Astronomy Daily | Space News: S04E73
In this enlightening episode of Astronomy Daily, host Anna navigates the latest cosmic events and breakthroughs that are reshaping our understanding of space. From the Parker Solar Probe's record-breaking approach to the Sun to the intriguing phenomenon of space piracy, this episode is packed with insights that will keep you captivated.
Highlights:
- Parker Solar Probe's 23rd Close Approach: Join us as we celebrate the Parker Solar Probe's incredible achievement of reaching within 3.8 million miles of the Sun's surface, matching its own records for both proximity and speed. Discover how this groundbreaking mission is transforming our understanding of solar activity and the mysteries of the corona.
- The Mysterious Blue Spiral: Explore the captivating blue spiral that lit up the skies over Europe, sparking theories of extraterrestrial origins. We reveal the true cause behind this mesmerizing light show, linked to a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch, and how modern space technology creates such stunning celestial phenomena.
- 3D Printing for Space Colonization: Delve into how 3D printing technology is poised to revolutionize sustainable living on the Moon and Mars. Learn about in situ resource utilization and how astronauts can use local materials to create habitats, tools, and structures, paving the way for future space colonization.
- NASA Astronauts' Return from the ISS: Catch up on the return of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore after an extended nine-month stay aboard the International Space Station. We discuss the fascinating physical changes they experienced during their time in microgravity and the challenges of readjusting to Earth's environment.
- The Rise of Space Piracy: Finally, we venture into the emerging concern of space piracy as commercial activities in orbit increase. Experts warn of potential criminal exploitation and the need for new security measures to protect valuable space assets.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) . Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, TikTok, and our new Instagram account! Don’t forget to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Thank you for tuning in. This is Anna signing off. Until next time, keep looking up and stay curious about the wonders of our universe.
00:00 - Welcome to Astronomy Daily
01:05 - Parker Solar Probe's latest approach
10:30 - Blue spiral phenomenon explained
17:00 - 3D printing technology for space colonization
22:15 - Return of astronauts from the ISS
27:30 - Emerging concerns of space piracy
✍️ Episode References
Parker Solar Probe Updates
[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov (https://www.nasa.gov/) )
SpaceX Falcon 9 Launch Details
[SpaceX]( https://www.spacex.com (https://www.spacex.com/) )
3D Printing in Space
[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/3dprinting (https://www.nasa.gov/3dprinting) )
NASA Astronauts' Research
[NASA]( https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts (https://www.nasa.gov/astronauts) )
Space Piracy Insights
[Center for the Study of Space Crime Policy and Governance]( https://www.cscpg.org/ (https://www.cscpg.org/) )
Astronomy Daily
[Astronomy Daily]( http://www.astronomydaily.io/ (http://www.astronomydaily.io/) )
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .
Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/26290040?utm_source=youtube
00:00:00 --> 00:00:03 welcome to Astronomy Daily i'm Anna and
00:00:03 --> 00:00:04 you're tuned in to your essential source
00:00:04 --> 00:00:07 for the latest developments beyond our
00:00:07 --> 00:00:09 atmosphere we've got a packed episode
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11 for you today as we journey from the
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 scorching vicinity of our sun all the
00:00:13 --> 00:00:15 way to the emerging frontiers of space
00:00:15 --> 00:00:18 law and security our cosmic journey
00:00:18 --> 00:00:20 begins close to home well relatively
00:00:20 --> 00:00:23 speaking as NASA's Parker Solar Probe
00:00:23 --> 00:00:25 completes its 23rd close approach to the
00:00:25 --> 00:00:28 sun matching its own impressive records
00:00:28 --> 00:00:30 for both proximity and speed this
00:00:30 --> 00:00:32 intrepid spacecraft continues to push
00:00:32 --> 00:00:33 the boundaries of what we can learn
00:00:33 --> 00:00:35 about our star then we'll look into a
00:00:35 --> 00:00:38 mysterious blue spiral that captivated
00:00:38 --> 00:00:40 skygazers across Europe this week the
