
Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates
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-space-news-updates--5648921/support.
Latest episodes

Sep 6, 2024 • 15min
S03E147: Mars's Lost Water Mystery, China's Satellite Ambitions, and SpaceX's Spy Satellite Launches
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 6th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your latest source of space and Astronomy news, with your host, Anna. Today we're diving into some fascinating topics, ranging from the latest findings about Mars's escaping water to the exciting flyby of Mercury by the Bepicolombo mission. We'll also discuss China's ambitious plans with G Space's new low Earth orbit satellites, SpaceX's launch of next-gen spy satellites, and how amateur astronomers are aiding the study of Jupiter's weather. Stick around for an engaging episode packed with the latest updates and discoveries from the cosmos.Highlights:- Mars's Escaping Water: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Maven mission have made significant strides in understanding where Mars's water went. By analyzing hydrogen and deuterium in the Martian atmosphere, scientists can estimate the amount of water Mars once held. This study combines data collected over different Martian years, revealing a more dynamic atmosphere than previously thought.- China's Low Earth Orbit Satellites: Chinese automaker Geely's G Space has launched ten new low Earth orbit satellites, extending their constellation to 30 satellites that cover 90% of the globe with 24-hour communication services. This ambitious plan aims to compete with SpaceX's Starlink by offering global broadband services.- SpaceX's Next-Gen Spy Satellites: On September 5, SpaceX launched a new batch of next-gen spy satellites for the US National Reconnaissance Office. This mission is part of the NRO's proliferated architecture strategy, which involves deploying numerous smaller satellites to create a more resilient network.- Amateur Astronomers and Jupiter: Amateur astronomers are making significant contributions to the study of Jupiter's atmospheric phenomena. Using relatively affordable telescopes, they help monitor the gas giant's weather patterns, providing valuable data that complements professional observations.- Bepicolombo's Mercury Latest Flyby: The Bepicolombo mission completed its fourth and closest flyby of Mercury, offering unprecedented views of the planet's south pole region. This flyby is crucial for adjusting the spacecraft's trajectory and preparing for its primary science mission set to commence in late 2026.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Sep 5, 2024 • 13min
S03E146: NASA-Boeing Rift, Europa Clipper's Launch, and Asteroid 2024 RW1's Fiery Show
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 5th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, a podcast where we dive into the latest space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna. Ready to take you on a cosmic journey? In today's episode, we'll cover intriguing updates from NASA, the latest asteroid encounters, sky watching highlights for September, and fascinating experiments on the International Space Station. Get comfortable, and prepare to explore the wonders of our universe.Highlights:- NASA and Boeing Tensions: There was quite a bit of drama recently between NASA and Boeing as tension brewed during meetings over how to bring back two astronauts currently stranded on the International Space Station. - Europa Clipper Mission: NASA's Europa Clipper mission is officially cleared for launch in October 2024, and excitement is building for what promises to be a groundbreaking exploration of one of Jupiter's most intriguing moons, Europa. - Asteroid 2024 RW1: A small asteroid named 2024 RW1 recently put on a show as it burned up in Earth's atmosphere above the western Pacific Ocean near Luzon Island in the Philippines. - Sky Watching Highlights for September: September is shaping up to be an extraordinary month for sky watchers, so grab your telescopes and binoculars for some spectacular celestial events. First up, we have an incredible Harvest Super Moon Eclipse on September 17. This full moon, also known as the Harvest Moon, is extra special this year as it coincides with a partial lunar eclipse as the moon rises. - Don Pettit's Space Experiments: NASA astronaut Don Pettit is a name synonymous with innovation and curiosity. His talent for turning everyday moments into extraordinary scientific experiments has earned him a reputation for groundbreaking discoveries aboard the International Space Station. Today, we're diving into some of Pettit's most inventive "science of opportunity" experiments. For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton Mail & SecurityBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Sep 4, 2024 • 14min
S03E145: Spaceflight Health Discoveries, BepiColombo's New Route, and Ganymede's Titanic Collision
