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  • Breaking Space News: October 6 - 12, 2024

Breaking Space News: October 6 - 12, 2024

In Space News This Week: Stressed-Out Gas Cloud on Jupiter, the U.S.-China's Secretive Spaceplane Rivalry, Dominican Republic Signing the Artemis Accords, Japan-UAE Asteroid Mission, Food from Asteroids, Steam-Covered Planets, High-Speed Stars, Clues From Space About Life on Earth and More.

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Lagrangian Despatch
October 13, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 29 minutes

Dear Lagrangian,

Welcome back Explorers.🚀

Lots going on this week with the Auroras and Hurricanes. Today we’re starting with the Spotlight section, since it brings a lot of interesting papers this week. For the best reading experience, we recommend viewing this newsletter in your web browser.

Have other questions? Talk to us, we talk back. Also feel free to join our Discord and follow us on Instagram, LinkedIN, and TikTok.

Enjoy reading!

SPOTLIGHT

 

From Space to Earth: How Unmelted Asteroids Delivered Life's Essential Volatile Elements, Zinc Fingerprints Reveal

Researchers from the University of Cambridge and Imperial College London have traced the origin of volatile elements on Earth using zinc fingerprints in meteorites. Published in Science Advances, their study suggests that "unmelted" asteroids, or planetesimals, were crucial in delivering these essential elements. Their findings reveal that Earth's zinc came from various parts of the solar system, with about half originating beyond Jupiter and the rest from closer regions. This research sheds light on how life's building blocks arrived on Earth and could aid in the search for life on other planets, offering insights into Earth's formation and the preservation of volatile elements in planetesimals.

An iron meteorite from the core of a melted planetesimal (left) and a chondrite meteorite, derived from a ‘primitive’, unmelted planetesimal (right).(Credit: Rayssa Martins/Ross Findlay)

This spectacular image from the SPHERE instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope is the first clear image of a planet caught in the very act of formation around the dwarf star PDS 70. The planet stands clearly out, visible as a bright point to the right of the centre of the image, which is blacked out by the coronagraph mask used to block the blinding light of the central star. (Credit: ESO/A. Müller et al.)

James Webb Telescope Uncovers Exotic Steam-Shrouded Exoplanet

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made a groundbreaking discovery: the first-ever observation of a "steam world," an exoplanet named GJ 9827 d. Located about 100 light-years away, this planet is roughly twice the size of Earth and boasts an atmosphere almost entirely composed of water vapor. This discovery, confirmed using transmission spectroscopy, marks a significant milestone in exoplanet research, as it provides the first clear evidence of a planet with an atmosphere rich in heavy molecules like those found in terrestrial planets. While GJ 9827 d is not habitable, this finding opens new possibilities for studying other small planets and their potential to host life. The research team's findings were published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters.

An artist’s rendition of the “steam world” GJ 9827 d, shown in the foreground in blue. (Credit: NASA, ESA, Leah Hustak (STScI), Ralf Crawford (STScI))

Astronomers Discover High-Speed Runaway Stars in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Astronomers using the European Space Agency's Gaia space telescope have made a significant discovery: 55 runaway stars ejected from the young star cluster R136 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a satellite galaxy of the Milky Way. These stars, some with masses up to 300 times that of the sun, were expelled in two bursts over the last two million years, traveling at speeds around 80 times the speed of sound on Earth. 80 times the speed of sound on Earth is approximately 61,000 miles per hour (about 98,000 kilometers per hour). The findings, published in the journal Nature, suggest that gravitational interactions within the dense cluster caused these ejections. The second burst, occurring 200,000 years ago, hints at a possible future merger with a nearby cluster.

The young and dense star cluster R136 seen at the lower right of an image of the LMC captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. (Credit: NASA, ESA, P Crowther (University of Sheffield))

Innovative Study on Pyrolysis Process to Turn Asteroids into Edible Biomass: A New Approach to Support Long-Term Space Missions

Astronauts could soon be mining asteroids for food, according to a recent study published in the International Journal of Astrobiology. Researchers from Western University's Institute for Earth and Space Exploration propose using pyrolysis to break down organic compounds in asteroids, converting them into edible biomass. This innovative approach could significantly reduce the need for resupply missions from Earth, which are costly and logistically complex. The study suggests that asteroids like Bennu could provide enough biomass to support between 600 and 17,000 astronaut life years. While promising, the researchers acknowledge that substantial work remains to determine the feasibility and palatability of the resulting food.

