21st century ...

2023 timeline contents

2023 - Mars sample return mission | Laser-driven fusion energy makes progress | Turkey celebrates its 100th anniversary as an independent republic | A permanent cure for migraine is becoming available | Borneo’s rainforests have been wiped from the map | Gorillas are extinct in Central Africa

 

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2023

Mars sample return mission

The Mars sample return mission - considered the "holy grail" of robotic space missions - is by far the costliest and most complex exploration of Mars ever conceived. Due to financial problems with both NASA and ESA, the project was almost scrapped. Following an outcry from the scientific community, however, it eventually goes ahead.

With a launch window of 2018,* returning five years later,* the mission consists of an Earth/Mars transfer stage, Mars orbiter, descent module, collection mechanism, ascent module and Earth re-entry stage. Around 30 samples,* totalling 500 grams of rock and soil, are deposited into the ascension vehicle, which then launches and exits the Martian atmosphere, before making the return trip back to Earth.

Once they are recovered, the samples are placed in a "curation" facility to isolate them and prevent contamination. Advanced instruments are then used to analyse the rock and soil, at a level of detail that was unavailable with previous surface rovers and their relatively limited tools. The samples hold tremendous scientific value. They provide decades of research into the Martian environment, and conclude as a major milestone in the exploration of Mars. The next major mission will be a manned landing.

 

Credit: NASA/JPL

 

 

Laser-driven fusion energy makes progress

Magnetic confinement - as seen in the ITER - has thus far been the preferred approach to studying fusion energy. However, the potential of lasers is now being explored in greater depth. Following years of engineering and construction, a major new research facility is operational in Europe.* This aims to demonstrate the feasibility of commercial-level fusion.

The High Power laser Energy Research facility (HiPER) uses a laser-driven inertial confinement reactor. Lasers are fired into a central core, where they collide with a single fuel pellet, compressing it to high density. A second laser is then fired, in a more intense pulse with nanosecond precision. This ignites the fuel, raising the core temperature to over a hundred million degrees celsius - hotter than the centre of the Sun - allowing fusion reactions to occur. Helium is formed, releasing energetic neutrons in the process. These neutrons are captured, generating electricity.

HiPER's "fast ignition" approach uses much smaller lasers than previous designs, yet generates power of the same magnitude. This offers a total "fusion gain" that is much higher than earlier devices, with a ten-fold reduction in construction costs.

HiPER is only a prototype - but when fully developed, fusion will become a revolutionary form of energy production. It will be a giant leap forward in addressing climate change, pollution, energy security and the ever increasing demand for consumption.

 

 

 

Turkey celebrates its 100th anniversary as an independent republic

Celebrations are taking place this year to mark the centenary of the Turkish Republic. As part of this anniversary, one of the grandest infrastructure projects in history is completed: the Canal Istanbul. This is an artificial waterway connecting the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. Measuring 30 miles (48 km) in length, and 500 ft (150m) in width, it dissects the European side of Istanbul in two, thus creating a new island between Asia and Istanbul.*

It bypasses the already existing Bosphorus Strait, substantially reducing congestion on the water and minimising the potential for collisions between large oil tankers.* Excavated soil is used in the construction of a major new port, together with an airport, as well as the burying of defunct mines in the region.

Turkey has also achieved energy independence by now, with 10 billion barrels of oil and over 1.5 trillion cubic metres of natural gas uncovered in the Black Sea.* These huge reserves have enabled the country to completely end its reliance on foreign imports and to meet its energy needs for the next 40 years. This comes at a time when much of the world is struggling with peak oil.

Turkey's standing in the world has increased significantly in recent years,* boosted further by its entry into the EU, allowing it to serve as a bridge between Islam and the West.*

 

© Emir Simsek | Dreamstime.com

 

 

A permanent cure for migraine is becoming available

Migraine is a leading cause of disability, affecting one in five people worldwide. This debilitating condition is characterised by severe headaches, nausea, vomiting, photophobia (increased sensitivity to light), and phonophobia (increased sensitivity to sound). Approximately half of those affected have such severe attacks that they cannot function normally in their day-to-day life.

In 2010, scientists discovered a genetic defect linked to this condition, which provided a target for new treatments. After years of clinical trials, a drug is now available that corrects the faulty gene permanently.*

 

 

 

Borneo’s rainforests have been wiped from the map

The world’s 3rd largest island, Borneo was once home to a staggering range of biodiversity, covering hundreds of thousands of square kilometres. Its lush rainforests have now almost completely disappeared as a result of deforestation.* Many rare species are declared extinct around this time including the Orangutan – one of the most intelligent of the great apes.*

 

© Brownm39 | Dreamstime.com

 

 

Gorillas are extinct in Central Africa

Rampant and uncontrolled poaching, together with large-scale deforestation, agriculture, mining, pollution, disease and militia operations have led to the terminal decline of gorilla populations.* Only those in captivity now remain.

 

Credit: Dozyg