Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates Artemis II Rollout Weekend: NASA Preps Moon Mission + ESA Hacked & Jupiter's Oxygen Surprise
Jan 16, 2026
24:20
Artemis II is entering its final preparations! This weekend, NASA rolls out the Space Launch System and Orion spacecraft to the launch pad for the first crewed mission to lunar orbit in over 50 years. We cover the crew, timeline, challenges, and what to expect in the coming weeks.
Plus: The European Space Agency suffers a major cyberattack with over 700 GB of sensitive data stolen. We discuss what was compromised, how it happened, and the broader cybersecurity implications for the space industry.
Also in this episode: China's successful dual satellite launches kick off an ambitious 2026, scientists discover Jupiter has 1.5 times more oxygen than our Sun, a mysterious iron bar is found hidden in the Ring Nebula, and we explore the fascinating legacy of the Apollo 14 Moon Trees.
New episodes every weekday!
---
## EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
**[00:00]** Intro
**[01:15]** Story 1: Artemis II Final Preparations
**[04:45]** Story 2: European Space Agency Cyberattack
**[08:30]** Story 3: China's Satellite Launches
**[11:45]** Story 4: Jupiter's Oxygen Surprise
**[14:30]** Story 5: Ring Nebula Iron Mystery
**[17:00]** Story 6: Apollo 14 Moon Trees Legacy
**[19:30]** Outro
---
## STORIES COVERED
### 1. NASA Enters Final Preparations for Artemis II Mission
NASA is entering the final stages of preparation for Artemis II, the first crewed mission beyond Low Earth Orbit in over fifty years. The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will roll out to Launch Pad 39B this Saturday, January 17th.
**Key Points:**
- **Launch Window:** February 6 - April 2026 (subject to readiness)
- **Crew:** Reid Wiseman (Commander, USA), Victor Glover (Pilot, USA), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist, USA), Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist, Canada)
- **Mission Duration:** 10 days circumlunar flight
- **Rollout:** 6.5 km journey takes ~12 hours on crawler-transporter-2
- **Recent Updates:** Valve replacement on Orion hatch pressurization system (Jan 5), leak repair on ground support hardware
- **Upcoming:** Wet dress rehearsal end of January with 2.65 million liters of cryogenic fuel
- **Next Steps:** Flight readiness review, final crew walkdown at pad
- **Historical Context:** First crewed deep space mission since Apollo 17 (1972)
- **Looking Ahead:** Artemis III lunar landing scheduled for 2028
**Why It Matters:**
This mission is a crucial stepping stone for returning humans to the lunar surface and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. It will validate all systems needed for deep space exploration and demonstrate international cooperation through the Canadian Space Agency's participation.
**Read More:**
- [Universe Today: NASA Enters Final Preparations for Artemis II Mission](https://www.universetoday.com/articles/nasa-enters-final-preparations-for-artemis-ii-mission)
- [NASA Artemis II Mission Page](https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/)
---
### 2. Cyberthieves Hit European Space Agency in Major Data Breach
The European Space Agency suffered significant cyberattacks over the Christmas period, resulting in over 700 gigabytes of potentially sensitive data being leaked to dark web forums.
**Key Points:**
- **Initial Attack:** Boxing Day 2025 - Hacker "888" dumps 200+ GB of data
- **Second Attack:** One week later - "Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters" claims 500+ GB more
- **Data Compromised:** Proprietary software, authorization credentials, access tokens, project documentation, operational procedures, spacecraft details, contractor data
- **Affected Contractors:** SpaceX, Airbus Group, Thales Alenia Space
- **ESA Response:** Criminal investigation launched, cooperating with authorities
- **Root Cause:** Possible "infostealer malware" harvesting browser-stored credentials
- **Broader Issue:** Email credentials of ESA and NASA employees frequently found on dark web
- **Security Gap:** Solar conjunction prevented communications blackout
- **Expert Warning:** Data could be combined with future breaches to enable attacks on space systems
**Industry Context:**
Cybersecurity researcher Clémence Poirier warns that cyberattacks against space agencies are common and will continue. NASA faces similar threats with vulnerabilities disclosed almost daily via BugCrowd platform.
**Why It Matters:**
As space infrastructure becomes increasingly critical for communications, navigation, and national security, cybersecurity vulnerabilities represent a major threat to space operations and international cooperation.
