Issue 44 | Breaking Space News: Mar 30 - Apr 05, 2025

Dear Lagrangian,

Welcome, and thanks again for joining us this week! Plenty of movement in the commercial space sector, as well as updates on space innovation.

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 Read on!

• IMAGES

  • NGC 4945

  • Asteroid 2024 YR4 : James Webb Space Telescope

• SCIENCE

  • Sounding Rockets for NASA, UAF Study Investigate Auroral Energy Distribution in Alaska

  • ISS Miso Fermentation Study Offers Insights for Long-Term Space Missions

  • Breakthrough NASA Technology Repels Abrasive Lunar Dust

  • Atmospheric Waves Enable DARPA’s Tracking of Space & Ground-Based Disturbances

  • Researchers Develop Solar Cells Using Simulated Lunar Regolith

• GOVERNANCE

  • Secure World Foundation Tracks Militarization of Space in Latest Report

  • Mysterious Object Released by Russian Military Satellites in Orbit

• MILITARY

  • Startups Demonstrate Autonomous Satellite Operations with AI-Driven Systems

  • US Space Force to Test On-Orbit Satellite Refueling in Upcoming Missions

  • True Anomaly Plans Deep-Space Security Missions with Autonomous Jackal Satellites

  • US Space Force Chief Concerned Over China’s Space Advancements

  • Slingshot Aerospace to Use Satellite Fingerprinting for US Military

• COMMERCIAL

  • NASA Seeks Proposals for New Private Astronaut Missions to the ISS

  • SpinLaunch, Kongsberg Collaborate on LEO Broadband Constellation

  • Fram2 Completes Novel Polar Orbit Private Astronaut Mission

  • Portal, Turion Secure Funding Amid Escalating Trade Tensions & Supply Chain Strains

  • JAXA Commissions GITAI for Robotic Arm Concept Study for Lunar Exploration

  • Vast Signs Agreement to Test Haven-1 Space Station at NASA Facility

  • Chinese Startup Secures Funding to Develop Bluetooth-Based IoT Connectivity for Satellites

  • Canadian MDA Space Acquires Israeli SatixFy to Boost Satellite Production

• RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

  • New Study Proposes Crustal Convection as the Drive …

IMAGES

NGC 4945 : Very Large Telescope, ESO

Asteroid 2024 YR4 : James Webb Space Telescope

SCIENCE

Sounding Rockets for NASA, UAF Study Investigate Auroral Energy Distribution in Alaska

NASA recently launched three sounding rockets from the Poker Flat Research Range in Alaska as part of the Auroral Waves Excited by Substorm Onset Magnetic Events (AWESOME) mission. Led by Mark Conde, a space physics professor at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF), the mission aims to study how auroral substorms impact Earth's upper atmosphere and thermosphere. The rockets released vapor tracers and pressure sensors at varying altitudes, creating colorful displays visible across northern Alaska. These tracers help measure atmospheric winds and charged particle flows, providing insights into the aurora's interaction with the thermosphere.

The experiment, involving UAF researchers and NASA, seeks to challenge existing theories about auroral energy distribution and improve space weather forecasting. While the first two rockets launched successfully on March 25, the third rocket faced minor technical issues but was launched on March 29. The data collected will undergo extensive analysis to address key scientific questions.

ISS Miso Fermentation Study Offers Insights for Long-Term Space Missions, Highlights Flavor and Nutritional Potential for Astronauts

Scientists have successfully concluded the first deliberate food fermentation in space, using the International Space Station (ISS) to create miso, a traditional Japanese soybean paste. The experiment, led by researchers from the Technical University of Denmark and MIT, aimed to understand how microgravity and radiation influence microbial growth and fermentation.

Joshua Evans, an interdisciplinary food researcher at the Technical University of Denmark in Copenhagen and his colleagues prepared approximately 1 kilogram of unfermented miso blend using cooked soybeans, salt, and fermented rice known as kōji, retaining one-third in Denmark. The remainder was sent to industrial designer and then MIT Space Exploration Initiative researcher, Maggie Coblentz, in Cambridge, Massachusetts (U.S.), who split her share and forwarded a third to be sent to the ISS from Florida, in March 2020, with all portions remaining frozen until the launch.

