Source:
https://www.spreaker.com/episode/s03e147-mars-s-lost-water-mystery-china-s-satellite-ambitions-and-spacex-s-spy-satellite-launches--61280854
Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: 6th September 2024
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your latest source of space and Astronomy news, with your host, Anna. Today we're diving into some fascinating topics, ranging from the latest findings about Mars's escaping water to the exciting flyby of Mercury by the Bepicolombo mission. We'll also discuss China's ambitious plans with G Space's new low Earth orbit satellites, SpaceX's launch of next-gen spy satellites, and how amateur astronomers are aiding the study of Jupiter's weather. Stick around for an engaging episode packed with the latest updates and discoveries from the cosmos.
Highlights:
- Mars's Escaping Water: NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and Maven mission have made significant strides in understanding where Mars's water went. By analyzing hydrogen and deuterium in the Martian atmosphere, scientists can estimate the amount of water Mars once held. This study combines data collected over different Martian years, revealing a more dynamic atmosphere than previously thought.
- China's Low Earth Orbit Satellites: Chinese automaker Geely's G Space has launched ten new low Earth orbit satellites, extending their constellation to 30 satellites that cover 90% of the globe with 24-hour communication services. This ambitious plan aims to compete with SpaceX's Starlink by offering global broadband services.
- SpaceX's Next-Gen Spy Satellites: On September 5, SpaceX launched a new batch of next-gen spy satellites for the US National Reconnaissance Office. This mission is part of the NRO's proliferated architecture strategy, which involves deploying numerous smaller satellites to create a more resilient network.
- Amateur Astronomers and Jupiter: Amateur astronomers are making significant contributions to the study of Jupiter's atmospheric phenomena. Using relatively affordable telescopes, they help monitor the gas giant's weather patterns, providing valuable data that complements professional observations.
- Bepicolombo's Mercury Latest Flyby: The Bepicolombo mission completed its fourth and closest flyby of Mercury, offering unprecedented views of the planet's south pole region. This flyby is crucial for adjusting the spacecraft's trajectory and preparing for its primary science mission set to commence in late 2026.
For more space news, be sure to visit our website at https://www.astronomydaily.io. There you can sign up for our free Daily newsletter, read insightful blog posts, and catch up on all the latest space and Astronomy news with our constantly updating newsfeed.
Don't forget to listen to all our previous episodes as well. You can also follow us on social media. Just search for AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok to stay connected with our community and never miss an update.
Until next time, keep looking up.
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00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 welcome to astronomy daily your latest
00:00:02 --> 00:00:04 source of space and astronomy news with
00:00:04 --> 00:00:06 your host Anna today we're diving into
00:00:06 --> 00:00:08 some fascinating topics ranging from the
00:00:08 --> 00:00:11 latest findings about Mars's escaping
00:00:11 --> 00:00:14 water to the exciting flyby of mercury
00:00:14 --> 00:00:16 by the Bey Columbo Mission we'll also
00:00:16 --> 00:00:18 discuss China's ambitious plans with g-s
00:00:18 --> 00:00:21 space's new low earth orbit satellites
00:00:21 --> 00:00:23 spacex's launch of nextg spy satellites
00:00:23 --> 00:00:25 and how amateur astronomers are aiding
00:00:25 --> 00:00:27 the study of Jupiter's weather stick
00:00:27 --> 00:00:29 around for an engaging episode packed
00:00:29 --> 00:00:30 with the latest upd and discoveries from
00:00:30 --> 00:00:33 the cosmos let's start today with a Mars
00:00:33 --> 00:00:35 update NASA's Hubble Space Telescope and
00:00:35 --> 00:00:37 Maven Mission are making significant
00:00:37 --> 00:00:39 strides in unlocking one of Mars's
00:00:39 --> 00:00:41 Biggest Secrets what happened to all its
