Francois Paul Lambert’s Post

Woohoo, c'est parti! We've been waiting a long time, but today, we can celebrate this collective achievement and Europe reclaiming its place in space with the successful inaugural flight of Ariane 6. This launch indeed marked a triumphant return to independent space access for Europe. This long-awaited launch from French Guiana demonstrated Europe's renewed capability to deploy satellites and conduct space missions without relying on foreign launch providers. Despite its detractors, Ariane 6, developed by ArianeGroup still represents a significant technological advancement, offering improved cost-efficiency and versatility compared to its predecessor. This achievement is crucial for Europe's space ambitions, ensuring its competitiveness in the global space market dominated by players like SpaceX. Ariane 6's success opens up new possibilities for European space agencies, commercial entities, and scientific missions. With a backlog of about 30 missions already lined up, including launches for Amazon's Project Kuiper, Ariane 6 has an important role to play in shaping the future of space exploration, utilization, and satellite deployment. The launch not only reinstates Europe's space capabilities but also symbolizes its commitment to innovation and sustainability in space technology. As Europe looks to the future, Ariane 6 will certainly serve as a foundation for further advancements in space transportation, potentially paving the way for reusable technologies and more ambitious space endeavors? We'll see! If you love space and want to be in on the breaking inside conversations in the space economy, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter, Trailblazers. It’s the fastest-growing space newsletter and it’s free! 👉 https://buff.ly/3VZIM9r 🎥 Credit: arianegroup on IG #space #spaceeconomy #spaceexploration #ariane6 #arianespace #rocketlaunch #rocket #technology #europe #esa

Many of us in Europe are preparing for the Ariane 6 maiden launch today, but what do you think about the recent Chinese achievements in launcher reusability? China recently achieved a significant milestone by successfully conducting its first 10-kilometer vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) flight test of a reusable launch vehicle on June 23, 2024, at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. This test, which lasted six minutes, demonstrated the rocket's ability to perform vertical soft landings using a deep variable-thrust liquid oxygen-methane engine. The success of this test lays the groundwork for the maiden flight of a larger, four-meter class reusable carrier rocket scheduled for 2025, aiming to enhance launch efficiency and reduce costs through reusability. In contrast, the European Space Agency (ESA) is set to launch the Ariane 6 rocket for the first time on July 9, 2024. Ariane 6, developed over nearly a decade, is designed to replace Ariane 5 and improve Europe's orbital capabilities. Unlike China's focus on reusability, Ariane 6 does not incorporate reusable boosters, as ESA determined that the current low demand for launches in Europe does not justify the economic investment in reusable technology. Ariane 6 will support a wide range of missions, including deploying multiple payloads into different orbits, and is expected to fly nine to twelve times per year by 2026. These developments highlight differing strategic approaches: China is advancing reusable technology to lower spaceflight costs, while Europe focuses on enhancing payload capacity and mission flexibility with Ariane 6. Both efforts signify important progress in global space launch capabilities. If you love space and want to be in on the breaking inside conversations in the space economy, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter, Trailblazers. It’s the fastest-growing space newsletter and it’s free! 👉 https://buff.ly/3VZIM9r 🎥 Credit: itsthemind on IG (via CASC) #space #ariane6 #europe #china #rocketlaunch #spacesustainability #spaceeconomy #spacetech

Many of you have asked for desktop wallpaper versions of the graphics featured in the issues of our newsletter, Trailblazers. I'm very happy to announce that your wishes have been granted! 🖼️ We've created a collection of wallpapers featuring the best images from Trailblazers. As a token of gratitude for your continued support, these wallpapers are now available for free download. Bring a piece of Trailblazers to your desktop! 🔗 Get your wallpapers here: https://buff.ly/4cRVhcI Enjoy, and thank you for being part of our trailblazing community! P.S.: which do you prefer? 😊 #trailblazers #desktopwallpaper #readerappreciation #space #spaceeconomy

