SpaceX Starlink to Prevent 300,000 Satellite Collisions by 2025

Posted on January 23, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Long exposure photo depicting satellites in the night sky of the Northern Hemisphere

Credit: Alan Dyer/VWPics/Universal Images Group (via Getty Images)

A recent report submitted by SpaceX to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) revealed intriguing insights about the Starlink satellite network. Notably, the report states that Starlink satellites executed approximately 300,000 collision avoidance maneuvers in 2025.

Starlink, a substantial constellation of satellites, provides internet service worldwide. Since the launch of the first Starlink satellite in 2019, the fleet has expanded to around 9,400 satellites, constituting 65 percent of all operational satellites in Earth’s orbit.

Due to the potential hazards posed by satellite collisions, such as generating debris and making certain orbital paths unusable, the FCC mandates that SpaceX provides biannual updates on Starlink’s safety protocols.

In its latest report, dated December 31, SpaceX disclosed that its Starlink satellites carried out around 149,000 collision avoidance maneuvers from June to November 2025. These maneuvers are essential when two satellites are deemed to be in close proximity and at risk of colliding.

The industry standard allows for operation with a collision risk of 1 in 10,000; however, SpaceX adopts a more cautious approach, allowing only a risk of 3 in 10,000,000.

This surge in maneuvers follows SpaceX’s earlier report of 144,000 maneuvers conducted between December 2024 and May 2025. With this, SpaceX aims to complete around 300,000 maneuvers in 2025, marking a significant increase of about 50% from 200,000 maneuvers in 2024. “It’s an enormous amount of maneuvering,” says Hugh Lewis, a researcher at the University of Birmingham in the UK. “This is an exceptionally high figure.”

While most other satellite operators worldwide refrain from publicizing their maneuver data, traditional satellites typically perform only a few maneuvers a year. SpaceX reports that each of its satellites may execute up to 40 maneuvers annually.

Lewis also mentioned that the company intends to increase maneuvers to one million each year by 2027. As several other mega-constellations from the US and China are being deployed, the likelihood of collisions will rise. “From a physics standpoint, that’s not ideal,” Lewis warns. “We are heading toward a concerning scenario in orbit. This situation is unsustainable.”

Additionally, SpaceX revealed in its report that it had numerous close encounters with other satellites, citing a Chinese satellite named Honghu 2, which has approached Starlink satellites over 1,000 times, likely due to overlapping operational orbits.

“This demonstrates how SpaceX effectively dominates that orbital space,” asserts Samantha Lawler from the University of Regina, Canada. Most Starlink satellites orbit at altitudes between 340 and 570 kilometers. “According to the Outer Space Treaty, all nations have access to every part of space, and they are effectively occupying those areas.”

Furthermore, SpaceX provided details about a Starlink satellite that exploded in December, creating dozens of debris pieces. The explosion was attributed to “suspected hardware failure,” and the malfunctioning component has been “identified and removed” from future designs.

Starlink employs autonomous systems to navigate collisions and manage the extensive number of maneuvers needed. However, SpaceX mentioned that one incident involved a spacecraft from Japan’s Astroscale that “performed an unannounced maneuver” potentially increasing the collision risk with a Starlink satellite.

Astroscale disputes this account, stating that the maneuver was publicly announced and executed in compliance with Japan’s orbit maintenance guidelines. SpaceX did not respond to media inquiries regarding the situation.

However, the most noteworthy statistic remains the total number of maneuvers conducted. “They are conducting operations efficiently and effectively,” Lawler comments. “But if they make an error, we could face significant consequences.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Launch of ‘Knit’ Satellite: Advanced Radar Technology for Earth Surface Monitoring

Posted on January 9, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s Impression of CarbSAR Satellite Orbiting the Earth

Credit: Oxford Space Systems

Artist's impression of CarbSAR satellite orbiting Earth — Artist’s Impression of CarbSAR Satellite Orbiting the Earth

Credit: Oxford Space Systems

Britain’s newest satellite, **CarbSAR**, is set to launch on Sunday, equipped with cutting-edge knitwear technology. This innovative satellite will deploy a mesh radar antenna crafted using machinery typically found in textile manufacturing.

“We utilize a standard industrial knitting machine for jumpers, enhanced with features tailored to create specialized threads,” says Amur Raina, Director of Production at Oxford Space Systems (OSS) in the UK.

OSS collaborates with Surrey Satellite Technology Limited (SSTL) to install the antenna on a compact, cost-effective spacecraft capable of capturing high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface.

If successful, this unique design could be integrated into the UK Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) surveillance satellite network later this year.

The “wool” utilized in OSS’s weaving process is ultra-fine tungsten wire, coated with gold. The machines produce several meters of fabric simultaneously, which are then cut into segments and sewn into 3 millimeter-wide discs. These discs are tightly stretched over 48 carbon fiber ribs to form a smooth parabolic dish optimized for radar imaging.

The key innovation lies in the structural design, where each rib wraps radially around a central hub, resembling a 48-coil tape measure. This unique design enables the entire assembly to collapse down to just 75 cm in diameter, drastically reducing the volume of the 140-kilogram CarbSAR satellite during launch.

Upon reaching orbit, the stored strain energy in the bent carbon fibers will allow the ribs to return to their original shape, thereby pulling the mesh into a precise parabolic configuration.

“For optimal imaging, we must deploy it accurately to achieve the perfect parabolic shape,” adds Sean Sutcliffe, CEO of OSS. “Our design’s precision is its standout feature.” Testing has shown the mesh sheet remains within 1 millimeter of its ideal shape, ensuring exceptional performance.

The demand for Earth observation via small radar satellites is on the rise, thanks to their ability to image the ground in all weather conditions and even at night—a capability increasingly appreciated by emerging space companies.

This data is particularly sought after by military forces globally and played a crucial role as an intelligence resource during the recent Russian-Ukrainian conflict.

Despite once leading Europe in space radar developments in the 1990s, the UK has fallen significantly behind in the international arena.

With CarbSAR and the upcoming MoD constellation named Oberon, part of the broader ISTARI program, UK aerospace engineers have a chance to re-establish their presence in the industry.

“We’re seeing heightened interest from foreign governments in radar solutions,” states Andrew Cawthorn, Managing Director of SSTL. “Our primary focus is demonstrating that we can successfully deploy this antenna and capture images.”

CarbSAR is engineered to detect objects as small as 50 cm, sufficient for identifying tanks and aircraft.

After deployment, approximately two days post-liftoff, the Royal Space Force, supervised by the Royal Air Force, will closely monitor the antenna’s performance.

“CarbSAR symbolizes the innovative spirit and collaboration of one of the UK’s leading space companies,” said Major General Paul Tedman, Commander of the UK Space Force. “We eagerly anticipate seeing CarbSAR operational and exploring how its advanced technologies can enhance Oberon and our comprehensive ISTARI satellite initiative.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

2026 Controversial Satellite Launch: Reflecting Light Back to Earth

Posted on January 5, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

Artist Rendering of Reflect Orbital Satellite

Image Credit: Reflect Orbital

Artist’s rendering of Reflect Orbital satellites — Artist Rendering of Reflect Orbital Satellite

Image Credit: Reflect Orbital

The bold initiative by Reflect Orbital aims to commence in 2026, deploying satellites to reflect sunlight back to Earth. This technology seeks to illuminate dark regions for visibility and enhance energy generation. However, many astronomers express skepticism regarding the project’s feasibility and its implications for scientific research.

Reflect Orbital, a US-based company, aspires to provide “sunlight on demand.” Their first satellite is expected to launch in early 2026, illuminating ten locations as part of its inaugural “world tour.” Plans include deploying thousands of satellites fitted with extensive mirrors designed to reflect sunlight back to the Earth, catering to needs such as remote control, defense, infrastructure, and energy production.

By 2030, Reflect Orbital anticipates having sufficient satellite coverage to deliver 200 watts per square meter to solar farms on Earth, mimicking the light levels of dusk and dawn, thereby facilitating reliable energy production, especially in regions lacking natural light.

Despite these ambitions, their Federal Communications Commission (FCC) specifications suggest that a single satellite may not generate significant power. Astronomers, including members from Tucson’s Dark Sky Consulting and the American Astronomical Society, utilized these filings to underscore potential energy limitations.

