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  • Breaking Space News: September 1 - 7, 2024

Breaking Space News: September 1 - 7, 2024

Stunning New Images from Across the Universe! Plus Read About Seismic Waves Inside Earth’s Core, Heaviest Antimatter, Earth’s Electric Field, Metal 3D Printing in Space, Lunar Resource Utilization, US Military Investments, and More.

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Lagrangian Despatch
September 08, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 33 minutes

Dear Lagrangian,

Welcome, and thanks for joining us again!

Update: We’ve added a new section, ‘Images,’ that showcases stunning new photos sent back from telescopes and space probes. We hope you enjoy it!

As always we covered a bit more than usual this week, so for the best reading experience, we recommend viewing this newsletter in your web browser.

Enjoy reading!

IMAGES

 

Triangulum Galaxy (M33) : Hubble Space Telescope

Credit: NASA, ESA, M. Boyer (STScI), and J. Dalcanton (University of Washington); Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has provided a stunning view into the heart of the Triangulum Galaxy (M33), revealing a bustling star-forming region. This region, known as NGC 604, is one of the largest and brightest star-forming areas in the Local Group of galaxies. It spans nearly 1,500 light-years and contains over 200 hot, young, massive stars. The intricate details captured by Hubble highlight the complex interplay of gas and dust, shedding light on the processes that drive star formation and the evolution of galaxies.

 

Tucana Dwarf Galaxy : Hubble Space Telescope

Credit: NASA, ESA, C. Gallart (Instituto de Astrofisica de Canarias), A. del Pino Molina (Centro de Estudios de Fisica del Cosmos de Aragon), and R. van der Marel (Space Telescope Science Institute); Image Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America)

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has captured a faint glow from the Tucana Dwarf Galaxy, located nearly 3 million light-years away. This dwarf galaxy, situated at the edge of the Local Group, consists of a sparse collection of aging stars. The observation reveals that the Tucana Dwarf Galaxy has very little ongoing star formation and is primarily composed of older, red stars. This finding provides valuable insights into the characteristics and evolution of dwarf galaxies in the universe.

Lensed Question Mark Galaxy Cluster MACS-J0417.5-1154 : James Webb Space Telescope

Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, V. Estrada-Carpenter (Saint Mary's University).

The galaxy cluster MACS-J0417.5-1154 is so massive it is warping the fabric of space-time and distorting the appearance of galaxies behind it, an effect known as gravitational lensing. This natural phenomenon magnifies distant galaxies and can also make them appear in an image multiple times. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope captured this phenomenon, revealing two distant, interacting galaxies—a face-on spiral and a dusty red galaxy—appearing multiple times and forming a question mark shape. This rare alignment, involving a hyperbolic umbilic gravitational lens, offers a glimpse into the universe’s past, highlighting star formation and galactic interactions. The dot of the question mark is an unrelated galaxy that happens to be in the right place and space-time from our perspective.

Amid a field of galaxies, five repeat images of a galaxy pair are labeled with letters of the alphabet. A, B, and C trace the shape of the top of a question mark, curving from left to right and then down. To the right of this shape is the letter D, but the galaxy pair is largely washed out by a bright white, oval foreground galaxy. The E label and galaxy pair are at a greater distance to the lower right.

At the bottom right are compass arrows indicating the orientation of the image on the sky. The east arrow points toward 9 o’clock. The north arrow points in the 12 o’clock direction. At the bottom right is a scale bar labeled 2 arcseconds The length of the scale bar is about one sixth of the total image. Below the image is a color key showing which filters were used to create the image and which visible-light color is assigned to each filter. NIRCam filters from left to right: F090W, in blue; F150W, in green; F444W, in red. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Vicente Estrada-Carpenter (Saint Mary's University))

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has also observed the galaxy cluster MACS-J0417.5-1154, but the question mark-shaped dusty red galaxy is more prominent in the Webb image. Webb’s infrared light penetrates cosmic dust better, while Hubble’s ultraviolet observations help identify star formation in both the red galaxy and its companion spiral galaxy. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, Vicente Estrada-Carpenter (Saint Mary’s University))

