Issue 29 | Breaking Space News: Dec 15 - 21, 2024

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• IMAGES

  • Discovered - “Firefly Sparkle” Galaxy

  • Discovered - Binary Stars Orbiting a Supermassive Black Hole

• SCIENCE

  • Researchers Call for Tracking Human Artifacts on Mars

  • Shenzhou-19 Mission Sets New Record with Nine-Hour Spacewalk

  • NASA Advocates for Continuous Human Presence in LEO

  • China Begins Deployment of Guowang Megaconstellation

  • NASA and ISRO Reschedule NISAR Mission for March 2025

  • DR Congo Gains $20 Million for Earth Observation Technology

• GOVERNANCE

  • White House Unveils Cislunar Science and Technology Action Plan

  • FAA Announces Measures to Expedite Space Launch Licensing

  • SpaceX Requests Official City Designation for Starbase

• MILITARY

  • This Week's Key Military Contracts in Space Tech

  • Defunct US Military Weather Satellite Breaks Up in Orbit

  • US Space Force "Futures Command" will Enhance Strategic Analysis

  • Pentagon Seeks Commercial Space Partnerships to Counter China

  • Space Force's Laser Communication and Rapid Response Tests

  • US NRO Enhances LEO Coverage with Over 100 Spy Satellites

  • China's Space Growth and AI-Driven Warfare Noted in Pentagon Report

• COMMERCIAL

  • iSpace and Firefly's Lunar Landers to Share Falcon 9 Launch

  • Axiom Space Fast-Tracks Commercial Space Station Plans

  • Private Astronaut Missions to ISS Planned by Vast Space and SpaceX

  • ESA and Avio Ink Deal for Vega Upgrades and FORUM Mission

  • SpaceX Launches 30 Satellites on Bandwagon-2 Rides …

  • Japan's Space One Experiences Second Rocket Failure

  • Airbus to Build 100 Satellites for Eutelsat's OneWeb

  • T-Mobile Opens Free Beta for Starlink Direct-to-Smartphone Service

• SPOTLIGHT

  • Saturn's Rings May be Far Older Than Previously Thought

  • New Research Links Hubble Tension to Vast Cosmic Supervoid

  • New Insights from JWST on Earth-Like TRAPPIST-1b's Atmosphere

IMAGES

Spotted - First Sighting of an Actively Forming Galaxy Similar in Mass to the Young Milky Way, “Firefly Sparkle” Galaxy : James Webb Space Telescope

Discovered - First Ever Binary Stars Found Orbiting Our Galaxy’s Supermassive Black Hole : European Southern Observatory’s Very Large Telescope

SCIENCE

Researchers Call for Tracking Human Artifacts on Mars for Archaeological Value

Anthropologists from the University of Kansas are advocating for the tracking and preservation of human artifacts on Mars. In their paper, "Emerging Archaeological Record of Mars," published in Nature Astronomy, they argue that spacecraft, landers, and rovers left on Mars should be cataloged and preserved as part of humanity's interplanetary exploration history. They believe these artifacts hold archaeological and environmental value, akin to ancient human artifacts on Earth. The researchers emphasize that future missions should consider potential archaeological damage at landing sites to ensure the preservation of these important materials. Read more on this story at Space.com.

Chinese Astronauts from the Shenzhou-19 Mission Complete Record-Breaking Spacewalk Outside Tiangong Station

Chinese astronauts Cai Xuzhe and Song Lingdong have set a new record with a nine-hour spacewalk outside the Tiangong space station. This extravehicular activity (EVA), part of the Shenzhou-19 mission, surpassed the previous record of eight hours and 56 minutes set by NASA astronauts James Voss and Susan Helms, in 2001, according to SpaceNews. During the spacewalk, the astronauts installed space debris protection devices and conducted maintenance tasks, supported by crewmate Wang Haoze inside the station and ground control teams. This milestone marks China's continued advancements in space exploration and highlights the growing capabilities of its space program.

NASA Publishes Strategy for Low Earth Orbit, Endorses Continuous Human Presence

NASA has endorsed a "continuous heartbeat" approach to maintaining a human presence in low Earth orbit (LEO) as it transitions from the International Space Station (ISS) to commercial stations. The final version of the Low Earth Orbit Microgravity Strategy, published earlier this week, emphasizes the importance of long-duration missions (six months to a year) to mitigate risks for future Mars missions. Shorter missions are deemed less valuable. The agency aims to ensure a consistent human presence in LEO to advance science, maintain operational skills, and sustain international partnerships.

