive optical instrument and will function as a permanent location marker on the Moon for decades to come.Radio Frequency Mass Gauge: A technology demonstration that measures the amount of propellant in spacecraft tanks in a low-gravity space environment. Using sensor technology, the gauge will measure the amount of cryogenic propellant in Nova-C’s fuel and oxidizer tanks, providing data that could help predict fuel usage on future missions.Radio-wave Observations at the Lunar Surface of the Photoelectron Sheath: The instrument will observe the Moon’s surface environment in radio frequencies, to determine how natural and human-generated activity near the surface interacts with and could interfere with science conducted there.Stereo Cameras for Lunar Plume-Surface Studies: A suite of four tiny cameras to capture imagery showing how the Moon’s surface changes from interactions with the spacecraft’s engine plume during and after descent.

NASA is committed to supporting its U.S. commercial vendors as they navigate the challenges of sending science and technology to the surface of the Moon.

“In daring to confront one of humanity’s greatest challenges, Intuitive Machines created an entire lunar program that has ventured farther than any American mission to land on the Moon in over 50 years,” said Steve Altemus, CEO of Intuitive Machines. “This humbling moment reminds us that pursuing the extraordinary requires both boldness and resilience.”

For more information about CLPS, visit:

https://www.nasa.gov/clps

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nasa-tech-contributes-to-soft-moon-landing-agency-science-underway-302070290.html

SOURCE NASA

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

UBHOME Collaborates with Qualcomm to Release the Smart Lawn Mower, Co-Creating a New Era of Smart Life

Published

on

By

The 2025 CES in the United States is about to unveil a brand-new chapter in the future intelligent home gardening

LAS VEGAS, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — UBHOME, a sub-brand of UBTECH Robotics, announced an intelligent service robot in collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. The Robotic Mower M10 is a revolutionary smart lawn mower announced at the 2025 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in the United States. This product is powered by the Qualcomm® RB1 Robotics Platform, showcases UBHOME’s rich experience in robot research and development, and focuses on solving the pain points of traditional lawn-mowing equipment, providing users with a worry-free and labor-saving smart gardening experience, and creates a new model of gardening intelligence.

User-Oriented: The All-New Convenience Brought by the Smart Lawn Mower to Life

The Robotic Mower M10 is not only a high performance tool but also an upgrade of the smart lifestyle. In response to the pain points of users when using traditional lawn-mowing equipment, this product offers a series of practical functions, bringing brand-new convenience to home gardening:

Wireless and Borderless Mowing: There is no need for cumbersome boundary wire installation anymore. The device relies on accurate environmental perception and navigation technology to independently plan the work area, allowing users to use it right out of the box, saving installation time and energy.

Automatic Mowing, Saving Time and Effort: The device can automatically complete the lawn mowing work according to the preset schedule or real-time instructions, enabling users to manage the lawn care through delegation to the mower.

Wide Coverage and Stable Signal: It supports a large-scale signal connection of up to 130,000 square meters. Even for extremely large courtyards, stable operation can be ensured, and there is no need to worry about signal loss.

Real-time Online, in-control Anytime: Through APP remote control and real-time monitoring, users can adjust the mowing plan or check the device status at any time, managing the courtyard work as they like.

The combination of these functions not only greatly simplifies the complexity of mowing work but also liberates users from repetitive physical labor, allowing them to focus on enjoying the wonderful moments of life.

UBHOME: In-depth Layout in Smart Home

UBHOME is a brand under UBTECH Robotics that focuses on providing smart solutions for families. As a world-leading robot enterprise, UBTECH, with its strong R&D strength and technological accumulation, has successfully launched Walker, China’s first commercial bipedal human-sized humanoid robot. The launch of the Robotic Mower M10 by UBHOME this time is an important step in its layout in the smart home field.