Comet C/2023 E1 Atlas with Flying Bat and Squid Nebula : Astrophotographer Miguel Claro

Credit: Miguel Claro

The annotated version, created with PixInsight script using various catalogues, identifies the main objects in the image. It also includes a version without the comet to highlight the nebulas and starfield in landscape and portrait. Additionally, a video animation of the transit over 30 calibrated frames, using Green and Blue channels from OIII and low opacity Red Ha channel, reveals the Flying Bat shape. (Credit: Miguel Claro)

Astrophotographer Miguel Claro has captured a rare celestial event: Comet C/2023 E1 Atlas in a striking encounter with the Flying Bat and Squid Nebula. The deep-sky image, taken over 11 nights, reveals the comet’s faint green glow against the backdrop of the reddish Flying Bat Nebula and the blue Squid Nebula. This rare alignment, captured in different wavelengths, showcases the intricate beauty of the cosmos and highlights the comet’s 85-year orbital period around the Sun.

Andromeda Galaxy’s Spiral Arms : Hubble Space Telescope

Scientists probed Andromeda’s spiral arms using Hubble to analyze the collection of stars buried in its cosmic bouquets. (Credit: NASA, ESA, M. Boyer (Space Telescope Science Institute), and J. Dalcanton (University of Washington); Image Processing: Gladys Kober (NASA/Catholic University of America))

NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope has zoomed into the Andromeda Galaxy (M31), revealing intricate details of its star-forming regions. The telescope captured swathes of ionized gas in the galaxy’s northeast tendril, indicating recent star formation. These regions, common in spiral and irregular galaxies, are set ablaze by clusters of stars, creating a dynamic environment that excites the surrounding hydrogen gas into a garden of star-studded roses. Scientists used Hubble’s Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3) to analyze the collection of stars, providing a clear view of Andromeda’s stellar history and diversity.

NASA’s Advanced Composite Solar Sail System : Hubble Space Telescope

Credit: NASA

Artist's illustration of the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System spacecraft sailing in space using the energy of the sun. (Credit: NASA/Aero Animation/Ben Schweighart)

NASA is evaluating the Advanced Composite Solar Sail System (ACS3), a technology demonstration using composite materials in lightweight booms deployed from a CubeSat. The solar sail, approximately 30 feet per side, harnesses sunlight for propulsion, eliminating the need for conventional rocket propellant. This innovation aims to support future low-cost deep space missions, including space weather early warning satellites and asteroid reconnaissance. The successful deployment of ACS3’s composite boom solar sail in low-Earth orbit marks a significant step towards sustainable space exploration.

SPACE SCIENCE

 

Seismic Waves Reveal Widespread Ultra-Low Velocity Zones in Earth’s Mantle

Recent research has unveiled mysterious zones in Earth’s deep mantle, known as ultra-low velocity zones (ULVZs), which can slow seismic waves by up to 50%. Previously thought to be rare, these zones near the core-mantle boundary, which scatters seismic waves, are now believed to be widespread.

The study, led by Michael Thorne from the University of Utah, utilized data from 58 deep earthquakes with magnitudes over 5.8 near New Guinea, recorded between 2008 and 2022. The researchers modeled PKP waves traveling through a computer model of Earth’s mantle, identifying patterns in how these waves varied in speed. They found that ULVZs are not only near hotspots but also scattered across various regions, including North America, North Africa, East Asia, Papua New Guinea, and the Pacific Northwest. This widespread presence suggests that ULVZs are actively generated and play a significant role in mantle dynamics.

Seismic waves from earthquakes in the southern hemisphere sample the ULVZ structure along the Earth’s Core-Mantle Boundary and are recorded by sensors in Antarctica. (Credit: Edward Garnero and Mingming Li, Arizona State University)

Understanding these structures could improve seismic event prediction and preparedness, and enhance our knowledge of volcanic hotspots and mantle convection, offering new insights into Earth's geophysical processes.