As highlighted by John Valentine, a prominent scholar in the field, the reflected light would only exceed a full moon’s brightness fourfold, indicating insufficient electricity generation. In order to produce more significant light output, deploying satellites with a multitude of reflectors would be essential, presenting logistical challenges and increased costs.

Furthermore, the dynamic nature of the mirrors could pose challenges for astronomical research, since they might intermittently produce flashes of sunlight. Additionally, even micro-damage to a satellite’s reflector from tiny meteoroids could scatter light unintentionally, complicating operational efficiency.

Reflect Orbital is actively engaging with the scientific community to explore solutions for these arising concerns. As of now, the company has not responded to inquiries from New Scientist.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

2026 Mars Mission Aims to Uncover Satellite Secrets

Posted on January 2, 2026 by Igor Mitreski

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MMX Spacecraft to Explore Mars Moons

Credit: JAXA

MMX spacecraft visiting Mars moon — MMX Spacecraft to Explore Mars Moons

Credit: JAXA

The mystery surrounding the origins of Mars’s moons, Phobos and Deimos, may soon be unraveled with the launch of the MMX spacecraft, set to return samples from Phobos to Earth in 2026.

“While we understand the origin of Earth’s moon, the origins of Phobos and Deimos remain unclear,” says Emelia Brannagan-Harris from the Natural History Museum in London. “By exploring the origins of these moons, we aim to gain insights into Mars’s evolutionary history.”

There are two leading theories regarding how these moons came to orbit Mars. The first theory suggests that they are remnants of asteroids that either merged and then separated or closely orbit each other. The second theory posits that they may have formed from an asteroid impact on Mars, similar to the formation of Earth’s moon.

Currently, evidence supports neither scenario definitively. However, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency’s Mars Moon Explorer (MMX), scheduled for launch in 2026, is equipped to clarify which theory holds true. This spacecraft will observe both moons and send a rover to gather samples from Phobos’s surface and subsurface.

If the observations reveal a prevalence of carbon-rich materials and water, it could support the theory of asteroid capture. Conversely, if such materials are absent, we may need to await the analysis of the collected samples, expected to return to Earth by 2031.

The Phobos samples will include both surface material and samples from beneath the surface. Testing this material will allow scientists to investigate signs of past dissolution, potentially indicating interactions with Mars’s atmosphere or surface.

Regardless of the origins of Phobos, its close orbit around Mars suggests it may hold well-preserved samples from early Mars. “Phobos might also contain ancient debris from Mars’s period of liquid water, offering significant insights into the planet’s history,” Brannagan-Harris emphasizes.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Collision Clock Indicates Satellite in Orbit Faces Disaster in 3 Days

Posted on December 16, 2025 by

An artistic representation of a satellite in Earth’s orbit

Yusery Yilmaz/Shutterstock

In the event that all satellites ceased their ability to maneuver, a collision would likely happen in just 2.8 days, underscoring the dense nature of Earth’s orbital space.

Over the past seven years, the number of satellites has more than tripled, soaring from 4,000 to nearly 14,000. A significant factor driving this surge is SpaceX’s Starlink program, which currently includes over 9,000 satellites situated in low Earth orbit between 340 and 550 kilometers above our planet.

This dramatic rise necessitates that satellites frequently adjust their positions to avoid collisions, which could create thousands of metal fragments and make parts of Earth’s orbit unusable. This process is referred to as a collision avoidance maneuver.

Between Dec. 1, 2024, and May 31, 2025, SpaceX executed 144,404 collision avoidance maneuvers within the constellation, averaging one every 1.8 minutes, per company reports. Notably, there has only been one documented orbital collision. In 2009, a functioning satellite from Iridium Communications collided with a defunct Russian Cosmos satellite, leaving hundreds of debris scattered in orbit.

Sarah Thiele and researchers from Princeton University utilized publicly available satellite tracking data to simulate the impact of increasing satellite numbers on collision risk. They introduced a novel measure named the Collision Realization And Significant Harm (CRASH) Clock to evaluate this risk. The title draws parallels to the well-known Doomsday Clock, which symbolizes the imminent threat of nuclear warfare. “We discussed it extensively,” he notes. Samantha Lawler, another team member from the University of Regina in Canada, contributed to this effort.

Their findings revealed that if all satellites in orbit as of 2018 (prior to the inaugural Starlink launch in 2019) suddenly lost control, a collision would have been imminent within 121 days. Presently, due to the surge in operational satellites, this timeframe has drastically reduced to a mere 2.8 days.

“We were astonished by how short it was,” Thiele comments.

The 2.8 days assumes a scenario where an event—such as a severe solar storm—renders all satellites incapable of altering their trajectories. In May 2024, a significant solar storm caused some Starlink satellites to react dramatically. A recurrence of the Carrington Event, the strongest solar storm on record from 1859, might bring serious challenges; Wind Vatapally from Luxembourg’s SES Satellites believes not all satellites would be incapacitated at once. “It would be implausible for all of them to fail simultaneously,” he states.

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Indicators like the crash clocks serve to emphasize the congested state of Earth’s orbit, he remarks. Hugh Lewis from the University of Birmingham in the UK questions, “Can we keep piling on this precarious structure?” He adds, “The more elements you introduce, the greater the risk of a collapse when problems arise.”

With plans for tens of thousands more satellites to be launched in the coming years by SpaceX, Amazon, and various Chinese enterprises for their extensive constellations, it’s plausible that the CRASH clock will indicate an even shorter timeframe, raising the potential for collisions. “It’s quite frightening to consider,” Thiele adds.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Upcoming Satellite Launch May Distort Hubble Space Telescope Images

Posted on December 4, 2025 by

Simulated representation of satellite trails contaminating images from future space telescopes

NASA/Boruff, Markham, Howell

Should space companies proceed with plans to deploy hundreds of thousands of satellites, up to a third of the images captured by the Hubble Space Telescope may be compromised.

In the last five years alone, over 75% of the approximate 14,000 satellites now orbiting Earth have been launched, many as part of megaconstellations, notably Elon Musk’s Starlink. Proposals indicate that we could see the deployment of as many as 500,000 satellites by the end of the 2030s, according to submissions to the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Astronomers have long raised concerns regarding the potential impact of these satellites on ground-based telescopes. However, research by Alejandro Borlaf and his team at NASA’s Ames Research Center indicates that space telescopes are at risk as well.

“A telescope in space benefits from an unblemished environment; there’s no atmosphere or city lights,” Borlaf explains. “For the first time, we’re facing the issue of a man-made object contaminating our observations. This discovery was startling.”

By analyzing filings from the FCC and the International Telecommunication Union, Borlaf’s team estimated the anticipated number of satellites and their orbits over the next decade. They simulated the effect of these satellites blocking observations from four space observatories, including Hubble and China’s Shuntian telescope, as well as the Arrakis dark matter telescope set to launch in 2030, and the already launched SPHEREx galaxy telescope.

The researchers found that if 560,000 satellites are launched as projected, Hubble photos may capture an average of two satellite orbits, while Xuntian images could have approximately 90 satellite orbits due to a broader field of view and orbital altitude.

They validated their simulations by demonstrating that with the existing number of satellites, 4% of Hubble’s images would be influenced by the trajectories of these satellites, consistent with analyses of actual images.

These predictions could materialize if satellite launches proceed as planned. According to John Valentine from Dark Sky Consulting, a Tucson-based firm, it’s uncertain how many satellites will ultimately launch. “Many experts believe that over the next 15 years, the number of operational satellites could stabilize between 50,000 and 100,000.”

If the final number turns out to be only a fraction of the proposed figures, Valentine suggests, the impact on space telescopes would be notably reduced. “The number of trajectories per image would increase only slightly for ARRACHIS and Xuntian, while remaining relatively unchanged for SPHEREx and HST.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Garmin Fenix 8 Pro Review: Integrated LTE and Satellite Messaging Without a Phone

Posted on October 21, 2025 by

The newest upgrade to Garmin’s leading Fenix adventure watch introduces potentially life-saving capabilities: independent communication and emergency messaging through 4G or satellite.

The Fenix 8 Pro builds upon the already remarkable Fenix 8, incorporating new cellular technology as well as an advanced microLED display in a special edition of the watch. As Garmin’s flagship model, it’s designed to be your comprehensive tool for exploration and tracking.

