
Astronomy Daily: Exciting Space Discoveries and News
Join host Anna (and Steve, Hallie) for daily space & astronomy news, insights, and discoveries at Astronomy Daily!There's a lot going on 'out there ,' and we endeavour to bring it all to you.For more visit, our website and sign up for the free daily newsletter and check out our continually updated newsfeed. www.astronomydaily.io.Follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, YouTube and TikTok ...just search for AstroDailyPod. Enjoy!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.
Latest episodes

Apr 5, 2025 • 18min
Military Launch Contracts Unveiled, Historic Polar Spaceflight Ends
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E82In this episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna takes you on an exhilarating journey through the latest developments in the ever-evolving world of space exploration. From groundbreaking military contracts to the thrilling adventures of space tourists, this episode is packed with cosmic insights that will ignite your curiosity about the universe.Highlights:- Historic Military Launch Contracts: Discover how SpaceX, ULA, and Blue Origin are sharing a monumental $13.5 billion in military launch contracts, marking a significant shift in national security space access. We delve into the implications of this landmark decision and how it reshapes the landscape of military space operations.- Polar Orbit Space Tourism: Follow the incredible journey of four space tourists who completed a historic flight circling the globe above both poles. Experience their breathtaking views and learn about the scientific experiments they conducted during their groundbreaking mission aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule.- Life Aboard the International Space Station: Get an inside look at the bustling activities aboard the ISS, where astronauts are conducting cutting-edge robotics experiments and crucial medical research. We discuss the innovative projects that are paving the way for future space missions and maintaining the station's life support systems.- Stellar Seismology Breakthrough: Dive into the fascinating new method scientists are using to study stars through their vibrations. Learn how stellar quakes provide insights into a star's inner workings and how this research is reshaping our understanding of stellar evolution.- Discovery of Big Wheel Galaxy: Marvel at the James Webb Space Telescope's discovery of the colossal spiral galaxy, Big Wheel, which challenges our understanding of galactic evolution. We explore its remarkable characteristics and the implications for current cosmological models.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - Military launch contracts overview10:30 - Polar orbit space tourism mission17:00 - ISS crew activities and research22:15 - Stellar seismology discoveries27:30 - Big Wheel galaxy discovery✍️ Episode ReferencesMilitary Launch Contracts[Department of Defense](https://www.defense.gov/)SpaceX Dragon Mission Details[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)International Space Station Research[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Stellar Seismology Research[University of New South Wales](https://www.unsw.edu.au/)Big Wheel Galaxy Discovery[James Webb Space Telescope](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/webb/main/index.html)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

Apr 4, 2025 • 15min
From Pole to Pole with Fram2, Artemis 2's New Emblem, Lunar Energy Solutions
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E81In this exciting episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna takes you on a captivating journey through the latest milestones in space exploration. From the historic SpaceX FRAM 2 mission to NASA's Artemis 2 mission patch unveiling, this episode is packed with remarkable insights that will fuel your curiosity about our universe.Highlights:- SpaceX FRAM 2 Mission: Join us as we follow the groundbreaking crew of SpaceX's FRAM 2 mission, the first team to orbit Earth from pole to pole. Experience their breathtaking views of the planet and hear their reflections on this extraordinary journey, including their unique perspectives of the Arctic and Antarctica.- NASA's Artemis 2 Mission Patch: Discover the newly unveiled mission patch for Artemis 2, symbolizing humanity's return to lunar exploration. We discuss its design and the historic significance of the mission, which will see astronauts journey around the Moon no later than April 2026.- SpaceX's Super Heavy Booster Milestone: Explore SpaceX's latest achievement with their Super Heavy booster, which successfully completed a test fire, bringing us closer to the goal of full rocket reusability. Learn about the engineering marvel that is Booster 14 and its role in future missions.- Moon Dust as Power Source: Delve into the exciting discovery that lunar regolith can be transformed into solar cells, potentially providing a sustainable power source for future lunar settlements. We discuss the implications of this breakthrough for long-term human presence on the Moon.- Spinlaunch's Ambitious Satellite Plans: Get the scoop on Spinlaunch's innovative approach to satellite deployment, aiming to launch up to 250 microsatellites in a single mission. Learn about their unique centrifuge technology and the potential impact on the future of satellite constellations.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - Overview of SpaceX FRAM 2 mission10:30 - Artemis 2 mission patch unveiling17:00 - Super Heavy booster test fire22:15 - Moon dust solar cell breakthrough27:30 - Spinlaunch satellite deployment plans✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceX FRAM 2 Mission Details[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)NASA Artemis 2 Mission Patch[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Super Heavy Booster Updates[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)Lunar Regolith Solar Cells Research[University of Potsdam](https://www.uni-potsdam.de/en/)Spinlaunch Satellite Plans[Spinlaunch](https://www.spinlaunch.com)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support.

