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- Breaking Space News: September 22 - 28, 2024
Breaking Space News: September 22 - 28, 2024
This Week: The Most Detailed Map of the Milky Way, A Solar Storm Threat to Tech, Watch A Chinese Commercial Rocket Test, FAA-SpaceX Feud, and Mars' Missing Atmosphere. Plus: Japan's Spy Satellite, Russia-West Africa Partnerships, US Space Force's Future Plans, and More.
Lagrangian Despatch
September 29, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 32 minutes
Dear Lagrangian,
As always, a lot that happened last week in space!🚀
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Table of Contents
IMAGES
Most Detailed Infrared Map of Milky Way with 1.5 Billion Objects : ESO VISTA Telescope
Astronomers have unveiled an enormous infrared map of the Milky Way, featuring over 1.5 billion objects, making it the most detailed map ever created. Utilizing the European Southern Observatory’s (ESO) Visible and Infrared Survey Telescope for Astronomy (VISTA) telescope in Chile, the team observed the central regions of our Galaxy for more than 13 years. With a data volume of 500 terabytes, this project stands as the largest observational endeavor ever conducted with an ESO telescope.
This collage highlights a small selection of regions of the Milky Way imaged as part of the most detailed infrared map ever of our galaxy. Here we see, from left to right and top to bottom: NGC 3576, NGC 6357, Messier 17, NGC 6188, Messier 22 and NGC 3603. All of them are clouds of gas and dust where stars are forming, except Messier 22, which is a very dense group of old stars. (Credit: ESO/VVVX survey)
A detailed infrared view of Messier 17, aka the Omega Nebula or Swan Nebula, a stellar nursery located about 5500 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius, is part of a record-breaking infrared map of the Milky Way. VISTA captured the images with its infrared camera VIRCAM. The data were gathered as part of the VISTA Variables in the VĂa Láctea (VVV) survey and its companion project, the VVV eXtended survey (VVVX). (Credit: ESO/VVVX survey)
An infrared image of NGC 6188, aka the Firebird nebula, located about 4100 light-years away in the constellation Ara. This gas cloud harbours a cluster of young stars called NGC 6193. (Credit: ESO/VVVX survey)
This is an infrared view of the Messier 22 globular cluster, a densely packed group of very old stars located about 10 000 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius. (Credit: ESO/VVVX survey)
This image from ESO’s VISTA telescope showcases glowing gas clouds and dust tendrils around young stars in the stellar nursery NGC 6357 aka the Lobster Nebula . Captured as part of the VISTA Variables in the VĂa Láctea (VVV) survey, it aims to map the Milky Way’s structure and formation. (Credit: ESO/VVV Survey/D. Minniti. Acknowledgement: Ignacio Toledo)
This new infrared view of NGC 3603 (left) and NGC 3576 (right) from ESO’s VISTA telescope reveals hidden details by peering through dust. Located 22,000 and 9,000 lightyears away, respectively, these nebulas are stellar nurseries where new stars form, altering their shapes with intense radiation and powerful winds. Their proximity allows astronomers to study star formation processes common in other galaxies but harder to observe due to distance. Catalogued by John Frederick William Herschel in 1834 and expanded by John Louis Emil Dreyer in 1888 into the New General Catalogue, these nebulas bear the NGC identifier. (Credit: ESO/VVVX survey)
his image displays the Milky Way regions mapped by the VISTA Variables in the VĂa Láctea (VVV) survey and its extension, the VVV eXtended survey (VVVX), covering an area equivalent to 8600 full moons. The Milky Way consists of a central bulge and a surrounding flat disc. Red squares mark the central areas initially covered by VVV and later re-observed by VVVX, including most of the bulge and part of the disc. Other squares indicate regions observed only by VVVX: additional disc areas (yellow and green), regions above and below the galactic plane (dark blue), and above and below the bulge (light blue). The numbers represent galactic longitude and latitude, used by astronomers to chart objects in our galaxy. Constellation names are also shown. (Credit: ESO/VVVX survey)
SCIENCE
NASA and DuPont’s New Kevlar Shield Against Space Debris Heads to the ISS
The next-generation Kevlar material, “EXO,” was developed and unveiled by DuPont and NASA in April 2023, designed to enhance protection against space debris. Tested at NASA’s White Sands Test Facility, EXO offers superior protection while being significantly lighter than conventional Kevlar. This advancement aims to improve the safety of spacecraft, including the International Space Station (ISS), by optimizing the overall weight of the Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) protection system.