00:00:40 --> 00:00:42 spectacular phenomenon had social media
00:00:42 --> 00:00:44 buzzing with theories ranging from the
00:00:44 --> 00:00:47 scientific to the extraterrestrial will
00:00:47 --> 00:00:48 reveal what really caused this
00:00:48 --> 00:00:51 memerizing celestial light show looking
00:00:51 --> 00:00:54 toward humanity's future among the stars
00:00:54 --> 00:00:57 we'll explore how 3D printing technology
00:00:57 --> 00:00:59 may be the key that unlocks sustainable
00:00:59 --> 00:01:01 living on other worlds just as early
00:01:01 --> 00:01:03 pioneers had to adapt to new
00:01:03 --> 00:01:05 environments using local resources
00:01:05 --> 00:01:07 future space colonists will need
00:01:07 --> 00:01:09 innovative solutions to survive on the
00:01:09 --> 00:01:11 moon and Mars we'll also check in on
00:01:11 --> 00:01:14 NASA astronauts Sunni Williams and Butch
00:01:14 --> 00:01:16 Wilmore who recently returned to Earth
00:01:16 --> 00:01:18 after an unexpectedly extended 9-month
00:01:18 --> 00:01:20 stay aboard the International Space
00:01:20 --> 00:01:22 Station their prolonged exposure to
00:01:22 --> 00:01:25 microgravity has resulted in fascinating
00:01:25 --> 00:01:26 physical changes and we'll discuss what
00:01:26 --> 00:01:29 their recovery process might look like
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 finally we'll venture into more
00:01:31 --> 00:01:33 speculative territory with a look at an
00:01:33 --> 00:01:35 emerging concern that might sound like
00:01:35 --> 00:01:37 science fiction but is being taken very
00:01:37 --> 00:01:42 seriously by experts space piracy as
00:01:42 --> 00:01:44 commercial activities in orbit expand
00:01:44 --> 00:01:46 security specialists are warning that
00:01:46 --> 00:01:48 criminal exploitation may not be far
00:01:48 --> 00:01:51 behind so whether you're a casual space
00:01:51 --> 00:01:53 enthusiast or a dedicated follower of
00:01:53 --> 00:01:55 astronomical advances stay with us as we
00:01:55 --> 00:01:57 explore these fascinating developments
00:01:57 --> 00:01:59 from across the cosmos on today's
00:01:59 --> 00:02:02 edition of Astronomy Daily let's get
00:02:02 --> 00:02:05 started nasa's Parker Solar Probe has
00:02:05 --> 00:02:07 achieved another remarkable milestone in
00:02:07 --> 00:02:10 its mission to study our star up close
00:02:10 --> 00:02:12 on March 22nd the spacecraft completed
00:02:12 --> 00:02:15 its 23rd close approach to the sun
00:02:15 --> 00:02:18 reaching perihelion at 6:42 p.m eastern
00:02:18 --> 00:02:20 Daylight Time during this close
00:02:20 --> 00:02:22 encounter the probe once again equaled
00:02:22 --> 00:02:24 its own impressive distance record
00:02:24 --> 00:02:27 coming within approximately 3.8 million
00:02:27 --> 00:02:29 miles of the sun's surface to put this
00:02:29 --> 00:02:32 incredible proximity into perspective
00:02:32 --> 00:02:34 that's about 4% of the distance between
00:02:34 --> 00:02:37 Earth and the Sun at this close range
00:02:37 --> 00:02:39 the Parker Solar Probe experiences
00:02:39 --> 00:02:41 temperatures that would melt most
00:02:41 --> 00:02:42 spacecraft but thanks to its
00:02:42 --> 00:02:45 revolutionary heat shield it continues
00:02:45 --> 00:02:47 to operate in this extreme environment
00:02:47 --> 00:02:49 the probe didn't just match its distance
00:02:50 --> 00:02:52 record it also matched its speed record
00:02:52 --> 00:02:54 hurtling around the sun at a
00:02:54 --> 00:03:00 mind-boggling 430 mph or 692 km
00:03:00 --> 00:03:02 hour that's fast enough to travel from
00:03:02 --> 00:03:04 New York to Los Angeles in just over 20
00:03:04 --> 00:03:07 seconds this incredible velocity makes
00:03:07 --> 00:03:10 Parker the fastest humanmade object ever
00:03:10 --> 00:03:12 created mission operators at the John's
00:03:12 --> 00:03:14 Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory in
00:03:14 --> 00:03:16 Laurel Maryland where the spacecraft was
00:03:16 --> 00:03:18 designed and built received a beacon
00:03:18 --> 00:03:21 tone on Tuesday confirming that the
00:03:21 --> 00:03:23 probe was in good health with all
00:03:23 --> 00:03:25 systems operating normally despite the
00:03:25 --> 00:03:26 intense conditions it had just
00:03:26 --> 00:03:28 experienced
00:03:28 --> 00:03:30 this perihelion marked the midpoint of
00:03:30 --> 00:03:33 the probe's 23rd solar encounter which
00:03:33 --> 00:03:34 began on March 18th and continued
00:03:34 --> 00:03:37 through March 27th during these close