ESA/JAXA’s BepiColombo: Stunning Mercury Images and Delayed Arrival

The European Space Agency (ESA) - Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) BepiColombo mission recently completed its fourth Mercury flyby, capturing some of the best images yet of the planet’s cratered surface. The flyby, which occurred on September 4, 2024, brought the spacecraft within 165 km of Mercury, providing stunning views of impact craters like Vivaldi and the newly named Stoddart crater. These images offer valuable insights into Mercury’s geological history and volcanic activity.

Captured by ESA/JAXA’s BepiColombo mission, this image shows Mercury receding into the distance. Taken at 00:11 CEST from 3459 km away, the spacecraft made its closest approach at 165 km. For the first time, BepiColombo glimpsed Mercury’s south pole, where some craters remain freezing cold despite the planet’s proximity to the Sun, hinting at the presence of water ice. (Credit: ESA, JAXA)

The sunlit part of Mercury appears at the top right, revealing fascinating geological features. Notably, the Stoddart peak ring basin, a 155-km wide impact crater, was named just last month. (Credit: ESA, JAXA)

However, the mission has faced challenges. Thruster issues discovered in April 2024 have delayed BepiColombo’s arrival in Mercury’s orbit from December 2025 to November 2026. Engineers identified unexpected electric currents affecting the spacecraft’s power distribution, necessitating a revised trajectory. Despite this setback, the mission continues to gather crucial data during its flybys, contributing to our understanding of Mercury’s environment.

BepiColombo timeline. (Credit: ESA, JAXA)

Heaviest Antimatter Nucleus Discovered: Insights into Universe’s Origins

Scientists at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider (RHIC) have discovered the heaviest antimatter nucleus ever detected, named antihyperhydrogen-4. This exotic antimatter particle, composed of an antiproton, two antineutrons, and one antihyperon, was identified among the debris of six billion particle collisions. The discovery, published in Nature, provides new insights into the asymmetry between matter and antimatter, a fundamental question in cosmology.

An artistic representation of antihyperhydrogen-4 — an antimatter hypernucleus made of an antiproton, two antineutrons, and an antilambda particle — created in a collision of two gold nuclei (left). (Credit: Institute of Modern Physics, China)

The study utilized data from the STAR experiment, which recreates conditions similar to the early universe. By analyzing the decay patterns of these antimatter particles, researchers aim to understand why our universe is dominated by matter despite the equal creation of matter and antimatter during the Big Bang. This research could also refine our understanding of dark matter and its interactions.

UAE’s Asteroid Belt Mission Set for 2028 Launch

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is making significant strides in its ambitious Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt (EMA), set to launch in March 2028. This mission aims to conduct high-speed flybys of six asteroids, culminating in a rendezvous with the seventh asteroid, 269 Justitia, in 2034. The mission will also deploy a small lander onto this final target.

The UAE's Hope Mars orbiter, which has been circling the Red Planet since February 2021, is seen here with its solar panels extended pre-launch. (Credit: Mohammad Bin Rashid Space Centre)

Following its 2028 launch, the Emirates Mission to the Asteroid Belt will perform high-speed flybys of six asteroids, culminating in a rendezvous with 269 Justitia in 2034, where it will deploy a lander. (Image credit: UAE Space Agency/LASP)

The EMA mission, a collaboration between the UAE Space Agency and the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at the University of Colorado Boulder, will utilize gravity assists from Venus, Earth, and Mars to optimize its trajectory. The mission’s primary goal is to study a diverse set of carbonaceous asteroids, which could provide valuable insights into the early solar system’s formation.

China to Test Lunar Soil Bricks on Tiangong Space Station

China plans to test bricks made from lunar soil simulant on the Tiangong space station, as part of the upcoming Tianzhou 8 cargo mission. These bricks will undergo three years of exposure tests to assess their durability in extreme conditions, including ultraviolet light, cosmic rays, and temperature fluctuations. This experiment is crucial for determining the best methods for producing bricks from lunar soil, which could significantly reduce the costs of building structures on the Moon.

