News

Witness the Melting of a Satellite Reaction Wheel During a Simulated Orbital Re-Entry

As satellites near the end of their operational life, they face a fate shared by many – re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere. While most satellites burn up during this process, heavy components like reaction wheels can survive and pose a potential hazard. Engineers are keen on addressing this issue to ensure safety.

Satellite debris falling to Earth is a concerning possibility, although the likelihood of it causing harm to populated areas is low. However, with a continuously growing number of satellites in orbit, the risk of debris impacting inhabited regions cannot be ignored.

One notable incident occurred in February 2024 when the ESA’s European Remote Sensing 2 (ERS2) satellite re-entered Earth’s atmosphere. Despite tracking the satellite’s descent and deeming it non-threatening, the ESA acknowledged that such events occur frequently, with objects similar in mass to ERS2 entering Earth’s atmosphere every one to two weeks.

While statistics may suggest a minimal risk to individuals, the reality is that the threat remains. In past instances, like a 1997 incident in Oklahoma where a piece of mesh from a rocket struck a person, the potential dangers have been evident. Additionally, heavy satellite components such as reaction wheels can pose a significant hazard due to their resilience during re-entry.

Reaction wheels play a critical role in satellite control, offering precise maneuvering capabilities without the need for propulsion systems. However, their substantial size and mass increase the risk of survival during re-entry. To mitigate this danger, ESA engineers are developing reaction wheels designed to disintegrate upon re-entry.

Testing these innovative wheels in a plasma wind tunnel at the University of Stuttgart Institute of Space Systems, engineers aim to simulate the extreme conditions of atmospheric re-entry. This proactive approach aligns with ESA’s Clean Space initiative, which focuses on ensuring the complete disintegration of satellites to prevent debris hazards.

Check Out Also: Beyoncé's New Album 'Cowboy Carter' Explores a Diverse Range of Musical Styles

At a recent Space Mechanisms Workshop, ESA engineers showcased efforts to comply with Space Debris Mitigation requirements, emphasizing the urgency in adapting satellite technologies to reduce risks to ground infrastructure. The ESA’s Design for Demise program aims to address debris concerns, including active debris removal strategies to clear defunct satellites from Low Earth Orbit.

With the increasing presence of satellites in space, the need for compliant and safe satellite systems is paramount. ESA engineers stress the importance of industry collaboration to meet evolving debris mitigation regulations and ensure the safety of space operations.

In conclusion, as space exploration advances, it is imperative to address the potential risks associated with satellite re-entry. By implementing innovative technologies and proactive measures, engineers strive to enhance safety standards and minimize the impact of space debris on Earth.

Intellectuals Insider

+ posts

Check Out Also: Knowing the Magnetic Field of an Exoplanet's Star is Essential to Determining the True Size of the Exoplanet

News

Is now the right time to invest in gold as prices have cooled?

Now may be the time to buy gold following a recent lull in its price.

Getty Images/iStockphoto

The price of gold has climbed to record highs recently and has remained strong through much of April. And, that growth continued until the precious metal traded at around $2,390 per ounce on April 19, 2024. But since, growth in the price of the precious metal has cooled, with gold’s price now hovering around $2,300 per ounce.

This lull in gold’s price may represent an investment opportunity.

In general, investing is centered around buying assets when prices are low and selling them when prices are high – generating a profit on the difference between the two. So, considering the declines in gold’s price over the past few days, now may be the time to make your investment. But is buying gold during this lull in prices really a good idea?

Compare your gold investment options among leading brokers now.

Gold prices have cooled. Should you buy in now?

With gold’s price down from recent highs, you may be wondering if now is the right time to buy in. There are several reasons the dip in gold’s price may represent an opportunity to buy. Here are some of the biggest:

Prices may rise again

If looking at a gold price chart shows anything for certain, it shows that changes in the overall growth of the medal come in fits and spurts. Periods of price growth are typically followed by periods of declines and vice versa.

But with inflation rising in recent months – and with gold’s reputation as a safe-haven asset that can hedge against inflation – it only makes sense that the price of the precious metal will eventually start to head up again in the future. While attempting to time that directional change may be tricky, buying the precious metal while the price is down gives you the opportunity to take advantage of any upward movement that may be ahead.

Add gold to your portfolio now before prices have a chance to rise.

You may be able to make a quick profit

Gold isn’t known as an asset in which you can earn a quick return, but in today’s market, that may be the case. Don’t forget that in January, gold was trading at just $2,000 per ounce. And, by mid-April, the commodity’s price had climbed to around $2,400 per ounce. That’s about 20% growth in a matter of months, much of which happened since March 1 – an impressive climb for any investment asset.

Perhaps more importantly, gold’s price growth through the beginning of 2024 shows that the commodity doesn’t have to be a buy and hold style investment that you keep in a safety deposit box or precious metal depository for years to come. There’s also the possibility that the commodity’s price could climb further ahead, making it a compelling way to potentially generate a quick profit.

There are other benefits of investing in gold

There are other benefits of investing in gold that have little to do with the price growth seen thus far in 2024 – or the lull in prices seen over the past couple of days. Those benefits include:

Inflation protection: Gold has long been considered an inflation hedge, and for good reason. When inflation drives the prices of consumer goods and services up – and the value of the dollar down – gold’s price tends to rise. So, it could be used to maintain the value of your portfolio during inflationary economic conditions. That’s important in today’s economic environment as stubborn inflation continues to weigh on the value of the dollar.
Portfolio diversification: Gold’s price doesn’t always move in the same pattern that bonds or stocks do. So, mixing a reasonable amount of gold into your portfolio (up to 10% of your portfolio assets) as a diversifier could protect you from losses should one or more of your traditional portfolio assets fall in value. “If you have less than 5% – 10% of your net worth in commodities & FX (forex), you should absolutely consider adding exposure to gold and other precious metals,” says Vijay Marolia, money manager and managing partner at the wealth management firm, Regal Point Capital.

The bottom line

Gold’s price has fallen from recent highs – which may represent an opportunity to tap into growth ahead. However, gold isn’t simply a “buy while it’s low and sell while it’s a high” kind of investment opportunity. The commodity can also protect your portfolio from the stubborn inflation we’ve seen thus far in 2024 while acting as a diversification tool that could increase your risk-adjusted portfolio returns. So, consider adding gold to your portfolio today while it has the potential to grow in value.

Joshua Rodriguez

Joshua Rodriguez is a personal finance and investing writer with a passion for his craft. When he’s not working, he enjoys time with his wife, two kids, two dogs and two ducks.