Chang’e 6 Lunar Probe

Here’s what we’ll be covering:

• Chinese Chang’e 6 Lunar Probe

• New Simons Observatory

• Boeing Starliner Delay (once again)

• Google Withdrawing AI Search

• Further Bird Flu Infections

Chinese Chang’e 6 Lunar Probe

According to The Washington Post, a Chinese spacecraft, the Chang’e 6, has just successfully landed on the far side of the moon, marking China's second mission to this region of the moon. The mission aims to be the first in history to retrieve samples from the far side, specifically near the Apollo basin in the South Pole-Aitken basin. Launched on May 3 from Hainan Island, the Chang’e 6 landed on June 2, 2024, at 6:23 a.m. According to the same article, the mission faces significant challenges due to the difficulty of communication and terrain on the far side, requiring a relay satellite for signal transmission and operation of the spacecraft. The China National Space Administration (CNSA) plans for the Chang’e 6 to collect samples within a tight 15-hour window, aiming to advance sampling technology and ascent capabilities from the moon's far region.

"Chang'e-5/6 spacecraft full-stack full-scale mockup" @Shujianyang

New Simons Observatory

According to The New York Times, the new Simons Observatory in Chile, funded by the Simons Foundation, is aiming to study cosmic microwaves to test if the universe expanded rapidly right after the Big Bang, known as cosmic inflation. Located in the high Chilean desert, its four telescopes will look for B-modes, specific patterns in the cosmic microwave background (CMB) that would confirm this rapid expansion. To avoid previous mistakes like those in the BICEP2 experiment, the observatory will use multiple wavelengths to filter out interstellar dust. The results could confirm inflation or suggest new theories, impacting our understanding of the universe's beginnings, neutrinos, and dark matter.

Simons Array Polar Bear Telescope. @The Simons Observatory

Boeing Starliner Delay (once again)

This Saturday, Boeing's first crewed launch of the Starliner spacecraft was aborted minutes before liftoff. According to The Washington Post, this was due to a computer delay in the final countdown. The automated system stopped the launch to allow time for troubleshooting, with NASA planning to reschedule for later in the week. The mission aims to send astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore to the International Space Station for testing. Despite past issues and delays, including a faulty valve and safety concerns, officials emphasized the importance of safety and their cautious approach. This mission is crucial for NASA's commercial crew program, which seeks to diversify its spaceflight options beyond Russia.

Boeing's CST-100 Starliner. @NASA Johnson

Google Withdrawing AI Search

According to The New York Times, after encountering multiple issues, Google has reduced its new A.I. Overviews feature, which provides AI-generated summaries in search results. The feature was introduced by CEO Sundar Pichai last month, but by Friday, only one of six demonstration queries still displayed an A.I. Overview. The rollback followed user complaints about incorrect and sometimes absurd advice, such as recommending glue for pizza and suggesting rocks as nutrients. Google's Liz Reid announced refinements to limit errors and improve response quality, particularly for health-related queries. Despite the setback, Google plans to continue enhancing AI overviews to remain competitive.

Google AI logo. @ai.google

Further Bird Flu Infections

According to Scientific American, in recent cases, the H5N1 avian flu virus has infected U.S. dairy workers, causing eye problems after contact with sick cows. The virus, present in contaminated milk and milking equipment, likely reached the workers' eyes through milk droplets or hand contact. Experts stress the need for protective gear, equipment disinfection, vaccination, and limiting cow movement to prevent further spread and the risk of the virus evolving to infect humans more easily, possibly leading to a pandemic.

"Three cows with tags in ears" @Annie Spratt

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