00:00:41 --> 00:00:43 water Mars was once a very wet Planet
00:00:43 --> 00:00:45 evidenced by its surface geological
00:00:45 --> 00:00:48 features over the past 3 billion years
00:00:48 --> 00:00:50 scientists suggest that some of this
00:00:50 --> 00:00:52 water went underground but where did the
00:00:52 --> 00:00:54 rest go the Hubble and Maven missions
00:00:54 --> 00:00:56 have combined data to offer answers
00:00:56 --> 00:00:58 there are only two places water can go
00:00:58 --> 00:01:00 explains John Clark from Boston
00:01:00 --> 00:01:02 University it can freeze into the ground
00:01:02 --> 00:01:04 or the water molecule can break into
00:01:04 --> 00:01:06 atoms and the atoms can escape from the
00:01:06 --> 00:01:08 top of the atmosphere into space
00:01:08 --> 00:01:10 essentially Clark's team needs to
00:01:10 --> 00:01:11 understand how these atoms escape to
00:01:11 --> 00:01:14 gauge how much water Mars once held
00:01:14 --> 00:01:15 water molecules in the Martian
00:01:15 --> 00:01:17 atmosphere are broken apart by sunlight
00:01:17 --> 00:01:20 into hydrogen and oxygen atoms Clark's
00:01:20 --> 00:01:21 team focused on hydrogen and its heavier
00:01:21 --> 00:01:24 cousin dyum which has a neutron in its
00:01:24 --> 00:01:27 nucleus because dyum is heavier it
00:01:27 --> 00:01:29 escapes Mars's atmosphere more slowly
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 than regular hydrogen by measuring the
00:01:31 --> 00:01:34 current ratio of dyum to hydrogen
00:01:34 --> 00:01:35 scientists can work backwards to
00:01:35 --> 00:01:37 estimate the amount of water Mars used
00:01:37 --> 00:01:39 to have what makes this study
00:01:39 --> 00:01:40 groundbreaking is the combination of
00:01:41 --> 00:01:42 data collected over different Martian
00:01:42 --> 00:01:45 years Maven not sensitive enough to
00:01:45 --> 00:01:47 detect dyum throughout the Martian year
00:01:47 --> 00:01:48 relied on Hubble's data to fill in the
00:01:48 --> 00:01:51 gaps offering a complete picture this
00:01:51 --> 00:01:53 holistic approach over years allowed a
00:01:53 --> 00:01:55 more Dynamic understanding of Mars's
00:01:55 --> 00:01:57 atmosphere showing that it is much more
00:01:57 --> 00:02:00 turbulent and changes more quickly than
00:02:00 --> 00:02:02 previously thought one significant
00:02:02 --> 00:02:04 Discovery is that hydrogen and dyum
00:02:04 --> 00:02:06 Escape rates Spike dramatically when
00:02:06 --> 00:02:08 Mars is closest to the Sun traditional
00:02:08 --> 00:02:10 models had shown these atoms slowly
00:02:10 --> 00:02:12 diffusing upward but the new data
00:02:12 --> 00:02:14 indicate a more rapid and energy
00:02:14 --> 00:02:16 intensive process collisions with solar
00:02:16 --> 00:02:18 wind protons and sunlight driven
00:02:18 --> 00:02:21 chemical reactions help give these atoms
00:02:21 --> 00:02:23 the extra kick needed to escape Mars's
00:02:23 --> 00:02:26 gravity Beyond understanding Mars the
00:02:26 --> 00:02:28 study offers insights into the evolution
00:02:28 --> 00:02:30 of planets around other stars
00:02:30 --> 00:02:32 especially earthlike planets in
00:02:32 --> 00:02:33 habitable zones where liquid water might
00:02:33 --> 00:02:37 exist Mars Earth and Venus all occupy or
00:02:37 --> 00:02:39 very near our solar systems habitable
00:02:39 --> 00:02:40 zone but have vastly different
00:02:40 --> 00:02:43 environments today by studying Mars we
00:02:43 --> 00:02:44 gain a better understanding of these
00:02:45 --> 00:02:46 distinctions and their implications for
00:02:46 --> 00:02:48 Distant Worlds the Hubble Space
00:02:48 --> 00:02:50 Telescope and Maven missions have been
00:02:50 --> 00:02:52 crucial in this research Hubble a joint
00:02:52 --> 00:02:54 project between NASA and Issa has been
00:02:55 --> 00:02:56 studying the universe for over three
00:02:56 --> 00:02:59 decades meanwhile Maven managed by
00:02:59 --> 00:03:01 NASA's Goddard space flight center is
00:03:01 --> 00:03:03 preparing to celebrate its 10th year at
00:03:03 --> 00:03:05 Mars both of these missions underscore
00:03:06 --> 00:03:07 the importance of international
00:03:07 --> 00:03:09 cooperation and long-term investments in
