The first interplanetary helicopter is on its way to Mars – Space.com

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The first helicopter designed to fly on another planet is now on its way to Mars.

NASA's Mars helicopter, called Ingenuity, is hitching a ride to the Red Planet with the agency's Mars 2020 Perseverance rover, which lifted off on an Atlas V rocket from Florida's Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today (July 30).

Tucked beneath the rover's belly, Ingenuity will spend the next six months en route to Mars. The mission is scheduled to land on Mars on Feb. 18, 2021, and within the next few months the rotorcraft will attempt the first-ever flight through another planet's atmosphere.

Related: Meet Ingenuity: Alabama teen names NASA's Mars helicopterLive Updates: NASA's Mars rover Perseverance mission in real time

"We as human beings have never flown or rotorcraft outside of our own Earth's atmosphere, so this will actually be a very much a Wright Brothers moment, except on another planet," Mimi Aung, NASA's Ingenuity Mars Helicopter project manager, said in a news conference on Tuesday (July 28).

While NASA and other space agencies around the world have sent landers, orbiters and rovers to the Red Planet, no one has attempted to fly an aircraft on another planet before. On Mars the atmosphere is much thinner than it is on Earth, which means there's less air to generate lift and more technical challenges in designing a craft that will stay aloft.

"Flying a rotorcraft at Mars is very difficult. First and foremost, the atmosphere there is very thin, about 1% compared to the Earth's atmospheric density here," Aung said. "To build a vehicle that can fly at Mars, it has to be very light and be able to spin very fast."

In photos: NASA's Mars Perseverance rover mission to the Red Planet

Ingenuity weighs about 4 lbs. (1.8 kilograms) and has two counter-rotating blades that measure about 4 feet (1.2 meters) long. Those blades should spin at a rate of about 2,400 revolutions per minute, NASA said in Ingenuity's mission description.To test the helicopter, NASA simulated the Martian atmosphere in a testing chamber at the agency's Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena, California.

While Ingenuity is only an experimental mission its primary objective is to test powered flight on Mars a successful flight could shape the future of exploration on Mars.

For robotic missions like the Perseverance rover, helicopters could scout the Martian terrain and help plan driving routes. With that same aerial view, rotorcraft could also be used to study the planet's geology from a different perspective, and they could even help astronauts explore Mars someday, NASA said.

"This Mars helicopter Ingenuity could lead to the opening up of a whole new way to explore space" and to take "exploration missions to the aerial dimension," Aung said.

Email Hanneke Weitering at hweitering@space.com or follow her @hannekescience. Follow us on Twitter@Spacedotcom and onFacebook.

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The first interplanetary helicopter is on its way to Mars - Space.com

SpaceX: Crew Dragon is returning to Earth heres when to hold your breath – The Conversation UK

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The Crew Dragon spacecraft, produced by private company SpaceX, is scheduled to return from the International Space Station (ISS) and splash down in the Atlantic ocean on August 2. Contingent on a favourable weather forecast and a successful final week at the ISS, NASA astronauts Robert Behnken and Douglas Hurley will begin the undocking procedure on August 1, and re-enter Earths atmosphere the next day a total of 64 days since lift off.

The historic launch took place on May 30 from NASAs Kennedy Space Center in Florida, marking the first time a commercial space company has carried humans into orbit around Earth. But while the launch was a nail-biting experience to watch, reentry will be even more risky presenting a tense moment for mission control. SpaceX founder Elon Musk said that the reentry is indeed his biggest concern.

The joint SpaceX and NASA mission was successful in docking with the ISS, so that astronauts could complete scientific and maintenance work, including four spacewalks.

Importantly, the missions primary purpose is to test and demonstrate the vehicles capability to safely carry crew to and from Earth orbit, as the first step in the plan of commencing regular ISS missions and commercial space flights.

The extreme velocities and temperatures the vehicle must endure present a major challenge to engineers and makes reentry the most perilous part of a mission.

The danger starts with finding the right angle of the trajectory as the spacecraft enters the upper atmosphere. If it is too steep, the astronauts will experience potentially fatal g-forces, and the friction of the air drag could cause the spacecraft to explode. If it is too shallow, the capsule will instead catastrophically skip off the atmosphere and back into Earth orbit.

The spacecraft will enter the upper atmosphere at 27,000km/hour. That is 7.5km/second, or more than 20 times the speed of sound. In whichever units you prefer this is fast. At these velocities, a very strong shock wave forms around the front of the vehicle, compressing and superheating the air. Managing the immense thermal load is a huge reentry engineering challenge.

At the most extreme stage, the temperature of the air in the shock layer exceeds 7,000C. By comparison, the temperature at the surface of the Sun is around 5,500C. This makes the vehicles heat shield so hot that it starts to glow a process called incandescence. SpaceXs new and advanced PICA-X material heat shield has managed to protect the capsule in test flights, later being recovered in a very charred state.

The air molecules around the vehicle also break down into positively charged atoms and free electrons a so-called plasma. When some of the molecules recombine, excess energy is released as photons (light particles) giving the air around the vehicle an amber glow.

This plasma layer may be beautiful, but it can cause radio blackouts. When an electron travels along a conductive wire, we have electricity. Similarly, when free electrons move through the plasma around the vehicle, we have an electric field. If the electric field becomes too strong, it can reflect and attenuate the radiowaves trying to reach the spacecraft.

Blackout not only leads to a loss of connection to on-board crew and flight data, it can also make remote control and guidance impossible. The Apollo missions, the Mars Pathfinder and the recent, failed 2018 Soyuz rocket launch all incurred communications blackout on the order of minutes. NASA mission control are anticipating a nervous six minutes of blackout during the peak heating phase of Crew Dragons return if anything goes wrong during this time, its in the hands of the astronauts.

Another risky stage is the parachute-assisted landing. The Crew Dragon will deploy four parachutes upon the final stage of reentry, as the vehicle descends toward a gentle splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean off the coast of Florida. This manoeuvre has been tested by SpaceX 27 times prior to next weeks crewed landing, so it should work.

A successful landing will have huge implications lowering the cost of space exploration through the use of reusable rockets and enabling private space exploration. While SpaceX engineered the Crew Dragon vehicle under contract to NASA, the company is free to use the spacecraft for commercial flights without NASA involvement after operational certification.

SpaceX has a partnership with commercial aerospace company Axiom Space, which has the ultimate goal of building the worlds first commercial space station. The proposed commercial activities for the station are broad: from in-space research and manufacturing to space exploration support.

Then there is space tourism. Private citizens are already queuing for their ticket to space, and with a successful Crew Dragon splashdown, they wont be waiting long. American space tourism company, Space Adventures (partnered with SpaceX), are planning to offer zero-gravity atmospheric flights, orbital flights with a spacewalk option and laps of the Moon by late 2021.

Read more: Elon Musks Starship may be more moral catastrophe than bold step in space exploration

Whether the costs, environmental impact and dangers of spaceflight is justified for space tourism is debatable. As this articles shows, the required safety briefing for Space Adventure ticket holders will be much more comprehensive than your regular please take a moment to read the safety card in the seat pocket in front of you.

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‘On our way to Mars’: NASA rover to look for signs of life – The Daily Times

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A United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket lifts off from pad 41 at the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station Thursday, July 30, 2020, in Cape Canaveral, Fla. The mission will send a Mars rover to the Red Planet to search for signs of life, explore the planet's geology and much more. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. The biggest, most sophisticated Mars rover ever built a car-size vehicle bristling with cameras, microphones, drills and lasers blasted off for the red planet Thursday as part of an ambitious, long-range project to bring the first Martian rock samples back to Earth to be analyzed for evidence of ancient life.

NASAs Perseverance rode a mighty Atlas V rocket into a clear morning sky in the worlds third and final Mars launch of the summer. China and the United Arab Emirates got a head start last week, but all three missions should reach their destination in February after a journey of seven months and 300 million miles.

The plutonium-powered, six-wheeled rover will drill down and collect tiny geological specimens that will be brought home in about 2031 in a sort of interplanetary relay race involving multiple spacecraft and countries. The overall cost: more than $8 billion.

NASAs science mission chief, Thomas Zurbuchen, pronounced the launch the start of humanitys first round trip to another planet.

Oh, I loved it, punching a hole in the sky, right? Getting off the cosmic shore of our Earth, wading out there in the cosmic ocean, he said. Every time, it gets me.

