S03E144: BepiColombo's Mercury Flyby, China's Sea-Based Launch, and Artemis 4G Revolution

[00:00:00] [SPEAKER_00]: Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to podcast for all the latest news in the world of space and astronomy.

[00:00:05] [SPEAKER_00]: I'm Anna, your host for today.

[00:00:07] [SPEAKER_00]: We've got some exciting stories lined up for you, from NASA's Artemis 3 mission, to the latest updates on the BepiColombos spacecraft and more.

[00:00:15] [SPEAKER_00]: First, we'll dive into the latest maneuver by the BepiColombo mission as it prepares for its fourth fly-by-of-mortuary.

[00:00:21] [SPEAKER_00]: We'll also explore China's impressive 12th successful C-Based satellite launch, a significant milestone in space exploration.

[00:00:28] [SPEAKER_00]: Later, we'll talk about how the Artemis 3 mission will leverage cutting-edge 4G technology designed by Nokia to revolutionize lunar communication.

[00:00:36] [SPEAKER_00]: Finally, we'll unravel the mystery behind the enigmatic lunar swirls, shedding light on new scientific findings about these fascinating features on the moon's surface.

[00:00:46] [SPEAKER_00]: So stay tuned for some incredible space news and insights.

[00:00:49] [SPEAKER_00]: First up today, the BepiColombo mission, a joint effort by the European Space Agency, ESA,

[00:00:54] [SPEAKER_00]: and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, Jaxa, is gearing up for its fourth Mercury fly-by.

[00:01:01] [SPEAKER_00]: This is not just another fly-by but a pivotal moment in the mission's journey.

[00:01:05] [SPEAKER_00]: Scheduled for 2348 CEST, 2148 UTC on September 4th, BepiColombo will pass just 165 kilometers above Mercury's surface,

[00:01:15] [SPEAKER_00]: getting closer than ever before. Why is this fly-by-so crucial? Well, it serves a dual purpose.

[00:01:20] [SPEAKER_00]: First, it will help adjust the spacecraft's speed and trajectory,

[00:01:25] [SPEAKER_00]: essential for eventually settling into orbit around Mercury. Second, it offers a valuable opportunity

[00:01:31] [SPEAKER_00]: for scientists to gather preliminary data and fine-tune the operations of the onboard instruments

[00:01:36] [SPEAKER_00]: before the main mission begins. Initially launched in October 2018, BepiColombo utilizes a series

[00:01:43] [SPEAKER_00]: of nine planetary fly-bies to aid its journey, one around Earth, two around Venus, and six around

[00:01:50] [SPEAKER_00]: Mercury. The mission's complexity stems from Mercury's close proximity to the Sun,

[00:01:55] [SPEAKER_00]: which demands intricate maneuvers to counter the Sun's powerful gravitational pull

[00:01:59] [SPEAKER_00]: and the spacecraft's own high velocity. Interestingly, the upcoming fly-by wasn't solely routine.

[00:02:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Engineers had to overcome a challenge that emerged back in April 2024 when BepiColombo's

[00:02:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Mercury transform module, MTM, encountered an issue with its electric thrusters. These thrusters,

[00:02:16] [SPEAKER_00]: essential for the spacecraft's journey have been operating below the required thrust due

[00:02:21] [SPEAKER_00]: to unexpected electric currents affecting the power distribution from the solar arrays.

[00:02:26] [SPEAKER_00]: After months of grueling investigations, a workaround was devised.

[00:02:30] [SPEAKER_00]: ESA's flight dynamics team created a new trajectory, ensuring the spacecraft stays on mission

[00:02:34] [SPEAKER_00]: to light a flight. This shows the resilience and ingenuity of the mission team,

[00:02:40] [SPEAKER_00]: emphasizing that space exploration is as much about overcoming unexpected roadblocks

[00:02:45] [SPEAKER_00]: as it is about discovery. The fourth fly-by set to occur soon is expected to bring the spacecraft

[00:02:50] [SPEAKER_00]: within just 165 kilometers of Mercury's surface, about 35 kilometers closer than originally planned.