00:03:09 --> 00:03:12 space exploration thanks to the efforts
00:03:12 --> 00:03:13 of these powerful telescopes and the
00:03:13 --> 00:03:15 dedicated scientists interpreting their
00:03:15 --> 00:03:17 data we are one step closer to
00:03:17 --> 00:03:19 understanding not only the history of
00:03:19 --> 00:03:21 Mars but settings more applicable
00:03:21 --> 00:03:23 universally now let's turn our attention
00:03:23 --> 00:03:25 to some groundbreaking news from China
00:03:25 --> 00:03:28 Chinese automaker Gil's g-space has
00:03:28 --> 00:03:30 announced an impressive milestone with
00:03:30 --> 00:03:32 the launch of 10 low earth orbit
00:03:32 --> 00:03:34 satellites this launch is part of their
00:03:34 --> 00:03:36 ambitious plan to form a Global
00:03:36 --> 00:03:38 Communications Mega constellation
00:03:38 --> 00:03:40 essentially it's China's answer to
00:03:40 --> 00:03:42 spacex's starlink which has already
00:03:42 --> 00:03:43 revolutionized the satellite
00:03:43 --> 00:03:46 Communications industry these 10 new
00:03:46 --> 00:03:48 satellites were launched from the Taiwan
00:03:48 --> 00:03:49 satellite launch Center in shanii
00:03:49 --> 00:03:52 Province significantly extending the
00:03:52 --> 00:03:54 capabilities of g-spaces
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 constellation with this batch the
00:03:56 --> 00:03:59 constellation now boasts 30 satellites
00:03:59 --> 00:04:02 covering 90% of the globe with 24-hour
00:04:02 --> 00:04:04 communication Services that's a massive
00:04:04 --> 00:04:07 achievement for g-space and marks the
00:04:07 --> 00:04:08 first time a Chinese commercial
00:04:08 --> 00:04:11 Aerospace company has offered low earth
00:04:11 --> 00:04:13 orbit satellite communication on a
00:04:13 --> 00:04:17 global scale g-space was established by
00:04:17 --> 00:04:20 G Technology Group in 2018 their mission
00:04:20 --> 00:04:23 to research launch and operate low orbit
00:04:23 --> 00:04:24 satellites that can provide Global
00:04:24 --> 00:04:26 Broadband services and they're well on
00:04:26 --> 00:04:29 their way their initial plan includes
00:04:29 --> 00:04:31 placing 72 satellites in orbit by the
00:04:31 --> 00:04:35 end of 2025 aiming to serve over 200
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 million users worldwide but that's just
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 the beginning the company plans to
00:04:39 --> 00:04:42 expand its constellation to nearly 6
00:04:42 --> 00:04:44 satellites this robust network will be
00:04:44 --> 00:04:46 designed to offer Global Broadband
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 Services positioning g-space as a strong
00:04:49 --> 00:04:51 competitor to starlink Leo satellites
00:04:51 --> 00:04:53 typically orbit at altitudes of 300 to
00:04:53 --> 00:04:56 2 km above the Earth's surface one
00:04:56 --> 00:04:58 of their main advantages is that they're
00:04:58 --> 00:05:00 cheaper and provide more efficient
00:05:00 --> 00:05:01 transmission compared to those in higher
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 orbits g-s space's deployment strategy
00:05:04 --> 00:05:06 leverages these benefits making it a
00:05:06 --> 00:05:09 cost-effective and scalable solution for
00:05:09 --> 00:05:11 Global Communications g-s space's
00:05:11 --> 00:05:13 Endeavor is part of a broader wave of
00:05:13 --> 00:05:14 Chinese companies entering the satellite
00:05:14 --> 00:05:17 communication space another notable
00:05:17 --> 00:05:19 player is Shanghai spacecom satellite
00:05:19 --> 00:05:21 technology which has also launched Leo
00:05:21 --> 00:05:23 satellites under its thousand sales
00:05:23 --> 00:05:27 constellation or the G60 starlink plan
00:05:27 --> 00:05:29 they have equally ambitious plans aiming
00:05:29 --> 00:05:33 to deploy 15 satellites by 2030 it's
00:05:33 --> 00:05:35 clear that China is heavily investing in
00:05:35 --> 00:05:37 Satellite technology to ensure they're
00:05:37 --> 00:05:39 not left behind in this new space race
00:05:39 --> 00:05:41 gsp's latest launch is a significant
00:05:41 --> 00:05:43 step forward not just for Gile and
00:05:43 --> 00:05:46 g-space but for the overall landscape of
