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- Breaking Space News: October 20 - 26, 2024
Breaking Space News: October 20 - 26, 2024
Space Tourism Now Has A Price Tag! Also In This Week's Space News: Detailed Images of Coronal Ejections, Eerie Sounds From Earth's Magnetic Field, Satellites Beaming Solar Energy, NASA's Budget Troubles, Zero Debris Charter, US Military's Proliferated Constellation, Giant Carbon Molecules, Triple Black Holes, and Much More.
Lagrangian Despatch
October 27, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 38 minutes
Dear Lagrangian,
Welcome back explorer!🚀
Today’s Spotlight section is loaded, but we’ll start with some stunning Images of the Universe. For the best reading experience, we recommend viewing this newsletter in your web browser.
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Enjoy reading!
IMAGES
First Operational Coronagraph Image of Sun's Corona: NOAA's Space-Based Coronagraph, CCOR-1 on GOES-19 Satellite
NOAA has unveiled the first images from the Compact Coronagraph (CCOR-1), the world's first operational space-based coronagraph, mounted on the GOES-19 satellite. Launched on June 25, 2024, and beginning its mission on September 19, 2024, CCOR-1 captures high-resolution images of the sun's corona, the faint outermost layer of the solar atmosphere. The coronagraph uses an occulting disk to block the sun's bright light, allowing scientists to observe solar storms and coronal mass ejections (CMEs) in unprecedented detail. These images are crucial for early warnings of CMEs, which can disrupt Earth's magnetic field, causing power outages and communication blackouts. NOAA plans to deploy additional coronagraphs as part of its Space Weather Next initiative, enhancing space weather forecasting and preparedness. (Credit: NOAA/NASA)
Brown Dwarfs in NGC 602: NIRCam and MIRI, James Webb Space Telescope
This image of NGC 602, captured by Webb's NIRCam and MIRI, shows a local environment similar to the early Universe, with low heavy element abundances. The presence of dense dust clouds and ionised gas suggests ongoing star formation, offering a chance to study star formation under unique conditions. (Credit: ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, P. Zeidler, E. Sabbi, A. Nota, M. Zamani (ESA/Webb))
Astronomers using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have made a new discovery—the first known population of young brown dwarfs outside the Milky Way. Located in the star cluster NGC 602 within the Small Magellanic Cloud, roughly 200,000 light-years from Earth, these brown dwarfs are free-floating objects with masses between 13 and 75 times that of Jupiter.
The discovery, led by an international team including Peter Zeidler of ESA, highlights the incredible sensitivity and resolution of JWST, which allowed the detection of these elusive objects. This finding supports the theory that brown dwarfs form in a similar way to stars but fail to accrue enough mass to ignite nuclear fusion.
The team's observations, made possible by JWST's Near-InfraRed Camera (NIRCam) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), provide valuable insights into star formation under conditions similar to the early universe. This discovery underscores the powerful synergy of JWST and Hubble in advancing our understanding of the cosmos.
For comparison with the new JWST image, this 2017 image of the young star cluster NGC 602, was captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. (Credit: NASA, ESA, Hubble Heritage Team (STScI/AURA)-ESA/Hubble Collaboration)
Stellar Volcano in R Aquarii: Hubble Space Telescope
The Hubble Space Telescope has captured a stunning image of the binary star system R Aquarii, located about 700 light-years away in the constellation Aquarius. This system, known as a symbiotic star, consists of a red giant and a white dwarf. The red giant, over 400 times larger than our Sun, pulsates and changes brightness, while the white dwarf undergoes periodic thermonuclear explosions, ejecting material at over 1 million mph. The resulting nebula, resembling a "stellar volcano," showcases twisted, colorful filaments of gas extending far into space. (Credit: NASA, ESA, Matthias Stute , Margarita Karovska , Davide De Martin (ESA/Hubble), Mahdi Zamani (ESA/Hubble))
SCIENCE
Eerie Audio Reveals Earth's Magnetic Field Reversal During Laschamp Event 40,000 Years Ago
In a captivating new video released by the European Space Agency (ESA), scientists have recreated the eerie sounds of Earth's magnetic field during the Laschamp event, a geomagnetic reversal that occurred around 41,000 years ago. Using data from ESA's Swarm mission, researchers mapped the movement of magnetic field lines and transformed the data into an unsettling soundscape, blending natural noises like wood creaking and rocks falling.
