In this episode, we journey through the latest cosmic developments that are capturing our imaginations and shaping our understanding of the universe. We kick off with a concerning update about Spain's Spainsat NG2 satellite, which encountered a space particle during its ascent to orbit, highlighting the unpredictable nature of space travel. Fortunately, contingency plans are in place to ensure uninterrupted communications for the Spanish Ministry of Defence.Next, we delve into a busy launch schedule, featuring SpaceX's Falcon 9 missions that will deploy new Starlink satellites and a variety of rideshare missions, including NASA's Pandora project aimed at observing exoplanet transits. The excitement continues with ISRO's upcoming launch of an Earth observation satellite, showcasing the rapid advancements in global space initiatives.We then explore groundbreaking laboratory research supporting the RNA World hypothesis, which suggests that RNA could have been the first self-replicating molecule on Earth. This study, which mimics early Earth conditions, provides compelling evidence that life may have emerged more quickly than previously thought, with implications for the search for life on Mars.As we look towards the Moon, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year for private lunar exploration, with several companies planning missions to scout resources and test technologies essential for a sustainable human presence.We also discuss an ambitious proposal to develop a kilometric baseline interferometer to hunt for habitable moons around distant exoplanets, potentially revolutionising our search for life beyond Earth.Finally, we highlight China's Chang'e 7 mission, which is set to investigate the Moon's South Pole and its ancient ice deposits, crucial for future lunar habitation efforts.Join us as we unpack these fascinating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily podcast, hosted by Anna and Avery
00:38 – **Spainsat NG2 hit by space particle while heading to final orbit
01:51 – **SpaceX and ISRO have several missions scheduled for next week
03:08 – **RNA World hypothesis says RNA was first self replicating life precursor
04:30 – **2026 could be a pivotal year for private lunar exploration
07:13 – **This week's Astronomy Daily includes: Satellite hits, launch previews### Sources & Further Reading1. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 2. ISRO (https://www.isro.gov.in/) 3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 4. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod
Instagram: @astrodailypod
Email: hello@astronomydaily.io
Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/)
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00:00:00 --> 00:00:01 Welcome to Astronomy [music]
00:00:02 --> 00:00:04 Daily, the podcast where we dive into
00:00:04 --> 00:00:06 the latest wonders of space and
00:00:06 --> 00:00:08 astronomy while drinking coffee. [music]
00:00:08 --> 00:00:11 I'm Anna and joining me is my co-host
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 Avery. Hey Avery, it's [music] January
00:00:13 --> 00:00:17 6th, 2026. I trust the new year is still
00:00:17 --> 00:00:18 treating you well.
00:00:18 --> 00:00:20 >> Hey Anna, and hello to everyone
00:00:20 --> 00:00:20 listening. [music]
00:00:20 --> 00:00:23 It's been great. Lots of clear skies for
00:00:23 --> 00:00:26 stargazing lately. 2026 is already
00:00:26 --> 00:00:28 delivering some intriguing stories from
00:00:28 --> 00:00:30 satellite mishaps [music] to upcoming
00:00:30 --> 00:00:32 launches and big questions about life in
00:00:32 --> 00:00:34 the universe. We've got six [music]
00:00:34 --> 00:00:36 solid ones today, so let's not waste any
00:00:36 --> 00:00:39 time and get started. First up, a bit of
00:00:39 --> 00:00:42 bad luck for a brand new satellite.
00:00:42 --> 00:00:44 Spain's newest communications bird,
00:00:44 --> 00:00:48 Spain NG2, got hit by a space particle
00:00:48 --> 00:00:51 while heading to its final orbit. Yeah,
00:00:51 --> 00:00:53 this one's operated by Histasat for
00:00:53 --> 00:00:55 Spain's Ministry of Defense. Built by
00:00:55 --> 00:00:57 Airbus as part of a two billion euro
00:00:57 --> 00:00:59 pair for advanced government comms
00:00:59 --> 00:01:02 across Europe. It launched on a Falcon 9
00:01:02 --> 00:01:04 back in October 2025. And the strike
00:01:04 --> 00:01:08 happened at around 31 m up, actually
00:01:08 --> 00:01:10 higher than its target geostationary
00:01:10 --> 00:01:12 spot at 22 mi.