[00:02:58] [SPEAKER_00]: This closer approach will further reduce the propulsion needed for the next two mercury fly-bies

[00:03:02] [SPEAKER_00]: in December 2024 and January 2025, which are crucial for aligning BepiColombo's orbit with

[00:03:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Mercury. What's exciting is that although the MTM's primary thrusters are underperforming,

[00:03:14] [SPEAKER_00]: the mission scientific objectives remain unaffected. 10 of the 16 scientific instruments on board

[00:03:19] [SPEAKER_00]: will be operational during this fly-by. These instruments will collect data on magnetic fields,

[00:03:25] [SPEAKER_00]: plasma, and particles, offering a preview of the detailed science to come once BepiColombo

[00:03:30] [SPEAKER_00]: 's orbit around Mercury. Johannes Benkoff, BepiColombo's project scientist,

[00:03:35] [SPEAKER_00]: couldn't contain his excitement. He pointed out that this fly-by allows us to explore parts of

[00:03:40] [SPEAKER_00]: Mercury's environment that wouldn't be accessible once the spacecraft is in orbit. This is a

[00:03:45] [SPEAKER_00]: chance to gather unique data and ensure a smooth transition when the main mission begins.

[00:03:50] [SPEAKER_00]: Moreover, BepiColombo's trio of monitoring cameras, M-Cams will capture images of Mercury.

[00:03:56] [SPEAKER_00]: While these cameras were designed to monitor the spacecraft's equipment,

[00:03:59] [SPEAKER_00]: they also provide black and white snapshots of the planet. As the spacecraft zooms past

[00:04:04] [SPEAKER_00]: Mercury, M-Cams 2 and M-Cams 3 will start capturing well lit images two minutes after the closest

[00:04:09] [SPEAKER_00]: approach giving us unprecedented views of Mercury's terrain. There's an extra bit of

[00:04:14] [SPEAKER_00]: excitement surrounding this fly-by as it marks the first time BepiColombo will pass over Mercury's

[00:04:19] [SPEAKER_00]: poles. This maneuver is essential for adjusting the spacecraft's trajectory to match Mercury's

[00:04:25] [SPEAKER_00]: inclined orbit relative to Earth. Scientists are particularly eager to get a glimpse of Mercury's

[00:04:30] [SPEAKER_00]: south pole through the captured images. All of these thrilling developments make BepiColombo's

[00:04:35] [SPEAKER_00]: fourth fly-by a cornerstone in its journey. With new data, images and a fine-tuned trajectory,

[00:04:41] [SPEAKER_00]: the mission is not just on track but poised to deepen our understanding of Mercury and its place in

[00:04:46] [SPEAKER_00]: our solar system. Expect the first images to be released on September 5th and the initial scientific

[00:04:51] [SPEAKER_00]: results to follow on September 13th. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates on this incredible

[00:04:56] [SPEAKER_00]: mission, pushing the boundaries of what we know about our closest planetary neighbor. Next up in

[00:05:02] [SPEAKER_00]: today's story list, Galactic Energy, a private rocket manufacturer based in Beijing, has achieved

[00:05:08] [SPEAKER_00]: its third-sea-based launch of the series one carrier rocket, marking China's 12th successful

[00:05:12] [SPEAKER_00]: sea-based satellite launch overall. This is a significant milestone for Galactic Energy,

[00:05:18] [SPEAKER_00]: cementing its position as a leading private entity in the Chinese space industry.

[00:05:23] [SPEAKER_00]: On Thursday afternoon, the series one rocket blasted off from a mobile launch platform,

[00:05:27] [SPEAKER_00]: which was essentially a modified deckbarge positioned in the yellow sea off the eastern province

[00:05:32] [SPEAKER_00]: of Shandong. The launch was a success and the rocket deployed six satellites into a sun synchronous

[00:05:38] [SPEAKER_00]: orbit approximately 535 kilometers above the Earth. The newly deployed satellites come from

[00:05:44] [SPEAKER_00]: multiple operators and serve various functions. They are set to collect crucial meteorological

[00:05:49] [SPEAKER_00]: data, demonstrated advanced optical remote sensing technologies, and gather hyperspectral

[00:05:54] [SPEAKER_00]: remote sensing data. These capabilities are expected to provide valuable information for both

[00:05:59] [SPEAKER_00]: scientific research and practical applications such as weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.

[00:06:06] [SPEAKER_00]: So far, Galactic Energy has conducted 15 orbital launches with the series one model,

[00:06:11] [SPEAKER_00]: outpacing other private competitors in China. These missions have successfully placed a total of

[00:06:17] [SPEAKER_00]: 54 commercial satellites into orbit, showcasing the reliability and effectiveness of their technology.

