Astronomy Daily: Space News Updates

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Sep 12, 2024 • 13min

S03E152: Polaris Dawn's Spacewalk, Soyuz Record, and Tired Light Theory

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 12th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest and greatest in space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have some thrilling stories lined up for you. Sit tight as we dive into groundbreaking missions, celestial discoveries, and much more. Buckle up, stargazers. It's going to be an exciting ride through the cosmos.Highlights:- SpaceX's First Private Spacewalk: SpaceX is about to make history with the first private spacewalk during the Polaris Dawn mission. The crew, consisting of Jared Isaacman, Scott Petit, Sara Gillis, and Anna Menon, will step outside the safety of their spacecraft to perform an extravehicular activity (EVA). This mission represents a groundbreaking achievement in commercial spaceflight and will be a critical test for new SpaceX-developed spacesuits.- Russia's Flawless Soyuz Rocket Launch: NASA and Roscosmos have successfully launched three astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard the reliable Soyuz rocket. This mission marks a historic moment with a record 19 astronauts currently orbiting Earth, spread across four different spacecraft.- New Mega Satellite Constellation Proposal: Researchers have proposed an innovative design for a mega satellite constellation that promises rapid global observation capabilities. This ambitious project involves deploying 891 satellites strategically positioned in low Earth orbit to ensure rapid and comprehensive global coverage.- NASA's Juno Mission Discovery: NASA's Juno mission has discovered a brand new volcano on Jupiter's moon Io. This newly observed volcano features multiple lava flows and volcanic deposits, adding even more intrigue to our geologically active neighbor.- Challenge to the Big Bang Theory: A provocative new study by Kansas State University engineer Lior Shamir challenges the foundation of the Big Bang theory. Shamir's findings lend support to the tired light theory, suggesting that light may lose energy over vast distances, rather than galaxies moving rapidly away from us.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily Space News newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our back episodes.Don't forget to 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.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep your eyes on the skies. Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this Podcast for commercial-free editions: 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
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Sep 11, 2024 • 17min

S03E151: Polaris Dawn's Private Spacewalk, Moon Mapping Challenge, and Milky Way Mysteries

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 11th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to Podcast for the latest and greatest in space and Astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have some thrilling stories lined up for you. Sit tight as we dive into groundbreaking missions, celestial discoveries, and much more. Buckle up, stargazers. It's going to be an exciting ride through the cosmos.Highlights:- SpaceX's Polaris Dawn Mission: Earlier this week, SpaceX made history with the launch of its Polaris Dawn mission, introducing an extraordinary era of private space exploration. Aboard the modified Crew Dragon capsule, four courageous private astronauts embarked on a groundbreaking journey, one that is slated to include the first-ever private spacewalk. The mission is led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, with Scott Petit, Sara Gillis, and Anna Menon joining as crew members. This mission also debuts new SpaceX spacesuits designed for greater ease of movement.- NASA's Moon Mapping Challenge: NASA is offering a $50,000 reward for groundbreaking solutions to navigate the rugged terrain of the moon's south pole and map the enigmatic Shackleton crater. This ambitious challenge is part of the Artemis campaign, aiming to facilitate human landing on lunar surfaces and pave the way for future missions to Mars.- Origins of the Milky Way's Supermassive Black Hole: New research from the Nevada Center for Astrophysics at UNLV might have unearthed a crucial piece of the cosmic puzzle surrounding Sagittarius A*, the supermassive black hole at the core of the Milky Way. Researchers propose that it may have formed as a result of a massive cosmic merger, possibly coinciding with the Milky Way's merger with the Gaia-Enceladus galaxy around 9 billion years ago.- NASA's Parker Solar Probe: NASA's Parker Solar Probe is gearing up for a significant milestone on November 6, with its final planned Venus flyby. This maneuver is designed to harness Venus's gravitational pull to tighten the spacecraft's orbit around the sun, bringing it closer than ever before. The probe is currently in its 21st orbit and will begin a science encounter that will peak with a close approach to the sun on September 30.- NASA's Voyager 1: NASA's Voyager 1 has been an incredible explorer for over 47 years, recently overcoming technical difficulties. The mission team successfully switched the spacecraft to a different set of thrusters, ensuring it continues to send valuable scientific data from over 14 billion miles away in interstellar space.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our back episodes.Don't forget to 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.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep your eyes on the skies. Until next time, keep looking up.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this Podcast for commercial-free editions: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/supportSponsor 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
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Sep 10, 2024 • 13min