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 4th September 2024Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest in space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have some fascinating stories to delve into, from groundbreaking research uncovering how spaceflight affects human physiology to the thruster issues delaying the BepiColombo spacecraft's journey to Mercury. We also have the intriguing tale of a peculiar noise heard on NASA's Starliner and a look at how a titanic asteroid impact reshaped Jupiter's moon Ganymede. So sit back, relax, and let's explore the cosmos together.Highlights:- Spaceflight and Human Physiology: Recent research has shed light on how spaceflight extensively alters the gut microbiome, a bustling community of bacteria essential for digestion and immune function. Led by researchers from University College Dublin and McGill University in collaboration with NASA, the study revealed significant shifts in specific bacteria, affecting gene expression related to immune and metabolic functions. These findings have profound implications for astronaut health during long-duration missions and could also benefit health protocols here on Earth.- BepiColombo's Thruster Issues: The European-Japanese BepiColombo spacecraft has faced thruster issues, delaying its arrival at Mercury until 2026. Launched in 2018, BepiColombo needs to follow a complex route involving multiple flybys. However, a glitch in the spacecraft's thrusters has led to inadequate thrust. Engineers have revised the spacecraft's trajectory, allowing it to still achieve its scientific objectives despite the delay.- Peculiar Noise on NASA's Starliner: Astronaut Butch Wilmore reported hearing a strange pulsing noise from Boeing's Starliner spacecraft docked to the ISS. NASA explained that the noise originated from feedback in the audio configuration between Starliner and the ISS. This issue had no technical impact on the crew or the spacecraft's operations.- Titanic Asteroid Impact on Ganymede: Research led by a planetologist from Kobe University has revealed that an asteroid impact around 4 billion years ago reshaped Jupiter's moon Ganymede. The impact was so colossal that it altered not just Ganymede's surface but potentially its rotation as well. This ancient event provides invaluable insights into the early solar system's dynamics and the moon's geological history.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordPassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.

Sep 3, 2024 • 14min
S03E144: BepiColombo's Mercury Flyby, China's Sea-Based Launch, and Artemis 4G Revolution
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 3rd September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for all the latest news in the world of space and Astronomy. I'm Anna, your host for today. We've got some exciting stories lined up for you, from NASA's Artemis III mission to the latest updates on the BepiColombo spacecraft and more. So stay tuned for some incredible space news and insights.Highlights:- BepiColombo's Fourth Mercury Flyby: The joint mission by the European Space Agency and Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) is gearing up for its fourth Mercury flyby. Scheduled for 23:48 CEST (21:48 UTC) on September 4, BepiColombo will pass just 165 km above Mercury's surface. This flyby is crucial for adjusting the spacecraft's speed and trajectory, and it offers scientists a valuable opportunity to gather preliminary data and fine-tune onboard instruments. Despite challenges with its electric thrusters, the mission remains on track, with 10 of the 16 scientific instruments operational during this flyby. Expect the first images to be released on September 5, with initial scientific results to follow on September 13.- China's Sea-Based Satellite Launch: Galactic Energy, a private rocket manufacturer based in Beijing, has achieved its third sea-based launch of the Series One carrier rocket, marking China's 12th successful sea-based satellite launch. The rocket deployed six satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit approximately 535 km above Earth, showcasing the reliability and effectiveness of their technology. This successful launch highlights China's growing prowess in space exploration and satellite deployment.- Artemis III Mission and 4G Connectivity: NASA's upcoming Artemis III mission will break new ground by equipping astronauts with cutting-edge 4G connectivity designed by Nokia. This technology will allow lunar explorers to broadcast high-definition video and transmit large volumes of scientific data back to Earth in real-time. The 4G network will be tested later this year with Intuitive Machines' IM-2 mission, and the technology could benefit future lunar missions and various lunar devices.- The Mystery of Lunar Swirls: Visible through even basic telescopes, lunar swirls have long puzzled scientists. Recent studies suggest that these light-colored swirls are the result of magnetized rocks that create a magnetic field strong enough to deflect solar wind particles. Understanding the origin of these swirls could reveal more about the Moon's geological history and its ancient magnetic environment. NASA plans to send a rover to the famous Reiner Gamma swirl in 2025 as part of the Lunar Vertex mission to gather more data.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordPassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton Mail (for when you're ready to ditch Gmail, Outlook, etc. for a truly secure and private email...like we did)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Sep 2, 2024 • 17min
S03E143: Mars Mapping Milestone, Falcon 9 Mishap, and Starliner Return Date