This ambitious design comes at a high cost, starting from £1,030 (€1,200, $1,200, AU$2,300) for the 47mm OLED variant, and £1,730 (€2,000/$2,000/AU$3,399) for the 51mm model with a microLED screen, nearly double the price of the standard Fenix 8.

You get remarkable value with top-tier exercise, activity, and adventure tracking capabilities. If you find yourself lost without your phone, an extensive offline map of the world will guide you back. It boasts a stunning, large, clear, and exceptionally bright touchscreen.

The Fenix 8 Pro is thicker and heavier than the regular Fenix 8 by 2.2 mm and 4 g, respectively, giving it a rather bulky presence on the wrist. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

The Fenix 8 Pro is offered exclusively in case sizes of 47mm or 51mm, lacking the smaller 43mm option available in other Garmin models, making it suitable for larger wrists. Nevertheless, the 47mm OLED version we examined supplies an additional day of battery life for smartwatch usage with the screen continuously on, lasting 8-9 days between charges.

Messaging, Calls, and Live Tracking Without Phone

Garmin utilizes its own inReach LTE (4G) and satellite subscription services, rather than depending on a watch plan linked to a smartphone provider like other smartwatches. However, unlike satellite-enabled devices from Apple and Google, emergency SOS messaging isn’t offered for free.

Plans begin at £7.99 per month or its equivalent, offering unlimited LTE text and voice messaging, calls, and services. LiveTrack enables location sharing, allowing friends and family to monitor your whereabouts while engaging in activities like running or cycling, and providing emergency satellite SOS messaging as well.

Establishing and activating an inReach subscription can be relatively time-consuming, but it’s a one-time process. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

Satellite check-ins and text messages incur extra costs, escalating to an unlimited plan of £50 monthly for higher-tier options that provide various satellite allowances. The watch includes a 30-day free trial enabling you to test the service.

Once configured, simply step outside without your phone, and your watch will connect to LTE. While it can’t stream music, you can make calls, send texts, and stay in touch with loved ones.

Messages—including texts, reactions, audio messages, and transcriptions—will display on your watch as well as in the recipient’s Garmin Messenger app. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

When you send a text, Garmin transmits an SMS from a random number, and the recipient can reply directly to your watch. Install the Garmin Messenger app to send and receive both text and voice messages as well as making voice calls. Recipients don’t need a Garmin account; a phone number is all that’s required to register for text messaging.

Messaging on the smartwatch functions adequately, but typing on the small onscreen keyboard can be slow. It also includes customizable quick replies for faster interactions. Voice messages and calls work fine, though the quality may not be ideal for lengthy conversations.

LiveTrack is an especially valuable feature. You can configure it to automatically send a link to select contacts when you start an activity, allowing them to track your real-time location on a map. This feature is fantastic for monitoring progress during races and primarily acts as a safety measure for someone you trust to know your whereabouts. The actual location may experience slight delays when transitioning in and out of a strong LTE signal, but it generally performs well.

To transmit a satellite message, your watch must be oriented correctly, with a clear view of the sky. Photo: Samuel Gibbs/The Guardian

All these features are accessible on other Garmin watches as long as you have your phone, but in locations where LTE coverage is absent, the Fenix 8 Pro activates satellite communication for sending texts, location check-ins, and emergency SOS notifications.

The guide provides instructions on how to establish a line of sight to a satellite and to send and receive messages within approximately 10 to 30 seconds. While this function is remarkably user-friendly and can prove to be a critical lifesaver, it’s essential to understand that satellite coverage is confined to the continental U.S., most of Canada, and much of Europe, excluding certain regions of Scandinavia above 65 degrees north latitude.

Sustainability

Watches are typically optionally repairable as explained on the support site. The battery is rated to retain at least 90% of its initial capacity after two years of weekly recharging. Currently, this model contains no recycled materials. Garmin provides a recycling program for new purchases.

Price

Pricing for the Fenix 8 Pro begins at £1,029.99 (€1,199.99/$1,199.99/A$2,299). Optional Garmin inReach subscription plans are available starting at £7.99 (€9.99/$7.99/A$13.50).

Verdict

The Fenix 8 Pro enhances the existing Fenix 8, transforming it into an exceptional adventure watch by adding LTE capabilities for messaging, calling, and LiveTrack, alongside satellite messaging, check-ins, and emergency SOS features when a signal is unavailable.

The result is an even more powerful adventure tool for those seeking to go phone-free. If you’re looking to have someone monitor your safety while you’re out at night or in remote areas, Garmin provides this capability without the need for additional devices.

While it is liberating to venture outdoors without your phone, this convenience comes with a hefty price tag, both in terms of the watch’s significant cost and the ongoing subscription fee for the inReach service. At least it is independent of phone providers, working with any smartphone brand or network.

The Fenix 8 Pro is an excellent choice for those who prefer not to carry the bulk of their phone while running, cycling, or hiking but still want to remain trackable and reachable. For others, it might feel excessive, especially given that the excellent Fenix 8 model is readily available.

Pros: Track everything with LTE and satellite messaging, an ultra-bright OLED display, best-in-class GPS, an integrated torch, phone and offline voice control, over 8 days of battery life, Garmin Pay, complete offline mapping and routes, offline Spotify access, 100m water resistance and 40m diving capability, with both button and touchscreen functionalities.

Cons: High price point, LTE and satellite features require a monthly subscription, limited banking support for Garmin Pay, sluggish voice functionalities, and smartwatch features are comparatively limited compared to Apple/Google/Samsung devices.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Junho Analyzes the Ultraviolet Satellite Footprint of Jupiter’s Moon Callisto

Posted on September 6, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Jupiter showcases the most brilliant and magnificent auroras in the solar system. Near its poles, these shimmering lights provide insight into how its moons and planets engage with the solar wind propelled by Jupiter’s magnetic field. In contrast to Earth’s auroras, the largest of Jupiter’s moons generates its own unique auroral signature within the planet’s atmosphere. The auroras linked to these moons, referred to as satellite footprints, illustrate the interactions of each moon with its immediate spatial environment.

Junho captures the mark on Jupiter in all four Galilean Moons. The aurora associated with each are labelled IO, EUR (europa), Gan (for Ganymede), and Cal (for Callisto). Image credits: NASA/JPL-CALTECH/SWRI/UVS TEAM/MSSS/GILL/Jónsson/Perry/Hue/Rabia.

Prior to NASA’s Juno Mission, three of Jupiter’s largest moons—Io, Europa, and Ganymede—were known to produce distinct auroral signatures.

However, the farthest moon, Callisto, remained an enigma.

Despite numerous attempts using the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, Callisto’s footprints were faint and difficult to detect, often overshadowed by the bright Main Auroral Oval, the region where auroras are prominently observed.

NASA’s Juno Mission has been in orbit around Jupiter since 2016, providing an unprecedented close-up view of these polar light displays.

To capture Callisto’s footprint, the main auroral oval needs to be bypassed while imaging the polar regions.

Additionally, to incorporate it into the suite of instruments analyzing the fields and particles within Juno’s payload, the spacecraft’s path must cross the magnetic field line linking Callisto to Jupiter.

These necessary conditions coincidentally occurred during Juno’s 22nd orbit of the giant planet in September 2019, leading to the discovery of Callisto’s Auroral Footprint and offering samples of the magnetic fields related to particle populations, electromagnetic waves, and interactions.

Jupiter’s magnetic field extends far beyond its largest moon, forming a vast area (magnetosphere) where solar wind flows from the sun.

Just like solar storms on Earth can push the Northern Lights to lower latitudes, Jupiter’s auroras are also influenced by solar activity.

In September 2019, a significant and dense solar stream impacted Jupiter’s magnetosphere, causing the auroral ellipse to shift towards the equator, revealing a faint yet distinct feature associated with Callisto.

This finding confirms that all four Galilean moons leave their imprint on Jupiter’s atmosphere, with Callisto’s footprints closely resembling those of its inner companions, thus completing the family portrait marked by Galilean Moon Auroras.

“Our observations substantiate the electrodynamic coupling between Callisto and Jupiter,” stated Dr. Jonas Lavia, a researcher at Astrophysics-Planetology and CNRS, along with colleagues.