Relying on UBTECH’s technological accumulation in robots and its in-depth understanding of user needs, the Robotic Mower M10 achieves the best mowing effect through environmental recognition and dynamic adjustment. Whether it is complex terrain, steep slopes, or high requirements for fine mowing, it can perform perfectly, demonstrating its excellent technical capabilities and brand commitment.

Powered by Qualcomm Technologies, Facilitating Intelligent Upgrading

As a global leader in wireless technology and edge intelligence, Qualcomm Technologies provides cutting-edge technical support for the Robotic Mower M10, including intelligent edge computing platforms, dynamic path planning, and environmental perception technologies. These technologies ensure that the device can operate efficiently in various environments, providing users with a precise and efficient smart experience. The Robotic Mower M10 utilizes the Qualcomm RB1 Robotics Platform to ensure the superior operation of the Robotic Mower M10 in large-scale courtyards, laying a solid foundation for realizing smart life.

Industry Significance and Trend: Promoting the Development of Gardening Intelligence

With the continuous increase in the demand for home intelligence, the market for smart gardening equipment is in a period of rapid development. As a typical representative of this trend, the smart lawn mower not only meets consumers’ pursuit of a convenient lifestyle but also provides a direction for the transformation of the gardening industry from tool manufacturing to smart services.

The product released by UBHOME not only fills the gap in the high-performance lawn-mowing equipment market but also sets a new industry benchmark. Through the multiple advantages of wireless, real-time connection, and fully automated operation, it endows home gardening with new value, making users no longer regard mowing as a burden but feel the convenience and fun brought by technology.

Innovation Hand in Hand, Co-creating Smart Life

The collaboration between UBHOME and Qualcomm Technologies showcases a strong collaboration of technology and innovation. Both parties are committed to bringing more convenient and efficient life experiences to consumers through technological innovation.

At the 2025 CES, UBHOME and Qualcomm Technologies will showcase the innovative functions and application scenarios of this Robotic Mower M10.

About UBHOME 

UBHOME is a brand under UBTECH Robotics, focusing on providing smart solutions for families. UBTECH is a world-leading robot enterprise dedicated to the research and development and application of artificial intelligence and robot technology and has successfully served more than 900 enterprise-level customers in more than 50 countries around the world.

Media Contact Information
For more information, please contact:
UBHOME Brand Team: mbu-sales@ubtrobot.com 

Qualcomm is a trademark or registered trademark of Qualcomm Incorporated. Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.  

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ubhome-collaborates-with-qualcomm-to-release-the-smart-lawn-mower-co-creating-a-new-era-of-smart-life-302339211.html

SOURCE UBTECH ROBOTICS CORP LTD

Continue Reading

Technology

Global Launch of JETOUR T2 i-DM: Reshaping the Hybrid SUV Market

Published

on

By

DOHA, Qatar, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — On December 25, 2024, the First JETOUR Fan’s Festival and the Launch of T2 i-DM was held in Qatar, themed “Think Future”. During the event, JETOUR launched its user brand “Traveler” in the Middle East and its first hybrid model, JETOUR T2 i-DM. The launch event highlights JETOUR’s commitment to exploring sustainable travel modes and ambition to become the “The World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles” under the “Travel+” strategy.

JETOUR T2 i-DM not only inherits the strengths of T2 series, but also achieves high energy efficiency, high performance, high safety, and high intelligence with its advanced hybrid technology, i-DM. With a maximum combined power of 280kW and torque of 610N•m, T2 i-DM boasts a NEDC pure electric range of 139km and an overall range exceeding 1,000km at just 0.8L/100km, addressing range anxiety and promoting green travel.

Mr. Dai Lihong, executive vice president of JETOUR Auto, emphasized technology’s role in producing world-class products. The launch also introduced “Traveler”, enriching user experience through diverse products and superior performance. This year, JETOUR has ranked third in sales across the Qatari auto market. The Fan’s Festival invited user representatives from across the Middle East to witness the unveiling of “Traveler”, experiencing “Travel+” culture through city tours and co-creation workshops.