00:01:12 --> 00:01:15 >> The particle impact was reported just a
00:01:15 --> 00:01:17 few days ago on January 2nd. They're
00:01:17 --> 00:01:19 calling it a space particle, which could
00:01:20 --> 00:01:22 mean anything from a micrometeoroid to a
00:01:22 --> 00:01:25 bit of space debris. Damage extent is
00:01:25 --> 00:01:27 still unknown, but Histasat quickly
00:01:28 --> 00:01:30 activated a contingency plan to keep
00:01:30 --> 00:01:31 services running for the Defense
00:01:32 --> 00:01:34 Ministry and other clients without
00:01:34 --> 00:01:35 interruption.
00:01:35 --> 00:01:37 >> Their team's analyzing data now, and if
00:01:37 --> 00:01:40 needed, they'll replace it ASAP. It's a
00:01:40 --> 00:01:41 reminder of how risky the space
00:01:41 --> 00:01:43 environment is. Even in high orbits,
00:01:43 --> 00:01:45 collisions can happen. Glad they had
00:01:45 --> 00:01:47 backups in place.
00:01:47 --> 00:01:49 >> Absolutely. Space is harsh, but
00:01:49 --> 00:01:51 redundancy saves the day.
00:01:51 --> 00:01:53 >> Shifting to launches, we've got a busy
00:01:53 --> 00:01:55 week ahead with several missions on the
00:01:55 --> 00:01:57 docket. SpaceX is leading the pack with
00:01:57 --> 00:01:59 multiple Falcon 9 flights.
00:01:59 --> 00:02:02 >> Starting January 8th, Starlink Group
00:02:02 --> 00:02:06 6-96 with 29 V2 mini satellites from
00:02:06 --> 00:02:09 Cape Canaveral. Then on the 10th, group
00:02:09 --> 00:02:11 6-97,
00:02:11 --> 00:02:13 another 29 for the same shell. These are
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 boosting the constellation that's
00:02:15 --> 00:02:17 already serving millions globally.
00:02:18 --> 00:02:20 >> And on the 11th, a cool ride share
00:02:20 --> 00:02:22 called Twilight or Pandora and others
00:02:22 --> 00:02:24 from Vandenberg into sun-synchronous
00:02:24 --> 00:02:27 orbit. Highlights include NASA's Pandora
00:02:27 --> 00:02:29 mission to observe exoplanet transits in
00:02:29 --> 00:02:32 visible and IR for atmospheric clues,
00:02:32 --> 00:02:35 plus Kepler's first operational SATs for
00:02:35 --> 00:02:37 a laser linked mesh network, Spire's
00:02:37 --> 00:02:39 hyperspectral microwave sounder for
00:02:39 --> 00:02:41 better weather data, and some Lambert
00:02:42 --> 00:02:44 two birds. Then ISRO kicks off their
00:02:44 --> 00:02:48 2026 on January 12th with a PSLV
00:02:48 --> 00:02:51 carrying EOSN1,
00:02:51 --> 00:02:53 an Earth observation sat, possibly
00:02:53 --> 00:02:56 hyperspectral for defense, and 18 ride
00:02:56 --> 00:02:58 shares, including an experimental
00:02:58 --> 00:02:59 re-entry capsule.
00:02:59 --> 00:03:01 >> It's a packed lineup. Starlink
00:03:01 --> 00:03:04 expansion, exoplanet science, weather
00:03:04 --> 00:03:06 tech, and more. Exciting to see ride
00:03:06 --> 00:03:09 shares making space accessible. Next,
00:03:09 --> 00:03:11 some fascinating lab work bolstering one
00:03:11 --> 00:03:13 of the leading ideas on how life began
00:03:13 --> 00:03:17 on Earth, the RNA world hypothesis.