“This combination will undergo further examination by NASA’s JUICE mission, which was successfully launched in April 2023. This mission will facilitate repeated explorations of Callisto and its local environment, enhancing our understanding of the magnetospheric interactions between Callisto and Jupiter.”

“Reported in situ and remote observations complete the family portrait of the footprints of Galilean Moon Auroras, addressing a long-standing question about whether Callisto’s electromagnetic interactions differ fundamentally from the inner three Galilean satellites.”

“The observed similarities in both the auroral structure and the in situ characteristics of electrons point to the universal physical mechanisms at play in the magnetospheric interaction of moons and stars, akin to other binary systems accessible within the solar system and beyond.”

The team’s paper was published this week in the journal Nature Communications.

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J. Ravia et al. 2025. in situ Remote observation of Callisto’s UV footprint by Juno spacecraft. Nat Commun 16, 7791; doi:10.1038/s41467-025-62520-4

Source: www.sci.news

Study Identifies Factors Behind Satellite Electrical Discharge Damage

Posted on September 2, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Based on data gathered by the sensors aboard the US Department of Defense Space Test Program Satellite 6 (STP-SAT6), we discovered a direct correlation between the frequency of electrical discharges on a spacecraft and the electron density in its environment.

STP-SAT6. Image credit: Northrop Grumman.

Spacecraft environmental discharges (SEDs) are short-lived electrical failures that may harm sensitive onboard electronics and communication systems.

While researchers have acknowledged the presence of SEDs for some time, the relationship between spatial environments and their electrons remains unclear.

“To explore this, we required two sensors on the same spacecraft: one to monitor electron quantity and activity, and another to detect radio frequency signals,” explained Dr. Amitabh Nag, a researcher at Los Alamos National Laboratory.

SEDs arise from variations in surface charging, typically due to the accumulation of electrons on the surfaces of orbiting spacecraft.

This process differs from static electricity on Earth. For instance, when someone walks across a carpet and discharges static after touching a door handle, a buildup of energy occurs. Likewise, when a spacecraft’s energy storage reaches a critical voltage, it results in an electrical discharge in space.

The STP-SAT6 is fitted with both sensors, allowing a unique opportunity for researchers to analyze both radio frequency and electronic activity simultaneously.

“We managed to assess the speed of SEDs as reported by the radio frequency sensors and compare it with the electronic particle activity within specific voltage ranges,” Dr. Nag noted.

“Our findings indicated that the peak of SEDs coincides with the peak of electronic activity.”

The authors analyzed data from two sensors over a year-long period, identifying heightened electronic activity during 270 high-speed SED occurrences and numerous episodes.

In roughly three-quarters of instances, the peak in electronic activity occurred 24-45 minutes before the SED event.

This delay implies that the buildup of charge from low-energy electrons plays a crucial role in preparing the spacecraft for electrostatic discharge.

“We noted that as electronic activity increases, the spacecraft begins to gather charges, especially in the 7.9-12.2 keV range,” Dr. Nag added.

“This process continues until a tipping point is reached, resulting in an SED.”

“Such lead time presents an opportunity for potential forecasting tools to reduce risks.”

“Future missions could include real-time monitoring of low-energy electrons to predict and react to charging events before they disrupt operations.”

The results will be published in the journal Advances in Space Research.

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Amitabag et al. 2025. Radio frequency transients correlated with electronic flux installed in STP-SAT6. Advances in Space Research 76 (6): 3692-3699; doi: 10.1016/j.asr.2025.07.026

Source: www.sci.news

Many Exoplanets Discovered by NASA’s TESS Satellite Could Be Larger Than Expected

Posted on July 16, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The radius of a planet is a crucial factor in understanding its composition and characteristics. Accurate radius measurements are generally obtained by analyzing the percentage of starlight blocked as the planet transits its host star. NASA’s Transit Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) has identified hundreds of new exoplanets; however, its low angular resolution can lead to the mixing of light from stars hosting exoplanets with that of background stars. If not entirely corrected, this additional light may dilute the transit signal, leading to an underestimation of the planetary radius. In their analysis of the planet Tess, astronomers from the University of California, Irvine revealed that systematically incorrect planetary radii are frequently reported in scientific literature.

Artistic impression of a gas giant exoplanet and its parent red dwarf star. Image credit: Sci.News.

“We have discovered that many exoplanets are larger than previously thought, which shifts our understanding of exoplanet characteristics on a wide scale,” states Tae Han, a doctoral student at the University of California, Irvine.

“This suggests that we may have actually identified Earth-like planets that are fewer than we initially believed.”

Astronomers cannot directly observe exoplanets; they rely on the planets passing in front of their host stars to measure the subtle decrease in starlight.

“Essentially, we are measuring the shadows cast by planets,” remarks Paul Robertson, a professor at the University of California, Irvine.

In their study, the authors examined the observations of hundreds of exoplanets detected by TESS.

They found that light from neighboring stars could “contaminate” the light emitted by the stars under study.

This results in planets transiting in front of their stars appearing smaller than their actual size, receiving less light compared to larger planets.

Astronomers have conducted numerous studies explaining the characteristics of planets discovered by TESS.

They categorized the planets based on how different research teams measured their radii and used computer models to estimate the extent of bias resulting from light interference from adjacent stars.

Data from the ESA Gaia satellite was utilized to assess the impact of light contamination on TESS observations.

“TESS data is indeed contaminated, and our custom models perform better than any existing methods in the field,” stated Professor Robertson.

“What we discovered in this study is that these planets could be systematically larger than we initially assumed.”

“This raises the question: How common are Earth-sized planets?”

Previously, it was thought there were fewer planets resembling Earth in size.

“Among the single-planet systems identified by TESS, only three were believed to have a composition similar to Earth,” Han noted.

“This new finding indicates that all of them are larger than we previously thought.”

This implies that instead of rocky planets like Earth, they are more likely to be water worlds (planets entirely covered by vast oceans that are often larger than Earth) or larger gas giants like Uranus or Neptune.

This could have significant implications for the search for life on distant worlds, as water worlds may harbor life but lack the specific conditions necessary for life to thrive as it does on Earth.

“These insights have important consequences for our understanding of exoplanets, including prioritizing follow-up observations with the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope and assessing the prevalence of water worlds in our galaxy,” concluded Professor Robertson.

The study was published in Astrophysical Journal Letters.

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Tae Han et al. 2025. Hundreds of TESS exoplanets may be larger than previously thought. ApJL 988, L4; doi: 10.3847/2041-8213/ade794

Source: www.sci.news

A Key Methane Monitoring Satellite Fails in Orbit

Posted on July 1, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Artist’s rendering of the MethaneSAT satellite

Environmental Defense Fund/NASA

The MethaneSAT satellite, which was anticipated to revolutionize tracking methane emissions, has experienced a loss of contact less than a year and a half after its launch.

MethaneSAT stated that it “probably cannot recover.” A statement from the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF), the non-profit managing the satellite, confirmed this loss as a significant setback in efforts to monitor and mitigate methane emissions, which are responsible for a third of the anthropogenic increase in global temperatures.

Upon its launch in March 2024, MethaneSAT contributed to a growing constellation of satellites aimed at detecting invisible methane emissions from principal sources like oil and gas facilities, livestock operations, landfills, and wetlands. While several satellites focus on specific emissions, MethaneSAT is uniquely equipped to assess methane concentrations on a broader scale, making it particularly effective in identifying emissions from fossil fuel extraction.

This capability was designed for estimating methane emissions in well-known fossil fuel production areas, such as the Permian Basin in the southwestern United States, as well as aiding efforts to identify and contain significant sources of potent greenhouse gases.

“That’s a considerable loss,” commented Jason McKeever from Ghgsat, a Canadian company that intended to utilize MethaneSAT data for strategic guidance on satellite deployment. “MethaneSAT was uniquely positioned in its designated mid-orbit.”

The satellite, which cost nearly $100 million to develop and launch, began its data collection in June 2024 and produced its first detection of methane in the oil and gas basin by November 2024. Researchers were exploring automation for data processing; the satellite, which orbits the Earth 15 times a day, promised near real-time emissions data.

“We had just begun a routine of releasing data every two weeks,” stated John Coifman of the Environmental Defense Fund. “The data produced by the satellites was incredibly valuable.”

According to an EDF announcement, mission operations lost communication with the satellite on June 20th. “After exploring all avenues to reestablish contact, we regret to inform that the satellite has lost power,” the statement read.

