An exotic theory, which attempts to unify the laws of physics by proposing the existence of an extra fourth spatial dimension, could be tested using a satellite to be launched in 2007. Such theories are notoriously difficult to test. But a new study suggests that such hidden dimensions could give rise to thousands of mini-black holes within our own solar system – and the theory could be tested within Pluto’s orbit in just a few years.
Nearly all of the information that falls into a black hole escapes back out, a controversial new study argues. The work suggests that black holes could one day be used as incredibly accurate quantum computers -- if enormous theoretical and practical hurdles can first be overcome.
China is on track to launch its first scientific satellite to orbit the Moon in 2007, according to the country's official news agency Xinhua. The orbiter will pave the way for future lunar missions and is just part of China's ambitious, if secretive, space programme.
NASA's X-43A scramjet programme successfully smashed its own world speed record for aircraft by flying at nearly 10 times the speed of sound. While future funding for NASA research on hypersonic flight is uncertain, the test demonstrates the potential of hypersonic flight for other military applications.