In addition to potentially answering one of the most profound questions of science, religion and philosophy Is there or has there ever been life beyond Earth? the mission will yield lessons that could pave the way for the arrival of astronauts as early as the 2030s.

Theres a reason we call the robot Perseverance. Because going to Mars is hard, NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine said just before liftoff. In this case, its harder than ever before because were doing it in the midst of a pandemic.

Shortly after liftoff, Perseverance unexpectedly went into safe mode, a sort of protective hibernation, after a temperature reading triggered an alarm. But deputy project manager Matt Wallace later said that the spacecraft appeared to be in good shape, with its temperatures back within proper limits, and that NASA will probably switch it back to its normal cruise state within a day or so.

Everything is pointing toward a healthy spacecraft ready to go to Mars and do its mission, he said.

NASAs deep-space tracking stations also had some difficulty locking onto signals from Perseverance early in the flight but eventually established a solid communication link, Wallace said.

The U.S., the only country to safely put a spacecraft on Mars, is seeking its ninth successful landing on the planet, which has proved to be the Bermuda Triangle of space exploration, with more than half of the worlds missions there burning up, crashing or otherwise ending in failure.

China is sending both a rover an orbiter. The UAE, a newcomer to outer space, has an orbiter en route.

Its the biggest stampede to Mars in spacefaring history. The opportunity to fly between Earth and Mars comes around only once every 26 months when the planets are on the same side of the sun and about as close as they can get.

The launch went off on time at 7:50 a.m. despite a 4.2-magnitude earthquake 20 minutes before liftoff that shook NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, which is overseeing the rover.

Launch controllers at Cape Canaveral wore masks and sat spaced apart because of the coronavirus outbreak, which kept hundreds of scientists and other team members away from Perseverances liftoff.

That was overwhelming. Overall, just wow! said Alex Mather, the 13-year-old Virginia schoolboy who proposed the name Perseverance in a NASA competition and watched the launch in person with his parents.

About an hour into the flight, controllers applauded, pumped their fists, exchanged air hugs and pantomimed high-fives when the rocket left Earths orbit and began hurtling toward Mars.

We have left the building. We are on our way to Mars, Perseverances chief engineer, Adam Steltzner, said from JPL.

If all goes well, the rover will descend to the Martian surface on Feb. 18, 2021, in what NASA calls seven minutes of terror, during which the craft will go from 12,000 mph to a complete stop. It is carrying 25 cameras and a pair of microphones that will enable Earthlings to vicariously tag along.

Perseverance will aim for Jezero Crater, a treacherous, unexplored expanse of boulders, cliffs, dunes and possibly rocks bearing the chemical signature of microbes from what was a lake more than 3 billion years ago. The rover will store half-ounce rock samples in dozens of super-sterilized titanium tubes.

It also will release a mini helicopter that will attempt the first powered flight on another planet, and test out other technology to prepare the way for future astronauts. That includes equipment for extracting oxygen from Mars thin carbon-dioxide atmosphere.

The plan is for NASA and the European Space Agency to launch a dune buggy in 2026 to fetch the rock samples, plus a rocket ship that will put the specimens into orbit around Mars. Then another spacecraft will capture the orbiting samples and bring them home.

Samples taken straight from Mars, not drawn from meteorites discovered on Earth, have long been considered the Holy Grail of Mars science, according to NASAs now-retired Mars czar, Scott Hubbard.

To definitively answer the life-beyond-Earth question, the samples must be analyzed by the best electron microscopes and other instruments, far too big to fit on a spacecraft, he said.

Ive wanted to know if there was life elsewhere in the universe since I was 9 years old. That was more than 60 years ago, Hubbard said from his Northern California cabin. But just maybe, Ill live to see the fingerprints of life come back from Mars in one of those rock samples.

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'On our way to Mars': NASA rover to look for signs of life - The Daily Times

KOTG: Mass testing at McCrossan Boys Ranch, FBI phone scam and cooler weather in the forecast – KELOLAND.com

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KOTG: Mass testing at McCrossan Boys Ranch, FBI phone scam and cooler weather in the forecast - KELOLAND.com

Global space economy grows to $423.8 billion in 2019 – Geospatial World

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Combined Activity in Government Spending and Commercial Revenue has Jumped 73% in the Last Decade, According to Newest Analysis from Space Foundation

The global space economy in 2019 grew more than $9 billion over the previous year, reaching $423.8 billion, according to new findings published by Space Foundations 2020 second-quarter issue ofThe Space Report.

Economic analysis also found:

For more than a decade,The Space Reporthas been widely recognized as the definitive body of information about the global space industry. It contains worldwide space research and data relating to the industrys economy, infrastructure, and workforce, and also details the diverse benefits of space exploration. The report is a resource for government and business leaders, educators, financial analysts, students, space-related companies, and media.

Among the other findings released inThe Space Report 2020, Q2issue:

Space Foundations Research & Analysis team producesThe Space Reportquarterly to provide regular updates on global space activity.

This is the account of the Newsdesk team at Geospatial Media. Reach us at newsdesk [@] geospatialmedia.net or call us on +91-120-4612500

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Global space economy grows to $423.8 billion in 2019 - Geospatial World

Report proposes actions to strengthen US space industry and military capabilities – SpaceNews

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One of the narratives in the report is that the United States is at risk of being displaced by China as the world's space superpower.

WASHINGTON A group of more than 120 experts from the U.S. military, government space agencies and the private sector issued a report July 28 calling for investments in technology and education to ensure the United States remains the dominant space power.

The 86-page report, State of the Space Industrial Base 2020: A Time for Action to Sustain U.S. Economic & Military Leadership in Space, summarizes the results of a May conference led by the Defense Innovation Unit, the Air Force Research Laboratory, the U.S. Space Force and NewSpace New Mexico.

One of the narratives in the report is that the United States is at risk of being displaced by China as the worlds leader in space exploration and use of space for economic development. It suggests the U.S. could meet that challenge by increasing its support of the commercial space industry and giving the military a bigger role in protecting civilian and private sector space assets.

China is committed and credible in its pledge to become the leading, global superpower, to include space, by 2049 marking the 100 th anniversary of the Peoples Republic, the report says. A key component of Chinas strategy is to displace the U.S. as the leading power in space and lure U.S. allies and partners away from US-led space initiatives.

A central recommendation in the report is for the U.S. to develop a guiding national vision for space industrialization and national space development.

Other recommendations:

Expand role of U.S. Space Force The report recommends a broader role for the U.S. Space Force protecting U.S. commercial and civil space capabilities, commerce and civil infrastructure in the space domain, similarly to how the U.S. Navy protects the global maritime commerce. Clarity on this issue will drive commercial confidence for a more rapid expansion of U.S. space entrepreneurial activity, says the report.

The Space Force also could help support Americas return to the moon by providing safety of navigation services in cislunar space. The Space Force should articulate its role in planetary defense, the report says. Such a role could accelerate Americas edge in asteroid mining and in-space transportation. In this context, the Space Force would be like the Army Corps of Engineers, helping accelerate the development of critical infrastructure.

Support domestic space industry The industry has been financially damaged by the COVID-19 pandemic and the full extent of the crisis is still unclear. The U.S. government could encourage investments in the space industry in the form of bonds, a space commodities exchange and a government commitment to procure products and services through such an exchange.

Include allies and partners in space development efforts China is trying to lure U.S. allies through offers of joint participation in the development of global platforms and international infrastructure and wealth, including space development. In response, the U.S. should deepen ties with allies and partners in space development projects.

Increase investment in STEM education The U.S. government should provide incentives to fill the demand for talent. One suggestion could be a STEM ROTC with targeted undergraduate scholarships for U.S. citizens in return for working in STEM in the United States after graduation. NASAs Artemis program will require an additional 10,000 STEM graduates for civil needs alone, with more needed to support the Space Force.

Suggestions to the private sector:

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Love the US Space & Rocket Center? #SaveSpaceCamp now – Bham Now

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Sunset over an old Space Shuttle in Huntsville. Photo via the U.S. Space & Rocket Centers Facebook page

Never in a million years would I have imagined the U.S. Space & Rocket Center in Huntsville and its beloved Space Camp programs could be a casualty of COVID-19. But unless they raise $1.5 million dollars, both will have to close permanently in October. We reached out to people here in Birmingham to find out how Space Camp shaped them and why we all need to do our part to save the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, an irreplaceable national treasure. #SaveSpaceCamp now.