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 2nd September 2024Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily from Downunder. It's Steve here, bringing you the latest space and astronomy news on this second day of spring and September 2024. We've got a mixed bag of stories for you this week, from China's high-resolution map of Mars to SpaceX's Falcon 9 mishap, and much more. Let's dive right in!Highlights:- SpaceX Falcon 9 Mishap: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has cleared SpaceX to restart its Falcon 9 launches following an investigation into a rare mishap during a first stage booster landing. The booster tipped over and exploded while attempting to land on a droneship off the Florida coast. Despite the mishap, the mission successfully delivered 21 Starlink Internet satellites into orbit. This incident ended a streak of over three years of successful booster landings.- NASA's Solar Sail Deployment: NASA's advanced composite solar sail system has successfully deployed in space. Launched on Rocket Lab's Electron vehicle, the solar sail reached full deployment on August 29. This innovative technology uses sunlight to guide its path through space and will be tested for maneuverability in the coming weeks. The data gathered will help design future solar sail missions for space weather monitoring, asteroid reconnaissance, and more.- Europa Clipper's Solar Arrays: NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft has been fitted with gigantic solar arrays at the Kennedy Space Center. These arrays, each measuring 14.2 meters in length, are the largest ever developed by NASA for a planetary mission. They will help power the spacecraft as it investigates Jupiter's icy moon Europa, aiming to determine if its subsurface ocean could support life. The spacecraft is scheduled to launch on October 10 and will arrive at Jupiter in 2030.- China's High-Resolution Mars Map: China's Tianwen-1 mission has created the first high-resolution global color map of Mars. Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, this map has a spatial resolution greater than 1 km and could support future crewed missions to Mars. The map was created using countless remote sensing images acquired by the Tianwen-1 orbiter.- Boeing's Starliner Return: NASA has announced that Boeing's Starliner capsule will depart the International Space Station no earlier than September 6. The capsule, which has faced multiple delays and technical issues, will return to Earth uncrewed. Astronauts Sonny Williams and Butch Wilmore, who were originally scheduled to return on Starliner, will now come back aboard a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February next year.- DART Mission Debris: Debris from NASA's DART mission, which tested a kinetic impact to nudge an asteroid, could potentially reach Earth and Mars. While it's unlikely we'll see a meteor shower on Earth, the debris could result in meteors on Mars. The DART mission successfully shortened the orbit of the asteroid Dimorphos around its parent asteroid Didymos.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordPassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton Mail (for when you're ready to ditch gmail, outlook etc for a truly secure and private email...we did)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.

Aug 31, 2024 • 12min
S03E142: SpaceX's Falcon 9 Returns, NASA Crew Reshuffle, and Black Hole Imaging Breakthroughs
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 31 August 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your source for the latest in space exploration and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna. Today, we've got some fascinating stories lined up for you. From SpaceX receiving the green light to fly their Falcon 9 rocket again after a recent mishap, to NASA's strategic crew adjustments on their SpaceX flights, there's a lot to cover. We're also diving into groundbreaking advancements with the Event Horizon Telescope that promise to reveal clearer images of black holes than ever before. And we'll take a closer look at how New Zealand's rapidly growing space sector is grappling with sustainability challenges. So let's dive right into the latest updates and breakthroughs.Highlights:- SpaceX Falcon 9 Cleared for Launch: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has given SpaceX the green light to restart its Falcon 9 launches following an investigation into a recent mishap. Despite a first stage booster tipping over and exploding while attempting to land on a drone ship, the mission successfully delivered 21 Starlink Internet satellites into orbit. This incident marked an end to a streak lasting over three years of successful booster landings. The FAA has allowed the Falcon 9 to return to flight operations, demonstrating SpaceX's resilience and adaptability.- NASA's Crew Dragon Flight Adjustments: NASA has announced changes to its upcoming SpaceX Crew Dragon flight, reassigning astronauts to make room for the crew from Boeing's Starliner capsule. This decision ensures seamless coordination with Roscosmos and maintains collaborative efforts on the International Space Station (ISS). The Crew-9 flight, now set for September 24, will be captained by Nick Haig, with Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbanov joining as the mission specialist.- Event Horizon Telescope Advancements: The Event Horizon Telescope (EHT) team has made significant strides in improving the resolution of black hole images. Collaborating with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) and other facilities, the EHT team achieved an astonishing level of observational detail. These advancements promise to reveal more detailed properties around black holes, potentially uncovering both predicted and unexpected phenomena.- New Zealand's Aerospace Sector and Sustainability: New Zealand's aerospace sector is experiencing rapid growth with ambitious goals for the global space industry. However, this growth brings pressing sustainability issues to light. Balancing economic expansion with sustainable practices is crucial as the global community becomes more aware of space debris and other environmental concerns. New Zealand's aerospace strategy includes a bilateral agreement with the United States and policies on space debris removal, but critics argue that more proactive measures are needed.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordpassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Aug 30, 2024 • 9min