00:03:17 --> 00:03:19 >> The hypothesis says RNA, that versatile
00:03:20 --> 00:03:22 molecule that can store info like DNA,
00:03:22 --> 00:03:25 and catalyze reactions like proteins,
00:03:25 --> 00:03:26 might have been the first
00:03:26 --> 00:03:29 self-replicating life precursor. A team
00:03:29 --> 00:03:31 led by Utah Hiakawa from Tohoke
00:03:31 --> 00:03:33 University mixed RNA building blocks,
00:03:33 --> 00:03:37 ribos sugar, phosphates, nucleiobases,
00:03:37 --> 00:03:39 and borates from seawater and basalt
00:03:39 --> 00:03:42 rock. They heated and dried the mix,
00:03:42 --> 00:03:44 mimicking underground aquifers on early
00:03:44 --> 00:03:47 Earth. Surprisingly, borates didn't
00:03:47 --> 00:03:49 block formation. They stabilized ribos
00:03:49 --> 00:03:52 and helped phosphates, allowing RNA to
00:03:52 --> 00:03:54 form naturally through the discontinuous
00:03:54 --> 00:03:57 synthesis model steps. This is big
00:03:57 --> 00:03:59 because all those ingredients have been
00:03:59 --> 00:04:02 found in space. Ribos on asteroid Bennu
00:04:02 --> 00:04:06 via Osiris Rex. A massive impact 4.3
00:04:06 --> 00:04:07 billion years ago could have delivered
00:04:07 --> 00:04:10 them, kickstarting RNA in borate rich
00:04:10 --> 00:04:13 spots just before life's earliest signs.
00:04:13 --> 00:04:16 >> Implications: life might have emerged
00:04:16 --> 00:04:17 faster than thought and similar
00:04:17 --> 00:04:19 chemistry could happen on Mars, where
00:04:19 --> 00:04:22 borates are detected. It's not proof,
00:04:22 --> 00:04:25 but strong lab support for RNA as the
00:04:25 --> 00:04:26 bridge to life.
00:04:26 --> 00:04:28 >> Love how this ties astrobiology to
00:04:28 --> 00:04:31 origins right here on Earth.
00:04:31 --> 00:04:34 >> Speaking of the moon, 2026 is shaping up
00:04:34 --> 00:04:37 for a private lunar landing rush with
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 several companies aiming to touch down.
00:04:39 --> 00:04:41 >> We're seeing multiple commercial
00:04:41 --> 00:04:43 missions targeting the surface this
00:04:43 --> 00:04:45 year, part of the broader push with
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 NASA's CLPS program and private
00:04:49 --> 00:04:52 ventures. Though details vary, expect
00:04:52 --> 00:04:54 attempts from players like Intuitive
00:04:54 --> 00:04:57 Machines, iSpace, and others building on
00:04:58 --> 00:04:59 recent efforts.
00:04:59 --> 00:05:01 >> These soft landers and rovers are
00:05:01 --> 00:05:04 scouting resources, testing tech, and
00:05:04 --> 00:05:07 paving the way for sustained presence.
00:05:07 --> 00:05:09 Successes could accelerate the moon
00:05:09 --> 00:05:10 economy.
00:05:10 --> 00:05:13 >> Definitely, 2026 could be a pivotal year
00:05:13 --> 00:05:16 for private lunar exploration. Now an
00:05:16 --> 00:05:18 ambitious proposal to hunt for habitable
00:05:18 --> 00:05:22 moons around distant giant exoplanets.