In parallel, China is also focusing on international collaboration for its lunar projects. The country is working on the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS), set to be developed in the 2030s. This initiative aims to leverage in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) to create a sustainable lunar base.

6,000-Year-Old Solar Eclipse Reference Found in Rig Veda

Astronomers have discovered the oldest known reference to a solar eclipse in the ancient Hindu text, the Rig Veda, dating back approximately 6,000 years. This discovery, made by astronomers Mayank Vahia and Mitsuru Soma, highlights the advanced astronomical knowledge of ancient civilizations. The Rig Veda describes the sun being “pierced” by darkness, a fitting depiction of a total solar eclipse. The researchers identified two possible dates for this eclipse: October 22, 4202 B.C., and October 19, 3811 B.C., based on the text’s references to the vernal equinox in Orion. The researchers reported their findings in the Journal of Astronomical History and Heritage.

Credit: NASA

NASA Confirms Long-Sought Global Electric Field Shaping Earth’s Ionosphere

This bidirectional, or ‘ambipolar,’ electric field causes ions to pull electrons down while electrons lift ions upward, extending the atmosphere’s height and allowing some ions to escape with the polar wind. (Credits: NASA/Conceptual Image Lab/Wes Buchanan/Krystofer Kim)

NASA has confirmed the existence of a planet-wide electric field, known as the ambipolar electric field, which is as fundamental to Earth as its gravity and magnetic fields. This discovery, made by an international team using data from a NASA suborbital rocket, reveals that the ambipolar field drives atmospheric escape above Earth’s poles. First hypothesized over 60 years ago, this field plays a crucial role in shaping our ionosphere and influencing space weather. The findings, published in Nature, mark a significant advancement in our understanding of Earth’s atmospheric dynamics.

ESA and Airbus Successfully Print Metal Part on ISS

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Airbus have successfully 3D printed the first metal part in space on the International Space Station (ISS). Installed by ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen, the technology demonstrator produced a stainless steel component in microgravity. The part, along with three others, will return to Earth for quality analysis.

Video of the first 3D metal part printed on space station. (Credit: Airbus/ESA)

ESA's Metal 3D Printer has produced the first metal part ever created in space. (Credit: ESA/NASA)

The experiment aims to test the feasibility of producing metal parts in space, which could significantly reduce the need for resupply missions. The parts will be analyzed at ESA’s technical wing in the Netherlands, the astronaut training center in Cologne, and the Technical University of Denmark. The 3D printing process aboard the ISS was conducted over several months. The metal 3D printer, installed in May 2024, underwent a meticulous commissioning phase to ensure all subsystems worked together. The actual printing involved running sequences of two to three minutes, followed by feedback and adjustments, making it a gradual and carefully monitored process. This breakthrough in additive manufacturing is expected to provide autonomy for future space missions, enabling astronauts to produce essential components and tools on-demand.

SPACE GOVERNANCE

 

Senegal Newest Member to Join China’s ILRS Moon Base Project

Senegal has joined China’s International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project. The Senegalese Space Study Agency (ASES) signed an agreement with the China National Space Administration (CNSA) during the Second International Conference on Deep Space Exploration in Tunxi, Anhui, China. This partnership underscores China’s growing collaboration with African nations in space exploration, reflecting a broader trend of engaging the Global South in its ambitious lunar initiatives.

Maram Kaire (ASES) and Li Guoping (CNSA) sign a memorandum of understanding on the ILRS, Sept. 5, 2024. (Credit: Deep Space Exploration Laboratory)

Senegal joined the ILRS project soon after launching its first satellite, Gaindesat-1A, on August 16, 2024. This marks the rapid growth of Senegal’s space industry, aiming to foster a local space ecosystem and industrial innovation. The ILRS project, targeting a robotic lunar research station by 2035 and a human habitation station by 2045, has attracted over ten countries and 40 international organizations.