Our magnetic field is mainly generated by the superheated, swirling liquid iron in the outer core, 3,000 km beneath us. This acts like a dynamo, creating electrical currents and a changing electromagnetic field. Other sources include Earth's mantle, crust, ionosphere, and magnetosphere, with oceans making a small contribution. The image shows how magnetic field strength varies at Earth's surface. ESA's Swarm mission analyzes these variations, providing insights into natural processes from deep within the planet to space weather caused by solar activity. (Credit: DTU/ESA)
This haunting audio emphasizes the immense strain on Earth's magnetic shield, which weakened to just 5% of its current strength, allowing increased cosmic radiation to reach the atmosphere. The video not only offers a glimpse into Earth's dynamic magnetic history but also underscores the importance of understanding these extreme events for future space climate predictions and environmental impacts.
British Startup and Iceland Collaborate on Satellite to Beam Solar Power from Space
A British startup, Space Solar, in collaboration with Reykjavik Energy and Icelandic sustainability initiative Transition Labs, has announced a groundbreaking project to deliver space-based solar power to Iceland by 2030. The project aims to launch a 70.5-ton, 1,312-foot-wide demonstrator satellite that will beam 30 megawatts of clean energy to Earth. Ground-based receiving antennas will collect the energy beamed down as high-frequency radio waves and convert it into electricity for the power grid, enough to power about 3,000 homes. This innovative approach, harnessing solar energy in orbit and transmitting it wirelessly, promises 24/7 energy availability without the intermittency issues faced by Earth-based renewable sources. This project could revolutionize renewable energy, providing a stable and cost-effective power solution.
Space Solar demonstrated its wireless power-beaming technology in ground-based experiments in April 2024. (Image credit: Space Solar via Space.com)
India and Japan Collaborate on Chandrayaan-4 Mission to Return Moon Samples
India's Chandrayaan-4 mission, set to launch around 2027-2028, aims to return samples from the moon's south pole. This mission, a collaboration with Japan, will involve a lander and rover to collect around three kilograms of samples, focusing on areas with potential water-ice deposits. The mission will be complex, requiring docking and undocking in lunar orbit, and a return journey to Earth. This mission is part of India's broader goal to increase its contribution to the global space economy and send astronauts to the moon by 2040.
Depictions of the Chandrayaan-4 and Chandrayaan-5/LUPEX moon mission spacecraft. (Credit: P. Veeramuthuvel/ISRO)
Innovation in Remote Lunar Regolith Handling Might Enable Efficient Moon Dust Retrieval via Advanced Simulation
Researchers at the University of Bristol have made significant strides in developing teleoperated robots for gathering moon dust. Their recent study, presented at the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024), demonstrated a virtual simulation that can control a physical robot to collect lunar regolith (moon dust) without needing real-time visual feedback. This innovation is particularly useful for delayed teleoperation on the Moon, addressing one of the major challenges of lunar exploration.
Robot demonstration. (Credit: Joe Louca)
The simulation allows for precise sample collection by mirroring the actions of a virtual model, which can be controlled remotely. This method not only reduces the need for expensive simulants and specialized facilities but also provides haptic feedback to give operators a sense of how moon dust would behave under lunar conditions. The research team plans to further investigate how operators respond to the system with communication delays, aiming to overcome both technical and non-technical barriers.
This advancement is timely, as several public and private organizations are gearing up for crewed and uncrewed missions to the Moon, such as NASA's Artemis program and China's Chang'e program. Efficient handling of lunar regolith is crucial for extracting valuable resources like oxygen and water, which are essential for sustaining long-term human presence on the Moon.
China's Shijian-19 Satellite Lands As Remote-Sensing Yaogan-43 And Radar Calibration Satellites Launched
China's Shijian-19 retrievable satellite, launched on September 27, successfully landed on October 11 after a two-week mission. The satellite carried a diverse array of payloads, including crop seeds and microorganisms, aimed at advancing space breeding and biomedicine.