This strategy was developed with input from various stakeholders, including NASA's workforce, government partners, industry, academia, international space agencies, and the public. The review process considered over 1,800 comments. The strategy outlines 13 goals and 44 objectives across seven key areas: commercial LEO infrastructure, operations, science, research and technology development for exploration, international cooperation, workforce development and STEM engagement, and public engagement.

China Deploys First of Nearly 13,000 Guowang Megaconstellation Satellites for Global Broadband

China has recently launched the first batch of satellites for its second megaconstellation, Guowang, aiming to rival SpaceX's Starlink. The launch took place on December 16, 2024, using a Long March 5B rocket from Wenchang Space Launch Center on Hainan Island. This initial batch consists of 10 broadband satellites. The Guowang constellation, which translates to "national network," is expected to eventually comprise nearly 13,000 satellites. Managed by China Satnet, a state-owned enterprise, this project aims to provide global broadband internet coverage.

China’s first megaconstellation, the Shanghai-based, Qianfan ("Thousand Sails"), is also under construction. The broadband constellation will eventually feature about 13,000 satellites, 54 of which have already launched this year across three missions.

This marks a significant advancement in China's space capabilities, as it seeks to establish a strong presence in the global satellite broadband market, with Qianfan having already signed an agreement with Brazil to provide services from 2026, SpaceNews reports.

NASA and ISRO Reschedule NISAR Mission for March 2025, After Reflector Repairs

NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) have rescheduled the launch of their joint NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission for March 2025. The mission was delayed to repair the spacecraft's 12-meter deployable reflector, which had issues during a thermal vacuum chamber test, experiencing unexpected temperature fluctuations. The reflector had to be sent back to the United States for repairs, which involved adding reflective tape to the antenna. NASA had stated in July that the launch could not occur between October 2024 and February 2025 due to an orbital placement that would cause temperature fluctuations, affecting the reflector's deployment.

The mission aims to scan Earth's land and ice surfaces to measure changes in ecosystems, ice, and solid Earth. The spacecraft is now scheduled to launch from India in a window that opens in late March. Science operations are expected to begin about three months after launch.

DR Congo Secures $20 Million for Earth Observation Technology

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has secured a $20 million financing arrangement from SICOMINES, a Sino-Congolese mining partnership, to purchase an Earth Observation satellite. Announced by Gilbert Kabanda, Minister of Scientific Research and Technological Innovation, during a Senate session on December 10, 2024, this initiative aims to enhance the country's technological independence and improve infrastructure management. The satellite is expected support agriculture, industry, transportation, security, disaster response, and anti-illegal mining operations

GOVERNANCE

US White House Unveils Cislunar Science and Technology Action Plan

The U.S. White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) has released a policy memorandum and a National Cislunar Science and Technology Action Plan aimed at advancing U.S. leadership in cislunar space. The memorandum directs NASA and other federal agencies to develop common reference systems for the moon by the end of 2026, essential for safe navigation and scientific discovery. The action plan outlines objectives to support research and development, expand international cooperation, enhance space situational awareness, and develop cislunar communications and navigation systems. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

US Aviation Admin Announces Measures to Streamline Licensing Process for Commercial Space Launches

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has announced measures to streamline the licensing process for commercial space launches and reentries. By accepting safety analyses conducted by federal launch ranges in California, Florida, and Virginia, the FAA aims to reduce redundancy and expedite license approvals. This move addresses industry concerns about the burden of duplicative safety analyses, where separate but similar safety evaluations are conducted and is expected to enhance the efficiency of the technical review process. The decision is part of a broader effort to reform regulations and support the growing commercial space sector.

SpaceX Petitions Local Government to Incorporate Starbase Facility as an Official Texas City

SpaceX has formally petitioned local authorities in Texas (U.S.) to incorporate its Starbase launch site as an official city. Located near Boca Chica Beach, Starbase has become a hub for SpaceX's ambitious Starship rocket development. The company argues that becoming a city would streamline the process of expanding infrastructure and amenities necessary for its growing workforce. The petition, supported by Starbase residents, will undergo review by Cameron County officials before a potential election is held. This move follows SpaceX's relocation of its headquarters from California to Texas earlier this year.