Long story short, according to Ben Chandler, Chairman of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center Foundation and a Space Camp alum:

the coronavirus pandemic has devastated our revenue stream, and without your support, were on a trajectory to have to close the doors of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center museum, Space Camp and its sister programs sometime in October of this year. Our organization, our beloved Space Camp, and the U.S. Space & Rocket Center museum does not qualify for federal, state or local relief. Its up to us. We have to save Space Camp. We have to raise $1.5 million by October to ensure that the museum stays operational and so that Space Camp can reopen in the Spring of 2021.

Go to spacecamp.com to give now.

We reached out to Dennis Leonard of Birmingham-based EDPA (Economic Development Partnership of Alabama) to find out what more about the impact of the U.S. Space & Rocket Center on the state. Heres what he said:

The U.S. Space and Rocket is Center is a shining jewel brilliantly highlighting Alabamas leadership in winning the first Space Race and in rocketing towards winning the second.

Dr. Wernher Von Braun led 400,000 engineers from Huntsville, in building NASAs Apollo program, which led to the greatest innovation in the 20thCentury, the Apollo 11 Moonshot and landing.

The US Space and Rocket Center pays homage to this otherworldly accomplishment while remaining a symbol of American ingenuity and investment, all solely centered in our great state.

The capital investment made alone in the more than 300 aerospace and defense contractors, the countrys second largest research park, Redstone Arsenal, NASA, and now Blue Origin, Dynetics, and United Launch Alliance is an economic development juggernaut unseen in the rest of the country.

Heres how John Nerger, Chair of the Alabama Space Science Exhibit Commission, which is the board that oversees the U.S. Space & Rocket Center, opened todays press conference:

The coronavirus pandemic has created a dire situation at our beloved Space & Rocket Center and we are now struggling for our very survival.

We closed in mid-March to comply with state health orders. Our museum opened in late May with limited attendance. Space Camp resumed in late-June at a mere 20% of capacity to abide by safe distancing requirements.

Low attendance has meant a 2/3 reduction in revenue, an amount that means we are not financially viable.

Space Camp will have to close its week-long programs again in September due to the lack of enrollment from our international students and our school groups.

We continue to seek local, state and federal assistance, but we realize their ability to help is limited. We just cannot afford to wait for someone wearing a cape to swoop in and rescue us.

Therefore, we are doing a couple of things that are essential for protecting the Center, for protecting Space Camp, and making it possible for both to reopen and rise again in 2021.

First, we are cutting costs, drastically. Sadly, this means letting go over 90% of our valued personnel.

Second, we are turning to the public and the communitywhether local, in our state, across the country and even overseasfor help, immediate help.Thats why we are launching our Save Space Camp campaign today. The campaign to Save Space Camp must raise a minimum of $1.5m to keep the U.S. Space & Rocket Center open past October, which is when we run out of money, and allow us to reopen Space Camp next April.

The program here is far too important to both young and old, but especially our young people. Anyone who sees how vital space, science, engineering and education are to the future of this country and even the future of humanity, we simply must save Space Camp. There is no other option.

Other impacts of a potential closure, according participants at the press conference, include:

Do you know people whove been to Space Camp? With one million alums across the globe, its likely that you do. As for me, Ive never heard anyone say it was anything less than life changing. In fact, its the sort of program my husband and I have talked about wanting to send our own kids to one day.

Dennis Leonard of EDPA said this about the importance of Space Camp to our state:

Space Camp is certainly an economic development attraction and tourism destination. There is only one Space Camp in the US and two others in the world. We attract space campers from all 50 states and 150 countries around the world who are intrigued by space, are motivated by STEM and STEAM education, and who themselves want to be space explorers. If the US Space and Rocket Center, along with Space Camp, were to close, we would lose this youthful engagement, the allure of future students wanting to attend Alabama colleges and universities, and the likelihood of talent attraction for our multidimensional workforce.

I reached out to two Birmingham-area leaders who are both space camp alums to find out what it means to them, and here is what they said.

The Space and Rocket Center is more to me than a tourist destination. It IS the reason I became a meteorologist. As a middle school student I attended The Space Academy in Huntsville where my eyes were opened to the world of space.

I fell in love with science because of Space Camp. From there, I decided I would like to study earths atmosphere and become a meteorologist. Literally, if it wasnt for Space Camp, Im not sure I would be where I am today.

I have vivid memories of my missions, my experiences, and my role as CAPCOM (Capsule Communicator) at Space Camp.

I dream of the day when my kids can attend. At space camp, kids are inspired, taught, challenged, and build lasting friendships. Its a world class program focused on growing our next generation of leaders, scientists, engineers, and innovators.

In a state that doesnt have the best reputation for being ahead of the curve academically, having NASA, and the Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville has been a huge source of pride.

It has given us a means to put our best foot forwardone of science, innovation, and exploration to share with the rest of the world through tourism and Space Camp, inviting commerce and investment in our state.

As incredible new innovations are in progress even here in Birmingham, how often we hear the term moonshot. This will be our moonshot. That turn of phrase carries with it an expectation that science is still important in Alabamathat inspiring our businesses, entrepreneurs, andchildrento reach for the moon and beyond really matters.

In one incredible place in Alabama children can be inspired, practice teamwork, be exposed to people from around the globe and all the good that entails, and truly experience how math and science apply in daily life. Its incredible, and its RIGHT HERE in our back yard. We should be EXPANDING on that, not contemplating eliminating it.

Who doesnt have memories of going to the U.S. Space & Rocket Center when they were a kid? What parent doesnt love watching their own kids hop into lunar modules, eat lunch underneath a Space Shuttle, or enjoy the outdoor rides among real rockets?

Heres why we need to help save it:

Alabamas US Space and Rocket Center is theonlyfacility like it in the US, and it was Dr. Von Brauns brainchild to challenge young, visiting minds with the center.

We must make a multi-year investment in saving the US Space and Rocket Center to preserve history, immerse visitors and campers in the infinite challenges of space exploration, and retain Alabamas singular leadership role in leading the space race which now includes the protection of our telecommunications systems, global defense, and scientific achievement.

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Love the US Space & Rocket Center? #SaveSpaceCamp now - Bham Now

Space Photonics Opportunities Abound As NASA Renews Moon And Planetary Exploration Market: Future Scenarios and Business Opportunity Analysis COVID-19…

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Report Highlights

The recentramp-up by NASAas it revitalizes its commitment to the Moon, Mars and other planetary exploration is providing new opportunities for companies involved in optics and photonics. This report examines the new technical challenges in space photonics and optics, and the spillover to manufactured products, which is both exciting and well recognized.

Reports Includes:

An overview of spacephotonics opportunities at NASAfor revitalizing Moon, Mars and other planetary exploration initiatives Coverage of pre-Artemis Moon scientific missions and photonics Comparative study on space-made vs. earth-made optical fibres Knowledge about Lunar Crater Observing and Sensing Satellite (LCROSS), the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) and the Lunar Atmosphere and Dust Environment Explorer (LADEE).

Summary

Request for Report Sample:https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/sample/13038

The recent ramp-up by NASA as it revitalizes its commitment to the Moon, Mars and other planetary exploration initiatives is providing new opportunities for companies involved in optics and photonics. Astronomy and optics go all the way back to Galileos telescope, and instruments including the spectrometer date back to the first days of the NASA space program. The potential spin-off effects of these activities are the stuff of marketing dreams. Who among us is not delighted by the transition from room-sized valve driven mainframe computers to semiconductors? Or memory foam mattresses, infrared thermometers, freeze dried ice cream, solar cells, Bowflex exercising and water filtration recycling systems? In optics, the tracking system for LASIK eye surgery owes a debt to velocity and range imaging LADAR first used for docking spacecraft.

Unlike the outcomes of the programs leading to the first Moon mission, Mercury-Gemini-Apollo, the program here is far longer lasting and the scope is far greater. NASAs intent is not just to land on the Moon, but to develop the Moon as a launching pad where water and rocket fuelamong other things can be mined indigenously, and space exploration to Mars and beyond can occur.