Photo mosaic of asteroid Bennu created using observations made by NASA’s OSIRIS-REx spacecraft. (Credit: NASA/Goddard/University of Arizona)

How the Discovery of Glyceric Acid in Space Conditions Might Explain Life's Beginnings

Astrochemists at the University of Mississippi and the University of Hawaii at Mānoa have made a groundbreaking discovery, revealing that glyceric acid, a simple sugar acid, can form in space-like conditions. This molecule, considered a "building block" of life, plays a crucial role in the metabolism of living organisms on Earth. The study, published in the journal Physics News, suggests that glyceric acid can be either sweet or sour, depending on its state.

The researchers believe that understanding how glyceric acid forms in space is key to unraveling the mysteries of life's origins. If glyceric acid can form in gas clouds in space, such as Sagittarius B2, it implies that the molecules essential for life may be more common than previously thought. This discovery bridges the gap between small prebiotic molecules and larger biochemicals, providing insights into how life might have originated on Earth.

The implications of this research are profound, as it suggests that the building blocks of life could be synthesized in molecular clouds and star-forming regions, potentially delivered to Earth via comets or meteorites.

IMAGES

 

Auroral Displays : NASA astronaut Don Pettit, ISS

NASA astronaut Don Pettit shared this photo of auroral displays, taken from the International Space Station, via X on Oct. 11, 2024. The sunspot AR 3842 unleashed the historic X9.05 solar flare on October 3 — the most powerful flare in seven years — released another on October 7. They caused spectacular auroras visible as far south as Alabama and California, while also triggering temporary radio blackouts and disruptions to power grids and satellite communications. (Credit: NASA/Don Pettit)

SCIENCE

 

Hubble Reveals Stress Ball-Like Dynamic Changes in Jupiter's Great Red Spot

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has revealed new insights into Jupiter's Great Red Spot (GRS), showing that this colossal storm behaves like a stress ball, oscillating in shape and size over a 90-day period. The GRS, a storm large enough to engulf Earth, has been observed to jiggle and change dimensions unexpectedly, challenging previous assumptions about its stability. This discovery, part of the Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy program, offers valuable data on the dynamic nature of Jupiter's atmosphere and may provide clues about similar phenomena on exoplanets.

Eight Hubble images showing Jupiter's Great Red Spot. The GRS appears as a bright red oval in the middle of cream-colored cloud bands. The images trace changes in the GRS's size, shape, brightness, color, and twisting, over a period of 90 days between December 2023 and March 2024. (Credit: NASA, ESA, Amy Simon (NASA-GSFC), Joseph DePasquale (STScI))

This time-lapse movie, from Hubble Space Telescope observations over approximately 90 days, shows Jupiter's Great Red Spot oscillating in shape, size, brightness, color, and vorticity, revealing its instability and unknown 90-day cycle cause. (Credit: NASA, ESA, Amy Simon (NASA-GSFC), Joseph DePasquale (STScI))

In the research published in The Planetary Science Journal, scientists have detailed the stability of jet streams on gas giants, drawing parallels to the GRS's behavior. The study underscores the complexity of atmospheric dynamics on Jupiter and other giant planets, suggesting that our understanding of planetary meteorology is still evolving.

China's Space Ambitions: Shijian-19's Return, High-Orbit Internet Expansion, And 2025 Quantum Communications Launch

China's space program continues to advance with recent developments in reusable spacecraft and satellite technology. The Shijian-19 satellite, China's first retrievable and reusable satellite, successfully returned to Earth after two weeks in orbit. This mission tested plant mutation in microgravity and verified new space technologies, including autonomous, controllable, and new technology verification test payloads. The satellite carried various payloads, including seeds and microbial samples, and was retrieved at the Dongfeng landing site in the Gobi Desert.

An aerial view over the Shijian-19 recoverable satellite landing area, Dongfeng, Inner Mongolia. (Credit: CNSA)

Meanwhile, China launched its third high-orbit (HEO, geosynchronous at about 22,000 miles above the Earth) internet satellite, which aims to enhance global internet coverage. The satellite was placed into geosynchronous orbit using a Long March 3B rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center. While specific details about the satellite's purposes were not disclosed, it is expected to strengthen China's communication infrastructure.