Apr 3, 2025 • 17min
Webb's Asteroid Discovery, Project Kuiper Launch, and Martian Dust Storms
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E80In this thrilling episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna guides you through the latest groundbreaking developments in space exploration and astronomical research. From the James Webb Space Telescope's insights on asteroids to Japan's innovative Mars landing technology, this episode is brimming with cosmic discoveries that will deepen your understanding of the universe.Highlights:- James Webb Space Telescope Observations: Dive into the fascinating findings from the JWST as it examines the near-Earth asteroid 2024 YR4. Discover how this mission not only provides critical data about the asteroid's size and thermal properties but also enhances our planetary defense strategies against potential threats.- Amazon's Project Kuiper Launch: Get ready for the launch of Amazon's first operational satellites as part of Project Kuiper. We explore the implications of this ambitious initiative to create a global broadband Internet constellation and its competition with other satellite networks.- Surprising Discoveries in Galactic Evolution: Uncover the shocking evidence that massive galaxies were already quiescent just 700 million years after the Big Bang. This revelation challenges existing cosmological models and reshapes our understanding of galaxy formation and evolution.- Japan's Innovative Mars Landing Technology: Learn about JAXA's new approach to Mars landings using inflatable decelerators, which could revolutionize how we deliver rovers to the Martian surface. This innovative technology promises to lower costs and enhance mission efficiency.- Understanding Martian Dust Storms: Explore new research revealing the triggers behind Mars's massive dust storms, which pose significant challenges for future exploration. This study aims to develop forecasting capabilities for Martian weather, crucial for the safety of future missions.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - JWST asteroid observations10:30 - Amazon's Project Kuiper launch17:00 - Discoveries in galactic evolution22:15 - Japan's Mars landing technology27:30 - Martian dust storms research✍️ Episode ReferencesJames Webb Space Telescope Updates[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Project Kuiper Details[Amazon](https://www.amazon.com)Galactic Evolution Research[University of Geneva](https://www.unige.ch)JAXA Mars Exploration[JAXA](https://www.jaxa.jp/)Martian Dust Storms Study[University of Colorado Boulder](https://www.colorado.edu)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support.

Apr 2, 2025 • 18min
SpaceX's Test Flight Trials, Blue Origin's Next Steps, and SphereX Wakes Up
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E79In this captivating episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna takes you on an exhilarating journey through the latest developments in space exploration and astronomical research. From SpaceX's ongoing Starship challenges to the groundbreaking SphereX mission, this episode is filled with cosmic insights that will inspire your curiosity.Highlights:- SpaceX's Starship Investigations: Explore the latest updates on SpaceX's Starship program as the FAA closes one investigation while keeping another open. We delve into the implications of the recent test flight failures and the corrective actions SpaceX is implementing to move forward.- Blue Origin's New Glenn Progress: Learn about Blue Origin's completed investigation into the New Glenn rocket's failed landing attempt. Discover the corrective measures being taken as the company prepares for its next launch, aiming to enhance the rocket's reusability and reliability.- NASA's SphereX Mission Launch: Marvel at the first images captured by NASA's SphereX mission, a revolutionary observatory designed to map the entire celestial sky. We discuss its unique capabilities and the scientific questions it aims to address during its mission.- Historic Fram 2 Mission: Join us as we celebrate SpaceX's Fram 2 mission, which successfully sent the first humans to orbit Earth's poles. Discover the significance of this mission and the groundbreaking scientific experiments being conducted by its crew.- Astronauts Return from ISS: Catch up with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams as they readjust to life on Earth after an extended stay aboard the International Space Station due to Boeing's Starliner issues. Hear their reflections on their unique experiences in space.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - SpaceX Starship investigation updates10:30 - Blue Origin's New Glenn investigation results17:00 - SphereX mission's first images22:15 - Overview of the Fram 2 mission27:30 - Astronauts' return from ISS✍️ Episode ReferencesSpaceX Starship Updates[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Blue Origin New Glenn Investigation[Blue Origin](https://www.blueorigin.com)SphereX Mission Details[NASA SphereX](https://www.nasa.gov/spherex)Fram 2 Mission Overview[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)Astronauts' ISS Mission[NASA Astronauts](https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support.