More Info of ImpactCovid19@https://www.trendsmarketresearch.com/report/covid-19-analysis/13038

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Space Photonics Opportunities Abound As NASA Renews Moon And Planetary Exploration Market: Future Scenarios and Business Opportunity Analysis COVID-19...

Supporters Of Expanded Gambling Turn In Signatures For 2020 Crowded Ballot Full Of Hotly Contested Issues – CBS Denver

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DENVER (CBS4) Colorado could see more types of casino games and higher bet limits. Supporters of a measure that would allow gaming towns to raise the stakes and legalize new games turned in signatures this week. Right now, if casinos in Colorado want to raise the limit on how much people can bet, the whole state has to approve it.

Under the ballot measure, only Black Hawk, Central City and Cripple Creek would have a say.

The economies of the three communities have been hit hard by COVID-19. Residents like Michelle Joyce believe the ballot measure could be a lifeline, Were the ones who voted gaming in in the first place. Were the ones who live and die by it.

Colorado is one of only two states to limit bets. The cap here is $100. In addition to raising the stakes, the initiative would also allow those who live in the three mountain towns to legalize new games.

Steve Boulter who says he helped bring gaming to Cripple Creek 30 years ago says they will, I believe that the industry has been wonderful for the renovation of town and the creation of jobs and I think its a natural step in our growth process.

But Jeff Hunt, Director of Colorado Christian Universitys Centennial Institute, says its not right for someone to lose their house in a single bet, Casinos are going to make a lot more money off the backs of Colorado families suffering from addiction.

David Farahi, CEO of Monarch Casino and Resort, says he wants to stop gambling addicts too, We have a responsibility regardless of the bet limit to help identify people who are gambling irresponsibly.

Farahi says the measure is about keeping tax revenue in Colorado, By no stretch of the imagination are we thinking that everyone is going to stop going to Las Vegas. But if we can get some portion of those people to stay and play in Colorado, it benefits the whole state.

While signatures for the gambling measure need to be verified, several other controversial have already made the November ballot. Coloradans will decide whether to require proof of citizenship to vote, ban late term abortions, reintroduce grey wolves, elect the president based on the national popular vote, increase taxes on nicotine and tobacco products and change how property taxes are assessed.

Supporters of two other measures, to lower the income tax rate and require voter approval for fee increases, turned in petitions today. Signatures are due Monday.

One familiar issue that wont be on the 2020 ballot is oil and gas. Both sides agreed to a truce while new regulations are implemented.

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Supporters Of Expanded Gambling Turn In Signatures For 2020 Crowded Ballot Full Of Hotly Contested Issues - CBS Denver

Can Crypto Technology Expand Interest in the Real Money Gambling Industry? – hackernoon.com

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@ks.shilovKirill

Blockchain enthusiast developer and writer. My telegram: ksshilov

Gambling has always been a polarizing topic, and online gambling has only made opinions flare even stronger on both sides of the fence. One side fears that websites are not being entirely honest and could be cheating customers, while the other side believes that the convenience of online gambling may cause those who are borderline addicts to tip into a downward spiral of debt.

The beauty of this situation is that both sides (and many more) will find comfort in the techniques being implemented in the online gambling world thanks to blockchain technology. Through the utilization of decentralized, blockchain-based technology, the gambling industry will be able to transform into a fair, transparent, and safe environment for all.

From fancy casinos to spending a night with friends playing cards, onlineslot machines, and everything between, gambling finds its way into ourlives. Humans have been gambling for thousands of years and they show no signs of stopping anytime soon.

Yet even with this clear interest in gambling, there are still many people who find the entire practice despicable.

Gambling has a bad reputation, and youll often hear people say the house always wins. This statement is referring to two different ideas: the first being that the house always has the best odds of winning, and second, that anyone who gambles risks far more than the establishment they bet against.

Blockchain technology is very new and exciting. Although it feels like it could be a possible cure-all for the iGaming industry, will it be able to provide games with the same ease and entertainment that the current online websites do? There is a certain merit to using cryptocurrencies for an online gambling website, but after the initial awe wears off manyusers may want to revert to traditional gambling websites. But even in the event that this scenario comes to pass, there are still several reasons why the iGaming industry should work hard to keep itself decentralized:

Blockchain technology isnt magic, of course, and it cant automatically fix the iGaming industry. But what it can do instead is create a healthy ecosystem of decentralized nodes that support specific online gambling websites, prevent the need for sensitive customer information through the use of smart contracts, allow for greater profits since the house will more often have the same odds as the players, and make money through various means instead of strictly through players losing. This change in mentality throughout the industry has the potential to lead toseveral positive changes, particularly the change of total transparency; the rules, how much information is being collected (and for what), and exactly what the winning numbers/cards/slot chances are.

But are all of these changes positive? At first glance, there appears to bea few negative outcomes in regards to blockchain implementation, like forcing users to learn how to use cryptocurrency wallets and deal in cryptocurrency. The games themselves may be altered if they are run through smart contracts since the third party element will be removed, but even with the small shifts in the way the underlying architecture ofthe games function, the enjoyment will remain the same. Think of it more in the sense of playing cards with your friends instead of playing cards at a casino. In some cases the level of excitement and enjoyment may grow alongside larger jackpots, faster payouts, and an all around more transparent gambling experience.

Decentralized iGaming platforms will certainly be a great option for gamblers seeking to experience blockchain-based alternatives for a number of reasons. Gambling on a decentralized platform is far safer foruser data since customers dont have to send in their credit card information, personal address, or other sensitive data. Specifically, Luckchemy will also offer far larger percentages of jackpots than modernlotteries, and with everything being traced through smart contracts andblockchains, customers can rest assured knowing that they are being given fair odds in their gambling endeavors.

Blockchain enthusiast developer and writer. My telegram: ksshilov

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Can Crypto Technology Expand Interest in the Real Money Gambling Industry? - hackernoon.com

Gambling industry announcement and partnership roundup – July 30, 2020 – CalvinAyre.com

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In the fast moving world of gambling, sometimes you might miss news that could be important to you. To make sure youre all caught up on gaming industry news, be it online or brick and mortar, were rounding up the some of the announcements and partnerships from the last week that you might have missed.

Dont miss out on all of the latest announcements. Our Press Release section is updated constantly.

Smarkets introducesbetting exchange to Swedish market

Betting exchange Smarkets has launched in Sweden after receiving approval from the national regulator. The London-headquartered company operates one of the worlds leading peer-to-peer platforms for trading on sport, politics and current affairs, and it is now available to users in Sweden atsmarkets.com.

Smarkets will become the second licensed betting exchange in Sweden, where online gaming and betting operators reported revenues of SEK14bn (1.2bn) in 2019, according to figures from regulator Spelinspektionen and the Swedish Tax Agency.

As well as its U.K. base, Smarkets also has offices in Los Angeles and Malta, and is one of the industrys only operators to own its full technology stack.

Scientific Games Extends Virtual Sports Content Reach with Launch of Legends Horse Racing

Scientific Games Corporation(NASDAQ: SGMS) (Scientific Games or the Company)has addedLegends Racing Seriesfrom Quantum Leap Solutions (QLS), in partnership with Racecourse Media Group (RMG)to itsOpenMarketsports content offering.

OpenMarketaggregates leading sports content from multiple providers into one platform that digital sportsbook operators access through a single integration. From e-sports to virtual sports, the depth and range of content available onOpenMarketspeeds up the innovation path for customers in regulated markets.

Legends Racing brings together the flat-racing stars from the last 50 years into a single database of 9,000 top-class horses, plus jockeys such as Lester Piggott, Willie Carson and Pat Eddery.

Legends Racing is the first daily virtual product to use real horses, in-depth form, jockeys and silks, with commentary provided by renowned racing commentator Mike Cattermole.

Lightning Box to supply games to Ruby Seven Studios

Specialist slots provider Lightning Box has agreed a deal with Ruby Seven Studios to supply the North American social casino gaming company with a range of its top performing games.

The agreement will see two of the Australian providers most popular titles,Chicken FoxandSilver Lioness 4x, go live on the operators social casino network in Q3 2020, including TropWorld Casino, Lucky North Casino and Best Bet Casino.

The new deal further expands Lightning Boxs North American footprint having launched with Loto Qubec in late 2019, British Columbia Lottery Corporation (BCLC) earlier this year and along with the 19 games already live in the NJ online market.