Over 30 days, the miso fermented aboard the ISS developed a nuttier, roasted flavor compared to Earth-based samples, while retaining its characteristic salty umami profile. These differences were attributed to environmental factors such as elevated temperatures, microgravity and increased radiation in space.

The findings demonstrate the feasibility of fermentation in space, offering potential solutions for enhancing astronauts' diets on long-term missions. Fermented foods like miso could provide nutritional benefits, improve taste perception, and offer psychological comfort. This research also highlights the adaptability of microbial systems in extraterrestrial environments, paving the way for innovative approaches to food production in space exploration. The findings were published in the journal iScience.

Breakthrough NASA Technology Repels Abrasive Lunar Dust

NASA’s Electrodynamic Dust Shield (EDS) has successfully demonstrated its ability to repel lunar regolith, a fine and abrasive dust that poses significant challenges to lunar operations. Tested during Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 1, which concluded on March 16, the EDS technology uses electrodynamic forces to lift and remove dust from surfaces such as glass and thermal radiators. This breakthrough addresses a critical issue for lunar exploration, as regolith can damage equipment, spacesuits, and even human health due to its electrostatic and abrasive properties.

Developed at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center under the Game Changing Development Program, the EDS represents a significant step toward sustaining long-term lunar and interplanetary missions. By mitigating dust-related hazards, the technology supports applications ranging from solar panels and camera lenses to spacesuits and helmet visors. This advancement aligns with NASA’s Artemis program goals, paving the way for safer and more efficient operations on the Moon and beyond

DARPA's AtmoSense Program Uses Earth’s Atmosphere to Detect Space & Ground-Based Disturbances

DARPA’s AtmoSense program, launched in 2020, has demonstrated the potential to use Earth’s atmosphere as a global sensor for detecting and analyzing significant events. By measuring acoustic and electromagnetic waves propagating through the atmosphere, the program aims to identify disturbances such as underground explosions, earthquakes, and even reentering spacecraft. Recent field tests in New Mexico validated AtmoSense’s predictive models, with controlled detonations producing data that closely matched simulations.

Unexpectedly, the program also detected atmospheric disturbances caused by SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket reentries during these field tests, revealing a new capability to track objects entering Earth’s atmosphere. Researchers observed a “repeatable” drop in total electron content in the atmosphere, correlating with the reentry of Falcon 9 rockets. This discovery highlights AtmoSense’s capability to track objects entering Earth’s atmosphere.

The program uses acoustic and electromagnetic wave propagation to model energy disturbances across vast scales, enabling detection of both natural and man-made events. The findings, validated through controlled detonations, suggest broader applications for national security, including monitoring reentry events and atmospheric anomalies. DARPA, the U.S. military’s research and development agency, plans to refine this technology further, potentially transforming the atmosphere into a sensor grid for global event detection and advancing space domain awareness.

Researchers Develop Solar Cells Using Simulated Lunar Regolith

Researchers at the University of Potsdam in Germany, have developed solar cells using simulated lunar regolith, offering a promising solution for powering future space missions and settlements. The study, published in the journal Device on April 3, demonstrates how moonglass, crafted from melted lunar dust, can replace traditional Earth-made glass in solar panels. This innovation significantly reduces the weight and cost of transporting materials to the Moon, cutting launch mass by 99.4% and transport expenses by 99%. The solar cells, paired with perovskite crystals, efficiently convert sunlight into energy while exhibiting enhanced resistance to radiation damage compared to conventional panels.

The findings suggest that lunar regolith-based solar cells could support long-term lunar habitats and infrastructure, aligning with goals for sustainable exploration under programs like Artemis. By leveraging readily available materials on the Moon, this approach addresses one of space exploration's critical challenges—reliable energy sources—while paving the way for scalable and cost-effective solutions in extraterrestrial environments.

GOVERNANCE

Secure World Foundation Highlights Escalating Global Counterspace Capabilities, Tracks Militarization of Space in Latest Report

The Secure World Foundation (SWF), a U.S. based, independent policy think tank, has released its latest annual report, ‘Global Counterspace Capabilities: An Open Source Assessment’, on April 3. The report provides a comprehensive analysis of global counterspace developments, offering insights into the growing militarization of space and its implications for strategic security. From electronic warfare to anti-satellite technologies, the findings underscore the intensifying race among nations to dominate the space domain.