In October, samples of EXO will be sent to the ISS aboard a SpaceX Dragon cargo capsule for extended testing on the station’s exterior. This new Kevlar fiber demonstrates the potential to reduce damage to spacecraft, ensuring better durability and longevity in the harsh environment of space.
Test configuration of an MMOD protection system: Top left is the front view of the bumper, and top right is the side view of th target during a test. Bottom left shows the back view of the Kevlar and on bottom right is the front view of the rear wall after the test. (Credit: DuPont/NASA)
South Korea and U.S. To Partner on Lunar and Deep Space Missions
NASA and the Republic of Korea’s newly established Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) have signed a joint statement of intent to advance cooperation in space exploration, science, and aeronautics. This agreement, signed at NASA Headquarters during KASA’s inaugural visit since its creation in May 2024, aims to enhance collaboration on lunar exploration, satellite navigation, and climate research. The partnership will also focus on developing new technologies for space missions and sharing data from space-based observations. Additionally, Korea’s deep space antenna, which is crucial for communication with distant spacecraft, will play a significant role in this collaboration. This antenna will support joint missions and enhance the capabilities of both nations in deep space exploration.
China’s Tianwen-2 Mission: Aiming for Asteroid Sample Return in 2025
China is set to launch the Tianwen-2 mission in 2025, targeting the near-Earth asteroid Kamoʻoalewa (2016 HO3) for sample collection. This mission, announced by Bian Zhigang, deputy head of the China National Space Administration (CNSA), aims to return samples to Earth approximately 2.5 years after launch. Kamoʻoalewa, a quasi-satellite of Earth, is 40-100 meters in diameter and may be a fragment of the Moon ejected by a past impact. The mission underscores China’s growing ambitions in space exploration, following the success of its lunar missions. Additionally, the CNSA has outlined plans for future deep space missions, including Mars and Jupiter exploration.
Planet Labs Unveils Advanced Forest Carbon Monitoring Tool
Planet Labs has unveiled its Forest Carbon Monitoring product, leveraging data from its extensive fleet of Dove satellites. This innovative dataset provides quarterly, near-tree-scale insights into global changes in canopy height, canopy cover, and aboveground carbon density. With a resolution of three meters per pixel, the product offers detailed estimates of the carbon stored in branches, leaves, and other plant tissues.
High resolution aboveground carbon density data along the Amazon River highlights the complex geography of carbon in tropical rainforests and captures detailed patterns of carbon losses at fine spatial scales. (Credit: Planet)
This tool is designed to support carbon markets and inform policies aimed at reducing deforestation and enhancing carbon sequestration. By providing timely and accurate data, Planet’s Forest Carbon Monitoring product aims to revolutionize forest management and contribute to global climate change mitigation efforts. This dataset is crucial for tracking and verifying carbon credits, ensuring transparency and accountability in carbon markets, and ultimately helping to combat climate change.
Chinese Rocket Firm Deep Blue Aerospace’s Test Anomaly and China’s Jielong-3 Launch Success
Chinese commercial rocket firm Deep Blue Aerospace recently conducted a first-stage rocket hop test, which experienced a partial failure during the final moments of landing. Despite the anomaly, the test marks a significant step in the company’s efforts to develop reusable rocket technology.
In contrast, China successfully launched its fourth Jielong-3 solid rocket from a sea platform, sending eight remote sensing satellites into sun-synchronous orbit. This sea launch demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in space launch technology and its commitment to expanding its satellite constellation.