00:05:22 --> 00:05:24 >> A team including Thomas Winterhalder
00:05:24 --> 00:05:27 from ESO suggest building a kilometric
00:05:27 --> 00:05:29 baseline intererometer mirrors
00:05:29 --> 00:05:31 kilometers apart for ultra high
00:05:31 --> 00:05:34 resolution down to one microarchse
00:05:34 --> 00:05:36 second. Paired with the upcoming
00:05:36 --> 00:05:38 extremely large telescope's 39 meter
00:05:38 --> 00:05:40 mirror, it could spot Earth-sized
00:05:40 --> 00:05:43 exomoons out to 652 lighty years via
00:05:43 --> 00:05:45 astrometric wobbles.
00:05:45 --> 00:05:47 >> Current methods like transits are tricky
00:05:47 --> 00:05:50 for moons around far out gas giants,
00:05:50 --> 00:05:52 where habitable zones might rely on
00:05:52 --> 00:05:55 tidal heating like Europa or Enceladus.
00:05:55 --> 00:05:58 This setup could directly image planets
00:05:58 --> 00:06:00 and detect moon signals.
00:06:00 --> 00:06:03 >> Challenges are huge, costs in billions.
00:06:03 --> 00:06:07 tech development post 20228 ELT. But if
00:06:07 --> 00:06:09 it works, we might find the first truly
00:06:09 --> 00:06:11 habitable exo worlds powered by internal
00:06:11 --> 00:06:13 heat, not just starlight.
00:06:13 --> 00:06:16 >> Mindblowing potential for life beyond
00:06:16 --> 00:06:18 Earthlike planets.
00:06:18 --> 00:06:20 >> Finally, China's Chongi 7 mission is
00:06:20 --> 00:06:22 gearing up to probe the moon's south
00:06:22 --> 00:06:25 pole secrets, especially water ice. The
00:06:25 --> 00:06:27 stack includes an orbiter, lander,
00:06:27 --> 00:06:30 rover, a hopping probe for tough terrain
00:06:30 --> 00:06:33 and a relay sat. Target permanently
00:06:33 --> 00:06:36 shadowed craters near the pole where
00:06:36 --> 00:06:38 ancient ice could reveal the solar
00:06:38 --> 00:06:40 systems volatile history. Ridgelines
00:06:40 --> 00:06:42 there get near constant sunlight for
00:06:42 --> 00:06:45 power while craters trap ice.
00:06:45 --> 00:06:47 Objectives: precision landing, resource
00:06:47 --> 00:06:50 prospecting, insitue analysis, key for
00:06:50 --> 00:06:53 future bases. It's phase four of China's
00:06:53 --> 00:06:56 lunar program, precursor to Changi 8 for
00:06:56 --> 00:06:59 utilization tech like 3D printing
00:06:59 --> 00:07:01 supporting the International Lunar
00:07:01 --> 00:07:03 Research Station. Hopping probe is
00:07:03 --> 00:07:06 clever for accessing shadowed spots
00:07:06 --> 00:07:07 rovers can't.
00:07:07 --> 00:07:09 >> This could unlock sustainable lunar
00:07:09 --> 00:07:12 habitation, water for fuel, air,
00:07:12 --> 00:07:13 drinking.
00:07:13 --> 00:07:15 >> And that's it for today's space and
00:07:15 --> 00:07:18 astronomy news. What a diverse episode.
00:07:18 --> 00:07:20 satellite hits, launch previews, origins
00:07:20 --> 00:07:23 of life, lunar ambitions, private and
00:07:23 --> 00:07:26 national, and exomoon hunts.
00:07:26 --> 00:07:28 >> The universe keeps surprising us. Thanks
00:07:28 --> 00:07:30 for tuning in to Astronomy Daily. We
00:07:30 --> 00:07:32 appreciate you joining the conversation.
00:07:32 --> 00:07:35 >> If you enjoyed this, subscribe and share
00:07:35 --> 00:07:37 with a fellow space fan. We'll be back
00:07:37 --> 00:07:38 tomorrow with more.
00:07:38 --> 00:07:40 >> Until then, keep looking up.
00:07:40 --> 00:07:44 >> Clear skies. [music and singing]
00:07:44 --> 00:07:53 Stories we told.
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 [music]