The MethaneSAT team is currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, they continue to disseminate the data collected prior to the loss of power, alongside the algorithms developed for analysis.

“We are considering various options,” Coifman remarked, indicating that reactivating another satellite remains a possibility.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Amazon Challenges Musk’s Starlink with Launch of First Internet Satellite

Posted on April 30, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Amazon’s Kuiper Broadband Internet Constellation successfully launched its first 27 satellites into space from Florida on Monday, marking the beginning of a significant rollout of space-based internet networks, comparable to SpaceX’s Starlink.

These satellites are the initial part of a larger plan to deploy 3,236 at low Earth orbit as part of Project Kuiper. Launched in 2019, this billion-dollar initiative aims to deliver beam broadband internet globally to consumers, businesses, and government entities. SpaceX has been a notable client in this competitive landscape due to its robust Starlink operations.

Launched aboard the Atlas V rockets from Boeing and Lockheed Martin’s Joint United Launch Alliance, the batch of 27 satellites lifted off at 7 PM EDT from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station. The initial launch attempt on April 9th was postponed due to bad weather.

Project Kuiper represents Amazon’s largest venture into the broadband sector, entering the fray against Starlink and established telecom providers like AT&T and T-Mobile. The company aims to enhance connectivity in rural areas where access is limited or absent.

The deployment of the first operational satellite faced delays exceeding a year, with Amazon initially targeting early 2024 for its first batch. The Federal Communications Commission has set a deadline for Amazon to launch 1,618 satellites by mid-2026, prompting the company to likely seek an extension.

Following the launch, Amazon anticipates publicly confirming initial contact with the satellites from its Mission Operations Center in Redmond, Washington, within hours or days. If successful, the company expects to commence customer service later this year.

According to ULA CEO Tory Bruno, five more Kuiper missions can be launched this year. Amazon indicated in its 2020 FCC filing that it could start service with some of its 578 satellites in the northern and southern regions, gradually extending towards the equator as more satellites are deployed.

As an ambitious initiative in a market primarily dominated by SpaceX, Project Kuiper reflects Amazon’s extensive experience in consumer products and established cloud computing services, positioning itself as a competitor to Starlink.

In 2023, Amazon successfully launched two prototype satellites, paving the way for further developments. The program had maintained a lower profile until unveiling its initial Kuiper launch plans earlier this month.

SpaceX enjoys a unique advantage, serving as both a satellite operator and launch provider with its reusable Falcon 9 rockets, having placed over 8,000 Starlink satellites into orbit since 2019. Monday marked the 250th dedicated Starlink launch, with a rapid deployment schedule of at least one mission per week to enhance network bandwidth and replace outdated satellites.

This accelerated pace has led to SpaceX acquiring over 5 million internet users across 125 countries, boosting the global satellite communications market while supporting military and intelligence operations through Starlink’s advanced capabilities.

Amazon’s executive chair, Jeff Bezos, expressed optimism regarding Kuiper’s competitive potential against Starlink, noting to Reuters in a January interview that there is “an insatiable demand.”

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“There’s a lot of room for winners there. Starlink expects it will continue to succeed, and Kuiper expects it will succeed,” Bezos stated.

“It will be primarily a commercial system, but these LEO constellations have defensive applications as well,” he added, referring to low Earth orbit.

In 2023, Amazon unveiled the Kuiper Consumer terminal, a compact antenna the size of an LP record that connects with overhead Kuiper satellites, along with a small terminal comparable to Kindle e-readers. The company aims to produce devices for tens of millions of users, each costing less than $400.

In 2022, Amazon secured 83 rocket launches from French Arianespace and Blue Origin ULA.

Source: www.theguardian.com

The Impact of Elon Musk’s Failing Satellite on the Ozone Layer

Posted on April 13, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

At present, there are around 13,000 satellites orbiting Earth, with roughly 10,000 of them functioning. However, the number of satellites in orbit is set to increase drastically by 2030, with 50,000 new satellites expected to be launched.

This significant increase is primarily due to the rise of Internet megaconstellations like SpaceX’s Starlink and other satellite projects. Currently, there are approximately 8,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, with nearly 6,500 of them being Starlink satellites.

SpaceX plans to deploy 12,000 satellites and is seeking approval for an additional 30,000, while other companies, like Amazon, are also planning their own megaconstellations.

The influx of satellites in low Earth orbit raises concerns about potential collisions and environmental impacts. Scientists warn that megaconstellations could harm the ozone layer, which protects the planet from harmful UV rays.

When satellites are decommissioned, they re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere and release aluminum oxide particles, which can damage the ozone layer by catalyzing chemical reactions. These particles can linger in the atmosphere for decades, further depleting the ozone.

Research published in the Geophysical Research Journal in 2024 revealed that a single satellite can release a significant amount of aluminum oxide particles, which can accumulate over time and contribute to ozone depletion.

The continuous deployment of megaconstellations could inject large amounts of aluminum oxide into the upper atmosphere every year, significantly increasing the risk of ozone layer damage.

The short lifespan of internet satellites in low Earth orbit poses additional challenges, as they need to be actively removed or they will burn up in the atmosphere. SpaceX’s Starlink satellites, for example, could be pulled out of orbit within five years if not removed.

The constant re-entry of decommissioned satellites could release a stream of burnt-out material into the atmosphere, exacerbating the environmental impact. Scientists predict a significant increase in satellite re-entries in the coming years, which could further impact the ozone layer.

It may take several decades before the full extent of satellite re-entry impacts the ozone layer, but the rapid growth of megaconstellations poses a significant risk to ozone layer recovery efforts.

Future research collaborations are being formed to study the direct link between decommissioned satellites and ozone depletion, aiming to quantify the environmental risks associated with satellite combustion.

This article addresses the query posed by Claudine Best from Dorset: “Do satellites burning in the atmosphere pose a threat to the environment?”

To submit your questions, please email Question@sciencefocus.com or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (don’t forget to include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Amazon launches satellite to rival Musk’s Starlink in the US

Posted on April 11, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

The rocket carrying the initial batch of Amazon satellites, set to rival Elon Musk’s Starlink, faced weather-related delays on Wednesday, causing a setback in the Project Kuiper network.

The United Launch Alliance (ULA), a partnership between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, cited challenging weather conditions like cumulus clouds and strong winds that made it unsafe for liftoff at the scheduled time of 7pm (2300 GMT) from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

ULA emphasized the dangers of cumulus clouds for rocket launches due to the potential for lightning strikes.

Live video footage showed the Atlas V Rocket releasing steam as it waited to launch 27 Project Kuiper satellites.

Similar to Starlink, Project Kuiper aims to provide internet access to remote areas, including regions affected by disasters or conflicts.

These satellites, once in orbit, will form the backbone of Project Kuiper, which Amazon plans to expand with over 3,200 satellites.

Amazon, led by Jeff Bezos, intends to launch its internet service later this year, promising competitive pricing in line with its reputation as a cost-effective retailer.

This launch puts Amazon in direct competition with SpaceX’s Starlink and other satellite internet providers.

SpaceX, owned by Elon Musk, launched its initial batch of over 6,750 operational Starlink satellites in 2019, establishing itself as a major player in the industry with millions of customers globally.

Unlike traditional internet services that rely on satellites stationed 35,000 km above Earth, Musk and Bezos opt for low Earth orbits between 550-1,300 km for faster data transmission to unserved areas.

Amazon notes the challenges of traditional connectivity in remote regions, making satellite-based solutions more attractive.

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While low Earth orbits enhance data transmission speed, the coverage area is limited, necessitating more satellites for global reach.

Amazon sees this as a lucrative opportunity to compete against established players in the satellite internet market.

The company plans to ramp up satellite launches in collaboration with ULA, Blue Origin (Bezos’ space venture), and even SpaceX, with over 80 flights ordered.

As more satellites are deployed in low Earth orbits, competition in the sector intensifies, with players like OneWeb, Guwan, and Starlink vying for market share.

Concerns about satellite congestion and collisions raise questions about the impact of commercial satellite ventures on space activities and astronomy.

The involvement of private entities in space operations also sparks political debates, especially given Musk’s advisory role in the Trump administration.

