Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates

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.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

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.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

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.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

AstroDailyPod - The Podcast: 26 August 2024Welcome back to another episode of Astronomy Daily the Podcast with your host, Steve Dunkley and Hallie. Today, we've got a fascinating mix of stories that will take you from the depths of Jupiter's Great Red Spot to the future of SpaceTime colonies. Buckle up for an intriguing journey through space and time.Highlights:The Great Red Spot: Discover the latest findings on Jupiter's Great Red Spot, its history, and the mysteries surrounding this massive atmospheric structure.- The Moon's Magma Ocean: Explore new data from India's Chandrayaan-3 mission supporting the theory that the Moon was once covered by a molten rock ocean.- Space Food Competition: Learn about NASA's challenge to develop deep-space food solutions, featuring innovative technologies and surprising ingredients.- Polaris Dawn Mission: Get the inside scoop on the Polaris Dawn mission, aiming to set new records with its private spacewalk and high-altitude flight.- Cost-Effective Europa Missions: Dive into the details of a proposed Europa mission that could drastically reduce costs using advanced technologies.- Future Space Colonies: Envision the complex relationships that might develop between Earth and future SpaceTime colonies, from economic dependencies to cultural differences.For more Space and Astronomy 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 Mailbitesz.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--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

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and insights in the world of space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna. Today we'll start with SpaceX's rapid progress at Starbase, where they're making significant advances with their launch towers and preparing for future missions. Then we'll move on to a fascinating new initiative from Japanese company Astroscale, which aims to tackle the growing problem of space junk with an innovative $90 million mission. Next, we'll dive into some exciting research being conducted on the International Space Station by NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams. Finally, we'll explore Harvard professor Avi Loeb's intriguing hypothesis about how advanced civilizations might use black holes as a power source. Let's dive in.- **SpaceX's Rapid Progress at Starbase**: SpaceX has done it again. They've stacked launch tower two at orbital launch pad B at Starbase, Texas, in record time. This rapid assembly, completed in just 41 Daily, is an impressive feat of engineering and logistics, setting the stage for their innovative chopstick system designed to catch boosters mid-air. - **Astroscale's $90 Million Space Junk Removal Mission**: Japanese company Astroscale recently secured a $90 million contract to remove a bus-sized rocket stage from orbit. This mission, funded by the Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), is a significant step forward in space sustainability. Astroscale's project, named ADRAS-J2, aims to tackle the issue of space debris head-on, using advanced robotic technologies to clean up our orbits. The mission involves using a robotic arm to grab the tumbling rocket stage and pull it into Earth's atmosphere, where it will burn up on reentry. - **Exciting Research on the ISS**: NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been conducting groundbreaking research on the International Space Station (ISS). Their work includes experiments on plant growth in space, fluid physics, and utilizing Astrobee, a set of free-flying robots designed to assist with chores and maintenance. - **Avi Loeb's Black Hole Moon Hypothesis**: Harvard professor Avi Loeb has sparked intriguing discussions with his latest hypothesis, the Black Hole Moon. This groundbreaking idea suggests that advanced civilizations could exploit black holes as potent energy sources, potentially providing a technosignature detectable from Earth. Loeb builds upon Roger Penrose's concept of extracting energy from a rotating black hole's accretion disk and proposes the creation or capture of a small black hole weighing about 100,000 tons. This black hole could emit a massive continuous energy output through Hawking radiation, potentially powering an entire planet and even consuming waste. Detecting such a system could revolutionize our search for extraterrestrial intelligence.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 Mailbitesz.comBecome 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

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest news and discoveries in the field of space and Astronomy. I'm your host Anna, and we have some fascinating stories lined up for you today. From NASA's upcoming decision on Boeing's Starliner to the historic private spacewalk planned by SpaceX's Polaris Dawn mission, we've got the latest updates that will keep you on the edge of your seat. We'll also delve into groundbreaking findings from India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, discuss the finale of ESA's Cluster mission, and explore new simulations about the chances of a collision between the Milky Way and Andromeda galaxies. Stay tuned. It's going to be an exciting episode. - **NASA's Decision on Boeing's Starliner**: NASA is gearing up to make a significant decision this Stuart regarding whether astronauts Butch Wilmore and SUNY Williams will return to Earth using Boeing's troubled Starliner spacecraft or SpaceX's reliable Crew Dragon. This announcement holds particular weight given the numerous challenges the Starliner has faced throughout its mission.  - **Polaris Dawn Mission: Historic Private Spacewalk**: SpaceX has announced a slight delay in their much-anticipated Polaris Dawn mission. Originally set to lift off on August 26, the launch is now scheduled for no earlier than August 27. This shift allows the team to complete some additional pre-flight checkouts to ensure everything is in perfect order for this groundbreaking mission.  - **Chandrayaan-3 Mission: New Lunar Discoveries**: Next up, the Pragyan rover, part of India's Chandrayaan-3 mission, has been actively exploring the moon's south pole, providing fascinating insights into our celestial neighbor. Launched last summer, the Vikram lander made a successful touchdown, allowing the Pragyan rover to embark on its scientific expedition. So far, Pragyan has been diligently collecting and analyzing soil samples, a task that has yielded data bolstering theories about the moon's fiery origins. - **ESA's Cluster Mission Finale **: ESA's historic Cluster mission is coming to a close after an impressive 24 years of service. Launched back in 2000, the Cluster mission has provided invaluable data on Earth's magnetic environment, or magnetosphere. - **Milky Way and Andromeda: Collision or Near Miss?**: Here's a story that could rewrite the textbooks. Astronomers have long held the belief that our home galaxy, the Milky Way, will inevitably merge with our neighboring Andromeda galaxy within the next 5 billion years. This anticipated cataclysmic event has been a staple of astronomical forecasts, predicting an eventual fusion of the two galaxies into a new elliptical supergalaxy called Milkomeda. However, new simulations present a more nuanced picture, suggesting that the likelihood of this colossal collision could be a mere 50% over the next 10 billion years. To catch the latest in Space and Astronomy News, simply visit our website at astronomydaily.ioFor more Space & Astronomy News podcasts, visit our HQ at bitesz.comSponsor Links:NordpassNordVPNMalwarebytesProton Mail & SecurityBecome 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