What do you think of the view? Almost in space, but not quite 😅 The Dorothy Project is an environmental film project. They send 360° cameras at high-altitudes in order to gain perspective on Planet Earth. Through virtual reality experiences, they aim to poetically awaken people's ecological awareness and encourage reflection on our place in the universe. If you love space and want to be in on the breaking inside conversations in the space economy, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter, Trailblazers. It’s the fastest-growing space newsletter and it’s free! 👉 https://buff.ly/3VZIM9r 🎥 Credit: the_dorothy_project on IG via intelligencego #space #spaceperspective #ecoawareness #environment #spacepeople

A lot of us care about water and are concerned about how we manage this precious resource. 💧🚰 But have you ever wondered what our water consumption looks like, literally? This video might do the trick; and while it might not seem like we consume a lot compared to the vast amount of water in the oceans, global water consumption is still staggering, with over 4 trillion cubic meters of freshwater used annually worldwide. Agriculture accounts for 70% of this usage, while industry and domestic use make up 20% and 10% respectively. However, only 0.5% of Earth's freshwater is suitable for human consumption, making efficient management so important. Space technology plays a vital role in addressing water-related challenges. Satellites provide real-time water resource mapping, monitor water quality, and predict extreme weather events and droughts. For instance, NASA's GRACE-FO mission uses gravitational changes to detect water shortages on Earth. Satellites can measure various water quality parameters, including temperature, chlorophyll levels, and turbidity, offering a cost-effective method for monitoring vast areas. This technology enables early warning systems, improves water resource management, and aids in infrastructure development, even in remote regions. As we transition from early adopters to early majority users of satellite data for water management, these space-based solutions are becoming increasingly needed in achieving global water security and meeting the UN's Sustainable Development Goals related to clean water and sanitation. If you love space and want to be in on the breaking inside conversations in the space economy, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter, Trailblazers. It’s the fastest-growing space newsletter and it’s free! 👉 https://buff.ly/3VZIM9r 🎥 Credit: metaballstudios_official on IG #space #water #earthobservation #spaceeconomy #sustainability #spacetech #watermanagement

"Circulez, il n'y a rien à voir" 😁 A rocket in Paris? What? As many of us are waiting for Ariane 6, Europe’s next-generation heavy-lift rocket, to take its inaugural launch on July 9, 2024, a mockup version is being installed in Trocadéro, Paris. Fingers crossed for this long-awaited (and much-needed) flight, marking a very important milestone for the European space industry. This launch comes after a four-year delay and development costs of approximately €4 billion. The rocket, designed to replace Ariane 5, aims to restore Europe's independent access to space and competitiveness in the global launcher market. Ariane 6 features a modular design with two variants: Ariane 62 with two solid rocket boosters and Ariane 64 with four boosters. The rocket uses a Vulcain 2.1 engine in its first stage and a new Vinci engine in the upper stage, both powered by liquid hydrogen and oxygen. For its maiden flight, Ariane 6 will carry a set of small payloads and experiments to low Earth orbit. The launch campaign officially began in April 2024, with the central core and boosters being transported to the ELA-4 launch complex in Kourou, French Guiana. This event marks the culmination of years of work by @ArianeGroup and its industrial partners across Europe. If you love space and want to be in on the breaking inside conversations in the space economy, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter, Trailblazers. It’s the fastest-growing space newsletter and it’s free! 👉 https://buff.ly/3VZIM9r 🎥 Credit: arianegroup on IG (remixed) #space #spaceeconomy #rocketlaunch #technology #arianegroup #ariane6

G'day Trailblazers! Today, we explore the economics of satellite broadband technology with Plum Consulting, admire the complexity of wireless spectrum, peek at global lunar cooperation with the Moon Village Association, and imagine the impossible with a LEGO-inspired Moon Village! 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 👉 https://lnkd.in/gJqHy2NS #space #spaceeconomy #newsletter #satcom #broadband #LEO #satellites

Wait for it... 🤨😀 And also a Happy 4th of July to my US friends! 🇺🇸🎆🎇 📽️ credit: NASA via astronomy4u on IG #space #spacetravel #rocketlaunch #spacex #reusability