Looking forward, China plans to launch new quantum communications satellites in 2025. These satellites are anticipated to advance secure communication technologies, further solidifying China's position in the global space race. The new satellites will be combined with ground-based networks for greater and eventually global coverage. China is also seeking further international collaboration in this field. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

Mitsubishi's H3 Rocket to Carry UAE's Asteroid Belt Mission in 2028

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and the UAE Space Agency (UAESA) have announced a new collaboration for an ambitious asteroid mission. The Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA) will be launched on MHI's H3 rocket in the first quarter of 2028. The MBR Explorer spacecraft, named after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will visit six main belt asteroids between 2030 and 2033 before rendezvousing with a seventh asteroid, Justitia, in 2034. This mission aims to gather data on asteroid composition, geology, and internal structure, contributing to our understanding of the early solar system.

Meanwhile, MHI, the Japanese multinational corporation, has successfully completed the production of the core stage of the final H-IIA launch vehicle, marking a significant milestone in Japan's space industry. The H-IIA rocket has been a reliable workhorse for various missions, including the Emirates Mars Mission in 2020 and the KhalifaSat satellite launch in 2018. With the upcoming H3 rocket, MHI aims to increase its launch operations and support more ambitious missions like the EMA.

Space Technology Steps Up: U.S. Space Force's TacSRT and SpaceX's Emergency Starlink Aid in Hurricane Relief Efforts

In response to recent hurricanes, the U.S. Space Force has leveraged commercial satellite technology to aid disaster relief efforts. The new Tactical Surveillance, Reconnaissance, and Tracking (TacSRT) program provided crucial satellite imagery and data analytics to support emergency operations across the southeastern United States following Hurricane Helene. This initiative enabled the successful recovery of injured civilians and facilitated the coordination of rescue missions. TacSRT supplied U.S. Northern Command with detailed analyses of road closures, conditions, and bridge statuses along key routes between Knoxville, Tennessee, and Asheville, North Carolina. The data led to the successful recovery of four injured civilians by the 563rd Personnel Recovery Task Force in North Carolina.

Hurricane Milton as seen by Sen's 4k cameras aboard the International Space Station. (Credit: Sen)

Simultaneously, SpaceX's Starlink activated emergency phone connectivity for Hurricane Milton, offering free satellite texting services to T-Mobile customers in Florida. This service proved vital as cellular networks were disrupted, ensuring that residents could communicate with emergency services and loved ones during the crisis. SpaceX received emergency temporary approval from the Federal Communications Commission to provide space-based connectivity to T-Mobile customers in Florida who may lose cellular service due to Hurricane Milton. The company enabled basic texting services on T-Mobile phones in areas affected by Hurricane Milton and Hurricane Helene, following similar regulatory approval granted after Helene caused cellular outages in North Carolina weeks earlier.

GOVERNANCE

 

NASA's International Space Station Deorbit Plan Sparks Environmental Concerns

Ocean experts are raising concerns over NASA's plan to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) in early 2031. The agency intends to drag the aging station back to Earth and dump it into a remote part of the Pacific Ocean, known as Point Nemo, a location often referred to as the "spacecraft graveyard." While NASA believes this is the safest option, environmental watchdogs worry about potential pollution and long-term impacts on marine life. Critics argue that past ocean dumping has led to unforeseen environmental issues, and the ISS's components could pose similar risks.

The International Space Station (ISS) after decades in orbit, is suffering from persistent wear-and-tear issues like cracks and air leaks. (Credit: NASA)

In a white paper, NASA concluded that using a U.S.-developed deorbit vehicle, with a final target in a remote part of the ocean, is the best option for the station's end of life. NASA has awarded SpaceX a contract worth up to $843 million to develop the United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV) for a mission to dock with the ISS and perform a controlled reentry over a remote ocean. The contract includes spacecraft development, with a separate procurement for its launch. Unlike ISS cargo and crew transport, the USDV will be owned and operated by NASA.

An artist's impression of the NASA's SpaceX manufactured United States Deorbit Vehicle (USDV). (Credit: SpaceX)

However, this plan has stirred a wave of worry among several environmental watchdog groups and marine environment specialists. Edmund Maser, a molecular biologist, compared the idea to past ocean dumping practices, which have resulted in long-term environmental damage.

Moreover, deorbiting the ISS is a complex operation involving coordination between international partners. Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, has expressed concerns about the logistics and safety of the operation. Additionally, there are debates over the timing and execution of the deorbit, given the technical challenges involved in safely bringing down such a large structure.

Proponents of the plan argue that the controlled deorbiting of the ISS will minimize the risk of uncontrolled re-entry and potential harm to populated areas. They emphasize that Point Nemo is far from major shipping lanes and inhabited regions, reducing the likelihood of human impact. However, environmentalists remain cautious, urging NASA to explore alternative methods for decommissioning the ISS that could mitigate potential ecological damage. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.com.