00:05:46 --> 00:05:48 global satellite Communications this
00:05:48 --> 00:05:49 competitive spirit and Rapid
00:05:49 --> 00:05:51 technological advancement could lead to
00:05:51 --> 00:05:52 more affordable and accessible
00:05:52 --> 00:05:54 communication Services
00:05:54 --> 00:05:56 worldwide speaking of that other
00:05:56 --> 00:05:58 satellite Communications company SpaceX
00:05:58 --> 00:06:00 is showing no signs of slowing down on
00:06:00 --> 00:06:03 September 5th one of spacex's Falcon 9
00:06:03 --> 00:06:04 rockets launched from California's
00:06:04 --> 00:06:07 vandenbberg space Force Base this wasn't
00:06:07 --> 00:06:08 just any Mission this launch sent a new
00:06:08 --> 00:06:10 batch of NextGen spy satellites into
00:06:10 --> 00:06:12 orbit for the US national reconnaissance
00:06:12 --> 00:06:16 office or nro it was their 86th orbital
00:06:16 --> 00:06:18 mission of the year underscoring just
00:06:18 --> 00:06:20 how prolific SpaceX has become in the
00:06:20 --> 00:06:22 realm of space launches what's
00:06:22 --> 00:06:23 intriguing about this particular
00:06:23 --> 00:06:26 operation known as nrol
00:06:26 --> 00:06:29 113 is that it's part of the nro's new
00:06:29 --> 00:06:31 strategy called proliferated
00:06:31 --> 00:06:33 architecture this concept involves
00:06:33 --> 00:06:36 deploying numerous smaller satellites to
00:06:36 --> 00:06:37 create a network designed to be more
00:06:37 --> 00:06:40 capable and resilient than traditional
00:06:40 --> 00:06:43 single Satellite Systems in simple terms
00:06:43 --> 00:06:45 having more satellites in orbit can
00:06:45 --> 00:06:47 ensure the network remains operational
00:06:47 --> 00:06:50 and less vulnerable to threats spacex's
00:06:50 --> 00:06:51 efforts didn't just end with launching
00:06:51 --> 00:06:54 the satellites the falcon9 booster used
00:06:54 --> 00:06:56 in this Mission also executed a Flawless
00:06:56 --> 00:06:59 Landing about 8.5 minutes after liftoff
00:06:59 --> 00:07:01 the booster settled back down onto the
00:07:01 --> 00:07:04 deck of the SpaceX drone ship of course
00:07:04 --> 00:07:06 I still love you floating in the Pacific
00:07:06 --> 00:07:08 Ocean this marks the 20th time this
00:07:08 --> 00:07:10 particular booster has been launched and
00:07:10 --> 00:07:12 landed highlighting the reusability
00:07:12 --> 00:07:14 goals SpaceX founder Elon Musk has
00:07:14 --> 00:07:16 championed interestingly this wasn't the
00:07:16 --> 00:07:18 only Mission SpaceX managed that day
00:07:19 --> 00:07:21 earlier on September 5th another Falcon
00:07:21 --> 00:07:23 9 rocket launched from Florida's Space
00:07:23 --> 00:07:25 Coast delivering 21 starlink internet
00:07:25 --> 00:07:27 satellites into orbit this shows how
00:07:27 --> 00:07:29 SpaceX has become Adept at handling
00:07:29 --> 00:07:32 multiple missions almost simultaneously
00:07:32 --> 00:07:33 while the exact details of these spy
00:07:33 --> 00:07:36 satellites remain classified as is
00:07:36 --> 00:07:38 typical with nro missions it's clear
00:07:39 --> 00:07:40 that they play a critical role in
00:07:40 --> 00:07:43 National Security the nro has described
00:07:43 --> 00:07:45 prior launches in this series as
00:07:45 --> 00:07:47 essential to their proliferated
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 architecture strategy and this third
00:07:49 --> 00:07:51 launch in the series continues to build
00:07:51 --> 00:07:53 on that Foundation it's a testament to
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 the growing relationship and trust
00:07:55 --> 00:07:57 between SpaceX and government agencies
00:07:57 --> 00:08:00 for crucial and classified missions
00:08:00 --> 00:08:02 now let's turn our gaze to Jupiter with
00:08:02 --> 00:08:05 its iconic Great Red Spot and swirling
00:08:05 --> 00:08:08 turbulent atmosphere has long fascinated
00:08:08 --> 00:08:11 astronomers and space enthusiasts alike
00:08:11 --> 00:08:12 while professional observatories and
00:08:12 --> 00:08:14 high-cost missions like the very large
00:08:14 --> 00:08:17 telescope in Chile and NASA's Juno
00:08:17 --> 00:08:19 Orbiter have offered invaluable insights
00:08:19 --> 00:08:22 into Jupiter's meteorology they can't
