Rockets, a lunar light switch, water, explosions, and strange noises
September 1, 2024 3:11 PM Subscribe
July and August 2024 in space. Let's check in on humanity's exploration of space from late this summer.
Sun
NASA's Parker Solar Probe is now the fastest human-made artifact, orbiting the Sun "at 635,266 kilometers (394,736 miles) per hour." Not to be outdone, our sun fired off a very massive solar flare, thankfully pointing away from the Earth, as observed by the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Solar Orbiter (SolO).
Venus
Scientists used data from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Akatsuki (あかつき, 暁, "Dawn") probe to produce a splendid image of Venus, such a fine vista that Snopes had to defend it.
From Earth’s surface to orbit
China’s Galactic Energy company launched six satellites from a sea platform into Earth orbit using a Ceres-1 rocket. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC) launched more satellites into low Earth orbit with a Long March 4B. Another Chinese launch orbited the first string of its Thousand Sails satellite megaconstellation, while also creating some space debris. United Launch Alliance lofted an American military satellite to orbit with an Atlas V, using a Russian motor for the last time. The ESA's long-delayed Ariane 6 successfully launched and reached orbit in its first flight, carrying a Young Professionals satellite, although its upper stage stopped firing, preventing a swift descent.
SpaceX launched Turkey's first locally built communications satellite, Türksat 6A. Another SpaceX mission using a Falcon 9 rocket failed its orbital insertion maneuver due to a hydrogen leak, promoted a United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation. SpaceX discovered a cracked line to be the cause, then resumed launching, placing more Starlink satellites into orbit.
The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) announced plans to orbit satellites in October.
In Earth orbit
Two Tiangong taikonauts armored their space station against debris from an exploded Russian satellite. (ungated link) NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System successfully unfurled itself. Japan's Astroscale used its ADRAS-J spacecraft to track, approach, and image some space debris. Russia's Luch 2 also maneuvered close to satellites.
Back down to Earth
The Boeing Starliner debacle continues, as astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will remain on the International Space Station (ISS) until February, when they'll ride a SpaceX Dragon back to Earth, sidelining two astronauts from that mission. The Starliner capsule will attempt a return to Earth, empty of astronauts, on September 6th. Meanwhile, that forlorn capsule has started emitting strange noises. XKCD has a take.
Elsewhere, a well-used Falcon 9 landed on a barge, then fell over and exploded. NASA's plans to de-orbit the ISS have elicited criticism.
To and on the Moon
Scientists using data from the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), or Danuri, lunar orbiter were able to image a hitherto dark crater. The ESA Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) craft slingshotted past the Earth-moon dyad and captured some good images, on its way to Venus. Lunar materials returned by China's Chang'e-5 probe revealed some water. Scientists studying data from India's Chandrayaan-3 probe and Pragyan rover found evidence to substantiate theories about the moon's molten history. (ungated) Earthbound astronomers used Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data to discover a lunar cave, which might be a good shelter for human visitors or settlers. ESA scientists have developed a brick model which astronauts could use to construct objects on the moon.
NASA discontinued developing its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) project, citing rising costs and delays. NASA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) published a brutal report on Bechtel's Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2) project, criticizing delays and massive cost overruns.
Trailing in the Earth’s orbit
Astronomers tracked and imaged two asteroids as they hurtled past Earth, 184,000 miles (295,000 kilometers) and 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometers), respectively.
In the Earth’s L2 point
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) directly imaged a gas giant exoplanet, separate from its star, for the first time.
Mars
Scientists working with NASA’s InSight lander's siesmic data identified signs of water deep beneath the Martian surface. (previously) The Perseverance rover studied rocks with potential indicators of ancient life. Curiosity discovered sulphur on the red planet.
Four people completed a year in isolation outside Houston in a simulated Martian surface experience, then four more began their next year in that space.
To the asteroids
The ESA announced an upcoming space mission, the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses), to visit the 99942 Apophis asteroid when it approaches Earth in 2029.
Jupiter
The Juno probe just keeps sending amazing images from its Junocam.
Pluto
New research argues for a major body of water under Pluto's surface. Two visualizations of Plutonian mountains.
PS: “Perseid Meteors over Stonehenge."
Sun
NASA's Parker Solar Probe is now the fastest human-made artifact, orbiting the Sun "at 635,266 kilometers (394,736 miles) per hour." Not to be outdone, our sun fired off a very massive solar flare, thankfully pointing away from the Earth, as observed by the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Solar Orbiter (SolO).