Red Rake Gaming releases on Baumbet.ro

Premium casino content creator, Red Rake Gaming has partnered with Baumbet to distribute their high-end and innovative suite of top performing casino games. Baumbet is an established brand in Romania where the recent partnership will provide Baumbet the distribution of top performing Red Rake titles and progressive tournament tool.

A selection of the top performing games will be made available to the Romanian licensed operators which include its records breakingSuper12Stars the non-stop, action packed slot which combines feature games and bonus rounds from all its predecessors in the Super series of games, all of which are firm favorites in the region. Additional titles from the diverse portfolio includeMillion 7 giving players a million ways to win,The Asp of Cleopatra,Ryan OBryanandMysteries of Egypt, to mention but a few.

The collaboration with Baumbet falls in line with Red Rake Gamings strategy of regulated market expansion and increasing its reach through the extensive positioning of Baumbet platform in Romanian market.

FeedConstruct partners with Infinity Cup to stream Air Hockey

FeedConstruct has partnered with Infinity Cup to become the first provider of air hockey live video streaming and betting markets.

The proactive widely popular game is not only fun to play, but also exciting to watch. With this in mind, FeedConstruct live streams the matches in HD quality, providing a daily coverage of 30 player vs player games to accompany 10+ betting markets. The fast and commonly-known gameplay is easy to follow which leads to a high growth potential for betting on air hockey and an increased number of bettors.

Just like any other video product covered in collaboration with Infinity Cup, live streaming of air hockey, a fresh addition to FeedConstructs ever-growing list of in-house broadcasts, has a clear objective of attracting and retaining players on the websites of operators.

Relax Gaming to go live with BetConstruct

Relax Gaming,igaming aggregator and supplier of unique content, has teamed up with BetConstruct to launch a selection of its proprietary and third-party games.

Top performing titles from the suppliers in-house portfolio will soon be available to the platforms operator network, includingTemple Tumble,Money TrainandSnake Arena,providing its online casino partners with a diverse range of games with proven success in European markets.

Leading content from Relaxs wide network of third-party studio partners is also set to launch, with quality slots from high-grade brands such as ReelPlay, Kalamba Games and Fantasma available through its aggregation platform.

The deal with BetConstruct follows a vast number of agreements signed by Relax with global operators in recent months and further cements its footprint in regulated markets across Europe.

Salsa Technology adds its Video Bingos to Betomall games platform

Salsa Technology is proud to announce that it has agreed a deal with software developer Betomall to integrate its market-leading Video Bingos portfolio onto its games platform.

Betomall provides sports betting and gaming solutions for betting shops and online operators via its standout platform. The hugely successful software developer launched in 2009 and is based in Cyprus.

The deal will see Betomall customers gain access to numerous titles, including Halloween Groove Bingo, Pachinko 3D and the Latin American classic Jogo dos Bichos Praia. Salsa Technologys propritary titles will be joining an extensive range of prestigious live casino games and slots available through Betomall.

Swintt extends partnership streak with Singular deal

Swintt, recently highly commended at the EGR B2B Awards, have extended their long streak of new partnerships by partnering with Singular.

Through the agreement, Singulars iGaming platform clients will have full access to Swintts entire product suite, covering over 50 games including the recently-launched spectacular Sea Raiders.

Swintts exclusive selection of land-based classics popular in European markets including Germany will also be served to Singular clients, as well as the Swintt Lite series. Built lightly to save on expensive data costs in maturing markets, Swintt Lite games are optimised for many of the markets Singular clients focus on.

Singular has won numerous awards in recent years and serve their sportsbook and iGaming platforms to numerous leading operators in the online sector, as well as operators in the retail sector.

Salsa Technology and Atomo Gaming form partnership bond

Salsa Technology and Atomo Gaming have joined forces to form an exciting content exchange partnership.

Atomo Gaming,a joint venture between ESA Gaming and Italtronic, will now have access toSalsa Technologys outstanding library of Video Bingos.Candy Bingo,Super Zodiac BingoandFarm Bingoare just a few of the popular games included in the deal.

The partnership will also seeESAs EasySwipegames portfolio integrated onto Salsa Technologys Game Aggregation Platform (GAP) and made available to operator partners in Latin America and beyond.

ESA Gamings EasySwipe product is a lightweight HTML5 mobile-first game family that integrates seamlessly into sportsbooks, allowing users to easily swipe in and out to enjoy the best quality casino games without disrupting the sports betting experience. Games include traditionalRouletteandBlackjackas well as the popular fruit-themed slotFruit Staxx.

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Gambling industry announcement and partnership roundup - July 30, 2020 - CalvinAyre.com

Online Gambling Market Research Report by Game, by Device, by Payment Mode – Global Forecast to 2025 – Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 – GlobeNewswire

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New York, July 29, 2020 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reportlinker.com announces the release of the report "Online Gambling Market Research Report by Game, by Device, by Payment Mode - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19" - https://www.reportlinker.com/p05941472/?utm_source=GNW

The Global Online Gambling Market is expected to grow from USD 53,686.56 Million in 2019 to USD 95,023.13 Million by the end of 2025 at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 9.98%.

Market Segmentation & Coverage:This research report categorizes the Online Gambling to forecast the revenues and analyze the trends in each of the following sub-markets:

"The Sports Betting is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period"

Based on Game, the Online Gambling Market studied across Bingo, Casino/Poker, Lottery, Social Gaming, and Sports Betting. The Sports Betting commanded the largest size in the Online Gambling Market in 2019, and it is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

"The Mobile is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period"

Based on Device, the Online Gambling Market studied across Desktop and Mobile. The Desktop commanded the largest size in the Online Gambling Market in 2019. On the other hand, the Mobile is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

"The Real Money is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period"

Based on Payment Mode, the Online Gambling Market studied across Real Money and Virtual Money. The Real Money commanded the largest size in the Online Gambling Market in 2019, and it is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

"The Asia-Pacific is projected to witness the highest growth during the forecast period"

Based on Geography, the Online Gambling Market studied across Americas, Asia-Pacific, and Europe, Middle East & Africa. The Americas region surveyed across Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, and United States. The Asia-Pacific region surveyed across Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, South Korea, and Thailand. The Europe, Middle East & Africa region surveyed across France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, United Arab Emirates, and United Kingdom. The Europe, Middle East & Africa commanded the largest size in the Online Gambling Market in 2019. On the other hand, the Asia-Pacific is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period.

Company Usability Profiles:The report deeply explores the recent significant developments by the leading vendors and innovation profiles in the Global Online Gambling Market including 888 Holdings PLC, Bet365 Group Ltd, BETSSON AB, Betway Group, Flutter Entertainment PLC, Fortuna Entertainment Group N.V, GVC Holdings PLC, Rhinoceros Operations Ltd, The Hong Kong Jockey Club, and The Stars Group Inc..

FPNV Positioning Matrix:The FPNV Positioning Matrix evaluates and categorizes the vendors in the Online Gambling Market on the basis of Business Strategy (Business Growth, Industry Coverage, Financial Viability, and Channel Support) and Product Satisfaction (Value for Money, Ease of Use, Product Features, and Customer Support) that aids businesses in better decision making and understanding the competitive landscape.

Competitive Strategic Window:The Competitive Strategic Window analyses the competitive landscape in terms of markets, applications, and geographies. The Competitive Strategic Window helps the vendor define an alignment or fit between their capabilities and opportunities for future growth prospects. During a forecast period, it defines the optimal or favorable fit for the vendors to adopt successive merger and acquisition strategies, geography expansion, research & development, and new product introduction strategies to execute further business expansion and growth.

Cumulative Impact of COVID-19:COVID-19 is an incomparable global public health emergency that has affected almost every industry, so for and, the long-term effects projected to impact the industry growth during the forecast period. Our ongoing research amplifies our research framework to ensure the inclusion of underlaying COVID-19 issues and potential paths forward. The report is delivering insights on COVID-19 considering the changes in consumer behavior and demand, purchasing patterns, re-routing of the supply chain, dynamics of current market forces, and the significant interventions of governments. The updated study provides insights, analysis, estimations, and forecast, considering the COVID-19 impact on the market.