China's retrievable Shijian-19 satellite landed in northern China on Oct. 11, 2024 after two weeks in Earth orbit. (Credit: CCTV)
A total of 20 kinds of payloads, including "space seeds" and multiple international payloads, from the Shijian-19, China's first reusable and returnable test satellite, were officially handed over to their users on Thursday. The #satellite, which returned to Earth on Oct 11, had… x.com/i/web/status/1…
— People's Daily, China (@PDChina)
7:30 AM • Oct 24, 2024
The Shijian-19 mission, launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center aboard a Long March 2D rocket, was the first mission for this partially reusable spacecraft, which landed at the Dongfeng landing site in the Gobi Desert. The mission included 20 categories of payloads, such as staple crops, industrial crops, microbial space breeding specimens, electron components, and space technology experiments. The goal was to leverage cosmic rays, which can induce beneficial genetic mutations in seeds, potentially leading to increased crop yields and resistance to drought or pests.
Meanwhile, China launched three Yaogan-43 remote sensing satellites on October 22, marking the third batch of this classified series. These satellites are designed to test new technologies for low-orbit constellations and enhance China's reconnaissance capabilities. China also launched three Tianping-3 radar calibration satellites on the same day, using a Long March 6 rocket from Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center. These satellites will calibrate ground radar equipment, support imaging experiments, and monitor the low-orbit space environment.
NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 Splashes Down And Medical Checks Ensue As Starship Readies For Next Test
NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission concluded with a successful splashdown near Pensacola, Florida, after a 235-day mission aboard the International Space Station. However, one NASA astronaut experienced a medical issue and was hospitalized overnight at Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola for precautionary checks. The rest of the crew, including Roscosmos cosmonaut Alexander Grebenkin, were cleared and have since returned to NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston. The astronaut remains in stable condition under observation.
Support teams assist the SpaceX Dragon Endeavour spacecraft shortly after its Atlantic splashdown with the Crew-8 astronauts on Oct. 25, 2024. (Credit: NASA/Joel Kowsky)
Super Heavy booster for SpaceX's Starship heads to Starbase facility in south Texas. (Credit: SpaceX)
Meanwhile, SpaceX prepares for the sixth flight test of its Starship Super Heavy booster, a crucial step towards achieving fully reusable space vehicles. This development is part of SpaceX's broader goal to enhance space travel accessibility and affordability.
GOVERNANCE
NASA Faces Critical Budget and Infrastructure Challenges, Highlights National Academies Report
NASA is currently facing significant challenges, as highlighted in a recent report by the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The report, titled "NASA at a Crossroads: Maintaining Workforce, Infrastructure, and Technology Preeminence in the Coming Decades," emphasizes that NASA is at a pivotal moment. Aging infrastructure, budget constraints, and pressures to prioritize short-term objectives are among the core issues identified. The report suggests that NASA should rebalance its priorities, increase investments in its facilities, workforce, and cutting-edge technology, even if it means delaying new missions.
The new U.S. National Academies report on NASA's overall health declares, 'this is not a time for business as usual,' said Norm Augustine, committee chair, in a Sept. 10 webinar. (Credit: National Academies)
The report also points out that NASA's success is at risk due to budget mismatches, inefficient management practices, and a nonstrategic reliance on commercial partners. The environment in which NASA operates is further complicated by rapid technological advancements, competition for talent, and a declining federal discretionary budget. The National Academies stress that this is not a time for “business as usual” and that tough choices lie ahead for the space agency.
In recent years, NASA has increasingly relied on commercial partnerships to advance its exploration goals. Collaborations with companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin have been crucial for projects such as the Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually Mars. However, balancing these partnerships with internal capabilities and maintaining a skilled workforce remains a challenge.
NASA's current landscape is also shaped by rapid technological advancements and increasing competition from other nations, particularly China. The agency must navigate these complexities while continuing to push the boundaries of space exploration and scientific discovery.