Apr 1, 2025 • 20min
SpaceX's Polar Mission, Mars Suit Tests, Dark Matter's Spin
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E78In this exciting episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna takes you on a thrilling journey through the latest advancements in space exploration and astronomical research. From SpaceX's historic Fram 2 mission to groundbreaking studies on dark matter, this episode is packed with cosmic insights that will ignite your curiosity.Highlights:- Historic Fram 2 Mission: Join us as we celebrate SpaceX's groundbreaking Fram 2 mission, which marks the first human spaceflight to circle Earth over its poles. Discover the unique experiments the crew will conduct during their orbit, including the first attempt to grow mushrooms in microgravity.- SpaceX's Busy Launch Schedule: Explore SpaceX's ramped-up launch cadence, featuring five Falcon 9 missions in one week. We discuss the implications of this operational tempo for the future of space access and exploration.- Perseverance Rover's Spacesuit Research: Learn about NASA's Perseverance rover conducting crucial tests on spacesuit materials in the harsh Martian environment, paving the way for future human exploration of the Red Planet.- Astronauts Return from ISS: Catch up with NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who recently completed an extended nine-month mission aboard the International Space Station, and hear their reflections on the experience.- Dark Matter's Influence on Planetary Rotation: Delve into new research suggesting that dark matter could affect the rotation of planets, potentially offering a novel way to study this mysterious substance and its implications for planetary habitability.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - Overview of Fram 2 mission10:30 - SpaceX launch schedule updates17:00 - Perseverance rover's spacesuit research22:15 - Astronauts' return from ISS27:30 - Dark matter and planetary rotation✍️ Episode ReferencesFram 2 Mission Details[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)SpaceX Launch Schedule[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Perseverance Rover Research[NASA Mars Exploration](https://mars.nasa.gov/)Astronauts' ISS Mission[NASA Astronauts](https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts)Dark Matter Research[Xinjiang Astronomical Observatory](http://www.xao.ac.cn/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

Mar 31, 2025 • 20min
Mapping the Milky Way, Starliner's Future, and Asteroid Collision Risks
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E77In this engaging episode of Astronomy Daily, host Steve Dunkley dives into the latest developments in space exploration and the cosmos. From the uncertain future of Boeing's Starliner to the fascinating conclusion of the Gaia mission, this episode is packed with insights that will keep you informed and intrigued.Highlights:- The Fate of Starliner: Explore the ongoing certification challenges facing Boeing's Starliner spacecraft as NASA continues to assess its readiness for future crewed missions. We discuss the implications of unresolved propulsion issues and the timeline for potential flights to the International Space Station.- Gaia's Mission Comes to an End: Reflect on the remarkable achievements of the Gaia spacecraft, which has provided unprecedented data on the Milky Way. As it enters retirement, we look back at its contributions to our understanding of our galaxy's structure and history.- Asteroid 2024 YR4 Update: Learn about the latest calculations regarding asteroid 2024 YR4 and its potential impact on Earth and the Moon. We discuss the implications of this near-Earth object and what it could mean for our planet.- NASA's Dust Repelling Shield: Discover NASA's innovative electrodynamic dust shields designed to combat the challenges posed by lunar dust. We delve into the recent test results and their significance for future lunar missions.- Crew 11 Mission Announcement: Meet the crew of SpaceX's upcoming Crew 11 mission to the ISS, including NASA astronaut Cena Cardman, who will command the flight. We discuss the mission's objectives and the excitement surrounding this new crew.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Steve signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - Starliner certification update10:30 - Gaia mission conclusion17:00 - Asteroid 2024 YR4 potential impact22:15 - NASA's dust repelling technology27:30 - Crew 11 mission details✍️ Episode ReferencesStarliner Updates[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Gaia Mission Legacy[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int)Asteroid 2024 YR4 Information[NASA Near-Earth Object Program](https://cneos.jpl.nasa.gov/)Electrodynamic Dust Shields[NASA Dust Mitigation](https://www.nasa.gov/dust)Crew 11 Mission Details[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support.