00:03:37 --> 00:03:39 approaches Parker Solar Probe conducts
00:03:39 --> 00:03:41 unrivaled scientific measurements of the
00:03:41 --> 00:03:43 solar wind the stream of charged
00:03:43 --> 00:03:45 particles flowing from the sun and
00:03:45 --> 00:03:48 related solar activity the data
00:03:48 --> 00:03:50 collected during these encounters is
00:03:50 --> 00:03:51 transforming our understanding of the
00:03:51 --> 00:03:54 sun's outer atmosphere called the corona
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 and helping scientists solve
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 longstanding solar
00:03:58 --> 00:04:00 mysteries one of the biggest questions
00:04:00 --> 00:04:03 involves why the corona is millions of
00:04:03 --> 00:04:04 degrees hotter than the sun's visible
00:04:04 --> 00:04:07 surface which defies what we'd expect to
00:04:07 --> 00:04:09 see as you move away from a heat source
00:04:10 --> 00:04:11 parker's measurements are also critical
00:04:11 --> 00:04:13 for understanding how solar eruptions
00:04:13 --> 00:04:16 affect space weather which can impact
00:04:16 --> 00:04:18 satellites power grids and
00:04:18 --> 00:04:20 telecommunication systems back on Earth
00:04:20 --> 00:04:23 by understanding these solar processes
00:04:23 --> 00:04:25 scientists hope to improve forecasting
00:04:25 --> 00:04:28 of potentially damaging solar storms
00:04:28 --> 00:04:30 this mission continues to push the
00:04:30 --> 00:04:31 boundaries of engineering and scientific
00:04:32 --> 00:04:34 discovery with each close approach
00:04:34 --> 00:04:36 Parker Solar Probe ventures into
00:04:36 --> 00:04:37 territory no spacecraft has ever
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 explored before sending back valuable
00:04:39 --> 00:04:42 data from the very edge of our star as
00:04:42 --> 00:04:44 it continues its planned series of
00:04:44 --> 00:04:46 increasingly close solar encounters we
00:04:46 --> 00:04:48 can expect even more groundbreaking
00:04:48 --> 00:04:50 discoveries about the star that makes
00:04:50 --> 00:04:51 life on Earth
00:04:51 --> 00:04:54 possible next up a mystery for our
00:04:54 --> 00:04:55 European listeners has been solved with
00:04:56 --> 00:04:58 a rather straightforward answer a
00:04:58 --> 00:05:00 mysterious blue spiral lit up the night
00:05:00 --> 00:05:02 skies across Europe on March 24th
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 creating a social media frenzy as
00:05:04 --> 00:05:07 residents from the UK Croatia Poland and
00:05:07 --> 00:05:10 Hungary shared photos and videos of the
00:05:10 --> 00:05:12 strange celestial phenomenon the eerie
00:05:12 --> 00:05:14 blue whirlpool which many compared to a
00:05:14 --> 00:05:17 spiral galaxy prompted wild speculation
00:05:17 --> 00:05:19 about its origin with some even
00:05:19 --> 00:05:21 suggesting it might be evidence of
00:05:21 --> 00:05:24 extraterrestrial visitors one observer
00:05:24 --> 00:05:26 initially thought it was the moon behind
00:05:26 --> 00:05:28 clouds until it started moving with
00:05:28 --> 00:05:30 spiraling light emanating from it others
00:05:30 --> 00:05:32 watched in awe as the spectacular
00:05:32 --> 00:05:35 formation expanded and persisted in the
00:05:35 --> 00:05:37 sky for several minutes before gradually
00:05:37 --> 00:05:40 fading away the site was particularly
00:05:40 --> 00:05:42 striking against the dark European skies
00:05:42 --> 00:05:45 appearing as an icy blue vortex that
00:05:45 --> 00:05:47 seemed almost otherworldly
00:05:47 --> 00:05:49 despite the alien theories circulating
00:05:49 --> 00:05:51 online the explanation is rooted in
00:05:51 --> 00:05:53 modern space technology rather than
00:05:53 --> 00:05:56 science fiction the spiral was actually
00:05:56 --> 00:05:59 created by a Space X Falcon 9 rocket
00:05:59 --> 00:06:01 that had launched earlier that day from
00:06:01 --> 00:06:03 Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in
00:06:03 --> 00:06:05 Florida the rocket was carrying the
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 secretive NRL 69 mission for the
00:06:07 --> 00:06:09 National Reconnaissance Office when it
00:06:10 --> 00:06:12 created this unexpected light show
00:06:12 --> 00:06:14 thousands of miles away what witnesses
00:06:14 --> 00:06:17 observed is sometimes called a SpaceX
00:06:17 --> 00:06:19 spiral a phenomenon that occurs after
00:06:19 --> 00:06:22 the upper stage of a Falcon 9 rocket has
00:06:22 --> 00:06:24 separated from its first stage booster
00:06:24 --> 00:06:26 while the lower stage returns to Earth