S03E141: Starliner’s Uncrewed Return, Solar Sail Deployment, and Blue Origin’s Suborbital Triumph
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 30 August 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest and greatest news in space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and I'm thrilled to be guiding you through today's top stories. We have some fascinating updates from the cosmos, spanning from groundbreaking scientific missions to the latest in space tourism adventures. Whether you're a seasoned astronomer or just a curious stargazer, there's something here for everyone. So let's dive into some exciting content that's sure to ignite your imagination and fuel your passion for all things celestial.Highlights:- NASA and Boeing's Starliner Mission Uncrewed Return: NASA and Boeing are gearing up for an uncrewed return mission of the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft. The spacecraft is slated to undock from the International Space Station no earlier than 06:04 p.m. EDT on Friday, September 6, and will begin a roughly six-hour journey to its designated landing site at White Sands Space Harbor in New Mexico. This mission follows NASA's decision on August 24 to conduct the Starliner return without a human crew, ensuring that Starliner can perform a fully autonomous return to Earth.- NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System: NASA has announced a significant milestone with the successful deployment of its advanced composite solar sail system. On August 29, mission operators confirmed the deployment of the sail-hoisting boom system. This innovative technology spans approximately 860 sq ft and is expected to influence the design and operation of future solar sail missions.- Blue Origin's NS-26 Mission: Blue Origin has successfully completed its 8th human spaceflight with Mission NS-26. This latest venture included a diverse group of six thrill-seekers, among them Carson Kitchen, a 21-year-old senior at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who became the youngest woman to ever cross the Karman line. The entire flight lasted between ten to eleven minutes, offering these space tourists a brief but extraordinary glimpse into the cosmos.- NASA's Lunar South Pole Research: NASA has awarded a lucrative contract to Intuitive Machines for an ambitious lunar south pole research delivery. This mission will focus on the lunar south pole, an area of great interest due to its unique conditions and potential ice deposits, marking a major step forward in lunar exploration.- Warp Drive and Black Holes: Researchers Remo Garattini and Kirill Zatrimalov have been exploring whether a warp bubble, the key element in a warp drive, could survive the intense gravitational field of a black hole. Their findings suggest that under specific conditions, a warp bubble might just pull it off, opening up the possibility for future research into creating smaller lab-based warp drive models.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links: Pay them a visit and check out the great deals. These are tools we use and highly recommend for the best in privacy and security online.NordpassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Aug 29, 2024 • 11min
S03E140: SpaceX's Latest Challenges, Electric Field Milestone, and XB-1's Triumph
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 29th August 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, the podcast where we explore the latest in space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna. Today we have a fantastic lineup of stories that will take you from the high stakes of space travel to fascinating new scientific discoveries. From SpaceX facing challenges with their Falcon 9 rocket, to scientists measuring a planet-wide electric field for the first time ever, we have so much to explore. We'll also delve into Boom Supersonic's second test flight of their XB-1 aircraft, and wrap up with a look at the detection of water vapor in the atmosphere of an ultra-hot, Saturn-like exoplanet. So grab your telescopes and let's dive in.Highlights:- SpaceX Falcon 9 Grounded: The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket following a failed booster landing. The booster, serial number B1062, was consumed in a dramatic fireball on the deck of the drone ship "A Shortfall of Gravitas." This incident occurred at the tail end of its record-setting 23rd flight. An investigation has been mandated to thoroughly understand the root cause of the mishap.- Polaris Dawn Mission Delays: The Polaris Dawn astronaut mission has been delayed twice in the same week due to a helium leak and recovery weather concerns. The crew remains in quarantine, awaiting clearance for their next launch attempt. Timing for the launch remains uncertain due to the ongoing FAA investigation and other logistical challenges.- Planet-Wide Electric Field Measured: For the first time in history, scientists have successfully measured a planet-wide electric field known as the ambipolar electric field using NASA's Endurance mission. This breakthrough plays a crucial role in atmospheric escape and shapes our ionosphere, offering new insights into planetary atmospheres beyond Earth.- Boom Supersonic's XB-1 Test Flight: Boom Supersonic's XB-1 aircraft successfully completed its second test flight, reaching an altitude of 10,400 ft and achieving a speed of 277 mph. This flight demonstrated the retraction and extension of landing gear for the first time and tested a new digital stability augmentation system.- Water Vapor on Ultra-Hot Exoplanet: Researchers have detected water vapor in the atmosphere of HD 149026 b, an ultra-hot Saturn-like exoplanet located approximately 250 light years away. This discovery was made using transmission spectroscopy and provides valuable insights into the characteristics and composition of exoplanetary atmospheres.For more exciting content, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can catch up on the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed. You can also sign up for our free Daily newsletter so you never miss a beat in the cosmos.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links: (Grab yourself a great deal on services that we use every day ourselves) NordpassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Aug 28, 2024 • 14min