**Read More:**
- [Space.com: Cyberthieves hit European Space Agency](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/esa-email-credentials-on-dark-web)
---
### 3. China's Long March Rockets Launch Key Satellites to Start 2026
China successfully launched two Long March rockets on January 13, 2026, deploying the Yaogan-50 01 remote sensing satellite and multiple Guowang constellation satellites, marking an ambitious start to their space program's busiest year yet.
**Key Points:**
- **Launch Date:** January 13, 2026
- **Launch Site:** Wenchang Space Launch Center
- **Mission 1:** Yaogan-50 01 remote sensing satellite (Long March 6A rocket)
- **Mission 2:** Guowang satellite constellation expansion (low Earth orbit)
- **Yaogan-50 01 Features:** Unusual orbit design for enhanced Earth observation, unique viewing angles, applications in agriculture, disaster monitoring, resource management, scientific research
- **Guowang Constellation Purpose:** Telecommunications enhancement, high-speed data transmission, improved global connectivity, support for future Moon/Mars missions
- **Strategic Importance:** Part of China's expanding Earth observation capabilities
- **2026 Outlook:** Expected to be record-breaking year for Chinese space launches
**Why It Matters:**
China continues to expand its space infrastructure at a rapid pace, positioning itself as a major player in Earth observation, telecommunications, and future deep space exploration. The Guowang constellation will provide crucial communication support for ambitious lunar and Mars missions.
**Read More:**
- [Daily Galaxy: China's Long March Rockets Propel Satellites Into New Orbits](https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/china-yaogan-50-01-guowang-satellites/)
---
### 4. Scientists Discover Surprising Amount of Oxygen in Jupiter's Atmosphere
A groundbreaking study reveals Jupiter contains approximately 1.5 times more oxygen than our Sun, fundamentally changing our understanding of the gas giant's composition and formation.
**Key Points:**
- **Discovery:** Jupiter has ~1.5x more oxygen than the Sun
- **Research Team:** University of Chicago and Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- **Publication:** The Planetary Science Journal
- **Previous Estimates:** Some recent studies suggested much less oxygen than the Sun
- **Methodology:** Most comprehensive atmospheric model of Jupiter to date, integrating chemistry and hydrodynamics
- **Additional Finding:** Molecular diffusion is 35-40 times slower than previously assumed
- **Diffusion Impact:** Single molecule takes weeks (not hours) to move through one atmospheric layer
- **Data Source:** Juno spacecraft measurements of upper atmosphere
- **Significance:** Provides clues about Jupiter's formation and solar system evolution
- **Broader Implications:** Understanding oxygen distribution helps explain habitable planet formation
**Scientific Impact:**
Lead researcher Jeehyun Yang calls this a "long-standing debate in planetary studies." The precise oxygen quantity offers crucial insights into how gas giants form and how planetary systems evolve.
**Why It Matters:**
Oxygen is a key element in water formation. Understanding its abundance and behavior on Jupiter helps scientists better understand the conditions necessary for potentially habitable worlds both in our solar system and around other stars.
**Read More:**
- [Daily Galaxy: Scientists Discover Surprising Amount of Oxygen in Jupiter's Atmosphere](https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/surprising-oxygen-jupiter-atmosphere/)
---
### 5. Mysterious Iron Bar Discovered Hidden in Famous Ring Nebula
European astronomers have discovered a massive bar-shaped cloud of iron inside the iconic Ring Nebula—a structure that went completely unnoticed for decades despite this being one of the most studied objects in astronomy.
**Key Points:**
- **Discovery Team:** UCL (University College London) and Cardiff University-led international team
- **Publication:** Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- **Instrument:** WEAVE (WHT Enhanced Area Velocity Explorer) on William Herschel Telescope
- **Structure Size:** ~500 times the distance of Pluto's orbit around the Sun
- **Mass:** Comparable to Mars' mass in iron atoms
- **Location:** Bar-shaped strip fitting within Ring Nebula's elliptical inner region
- **Detection Method:** Spectroscopy across entire nebula at all optical wavelengths simultaneously
- **Previous Observations:** Missed by decades of studies, including JWST images
- **Ring Nebula Background:** Planetary nebula in constellation Lyra, discovered 1779, formed ~4,000 years ago
**Possible Explanations:**
1. Reveals new information about nebula ejection process (uneven/directional outflow)
2. Plasma arc from vaporization of destroyed rocky planet caught in star's expansion
**Next Steps:**
- Higher spectral resolution observations planned
- Searching for other chemical elements alongside iron
- Survey of additional planetary nebulae to find similar structures
**Researcher Quotes:**
- Dr. Roger Wess
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
Sponsor Details:
Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!
Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here
This episode includes AI-generated content.