00:06:26 --> 00:06:29 for recovery minutes after launch the
00:06:29 --> 00:06:31 upper stage continues its journey to
00:06:31 --> 00:06:33 deliver its payload to orbit after
00:06:33 --> 00:06:35 releasing its cargo the upper stage
00:06:35 --> 00:06:38 begins its own descent back to Earth
00:06:38 --> 00:06:40 during this descent the upper stage
00:06:40 --> 00:06:41 enters a spinning motion while
00:06:41 --> 00:06:43 simultaneously venting any remaining
00:06:43 --> 00:06:46 fuel at the high altitude where this
00:06:46 --> 00:06:48 occurs the expelled fuel instantly
00:06:48 --> 00:06:50 freezes in the cold vacuum of space
00:06:50 --> 00:06:52 creating a swirling pattern that
00:06:52 --> 00:06:54 perfectly preserves the spinning motion
00:06:54 --> 00:06:56 of the booster when sunlight reflects
00:06:56 --> 00:06:59 off this frozen fuel form it produces
00:06:59 --> 00:07:01 the stunning spiral that captivated
00:07:01 --> 00:07:04 European sky watchers physicist and
00:07:04 --> 00:07:06 science communicator Brian Cox took to
00:07:06 --> 00:07:07 social media to reassure concerned
00:07:08 --> 00:07:10 citizens that the event was indeed
00:07:10 --> 00:07:12 associated with the SpaceX launch and
00:07:12 --> 00:07:15 not something more alarming amateur
00:07:15 --> 00:07:17 astronomers and smartphone photographers
00:07:17 --> 00:07:19 captured remarkable images of the
00:07:19 --> 00:07:21 phenomenon with some describing it as
00:07:21 --> 00:07:24 unforgettable and stunning while these
00:07:24 --> 00:07:26 SpaceX spirals remain relatively rare
00:07:26 --> 00:07:28 sightings they may become more common as
00:07:28 --> 00:07:30 the frequency of rocket launches
00:07:30 --> 00:07:32 continues to increase as commercial
00:07:32 --> 00:07:35 space activities ramp up worldwide these
00:07:35 --> 00:07:37 spectacular but harmless light shows
00:07:37 --> 00:07:39 could become a more familiar sight in
00:07:39 --> 00:07:42 our night skies one social media user
00:07:42 --> 00:07:44 humorously expressed disappointment at
00:07:44 --> 00:07:46 the rational explanation writing that
00:07:46 --> 00:07:49 they wished it was an invasion so they
00:07:49 --> 00:07:52 could use the time off work but for most
00:07:52 --> 00:07:54 observers witnessing this rare and
00:07:54 --> 00:07:56 beautiful cosmic spectacle was more than
00:07:56 --> 00:07:58 enough excitement for one evening even
00:07:58 --> 00:07:59 if it didn't herald the arrival of
00:07:59 --> 00:08:02 visitors from another world
00:08:02 --> 00:08:04 while on the subject of visiting other
00:08:04 --> 00:08:07 worlds throughout history when pioneers
00:08:07 --> 00:08:09 ventured into uncharted territories they
00:08:09 --> 00:08:12 carried only the essentials and relied
00:08:12 --> 00:08:16 on local resources to build new lives in
00:08:16 --> 00:08:18 the coming era of space exploration
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 astronauts will face even greater
00:08:20 --> 00:08:22 challenges than those early settlers but
00:08:22 --> 00:08:25 with one crucial technological advantage
00:08:25 --> 00:08:27 3D printing unlike the Vikings who
00:08:27 --> 00:08:29 reached Greenland with axes and plows
00:08:29 --> 00:08:31 today's space pioneers will bring
00:08:31 --> 00:08:33 advanced manufacturing capabilities that
00:08:33 --> 00:08:35 can transform the alien environments of
00:08:35 --> 00:08:38 the moon and Mars into habitable
00:08:38 --> 00:08:40 outposts these remarkable machines will
00:08:40 --> 00:08:42 be essential for extending human
00:08:42 --> 00:08:44 presence beyond Earth allowing
00:08:44 --> 00:08:46 astronauts to create tools structures
00:08:46 --> 00:08:48 and habitats for materials found on
00:08:48 --> 00:08:50 these distant worlds the technology is
00:08:50 --> 00:08:52 already proving its value in space
00:08:52 --> 00:08:55 aboard the International Space Station
00:08:55 --> 00:08:57 astronauts regularly use 3D printers to
00:08:57 --> 00:09:00 manufacture tools and spare parts from
00:09:00 --> 00:09:02 ratchet wrenches to brackets and clamps
00:09:02 --> 00:09:04 these items can be produced in hours
00:09:04 --> 00:09:06 rather than waiting months for supplies
00:09:06 --> 00:09:09 from Earth nasa has even begun recycling
00:09:09 --> 00:09:11 waste plastic to create new components
00:09:11 --> 00:09:13 with the Refabricator an advanced
00:09:13 --> 00:09:15 printer installed in
00:09:15 --> 00:09:17 2019 why not simply bring everything
00:09:17 --> 00:09:19 from Earth the answer comes down to