Intelsat-33e Breakup Adds to Boeing's Troubles Amid Starliner Issues and Space Debris Concerns
In a recent turn of events, the Intelsat-33e communications satellite, built by Boeing, experienced a catastrophic failure and broke up in orbit on October 19, 2024. The satellite, which was only seven years into its expected 15-year lifespan, suffered a sudden power loss before fragmenting into at least 57 pieces. This incident has affected users across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia. The U.S. Space Force is tracking the debris, which poses a potential threat to other satellites in geostationary orbit. Intelsat has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the failure and is collaborating with space agencies to mitigate the impact of the debris.
The increasing amount of space junk, now totaling around 4,300 tons, is a significant challenge for space operations. The European Space Agency estimates there are over 40,000 pieces larger than 10 cm and more than 130 million smaller than 1 cm in orbit. The Intelsat-33e incident underscores the urgent need for effective debris mitigation strategies to ensure the safety and sustainability of space activities.
Meanwhile, Boeing and NASA have been working to address issues with the Boeing Starliner spacecraft following its first crewed test flight in October 2024. The mission encountered propulsion problems, leading to the decision to return the spacecraft to Earth without its crew. The Starliner's thruster issues and helium leaks have prompted NASA to rely on SpaceX's Crew Dragon for upcoming missions, while Boeing continues to investigate and resolve the problems. The issue resolution will allow for the continuation of planned manned missions, with the first crewed flight expected in early 2025. Boeing has reported an additional $250 million loss on its CST-100 Starliner program, bringing total losses to $1.85 billion.
Zero Debris Charter Attracts Over 100 Signatories to Combat Space Debris
The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched the Zero Debris Charter, a global initiative aimed at tackling the growing problem of space debris. Finalized at the ESA Space Summit in Seville in November 2023, the charter was signed by 23 more entities, including countries like New Zealand and Mexico, at the 2024 International Astronautical Congress, bringing the total to fifteen countries and over a hundred companies, research centres, and international organizations.
The charter outlines ambitious goals and guiding principles, such as preventing intentional debris creation, anticipating and mitigating adverse effects, and promoting collaborative efforts to understand and address the issue. Key targets include timely removal of spacecraft from orbit, safe reentry practices, and data sharing among space actors.
ESA Director General Josef Aschbacher emphasized the importance of sustainability in space, highlighting the charter as a voluntary commitment from a diverse community of space entities, including industrial players, government agencies, and international organizations. The ultimate goal is to achieve debris neutrality by 2030, ensuring a safer and more sustainable space environment for future missions.
MILITARY
Northrop Grumman Unveils DSAT System Amid $1.8 Billion Space Force Contract
Northrop Grumman has been making significant strides in military space technology. Recently, the company unveiled its Deep Sensing and Targeting (DSAT) system, which transforms aircraft into flying data centers capable of processing real-time intelligence from satellites and drones. This system was showcased during the Vanguard 24 Army exercise, demonstrating its ability to provide precise targeting data quickly, a persistent challenge in fast-moving combat situations.
Northrop Grumman’s deep sensing and targeting system, integrated into a civilian aircraft (right), was presented at Vanguard 24, in conjunction with the Army's Global 6500 Jet Trainer (left). (Credit: Northrop Grumman)
Meanwhile, the U.S. Space Force awarded Northrop Grumman a $1.8 billion contract extension to produce two advanced early warning satellites as part of the Next-Generation Overhead Persistent Infrared (OPIR) program. These satellites, designed to detect missile threats from the Northern Hemisphere, will enhance the military's missile threat detection capabilities from space.
Together, these advancements underscore Northrop Grumman's expanding role in the militarization of intelligence and surveillance, raising concerns about the increasing reliance on private corporations for critical defense infrastructure. By leveraging both airborne and space-based systems, Northrop Grumman is becoming indispensable in defense operations, which could pose risks related to accountability, transparency, and the ethical implications of such pervasive monitoring capabilities.
U.S. Intelligence Agency Invites Remote Sensing Proposals Amid SpaceX Satellite Launches for Enhanced Surveillance
The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) is gearing up to invite companies to propose remote sensing capabilities on an ongoing basis through its new Commercial Solutions Opportunity (CSO) program. This initiative aims to incorporate electro-optical, radar, hyperspectral, and other remote sensing modalities, including space-based LiDAR. This marks a shift from the past when the NRO, responsible for designing, building, and operating U.S. spy satellites, solicited proposals through Broad Area Announcements, which had defined timelines for submission and contract awards.