Plus: The European Space Agency suffers a major cyberattack with over 700 GB of sensitive data stolen. We discuss what was compromised, how it happened, and the broader cybersecurity implications for the space industry.
Also in this episode: China's successful dual satellite launches kick off an ambitious 2026, scientists discover Jupiter has 1.5 times more oxygen than our Sun, a mysterious iron bar is found hidden in the Ring Nebula, and we explore the fascinating legacy of the Apollo 14 Moon Trees.
New episodes every weekday!
---
## EPISODE TIMESTAMPS
**[00:00]** Intro
**[01:15]** Story 1: Artemis II Final Preparations
**[04:45]** Story 2: European Space Agency Cyberattack
**[08:30]** Story 3: China's Satellite Launches
**[11:45]** Story 4: Jupiter's Oxygen Surprise
**[14:30]** Story 5: Ring Nebula Iron Mystery
**[17:00]** Story 6: Apollo 14 Moon Trees Legacy
**[19:30]** Outro
---
## STORIES COVERED
### 1. NASA Enters Final Preparations for Artemis II Mission
NASA is entering the final stages of preparation for Artemis II, the first crewed mission beyond Low Earth Orbit in over fifty years. The Space Launch System rocket and Orion spacecraft will roll out to Launch Pad 39B this Saturday, January 17th.
**Key Points:**
- **Launch Window:** February 6 - April 2026 (subject to readiness)
- **Crew:** Reid Wiseman (Commander, USA), Victor Glover (Pilot, USA), Christina Koch (Mission Specialist, USA), Jeremy Hansen (Mission Specialist, Canada)
- **Mission Duration:** 10 days circumlunar flight
- **Rollout:** 6.5 km journey takes ~12 hours on crawler-transporter-2
- **Recent Updates:** Valve replacement on Orion hatch pressurization system (Jan 5), leak repair on ground support hardware
- **Upcoming:** Wet dress rehearsal end of January with 2.65 million liters of cryogenic fuel
- **Next Steps:** Flight readiness review, final crew walkdown at pad
- **Historical Context:** First crewed deep space mission since Apollo 17 (1972)
- **Looking Ahead:** Artemis III lunar landing scheduled for 2028
**Why It Matters:**
This mission is a crucial stepping stone for returning humans to the lunar surface and eventually sending astronauts to Mars. It will validate all systems needed for deep space exploration and demonstrate international cooperation through the Canadian Space Agency's participation.
**Read More:**
- [Universe Today: NASA Enters Final Preparations for Artemis II Mission](https://www.universetoday.com/articles/nasa-enters-final-preparations-for-artemis-ii-mission)
- [NASA Artemis II Mission Page](https://www.nasa.gov/mission/artemis-ii/)
---
### 2. Cyberthieves Hit European Space Agency in Major Data Breach
The European Space Agency suffered significant cyberattacks over the Christmas period, resulting in over 700 gigabytes of potentially sensitive data being leaked to dark web forums.
**Key Points:**
- **Initial Attack:** Boxing Day 2025 - Hacker "888" dumps 200+ GB of data
- **Second Attack:** One week later - "Scattered Lapsus$ Hunters" claims 500+ GB more
- **Data Compromised:** Proprietary software, authorization credentials, access tokens, project documentation, operational procedures, spacecraft details, contractor data
- **Affected Contractors:** SpaceX, Airbus Group, Thales Alenia Space
- **ESA Response:** Criminal investigation launched, cooperating with authorities
- **Root Cause:** Possible "infostealer malware" harvesting browser-stored credentials
- **Broader Issue:** Email credentials of ESA and NASA employees frequently found on dark web
- **Security Gap:** Solar conjunction prevented communications blackout
- **Expert Warning:** Data could be combined with future breaches to enable attacks on space systems
**Industry Context:**
Cybersecurity researcher Clémence Poirier warns that cyberattacks against space agencies are common and will continue. NASA faces similar threats with vulnerabilities disclosed almost daily via BugCrowd platform.
**Why It Matters:**
As space infrastructure becomes increasingly critical for communications, navigation, and national security, cybersecurity vulnerabilities represent a major threat to space operations and international cooperation.
**Read More:**
- [Space.com: Cyberthieves hit European Space Agency](https://www.space.com/space-exploration/esa-email-credentials-on-dark-web)
---
### 3. China's Long March Rockets Launch Key Satellites to Start 2026
China successfully launched two Long March rockets on January 13, 2026, deploying the Yaogan-50 01 remote sensing satellite and multiple Guowang constellation satellites, marking an ambitious start to their space program's busiest year yet.