S03E150: Europa Clipper's Journey, SpaceX's Mars Plans, and Volcanically Active Moon

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 10th October 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your Daily dose of space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna. Today we have an exciting lineup of stories that I can't wait to share with you. First, we'll delve into NASA's Europa Clipper mission, which is ready to embark on an epic journey to Jupiter and its intriguing moon Europa. Then we'll talk about Elon Musk and SpaceX's ambitious plans to launch uncrewed starships to Mars in just two years, paving the way for future human colonization. We'll also uncover a groundbreaking study on fast radio bursts that might finally solve the mystery behind these cosmic phenomena. And if that isn't enough, we'll explore new findings suggesting the moon might still be volcanically active today. Lastly, we'll highlight NASA's innovative solar sail that you can actually spot from Earth. Buckle up, space enthusiasts. Let's dive in.Highlights:- NASA's Europa Clipper Mission: NASA's Europa Clipper spacecraft has reached a significant milestone by passing its final technical review. This means it's now all set for its journey towards Jupiter. With a launch window slated between October 10 and 30th, the mission aims to delve into the mysteries of Jupiter's moon Europa, potentially harboring an ocean beneath its icy crust.- SpaceX's Mars Ambitions: Elon Musk recently announced that SpaceX plans to launch its first uncrewed starships to Mars within the next two years. These missions are crucial for testing the reliability of landing these advanced spacecraft intact on the Martian surface. If successful, crewed flights to Mars could follow just two years later, paving the way for human colonization.- Fast Radio Bursts Mystery Possibly Solved: A groundbreaking new study by the Italian National Institute for Astrophysics has advanced our understanding of fast radio bursts (FRBs). Using the Very Large Array telescope, researchers recorded the weakest persistent radio emission for an FRB, shedding light on the mysterious origins of these powerful cosmic events.- Volcanic Activity on the Moon: Recent findings from the Chinese Chang'e 5 mission suggest that the moon might still be volcanically active. Tiny glass beads found in lunar samples indicate that volcanic activity might have occurred as recently as 123 million years ago, challenging the traditional belief that lunar volcanism ceased 3 to 3.8 billion years ago.- NASA's Solar Sail: NASA's advanced composite solar sail system is now visible from many locations around the world. This groundbreaking solar sail, which harnesses sunlight for propulsion, represents an exciting step towards more sustainable and accessible deep space missions. Engage with NASA's "Spot the Sail" campaign and track the solar sail using the free NASA app.For more space news, be sure to visit our website at astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating news feed, and listen to all our back episodes.Don't forget to 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.Thank you for tuning in, and remember to keep your eyes on the skies. Until next time, may you be blessed with clear skies.Sponsor Links:NordVPNNordPassMalwarebytesProton MailBecome a supporter of this podcast for commercial-free editions not very much moeny: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/supportSponsor 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
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Sep 9, 2024 • 27min