The report highlights how Russia and China are intensifying efforts to counter SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network, which has demonstrated significant military utility, particularly in Ukraine. Russia has developed electronic warfare systems like Tobol and Kalinka, the latter dubbed the “Starlink Killer,” to disrupt satellite communications and navigation. These systems have reportedly been deployed to interfere with Ukrainian military operations, targeting both civilian and military versions of Starlink. Meanwhile, China is advancing a broad spectrum of counterspace capabilities, including direct-ascent anti-satellite (ASAT) systems, co-orbital ASAT technologies, and electronic warfare tools.

The report also calls attention to China’s focus on disabling commercial satellite constellations in potential conflicts, aligning with its military doctrine of gaining the initiative early in a confrontation. Both nations’ developments, alongside those made my U.S., underscore the growing militarization of space and the vulnerabilities of commercial satellite networks. Starlink’s resilience to cyber intrusions has been noted, but the increasing sophistication of counterspace technologies poses challenges to its operational security.

These advancements reflect a broader trend of nations investing in space-based military capabilities, raising concerns about the stability of the space domain. As reliance on satellite infrastructure grows, the need for international norms to mitigate the risks of space conflict becomes increasingly urgent.

Mysterious Object Released by Russian Military Satellites in Orbit

A trio of Russian military satellites, Kosmos 2581, 2582, and 2583, launched in February 2025, has released a mysterious object into orbit, sparking intrigue among space analysts. The satellites, operating in near-polar orbit approximately 364 miles above Earth, have exhibited unusual proximity operations, maneuvering close to other objects in space. On March 18, the U.S. Space Force cataloged a new object believed to have separated from Kosmos 2583. While Russia has disclosed no details about the satellites or the released object, experts speculate it could serve various purposes, including satellite inspection, docking technology tests, or military experiments.

The Kosmos program, historically shrouded in secrecy, has been associated with reconnaissance and anti-satellite testing. Analysts remain cautious, noting the potential implications for space security and the militarization of orbit. The incident underscores the growing need for transparency and international norms to address emerging challenges in space operations and prevent escalation.

MILITARY

Startups NOVI, Sedaro Demonstrate Autonomous Satellite Operations with AI-Driven Systems

U.S.-based startups NOVI, a space-based edge computing platform developer and Sedaro, a simulation platform for aerospace and defense, have successfully demonstrated edge autonomy in space, enabling satellites to independently analyze data and make real-time decisions without ground control input. This capability was showcased through a small spacecraft launched on SpaceX's Transporter-12 rideshare mission on January 14, 2025, built by NOVI for a U.S. government customer. Sedaro’s simulation software, acting as a digital twin— a continuously updated virtual representation of the actual satellite in orbit, empowered the satellite to autonomously execute tasks based on its environment, marking a key advancement in satellite intelligence.

Developed with support from a SpaceWERX Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant, this technology allows satellites to adjust orbits, manage resources, and optimize communication autonomously. In military contexts, such systems could detect and respond to threats in real-time. Sedaro plans to release its autonomy framework as open-source to expedite adoption.

US Space Force to Test On-Orbit Satellite Refueling Technologies in Upcoming Missions

The U.S. Space Force is advancing satellite refueling technologies through two demonstration missions, Tetra-5 and Tetra-6, scheduled for 2026 and 2027. These missions aim to validate commercial on-orbit refueling solutions developed by companies like Orbit Fab, Astroscale, and Northrop Grumman. Tetra-5 mission will test Orbit Fab’s Rapidly Attachable Fluid Transfer Interface (RAFTI) attached to two small satellites; one will attempt to dock with an Orbit Fab propellant depot, while the other will test compatibility with Astroscale’s propellant shuttle. Tetra-6 will evaluate Northrop Grumman’s Passive Refueling Module (PRM) and its ROOSTER-5 tanker satellite. In January last year, Astroscale introduced a concept of operations for an in-orbit refueling vehicle that transfers hydrazine to client spacecraft, eliminating the need for the client to maneuver to a fuel depot.

These technologies are designed to extend satellite lifespans, reduce costs, and enhance maneuverability, addressing the growing demand for sustainable space operations. The Space Force views in-orbit refueling as critical for national security, enabling satellites to evade threats and operate efficiently. By fostering commercial innovation, these missions aim to establish a scalable refueling architecture, paving the way for future space logistics and long-duration missions beyond low Earth orbit.