**Key Points:**
- **Launch Date:** January 13, 2026
- **Launch Site:** Wenchang Space Launch Center
- **Mission 1:** Yaogan-50 01 remote sensing satellite (Long March 6A rocket)
- **Mission 2:** Guowang satellite constellation expansion (low Earth orbit)
- **Yaogan-50 01 Features:** Unusual orbit design for enhanced Earth observation, unique viewing angles, applications in agriculture, disaster monitoring, resource management, scientific research
- **Guowang Constellation Purpose:** Telecommunications enhancement, high-speed data transmission, improved global connectivity, support for future Moon/Mars missions
- **Strategic Importance:** Part of China's expanding Earth observation capabilities
- **2026 Outlook:** Expected to be record-breaking year for Chinese space launches
**Why It Matters:**
China continues to expand its space infrastructure at a rapid pace, positioning itself as a major player in Earth observation, telecommunications, and future deep space exploration. The Guowang constellation will provide crucial communication support for ambitious lunar and Mars missions.
**Read More:**
- [Daily Galaxy: China's Long March Rockets Propel Satellites Into New Orbits](https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/china-yaogan-50-01-guowang-satellites/)
---
### 4. Scientists Discover Surprising Amount of Oxygen in Jupiter's Atmosphere
A groundbreaking study reveals Jupiter contains approximately 1.5 times more oxygen than our Sun, fundamentally changing our understanding of the gas giant's composition and formation.
**Key Points:**
- **Discovery:** Jupiter has ~1.5x more oxygen than the Sun
- **Research Team:** University of Chicago and Jet Propulsion Laboratory
- **Publication:** The Planetary Science Journal
- **Previous Estimates:** Some recent studies suggested much less oxygen than the Sun
- **Methodology:** Most comprehensive atmospheric model of Jupiter to date, integrating chemistry and hydrodynamics
- **Additional Finding:** Molecular diffusion is 35-40 times slower than previously assumed
- **Diffusion Impact:** Single molecule takes weeks (not hours) to move through one atmospheric layer
- **Data Source:** Juno spacecraft measurements of upper atmosphere
- **Significance:** Provides clues about Jupiter's formation and solar system evolution
- **Broader Implications:** Understanding oxygen distribution helps explain habitable planet formation
**Scientific Impact:**
Lead researcher Jeehyun Yang calls this a "long-standing debate in planetary studies." The precise oxygen quantity offers crucial insights into how gas giants form and how planetary systems evolve.
**Why It Matters:**
Oxygen is a key element in water formation. Understanding its abundance and behavior on Jupiter helps scientists better understand the conditions necessary for potentially habitable worlds both in our solar system and around other stars.
**Read More:**
- [Daily Galaxy: Scientists Discover Surprising Amount of Oxygen in Jupiter's Atmosphere](https://dailygalaxy.com/2026/01/surprising-oxygen-jupiter-atmosphere/)
---
### 5. Mysterious Iron Bar Discovered Hidden in Famous Ring Nebula
European astronomers have discovered a massive bar-shaped cloud of iron inside the iconic Ring Nebula—a structure that went completely unnoticed for decades despite this being one of the most studied objects in astronomy.
**Key Points:**
- **Discovery Team:** UCL (University College London) and Cardiff University-led international team
- **Publication:** Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
- **Instrument:** WEAVE (WHT Enhanced Area Velocity Explorer) on William Herschel Telescope
- **Structure Size:** ~500 times the distance of Pluto's orbit around the Sun
- **Mass:** Comparable to Mars' mass in iron atoms
- **Location:** Bar-shaped strip fitting within Ring Nebula's elliptical inner region
- **Detection Method:** Spectroscopy across entire nebula at all optical wavelengths simultaneously
- **Previous Observations:** Missed by decades of studies, including JWST images
- **Ring Nebula Background:** Planetary nebula in constellation Lyra, discovered 1779, formed ~4,000 years ago
**Possible Explanations:**
1. Reveals new information about nebula ejection process (uneven/directional outflow)
2. Plasma arc from vaporization of destroyed rocky planet caught in star's expansion
**Next Steps:**
- Higher spectral resolution observations planned
- Searching for other chemical elements alongside iron
- Survey of additional planetary nebulae to find similar structures
**Researcher Quotes:**
- Dr. Roger Wess
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
Sponsor Details:
Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN. To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit www.bitesz.com/nordvpn. You'll be glad you did!
Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here
This episode includes AI-generated content.