Striped Rock Found on Mars by Perseverance Rover in Jezero Crater
NASA’s Perseverance rover has discovered a unique black-and-white striped rock in Jezero Crater, unlike any previously seen on Mars. This intriguing find, captured on September 13, 2024, has sparked excitement among scientists who believe the rock’s texture may result from igneous or metamorphic processes. As Perseverance continues its climb up the crater rim, this discovery hints at the potential for more groundbreaking findings in the region. The rock’s unusual characteristics could provide new insights into Mars’ geological history and the processes that have shaped its surface.
NASA's Mars Perseverance rover captured this image of a black-and-white striped rock using its Left Mastcam-Z camera. Mastcam-Z is a pair of cameras located high on the rover's mast. (Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU)
Tree Rings Reveal History of Devastating Solar Storms, Pose Warning For A for Tech-Dependent Society
Scientists have uncovered evidence of past extreme solar storms, which could pose a significant threat to our technology-dependent society. These powerful storms have the potential to damage satellites, disrupt communications networks, and bring down global electricity grids. The discovery, based on tree ring analysis, suggests that such storms were far more intense than any recorded in modern history. This finding underscores the urgent need for improved space weather forecasting and protective measures to safeguard our technological infrastructure against future solar superstorms. Read more about this story on The Conversation.
Scientists study tree rings because they retain a record of climatic events and changes. They also record the Sun's activity. This image shows tree rings of a buried subfossil tree in the Drouzet river. (Credit: CĂ©cile Miramont)
GOVERNANCE
NASA’s SSPICY Mission Tackles Space Debris as Purdue Researchers Address Lunar Debris Threats
NASA’s recent $15 million contract with Starfish Space marks a significant step in addressing the growing issue of space debris. The Small Spacecraft Propulsion and Inspection Capability (SSPICY) mission, scheduled for launch in late 2026, aims to inspect defunct satellites in Earth’s orbit. This initiative is part of NASA’s broader efforts to develop technologies for on-orbit servicing, assembly, and manufacturing (OSAM) missions.
Simultaneously, academic researchers from Purdue University are raising alarms about the increasing amount of debris in cislunar space. The growing presence of space hardware around the moon poses significant risks, with even a single fragmentation event potentially causing widespread damage. Researchers emphasize the need for better debris characterization tools to mitigate these risks and ensure the safety of future lunar exploration missions.
These efforts highlight the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to manage space debris, both in Earth’s orbit and beyond, to safeguard the future of space exploration.
The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed the NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024 with an overwhelming 366-21 vote. This bill aims to maintain NASA’s current trajectory in human spaceflight and science programs while mandating the preparation of several reports. Key aspects of the bill include extending the operations of the International Space Station (ISS) and supporting NASA’s Artemis program, which aims to return humans to the Moon and eventually to Mars.
The bill also emphasizes the importance of developing new technologies and partnerships to enhance NASA’s capabilities. This legislative move underscores the continued bipartisan support for NASA’s missions and the recognition of space exploration as a critical component of national and global progress. As NASA gears up for its ambitious goals, this authorization provides the necessary framework and funding to ensure the agency remains at the forefront of space exploration and scientific discovery.
Additionally, the House passed on a voice vote H.R. 6219, the Accessing Satellite Data to Enable New Discoveries Act (ASCEND) Act. This bill formally authorizes NASA’s ongoing Commercial Smallsat Data Acquisition Program, where the agency buys commercial satellite imagery and other data for use in scientific research.
U.S. Office of Space Commerce Launches Civilian-Led Space Traffic Coordination System
The U.S. Office of Space Commerce is set to activate the initial version of its civil space traffic coordination system, known as TraCSS, by the end of the month. This marks the beginning of a transition from the Defense Department to a civilian-led system, which will continue through next year. The TraCSS system aims to enhance the tracking and management of space objects, ensuring safer and more efficient space operations.
Richard DalBello, director of the Office of Space Commerce, announced this development at the Advanced Maui Optical and Space Surveillance Technologies (AMOS) Conference. The system will undergo user testing to refine its capabilities and address any potential issues. This initiative underscores the growing need for advanced space traffic management as the number of satellites and space missions continues to increase.