Canadian Forces Station located in northern Canada, as captured by a Capella Space spotlight mode image on August 21, 2024. Capella Space is an NRO contractor, providing high-resolution SAR imagery for defense and intelligence applications. (Credit: Capella Space)
Meanwhile, SpaceX has launched the fourth batch of satellites for the NRO's proliferated constellation, designed to track ground targets in near real-time. This rapid deployment, part of the U.S. government's largest satellite constellation, underscores the NRO's commitment to enhancing surveillance capabilities through commercial partnerships.
These developments highlight the NRO’s evolving strategy to leverage commercial innovation for national security. By adopting a more flexible solicitation process and partnering with private companies like SpaceX, the NRO aims to keep pace with emerging threats and technological advancements.
U.S. Military Funds Astra's Next-Generation Rocket 4 Development With $44 Million Funding
Launch startup Astra has secured a contract from the U.S. military's Defense Innovation Unit (DIU) worth up to $44 million to support the development of its next-generation Rocket 4 launch vehicle. This contract aims to advance and scale Astra's production capabilities, focusing on achieving a prototype objective of launching Rocket 4 to orbit or suborbit from various locations, including the U.S. and Australia. Rocket 4, standing 62 feet tall, is designed to carry 600 kilograms to low Earth orbit and is part of Astra's vision for tactically responsive space delivery.
Astra's launch vehicle nose cone featuring a U.S. military space emblem. (Credit: Astra)
Despite previous setbacks, including five failed orbital launch attempts with its Rocket 3, Astra's perseverance has paid off. The company, which went private earlier this year to avoid bankruptcy, is now on a path to attempt its first Rocket 4 launch by the end of 2025. This contract not only provides crucial financial support but also signals renewed confidence in Astra's potential to deliver a reliable and mobile launch system for national security and defense applications.
U.S. Space Agencies Boost LEO Satellite Services and Integration Efforts Amid Growing Indo-Pacific Demands
The U.S. Space Force and the Space Development Agency (SDA) are working together to advance the United States’ space capabilities. The Space Force focuses on operational aspects, while the SDA drives innovation and technology development. Recently, the SDA awarded a $2 million contract to Umbra for a satellite integration study. This study aims to evaluate how Umbra's high-resolution synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites can be integrated into the Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA), a low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation designed to improve battlefield intelligence and threat detection. The integration of commercial satellites like Umbra's into the PWSA could mark a shift in how the U.S. military utilizes private sector space assets, potentially creating opportunities for commercial remote sensing companies in the defense market.
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) image. (Credit: Umbra)
In a related move, the SDA has selected 19 companies, including SpaceX and Capella Space, to participate in its Hybrid Acquisition for Proliferated Low Earth Orbit (HALO) program. This program aims to rapidly onboard new contractors for defense demonstration missions, testing and refining technologies before integrating them into the PWSA. The selected companies will compete for contracts to carry out experimental space missions, providing the agency a testing ground for advanced technologies that may later be integrated into future satellite networks.
The U.S. SDA is establishing a proliferated constellation of small satellites. (Credit: Northrop Grumman)
Amid these developments, the U.S. Space Force is facing growing demands in the Indo-Pacific region, prompting calls for expansion. To address these demands, the Space Force is refining its commercial backup plan for military satellites, increasing spending on low Earth orbit satellite services, and establishing a "Commercial Augmentation Space Reserve." This reserve aims to ensure reliable access to commercial space capabilities in times of crisis, enhancing the resilience and flexibility of military satellite operations.
These initiatives underscore the U.S. government's approach to advancing its space capabilities through collaboration with commercial partners and continuous innovation in satellite technology. However, the increasing reliance on private companies for critical defense infrastructure also raises questions about accountability, security, and the ethical implications of such pervasive monitoring capabilities.