00:09:19 --> 00:09:22 economics and practicality
00:09:22 --> 00:09:23 launching materials into space is
00:09:23 --> 00:09:25 prohibitively expensive with NASA
00:09:26 --> 00:09:28 estimating costs around $500 per
00:09:28 --> 00:09:31 pound just to reach the moon building
00:09:31 --> 00:09:33 sustainable outposts requires using
00:09:33 --> 00:09:35 resources available at the destination a
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 concept known as insitu resource
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 utilization the primary building
00:09:39 --> 00:09:41 material on both the moon and Mars will
00:09:42 --> 00:09:44 likely be regalith the fine dusty
00:09:44 --> 00:09:47 sandlike particles covering these worlds
00:09:47 --> 00:09:49 unlike Earth soil regalith contains few
00:09:50 --> 00:09:52 nutrients and no living organisms but
00:09:52 --> 00:09:54 researchers believe it could serve as an
00:09:54 --> 00:09:55 excellent printing medium for
00:09:55 --> 00:09:57 constructing protective structures these
00:09:57 --> 00:09:59 habitats must shield astronauts from
00:09:59 --> 00:10:01 extreme temperature fluctuations
00:10:01 --> 00:10:04 radiation micromedorite impacts and the
00:10:04 --> 00:10:06 absence of breathable atmosphere
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 engineering teams are exploring several
00:10:08 --> 00:10:11 promising approaches some are developing
00:10:11 --> 00:10:13 a regalith based concrete partially made
00:10:13 --> 00:10:15 from surface ice others are
00:10:15 --> 00:10:17 experimenting with melting regalith at
00:10:17 --> 00:10:19 high temperatures and molding it while
00:10:19 --> 00:10:21 liquid or using concentrated sunlight
00:10:21 --> 00:10:24 lasers or microwaves to fuse particles
00:10:24 --> 00:10:26 together without requiring binders a
00:10:26 --> 00:10:27 process
00:10:27 --> 00:10:30 called one team at NASA's moon to Mars
00:10:30 --> 00:10:32 planetary autonomous construction
00:10:32 --> 00:10:35 technology program created Marsrete a
00:10:35 --> 00:10:38 special concrete used to 3D print a test
00:10:38 --> 00:10:42 structure in 2017 by 2019 they had
00:10:42 --> 00:10:44 constructed a 1-/3 scale prototype Mars
00:10:44 --> 00:10:47 habitat using similar technology
00:10:47 --> 00:10:49 complete with living sleeping research
00:10:49 --> 00:10:51 and food production modules these
00:10:51 --> 00:10:53 innovations face significant technical
00:10:53 --> 00:10:55 hurdles manufacturing behaves
00:10:56 --> 00:10:57 differently in reduced gravity
00:10:57 --> 00:10:59 environments with materials cooling and
00:10:59 --> 00:11:01 crystallizing in unexpected ways the
00:11:02 --> 00:11:04 moon has just 16th Earth's gravity while
00:11:04 --> 00:11:07 Mars has about twoths additionally
00:11:07 --> 00:11:08 researchers must work with simulated
00:11:08 --> 00:11:11 regalith since actual lunar and Martian
00:11:11 --> 00:11:13 materials are scarce or inaccible the
00:11:13 --> 00:11:15 composition differs significantly
00:11:15 --> 00:11:17 between worlds lunar regalith consists
00:11:17 --> 00:11:19 mostly of silicates and is extremely
00:11:20 --> 00:11:22 fine and angular while Martian regalith
00:11:22 --> 00:11:24 contains iron oxide giving it its
00:11:24 --> 00:11:26 characteristic reddish color the
00:11:26 --> 00:11:28 technology being developed for space
00:11:28 --> 00:11:30 habitats is already finding applications
00:11:30 --> 00:11:33 on Earth engineers are adapting these
00:11:33 --> 00:11:35 techniques to address housing shortages
00:11:35 --> 00:11:38 creating affordable 3D printed homes
00:11:38 --> 00:11:40 from locally sourced materials and
00:11:40 --> 00:11:42 recycled construction debris this
00:11:42 --> 00:11:44 practical spin-off demonstrates how
00:11:44 --> 00:11:46 space research often yields unexpected
00:11:46 --> 00:11:49 benefits for terrestrial problems as
00:11:49 --> 00:11:50 humanity prepares to establish a
00:11:50 --> 00:11:53 permanent presence beyond Earth with
00:11:53 --> 00:11:55 Artemis 3 scheduled to return humans to
00:11:55 --> 00:11:57 the lunar surface in 2027 and a
00:11:58 --> 00:12:00 potential Mars mission as early as
00:12:00 --> 00:12:03 2035 3D printing technology will
00:12:03 --> 00:12:05 undoubtedly be among the most essential
00:12:05 --> 00:12:07 tools enabling people to truly live off
00:12:07 --> 00:12:10 alien land transforming these hostile
00:12:10 --> 00:12:13 environments into humanity's second
00:12:13 --> 00:12:16 home next a little catchup nasa