MILITARY

This Week's Key Military Contracts in Space Technology and Strategic Investments: Turion Space, K2 Space, Maxar and Umbra, SpaceX

Recent developments have seen several U.S.-based companies securing substantial contracts from the U.S. government, emphasizing military interests in space-based capabilities for national security and illustrating strategic investments to bolster surveillance capabilities.

Startup Turion Space has secured a $32.6 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop three small satellites for in-orbit space surveillance. These satellites, scheduled for launch in 2026 and 2027, will monitor and track objects in space including debris, demonstrating rendezvous and proximity operations crucial for potential debris removal missions.

Announced in August and formalized on Dec. 18, the contract, is part of a Strategic Financing Initiative (STRATFI) from SpaceWERX, the Space Force’s technology innovation arm, that matches government funds with private investment, aiming to accelerate commercial space systems.Turion Space, based in Irvine, California, specializes in space situational awareness, debris removal, and in-orbit services, and this contract, building on previous SBIR contracts from SpaceWERX and NASA, is expected to enable them to scale their technology for more complex missions.

Meanwhile, California-based startup K2 Space has secured a $30 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to develop its first Mega Class satellite, also part of the Strategic Financing Initiative (STRATFI) program. The satellite, named "Gravitas," is set to launch in February 2026 and will demonstrate capabilities in Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium-Earth Orbit (MEO). The $60 million agreement includes contributions from SpaceWERX, the Air Force Research Laboratory, and the Pentagon’s Space Test Program. K2 Space expects to disrupt traditional satellite mass-cost relationships, offering larger satellite buses at competitive prices.

Colorado (U.S.)-based geospatial intelligence provider, Maxar Intelligence, has secured $35 million in contracts to provide satellite imagery and analytics to two undisclosed Asia-Pacific governments. These contracts, part of Maxar's Direct Access Program, allow customers to control satellite tasking and receive real-time data. The agreements, high leverage Maxar's 30cm class WorldView Legion satellites (providing resolution of 30 centimeters per pixel) and U.S. based partner, Umbra's synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology, offering high-resolution Earth observation and imaging through cloud cover and darkness. This development marks the first purchase of the WorldView Legion imagery as well as the first use of Maxar’s virtual constellation capability in the APAC region. This expansion in the Asia-Pacific region reflects growing demand for advanced geospatial insights amid rising geopolitical tensions.

SpaceX's Starlink is projected to reach $11.8 billion in revenue in 2025, driven by strong consumer demand and growing U.S. military contracts. The forecast, released by Florida, U.S.-based space business intelligence provider Quilty Space, highlights Starlink's rapid growth trajectory in the satellite communications market. Notably, a $537 million Pentagon contract to provide services for Ukraine's military through 2027 contributed to this projection. Starlink's constellation of over 7,000 satellites in low Earth orbit has become an ‘indispensable asset for the government sector, from U.S. embassies to the battlefield,’ reports SpaceNews.

Defunct US Military Weather Satellite Breaks Up, Creating Debris of Over 50 Objects in Orbit

On December 18, 2024, the retired military weather satellite DMSP-5D2 F14 (NORAD 24753) broke up in orbit, creating over 50 pieces of debris. The U.S. Space Force reported the fragmentation event at an altitude of 840 kilometers, earlier than initially estimated by Slingshot Aerospace, a commercial space situational awareness company. This incident is part of a recurring issue with satellites from this bus family, with a relatively high failure rate of 44%, attributed to a design flaw in their battery assemblies.

LeoLabs and Slingshot Aerospace have been tracking the breakup of the 750-kilogram satellite, launched in 1997 under the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program. According to Slingshot Seradata, the satellite, retired in 2020, is owned by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and has remained in a sun-synchronous orbit.

US Space Force’s New ‘Futures Command’ will Address Modernization Challenges to Boost Capability Planning

The U.S. Space Force is set to establish a new Futures Command in early 2025, aiming to bolster its analytical capabilities and justify its programs and spending. Gen. Chance Saltzman, the Space Force’s top officer, announced the initiative at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) during an event marking the Space Force’s fifth anniversary. The new command will expand on the work of the Space Warfighting Analysis Center (SWAC), adding organizations focused on threat analysis and capability planning.

The Futures Command will also feature a dedicated wargaming team to test potential technologies and ensure new programs have rigorous analytical backing. This move comes amid growing congressional scrutiny over the Space Force’s acquisition speed and strategic focus, particularly in response to China’s rapidly advancing space capabilities.