Millennium Space Secures $386 Million for Expanded Missile Defense Satellite Constellation In New U.S. Space Force Contract
Millennium Space Systems, a Boeing subsidiary, has secured a $386 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to build six additional Missile Track Custody (MTC) satellites. This brings Millennium's total contribution to 12 satellites for the Resilient Missile Warning and Tracking program. These MEO satellites, equipped with advanced infrared sensors, will enhance missile detection and tracking capabilities, addressing growing threats from nations like China and Russia. The first batch is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with the second batch following in late 2027.
COMMERCIAL
China’s Deep Blue Aerospace to Offer $210,000 Suborbital Tourism Flights by 2027
Artist's impression of Deep Blue Aerospace's planned suborbital crew capsule and suborbital tourism system. (Credit: Deep Blue Aerospace)
China's Deep Blue Aerospace is set to launch suborbital space tourism flights starting in 2027. The company plans to offer tickets priced at 1.5 million yuan ($210,000) each, providing passengers with a multi-sensory space journey that includes five minutes of zero gravity and breathtaking views of Earth from space. The suborbital flights will reach altitudes between 100 and 150 kilometers, lasting around 12 minutes from liftoff to touchdown. Deep Blue Aerospace is developing a reusable rocket-capsule combo similar to Blue Origin's New Shepard, aiming to ensure safety and reliability through extensive testing in 2026.
OQ Technology Secures Luxembourg Investment for Satellite 5G IoT Expansion
OQ Technology is looking for funding to build a business around connecting 5G devices in remote and rural areas via satellites. (Credit: OQ Technology)
Luxembourg's government has backed a significant portion of OQ Technology's ongoing 30 million euro ($32 million) Series B funding round. Based in Luxembourg, OQ Technology is the world's first global satellite 5G IoT operator, providing uninterrupted cellular coverage for assets and machines anywhere on the planet. This investment, announced on October 21, 2024, is aimed at supporting OQ Technology's efforts to connect 5G devices in remote and rural areas using small narrowband satellites. The funding will help OQ Technology deploy 20 more satellites by the end of next year, enhancing its constellation's coverage and performance for markets like oil and gas. Existing investors, including Aramco's venture capital arm, are also participating in this round.
SPOTLIGHT
Largest Carbon-Based Molecule Detected in Space Using Radio Astronomy, Sheds Light on Star and Planet Formation
Astronomers have discovered one of the largest carbon-based molecules ever detected in space, a four-ring carbon molecule known as pyrene. Found within the Taurus molecular cloud, about 430 light-years from Earth, this discovery provides significant insights into the origins of carbon in our solar system. The molecule was detected using radio astronomy, a technique that allows scientists to identify individual molecules rather than groups. This finding supports the hypothesis that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) like pyrene, which are abundant in space, may have played a crucial role in the formation of our solar system.
A representation of 1-cyanopyrene detected in space. (Credit: NSF/NSF NRAO/AUI/S. Dagnello)
This image depicts a wide-field view of the Taurus Molecular Cloud, approximately 450 light-years from Earth. Its proximity makes it ideal for studying star formation, with dark dust clouds visible against the stars. (Credit: Digitized Sky Survey 2, Davide De Martin)
The research team began their search after finding pyrene in samples from the near-Earth asteroid Ryugu. This discovery not only sheds light on the chemical processes involved in star and planet formation but also hints at the potential origins of life's building blocks.
New Radar Technology to Minimize Dust Hazards, Enhancing Safety in Future Lunar and Martian Landings
Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign have developed a new radar instrument, Radar Interferometry for Landing Ejecta (RIFLE), to measure the density of dust clouds kicked up during spacecraft landings on the Moon and Mars. This instrument uses millimeter-wave radar to accurately measure dust and debris, addressing a gap left by optical and X-ray techniques.