The report provides insights on the following pointers:1. Market Penetration: Provides comprehensive information on the market offered by the key players2. Market Development: Provides in-depth information about lucrative emerging markets and analyzes the markets3. Market Diversification: Provides detailed information about new product launches, untapped geographies, recent developments, and investments4. Competitive Assessment & Intelligence: Provides an exhaustive assessment of market shares, strategies, products, and manufacturing capabilities of the leading players5. Product Development & Innovation: Provides intelligent insights on future technologies, R&D activities, and new product developments

The report answers questions such as:1. What is the market size and forecast of the Global Online Gambling Market?2. What are the inhibiting factors and impact of COVID-19 shaping the Global Online Gambling Market during the forecast period?3. Which are the products/segments/applications/areas to invest in over the forecast period in the Global Online Gambling Market?4. What is the competitive strategic window for opportunities in the Global Online Gambling Market?5. What are the technology trends and regulatory frameworks in the Global Online Gambling Market?6. What are the modes and strategic moves considered suitable for entering the Global Online Gambling Market?Read the full report: https://www.reportlinker.com/p05941472/?utm_source=GNW

About ReportlinkerReportLinker is an award-winning market research solution. Reportlinker finds and organizes the latest industry data so you get all the market research you need - instantly, in one place.

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Online Gambling Market Research Report by Game, by Device, by Payment Mode - Global Forecast to 2025 - Cumulative Impact of COVID-19 - GlobeNewswire

Illegal Gambling on the Rise in Austria – European Gaming Industry News

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Gambling technology company Playtech has extended its reach in the Czech Republic after expanding its partnership with operator Fortuna CZ. The partnership expansion will see the operator launching end-user versions of Playtechs Native Casino app.

Playtechs native app is fully customisable, including the option to add extra sections and promotions to the home screen, and offers support for 24 languages and a wide range of regulatory environments, with more being added. The launch of the Fortuna-branded version of the app, available for both Android and iOS, expands the omni-channel solution developed by Playtech for Fortunas Czech business earlier this year.

The app significantly increases the number of Casino games available to Fortuna CZ players, including popular slots such as Buffalo Blitz, White King and Ways of the Phoenix, plus a range of roulette and blackjack games.

Weve worked in close collaboration with the Fortuna CZ team to deliver bespoke versions of our Native Casino app to a robust timescale, and are delighted to be supporting the expansion of the brands Casino games portfolio. Removing the hosting obstacles that can come with wrapper-based games creates a flexibility that will allow Fortuna to continue to build on its game selection and enhance player experience. We look forward to continuing our collaboration on the upcoming approved projects, Anton Golikov, Program Manager at Playtech, said.

Weve been delighted with both the fast progress on the Native casino app project and the end result, which, as well as tackling potential technical restraints, opens up a true native experience for our players. We look forward to continuing to build on an excellent working relationship with Playtech, David Vozbal, Group Head of Product Development at Fortuna, said.

Since introducing our omni-channel solution to Fortuna in its core Czech market earlier this year, our partnership has gone from strength to strength. Were very pleased to have the Native casino app in place so quickly to seamlessly deliver such a wide range of Casino games and look forward to building on our relationship with Fortuna as a key strategic partner in the region, James Frendo, Director of Casino at Playtech, said.

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Illegal Gambling on the Rise in Austria - European Gaming Industry News

PA Gaming Review: Live! Casino Betting Apps, More Gambling Stocks On the Way – Play Pennsylvania

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Busy week in Pennsylvania gaming news, but much of it about behind the scenes financial plans and adding to the online casino and sports betting market.

Meanwhile, just as sports and sports wagering came back, the Phillies got benched due to positive virus tests for many visiting Marlins players.

Also in PA, one OTB site closed forever, a victim of the virus and changing gambling habits.

While the Cordish Companies Live! Casino brand is new to PA, the privately-held Maryland company is bullish on the Keystone State.

Newly-hired executive VP Joe Billhimer this week told PlayPennsylvania the company hopes to launch its online casino and sportsbook in mid-August. Thats well ahead of its virus-delayed brick and mortar projects, which include amini-casinoin suburbanPittsburgh and a full-sized casino in Philly.

Billhimer also reiterated the news PlayPennsylvaniabroke recently that Live! intends to bid for an available mini-casino license on Sept. 2, with bidding starting at $7.5 million. He declined to name the locations, which must be named as part of the bid.

The current mini-site under construction should open in the fall and the Philly site in early 2021.

The biggest action involving sportsbooks is behind-the-scenes financial scrambling as Golden Nugget, MGM, William Hill, and Rush Street prep to take their online operations public.

Their moves follow the course set by DraftKings earlier in the year. That stock has taken off.

Johnny Avello, director of operations atDraftKings, was jazzed about the return of sports wagering.

Futures betting looked strong. Fans were eager for baseball, which mostly began with three-game series.

And then it turned out the virus also came to the visitors dugout along with the Marlins on their trip to play the Phillies. Plans for the teams remain in limbo as testing continues.

Oaks Race & Sportsbook has closed up shop, a victim of the virus and also likely the advent of online wagering options. A customer service rep told PlayPA by phone that the closing is permanent.

And the South Philadelphia Race & Turf Club, a sister operation also run by Parx Casino just across the street from the coming Live! Philadelphia Casino remains shuttered, but without a word on its ultimate fate.

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PA Gaming Review: Live! Casino Betting Apps, More Gambling Stocks On the Way - Play Pennsylvania

I discovered my partner was a gambling addict, and stood by him – Metro.co.uk

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Dannys last bet was two years ago.

But I still think about gambling addiction, and the anxieties and worries it digs up, every day and probably always will.

I think about how my fiancs addiction has cost me more than money but my story is not one of doom, and fortunately Danny (not his real name, by the way) is in recovery now.

I was nave about gambling when we met. Occasionally I would get lottery tickets and I bet on the Grand National a few times, but that was it.

On our second date, Danny told me that he had previously had problems with gambling; hed ended up getting into debt but had wiped it off through a debt relief order and didnt do it anymore. At the time I appreciated that openness and honesty, but in hindsight, I simply didnt comprehend what his admission meant.

Our relationship was on again, off again for a few months, but after throwing myself into my degree at university we got back together, and by February 2018, Danny suggested moving in with me. I was ecstatic.

Financially, nothing seemed out of the ordinary. Wed always kept our money separate, and knew how much the other earned. We agreed a budget and that wed keep the bills in my name with Danny transferring me his half.

His first payday came and went, and no money appeared in my account. It made me feel incredibly anxious, but I didnt pester him I didnt want to nag.

Gambling didnt enter my mind. I was very trusting and didnt think Danny would be able to go back to it without me noticing.

A week passed, and when I eventually reminded him about the bills, I was met with promises or excuses. Hed lost his bank card; he couldnt access his online banking; he was definitely going into the branch to do it tomorrow.

Then on the morning of 9 March 2018, I received a notification that our online food order had been cancelled due to lack of available funds.

I rang Danny who told me he was at the bank sorting it out. That was the last I heard from him.When he didnt come home that night, I called his mum, who admitted she had discovered he was gambling again and told him that day that if he wasnt honest with me, she would be.

It wasnt until the next morning that Danny rang me from a payphone he had sold his phone in desperation after losing all his money and failing to win it back.

His dad went to get him and brought him home. Danny couldnt look me in the eye. He kept saying sorry, and that he was too scared to face me and tell me the truth. He had spent the night walking around in the rain.

Over the next few days, it was like watching a jigsaw come together before my eyes. I finally realised why we hadnt gone on that holiday, where that particular sum of money went why we had kept splitting up.

Danny had been terrified of committing to a future with me as he knew he wouldnt be able to hide his addiction.He had only agreed to move in with me because his parents had started to become suspicious of his behaviour.

I felt stupid and ashamed as the realisation crept in that wed been living a complete lie. I began to question everything about our relationship, about Danny, and about myself. I felt scared, insignificant and angry at the position he had put me in.

I ranted at him, but I was cautious not to put too big of a burden on Danny. He felt bad enough as it was and guilt-tripping him wouldnt help.

More than that, I loved him and knew that he needed my help. I wanted to protect him and support him. I had no clue how, but I was willing to try anything.

To begin with, Danny opted to return to the Gamblers Anonymous meetings he had attended years before. Then he handed over all his bank cards to meand self-excluded from all the gambling sites he had been using GAMSTOP, which blanket bans users from all online operators. It gave us both peace of mind.

Together, we went through the credit reports for payday loans he had taken out and agreed repayment plans with each.

