Jul. 27—A groundbreaking solar observation mission, launched from New Mexico, took less time than a typical lunch break this month.
NASA on July 18 launched its Solar EruptioN Integral Field Spectrograph, or SNIFS, mission from White Sands Missile Range. The trip to observe the energy and dynamics of the chromosphere took less than 20 minutes, according to NASA.
Scientists hope the mission answers questions about energy and mass flow in the chromosphere, high-frequency dynamics and the state of hydrogen’s influence. Phil Chamberlin, principal investigator of the mission, told the Journal that NASA hasn’t yet looked at the data, which will take a couple of weeks to obtain.
The team will then spend months figuring out the images and analyzing the data, he said.
“It is not a quick process,” he added.
ABQ’s Sigma Science joining RSI EnTech
Sigma Science Inc., an Albuquerque-based nuclear professional services agency founded in 1996, is joining Tennessee-based RSI EnTech.
RSI serves clients in the environmental, nuclear, energy, construction and project delivery sectors, according to the company. RSI is a subsidiary of ASRC Industrial Services. The work aligns with that of Sigma Science, which has federal and commercial clients like the U.S. Department of Energy, National Nuclear Security Administration and U.S. Department of Defense.
The acquisition will help RSI strengthen its capabilities and client base “to support national defense and energy initiatives across the nuclear industry,” said RSI President Allison Getsi in a news release on July 18.
“Today marks a fresh start as we unite with RSI and AIS,” Sigma Science President Gil Torres said in a statement. “We remain dedicated to partnering with our clients and maintaining our reputation for exceptional performance as part of the RSI family.”
Raton fiber project breaks ground
City and state leaders joined Resound Networks on Tuesday to break ground on a fiber project in Raton that will connect 1,370 homes, businesses, farms and public institutions like fire departments and libraries to high-speed internet.
Resound Networks last year received $3.1 million from the state’s Connect New Mexico Fund to lay out 30 miles of fiber in Colfax County, which includes Raton.
“This project demonstrates how public-private partnerships can close the digital divide in rural New Mexico, bringing economic development and telehealth opportunities to Raton families,” said Jeff Lopez, director of the state Office of Broadband Access and Expansion, in a statement.
The internet service provider got nearly $20 million total through the program that’s designed to build out internet infrastructure and expand broadband access in underserved or unserved communities in the state — of which there are many. The Governor’s Office estimated in 2023 that nearly a quarter of New Mexican households don’t have access to reliable, high-speed internet.
Other grants awarded through the Connect New Mexico Fund will go toward work in more than a dozen rural counties and Pueblos.
Space propulsion tech proves compatable
Propel Space Inc., based out of Colorado, announced last week that its PM-5 gimbal technology works with space propulsion systems and will be available beginning in 2026 as part of Orbion Space Technology’s thruster technologies package.
New Mexico nonprofit NewSpace Nexus praised the work, as Propel Space is a participant in its incubator buildout program, NewSpace Ignitor.
“Your journey since coming through the NewSpace Nexus Ignitor program has been truly remarkable,” NewSpace Nexus posted on LinkedIn. “This collaboration, enabling enhanced maneuverability, reduced attitude determination and control system impacts and improved propellant efficiency for small spacecraft, is a testament to your innovation and dedication.”