Venus
Scientists used data from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)'s Akatsuki (あかつき, 暁, "Dawn") probe to produce a splendid image of Venus, such a fine vista that Snopes had to defend it.
From Earth’s surface to orbit
China’s Galactic Energy company launched six satellites from a sea platform into Earth orbit using a Ceres-1 rocket. The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp. (CASC) launched more satellites into low Earth orbit with a Long March 4B. Another Chinese launch orbited the first string of its Thousand Sails satellite megaconstellation, while also creating some space debris. United Launch Alliance lofted an American military satellite to orbit with an Atlas V, using a Russian motor for the last time. The ESA's long-delayed Ariane 6 successfully launched and reached orbit in its first flight, carrying a Young Professionals satellite, although its upper stage stopped firing, preventing a swift descent.
SpaceX launched Turkey's first locally built communications satellite, Türksat 6A. Another SpaceX mission using a Falcon 9 rocket failed its orbital insertion maneuver due to a hydrogen leak, promoted a United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) investigation. SpaceX discovered a cracked line to be the cause, then resumed launching, placing more Starlink satellites into orbit.
The Iranian Space Agency (ISA) announced plans to orbit satellites in October.
In Earth orbit
Two Tiangong taikonauts armored their space station against debris from an exploded Russian satellite. (ungated link) NASA's Advanced Composite Solar Sail System successfully unfurled itself. Japan's Astroscale used its ADRAS-J spacecraft to track, approach, and image some space debris. Russia's Luch 2 also maneuvered close to satellites.
Back down to Earth
The Boeing Starliner debacle continues, as astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams will remain on the International Space Station (ISS) until February, when they'll ride a SpaceX Dragon back to Earth, sidelining two astronauts from that mission. The Starliner capsule will attempt a return to Earth, empty of astronauts, on September 6th. Meanwhile, that forlorn capsule has started emitting strange noises. XKCD has a take.
Elsewhere, a well-used Falcon 9 landed on a barge, then fell over and exploded. NASA's plans to de-orbit the ISS have elicited criticism.
To and on the Moon
Scientists using data from the Korea Pathfinder Lunar Orbiter (KPLO), or Danuri, lunar orbiter were able to image a hitherto dark crater. The ESA Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) craft slingshotted past the Earth-moon dyad and captured some good images, on its way to Venus. Lunar materials returned by China's Chang'e-5 probe revealed some water. Scientists studying data from India's Chandrayaan-3 probe and Pragyan rover found evidence to substantiate theories about the moon's molten history. (ungated) Earthbound astronomers used Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter data to discover a lunar cave, which might be a good shelter for human visitors or settlers. ESA scientists have developed a brick model which astronauts could use to construct objects on the moon.
NASA discontinued developing its Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover (VIPER) project, citing rising costs and delays. NASA's Office of Inspector General (OIG) published a brutal report on Bechtel's Mobile Launcher 2 (ML-2) project, criticizing delays and massive cost overruns.
Trailing in the Earth’s orbit
Astronomers tracked and imaged two asteroids as they hurtled past Earth, 184,000 miles (295,000 kilometers) and 4.1 million miles (6.6 million kilometers), respectively.
In the Earth’s L2 point
The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) directly imaged a gas giant exoplanet, separate from its star, for the first time.
Mars
Scientists working with NASA’s InSight lander's siesmic data identified signs of water deep beneath the Martian surface. (previously) The Perseverance rover studied rocks with potential indicators of ancient life. Curiosity discovered sulphur on the red planet.
Four people completed a year in isolation outside Houston in a simulated Martian surface experience, then four more began their next year in that space.
To the asteroids
The ESA announced an upcoming space mission, the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses), to visit the 99942 Apophis asteroid when it approaches Earth in 2029.
Jupiter
The Juno probe just keeps sending amazing images from its Junocam.
Pluto
New research argues for a major body of water under Pluto's surface. Two visualizations of Plutonian mountains.
PS: “Perseid Meteors over Stonehenge."
I was happy to see Ariane 6 launch and I hope it has a brilliant future.
Excited to see if the rumours about catching the booster stage on the next IFT for starship are true. As a spectator, it's win-win whether it succeeds or not.