[00:06:23] [SPEAKER_00]: The series one rocket itself stands about 20 meters tall with a diameter of 1.4 meters,

[00:06:28] [SPEAKER_00]: and it primarily uses solid propellant. With a lift off weight of 33 metric tons, the rocket is

[00:06:34] [SPEAKER_00]: capable of sending a 300-kilogram satellite or several satellites with a combined weight of

[00:06:39] [SPEAKER_00]: 200 kilograms into a 500-kilometer sun synchronous orbit. Alternatively, it can deliver payloads of

[00:06:46] [SPEAKER_00]: up to 350 kilograms into a low Earth orbit at an altitude of 200 kilometers. This successful launch

[00:06:52] [SPEAKER_00]: not only highlights the capabilities of Galactic Energy, but also underscores China's growing

[00:06:58] [SPEAKER_00]: prowess in space exploration and satellite deployment. The use of sea-based launches offers unique

[00:07:04] [SPEAKER_00]: advantages, including increased launch flexibility and reduced risk to populated areas.

[00:07:10] [SPEAKER_00]: Now let's get an Artemis update. NASA's upcoming Artemis 3 mission is set to break new ground,

[00:07:15] [SPEAKER_00]: not just by landing astronauts on the moon again, but by equipping them with cutting-edge

[00:07:20] [SPEAKER_00]: communications technology. The spacesuits these astronauts will wear won't just be your regular space

[00:07:25] [SPEAKER_00]: attire. They'll come with 4G connectivity designed by none other than Nokia.

[00:07:29] [SPEAKER_00]: Imagine this. Lunar explorers broadcasting high-definition video or transmitting large

[00:07:35] [SPEAKER_00]: volumes of scientific data back to Earth in real time. It's a huge leap forward from the

[00:07:39] [SPEAKER_00]: traditional UHF radio communications that past missions relied on. Nokia's innovation essentially

[00:07:45] [SPEAKER_00]: minimizes a mobile network tower into a box that can fit onto a lunar lander. This compressed

[00:07:50] [SPEAKER_00]: base station will allow the astronauts to stay connected up to two kilometers away from the lander,

[00:07:55] [SPEAKER_00]: a considerable range when you think about it. On Earth, a network of base station towers

[00:08:00] [SPEAKER_00]: dotted landscapes to keep us connected. But on the moon, we only need this compact system

[00:08:05] [SPEAKER_00]: demonstrating how scalable and adaptable our technology has become.

[00:08:10] [SPEAKER_00]: Now the Aximew space suits crafted by Axium space won't have a touchscreen interface like the

[00:08:15] [SPEAKER_00]: smartphones where all accustomed to. Instead, the suits will integrate components of a

[00:08:19] [SPEAKER_00]: smartphone customized for the space environment. What they'll gain from this integration is remarkable,

[00:08:25] [SPEAKER_00]: including the ability to stream high-definition video or send substantial scientific data

[00:08:30] [SPEAKER_00]: back to the base station, which will then relay it to Earth. Traditionally, UHF radio has been

[00:08:35] [SPEAKER_00]: the go-to technology for astronauts during their lunar missions. While UHF has served well,

[00:08:40] [SPEAKER_00]: it pales in comparison to the higher bandwidth and faster speeds offered by 4G.

[00:08:45] [SPEAKER_00]: Nokia has been working on this technology for space applications since receiving a $14.1

[00:08:49] [SPEAKER_00]: million NASA grant back in 2020. The company envisions a future where 4G connectivity will

[00:08:55] [SPEAKER_00]: benefit not just Artemis 3 astronauts, but potentially all future lunar missions.

[00:09:00] [SPEAKER_00]: In fact, the first test of this lunar 4G network will occur later this year with intuitive

[00:09:05] [SPEAKER_00]: machines I am 2 mission. This mission will carry the base station while two other payloads,

[00:09:11] [SPEAKER_00]: the map rover and the micronova drone will have 4G receivers. Beyond the Artemis 3 mission,

[00:09:18] [SPEAKER_00]: Nokia sees potential applications for this technology in various lunar devices.

[00:09:22] [SPEAKER_00]: Think of a lunar terrain vehicle equipped with 4G connectivity or even smaller science experiments

[00:09:27] [SPEAKER_00]: and sensors linking through this network. Throughout 2024 and into 2025,

[00:09:33] [SPEAKER_00]: the 4G equip suits will go through rigorous testing. Everything from vacuum chambers to simulations

[00:09:38] [SPEAKER_00]: in the indoor pool at NASA's Johnson Space Center. These tests aim to ensure that both the

[00:09:44] [SPEAKER_00]: suits and their components can withstand the extreme conditions they'll face during life on the moon.