True Anomaly Plans Deep-Space Security Missions with Autonomous Jackal Satellites

True Anomaly, a Colorado, U.S.-based startup, plans to launch its first deep-space security missions in 2026 using its autonomous Jackal satellites. These missions will extend beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) to geosynchronous orbit (GEO, 35,786 kilometers or 22,236 miles above the Earth's equator) and cislunar (Earth - Moon) space, regions that the U.S. deems critical for its national security and future lunar operations. The Jackal satellites, designed as multi-role spacecraft, feature high-maneuverability propulsion and intelligent operating systems, enabling complex tasks such as close-approach inspections of other satellites.

The company has already demonstrated its Jackal platform in LEO, with several satellites launched on SpaceX rideshare missions. The upcoming deep-space missions aim to address what U.S. and its allies consider emerging threats in GEO and cislunar domains, where increasing global activity necessitates robust security measures. True Anomaly’s efforts align with U.S. national security priorities, emphasizing scalable and cost-effective solutions to safeguard critical orbital infrastructure and support the development of a sustainable lunar economy.

US Space Force Chief Highlights Concerns Over China’s Space Advancements

General Chance Saltzman, Chief of Space Operations for the U.S. Space Force, has raised concerns about China's rapidly advancing space capabilities, describing them as a "destabilizing force" for global security. Speaking to the U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission in Washington D.C., Saltzman highlighted China's development of counterspace weapons, including anti-satellite missiles, electronic warfare systems, and satellites capable of manipulating other spacecraft, capabilities that in many respects mirror those developed by the United States. These advancements, coupled with a significant increase in Chinese intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance satellites, pose challenges to U.S. dominance in orbit.

China's ambitions in space, outlined in its 2024 Space Development Plan, aim to surpass the United States as the leading space power. The U.S. Space Force is recalibrating its strategies, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration with commercial and allied partners to counter these threats. Saltzman also stressed the importance of policy reforms and increased funding to maintain the U.S.'s strategic advantage in an increasingly contested space domain.

Slingshot Aerospace to Use Satellite Fingerprinting for US Military

Slingshot Aerospace is advancing satellite fingerprinting technology for military applications under a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 2 contract with the U.S. Air Force’s AFWERX program. The company’s photometric fingerprinting method uses light curves—satellite brightness measurements influenced by shape, material, and orientation—to create unique digital signatures for space objects. These fingerprints enable the identification, tracking, and analysis of satellite behavior, including detecting anomalies and reacquiring lost objects. Slingshot’s global sensor network generates over 4.5 million photometric observations nightly, supporting a catalog of approximately 14,500 active satellites and debris.

The technology is being integrated with the space data analytics provider’s Agatha AI system to enhance situational awareness for U.S. Space Command. Applications include monitoring adversarial satellites, identifying newly launched foreign spacecraft, and maintaining custody of objects in orbit. This capability is critical for national security, as it provides intelligence on covert activities and supports timely responses to potential threats.

COMMERCIAL

NASA Seeks Proposals for New Private Astronaut Missions to the ISS

In an effort to expand its support for private astronaut missions or PAMs to the International Space Station (ISS), NASA is seeking proposals for two new missions, PAM five and six, scheduled between 2026 and 2027. These missions, part of NASA's broader strategy to transition from the government-operated ISS to commercially-built stations by the late 2020s, aim to provide commercial companies with hands-on experience in crew training, research, and operational management. With a goal to foster a sustainable low Earth orbit (LEO) economy, where private companies play an integral role in human spaceflight and research, since 2019, NASA has facilitated private astronaut missions, with Axiom Space conducting three successful flights and a fourth planned for May 2025.

PAMs serve as a crucial step in refining operational capabilities and building a viable commercial presence in orbit. Proposals must align with NASA's safety and logistical requirements, including adherence to ISS policies and U.S.-based transport. Each mission, limited to 14 days aboard the ISS, serves as a testbed for scientific research, outreach, and commercial activities.