I haven't even been trying to keep up with Juno cam, which is great because I get lots of amazing photos whenever I remember.
But that akatsuki photo of Venus!!! Click that link, folks!
posted by Acari at 5:45 PM on September 1 [1 favorite]
Excited to see if the rumours about catching the booster stage on the next IFT for starship are true. As a spectator, it's win-win whether it succeeds or not.
I haven't even been trying to keep up with Juno cam, which is great because I get lots of amazing photos whenever I remember.
But that akatsuki photo of Venus!!! Click that link, folks!
posted by Acari at 5:45 PM on September 1 [1 favorite]
Europa Clipper's transistors are OK: "Analysis of the results suggests the transistors can support the baseline mission."
posted by the antecedent of that pronoun at 6:28 PM on September 1 [3 favorites]
posted by the antecedent of that pronoun at 6:28 PM on September 1 [3 favorites]
Thanks as always for this post.
posted by jjderooy at 8:11 PM on September 1 [3 favorites]
posted by jjderooy at 8:11 PM on September 1 [3 favorites]
The decision to raze the Station should be reversed, and the ISS should instead be boosted upward, into a higher orbit, as a gift to successive generations of the new millennium, Dordain told me in an interview.
This has been my feelings for a long time, the issue is cost and safety. ISS is a rickety conglomeration of lego bricks and like a big fancy leggo display, tossing it like a football does not go well. Current rocket engines are either tiny for itsy bitsy little sats or just huge and powerful. Designing an engine that's both powerful to push a million pounds *gently* has not been done so research, testing, wait how do you test that, and finished before the ISS is done and falling apart. And did I mention really really expensive.
And we should totally do that!
posted by sammyo at 8:13 PM on September 1 [3 favorites]
This has been my feelings for a long time, the issue is cost and safety. ISS is a rickety conglomeration of lego bricks and like a big fancy leggo display, tossing it like a football does not go well. Current rocket engines are either tiny for itsy bitsy little sats or just huge and powerful. Designing an engine that's both powerful to push a million pounds *gently* has not been done so research, testing, wait how do you test that, and finished before the ISS is done and falling apart. And did I mention really really expensive.
And we should totally do that!
posted by sammyo at 8:13 PM on September 1 [3 favorites]
Great post - thank you.
posted by Paul Slade at 11:33 PM on September 1 [1 favorite]
posted by Paul Slade at 11:33 PM on September 1 [1 favorite]
Mod note: [Thanks for the great roundup, doctornemo! This post has boldly gone onto the sidebar and Best Of blog!]
posted by taz (staff) at 12:48 AM on September 2 [3 favorites]
posted by taz (staff) at 12:48 AM on September 2 [3 favorites]
There was quite obviously something missing from Junocam's image of Jupiter and Io. Fixed.
posted by jabah at 7:07 AM on September 2 [1 favorite]
posted by jabah at 7:07 AM on September 2 [1 favorite]
Excellent roundup, thanks!
posted by ellieBOA at 7:27 AM on September 2 [1 favorite]
posted by ellieBOA at 7:27 AM on September 2 [1 favorite]
Wow, what a comprehensive post!
But it's missing a mention of the imminent Polaris Dawn mission, which I heard someone yesterday breathlessly refer to as the most exciting mission of the decade. Well, OK, so far, sure, and the way Artemis is going (2028? we'll see), maybe the Polaris missions (there will be three of them!) will indeed be the most thrilling HSF missions of the decade. The Polaris program's second flight may very well go to the Hubble Space Telescope to help it out, perhaps only to reboost but possibly to swap gyros, even though NASA has nixed that for now. Anyway, once Polaris Dawn does launch, possibly this week, pay attention to the space news exactly two days later for live coverage of their two-hour spacewalk, which will be a nailbiter with lots of things that could go very wrong. (Note: the "Space Affairs" channel on Youtube helpfully provides live rebroadcasts of the Twitter/X live feeds that SpaceX exclusively sticks to, so you don't have to suffer with X's horrible video capabilities.)
Also, re the SpaceX booster falling over, SpaceX already resumed launches over the weekend and landed successfully. I think the FAA is finally onboard with getting us into the future already, dammit. (obviously with continued vigilance on public safety)
All ISS end-of-life options, including reboost to higher orbit, were thoroughly considered already, I promise you. Read the summary paper.