From Space to Policy: Using Satellite Data and Lessons from Venus to Combat Climate Change

Satellite data has unequivocally shown that climate change is real and driven by human activities. Space agencies like NASA and ESA have been monitoring Earth's surface, tracking weather patterns, greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and ice coverage changes. Despite the grim picture painted by this data—shrinking polar ice caps, polluted oceans, and destroyed biodiverse areas—large-scale environmental action remains elusive.

One proposed solution is increasing accountability through integrated Earth observation systems. In a recent paper, Karen Jones, a Senior Policy Analyst at the Center for Space Policy, explains how merging satellites with terrestrial and airborne sensors can create an integrated Earth observation data system, which can help identify problematic sources of greenhouse gas emissions such as methane leaks from fracking operations. This data can empower policymakers, industry, and civil society to work together towards meaningful climate action.

Interestingly, studying Venus provides a stark warning for Earth. As Space.com reports Venus's runaway greenhouse effect, with surface temperatures hot enough to melt lead, highlights the potential consequences of unchecked greenhouse gas emissions. By understanding Venus's climate, scientists hope to better predict and mitigate Earth's climate trajectory.

In essence, while satellite data has revolutionized our understanding of climate change, turning this knowledge into action remains a significant challenge. The integration of various data sources and international cooperation is crucial to address this global crisis effectively. However, the current political situation in the U.S., marked by deep divisions and partisan gridlock, complicates efforts to implement comprehensive climate policies. Read more on this story on Space.com.

SpaceX Resumes Launches After FAA Approval for Hera and Regular Missions, Prepares for Fifth Starship Test Flight

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has recently given SpaceX the green light to resume Falcon 9 rocket launches. The Falcon 9 had been grounded since September 28, following an upper stage issue during the Crew-9 astronaut mission for NASA. Initially, the FAA provided permission exclusively for the launch of the European Space Agency's (ESA) Hera asteroid-inspection probe, which successfully took off on October 7 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. This mission, valued at 363 million euros, aims to study the Didymos and Dimorphos asteroids, following up on NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission.

Hera will cruise for two years to the Didymos binary asteroid system, using a Mars flyby to gain velocity for its rendezvous. It will carry out the first detailed survey of Didymos, which is orbited by Dimorphos. Hera's main focus will be on Dimorphos, whose orbit was changed by NASA's DART mission in 2022, demonstrating asteroid deflection by kinetic impact. (Credit: ESA)

Hera will deploy twin CubeSats to fly close to the target asteroid and collect scientific data, navigating in ultra-low gravity before eventually landing. The main spacecraft will test self-driving navigation based on visual tracking, with its CubeSats staying connected through radio-based links, before eventually landing. (Credit: ESA)

The Hera mission will perform a post-impact survey of the DART target, Dimorphos, contributing to the development of planetary defense techniques and demonstrating new technologies for autonomous navigation around asteroids. SpaceX shared stunning Earth photos captured by the Falcon 9's cameras, showcasing the mission's success.

Earth seen from Falcon 9's upper stage during the Hera asteroid mission launch on Oct. 7, 2024. (Credit: SpaceX via X)

On October 11, the FAA extended its clearance, allowing SpaceX to resume regular Falcon 9 rocket launches. This timing is crucial as SpaceX prepares for the fifth test flight of its Starship rocket, scheduled for October 13. NASA is also eagerly anticipating the fifth uncrewed Starship test flight as it will focus on returning the Super Heavy booster to the launch site using giant "chopstick" arms, while the Starship spacecraft targets a splashdown in the Indian Ocean. Success in these milestones is crucial for SpaceX's long-term plans to enable rapid reuse of rocket components, ultimately supporting future lunar and Mars missions.

SpaceX's Starship Flight 5 Ship is hoisted atop and mated to its Super Heavy booster at Starbase for an Oct. 13, 2024 launch. (Credit: SpaceX)

Dominican Republic Joins Artemis Accords, Becomes the 44th Signatory

The Dominican Republic has become the 44th nation to sign the Artemis Accords, a set of principles for the peaceful and sustainable exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Ambassador Sonia Guzmán signed the accords on October 4, 2024.

The Artemis Accords, initially signed by the United States and seven other nations in 2020, aim to promote the beneficial use of space. Representatives from signatory nations will meet at the International Astronautical Congress in Milan to discuss the implementation of these principles.

Credit: NASA

Drafted by NASA and the U.S. Department of State, the Accords establish a framework for cooperation in the civil exploration and peaceful use of the Moon, Mars, and other astronomical objects. This development comes as other nations, including China and Russia, also pursue their lunar ambitions, with China planning a crewed outpost on the Moon by the 2030s.