Mar 29, 2025 • 23min
Rosalind Franklin's Revival, SpaceX's Infrastructure Leap, and Solar Surprises
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E76In this thrilling episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna takes you on an exploration of the latest advancements and discoveries in our universe. From Europe's ambitious plans for Mars to groundbreaking developments in commercial spaceflight, this episode is filled with cosmic insights that will ignite your curiosity.Highlights:- Rosalind Franklin Rover's New Journey: Join us as we discuss the revitalization of the Rosalind Franklin mission, Europe's first Mars rover, which is back on track after overcoming significant obstacles. Learn about its unique drilling capabilities and the collaborative efforts that will help uncover potential signs of ancient life on Mars.- SpaceX's Infrastructure Expansion: Get the latest updates on SpaceX's construction of Orbital Launch Pad B and the ambitious GigaBay facility at Starbase. Discover how these developments will enhance SpaceX's production capabilities and support its future missions to the Moon and Mars.- X-Class Solar Flare: Uncover the details of a powerful X1.1 class solar flare that recently caused radio blackouts across the Americas. We discuss the implications of solar activity and why scientists are closely monitoring the sun for further eruptions.- The Venus Life Equation: Explore the intriguing Venus Life Equation, a new framework for assessing the potential for life on our neighboring planet, Venus. This innovative approach aims to deepen our understanding of planetary habitability and the search for extraterrestrial life.- Historic Fram 2 Mission: Meet the crew of SpaceX's Fram 2 mission, set to make history as the first human spaceflight to traverse Earth's polar regions. We delve into the mission's unique objectives and the pioneering spirit of its private astronaut crew.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - Rosalind Franklin rover updates10:30 - SpaceX's infrastructure development17:00 - X-class solar flare impacts22:15 - The Venus Life Equation27:30 - Overview of the Fram 2 mission✍️ Episode ReferencesRosalind Franklin Mission Details[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int)SpaceX Infrastructure Updates[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)Solar Flare Information[NASA Solar Dynamics Observatory](https://sdo.gsfc.nasa.gov/)Venus Life Equation Insights[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Fram 2 Mission Overview[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support.

Mar 28, 2025 • 16min
Gaia's Farewell, NASA's Astronaut Shuffle, Neptune's Auroras Revealed
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E75In this captivating episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna brings you the latest developments and discoveries from the cosmos. From the bittersweet retirement of Europe's Gaia Space Telescope to groundbreaking observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, this episode is filled with cosmic insights that will spark your curiosity.Highlights:- Farewell to Gaia Space Telescope: Join us as we commemorate the end of the Gaia mission, which has mapped nearly 2 billion stars in our galaxy over the past decade. Learn about Gaia's significant contributions to astronomy and the legacy it leaves behind for future generations.- NASA's Astronaut Reassignments: Discover how NASA is reshaping its astronaut roster by reassigning several crew members from Boeing's troubled Starliner program to SpaceX's Crew 11 mission. This strategic move highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Boeing and the evolving landscape of commercial spaceflight.- Canceled Cargo Mission to the ISS: Uncover the details surrounding the cancellation of a planned cargo mission to the International Space Station due to damage to the Northrop Grumman Cygnus spacecraft. We discuss the implications for the ISS and NASA's contingency plans.- China's Ambitious Exploration Roadmap: Explore China's newly unveiled roadmap for deep space exploration, which includes missions to Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and even Neptune. This ambitious plan emphasizes the search for extraterrestrial life and the study of planetary habitability.- James Webb's Discovery of Auroras on Neptune: Marvel at the James Webb Space Telescope's groundbreaking observation of auroras on Neptune, revealing new insights into the planet's atmosphere and magnetic field. This discovery opens up exciting avenues for research on ice giants and their interactions with solar particles.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - Gaia Space Telescope retirement10:30 - NASA astronaut reassignments17:00 - Canceled cargo mission to the ISS22:15 - China's exploration roadmap27:30 - JWST's auroras on Neptune✍️ Episode ReferencesGaia Space Telescope Legacy[European Space Agency](https://www.esa.int)NASA Astronaut Assignments[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)Northrop Grumman Cygnus Updates[Northrop Grumman](https://www.northropgrumman.com)China's Space Exploration Plans[China National Space Administration](http://www.cnsa.gov.cn/)James Webb Space Telescope Findings[NASA Webb](https://www.nasa.gov/webb)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