[00:09:50] [SPEAKER_00]: This technological leap doesn't just make communication easier, it opens the door for more advanced

[00:09:55] [SPEAKER_00]: scientific exploration and data collection. It's an exciting time for space exploration

[00:10:00] [SPEAKER_00]: as we blend the advancements made in consumer technology with the rigors of space travel.

[00:10:06] [SPEAKER_00]: The Artemis 3 mission with its 4G connectivity is certainly one to watch as we prepare for

[00:10:11] [SPEAKER_00]: humanity's next giant leap on the lunar surface. Let's explore a truly fascinating topic.

[00:10:16] [SPEAKER_00]: The mysterious light colored swirls on the moon's surface. Visible through even the most

[00:10:21] [SPEAKER_00]: basic backyard telescopes, these lunar swirls have long puzzled scientists. Some say these swirls

[00:10:27] [SPEAKER_00]: resemble the brush strokes in an abstract painting but they are far from mere artistic flourishes.

[00:10:33] [SPEAKER_00]: NASA's images show that these intricate patterns can extend for hundreds of miles. So what's

[00:10:38] [SPEAKER_00]: behind these captivating formations? Recent studies suggest that lunar swirls are the result

[00:10:43] [SPEAKER_00]: of magnetized rocks. These rocks create a magnetic field strong enough to deflect solar wind particles,

[00:10:49] [SPEAKER_00]: which bombard the moon continuously. While nearby areas darken over time due to chemical

[00:10:54] [SPEAKER_00]: reactions caused by these solar winds, the swirls maintain their lighter appearance because they

[00:10:59] [SPEAKER_00]: are protected by their magnetic fields. This brings us to a crucial question. How did the rocks

[00:11:05] [SPEAKER_00]: in these swirls become magnetized? After all, the moon no longer has a global magnetic field.

[00:11:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Recent modeling and spacecraft data have started to unravel this mystery. One popular theory is

[00:11:15] [SPEAKER_00]: that these magnetic anomalies were caused by impacts or possibly by subterranean lava with high

[00:11:21] [SPEAKER_00]: titanium content cooling down in the presence of an ancient magnetic field.

[00:11:26] [SPEAKER_00]: A system professor Michael J. Kretchensky from Washington University believes that localized magma

[00:11:32] [SPEAKER_00]: could be the real culprit. His recent experiments, co-designed with PhD graduate,

[00:11:37] [SPEAKER_00]: Uanyuan Leang tested whether lunar light conditions could magnetize materials like

[00:11:41] [SPEAKER_00]: Illmanite, a mineral abundant on the moon. They concluded that high surface area to volume ratio

[00:11:47] [SPEAKER_00]: in Illmanite grains could indeed create the necessary magnetic fields. These theories have

[00:11:53] [SPEAKER_00]: significant implications. Understanding the origin of lunar swirls could help scientists piece

[00:11:58] [SPEAKER_00]: together the historical magnetic environment of the moon, revealing more about its geological

[00:12:03] [SPEAKER_00]: history and even the broader surface effects experienced by other planets and moons.

[00:12:09] [SPEAKER_00]: Looking ahead NASA intends to send a rover to one of the most famous lunar swirls

[00:12:13] [SPEAKER_00]: Reiner Gamma in 2025 as part of the lunar vertex mission. This mission aims to gather more data

[00:12:19] [SPEAKER_00]: and possibly provide direct evidence of the processes behind these enigmatic patterns.

[00:12:25] [SPEAKER_00]: Thus, while the mystery of lunar swirls has yet to be completely solved,

[00:12:29] [SPEAKER_00]: ongoing research and upcoming missions are set to offer invaluable insights.

[00:12:32] [SPEAKER_00]: For now, the study of these swirls continues to excite the scientific community,

[00:12:37] [SPEAKER_00]: bridging the gap between remote observations and hands-on lunar exploration.

[00:12:43] [SPEAKER_00]: And that's all for today's episode of Astronomy Daily. Thanks for tuning in.

[00:12:46] [SPEAKER_00]: If you enjoyed today's episode, please visit our website at AstronomyDali.io

[00:12:51] [SPEAKER_00]: where you can sign up for our free daily newsletter, catch up on the latest space and Astronomy News

[00:12:56] [SPEAKER_00]: with our constantly updating newsfeed and listen to all our back episodes. You can also find us on

[00:13:02] [SPEAKER_00]: social media by searching for Astro DailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube and TikTok. Have a great day

[00:13:09] [SPEAKER_00]: and keep looking up.