MILITARY

 

U.S. Space Force's Secretive X-37B to Conduct Orbital Maneuvers Following China's Shenlong Spaceplane's 267-Day Rendezvous And Proximity Operations

The U.S. Space Force's secretive X-37B spaceplane is set to perform a series of aerobraking maneuvers to change its orbit and jettison its service module, which carries experimental payloads. Manufactured by Boeing, and jointly operated by the U.S. Space Force and the Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office (AFRCO), the X-37B was launched on December 28, 2023, and has been conducting tests in a highly elliptical orbit. The aerobraking technique involves multiple passes through the upper atmosphere to gradually lower its orbit using atmospheric drag, conserving fuel. This maneuver, on its overall seventh mission, is a first for the X-37B and aims to safely dispose of the service module in accordance with space debris mitigation standards. Once the aerobraking is complete, the spaceplane will resume its testing objectives before deorbiting and returning to Earth. This mission highlights the Space Force's focus on mobility in orbit and the ability to perform dynamic space operations without relying heavily on propellant.

Artist rendering of the X-37B conducting an aerobraking maneuver using the drag of Earth’s atmosphere. (Credit: Boeing Space)

The X-37B was launched in December 2023, just two weeks after the launch of China's experimental reusable spaceplane, known as Shenlong. Last month, Shenlong concluded its third orbital mission after 267 days in orbit. Launched from Jiuquan spaceport on a Long March 2F rocket, Shenlong has been part of China's efforts to develop reusable spacecraft technologies. The spaceplane conducted rendezvous and proximity operations with a small satellite released during its mission, demonstrating advanced capabilities in space.

ViaSat-3 Satellite Provides Connectivity to U.S. Marine Corps

The ViaSat-3 F1 satellite, launched in April 2023, has begun providing services to the U.S. Marine Corps, despite facing an antenna deployment anomaly that reduced its capacity. The satellite now supports the Marine Wing Communications Squadron 38 and the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment, utilizing existing military terminals. This marks the first U.S. government use of the ViaSat-3 network, which is designed to offer high-throughput, flexible broadband connectivity for both government and commercial customers. Two additional ViaSat-3 satellites are in late-stage production and testing, aiming to cover Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia-Pacific region.

U.S. Space Development Agency to Procure 200 New Satellites by 2025 as Part of Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture Expansion Plans

The U.S. Space Development Agency (SDA) has announced plans for its next major satellite procurement, aiming to acquire around 200 satellites for its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture (PWSA) by 2025. This procurement, known as Tranche 3, will focus on enhancing the constellation's capabilities, including improved communications and missile tracking. The SDA is leveraging commercial space technologies and rapid acquisition strategies to deliver these systems more efficiently than traditional military programs. The new satellites will replace older models and introduce advanced features like phased array antennas and more sensitive infrared sensors. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

COMMERCIAL

 

Robinhood Co-Founder’s Aetherflux Plans Small Satellite Constellation for Solar Power, Aims for 2026 Demonstration

Aetherflux, a startup founded by Baiju Bhatt, former co-founder of Robinhood, is pioneering a new approach to space-based solar power. Unlike traditional concepts that involve large arrays in geostationary orbit, Aetherflux plans to deploy a constellation of smaller satellites in low Earth orbit. These satellites will collect solar power and transmit it to Earth using infrared lasers. The company aims to demonstrate this technology with a small satellite launch by early 2026. If successful, Aetherflux's approach could provide a scalable and affordable solution for clean energy.

Aetherflux aims to launch a demonstration satellite to test its space-based solar power technologies by early 2026. (Credit: Aetherflux)

Volta Space Technologies Plans Lunar Power Satellite Network, Earth Orbit Test Scheduled for 2026

Volta Space Technologies, a startup based in Montreal, has unveiled plans for a lunar power satellite network called LightGrid. The system aims to transmit solar energy collected by satellites in lunar orbit to spacecraft on the moon's surface using lasers. This would enable lunar landers and rovers to operate during the two-week lunar night or in permanently shadowed craters. The company plans to test the technology in Earth orbit in 2026 and deploy a minimum of three small satellites in low lunar orbit by 2028. Volta has raised seed funding and secured grants from NASA, the Defense Department, and other agencies.

Volta Space Technologies is developing LightGrid, a satellite network designed to transmit power via lasers to spacecraft on the lunar surface. (Credit: Volta Space Technologies)

Despatch Out. 👽🛸