Source: www.theguardian.com

Quantum Satellite achieves record-breaking distance communication over gloves

Posted on March 19, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

A rocket carrying satellites explodes from China's commercial aerospace zone

VCG/Getty Images

The small quantum satellite created a secure link between China and South African terrestrial stations, sharing quantum encrypted data over a record distance of 12,900 kilometers. Similar microsatellites could become part of the quantum internet of things in the future.

The record-breaking feat that took place in October 2024 was also notable for the use of satellites with small, light payloads. The miniaturized equipment on the Jinan-1 microsatellite weighed only 23 kilograms, about 10 times the payload of previous experiments.

Petite quantum satellites like Jinan-1 say “like what SpareX does with StarLink for the Internet, it could launch many satellites in one shot with the same space launcher.” Laurent de Forge de Panney at Thales Alenia Space, a space technology company headquartered in France.

In this experiment, the researchers used the quantum state of photons to generate a secret key for encrypting and decrypting the data. This key was used to encode photographs of the Great Wall in China and Stellenbosch University in South Africa, and was then transmitted between the Zinan-1 satellite and various ground stations using lasers and telescopes. Research team led by Jianwei Pan The University of Science and Technology in China has performed this quantum key distribution process 20 times, including a test of 12,900 km set record.

There are limits to this showcase of quantum technology. Jinan-1 satellites “apparently optimized for quantum key distributions and do not perform common quantum communication tasks such as teleportation or entanglement distributions.” Alexander Lynn At the National University of Singapore. Nevertheless, Lynn, who praises the demonstration, says it could become part of the actual communications network within the next decade.

Quantum Key Distribution can be “are considered the first practical quantum communication use case,” and “the first step into a quantum information network,” says De Forges de Parny. “China's activities will definitely help develop a second-generation small satellite for the quantum internet,” he says.

The Jinan-1 was originally launched in 2022, and PAN says China will send two or three more quantum satellites in 2025. Other countries are expecting to release their own quantum satellites by 2026. projectfunded by the European Space Agency. Boeing, a US aerospace company, is working on it Another.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

XMM-Newton discovers two supernova remnants near the Milky Way satellite galaxy’s edge

Posted on February 12, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

Named SNR J0614-7251 and SNR J0624-6948, the newly discovered supernova remains are located on the outskirts of the large Magelanic Cloud, the largest milky white satellite galaxy.

In the center of the image, stars cluster into a large Magellan cloud, a bright, dark green candy floss colored haze. Scattered in the center of the image are about 50 small yellow crosses, some of which are almost overlapping as they are very close to each other. SNR J0624-6948 (orange, high image) and SNR J0614-7251 (blue, bottom image) are seen in the lower left quarter of the image. Image credits: Eckhard Slawik/ESA/Xmm-Newton/Sasaki et al. / F. Zangrandi.

“Supranovae are stellar explosions, caused by massive star core collapse, neutron stars or black holes (core collapsing supernovae), or by thermonuclear destruction of white nuclei in binary systems. Friedrich- “We are a scientist at the same time,” said Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg and colleague Dr. Manami Sasaki.

“Supranovae are important for galaxy material cycles and the formation of next-generation stars. Shockwave produces supernova debris that heats environmental or interstellar media to ionize, sweeping and compressing the environment, and making the environment more environmentally friendly and compressing. Enrich it. With chemical elements.”

use ESA's XMM-Newton Spaceshipastronomers discovered two supernova remnants, SNR J0614-7251 and SNR J0624-6948, in the large Magellan cloud.

“The big and small Magellan clouds are the largest satellite galaxies in the Milky Way and the closest ones,” they said.

“The Magellan Cloud is also the only satellite galaxy in the Milky Way with current active star formation.”

“A large Magellan cloud at a small distance (49,600 Parsec), its morphology is almost a hassle disk, and its low foreground absorption provides a detailed laboratory ideal for the study of large samples of the remaining supernovae. Masu.”

“Proximity allows for spatially resolved spectroscopic studies of supernova debris, and precisely known distances allow for the analysis of the energetics of each supernova debris.”

“In addition, the rich data of wide-field multi-wavelength data available provides information about the environment in which these supernova debris evolves.”

XMM-Newton observed SNR J0614-7251 and SNR J0624-6948 with three different types of X-ray light.

They show the most common chemical elements in various parts of the debris.

The center of SNR J0614-7251 is primarily made up of iron, according to the team.

This clue allowed researchers to classify this remnant for the first time as a result of a type IA supernova.

“The discovery of supernova remnants on the outskirts of the large Magellan cloud confirms that stellar explosions occur outside the galaxy and allows us to study their shocks, stellar ejectors and environment,” they said. I said that.

“It will help us to better understand the evolution of the Magellan cloud and the history of interacting galaxies and their surrounding star formation.”

“We hope that new multi-wavelength investigations will reveal more supernova remnants around the Magellan cloud.”

“This new supernova remnants allows us to study the supernova explosions and the rest of the supernova evolution in low density and low metallic environments, and better serve to better the effects of metallicity on star formation and star evolution. I can understand it.”

result It will be displayed in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics.

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Manamisasaki et al. 2025. The remains of a supernova on the outskirts of the large Magellan cloud. A&A 693, L15; doi: 10.1051/0004-6361/202452178

Source: www.sci.news

SpaceX Successfully Launches Fake Satellite on Seventh Starship Test Flight

Posted on January 8, 2025 by Igor Mitreski

December 2024 Starship rocket preparing for seventh flight

space x

SpaceX's next Starship test flight will be its most ambitious yet, and for the first time will include a new “Block 2” version with a number of design updates.

What is a starship?

Starship is the most powerful rocket ever flown. SpaceX aims to develop the vehicle into a quickly reusable vehicle that can carry large payloads into orbit, land on Earth, and launch another mission within hours.

It's a bit confusing, but Starship is the name given to both the entire spaceship, which consists of a super heavy booster and the ship it launches, as well as a single ship once separated from the booster.

SpaceX is rapidly iterating on both Super Heavy and Starship, taking a Silicon Valley approach to design that considers regular testing and dramatic failures simply part of the process. However, this will be the first test of the so-called Block 2 Starship upper stage.

What's new in Starship Block 2?

the company says on the website Starship's electronics have been “completely redesigned” and now include more than 30 cameras. It also has 25% more propellant, is 3.1 meters taller, and has repositioned front flaps.

Also included for the first time is an early version of the pin needed to be captured and reused in ground towers. However, SpaceX currently only has one tower that is used to capture boosters, so there will be no attempt to capture Starships for reuse this time. A second tower is under construction.

What does a test flight involve?

SpaceX expects the upper stage to reach space, complete a partial orbit around Earth, safely re-enter the atmosphere, and fall in a controlled manner into the Indian Ocean. The Super Heavy's first stage must return to the launch site and be captured by the launch tower's mechazilla or “chopstick” arm. If successful, this will be the second capture.

The launch marks a milestone for SpaceX as it marks the first time Starship hardware will be reused. One of the Super Heavy's 33 Raptor engines was previously used on Starship's fifth test flight. This was the only test to date in which the booster was safely returned, so it was the company's first opportunity to reuse something.

Another first is Starship's deployment of 10 fake Starlink satellites. These mock satellites are comparable in size and weight to the company's upcoming third-generation Internet Beam hardware and will test Starship's ability to safely launch payloads into orbit. Previous Starship flights have never carried a payload. Toy bananas carried on Flight 6.

A number of other smaller tests will be performed during the seventh flight to provide engineers with valuable data. For example, one of the Starship's Raptor engines was scheduled to be reignited in space, and some heat-resistant tiles were removed as a test. Several types of new thermal tiles are also being tested, including those with active cooling capabilities.

When will the launch take place?

SpaceX has not officially announced a launch date, but the company's controversial owner Elon Musk said: Tweet points out the goal of January 10th.

According to several NOTAMs (Notifications to Airmen – Warning Pilots of Unusual or Potentially Hazardous Activities) issued by the US Federal Aviation Administration, the launch slot given to the company is mid-January 10th. It starts at 4pm standard time (10pm UK time).

The launch period runs until January 16, giving the company some leeway in the event the launch is postponed due to technical issues or bad weather.

Like all Starship launches, Flight 7 will lift off from SpaceX's property in Boca Chica, Texas, and will be streamed live online.

What happened on previous Starship launches?