SpinLaunch, Kongsberg Collaborate on LEO Broadband Constellation for Enterprise and Government Use

SpinLaunch, known for its innovative kinetic launch system, has announced plans to develop a broadband satellite constellation named Meridian Space. The company has selected Kongsberg NanoAvionics to produce the initial tranche of the low Earth orbit (LEO) constellation, 280 small satellites, each weighing approximately 70 kilograms, signing a €122.5 million ($136 million) contract. The constellation aims to deliver high-performance broadband services using advanced technologies, including 5G non-terrestrial network protocols and low-power beam-steering antennas. The partnership includes an in-orbit demonstration (IOD) mission, planned for 2026, as well as a $12 million investment in SpinLaunch from NanoAvionics’ parent company, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, to support the development and commercialization of Meridian Space.

While SpinLaunch is recognized for its centrifuge-based launch system, the company intends to deploy as many as 250 Meridian satellites using traditional rockets, citing scalability and efficiency. The initial constellation will provide at least two terabits per second of capacity, with plans to expand to 1,190 high-throughput satellites. Targeting enterprise and government customers, SpinLaunch positions itself as a competitor in the growing broadband market.

Fram2 Completes Novel Polar Orbit Private Astronaut Mission

SpaceX’s Fram2 private astronaut mission, the first human spaceflight to orbit Earth’s north and south poles, has concluded. Launched on March 31, 2025, aboard the Crew Dragon Resilience spacecraft, the mission carried four private astronauts, including mission financier and commander, cryptocurrency entrepreneur Chun Wang, Norwegian filmmaker Jannicke Mikkelsen, German polar scientist Rabea Rogge, and Australian explorer Eric Philips. Over four days, the crew completed multiple pole-to-pole orbits, offering views of Earth’s polar ice caps and auroras.

This mission, the sixth non-NASA flight of a Crew Dragon spacecraft conducted 22 scientific experiments, including the first human X-ray in space and studies on mushroom growth in microgravity. These efforts aim to advance understanding of human health and sustainability in space. Fram2’s trajectory, a polar orbit at 267 miles altitude, with an inclination of 90 degrees which allowed it to fly directly over the poles from low Earth orbit, required overcoming technical challenges such as increased radiation exposure.

Portal, Turion Secure Funding Amid Escalating Trade Tensions & Supply Chain Strains

Portal Space Systems has secured $17.5 million in seed funding to advance its Supernova spacecraft, a highly maneuverable vehicle powered by solar thermal propulsion (STP). This innovative system uses sunlight to heat propellant, enabling rapid orbital transfers, such as moving from low Earth orbit (LEO) to geostationary orbit (GEO) in hours. The funding, led by AlleyCorp, will support a demonstration mission in 2026, showcasing Supernova’s potential for dynamic space operations critical to both commercial and defense sectors. Portal’s approach aims to address growing demands for mobility and efficiency in space.

Meanwhile, Turion Space, a California-based startup, has secured investment from Washington Harbour Partners to expand its capabilities in space situational awareness, debris removal, and in-orbit services. Turion’s technologies, including satellite-to-satellite imaging and collision avoidance, are vital for managing increasingly congested orbital environments. This investment aligns with rising U.S. interest in commercial satellite capabilities to enhance national security and global space operations. Droid.002, Turion Space's latest satellite, designed for space situational awareness and debris capture was recently launched on SpaceX’s Transporter-13 rideshare mission in March. Washington Harbour's investment follows investment from the Portugal-based Critical Software, a specialist in space-related software. Turion also secured a $32.6 million contract with the U.S. Space Force in 2024 to develop three satellites for non-Earth imaging applications.

However, the broader space industry faces challenges from an escalating trade tensions. Recent tariffs imposed by the U.S. and retaliatory measures from other nations have disrupted global supply chains, impacting the availability of critical materials like semiconductors and specialized fuels. Small and medium-sized suppliers, already strained by inflation, rising interest rates and post-pandemic market shifts, are particularly vulnerable. These economic pressures could hinder innovation and operational efficiency across the sector.

JAXA Commissions GITAI for Robotic Arm Concept Study for Lunar Exploration

GITAI has finalized a contract worth $160,000 with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, JAXA to conduct a concept study for a robotic arm system intended for Japan's pressurized crewed lunar rover. This rover, developed in collaboration with Toyota, is part of Japan's contribution to NASA's Artemis program and aims to enable long-duration human exploration of the Moon's polar regions. The robotic arm is designed to perform critical tasks such as regolith excavation, sample collection, and handling large payloads like scientific instruments. It will operate autonomously or remotely, supporting both crewed and uncrewed missions.