Transitioning to a civilian-led system offers several benefits over a defense-led system. A civilian system can provide more open access to data for all space operators, including international ones, enhancing transparency. It will also incorporate satellite position data directly from satellite operators, improving the accuracy of collision notifications. Additionally, civilian systems can facilitate better international coordination and data-sharing, which is crucial for global space traffic management. By focusing on the needs of civil and commercial space operators, the system can ensure that their specific requirements are met more effectively. This is a crucial step towards ensuring sustainable and secure space operations in the increasingly crowded space environment.
FAA Defends SpaceX Fine While Elon Musk Calls on FAA Chief to Resign and Starlink Transforms In-Flight Connectivity
The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently defended its decision to fine SpaceX and delay an updated Starship launch license, citing safety concerns. FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker emphasized that compliance with regulations is crucial for ensuring the safety of space operations. This move has sparked a debate about the balance between innovation and regulatory oversight in the rapidly evolving space industry. In response, SpaceX CEO Elon Musk has called for the resignation of FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker following delays in licensing the fifth test flight of SpaceX’s Starship rocket. Musk criticized the FAA for focusing on minor issues with SpaceX while neglecting significant safety concerns at Boeing. This marks an escalation in the ongoing tension between SpaceX and the FAA.
Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Starlink satellite internet service is making significant strides in the aviation sector. Hawaiian Airlines has begun offering free Starlink Wi-Fi on most of its transpacific fleet, providing passengers with high-speed internet access during flights. Following suit, Air France announced plans to roll out free Starlink broadband services across its entire fleet starting in the summer of 2025. These developments highlight the growing influence of SpaceX’s Starlink in transforming in-flight connectivity.
3GPP Approves Iridium’s U.S. Smartphone Integration as Xona Expands LEO Navigation Constellation Plans in Canada
Iridium has received approval from the 3rd Generation Partnership Project (3GPP) to work on making its satellites compatible with upcoming smartphones. The 3GPP is a consortium of standards organizations that develop protocols for mobile telecommunications, including technologies like GSM, UMTS, LTE, and 5G. This development, enabled by updated chipset standards expected next year, could allow mass-market smartphones to connect directly with Iridium’s low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, providing enhanced connectivity with lower power requirements compared to geostationary satellites.
An artistic concept of the Iridium Next constellation. (Credit: Thales Alenia Space)
Meanwhile, California, U.S.-based Xona Space Systems is expanding to Canada as it prepares to deploy its LEO navigation satellite constellation. The new office in Montréal will support the launch of a commercial positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) service, offering an alternative or backup to GPS.
MILITARY
Japan Launches Spy Satellite on Penultimate H-2A Rocket Flight
Japan successfully launched the IGS-Radar 8 reconnaissance satellite aboard an H-2A rocket from Tanegashima Space Center on September 26, 2024. This mission marks the penultimate flight of the H-2A rocket, which has been a cornerstone of Japan’s space endeavors since its debut in 2001. The IGS-Radar 8 satellite, equipped with radar for all-weather and nighttime observation, will significantly enhance Japan’s reconnaissance capabilities. The satellite’s deployment went as planned, successfully separating from the rocket about 20 minutes after liftoff.
The H-2A rocket, built and operated by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, has a strong track record with only one failure in its 49 flights. The rocket’s 50th and final launch is scheduled soon, marking the end of an era for this reliable launch vehicle. The IGS-Radar 8 satellite will provide critical data for Japan’s national security and disaster response efforts, highlighting the importance of this mission.
U.S. and India Partner to Build Semiconductor Plant for Defense Innovation
The United States and India have announced a significant partnership to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant in India, aimed at bolstering national security and technological innovation. This collaboration, involving the U.S. Space Force, will produce microchips essential for advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics. The initiative is part of a broader strategic partnership between the two nations, emphasizing defense cooperation, information-sharing, and industrial innovation. The new facility will enhance semiconductor supply chains, supporting both U.S. and Indian defense sectors.