I was added as an authorised person to act on his behalf but I felt out of my depth. When your partner is an addict, it isnt something you can just talk to your friends about not many people understand.Instead, I sought advice on online forums, which was a mistake.

Almost unanimously, other users told me that I had to walk away from the relationship as Danny would never change.

But I refused to accept that Danny wouldnt stop gambling. I felt that with the right support and attitude he could stop, and I was stubborn. If we worked together and remained positive, we could give it a good go.

Shortly after everything came out, I went through his bank statement from the previous two years. That day was one of the hardest of my life.It wasnt the amounts he had lost that shocked me but how often he had been gambling.

Payday always involved big deposits and big losses. Then there were all the transfers I and others had made to him; I remembered Danny asking to borrow money for everyday things. He had deposited each one straight into an online betting account.

On one day alone, there were over 100 individual bets on really obscure sports, some for just a few pence each and most at unsociable hours. Danny must have waited until I wasnt around or was asleep.

In my darkest moments, I did wonder if there was any hope at all, or any way out of this hole.

People focus on the money, but it is the emotional and mental impact on all those around the gambling addict that is most debilitating. Neither I nor Dannys parents trusted him and unease crept back suddenly whenever problems arose, or questions were asked. Doubt and fear took over at the slightest opportunity.

After my own mental health nosedived, I realised that I had been suppressing grief and stress, bottling everything up as I tried to hold our lives together. I knew I needed support too, so I joined Gam Anon (the sister group to Gamblers Anonymous which supports friends and families of addicts) and had telephone counselling.I had to take time for myself, and will be forever grateful for the way Danny helped me through that.

Today, Danny has a host of blocks in place on his bank account and he is barred from looking at certain content on his phone.

Sometimes there is tension over what he spends money on and in those moments, I cant help thinking back to advice I saw on one of those forums: Count everything, make him provide proof of every last penny spent!Yet my experience is that you must cling to the positives if you want to move forward.

So many good things have come out of Danny coming clean about his addiction: weve stayed together, extended our family, got engaged and booked our wedding.

Weve done things together as a family that we never could have before because he never had any spare cash. We are in a much better financial position we have savings and luckily for us, Dannys debts were not huge so they will be fully paid off by spring 2021.

I have spent a huge amount of time trying to understand the addiction, and what Ive learned has helped me to see that it is beyond the persons control. Nothing makes a person a gambling addict.The impact it has on relationships can be catastrophic, and living in addiction recovery takes hard work, patience, strength and determination. But it is also so rewarding. Lives can change for the better.

Its taken work from us both, but mostly Danny, and Im so glad we persevered.We try to break our lives down into one day at a time we cant control the future, only work with what we have.

Gamblers Anonymous offers free, confidential support to anyone who is, or may be struggling with gambling addiction. Visit the website, email info@gamblersanonymous.org.uk or call the national helpline on 0330 094 0322.

Friends and families can get help from GamAnon. Visit gamanon.org.uk.

GAMSTOP provides gamblers the ability to self-exclude from relevant websites. Visit gamstop.co.uk for more information.

Do you have a story youd like to share? Get in touch by emailing platform@metro.co.uk

Share your views in the comments below.

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I discovered my partner was a gambling addict, and stood by him - Metro.co.uk

Gambling Commissions changes to UK society lotteries now in effect – Gambling Insider – In-depth Analysis for the Gaming Industry

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The Gambling Commission has announced that changes to the rules and regulations regarding society and local authority lotteries have now come into effect in the UK.

The changes came into force on 29 July, which include increasing the size of society lotteries and greater transparency on spending, were announced in April following a consultation launched by the Gambling Commission last December, after a government review in July 2019.

In line with the governments recommended amendment to section 99 (3) of the Gambling Act 2005, the maximum amount of total winnings from an individual draw has risen from 4m ($5.19m) to 5m, with the maximum individual prize rising from 400,000 to 500,000. Additionally, the annual aggregate proceeds limit has increased to 50m, from 10m.

New requirements and guidance is now in place to provide transparent and clearer information to consumers on how much revenue is returned to the good causes, and which ones they are supporting.

Also, lotteries will now make clear how much is spent on prizes and how they are allocated, and the likelihood of winning a prize, to make the customer as informed as possible before participating.

The Gambling Commission licences more than 490 society lotteries, defined as important fundraising tools, which raised 332m for good causes in the 12 months to March 2019.

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Gambling Commissions changes to UK society lotteries now in effect - Gambling Insider - In-depth Analysis for the Gaming Industry

Ted Cheeseman lost hundreds of thousands through gambling addiction, but has now gone a year without a bet – talkSPORT.com

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Coming into 2019, Ted Cheeseman reigned as British super-welterweight champion with an unblemished record of 15-0 at just 23 years of age.

Bermondseys Big Cheese was now set to be fast tracked as an improving prospect and so found himself thrust into a European title bout against Spains Sergio Garcia.

The fight took place on February 2 the night it all came crashing down for Cheeseman.

He was comprehensively outclassed by Garcia and beaten from pillar to post for 12 long rounds.

The Spaniard retained his title by unanimous decision.

As he returned to the dressing room, Cheeseman took trainer Tony Sims to one side in a private room and emotionally confessed to the secret vice in his life.

For the last five/six years Ive gambled heavy, he revealed publicly in a Matchroom Born Fighter interview four months later.

Ive gambled a lot of money, I dont know if it affected my performance because I was winning.

But it was always moneys coming, moneys going, moneys coming, moneys going.

I was betting silly money, hundreds of thousands.

I always had just enough, I was always getting by because it was always coming.

I had good sponsors, I was earning good money through fighting.

It was killing me at some points, but knowing that I had another fight coming up Id think, Thats my purse, Ill get through the camp so Im sorted.

Then in the end, it was like every fight was just a stake.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom

When I was selling tickets Im getting money, so thats a stake, Ill go and gamble that.

All you ever do is chase what you lose.

I wouldnt like to put a number on it but its in the high hundreds of thousands, maybe touching a million.

Ive had a lot of money over the last five years, but Ive come from nothing so when you get it, it becomes an addiction.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom

Reflecting on the defeat to Garcia, he explained: That fight was a blessing in disguise because, if I won it, I wouldve went and got massive money for my next fight.

I wouldve done the exact same thing again and by the time my career finished I wouldve ended up with nothing.

After that fight I spoke to Tony and theres another man in the gym called Bryn and they both got me help.

Ive been going to meetings and stuff and Ive been clean since then.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom

It has now been over a year since Cheeseman made a bet of any kind, however the rest of 2019 was still not smooth sailing for the youngster.

He returned to the ring in June, dropping back down to defend his British title against Kieron Conway.

Despite most believing hed done enough to win, the bout was scored a draw.

Then, in October, Cheeseman put his belt on the line against the highly rated Scott Fitzgerald, who was fresh off a huge win over Anthony Fowler.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom

The bout was close and divided opinion, but Fitzgerald got the nod with a tight unanimous decision.

Cheeseman fumed in the immediate aftermath and alleged corruption. Hed started the year 15-0, but ended it 15-2-1.

In hindsight, he reflected: 2019 was a great life experience for me, a great experience in boxing.

I learned a lot. As much as I didnt get the decisions I felt I should have, and took a big defeat, I learned a lot in that year.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom

I was fighting through niggles, fighting through stresses.

I didnt want to deal with none of that because the thing I was focused on was getting more money.

Because I was so desperate as a gambling addict to push on and have the stake to gamble, I was putting my body through strain and not letting myself get to how it shouldve been.

Getty

Now, Cheeseman seeking a fresh start as boxing returns for the remainder of 2020.

The coronavirus pandemic has prevented him from returning to action as quickly as hed have liked, but thrown up new opportunities in the meantime.

Sam Eggington has arisen as the opponent for the Big Cheese to headline Eddie Hearns first show back.

It will take place in the Matchroom HQ back garden with the series titled Fight Camp.

Mark Robinson/Matchroom

He concluded: Without this lockdown I dont think this fight would happen, but now the times right so the fights happened.

Were both in the same sort of direction, whoever wins pushes on into a good direction.

I just feel Im the younger, fresher and more talented fighter.

Ill be hungrier and more determined than Sam, Im all round better, so thats why I think Ill win.

Saturday night will show whether Cheeseman is finally ready to get back on track.