Wow, this looks “boxy”! Do you remember this launch? 🚀 Well, I can’t fault you for not remembering because it never happened. 😅 I love exploring the fascinating history of space technology. Today, I invite you to uncover the story of the Rockwell C-1057 “Breadbox” Space Shuttle concept, a design that challenges our perception of what might have been and invites us to imagine an alternative path in the evolution of human spaceflight. The Rockwell C-1057 "Breadbox" Space Shuttle concept was an innovative design proposed by North American Rockwell during the early phases of the Space Shuttle program. The concept earned its nickname "Breadbox" due to its distinctive, boxy shape, which resulted from turning the cargo bay sideways. This unique configuration aimed to optimize the shuttle's cargo-carrying capabilities while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency. Despite its theoretical practicality, the "Breadbox" design was ultimately not adopted, as NASA chose a more conventional shuttle design that became the Space Shuttle we know today. The C-1057 concept remains a fascinating example of the creative engineering approaches considered during the development of reusable spacecraft. It highlights the experimental and exploratory nature of aerospace design during the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by rapid advancements and bold ideas. While the "Breadbox" never flew, it continues to capture the imagination of space enthusiasts and model builders, serving as a reminder of the diverse paths explored in the quest to advance human spaceflight. Now, from a PR perspective, I think they did well to stick with the “airplane” shape for the shuttle. The “breadbox” shape really doesn’t capture the imagination in the same way. 😅 If you love space and want to be in on the breaking inside conversations in the space economy, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter, Trailblazers. It’s the fastest-growing space newsletter and it’s free! 👉 https://buff.ly/3VZIM9r 🎥 Credit: aye.universe.official on IG #space #spacehistory #NASA #technology #innovation

Happy World UFO Day to those of us who commemorate this special occasion! 🛸🥳 What do you think about the one in the video, though? Got you; this one is pretty well known. But before that machine was declassified, I'm sure some might have mistaken it for one. This is the B-2 Spirit, an American stealth strategic bomber. Due to its unique design and stealth capabilities, the B-2 Spirit has often been mistaken for a UFO. Still, it's an interesting commemoration for those who follow global geopolitics, arms races, breakthrough technologies, and those interested by the unknown. World UFO Day is an annual event celebrated on July 2nd to raise awareness about unidentified flying objects (UFOs) and the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The date commemorates the alleged UFO crash in Roswell, New Mexico in 1947, which has become a cornerstone of UFO lore. First observed in 2001, World UFO Day has since gained popularity among enthusiasts and curious individuals alike. The day serves multiple purposes, including encouraging governments to declassify their files on UFO sightings, promoting scientific inquiry, and enabling discussions about the potential existence of intelligent life beyond Earth. Celebrations often include sky-watching events, UFO-themed parties, documentary screenings, and educational talks. While skeptics view the day with amusement, supporters see it as an opportunity to share their experiences and theories. The UFO phenomenon has significantly influenced popular culture, inspiring numerous movies, TV shows, and books. Despite the lack of conclusive scientific evidence for extraterrestrial visitations (or at least formal official support), World UFO Day continues to captivate the imagination of people worldwide, encouraging open-mindedness and exploration of the unknown. But things might be changing. The recent U.S. Congress hearings on Unidentified Aerial Phenomena (UAPs) have marked a significant shift in the U.S. government's approach to these unexplained sightings. In July 2023, a House Oversight Subcommittee heard testimony from credible witnesses, including former military officials and intelligence personnel. The hearings brought to light claims of recovered non-human craft and biological remains, as well as allegations of a decades-long government program to retrieve and reverse-engineer UAPs. While the Pentagon has denied these claims, the hearings have led to increased public interest and political action. As a result, Congress passed the Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Disclosure Act, albeit in a significantly watered-down form. The act directs the National Archives to collect UAP reports but allows government departments broad authority to keep them classified, leaving many questions unanswered and fueling further speculation about potential cover-ups. 🎥 Credit: miamifamous on IG (message me for attribution if incorrect) #space #technology #worldufoday #spaceexploration #UAP #UFO