According to SpaceNews, the Space Force is advocating for a larger budget to field timely counter-space capabilities and streamline how it handles requests from regional military commands. The establishment of the Futures Command is seen as a critical step in addressing these challenges and ensuring the Space Force’s future readiness.

US Military Wants to Leverage Commercial Space Technology Amid Competition with China

The U.S. Department of Defense is intensifying efforts to partner with commercial space startups to maintain its military edge. This initiative was discussed during a recent SpaceNews webinar, where senior officials highlighted the importance of leveraging dual-use technologies from these startups for military advantages. Maj. Gen. Steven Butow, director of the Defense Innovation Unit’s space portfolio, emphasized the economic and military competition with China, which is heavily investing in its commercial space sector. To streamline collaboration, the Space Force’s Space Systems Command has expanded its “Front Door” initiative, connecting commercial firms with government buyers. One notable project is the development of orbital warehouses by startup Inversion Space, funded with a $71 million contract from SpaceWERX. This technology is expected to enable rapid supply delivery to strategic regions.

GPS Modernization Efforts by U.S. Space Force Highlighted by Laser and Rapid Launch Missions

The U.S. Space Force is set to conduct its first-ever laser communications test from a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite. The demonstration, scheduled for the GPS III SV-10 satellite, aims to enhance the precision and efficiency of the navigation system used globally. Developed by German aerospace manufacturer Tesat-Spacecom, the optical communications terminal will transmit data from medium Earth orbit (about 12,000 miles above Earth) to ground stations. This initiative is part of a broader effort to modernize GPS infrastructure and improve data transmission speeds and security. Assembled in February 2023, the satellite awaits launch authorization.

Meanwhile, SpaceX recently launched the U.S. Space Force's secretive Rapid Response Trailblazer-1 (RRT-1) mission, which carried the GPS III SV-07 satellite. The mission demonstrated the Space Force's ability to rapidly plan and execute a launch, typically a two-year process, in just six months. Before reassignment to SpaceX, it was scheduled to be launched on a United Launch Alliance (ULA) Vulcan rocket in late 2025. Now SV-10 has been reassigned to ULA.

Both the GPS III SV-07 and the upcoming SV-10 satellites were manufactured by Lockheed Martin and are expected to ensure reliable navigation and timing signals for both military and civilian applications.

US NRO Expands Constellation with Over 100 Spy Satellites in Low Earth Orbit

The U.S. National Reconnaissance Office (NRO) has now deployed over 100 satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO). This accomplishment, part of the NRO's proliferated architecture program, aims to enhance resilience and coverage while reducing vulnerability to anti-satellite threats. The latest mission, NROL-149, launched by SpaceX on December 17, 2024, marked the sixth deployment in this program. The NRO plans to continue expanding its constellation through 2028, moving away from traditional large satellites to a distributed network of smaller spacecraft.

China's Military Progress in Space and AI Documented by Pentagon’s Annual China Military Power Report

The Pentagon's annual report on China’s military power, also known as the “Military and Security Developments Involving the People’s Republic of China” highlights China's rapid advancements in space and AI technologies. The report emphasizes China's use of satellites for space-based surveillance to support precision strikes and enhance military operations. Beijing's strategy, known as "multi-domain precision warfare," integrates AI, big data, and space technologies for coordinated military operations. China's satellite fleet has grown from 36 in 2010 to over 1,000 in 2024, with more than 360 dedicated to intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions. The report also notes China's pursuit of anti-satellite weaponry and reusable space plane technology. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

COMMERCIAL

Commercial Lunar Missions: iSpace and Firefly to Launch Lunar Landers on SpaceX Falcon 9 in January While Firefly Secures New NASA Lunar Contract for 2028

In a significant development for lunar exploration, Japanese robotic spacecraft developer ispace and Texas, U.S.-based Firefly Aerospace are set to launch their respective lunar landers on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in mid-January 2025. This marks ispace's second attempt to land on the moon, following a failed mission in April 2023. Its Resilience lander will carry five payloads including a water electrolyzer, an experimental food-production module, a deep-space radiation probe, a commemorative alloy plate and Tenacious, a 10.24-inch-tall (26 centimeters) micro-rover developed by ispace's Luxembourg-based subsidiary, aiming for a landing at Mare Frigoris. Firefly's Blue Ghost 1 lander, carrying ten NASA science and technology demonstration payloads as part of the agency's Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, will reach Mare Crisium first. Success for either lander would be historic, as only one private spacecraft has landed safely on the moon so far, Intuitive Machines' Odysseus lander, which landed near the lunar south pole in February 2024.