The study focuses on defining the arm's design, specifications, and operational scenarios, laying the groundwork for further development. The rover will serve as a mobile, pressurized habitat for astronauts, supporting up to 30 days of lunar surface activities. GITAI's study will lay the groundwork for further development and assumes that the rover system should be ready by FY2030.

Vast Signs Agreement to Test Haven-1 Space Station at NASA’s Armstrong Facility

st has partnered with NASA to conduct environmental testing of its Haven-1 commercial space station at the Neil Armstrong Test Facility in Ohio. Scheduled to begin in early 2026, these tests will evaluate the spacecraft’s resilience to launch and in-space conditions, including thermal vacuum, acoustics, vibration, and electromagnetic interference. Haven-1, designed as a crewed microgravity research and manufacturing platform, is set to launch no earlier than May 2026. This single-module station aims to broaden access to space science and serve as a stepping stone for Vast’s larger Haven-2 modular station, which could support NASA’s Commercial Low Earth Orbit Destinations (CLD) program.

Haven-1 is intended to serve emerging market needs for commercial low Earth orbit habitats as the International Space Station nears retirement. By focusing on modular station design and leveraging the expertise of NASA’s testing facilities, Vast is positioning itself as a key contributor to next-generation orbital infrastructure. The data from these tests will ensure Haven-1 meets stringent safety and performance requirements for long-term use in space.

Chinese Startup, Bluelink Satcom Secures Funding to Develop Bluetooth-Based IoT Connectivity for Satellites

Chinese startup Bluelink Satcom has raised early-stage funding, estimated between $3 million and $13 million, to develop a satellite network capable of detecting Bluetooth signals from space. The funding round, led by LinGe Ventures with participation from Hongfu Capital, will support the design, launch, and operation of China’s first Bluetooth satellite, as well as team expansion. Bluelink’s technology aims to provide low-cost, wide-area Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity by repurposing Bluetooth, usually used to connect devices across a range of meters, for one-way data transmission, to satellites in low Earth orbit, hundreds of kilometers above the Earth. Bluelink Satcom satellites will have a payload highly sensitive to faint atmospheric Bluetooth signals.

The system, which requires only a software update for devices to connect, is designed for applications such as monitoring infrastructure, traffic, and meteorological emergencies in remote areas. Bluelink plans to launch its first payload by mid-2025, with four satellites operational by year-end and a 72-satellite constellation by 2028.

Canadian MDA Space Acquires Israeli SatixFy to Boost Satellite Production Capabilities

MDA Space, the Canadian space tech, company has announced plans to acquire Israeli satellite chipmaker SatixFy in a $269 million deal aimed at enhancing its constellation manufacturing capabilities. The acquisition includes a $193 million purchase of SatixFy’s shares at a 75% premium and the assumption of $76 million in debt. SatixFy, known for its advanced satellite communication chipsets and digital beamforming technology, has invested $270 million in research and development since its founding in 2012. The company holds over 60 patents and employs 165 specialized technical staff globally.

In August 2023, SatixFy's UK-based digital payload division was sold to MDA for $40m. This new acquisition aligns with MDA’s strategy to vertically integrate its satellite production as demand for digital constellations grows. MDA, which recently expanded its manufacturing facilities in Canada, aims to produce two satellites per day with software-defined payloads. By incorporating SatixFy’s technology, MDA seeks to strengthen its position in the competitive satellite market, addressing the increasing need for efficient, scalable solutions in non-geostationary orbit constellations.

RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

New Study Proposes Crustal Convection as the Driver of Venus’s Volcanic Activity

Recent research from Washington University in St. Louis suggests that Venus’s crust may be undergoing convection, a process previously thought to occur only in planetary mantles. This phenomenon, where heated material rises and cooler material sinks, could explain the planet’s extensive volcanic activity, which includes tens of thousands of volcanoes. Unlike Earth’s crust, which is too thin and cool for convection, Venus’s crust appears to have the right thickness, temperature, and composition to support this process.

The study, published in Physics of the Earth and Planetary Interiors, highlights how crustal convection might transfer heat from Venus’s interior to its surface, influencing the placement and type of volcanoes. This discovery challenges long-held assumptions about planetary geology and offers new insights into Venus’s evolution. Future missions equipped with high-resolution gravity measurements could confirm these findings, advancing our understanding of the planet’s dynamic surface and its implications for planetary science.

Despatch Out. 👽🛸