International Collaboration Crucial for Lunar Resource Utilization

The push for lunar resource utilization is gaining momentum, with international cooperation emerging as key. Scientists advocate for a global effort to prospect and share lunar resources, especially water ice at the Moon’s south pole. Highlighted at the 2024 International Geological Congress, this initiative calls for a formal campaign to evaluate the Moon’s resource potential. Clive Neal, a professor at the University of Notre Dame, supports the International Lunar Resources Prospecting Campaign (ILRPC) to assess the Moon’s resources, emphasizing the need for global collaboration.

China is expanding its International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) initiative, despite challenges in attracting national-level partners. Recent agreements with subnational entities and universities show ongoing efforts to build a collaborative framework for lunar exploration. This contrasts with NASA’s Artemis program, which has support from 36 countries through the Artemis Accords.

The drive for lunar resource utilization underscores the importance of international collaboration in space exploration. By pooling resources and expertise, nations can mitigate the high costs and risks associated with lunar missions, paving the way for a sustainable human presence on the Moon. Read more on Space.com.

New Zealand’s Space Sector Growth Sparks Light Pollution Concerns

The rapid growth of New Zealand’s space sector, driven by commercial activities and companies like Rocket Lab, has brought significant economic benefits, contributing NZ$1.7 billion in revenue with plans to grow to $10 billion by 2030. However, this expansion has also led to increased light pollution, with satellites reflecting sunlight and making the night sky 10% brighter than natural sources. This poses challenges for astronomy, human health, and the environment.

SpaceX’s failed Falcon 9 launch in July 2024. (Credit: SpaceX)

New Zealand’s regulatory framework, developed in response to Rocket Lab’s initial proposal, has been effective but faces challenges with new technologies like satellite constellations. The absence of Māori voices in discussions about light pollution has also sparked backlash. As a launch site, New Zealand has a duty to combat light pollution and ensure space activities do not interfere with other countries’ rights to study outer space, writes Lecturer in Law at University of Canterbury (NZ), William Grant. Addressing these concerns is crucial for balancing economic growth with environmental responsibility. Read in detail about this story on The Conversation.

MILITARY IN SPACE

 

U.S. Intelligence Agency Invests $700M to Enhance AI for Satellite Imagery Analysis, Launches Pilot to Evaluate AI for National Security

The U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) is investing $700 million over five years to enhance AI capabilities through data labeling services. This initiative aims to improve AI model accuracy for analyzing satellite imagery and geospatial data, marking NGA’s largest data labeling contract and underscoring its commitment to AI for national security and intelligence.

Meanwhile, together with the U.S. Space Force, they are working together to improve satellite imagery delivery and explore cost-effective satellites for GPS. They have set up a joint mission management center at the NGA in Virginia to address imaging and tracking challenges, aiming to provide military commanders with quicker access to critical satellite data.

In parallel, the NGA is also launching a pilot program to evaluate the trustworthiness of AI models. This initiative seeks to establish guidelines and standards for the use of AI in critical areas, such as identifying potential targets using satellite imagery. The goal is to create a standardized framework for assessing the performance and reliability of AI models, ensuring that they meet the ethical and operational standards required for military and intelligence applications.

These efforts come at a time when the use of AI in intelligence and defense is under increasing scrutiny. The NGA’s initiatives aim to address concerns about the reliability and ethical use of AI, while also enhancing the agency’s ability to process and analyze vast amounts of geospatial data. By investing in both the development and evaluation of AI models, the NGA is positioning itself to better support national security and military operations in an increasingly data-driven world.

In a busy week, SpaceX completed several notable missions after receiving FAA clearance, which is investigating the failed landing. On September 5, 2024, SpaceX launched its 7,001st Starlink satellite, from Florida, U.S., marking the third Starlink launch in less than a week. The used Falcon 9 rocket successfully deployed 21 Starlink satellites, including 13 with Direct to Cell capabilities, and landed flawlessly on a drone ship, highlighting SpaceX’s relentless pace in expanding its Starlink megaconstellation.