A newly developed radar instrument for detecting nearby dust and debris aims to enhance the safety of spacecraft landings on the Moon and Mars. (Credit: Nicolas Rasmont/University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
The instrument called Radar Interferometry For Landing Ejecta set up inside of a vacuum chamber to simulate the atmosphere in space. (Credit: Nicolas Rasmont/University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign)
The Apollo missions highlighted the significant challenges posed by lunar dust, including obscured visibility, clogged mechanisms, and health issues for astronauts. India's Chandrayaan-3 mission effectively minimized dust disturbance with a unique engine configuration. Building on these experiences, the new RIFLE radar enhances the ability to analyze lunar and Martian dust, crucial for the safety and efficiency of future missions and landing operations. The study has been published in the journal IEEE Transactions on Microwave Theory and Techniques.
New Insights Reveal Moon's Oldest Impact Basin Age To Be 4.33 Billion Years Old
Researchers at the University of Manchester have recently dated the Moon's oldest and largest impact basin, the South Pole-Aitken (SPA) basin, to between 4.32 and 4.33 billion years ago. This finding, published in Nature Astronomy, is significant as it predates the previously believed most intense period of lunar bombardment by about 120 million years. The team analyzed a lunar meteorite, Northwest Africa 2995, to determine the age, revealing a more gradual process of impacts over a longer period. This research not only reshapes our understanding of the Moon's early history but also provides insights into Earth's early impact history, as both celestial bodies likely experienced similar bombardments.
a, An optical scan of the polished sample surface showing a range of coloured clasts in a dark matrix. b, A Backscattered Electron (BSE) image; BSE can be used to get an image that showed the different elements present in a sample (note that the lower part of the sample image was truncated during data collection). c, A CL image. d, A composite false colour element map (combining two different maps) where the colours represent silica (blue), aluminium (white), magnesium (green), iron (red), titanium (pink), potassium (cyan) and calcium (yellow). (Credit: Joy et al. (2024))
This Clementine albedo map of the Moon in an orthographic projection shows the locations of the Apollo (A), Luna (L) and Chang'e (CE) landing sites. (Credit: Wagner et al. (2017); Joy et al. (2024))
Exploring Non-Planetary Habitats: Reassessing Life’s Potential in Extreme Conditions Beyond Planets
Recent research is challenging traditional notions of habitability in the cosmos. A study published on arXiv by Harvard scientist Robin Wordsworth and Professor Charles Cockell from the University of Edinburgh suggests that life can thrive in environments previously deemed inhospitable. Their research indicates that photosynthetic-based simple life forms could exist outside planetary gravity wells, provided certain conditions are met. This expands the potential habitable zones to include places like the clouds of Venus and moons such as Titan, Enceladus, and Europa. The findings prompt a reevaluation of what constitutes a habitable environment, suggesting that life might not need a planet to survive.
A composite image of the planet Venus as seen by the Japanese probe Akatsuki. The clouds of Venus could have environmental conditions conducive to microbial life. (Credit: JAXA/Institute of Space and Astronautical Science)
Astronomers Discover First Triple Black Hole System, Unveils Gentle Formation Process
Astronomers from at MIT and Caltech have reported the first triple black hole system, located about 8,000 light-years away in the Milky Way. The system, known as V404 Cygni, features a black hole consuming a companion star every 6.5 days, while a second star orbits at a much greater distance, completing an orbit every 70,000 years. This discovery, reported in Nature, challenges the traditional belief that black holes form through violent supernova explosions. Instead, the presence of the distant star suggests a gentle formation process called direct collapse, where a star caves in on itself without a dramatic explosion. This finding could reshape our understanding of black hole formation and evolution.
An artist's rendition of the black hole X-ray binary V404 Cygni. (Credit: Jorge Lugo)
Meteorite Impact May Have Delivered Vital Nutrients for Early Life, Study Suggests
A meteorite impact the size of four Mount Everests, known as S2, struck Earth around 3.26 billion years ago, leading to a cataclysmic planetwide tsunami and boiling the oceans. Despite the devastation, this event played a crucial role in shaping early life on our planet. Harvard geologists' research reveals that the impact delivered essential nutrients like phosphorus and iron to the oceans, fostering an explosion in bacterial and archaeal populations. This finding challenges the conventional view that such massive impacts are purely destructive, suggesting they might also serve as catalysts for life by delivering critical building blocks to Earth's primordial soup. The team's research was published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
Graphical depiction of the S2 impact and its immediate aftereffects. (Drabon et al. (2024))
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