NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center has conducted a groundbreaking study measuring sunlight reflected by the Moon (moonlight) to improve the accuracy of Earth-observing satellite data. This calibration technique aims to enhance the precision of environmental and climate monitoring.
By analyzing the brightness and spectral properties of moonlight, scientists can better adjust satellite sensors, minimizing atmospheric interference and instrument errors. The refined data will improve measurements of ocean temperatures, vegetation, and atmospheric composition, supporting climate research and disaster management efforts.
NASA highlights that this method not only optimizes current Earth observation missions but also provides valuable insights for future deep-space exploration and planetary science studies.
Source: NASA
On April 28, Amazon launched the first batch of 27 Kuiper Internet satellites from Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S.A. These satellites are the first of 3,236 satellites that Amazon plans to send to low Earth orbit for Project Kuiper.
On April 27 at 23:54, China successfully launched the Tianlian-2 05 satellite from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center using a Long March-3B carrier rocket. The satellite entered its designated orbit smoothly, and the launch mission was a complete success.
TAIYUAN, April 19, China launched six satellites—Shiyan-27 01 to 06—aboard a Long March 6A rocket from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. All satellites entered their planned orbits, marking the mission’s full success.