On the same day, SpaceX executed a second launch, sending a batch of next-gen spy satellites into orbit for the U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). The NROL-113 mission, launched from Vandenberg Space Force Base, in California, is part of the NRO’s proliferated constellation strategy, which aims to enhance resilience and capability through numerous smaller satellites. This was the third batch of satellites for the NRO’s new imaging constellation.

A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying the NROL-113 mission preparing for lift-off from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California on Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024. (Credit: SpaceX)

SpaceX achieved a milestone in military communications by demonstrating the first laser data exchange between satellites using Tesat-Spacecom terminals. This test, part of the Space Development Agency’s Tranche 0 experimental spacecraft, marks the first military-standard laser communications in space. The deployment included satellites from SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, York Space, and L3Harris, representing a crucial step in establishing a resilient optical network in low Earth orbit.

However, these advancements come amid growing global concerns about the militarization of space and the impact of megaconstellations. Recent reports highlight pushback from astronomers and environmental groups against satellite proliferation, citing disruptions to astronomical observations and increased space debris. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) has established a center to address these issues, emphasizing coordinated international responses.

SpaceX’s achievements highlight its key role in advancing commercial and military space capabilities, demonstrating efficiency and innovation. However, these developments spark global debate and scrutiny.

U.S. Army and Air Force Award Major Contracts to Viasat, Canopy, and Benchmark

This week, several companies have secured significant contracts to advance military and aerospace technologies. Viasat has been awarded a $153 million contract by the U.S. Army to modernize the Blue Force Tracker (BFT) network. This system, crucial for real-time positioning of friendly forces, will benefit from Viasat’s engineering services and operational support, enhancing situational awareness for military commanders.

Meanwhile, Canopy Aerospace has won two U.S. Air Force contracts worth a combined $2.8 million to develop advanced thermal protection systems (TPS). These contracts focus on transpiration-cooled TPS and embedding high-temperature sensors in TPS materials, aiming to improve thermal management for hypersonic and reentry vehicles.

Additionally, Benchmark Space Systems has secured a $4.9 million award from the Air Force Research Laboratory to develop propulsion systems for the ASCENT monopropellant. This non-toxic propellant offers higher performance compared to traditional hydrazine, and Benchmark’s work will focus on developing 22-newton to 100-newton propulsion systems.

SPACE COMMERCE

 

Space Tech Growth and Acquisitions: Katalyst and Atomos Lead SDA Market Amid KBR’s LinQuest Acquisition, Aerospacelab’s U.S. Expansion, and Telesat’s LEO Ambitions

In recent developments within the space sector, several key players are making strategic moves to enhance their capabilities and market presence. Space startups like Atomos Space and Katalyst Space are capitalizing on the growing demand for space domain awareness (SDA) by retrofitting geostationary satellites with advanced surveillance sensors. This trend aligns with the U.S. military’s increasing focus on augmenting its space surveillance capabilities. Katalyst Space estimates the SDA hosted payload market to be worth about $1 billion over the next five years.

Meanwhile, European small satellite manufacturer Aerospacelab has inaugurated its first U.S. facility in California, aiming to tap into the lucrative U.S. government market. This expansion is expected to bolster the company’s production capacity and secure contracts with U.S. commercial and government customers. Aerospacelab recently raised 40 million euros in a Series B funding round to ramp up satellite production capacity.

In the realm of military space operations, Texas, U.S. based KBR has acquired LinQuest, a defense and space support services contractor, for $737 million to meet the growing demand for classified space programs. This acquisition significantly boosts KBR’s specialized workforce and positions it as a major player in the national security space sector.

On the technological front, California, U.S. based, Collimate Space has introduced a tool to predict satellite downlink success by considering various factors such as space weather and ground-based antenna profiles. This innovation aims to enhance the reliability of satellite communications.

Lastly, Canada based Telesat has sold its remote communications services business, Infosat Communications, to Network Innovations to finance its ambitious Lightspeed low Earth orbit constellation. This move reflects Telesat’s strategic focus on expanding its LEO capabilities amidst a competitive satellite communications landscape. Telesat plans to invest up to 1.4 billion Canadian dollars in Lightspeed this year.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