During the first test flight on April 20, 2023, three of the 33 engines in the booster stage failed to ignite. The rocket then lost control and self-destructed.

During the second test flight on November 18, 2023, the flight progressed further, gaining enough altitude to separate the booster and upper stage as planned. The booster stage ultimately exploded before reaching the ground, and the upper stage self-destructed before reaching space.

Test Flight 3 on March 14, 2024 was at least partially successful as the upper stage reached space again, but it did not return to Earth unscathed.

The next flight was on June 6, when the upper stage reached an altitude of more than 200 kilometers and flew at speeds of more than 27,000 kilometers per hour. Both the booster and upper stage completed a soft landing at sea.

In Test Flight 5, the superheavy booster dropped onto the launch pad and landed safely on SpaceX's launch tower, known as Mekazilla, supported by “chopsticks.”

During Test Flight 6, Starship reached an altitude of 228 kilometers and splashed down in the Indian Ocean. Super Heavy aborted its landing on the launch tower due to a communications failure and instead made a controlled water landing in the Gulf of Mexico.

Source: www.newscientist.com

COP29: Satellite detects methane leaks but “super emitters” fail to address issue

Posted on November 15, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Methane plume at least 4.8 kilometers long pours into the atmosphere south of Tehran, Iran

NASA/JPL-California Institute of Technology

The world now has more ways than ever to discover invisible methane emissions, which are so far responsible for a third of global warming. But methane “super emitters” take little action even when warned that they are leaking large amounts of the powerful greenhouse gas, according to a report released at the COP29 climate summit.

“We’re not seeing the transparency and urgency that we need,” he says. Manfredi Caltagirone director of the United Nations Environment Programme’s International Methane Emissions Observatory, recently launched a system that uses satellite data to alert methane emitters of leaks.

Methane is the second most important greenhouse gas to tackle after carbon dioxide, and more countries are pledging to reduce methane emissions to avoid short-term warming. At last year’s COP28 climate summit, many of the world’s largest oil and gas companies also pledged to “elimate” methane emissions from their operations.

Today, more and more satellites are beginning to detect methane leaks from the biggest sources of methane emissions, such as oil and gas infrastructure, coal mines, landfills, and agriculture. That data is critical to holding emitters accountable, he says. mark brownstein at the Environmental Defense Fund, an environmental advocacy group that recently launched its own methane sensing satellite. “But data alone won’t solve the problem,” he says.

The first year of the UN’s Methane Alert System shows a huge gap between data and action. Over the past year, this program has 1225 alerts issued When we saw plumes of methane from oil and gas infrastructure large enough to be detected from space, we reported them to governments and companies. To date, emitters have taken steps to control these leaks only 15 times, reporting a response rate of about 1 percent.

There are many possible reasons for this, Caltagirone says. Although emissions from oil and gas infrastructure are widely considered to be the easiest to deal with, emitters may lack the technical or financial resources and some methane sources may be difficult to shut down. there is. “It’s plumbing. It’s not rocket science,” he says.

Another explanation may be that emitters are not yet accustomed to the new alarm system. However, other methane monitoring devices have reported similar lack of response. “Our success rate is not that good,” he says Jean-François Gauthier GHGSat is a Canadian company that has been issuing similar satellite alerts for many years. “About 2 or 3 percent.”

Methane super emitter plume detected in 2021

ESA/SRON

There are also some success stories. For example, the United Nations issued several warnings this year to the Algerian government about a source of methane that has been leaking continuously since at least 1999, and whose global warming impact is equivalent to driving 500,000 cars a year. It is said to be equivalent. By October, satellite data showed it had disappeared.

But the big picture shows that monitoring is not yet leading to emissions reductions. “Simply showing a plume of methane is not enough to take action,” he says. rob jackson at Stanford University in California. The central problem, he sees, is that satellites rarely reveal who owns leaky pipelines or methane-emitting wells, making accountability difficult.

Methane is a major topic of discussion at the COP29 conference currently being held in Baku, Azerbaijan. a summit At a meeting on non-CO2 greenhouse gases convened by the United States and China this week, each country announced several measures on methane emissions. That includes a U.S. fee on methane for oil and gas emitters, a rule many expect the incoming Trump administration to roll back.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Satellite collision catastrophe now unavoidable, warn experts

Posted on October 6, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

Approximately 50,000 collision avoidance maneuvers were performed by satellites in SpaceX’s Starlink constellation in the first half of 2024. This number reflects the growing concern about satellite collisions as the number of satellites orbiting the Earth continues to increase unchecked.

With a significant portion of our communication, navigation, and climate change observation relying on space infrastructure, the potential for a catastrophic collision that could disrupt these critical services is a valid concern.

According to Andy Lawrence, Regius Professor of Astronomy at the University of Edinburgh, the threat is more insidious. Lawrence compares the situation to the “boil the frog” analogy, pointing out that gradual changes often go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Space debris resulting from collisions poses a significant risk to operational satellites. Previous incidents, such as the 2009 collision between the U.S. satellite Iridium 33 and the Russian spacecraft Cosmos 2251, highlight the potential dangers of high-speed collisions in orbit.

As the number of satellites in orbit continues to rise, the risk of collisions and conjunctions also increases. Flybys between satellites, like the ones observed by LeoLabs, underscore the potential for catastrophic events that could generate significant amounts of debris in space.

Efforts to prevent collisions, such as onboard software maneuvers and tracking systems, are crucial in mitigating risks. However, as more satellites are launched, concerns remain about the software’s ability to handle the increasing volume of space objects.

The rise in satellite constellations, driven by companies like Starlink aiming to provide global internet coverage, exacerbates the collision risk. The challenge now is to balance the benefits of satellite technology with the potential hazards it poses to orbital space, astronomy, and the environment.

As the debate continues on how to manage the growing number of satellites and ensure the sustainability of outer space, the need for international cooperation and responsible satellite deployment becomes increasingly evident.

Ultimately, the future of space exploration and satellite operations hinges on finding a delicate balance between technological progress and ensuring the long-term health and safety of our activities in space.

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To orbit the Earth, a satellite must travel at a minimum speed of 7.8 km/s (4.8 miles per second), highlighting the immense energy released in a potential collision. The increasing density of satellites in orbit raises concerns about the risks posed by collisions and close encounters between space objects.

As technology advances and more satellites are launched into space, the need for responsible space debris management becomes paramount in ensuring the sustainability of future space missions and satellite operations.

Satellite collisions can scatter thousands of pieces of debris into orbital space around Earth – Image courtesy of Alamy

The increasing number of satellites in orbit not only poses risks to operational spacecraft but also interferes with astronomical observations and environmental concerns. Balancing the benefits of satellite technology with the potential hazards it poses to space and the environment is crucial in the era of rapid space exploration and commercial satellite deployment.

As we navigate the complexities of space governance and responsible satellite deployment, collaboration among stakeholders, regulators, and operators will be essential in ensuring the sustainability and safety of our activities in space.

The future of satellite operations and space exploration depends on our ability to address these challenges effectively and ensure a secure and sustainable space environment for future generations.

A blend of exposures showing thousands of satellites swarming the night sky in 2022 – Photo credit: Alan Dyer/VW Pics/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

As we continue to expand our presence in space, it becomes increasingly important to consider the implications of our actions on the environment, astronomy, and the sustainability of future space activities. By addressing these challenges collaboratively and responsibly, we can pave the way for a safer, more sustainable future in space exploration and satellite operations.

obscure our view of the universe

The proliferation of satellites around Earth presents challenges to astronomers, with concerns about interference with observations and radio signals. Finding a balance between technological progress and preserving the integrity of astronomical research is a key concern in the evolving landscape of space exploration.

As we strive to harness the benefits of satellite technology while mitigating its potential risks, it is essential to prioritize international cooperation and sustainable practices in satellite deployment and space exploration. By working together to address these challenges, we can ensure a brighter and more sustainable future in space.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

New Satellite Launched to Monitor Emissions of Potent Greenhouse Gases

Posted on March 5, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

MethaneSAT artist impressions

Environmental Defense Fund/NASA

A satellite that is expected to change the way we look at global warming methane emissions from oil and gas production has launched from California's Vandenberg Space Force Base. The satellite, called MethaneSAT, will orbit the Earth 15 times a day and use infrared sensors to measure methane leaking from all the world's major production centers.