Although both spacecrafts are launched simultaneously, they will pursue distinct paths to the moon. Blue Ghost will remain in Earth's orbit for approximately 25 days before executing a translunar injection maneuver, subsequently arriving at the moon four days later. It will then spend 16 days in lunar orbit, during which it will calibrate its vision navigation system and prepare for landing. Resilience will adopt a more extended trajectory, utilizing a lunar flyby to enter a low-energy transfer path, which will require approximately four and a half months to reach the moon.

Meanwhile, Firefly Aerospace has also secured a third NASA contract under the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program, with its Blue Ghost lunar lander set to explore the Gruithuisen Domes on the Moon's near side in 2028. This mission aims to investigate the mysterious silica-rich volcanic formations, which resemble Earth's granite structures but lack the same geological processes. The Blue Ghost lander will carry six NASA payloads, including a rover from an unnamed industry partner, to conduct geological analysis and test new technologies.

Axiom Space Fast-Tracks Commercial Space Station Plans

Axiom Space has revised its assembly plans for its commercial space station, aiming to accelerate the timeline for a free-flying platform. Initially set for 2030, the new plan will see the first module, the Payload Power Thermal Module (PPTM), launch, briefly attach to the International Space Station (ISS) and then become an independent orbital platform as early as 2028. This adjustment will also allow Axiom Station to support NASA's deorbit plans for the ISS. Subsequent modules, including habitats and research facilities, will follow, ensuring a smooth transition from the ISS to Axiom's commercial platform.

Axiom initially aimed to add a habitat module to the ISS in late 2026, followed by a second habitat and a research module. The final step involved attaching a power and thermal module with an airlock, enabling these modules to detach from the ISS and become an independent space station by the decade's end.

Vast Space and SpaceX Partner for Two Private Astronaut Missions to ISS

Vast Space has signed an agreement with SpaceX to launch two private astronaut missions to the International Space Station (ISS) using the Falcon 9 rocket and Crew Dragon capsule. These missions, part of NASA's Private Astronaut Missions (PAM) program, are contingent on NASA's approval. Vast aims to leverage these missions to strengthen its collaboration with NASA and other space agencies, positioning itself as a contender for the next-generation successor to the ISS with its Haven-2 design.

Vast Space is developing a private space station module, Haven-1, which could reach orbit next year on a Falcon 9. It is expected to support four short-term visits to help Vast test technologies and gain experience for its proposed Haven-2 space station under NASA's Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations program. The first module of Haven-2 could be operational by 2028, two years before the ISS's planned retirement.

ESA and Avio Ink Deal for Vega Rocket, Launch Facility Upgrades and FORUM Mission

The European Space Agency (ESA) and Italy-based launch and propulsion company, Avio have signed contracts totaling approximately €350 million ($364 million) to upgrade their Vega rocket and its launch facilities. These upgrades aim to increase the launch rate of the current Vega C rocket and continue the development of the upgraded Vega E version. A former Ariane 5 integration building at the spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, will be upgraded for use by the Vega C. The enhancements will allow for two launch campaigns to be conducted in parallel, improving overall capacity and efficiency. The Vega E, expected to launch in 2027 or 2028, will offer improved payload performance and a more efficient design.

A third contract also covers the launch of ESA's Far-infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring (FORUM) mission in 2027. This mission will observe Earth's emissions in the far-infrared spectrum to analyze the impact of water vapor and ice clouds on the climate.

SpaceX Launches 30 Satellites on Bandwagon-2 Rideshare Mission

SpaceX launched 30 satellites on its Bandwagon-2 rideshare mission from Vandenberg Space Force Base on December 21, 2024. The Falcon 9 rocket's first stage successfully landed back at the launch site after eight minutes. The payloads included satellites for South Korea's Agency for Defense Development, HawkEye 360, Iceye, Sidus Space, Tomorrow Companies Inc., True Anomaly, and Think Orbital. Bandwagon-1, launched in April had sent up 11 satellites. This mission is part of SpaceX's ongoing efforts to increase launch frequency and efficiency, complementing its Transporter series of rideshare missions, of which 11 have been launched to date.