Mar 27, 2025 • 18min
Rocket Milestones, Celestial Eclipses, and Surprising Cosmic Findings
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E74In this exciting episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna takes you on a journey through the latest advancements and discoveries in space exploration. From the U.S. Space Force's certification of a new rocket to a captivating look at a mysterious galaxy, this episode is packed with cosmic insights that will leave you inspired.Highlights:- ULA's Vulcan Centaur Rocket Certification: Discover the significance of the U.S. Space Force's recent certification of United Launch Alliance's Vulcan Centaur rocket for national security missions. This milestone enhances America's launch capabilities for sensitive military payloads and marks a significant step forward in national security.- Upcoming Partial Solar Eclipse: Mark your calendars for March 29, 2025, when a partial solar eclipse will be visible across parts of Europe, Africa, and North America. Learn about the eclipse's unique characteristics and how to safely view this celestial event.- Surprising Discovery of Ancient Light: Explore the groundbreaking findings from NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, which has identified bright hydrogen emissions from a galaxy observed just 330 million years after the Big Bang. This unexpected discovery challenges our understanding of the early universe and opens new questions about galaxy formation.- China's Expanding Satellite Network: Get the latest on China's successful launch of the Tianlian 204 satellite, which enhances the country's data relay capabilities for its space program. This mission underscores China's ambitions in space and its plans for future exploration.- NASA's Europa Clipper Mission: Learn about the Europa Clipper's upcoming mission to scout landing sites on Jupiter's icy moon, Europa. This strategic reconnaissance will aid in future explorations of this intriguing ocean world and could pave the way for humanity's first landing beyond Earth.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - ULA's Vulcan Centaur certification10:30 - Upcoming partial solar eclipse details17:00 - Webb's discovery of ancient light22:15 - China's new satellite launch27:30 - Overview of NASA's Europa Clipper mission✍️ Episode ReferencesVulcan Centaur Certification[United Launch Alliance](https://www.ulalaunch.com)Partial Solar Eclipse Information[NASA Eclipse Page](https://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/eclipse.html)James Webb Telescope Discoveries[NASA Webb](https://www.nasa.gov/webb)China's Tianlian Satellite Launch[China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation](http://www.casc.cn/)Europa Clipper Mission Details[NASA Europa Clipper](https://europa.nasa.gov/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-exciting-space-discoveries-and-news--5648921/support.

Mar 26, 2025 • 22min
NASA's Solar Probe Milestone, Space Piracy
Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E73In this enlightening episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna navigates the latest cosmic events and breakthroughs that are reshaping our understanding of space. From the Parker Solar Probe's record-breaking approach to the Sun to the intriguing phenomenon of space piracy, this episode is packed with insights that will keep you captivated.Highlights:- Parker Solar Probe's 23rd Close Approach: Join us as we celebrate the Parker Solar Probe's incredible achievement of reaching within 3.8 million miles of the Sun's surface, matching its own records for both proximity and speed. Discover how this groundbreaking mission is transforming our understanding of solar activity and the mysteries of the corona.- The Mysterious Blue Spiral: Explore the captivating blue spiral that lit up the skies over Europe, sparking theories of extraterrestrial origins. We reveal the true cause behind this mesmerizing light show, linked to a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, and how modern space technology creates such stunning celestial phenomena.- 3D Printing for Space Colonization: Delve into how 3D printing technology is poised to revolutionize sustainable living on the Moon and Mars. Learn about in situ resource utilization and how astronauts can use local materials to create habitats, tools, and structures, paving the way for future space colonization.- NASA Astronauts' Return from the ISS: Catch up on the return of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore after an extended nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station. We discuss the fascinating physical changes they experienced during their time in microgravity and the challenges of readjusting to Earth's environment.- The Rise of Space Piracy: Finally, we venture into the emerging concern of space piracy as commercial activities in orbit increase. Experts warn of potential criminal exploitation and the need for new security measures to protect valuable space assets.For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily01:05 - Parker Solar Probe's latest approach10:30 - Blue spiral phenomenon explained17:00 - 3D printing technology for space colonization22:15 - Return of astronauts from the ISS27:30 - Emerging concerns of space piracy✍️ Episode ReferencesParker Solar Probe Updates[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov)SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Details[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com)3D Printing in Space[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/3dprinting)NASA Astronauts' Research[NASA](https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts)Space Piracy Insights[Center for the Study of Space Crime Policy and Governance](https://www.cscpg.org/)Astronomy Daily[Astronomy Daily](http://www.astronomydaily.io/)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support.
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