S03E149: Mars's Lost Water, Roman's Galactic Fossils, and Solar Wind Insights

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 9th September 2024Welcome to another episode of Astronomy Daily with your host, Steve Dunkley. Today, we're diving into some of the most intriguing stories from the cosmos. From the mystery of Mars's lost water to the latest updates on NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter, we've got a stellar lineup for you. We'll also discuss the Roman Space Telescope's quest to uncover ancient galaxies, the fascinating journey of the Sinchengjung Atlas comet, and ESA's unique mission to bring down the Salsa satellite. Plus, we'll cover Boeing Starliner's successful return and what it means for future crewed missions. Stay tuned for a cosmic adventure!Highlights:- Mars's Lost Water: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Maven mission are on a quest to solve the mystery of where Mars's water went. By analyzing hydrogen and deuterium in the Martian atmosphere, scientists are uncovering the planet's watery past.- Solar Wind Mystery: NASA's Parker Solar Probe and ESA's Solar Orbiter are investigating the mechanisms behind solar wind acceleration. New evidence points to magnetic switchbacks as a key factor.- Roman Space Telescope: Set to launch in 2027, NASA's Roman Space Telescope aims to explore the dynamic universe and uncover the secrets of dark matter and galactic formation.- Sinchengjung Atlas Comet: The Sinchengjung Atlas comet is making its way into our region, promising a spectacular celestial show. Despite rumors of disintegration, it remains a highly anticipated event for stargazers.- ESA's Salsa Satellite: After 24 years of studying Earth's magnetic field, the Salsa satellite will undergo a targeted re-entry into the Pacific Ocean, marking a first for ESA in reducing space debris.- Boeing Starliner: The Boeing Starliner spacecraft completed a successful three-month flight test to the ISS, providing crucial data for future crewed missions despite challenges like helium leaks and thruster issues.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.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
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Sep 7, 2024 • 20min

S03E148: Annular Eclipse 2024, Starliner Calypso's Return, and China's Space Plane Secrets

Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 7th September 2024Welcome to Astronomy Daily, where we bring you the latest and most exciting updates from the cosmos. I'm your host, Anna, and I'm thrilled to be your guide on this journey through space. In today's episode, we're diving deep into the celestial wonders and groundbreaking achievements that keep our eyes fixed on the stars. We'll start off with the highly anticipated annular solar eclipse, set to occur on October 2, 2024, and explore the best spots to catch a glimpse of this stunning event. Next, we'll take a closer look at Boeing Starliner Calypso's recent undocking from the International Space Station and discuss the upcoming crew changes. We'll also unravel the mystery behind China's space plane, which has just returned from an impressive 268-day mission. But that's not all. We'll delve into humanity's enduring fascination with aliens, tracing their impact on our culture and imagination from ancient times to the present. Finally, we'll talk about NASA's upcoming Roman Space Telescope and how it promises to revolutionize our understanding of galactic formation and dark matter. So sit back, relax, and let's embark on this celestial voyage together on Astronomy Daily.Highlights:- Annular Solar Eclipse: One of the most exciting upcoming astronomical events is the annular solar eclipse on October 2, 2024. This event promises to be a spectacular sight for those fortunate enough to be in the right place at the right time. The path of this annular eclipse will mostly traverse open ocean waters, making landfall in only a few select locations. One of the most fascinating and remote locations to witness this event is the legendary Easter Island, also known as Rapa Nui.- Boeing Starliner Calypso: The Boeing Starliner Calypso has returned to Earth after its highly anticipated undocking from the International Space Station. This event marks a significant milestone in modern space exploration. The autonomous undocking went smoothly at 06:04 p.m. EDT on September 6, right on schedule. Landing was slated for later that evening at White Sands in New Mexico.- China's Space Plane: China's mysterious space plane has captured global attention once again, having just completed an impressive 268-day mission in orbit. This reusable spacecraft touched down at the Zhuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on September 6, marking yet another significant milestone in the realm of space exploration.- Fascination with Aliens: When we hear the word aliens, various images might pop into our heads. But this fascination with extraterrestrial life isn't just a modern phenomenon. It stretches back thousands of years and has evolved profoundly over time. From ancient civilizations to modern pop culture, the idea of extraterrestrial life has always captivated human imagination.- NASA's Roman Space Telescope: One groundbreaking tool set to revolutionize our understanding is NASA's upcoming Roman Space Telescope. Set to launch in 2027, this state-of-the-art telescope aims to uncover the secrets of galactic formation history and explore the mysterious substance known as dark matter. Its high-resolution imaging and wide field of view will allow scientists to observe galaxies as dynamic, evolving entities.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-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
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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.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
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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.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
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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.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
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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.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
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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.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

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