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News briefs: April 9
Posted: Wed, Apr 10, 2002, 9:01 AM ET (1301 GMT)
- Ice is critical to the formation of stars, according to work by a British astronomer. Martin McCoustra found that icy granules of dust in interstellar dust clouds allow the clouds to transport away heat created when the cloud collapses. Without the ice, the heat would force the cloud to expand, keeping it from collapsing and forming a star.
- The European Space Agency unveiled a test version of its Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) spacecraft on Tuesday. The ATV will be launched on Ariane 5 boosters to carry supplies to the International Space Station, reboost the station, and remove garbage from the station. The first ATV, scheduled for launch in late 2004, will be named "Jules Verne" after the French author.
- Cornell University scientist Joseph Veverka has been named a "laureate" by the magazine Aviation Week and Space Technology for his contributions to several NASA missions, from Viking to the upcoming Contour comet mission. Veverka will receive the award at the National Air and Space Museum next week... The National Space Club recently recognized Alex McCool of NASA Marshall's space shuttle projects office, according to the Huntsville Times. McCool was involved in the Apollo, Skylab, and shuttle programs.
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