S03E139: Polaris Dawn Delays, Venus's Atmospheric Secrets, and DART's Asteroid Impact
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 15 October 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for all the latest in space and Astronomy news. I'm your host Anna, and I'm delighted to have you with us today. In this episode, we have some exciting updates to share. We'll delve into recent developments from SpaceX and their ongoing Polaris Dawn mission, take a closer look at new research revealing surprising insights about Venus's atmosphere, and explore the far-reaching implications of NASA's DART mission on asteroid Dimorphos. That's not all. We'll also uncover the latest discovery from the Hubble Space Telescope, which has located a fascinating mini galaxy, and look ahead to observing Salsa satellite's reentry event. So sit back, relax, and let's journey through the cosmos together.Highlights:- SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission Delay: SpaceX's ambitious Polaris Dawn astronaut mission has faced multiple delays, the most recent due to unfavorable weather forecasts and a helium leak. The team remains hopeful and is diligently monitoring both technical and weather conditions to ensure a safe and successful mission.- Venus's Atmospheric Mysteries: Recent observations have revealed an unexpected increase in the level of deuterium relative to hydrogen in Venus's atmosphere. This significant finding could alter our understanding of this mysterious planet and its atmospheric processes.- NASA's DART Mission Insights: NASA's DART mission has provided groundbreaking insights into asteroid dynamics and planetary defense. The intentional collision with the asteroid moon Dimorphos not only altered its trajectory but also significantly changed its shape, leading to far-reaching implications for our understanding of asteroid evolution.- Hubble's Mini Galaxy Discovery: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has captured a glittering collection of stars forming the Pegasus dwarf spheroidal galaxy, also known as Andromeda VI. This discovery offers monumental insights into the universe's grand narrative and the formation of dwarf galaxies.- Salsa Satellite's Reentry Observation: On September 8, 2024, the Salsa satellite will reenter Earth's atmosphere, and scientists have prepared an airborne observation experiment to gather rare data on how the satellite breaks apart. This data is invaluable for designing satellites that reenter more safely and sustainably in the future.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep your eyes on the stars.Sponsor Links:NordpassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.

Aug 27, 2024 • 16min
S03E138: Starliner Setbacks, Polaris Dawn Delay, and Blue Origin's NS-26
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 12 October 2024Welcome back to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest and greatest news in the world of space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have an exciting lineup of stories from Boeing's ongoing challenges with the Starliner capsule to a delay in SpaceX's historic Polaris Dawn mission due to a helium leak. There's plenty to discuss. We'll also look at Blue Origin's upcoming NS-26 mission and wrap up JAXA's successful SLIM lander mission despite communication issues. Finally, we'll dive into how scientists are pushing the boundaries in the search for dark matter with record-breaking results. Stay tuned as we dive into some fascinating updates.Highlights:- Boeing's Starliner Struggles: NASA's decision to send Boeing's Starliner capsule back to Earth without astronauts has raised many questions about the future of this ambitious project. Persistent technical issues have plagued the mission, leading to significant delays and cost overruns.- Polaris Dawn Mission Delay: SpaceX's highly anticipated Polaris Dawn mission faces a delay due to a helium leak. Originally set to launch early Tuesday morning, the mission is now postponed by at least 24 hours. Despite this, the mission promises to deliver exciting new milestones in commercial space travel.- Blue Origin's NS-26 Mission: Blue Origin is gearing up for its 8th human spaceflight mission, NS-26, set to launch this week. This mission includes a diverse crew and promises to be another milestone for the company as it continues to expand the horizons of suborbital space tourism.- JAXA's SLIM Lander Success: Despite communication issues, JAXA's SLIM lander mission has achieved numerous scientific objectives, including the world's first successful pinpoint landing on the moon with an error margin of just 10 meters.- Dark Matter Search Advances: Scientists have made a significant leap forward in the search for dark matter with the Lux-Zeppelin (LZ) experiment, setting a new benchmark by probing almost five times deeper than any previous experiment in the pursuit of these elusive particles.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.Until next time, keep your eyes on the stars.Sponsor Links:NordpassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support.