Space Force Looks to Modernize Operations Space Weather Tech and Surveillance with Commercial Antennas, Cloud-Based Systems, Missile Warning, Data Integration, and GPS Initiatives
The U.S. Space Force is making significant strides in enhancing its satellite operations and capabilities. The Space Force aims to upgrade its aging Satellite Control Network (SCN) by incorporating commercial satellite antennas to boost control capacity and efficiency. An April Government Accountability Office report noted a capacity shortage, with SCN-supported satellite launches tripling since 2012. The SCN, featuring 19 global parabolic antennas, supports satellite launches, operations, tracking, and emergency aid for lost satellites.
In parallel, the Space Force has made notable progress in its missile-warning satellite program. Raytheon delivered the first of two infrared payloads for the Next-Gen OPIR geosynchronous satellites, expected in late 2025. Lockheed Martin is building these satellites to enhance missile detection and defense. The program also includes three polar-orbiting satellites by Northrop Grumman.
Additionally, the Space Force awarded a $25 million contract to Outside Analytics for integrating data from missile-warning satellites and other sensors at the Tools, Applications, and Processing (TAP) Laboratory. This integration is expected to enhance data processing and analysis, providing more accurate and timely information. The contract is part of a larger effort to improve the Space Force’s data integration capabilities
The Space Force also started a $1 billion cloud-based satellite operations program, known as Rapid Resilient Command and Control (R2C2), aimed at developing a next-generation ground system built on commercial cloud architecture. This initiative will modernize satellite operations and improve resilience through collaboration with multiple technology companies. Meanwhile, it has awarded Anduril Industries a $25.3 million contract to modernize the Space Surveillance Network. This upgrade aims to enhance data integration and communication systems, ensuring better tracking of space objects and missile launches.
However, the U.S. Space Force is evaluating options to replace the aging Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) with new weather monitoring systems. The Electro-Optical/Infrared Weather System (EWS) program is a key contender, with prototypes being developed to gather real-time weather data. This transition aims to ensure continued support for military operations and improve weather forecasting capabilities.
Furthermore, the Space Force selected four companies—Astranis, Axient, L3Harris Technologies, and Sierra Space—to develop concepts for smaller, more cost-effective GPS satellites under the Resilient GPS (R-GPS) program. These efforts aim to modernize and enhance the U.S. Space Force’s satellite infrastructure. The R-GPS program seeks to improve the GPS network with smaller, more resilient satellites.
Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso Gain Advanced Satellites Through Russian Collaboration
In a strategic move, Russia has partnered with the governments of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to enhance their national capabilities through the acquisition of telecoms and surveillance satellites. This collaboration aims to bolster the technological infrastructure of these West African nations, providing them with advanced satellite communication and monitoring tools. The deal underscores Russia’s growing influence in the region and highlights the increasing importance of satellite technology in national security and development efforts. This partnership is expected to significantly improve the communication networks and surveillance capabilities of the involved countries, marking a notable shift in their technological landscape.
COMMERCIAL
Hydrosat Partners with Mexican and Guatemalan Firms to Enhance Crop Yields and Water Efficiency
Hydrosat, a Washington-based thermal data and analytics startup, is expanding its business in Latin America. The company has partnered with Mexico’s EE Print Pack, Rex Irrigación Huasteca, and Grupo Inders to provide growers across Mexico and Guatemala with tools to improve water use efficiency, increase crop yields, and promote sustainable agriculture. This expansion aims to leverage Hydrosat’s thermal imaging technology to address critical agricultural challenges in the region. By offering detailed insights into water usage and crop health, Hydrosat’s tools are set to play a significant role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability in Latin America.
Hydrosat’s IrriWatch platform provides farmers with daily thermal infrared data reports, offering irrigation advice for crops like sugar cane. (Credit: Hydrosat)
FCC Opens New Spectrum for Satellite Broadband in a Boost for NGSO Operators
In a significant move for the satellite broadband industry, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened up 1300 megahertz of contiguous spectrum in the 17 GHz band for non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) fixed-satellite service (FSS) operators. This decision, aimed at improving broadband speeds in the United States, allows NGSO operators like Starlink to share this spectrum with geostationary satellites under specific power limits and conditions. The regulator voted to let NGSO operators use the 17.3-17.7 gigahertz band for satellite communications to fixed points on Earth, like home antennas. EchoStar and DirectTV has argued that NGSO operators should only have secondary access to prevent interference. The FCC said these changes match the agreements from the latest World Radiocommunication Conference, a UN event for global radio frequency coordination.