Japanese Startup Space One Experiences Second Rocket Failure with its Kairos 2 Rocket

On December 18, 2024, Japanese startup Space One's Kairos 2 rocket failed for the second time this year shortly after liftoff from Spaceport Kii in Wakayama Prefecture. The rocket, designed to carry payloads up to 250 kilograms into low Earth orbit, began tumbling and self-destructed three minutes into the flight due to anomalies in its first-stage engines and trajectory. The rocket was carrying five satellites from Japanese companies, Lagrapo, Space Cubics, Terra Space, an anonymous customer and the Taiwan Space Agency. Space One, aiming to be Japan's first private company to independently place satellites in orbit, apologized for the failure and promised to investigate the cause and attempt another launch. This setback follows a similar failure in March 2024 and highlights ongoing challenges in Japan's private space sector.

Airbus to Build 100 Satellites for Eutelsat's OneWeb Replenishment and Expansion

Eutelsat has ordered 100 broadband satellites from France-based Airbus Defence and Space to replenish its OneWeb low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation. The first batches are due before the end of 2026, with the satellites featuring key technology upgrades, including terrestrial 5G integration. These enhancements will ensure continuity of service and compatibility with Europe's upcoming IRIS² multi-orbit broadband constellation. The new satellites will be built at Airbus' Toulouse facility, marking a continuation of the long-standing partnership between the two companies. Read more on the story at SpaceNews.

T-Mobile Opens Free Beta Program for Starlink Direct-to-Smartphone Service

T-Mobile (U.S.) has launched a beta program for Starlink's direct-to-smartphone satellite service, aiming to eliminate cellular dead zones across the U.S. The free beta, open to all T-Mobile postpaid customers with compatible devices, will initially support text messaging, with voice and data capabilities to follow. First responders will receive priority access due to limited initial capacity. The service leverages over 300 Starlink satellites and covers 1.29 million square kilometers of land without cell towers. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission approved the service, contingent on it not interfering with other networks.

SPOTLIGHT

New Research Reveals Saturn's Rings May Be Billions of Years Old

Recent research suggests that Saturn's iconic rings, previously thought to be between 100 million and 400 million years old, based on over a decade of observations by NASA's Cassini spacecraft before 2017, may actually be billions of years old, potentially dating back to the planet's formation 4.5 billion years ago. Scientists from the Institute of Science Tokyo used computer modeling to demonstrate that micrometeoroid impacts keep the rings clean, challenging the "baby rings" theory. This new perspective implies that Saturn's rings have remained pristine due to their resistance to pollution—meaning that despite constant bombardment by cosmic dust and debris, the rings' icy composition and high-speed collisions effectively self-clean, preserving their brightness and clarity. The findings were published in Nature Geoscience.

New Research Links Hubble Tension to Vast Cosmic Supervoid

Astronomers are grappling with the "Hubble tension," a discrepancy in the rate of the universe's expansion known as the Hubble constant. New research suggests this issue may stem from Earth's location within a vast underdense region called the Keenan-Barger-Cowie (KBC) supervoid. This "supervoid" causes space to appear to expand faster, skewing observations. The team behind this research argues that escaping this supervoid is crucial to solving the cosmology crisis and refining our understanding of the universe's evolution.

The discrepancy arises because there are two ways to calculate the Hubble constant at the universe's current age, but these methods do not agree. The early route involves the cosmic microwave background (CMB), while the late route uses observations of nearby supernovae. The KBC supervoid, a region larger than 300 million light-years, could explain why measurements of the Hubble constant differ. The research is published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.

JWST Reveals Potential Carbon Dioxide-Rich Atmosphere on Earth-Like Planet TRAPPIST-1b

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has provided new insights into the nature of the Earth-like exoplanet TRAPPIST-1b. Recent observations suggest that TRAPPIST-1b, previously thought to be a barren, airless rock due to intense radiation from its host star, may actually have a carbon dioxide-rich atmosphere with a reflective haze. This discovery challenges earlier conclusions and indicates that the planet could have a more complex atmospheric composition than previously believed. The findings also hint at potential volcanic activity on TRAPPIST-1b, adding another layer of intrigue to this distant world.

An international team of researchers has published in Nature Astronomy a complete analysis of all the mid-infrared data collected on TRAPPIST-1 b, with the aim of determining whether this planet has an atmosphere.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