Welcome to Astronomy Daily. I'm Anna, your guide on this cosmic journey. Today, we have a thrilling lineup of stories straight from the universe's farthest reaches. We'll dive into the discovery of ancient galaxies that shed light on the early universe, explore potential debris from NASA's DART mission making its way to Earth and Mars, and unveil stunning new images of Polaris, our North Star. We'll also decode the legendary WOW signal and discuss how longer Earth Daily influenced evolutionary milestones. So sit back, relax, and let's embark on this incredible voyage through space and time. - **Ancient Galaxies Discovered by China's FAST Telescope**: Astronomers using China's FAST telescope have made a groundbreaking discovery—six ancient galaxies teeming with hydrogen. This significant finding not only advances our understanding of the early universe but also highlights the extraordinary potential of modern radio telescopes. - **NASA's DART Mission Debris**: NASA's DART mission, which stands for Double Asteroid Redirection Test, made headlines when it successfully demonstrated a strategy for deflecting potentially hazardous asteroids using the kinetic impact method. On September 26, 2022, the DART spacecraft collided with Dimorphos, showcasing how we might protect our planet from future asteroid threats. - **Stunning New Images of Polaris**: Thanks to advancements in telescope technology, recent high-resolution images of Polaris, our North Star, have unveiled a deeper layer of its complexity. Captured by the CHARA Array on Mount Wilson in California, these images reveal large, bright, and dark spots on Polaris' surface, similar to sunspots. - **Decoding the WOW! Signal**: In 1977, the intriguing WOW signal, a powerful and narrow-band radio signal, was detected by the Ohio State University's Big Ear radio telescope. For decades, the source of this signal remained a mystery. However, recent research led by Abel Mendez from the University of Puerto Rico at Arecibo suggests that the WOW signal was likely caused by the transient brightening of hydrogen clouds in space. - **Longer Earth Days and Evolutionary Milestones**: Recent studies have revealed a correlation between the moon's gradual departure from Earth and the lengthening of our planet's Daily. As the moon drifts away, it siphons off Earth's rotational energy, causing our planet's spin to slow and our Daily to lengthen. Over millions of years, these changes have added up, with days becoming more than 2 hours longer. For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.Sponsor Link:https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass 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

Welcome listeners to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest news and updates in the fascinating world of space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have an exciting lineup of news stories to discuss. We'll kick things off with an intriguing study that challenges our assumptions about the rarity of intelligent alien life. Then we'll shift our focus to Scotland, where a rocket engine test at the Saxavord Spaceport led to an unexpected explosion. But don't worry, no one was injured. In more uplifting news, SpaceX has successfully launched 22 Starlink satellites into orbit using a new first stage booster, marking another milestone in their mission to expand global internet coverage. Lastly, we'll delve into the mysterious Omega Centauri cluster, where recent findings dispute the existence of a mid-sized black hole, pointing instead to a horde of smaller ones. So sit back, relax, and let's explore the universe together.- **Are We Alone in the Universe? A New Take on the Drake Equation**: Astronomers David Kipping from Columbia University and Geraint Lewis from the University of Sydney have taken a fresh look at the famous Drake equation, applying probabilistic logic to provide new insights. Their study suggests that life would either be present on nearly all Earth-like exoplanets or none of them at all, visualized as a U-shaped graph. This challenges our assumptions about the rarity of intelligent alien life and keeps the hope alive for finding extraterrestrial intelligence.- **Rocket Engine Explosion at Saxavord Spaceport**: An unexpected turn of events unfolded at the Saxavord Spaceport in Scotland when a rocket engine exploded in flames during a test. The incident, which took place in the Shetland Islands, was caught on BBC footage. Thankfully, the site had been evacuated prior to the test, and no injuries were reported. Despite this setback, the spaceport remains on track to potentially become the first British site to undertake a vertical satellite launch into space.- **SpaceX Launches 22 Starlink Satellites**: SpaceX has successfully launched 22 Starlink satellites into orbit, continuing their ambitious project to expand global internet coverage. The launch took place from the Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex in Florida, featuring a brand new Falcon 9 first stage booster. This achievement marks the 80th landing on a drone ship and the 341st booster landing to date for SpaceX, showcasing their unparalleled capability in achieving consistent, reliable results.- **Mystery of Omega Centauri's Black Hole**: A new study challenges earlier findings that suggested the presence of an intermediate-mass black hole at the center of the Omega Centauri cluster. Instead, the latest research finds no substantial evidence for such a black hole, suggesting that a swarm of smaller black holes can equally explain the motion of fast-moving stars near the cluster's center. This ongoing debate highlights the complexities of deciphering celestial phenomena and showcases the vibrant nature of astronomical research.For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support.Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing.Sponsor Link:www.bitesz.com/nordpass 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

