It looks as if the previously thought out theory of how Pluto’s atmosphere freezes has been shattered with new observation of the dwarf world orbiting billions of miles away from our Sun.

(Pluto Today) Pluto’s surface is bright because its atmosphere periodically condenses onto the surface. Theory suggested that, as Pluto cools, the traces of methane should condense first, followed by nitrogen ice as Pluto’s surface grows colder.

The study showed two surprising results: that most of Pluto’s nitrogen ice contains dissolved methane and that the area covered by pure methane ice patches is roughly the same as the areas covered by the nitrogen methane mixture. The fact that methane ice is mixed in with the nitrogen suggests that the freeze-out process happens quickly and haphazardly.

Despite the controversy surrounding Pluto’s demotion, this world (or rather dwarf world) still fascinates scientists with its patchy surface of nitrogen and methane.

Although orbiting over six billion kilometers away from the Sun, Pluto may hold some value for future explorers as methane is a valuable resource, especially in deep space.

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It looks as if the satellite China previously launched into outer space has returned bearing “fresh fruit,”–scientifically that is.

(Space Daily) China’s seed-breeding satellite, Shijian-8, successfully landed in Sichuan Province, southwest China, at 10:43 a.m. Beijing time on Sunday after a 15-day flight in space. The recoverable satellite was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the northwest China desert on Sept. 9. [...]

Scientists from the Space-breeding Center of the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Science used the mission to carry out experiments aimed at discovering what happens to the germination and sprouting of plants when they are exposed to zero gravity.

After being exposed to cosmic radiation and zero gravity, some seeds may mutate and produce higher yields and improved quality when planted back on earth, scientists said.

It is interesting that the Chinese are exploring “space agriculture” and using the gained knowledge to benefit their farms on planet Earth. Although China’s interest may sound silly to some, this technique of altering grain in space may become critical for future colonies of Mars and Jupiter since they lack the nutrient rich top soil common on Earth.

Of the three main space powers sending human beings into space, China seems to be the most aggressive at using space to benefit its people directly. Although NASA has the skills to get us to the stars, China has the will to get us there, and the future alliance between the two may benefit the human race for years to come.

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The Russians, known for their brazen attitudes in space are going to attempt a mission not even NASA is brave enough to pursue. They are going to gather lunar soil from a Martian moon.

(Mars Daily) Neither NASA nor the European Space Agency (ESA) are planning flights to Phobos, [Russian Academy of Sciences member Mikhail] Marov said. “This is a niche that foreign space agencies have left us, not only because it is an exceptionally difficult task, but also because we have already invested work in this area of planetary research.”

The landing will be a complicated operation due to the moon’s small size and high orbital speed.

What makes the lunar asteroid Phobos unique is the fact that it circles the red planet about three times a “Martian day.” Landing on this moon will be tricky, and although it is doubtful that any resources can be used from Phobos, the moon (along with its sibling Deimos) would make excellent space stations.

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To my complete surprise one of Google’s founders interviewed Anousheh Ansari from the international space station. Ansari is the first female space tourist and perhaps the prettiest as well.

Here is a of what Larry Page’s interview with the Iranian in space (questions are in bold for you convienence):

What was the most fun in space?
Flying from one end of the Space Station to the other. She’s gotten so good that she can nearly make it all the way without hitting any walls.

What was the biggest surprise?
Seeing the Earth rotate for the first time. Every time Anousheh wants to remind herself that she’s really in space, she looks out the window, watches the Earth rotating, and pinches herself to make sure she’s still awake.

Larry (wistfully): When can we come up to join you?
You’ll have to come up one at a time. In any case, construction is speeding up on the International Space Station, so tourists will probably be fewer for the time being. She hopes Larry can improve the food; although the cheese pasta is fun to chase, it’s not much fun to eat. At least there are M&Ms.

What would you change about the space station?
(Fast reply): “Add another shower!” And then – “Add Internet access!” (Wild cheering from Googlers.) Right now email is batched. Larry suggested that Anousheh plan that for her next trip — and she shot back, “Actually, I’m planning my next trip!”

Do you have anything inspirational to say?
“Explore the boundaries. Try new things. Be free-thinkers and use your imaginations. Learn from your environment, your teachers, your books — but then go beyond your knowledge. I always wanted to go to space, although I didn’t wind up working for NASA. I detoured to different areas, but finally I found a way to make it happen.”

I have been reading Ansari’s blog for quite some time and she seems to be really enjoying micro-gravity while floating around in the ISS.

Her latest post reveals how much respect their is between the astronauts and cosmonauts, and she compares the space station to Earth by saying we have no where else to go so we all better get a long on this planet.

I truly envy this Iranian, although she is planning on going again. I wonder if I’ll get a chance to visit space, via a rocket shuttle or a space elevator?

Update: It looks like Ansari has inspired some Iranian women. Heh.

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With all of the talk of “space tourism,” very few businesses have a legitimate reason for visiting the stars other than viewing the Earth from space.

But what separates Robert Bigelow from the space tourism industry is that he desires not to merely take people on a short visit in space, but to build a space hotel for them to check into.

(Space.com) At a luncheon speech today in San Jose, Calif., at the AIAA Space 2006 Symposium, Bigelow said his third module, dubbed Sundancer, would have a mass of 8,618.4 kilograms and be equipped with life support systems, attitude control, three windows, on-orbit maneuverability, reboost and de-orbit capability.

He plans to place it at an altitude of 250 nautical miles at an orbital inclination of 40 degrees. Bigelow said that while Sundancer will be a scale model of the large, human-rated habitat he eventually plans to launch into orbit, it will nonetheless have 180 cubic meters of habitable space.

If Bigelow is able to get the space hotel up and operational, he will probably have to find an affordable way to bring those people into space (as $20 million plus may not be worth it to most people).

Although Lockheed Martin is partnering up with Bigelow Aerospace in order to provide a space ship to the hotel, they may want to consider the magnetic sled as a possible option as well (as it may be less expensive than sending a rocket into space).

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