The new rule changes aim to boost satellite broadband capacity and efficiency, helping bridge the digital divide and support advanced services.
SPOTLIGHT
Looking Back In Time Scientists May Have Resolved Hubble Tension with Early Dark Energy
Recent advancements in cosmology have brought early dark energy into the spotlight as a potential solution to two of the field’s most significant challenges. Researchers from MIT and The University of Texas at Austin propose that early dark energy, a force that briefly accelerated the universe’s expansion a few thousand years after the Big Bang, could resolve the discrepancies in measurements of the universe’s expansion rate. If validated, this theory could resolve the “Hubble tension,” where different methods of measuring the universe’s expansion yield conflicting results. Early universe observations, such as the cosmic microwave background, suggest a slower expansion rate than current measurements, posing a significant puzzle in cosmology. Early dark energy might be the solution.
Images of six candidate massive galaxies, seen 500-700 million years after the Big Bang. One of the sources (bottom left) could contain as many stars as our present-day Milky Way, according to researchers, but it is 30 times more compact. (Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, I. Labbe (Swinburne University of Technology). Image processing: G. Brammer (Niels Bohr Institute’s Cosmic Dawn Center at the University of Copenhagen))
Over 13.77 billion years, the universe has evolved significantly. The earliest moment we can probe is the period of “inflation,” which caused exponential growth (size is depicted by the vertical extent of the grid in this graphic). For several billion years, expansion slowed as gravity pulled matter together. Recently, expansion has accelerated due to dark energy. The afterglow light seen by WMAP, emitted 375,000 years after inflation, has traveled largely unimpeded, carrying imprints of earlier conditions and serving as a backlight for later developments. (NASA/WMAP Science Team/ Art by Dana Berry)
These visualizations depict the number and clustering of simulated galaxies at various cosmic ages, from 4% to 43% of the universe’s current 13.8 billion years. Each cube, representing a fixed volume of space about 100 million light-years per side, shows the universe's expansion reducing galaxy density. The cubes illustrate cosmological redshift from 9 to 1, with earlier ones in redder shades. This redshift, where light from distant galaxies shifts to longer wavelengths, appearing redder, as it travels through the expanding universe, caused by the universe's expansion, shifts light from distant galaxies to longer wavelengths and helps measure the universe's growth rate. (Credit: NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center/F. Reddy and Z. Zhai, Y. Wang (IPAC) and A. Benson (Carnegie Observatories))
The early dark energy model suggests that this mysterious force emerged early in the cosmos, potentially alleviating the inconsistencies in current cosmological models. This development not only preserves the successes of the standard cosmological model but also offers a promising avenue for future research. The team, including Michael Boylan-Kolchin, emphasizes that early dark energy could act as an anti-gravitational force, accelerating the universe’s expansion just enough to resolve the mismatch in measurements. Their research was published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.
Clay Minerals Might Hold Clues to Mars’ Vanished Atmosphere
New research suggests that Mars’ missing atmosphere, which dramatically diminished 3.5 billion years ago, may be locked in the planet’s clay-rich surface. Scientists from MIT propose that ancient water on Mars triggered chemical reactions, converting CO2 into methane and trapping it in clay minerals. This process could explain the significant loss of Mars’ early thick atmosphere, potentially altering the planet’s ability to host life. Over several billion years, this process could have stored enough CO2 in the clay surface to account for most of the CO2 that went missing from the planet's early atmosphere. This discovery offers a new perspective on Mars' geological history, atmospheric evolution and its potential to support life. The research was published in the journal Science Advances.
This schematic shows how iron-rich rocks on Mars interacted with water containing atmospheric CO2, storing enough CO2 as methane in the clay surface over billions of years to account for the planet’s missing early atmosphere. (Credit: Courtesy of Joshua Murray, Oliver Jagoutz, et al)
Despatch Out. 👽🛸