Welcome to another exciting episode of Astronomy Daily with your host, Anna. In today's episode, we've got a stellar lineup of fascinating space news straight from the cosmos. From a historic lunar flyby by the European Space Agency's JUICE mission to unexpected discoveries about Mars, courtesy of NASA's InSight lander. We've got it all. We'll also dive into the groundbreaking Polaris Dawn mission, which promises to feature the first-ever commercial spacewalk. And if that weren't enough, we'll wrap things up with a fun twist: zero gravity snacks from Doritos that are making their way into space. Buckle up, because this journey through the universe is going to be out of this world.- **ESA's JUICE Mission: A Historic Lunar Flyby**: The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is performing an unprecedented double gravity assist maneuver by swinging by both the Moon and Earth. This historic event aims to slingshot JUICE toward its ultimate destination, Jupiter and its intriguing moons Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa. The Moon's gravity served as a break, enabling JUICE to slow down in its trajectory relative to the Sun, effectively saving the spacecraft about six months of travel time. Photographs from the lunar encounter were taken using JUICE's onboard monitoring cameras, capturing remarkable images shared in real-time with the public via a live webcast. - **Unexpected Discoveries on Mars**: NASA's Mars InSight lander, though no longer active, continues to provide invaluable data. A new study revealed that Mars gets bombarded by space rocks far more frequently than previously estimated. This insight comes from a combination of seismic data and orbital imagery, suggesting a pressing need to update our current models of Martian geological activity and surface evolution. Notably, two of the newly discovered craters are the largest ever detected on Mars, each roughly the size of a football field. This finding has far-reaching implications for our understanding of planetary surfaces across the solar system.- **Polaris Dawn Mission: The First Commercial Spacewalk**: The Polaris Dawn mission team, led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, is ready to embark on a groundbreaking journey. This mission raises the stakes in commercial space exploration by aiming to perform the first-ever commercial spacewalk. The crew, including retired US Air Force pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet and SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, will attempt to break Earth orbit altitude records and conduct approximately 40 experiments. Additionally, the mission aims to pioneer high-speed internet access in space using Starlink connectivity.- **Zero Gravity Snacks: Doritos in Space**: Doritos is launching a new limited edition flavor called Cool Ranch Zero Gravity, designed specifically for space travel. These specially formulated chips feature an oil-based coating to prevent crumbs from floating in microgravity environments. The Polaris Dawn mission will see its crew become the first people to eat Doritos in space. Doritos has partnered with the Polaris Dawn crew to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, contributing a $500,000 donation and offering fans the chance to win mission-themed memorabilia.For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support. Keep looking up, and I'll see you tomorrow!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

Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily! I'm your host, Steve, and today we have a stellar lineup of stories that will take you on an exciting journey through the cosmos. From Senegal's first satellite launch to NASA's Perseverance rover's latest mission, we've got a lot to cover. So sit back, relax, and let's dive into today's astronomical updates.- **Senegal's First Satellite: Gainsat-1**: Senegal has successfully launched its first satellite, Gainsat-1, marking a significant step towards the country's technological sovereignty. Launched from Vandenberg Base in California, the satellite will collect data for various state agencies, including water resources management and meteorology.- **NASA's Pad Rescue Team**: Discover the incredible work of NASA's Pad Rescue Team at Kennedy Space Center. These highly trained firefighters and engineers are prepared to handle emergencies during launch countdowns, ensuring the safety of crew members with their specialized training and equipment.- **John McFaul: ESA's Para-Astronaut**: Meet John McFaul, a para-astronaut selected by the European Space Agency. With his unique background as a trauma surgeon and an amputee, McFaul is paving the way for astronauts with disabilities. Learn about his groundbreaking work and the feasibility studies aimed at making space more inclusive.- **Perseverance Rover's New Mission**: NASA's Perseverance rover is set to embark on its fifth science campaign, climbing the western rim of Jezero Crater. This challenging ascent will explore ancient features that could rewrite Mars' history, offering new insights into the planet's geological past.For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--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