00:12:16 --> 00:12:18 astronauts Sunni Williams and Butch
00:12:18 --> 00:12:20 Wilmore have finally touched down on
00:12:20 --> 00:12:23 Earth after what can only be described
00:12:23 --> 00:12:25 as an unexpectedly extended mission
00:12:25 --> 00:12:28 aboard the International Space Station
00:12:28 --> 00:12:29 originally scheduled for a brief stay
00:12:30 --> 00:12:32 after arriving last June technical
00:12:32 --> 00:12:33 issues with their Boeing Starlininer
00:12:33 --> 00:12:36 spacecraft left them stranded in orbit
00:12:36 --> 00:12:39 for a remarkable 9 months their capsule
00:12:39 --> 00:12:41 splashed down in the Gulf of Mexico or
00:12:41 --> 00:12:43 is that the Gulf of America these days
00:12:43 --> 00:12:46 on March 18th bringing to an end a
00:12:46 --> 00:12:49 mission that saw them complete over
00:12:49 --> 00:12:52 4 orbits around Earth and travel an
00:12:53 --> 00:12:56 astounding 121 million miles while the
00:12:56 --> 00:12:58 mission may have concluded the physical
00:12:58 --> 00:13:00 journey for these astronauts is far from
00:13:00 --> 00:13:03 over extended exposure to zeroravity
00:13:03 --> 00:13:05 environments triggers profound changes
00:13:05 --> 00:13:07 in the human body many of which are
00:13:07 --> 00:13:10 already visible in Williams and Wilmore
00:13:10 --> 00:13:13 comparison photos taken before and after
00:13:13 --> 00:13:15 their mission reveal noticeable physical
00:13:15 --> 00:13:17 differences that scientists are now
00:13:17 --> 00:13:21 studying carefully dr christopher Mason
00:13:21 --> 00:13:23 a professor at Wild Cornell Medicine
00:13:23 --> 00:13:25 explains that astronauts typically
00:13:25 --> 00:13:28 experience temporary increases in height
00:13:28 --> 00:13:30 and general leanness upon returning to
00:13:30 --> 00:13:32 Earth this occurs alongside significant
00:13:32 --> 00:13:34 changes in gene expression and telmir
00:13:34 --> 00:13:37 length the protective caps at the end of
00:13:37 --> 00:13:38 chromosomes that typically lengthen
00:13:38 --> 00:13:41 during space flight all of it is at
00:13:41 --> 00:13:43 least on some measures transient Dr
00:13:43 --> 00:13:46 mason notes most of it is a response to
00:13:46 --> 00:13:48 space flight and usually in a few weeks
00:13:48 --> 00:13:50 they're mostly back to normal it's the
00:13:50 --> 00:13:52 first few days that are the most really
00:13:52 --> 00:13:55 dynamic when they get back to Earth
00:13:55 --> 00:13:57 those first days can be particularly
00:13:57 --> 00:14:00 challenging former NASA astronaut Jose M
00:14:00 --> 00:14:02 hernandez who spent 14 days in orbit
00:14:02 --> 00:14:05 recalls his own return i remember my
00:14:05 --> 00:14:07 first two words when I came down was
00:14:07 --> 00:14:10 gravity sucks because your body starts
00:14:10 --> 00:14:13 adapting and you've got to recalibrate
00:14:13 --> 00:14:15 your vestibular balance
00:14:15 --> 00:14:17 system the physical challenges facing
00:14:18 --> 00:14:20 Williams and Wilmore are substantial
00:14:20 --> 00:14:22 muscle atrophy from limited movement
00:14:22 --> 00:14:24 reduced bone density increased mineral
00:14:24 --> 00:14:27 content in their bodies and neurological
00:14:27 --> 00:14:30 shifts including disorientation are all
00:14:30 --> 00:14:32 common postspace symptoms their bodies
00:14:32 --> 00:14:34 have also likely experienced blood
00:14:34 --> 00:14:36 volume reduction decreased aerobic
00:14:36 --> 00:14:38 capacity and potentially compromised
00:14:38 --> 00:14:39 immune
00:14:39 --> 00:14:42 systems immediately after landing both
00:14:42 --> 00:14:44 astronauts were transported to medical
00:14:44 --> 00:14:46 facilities for comprehensive
00:14:46 --> 00:14:49 evaluations they now face what could be
00:14:49 --> 00:14:51 months of intensive physical therapy and
00:14:51 --> 00:14:53 rehabilitation as their bodies readjust
00:14:53 --> 00:14:56 to Earth's gravity as Hernandez
00:14:56 --> 00:14:58 predicted it's going to take a couple of
00:14:58 --> 00:15:00 months before they feel kind of normal
00:15:00 --> 00:15:02 back here on Earth these physical
00:15:02 --> 00:15:05 adaptations highlight the extraordinary
00:15:05 --> 00:15:07 sacrifices astronauts make in the name
00:15:07 --> 00:15:08 of scientific
00:15:08 --> 00:15:10 advancement the data collected from
00:15:10 --> 00:15:12 Williams and Wilmore's extended stay
00:15:12 --> 00:15:15 will prove invaluable for NASA's ongoing
00:15:15 --> 00:15:17 research into the effects of long
00:15:17 --> 00:15:19 duration spaceflight critical knowledge
