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MCAST Brings Science & Art Onboard The International Space Station

MCAST Brings Science & Art Onboard The International Space Station
Nov 21 2024 Share

The ASTROBEAT project, a pioneering research experiment funded by Xjenza Malta and conducted by the Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology IET – Aviation, Transportation & Logistics Department, has reached new heights aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Installed by Astronaut Barry “Butch” Wilmore following its successful launch on the SpaceX CRS-31 mission last 5th November, ASTROBEAT investigates cold welding as a novel solution for spacecraft hull repair after hypervelocity impacts from space debris.

This project, spearheaded by aerospace engineering expert and pianist Dr Leonardo Barilaro, seeks to leverage the unique microgravity environment onboard the ISS to explore cold-welding applications for emergency hull repair on spacecraft. The experiment aims to achieve Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 through its testing period, significantly advancing this innovation in real space conditions.

The science behind ASTROBEAT: In Space, metallic surfaces that lack oxide layers due to vacuum exposure can bond under high contact forces, forming a weld at ambient temperatures. This natural cold-welding phenomenon has previously been a challenge in space environments, causing equipment malfunctions since the 1960s. However, ASTROBEAT turns this adverse reaction into a potential advantage by examining how cold welding could be applied to fix hull perforations caused by micrometeoroids and space debris from within the spacecraft. When high-speed micrometeoroids or space debris strike the outer shell of a spacecraft, they can leave dangerous penetration holes that compromise crew safety and mission integrity. ASTROBEAT’s experimental test rig, now onboard the ISS, simulates these conditions, exploring whether cold welding can seal perforations quickly and safely from inside the spacecraft, offering a safer, more efficient solution than extravehicular activity (EVA) repair.

Space Art meets Science with ASTROBEAT: In addition to the scientific objective, ASTROBEAT embodies a unique cultural mission through its Space Art initiative, coordinated by Dr Leonardo Barilaro, known also as The Space Pianist, and developed in collaboration with Grammy-nominated cellist Tina Guo and world-renowned composer Steve Mazzaro. Known for their work alongside composer Hans Zimmer, Guo and Mazzaro bring an exceptional artistic dimension to ASTROBEAT, transforming the experiment into a global outreach project. Dr Barilaro, who composed the music for this mission, will broadcast these new compositions directly from Space – ‘Moon Seeds’ and ‘Black Sun’ – uniting audiences worldwide through the powerful language of music.

“I wanted to broaden opportunities for engagement.” said Dr Barilaro. “I believe that in Space there is space for everyone, literally and figuratively. Space should no longer be viewed as accessible only to a privileged few. Despite the challenges of sending experiments to space, Space Art is an essential tool that brings people together, highlighting how art can make space more relatable and inclusive.”

Following the completion of the cold-welding trials, two live streaming events will premiere these compositions from the ISS (25th and 27th November), a milestone anticipated to captivate a global audience.

ASTROBEAT’s global collaborations network: This groundbreaking research is made possible by a consortium of academic and industry leaders, including MCAST’s Institute of Engineering and Transport – Aviation, Transportation & Logistics Department, South East Technological University (SETU) in Ireland, and Skyup Academy in Italy. Moreover, MCAST initiated a prestigious partnership with New York University Abu Dhabi’s Center for Astrophysics and Space Science, supported by Director Prof. Andrea Macciò.

This space art initiative has grown significantly in recent months. In partnership with NYUAD’s Arts and Humanities Division and in collaboration with Prof. Carlos Guedes, Dr Barilaro launched a space music contest, blending art with space exploration. The contest allowed NYUAD students to create music to be sent into space as part of the ASTROBEAT mission. A judging panel, which included Tina Guo and Steve Mazzaro, selected two students for this unique opportunity. The experiment also features a composition by Prof. Guedes, adding research value, alongside the two compositions by Dr Barilaro. His pieces were recorded at the NYUAD Arts Center under the guidance of Prof. Matteo Marciano, head of the student label Gazelien Records. Additionally, for ‘Black Sun’, Dr Barilaro collaborated with dancer and quantum physicist Dr Merritt Moore.

This Space Art initiative not only enhances ASTROBEAT’s technical value but also amplifies its global outreach by bridging academic, scientific and artistic communities.

The MCAST team comprises Dr Leonardo Barilaro, Mark Spiteri, Steve Buhagiar and Luke Falzon. The SETU team includes Dr Mark Wylie, co-author of the cold-welding adhesion concept for space applications, and Theeba Shafeeg.