JETOUR prioritizes users, listening to their needs and co-creating products, brand, and lifestyle. Through “Traveler,” JETOUR aims to provide richer travel experiences and benefits globally, leveraging the platform to spread the “Travel+” culture worldwide. Mr. Alex Tan, Vice President of JETOUR International, said, “Serving ‘JETOUR users’ and being ‘a user-oriented JETOUR’ are JETOUR’s development philosophy. JETOUR will continue to build a travel community centered around users, cars, and lifestyles, sharing the joy of traveling together with users.”

JETOUR also partnered with Diamond League to promote athletics in Qatar and the Middle East, embodying JETOUR Speed and the brand’s image of breakthroughs and innovations. With T2 selling over 150,000 units globally, T2 i-DM will continue its success to meet customers’ needs and reshape the hybrid SUV market.

The launch of T2 i-DM marks JETOUR’s new journey towards “the World’s Leading Brand in Hybrid Off-road Vehicles.” JETOUR plans to introduce more hybrid and off-road models, providing customers with eco-friendly and diversified travel choices. With its innovative spirit and user-oriented philosophy, JETOUR will lead the global automotive industry towards a more sustainable and smarter future.

SOURCE JETOUR AUTO

Continue Reading

Technology

My Date with Rural China—-VOC.com.cn Unveils Season Two of I Am in Rural China

Published

on

By

CHANGSHA, China, Dec. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Modern China’s rural revitalization strategy is crafting a remarkable narrative of transformation across the countryside, while progressive opening-up policies encourage foreign visitors to delve deeper into the nation’s heartland. On December 26th, VOC.com.cn premiered the second season of its acclaimed series, I Am in Rural China. The show follows Teona Kvartskhava, an international guest, as she explores the villages of Hunan Province, offering viewers a firsthand look at the dynamic implementation of comprehensive rural revitalization. This captivating series invites a global audience to witness the dawn of a new era in China’s rural landscapes, showcasing the country’s evolving countryside to viewers worldwide.

Rice field came as the first surprise. Hunan is the largest rice grower and producer in China. Hunan provides the high-quality and tasty rice. Teona Kvartskhava, a foreigner hardly feeding on rice, was tempted to have plenty of it. In Qunle Village, Lixian County, Changde, she also experienced “Double Rush”, which is a time-honored agricultural event in China. An event that used to call for the joint efforts of all family members, has now become much easier thanks to technology.

Departing from Lixian County for the moment, Teona Kvartskhava embarked on an exciting trip of tastes in Rucheng, Chenzhou, Southern Hunan. Hunan people are keen and expert on peppery food and spicy taste dominates the Hunan cuisine. Hunan is also rich in varieties of peppers. Jingpo town, a well-known town where spicy food prevails. It is a producer of red cluster pepper, officially one of the hottest peppers in China. From the crowded market, to the red and yellow pepper planting base, and then to the modern processing pepper workshop, the small cluster pepper strung up all corners of the town, so that the original ordinary mountain town has become extraordinarily lively and affluent.

Of course, the “star” of the countryside here is not only agriculture, but also culture, which has also blossomed in this ancient land. As the birthplace of papermaking, China has preserved a unique handmade papermaking technique, which is used to make some “special” papers. In Shanghong Village, Liuyang, Teona Kvartskhava was lucky to meet two Chinese masters, who showed her hands-on experiences of “Gushan Tribute Paper” and “Floral Paper”. As the process progresses, the paper took shape in her hands, as if history and culture were meeting in front of her eyes, and became the “first paper” in Teona Kvartskhava’s life.

So,What’s rural China like? It’s about hospitable peasants, about various agricultural produce, about profound history and culture, about colorful intangible cultural heritage. It’s like a book telling numerous absorbing stories. Hopefully Teona Kvartskhava’ll be luckier to visit more villages for their unique interest and charm.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/my-date-with-rural-chinavoccomcn-unveils-season-two-of-i-am-in-rural-china-302339884.html

SOURCE voc.com.cn

Continue Reading

Trending