The maiden flight of Blue Origin's New Glenn heavy-lift rocket may happen in about six weeks, hurling a small pair of NASA spacecraft to Mars. They're rumored to do some rolling and testing this week, and you can watch NSF's Space Coast live feed to see if anything's happening. As I type this, they're watching ESA's wild wind-powered cargo ship arrive at Port Canaveral -- with the Artemis 3 service module, so ignore the "Ariane 6" painted on the side. Blue Origin's colossal sea landing platform should arrive today or tomorrow. Both are coming in from Europe.
Starship work at Boca Chica Texas continues at a furious pace and the latest word is that they are aiming for the next test flight in second half of September. And yeah they are going for a booster catch, as long as they can convince the FAA that they won't threaten the public or damage the surrounding wetlands. Once that rocket goes operational, it will be an absolute game-changer, affecting literally everything that could be launched into space (i.e. the entire post above). Space nerds have been obsessively following that development for a full decade now for very good reason ....
posted by intermod at 3:00 PM on September 2 [4 favorites]
But it's missing a mention of the imminent Polaris Dawn mission, which I heard someone yesterday breathlessly refer to as the most exciting mission of the decade. Well, OK, so far, sure, and the way Artemis is going (2028? we'll see), maybe the Polaris missions (there will be three of them!) will indeed be the most thrilling HSF missions of the decade. The Polaris program's second flight may very well go to the Hubble Space Telescope to help it out, perhaps only to reboost but possibly to swap gyros, even though NASA has nixed that for now. Anyway, once Polaris Dawn does launch, possibly this week, pay attention to the space news exactly two days later for live coverage of their two-hour spacewalk, which will be a nailbiter with lots of things that could go very wrong. (Note: the "Space Affairs" channel on Youtube helpfully provides live rebroadcasts of the Twitter/X live feeds that SpaceX exclusively sticks to, so you don't have to suffer with X's horrible video capabilities.)
Also, re the SpaceX booster falling over, SpaceX already resumed launches over the weekend and landed successfully. I think the FAA is finally onboard with getting us into the future already, dammit. (obviously with continued vigilance on public safety)
All ISS end-of-life options, including reboost to higher orbit, were thoroughly considered already, I promise you. Read the summary paper.
The maiden flight of Blue Origin's New Glenn heavy-lift rocket may happen in about six weeks, hurling a small pair of NASA spacecraft to Mars. They're rumored to do some rolling and testing this week, and you can watch NSF's Space Coast live feed to see if anything's happening. As I type this, they're watching ESA's wild wind-powered cargo ship arrive at Port Canaveral -- with the Artemis 3 service module, so ignore the "Ariane 6" painted on the side. Blue Origin's colossal sea landing platform should arrive today or tomorrow. Both are coming in from Europe.
Starship work at Boca Chica Texas continues at a furious pace and the latest word is that they are aiming for the next test flight in second half of September. And yeah they are going for a booster catch, as long as they can convince the FAA that they won't threaten the public or damage the surrounding wetlands. Once that rocket goes operational, it will be an absolute game-changer, affecting literally everything that could be launched into space (i.e. the entire post above). Space nerds have been obsessively following that development for a full decade now for very good reason ....
posted by intermod at 3:00 PM on September 2 [4 favorites]
Good stuff, intermod. I wanted to add more, but time is an issue.
posted by doctornemo at 7:15 PM on September 2 [1 favorite]
posted by doctornemo at 7:15 PM on September 2 [1 favorite]
holy smokes, gotta get my gear together, Saturn's going to be up in just over an hour.
so I got to see four planets in my telescope last night..
I cheated and used a app, but in between I caught up on the thread.
posted by clavdivs at 4:44 PM on September 4 [2 favorites]
so I got to see four planets in my telescope last night..
I cheated and used a app, but in between I caught up on the thread.
posted by clavdivs at 4:44 PM on September 4 [2 favorites]
« Older Lincoln Obscura (penny post #002/100?) | The Pentium as a Navajo weaving Newer »
This thread has been archived and is closed to new comments
Genuinely. I love space exploration, and used to follow the news more closely, but I don't subscribe to Scientific American and Discover Magazine and Popular Mechanics anymore. I don't know how to find out about this stuff, and really appreciate this post to catch me up, though it's going to take me a while to make it through all the links.
If you do have a newsletter, or know of a good one, please let me know!
posted by OnceUponATime at 3:43 PM on September 1 [2 favorites]