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Ted Cheeseman lost hundreds of thousands through gambling addiction, but has now gone a year without a bet - talkSPORT.com

Comet NEOWISE UK: How to see Comet NEOWISE and the International Space Station tonight – Daily Express

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Astronomers all across the Northern Hemisphere have been tracking the comet's movements with great interest.

But the comet has already started to fade and once it passes out of sight, it will not return for at least 6,800 years.

Newcastle-based astronomer David Blanchflowert tweeted on Sunday, July 26: "Over one hour until #cometNEOWISE is faintly visible over the UK.

"Probably best to look for using binoculars now. Especially from an urban environment."

READ MORE:NASA astronauts space station anomaly admission exposed

The International Space Station will make a few passes over the UK this week and will be visible for a few minutes at a time.

According to the US space agency NASA, there will be potential sighting opportunities between Monday and Friday, when viewed from London.

You can visit NASA's official ISS tracker to see when the space station will be visible from your location.

On Monday, July 27, look for the ISS in the western skies at 9.44pm and 11.19pm.

The ISS should be visible as a fast-moving speck of light for five minutes and two minutes respectively.

On Tuesday, July 28, look for the ISS above the western horizon at 10.31pm. The ISS should be visible for about four minutes.

On Wednesday, July 29, the ISS should be visible for about five minutes and one minute from 9.44pm and 11.29pm, respectively, in the western and southwestern skies.

On Thursday, July 30, the ISS will cross the west-southwest skies for about three minutes from 10.33pm.

On Friday, July 31, look above the western horizon from 9.45pm for five minutes.

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Comet NEOWISE UK: How to see Comet NEOWISE and the International Space Station tonight - Daily Express

What a space mission to Mars can teach us about protecting planet Earth – Euronews

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Weve all heard the joke about NASA and the special space pen. Why did they not just use a pencil like the Russians?

Aside from the premise of this joke being essentially a myth, there is a bigger scientific misunderstanding behind it. The $1 million pens created for NASA could write in just about any situation you can imagine and, in fact, solved the problem of pencils being a potential fire hazard in the sealed environment of a spacecraft. A prescient concern for the organisation after the tragedy of the Apollo 1 test fire.

Youre probably wondering what on Earth space pens have to do with the link between journeying to Mars and protecting the environment - but bear with me. Peoples response, one of contempt at this alleged rampant overspending on pens, indicates a lack of knowledge about just how many different things have to be considered to make a mission out of the atmosphere safe and successful.

The International Space Station (ISS) which sits 400km above the Earths surface is a completely closed system. Space doesnt provide for basic human needs like air, water and food for astronauts so limited resources have to be managed in a circular way, making sure that the most value is gleaned from anything taken on board.

Things we take for granted, like a pencil, could prove to be a lethal hazard or just might not work in space as they do on Earth. As a result, all items have to be carefully considered before boarding, but with weight so strictly limited, every decision must also take efficiency into account.

When you think about it like this, we are ourselves, essentially, floating through space in a much larger version of the same system. To quote American futurist Richard Buckminster Fuller, We are all astronauts on a little spaceship called Earth. We have self-sustaining life support, limited resources and the need to get rid of waste in a way that means it doesnt pile up in every corner of the planet. We have to find ways to keep ourselves safe, just like astronauts do.

Much like the space pen, tech developed for extraterrestrial activities can be used to solve problems faced by humanity. The added challenge of long-term survival in space is one that has the potential to birth a wealth of helpful solutions with much broader applications than the ability to write whenever and wherever. But how exactly can this technology improve our lives on terrafirma?

Around the world, 72 countries have space agencies and 14 of those have launch capability. Here in Europe, the European Space Agency (ESA) has been trying to work out how to make a spacecraft a self-sustaining environment since the 1980s.

[Our] goal is to build the ultimate recycling machine, Rob Suters, co-founder of ESA programme MELiSSA tells Euronews Living. Founded in 1989 MELiSSA is an international effort made up of members from 60 different academic institutes, whose goal is to make long term human space travel, like a round trip to Mars, a real possibility.

The acronym stands for Micro-Ecological Life Support Alternative and the group has a multitude of projects that aim to help astronauts regenerate resources. This would prevent them from having to take everything they might need with them from Earth on long missions.

Strategically it makes more sense to develop a closed life support system as opposed to building bigger rockets and just bringing everything and deplete whats in stock, says Suters. As missions become longer, there could come a time when the rockets required to launch the supplies needed would have to be unreasonably large.

A space mission to Mars takes roughly three years to complete. With a crew of six astronauts, approximately 30 tons of supplies are required to provide for both the outward and return journey, he reveals. This includes minimal amounts of water, nutrients and oxygen.

To actually enable a space trip to Mars, or beyond, continuous recycling of resources, [...], in order to produce food, water and oxygen on site is a necessity.

To achieve this goal, the MELiSSA Foundation researches nine different areas including waste management, recycling and effective computer modelling. These nine domains cover problems like scarcity of resources, food production, water and clean air.

Suters here interjects that he hopes the parallels between spacecraft and planet Earth are becoming more clear. What he means is that being able to recreate a sealed ecosystem in which humans can survive benefits space travel, sure. But the technology that results from it could also benefit those who live in parts of the world where water or even clean air are not easy to find.

The knowhow and findings are of direct relevance to Earth because essentially the challenges that we have in space are identical to the ones we have on Earth, he says. Consequently so are the solutions that are designed for space, very often with modifications including upscaling of course.

One example of this can be found at the University of Kenitra in Morocco. Systems which recycle wastewater originally developed for astronauts on the ISS are now being used to create drinking water for a school. The principles behind the organic membranes, which use bacteria, algae and other filters to remove nitrates from groundwater in the area, were created by MELiSSA. With holes 700 times finer than a single strand of human hair, they can easily filter out unwanted compounds with very little ongoing maintenance required.

If this works well for the school, the ESA says that the technology could be scaled up to provide clean drinking water for the entire surrounding village of Sidi Tabi. This could also bring Morocco closer to meeting UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean water and sanitation.

Perhaps a slightly less expected application for the work MELiSSA does can be found at La Trappe Brewery in the Netherlands. It is one of Suters favourite projects and is a test facility for circular water recovery essential to the self-sustaining life support systems.

Using a bioreactor filled with over 2,000 different species of microorganisms, wastewater from the brewery can be recovered to irrigate crops or added to the beer-making process itself. Carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus can also be recovered and turned into plant fertiliser or even human food. It may not be providing clean water to highly polluted villages but it all helps to lessen the impact of the brewery on the surrounding area - making its operation more sustainable and circular.

Its not difficult to see, then, how these problems of spending years in space and the technology developed to solve them can have substantial environmental benefits. As Suters concludes, We are all space travellers as the planet moves across the universe and our planet is our spacecraft, except that obviously we didnt build it, but still have to look after it.

We need to start treating our planet in the same way an astronaut would treat his or her precious space habitat.

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What a space mission to Mars can teach us about protecting planet Earth - Euronews

Comet NEOWISE and International Space Station UK tracker – how to see the comet tonight – Cambridgeshire Live

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This weekend presents one of the final chances to see Comet NEOWISE in the skies over Cambridgeshire - and if that's not enough, the International Space Station will also be visible.

While the comet was at its brightest on Thursday and Friday nights, it will still be visible over Saturday and Sunday (July 25 and 26), before gradually fading from view over the course of the remainder of July.

It's one of the brightest comets to pass over the Earth in recent history, making it easy to spot without a telescope or binoculars.

The experts say that the comet can be seen best approximately two hours after sunset and to track it down, first you need to find a constellation in the night sky.

Space.com says to find The Plough, also known as the Big Dipper, and go approximately 15 degrees, or one and half fists, down and to the lower left of the bottom of the "bowl" of the constellation.

The comet was at its closest to the Earth on Thursday but by tonight (Saturday July 25) the comet will have moved so that it is directly underneath the Plough.

The International Space Station (ISS) orbits the Earth about 16 times a day at a height of 400 km.

There will be three opportunities to see it on Saturday night and after that it will not be visible again until Sunday.

The times are:

Saturday, July 25, 9.43pm

Saturday, July 25, 10.30pm

Saturday, July 25, 11.18pm

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Comet NEOWISE and International Space Station UK tracker - how to see the comet tonight - Cambridgeshire Live