“We specifically designed MethaneSAT to accomplish one goal,” he says. stephen hamburger The Environmental Defense Fund (EDF) is a nonprofit advocacy group that developed the satellite with a consortium of universities and aerospace companies. “To generate policy-relevant data to track methane emissions from the oil and gas industry around the world.”

Methane is the most important greenhouse gas after carbon dioxide. And oil, gas and coal production are among the largest sources of anthropogenic methane emissions. Many governments have set targets to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2030, and at last year's COP28 climate change summit, many major oil and gas companies announced plans to reduce methane emissions by 30 percent by 2050. It pledged to reduce methane emissions to zero..

However, it is difficult to assess progress against these commitments. Current methane emissions remain poorly quantified, leaks are difficult to track, and aerial surveys and ground monitoring are expensive and some countries do not allow them. MethaneSAT joins a growing family of methane detection instruments in orbit, aiming to provide better visibility. Existing satellites, such as the European Space Agency's TROPOMI, detect methane emissions over large areas. Other devices, like the 11 methane detection devices operated by Canadian company GHGSat, focus on identifying specific point sources of methane.

In contrast, MethaneSAT regularly monitors methane at high resolution between these scales, allowing researchers to quantify emissions across regions associated with oil and gas production and identify possible sources. can be mapped. “We needed to be able to see all the emissions and resolve them in space,” Hamburg says.

When fully operational, the satellite will deliver up to 30 different “scenes” measuring methane fluxes over 40,000 square kilometers per day, according to the City of Hamburg. He said he will prioritize monitoring oil and gas producing regions such as the Permian Basin in West Texas, but will also be able to measure methane from other major sources such as agriculture, wetlands and landfills. “Methane is methane,” he says.

In parallel with the development of the satellite, Hamburg et al. are building a pipeline to rapidly convert the raw data it generates into publicly available estimates of methane emissions and the likely sources of plumes. was built. This includes a global database of oil and gas infrastructure. Created in partnership with Google Helps connect methane detection to its source.

“We're mapping the whole thing,” Hamburg says. He said the satellite will generate more data on methane emissions from oil and gas in its first year of operation than has been collected in the past 50 years. Full data collection is expected to begin in early 2025.

“The data is here and the technology is here to initiate action,” he says. Jean-François Gauthier GHGSat's hope is that MethaneSAT will help identify sources of emissions, allowing GHGSat's focused satellites to measure in more detail.

rob jackson Stanford University in California says the satellite can independently check emissions reported by companies and countries. “There will be nowhere to hide,” he says. The flood of data may also help explain the still-uncertain causes of the rise in methane rates since 2007, he added.

“The big question for me is how do people use that information,” Jackson says. “There's an assumption that if we had all the information, the emissions would somehow go away. But having information from aircraft and ground sources didn't stop these emissions.”

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Source: www.newscientist.com

European Space Agency predicts a dramatic crash landing for satellite on Earth

Posted on February 22, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

A European satellite that is malfunctioning is expected to fall to Earth and plunge uncontrollably through the atmosphere on Wednesday.

The European Space Agency said that most of the dead satellite is anticipated to burn up in the atmosphere and any surviving debris is unlikely to cause harm. However, it is challenging to determine the exact time and location of the spacecraft’s fall.

According to the Latest blog posts, the space agency estimated that the re-entry time will be around 10:41 a.m. ET on Wednesday, which would take approximately two hours. Based on the satellite’s orbit, the spacecraft was expected to be somewhere off the coast of North America in the Pacific Ocean during that period.

The space agency explained that much of the uncertainty about the re-entry of satellites is due to the challenge of predicting atmospheric density. Changes in air density, influenced by solar activity, impact the drag experienced by objects passing through Earth’s atmosphere.

The space agency stated that although there is uncertainty about the re-entry point of the dead satellite, it is unlikely to pose a threat to populated areas.

“Most of the satellites will burn out, and the surviving debris will be scattered somewhat randomly over a ground orbit averaging hundreds of kilometers long and tens of kilometers wide (this is why the risks involved are so great). “The reason for this is low),” said an expert from the agency’s Space Debris Countermeasures Office. I wrote it in a blog post.

The spacecraft, known as European Remote Sensing 2 or ERS-2, was an Earth observation satellite that collected data about Earth’s oceans, polar caps, and surface. The space agency said the satellite, launched in April 1995, was also used to monitor severe floods, earthquakes and other natural disasters in remote areas of the world.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

New NASA Satellite Launches to Study Warming Oceans and Atmosphere

Posted on February 9, 2024 by Igor Mitreski

The newest weather satellite of NASA was launched into orbit on Thursday, providing unprecedented details of the world’s oceans and atmosphere.

SpaceX launched its $948 million Pace satellite before dawn, sending its Falcon rocket south across the Atlantic Ocean to achieve a rare polar orbit.

The satellite will spend at least three years studying the ocean and atmosphere 420 miles (676 kilometers) above the Earth. Two scientific instruments scan the Earth every day. The third instrument takes monthly measurements.

The PACE (Plankton, Aerosols, Clouds, Marine Ecosystems) satellite will separate from a SpaceX rocket in orbit on Thursday.NASA (via AP)

“It will be an unprecedented view of our home planet,” said project scientist Jeremy Wardell.

The observations will help scientists better forecast hurricanes and other severe weather, better understand how the Earth is changing as temperatures rise, and better predict when harmful algae blooms will occur.

NASA already has more than 20 Earth observation satellites and instruments in orbit. But Pace's findings should provide better insight into how atmospheric aerosols, such as pollutants and volcanic ash, interact with marine life such as algae and plankton.

“The pace will give us another dimension” to what other satellites observe, said Karen St. Germain, NASA's director of Earth Sciences.

PACE (short for Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem) is the most advanced mission ever launched to study marine biology.

NASA and SpaceX engineers launched NASA's PACE (Plankton, Aerosols, Clouds, and Ocean Ecosystems) spacecraft into SpaceX's Falcon 9 spacecraft on January 30 at the AstroTech Space Operations Facility near Kennedy Space Center in Florida. It is encapsulated in the payload fairing. Denny Henry/NASA (via AP)

Current Earth observation satellites can see in seven or eight colors, Werdel said. Pace displays 200 colors, allowing scientists to identify types of algae in the ocean and particles in the air.

Scientists expect to start collecting data within a month or two.

NASA is working with India to develop another advanced Earth observation satellite scheduled to launch this year. The project, named Nisar, will use radar to measure the effects of rising temperatures on the surfaces of glaciers and other melting ice.

NASA's Pace program survived despite efforts by the Trump administration to cancel it.

“It's been a long and strange journey, as they say,” Werdel said before the launch.

Source: www.nbcnews.com

A16z-funded Apex Space inaugurates new facility to increase satellite bus production

Posted on December 14, 2023 by Igor Mitreski

when apex space The company, which came out of stealth last October, had the provocative goal of eliminating “new bottlenecks” plaguing the space industry by building satellite buses at scale.

To get there, Apex announced today that it will open a new headquarters and production facility in California and eventually scale up to manufacture 50 satellite platforms per year. Apex CEO Ian Cinnamon said in a statement that the new 46,000-square-foot facility is “vital to meeting customer demand.”

“Our customers want spacecraft with short lead times, and Factory One delivers that,” he said.

Apex wants to disrupt one of the most entrenched parts of the space industry. Satellite buses are generally made to order, which means their costs are very high and delivery times are very long. However, major changes in the industry, such as the reduction in the cost of mass launches into space, have opened up a whole new group of customers looking to send payloads into orbit.

The company plans to initially offer three satellite bus classes. One is a smaller 100 kilogram bus called Aries, which can support a payload of up to 100 kilograms. The motorcoach, called Nova, can accommodate a payload of up to 230 kg. The even larger bus “Comet” can carry up to 500 kilograms. Apex plans to fly the first Aries on SpaceX’s Transporter 10 rideshare mission, scheduled for the first quarter of next year.

Apex aims to expand the factory in the coming years. The company currently plans to deliver five Aries platforms to customers in 2024 and aims to increase production to 20 aircraft by 2025.

The company has raised at least $23.5 million in seed and Series A funding from backers including Andreessen Horowitz and Shield Capital.

Source: techcrunch.com

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