00:15:20 --> 00:15:21 as the agency prepares for future
00:15:21 --> 00:15:24 missions to the moon and Mars their
00:15:24 --> 00:15:27 unexpected 9-month journey has
00:15:27 --> 00:15:29 inadvertently provided scientists with a
00:15:29 --> 00:15:31 rare opportunity to study prolonged
00:15:31 --> 00:15:33 space exposure potentially helping
00:15:33 --> 00:15:35 researchers develop better
00:15:35 --> 00:15:37 countermeasures for future astronauts
00:15:37 --> 00:15:39 embarking on deep space missions where
00:15:39 --> 00:15:41 returns to Earth won't be measured in
00:15:41 --> 00:15:43 months but
00:15:43 --> 00:15:46 years finally today a subject you
00:15:46 --> 00:15:47 probably haven't given much if any
00:15:47 --> 00:15:51 thought to but a problem is looming ahoy
00:15:51 --> 00:15:53 space enthusiasts just when you thought
00:15:53 --> 00:15:55 the final frontier couldn't get any more
00:15:55 --> 00:15:57 intriguing a new concern has emerged
00:15:57 --> 00:15:59 that sounds like it belongs in a science
00:15:59 --> 00:16:03 fiction novel space piracy yes you heard
00:16:03 --> 00:16:05 that right experts are now warning that
00:16:05 --> 00:16:08 the growing commercialization of space
00:16:08 --> 00:16:11 is bringing with it the very real threat
00:16:11 --> 00:16:13 of criminal activity beyond our
00:16:13 --> 00:16:16 atmosphere the Center for the Study of
00:16:16 --> 00:16:18 Space Crime Policy and Governance or
00:16:18 --> 00:16:21 CSCPG is at the forefront of examining
00:16:21 --> 00:16:23 this emerging risk their message is
00:16:23 --> 00:16:25 clear and comes with a touch of humor
00:16:25 --> 00:16:27 you may not be interested in space
00:16:27 --> 00:16:29 piracy but space pirates are interested
00:16:29 --> 00:16:32 in you mark Feldman the cent's executive
00:16:32 --> 00:16:34 director and Hugh Taylor a specialist in
00:16:34 --> 00:16:37 cyber security have co-authored a book
00:16:37 --> 00:16:39 titled Space Piracy: Preparing for a
00:16:39 --> 00:16:42 Criminal Crisis in Orbit they describe
00:16:42 --> 00:16:44 their work as speculative non-fiction
00:16:44 --> 00:16:46 emphasizing that while space piracy
00:16:46 --> 00:16:49 hasn't fully materialized they believe
00:16:49 --> 00:16:51 it's only a matter of time what's
00:16:51 --> 00:16:52 particularly concerning is their
00:16:52 --> 00:16:54 assertion that early forms of space
00:16:54 --> 00:16:56 crime are already
00:16:56 --> 00:16:58 underway we are arguing that it's
00:16:58 --> 00:17:00 already started in very early stages
00:17:00 --> 00:17:03 with attempts to hack satellites Taylor
00:17:03 --> 00:17:05 explains as commercial activities in
00:17:05 --> 00:17:08 space accelerate they anticipate both
00:17:08 --> 00:17:10 physical and digital attacks on valuable
00:17:10 --> 00:17:12 space assets potentially beginning with
00:17:12 --> 00:17:14 disruptions to Earth-based
00:17:14 --> 00:17:16 infrastructure like launch facilities or
00:17:16 --> 00:17:18 ground stations one scenario Feldman
00:17:18 --> 00:17:20 envisions involves criminals taking
00:17:20 --> 00:17:22 control of a broadcast satellite in
00:17:22 --> 00:17:24 geocynchronous Earth orbit to disrupt a
00:17:24 --> 00:17:26 major global media event like the World
00:17:26 --> 00:17:29 Cup the pirates might demand either pay
00:17:29 --> 00:17:31 a very large amount to ensure the
00:17:31 --> 00:17:34 televised event or it goes dark and
00:17:34 --> 00:17:37 other blackouts will follow sounds like
00:17:37 --> 00:17:38 something out of a James Bond film
00:17:38 --> 00:17:41 doesn't it satellites involved in
00:17:41 --> 00:17:42 shipping are also considered highly
00:17:42 --> 00:17:45 vulnerable targets so how do we protect
00:17:45 --> 00:17:47 against these celestial buccaneers the
00:17:48 --> 00:17:49 experts suggest we need a dedicated
00:17:49 --> 00:17:52 agency to coordinate efforts
00:17:52 --> 00:17:54 while the US Space Force might seem like
00:17:54 --> 00:17:56 the logical choice they currently lack
00:17:56 --> 00:17:58 the specific structure and mandate for
00:17:58 --> 00:17:59 this
00:17:59 --> 00:18:02 mission interestingly Taylor points out
00:18:02 --> 00:18:05 that the US Navy with its 250 years of
00:18:05 --> 00:18:08 experience combating maritime piracy
00:18:08 --> 00:18:10 could be invaluable if given the proper
00:18:10 --> 00:18:13 legal authority on the international
00:18:13 --> 00:18:15 front the United Nations Office for
00:18:15 --> 00:18:17 Outer Space Affairs may provide the best
00:18:17 --> 00:18:19 venue for bringing together the diverse