In October 2024, Dr Barilaro presented ASTROBEAT and his broader ‘Music from Space’ project at the Yuri’s Night of the 75th International Astronautical Congress (IAC 2024) in Milan and on the 6th November 2024 at the Arts Center of NYU Abu Dhabi. These presentations showcased the convergence of aerospace innovation and artistic exploration, highlighting ASTROBEAT as a model of interdisciplinary research with international relevance.

Paving the way for spacecraft repair and terrestrial innovations: As ASTROBEAT progresses, the data from this cold-welding research will not only advance space-based repair techniques but may also have profound implications for cold-welding applications here on Earth. By testing this technology in microgravity, the project hopes to pave the way for robust, efficient and rapid repair methods for spacecraft, addressing critical issues in crew safety and mission sustainability.

ASTROBEAT has been recognized as one of five experiments promoted by the ISS National Lab’s public outreach, with payload access provided by Nanoracks (Voyager Space) through its partnership with NASA’s U.S. National Lab. This strategic support allows ASTROBEAT to bring cutting-edge science and cultural engagement to the forefront of space exploration.

For more information on ASTROBEAT and to follow the project’s updates, please visit:

ASTROBEAT website – mcast.edu.mt/astrobeat

The Space Pianist website – www.thespacepianist.com

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Dogfluencer Bertram The Pomeranian Passes Away

Dogfluencer Bertram The Pomeranian Passes Away
Nov 21 2024 Share

Bertie the Pomeranian, beloved social media star, has passed away. The news was shared on his official Instagram account, where fans have followed his adventures for years.

Bertie’s joyful personality and adorable photos made him an icon in the pet community across social media platforms.

His account, @bertie_the_pom, featured snapshots of his playful moments, iconic outfits and adventures with their owner @kathy__grayson.

‘I told him every day how much I loved him and how much he meant to me; he showed me every day how much he loved me back. Bert got me through my fiance Errol dying in 2016, my father dying a few months later, my mother dying two years later’, a tribute reads.

‘He was an absolute hero of happiness who helped me get up each morning (relentless face licking) helped me get out the front door during bouts of crippling depression, helped me get the job done each day. We were inseparable.’

RIP Bert

#MaltaDaily

MFPA Urges Commitment to Meritocracy and Professional Standards

Nov 21 2024 Share

In a statement, the he Malta Federation of Professional Associations (MFPA) have revealed their concerns about Minister Clayton Bartolo’s recent comments on the importance of experience over academic qualifications.

While the MFPA remains neutral on partisan issues, it has strongly advocated for a meritocratic approach to hiring in public service. The federation emphasises that policy advisors and consultants should not only meet necessary academic qualifications and have relevant experience but also adhere to high ethical standards.

The MFPA has long raised concerns about declining educational standards, citing poor MATSEC exam results and questionable hiring practices, including political appointments of persons with inadequate qualifications.

The federation stresses that disregarding the value of qualifications and professional standards, as suggested by some government officials, undermines the importance of education and professional development.

Such comments encourage a decline in professionalism and accountability, with many professions already suffering from underqualified individuals filling critical roles.

The MFPA urges the public and students to uphold a merit-based system, emphasising that true professionalism requires a commitment to ethical standards and continuous learning.

#MaltaDaily

World’s Tallest & Shortest Women Meet Up

World's Tallest & Shortest Women Meet Up
Nov 21 2024 Share

The world’s tallest and shortest women met for tea at The Savoy in London to celebrate the 20th annual Guinness World Records (GWR) Day.

Rumeysa Gelgi, a 27-year-old Turkish web developer who stands at 7ft 1in (215.16cm), and Jyoti Amge, a 30-year-old Indian actress measuring 2ft 1in (62.8cm), shared stories and bonded over their unique experiences.

“It was amazing meeting Jyoti,” said Gelgi. “Despite our height difference, we connected over shared interests like make-up and self-care.” Amge, best known for her role in American Horror Story, said, “I’m used to looking up at people, but it was special to meet Rumeysa, who is so kind-hearted.”

Gelgi has Weaver syndrome, a rare condition causing accelerated growth, while Amge has achondroplasia, a form of dwarfism. Both women refuse to let physical challenges define them and have been honored in the 70th anniversary edition of the GWR book as icons.

The edition also features other record holders like the world’s tallest man, Sultan Kosen, and Diana Armstrong, who has the longest fingernails. GWR editor Craig Glenday emphasised, “Guinness World Records celebrates diversity, and these two women embody the spirit of what we stand for.”

#MaltaDaily