00:18:19 --> 00:18:20 stakeholders needed to address this
00:18:20 --> 00:18:21 issue
00:18:21 --> 00:18:23 comprehensively people don't like the
00:18:23 --> 00:18:26 United Nations Taylor acknowledges but
00:18:26 --> 00:18:28 it arguably is the only venue where
00:18:28 --> 00:18:30 everyone can come together and talk
00:18:30 --> 00:18:32 feldman emphasizes the need for
00:18:32 --> 00:18:34 developing new weapons and rapid
00:18:34 --> 00:18:36 response capabilities as of now there is
00:18:36 --> 00:18:39 no way to quickly respond he warns
00:18:39 --> 00:18:41 suggesting that small agile and
00:18:41 --> 00:18:43 appropriately armed spacecraft might be
00:18:43 --> 00:18:45 essential for dealing with hostage
00:18:45 --> 00:18:47 situations on commercial space stations
00:18:47 --> 00:18:49 or similar emergencies the historical
00:18:49 --> 00:18:52 parallel isn't lost on these researchers
00:18:52 --> 00:18:54 pirates of old drove innovation in ship
00:18:54 --> 00:18:56 building as colonial shipyards from New
00:18:56 --> 00:18:59 England to the Carolinas designed faster
00:18:59 --> 00:19:01 sleeker vessels specifically for their
00:19:01 --> 00:19:03 pirate customers similarly combating
00:19:03 --> 00:19:05 space piracy may spur technological
00:19:05 --> 00:19:08 development in ways we can't yet imagine
00:19:08 --> 00:19:10 the experts stress that the United
00:19:10 --> 00:19:11 States intelligence community and space
00:19:11 --> 00:19:15 force need to expand their focus beyond
00:19:15 --> 00:19:17 nation state threats like China Russia
00:19:17 --> 00:19:20 Iran and North Korea to include
00:19:20 --> 00:19:21 non-state
00:19:21 --> 00:19:24 actors once this understanding is
00:19:24 --> 00:19:26 digested Feldman concludes creative
00:19:26 --> 00:19:28 responses to prevent and mitigate these
00:19:28 --> 00:19:31 threats will follow as we venture
00:19:31 --> 00:19:33 further into the commercial development
00:19:33 --> 00:19:35 of space with private companies
00:19:35 --> 00:19:37 launching satellites building space
00:19:37 --> 00:19:40 stations and planning lunar bases the
00:19:40 --> 00:19:42 legal and security frameworks that
00:19:42 --> 00:19:44 govern these activities must evolve
00:19:44 --> 00:19:47 accordingly otherwise the high seas of
00:19:47 --> 00:19:49 Earth orbit might indeed become the next
00:19:49 --> 00:19:50 hunting ground for those seeking to
00:19:50 --> 00:19:53 plunder the valuable resources now
00:19:53 --> 00:19:55 floating above our
00:19:55 --> 00:19:58 heads well that brings us to the end of
00:19:58 --> 00:20:00 today's journey through the cosmos from
00:20:00 --> 00:20:02 the Parker Solar Probes record-breaking
00:20:02 --> 00:20:04 close approach to the sun to the
00:20:04 --> 00:20:07 spectacular blue spiral that captivated
00:20:07 --> 00:20:10 European sky watchers to the innovative
00:20:10 --> 00:20:12 3D printing technologies that will help
00:20:12 --> 00:20:15 us build homes on other worlds to our
00:20:15 --> 00:20:17 returning astronauts and their physical
00:20:17 --> 00:20:19 transformations and finally to the
00:20:19 --> 00:20:21 emerging frontier of space security
00:20:21 --> 00:20:24 challenges the universe continues to
00:20:24 --> 00:20:27 amaze challenge and inspire us i'd like
00:20:27 --> 00:20:29 to thank you for spending the last 20
00:20:29 --> 00:20:31 minutes with Astronomy Daily i'm your
00:20:31 --> 00:20:33 host Anna and it's been my pleasure to
00:20:33 --> 00:20:36 bring you these fascinating developments
00:20:36 --> 00:20:38 from beyond our atmosphere for more
00:20:38 --> 00:20:40 space content and in-depth coverage of
00:20:40 --> 00:20:41 these stories please visit our website
00:20:42 --> 00:20:43 at
00:20:43 --> 00:20:44 astronomydaily.io we're constantly
00:20:44 --> 00:20:46 updating with news articles images and
00:20:46 --> 00:20:48 blog posts you can also join our
00:20:48 --> 00:20:50 community of space enthusiasts by
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00:20:52 --> 00:20:55 for Astro Daily Pod on X Facebook
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00:20:57 --> 00:20:59 updates stunning visuals and
00:20:59 --> 00:21:02 conversations about our universe until
00:21:02 --> 00:21:04 our next cosmic rendevous keep looking
00:21:04 --> 00:21:07 up the sky is not the limit it's just
00:21:07 --> 00:21:09 the beginning this has been Astronomy
00:21:09 --> 00:21:13 Daily i'm Anna signing off astronomy
00:21:13 --> 00:21:16 day stories been told
00:21:16 --> 00:21:32 [Music]