00:08:22 --> 00:08:24 monitor the gas giant continuously this
00:08:24 --> 00:08:27 is where amateur astronomers armed with
00:08:27 --> 00:08:28 relatively affordable telescopes are
00:08:28 --> 00:08:31 stepping up to the plate a recent study
00:08:31 --> 00:08:32 published in Earth and space science
00:08:32 --> 00:08:34 highlights how amateur astronomers can
00:08:34 --> 00:08:36 significantly Aid in this endeavor using
00:08:36 --> 00:08:38 equipment costing as little as
00:08:38 --> 00:08:41 $4 these afficionados are making
00:08:41 --> 00:08:43 sizable contributions to our
00:08:43 --> 00:08:45 understanding of Jupiter's atmospheric
00:08:45 --> 00:08:47 phenomena especially its cloud
00:08:47 --> 00:08:49 formations and ammonia distribution you
00:08:49 --> 00:08:51 see Jupiter's topmost clouds aren't
00:08:51 --> 00:08:52 water-based like Earth's but are
00:08:52 --> 00:08:55 primarily composed of ammonia Ice by
00:08:55 --> 00:08:57 analyzing the absorption of specific
00:08:57 --> 00:09:01 wavelengths of light 600 47 nanom
00:09:01 --> 00:09:05 absorbed by ammonia and 619 nanom
00:09:05 --> 00:09:07 absorbed by methane amateur astronomers
00:09:08 --> 00:09:09 can determine the abundance of ammonia
00:09:09 --> 00:09:11 in different regions of Jupiter's
00:09:11 --> 00:09:13 atmosphere methane levels remain
00:09:13 --> 00:09:15 relatively constant and well studied
00:09:15 --> 00:09:17 allowing for this comparative technique
00:09:17 --> 00:09:20 higher absorption at 647 nanometers
00:09:20 --> 00:09:21 compared to
00:09:21 --> 00:09:25 619 indicates increased ammonia content
00:09:25 --> 00:09:26 providing critical clues about Jupiter's
00:09:26 --> 00:09:29 intricate weather patterns this simple
00:09:29 --> 00:09:30 yet effective method has allowed
00:09:30 --> 00:09:32 researchers to observe changes in
00:09:32 --> 00:09:34 ammonia distribution over various time
00:09:34 --> 00:09:37 scales from weeks to years however more
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 comprehensive data is needed to better
00:09:39 --> 00:09:40 understand what these fluctuations
00:09:40 --> 00:09:42 signify and how they influence Jupiter's
00:09:42 --> 00:09:44 overall weather system amateur
00:09:44 --> 00:09:46 astronomers are perfectly positioned to
00:09:46 --> 00:09:49 fill this Gap and the researchers hope
00:09:49 --> 00:09:51 these Celestial hobbyists will rally
00:09:51 --> 00:09:54 around the cause making regular
00:09:54 --> 00:09:56 observations with a larger Global
00:09:56 --> 00:09:58 Network of observers we can capture a
00:09:58 --> 00:10:00 much more detailed and continuous
00:10:00 --> 00:10:02 picture of Jupiter's atmospheric
00:10:02 --> 00:10:04 conditions this would enable weekly or
00:10:04 --> 00:10:06 even daily monitoring a feat that's
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 unmanageable with sporadic professional
00:10:08 --> 00:10:11 observations Alone by joining forces
00:10:11 --> 00:10:13 citizen scientists and professional
00:10:13 --> 00:10:15 astronomers can unlock new levels of
00:10:15 --> 00:10:17 understanding helping us unravel the
00:10:18 --> 00:10:20 complexities of not just Jupiter but
00:10:20 --> 00:10:22 planetary weather systems in general
00:10:22 --> 00:10:24 whether you're an experienced Stargazer
00:10:24 --> 00:10:27 or a curious newcomer your contributions
00:10:27 --> 00:10:29 could make a meaningful difference in
00:10:29 --> 00:10:31 space research so if you've ever pointed
00:10:31 --> 00:10:33 a telescope at Jupiter and marveled at
00:10:33 --> 00:10:35 its Grandeur consider becoming part of
00:10:35 --> 00:10:37 this significant scientific effort
00:10:37 --> 00:10:39 whether you capture an image of a
00:10:39 --> 00:10:42 swirling storm or a fleeting atmospheric
00:10:42 --> 00:10:45 anomaly your work might just change our
00:10:45 --> 00:10:46 understanding of the largest planet in
00:10:46 --> 00:10:50 our solar system now on to Mercury the
00:10:50 --> 00:10:52 Bey Columbo Mission completed its fourth
00:10:52 --> 00:10:54 and closest flyby yet of mercury a
00:10:54 --> 00:10:56 fascinating event that has offered us
00:10:56 --> 00:10:58 brand new unprecedented views of the
00:10:58 --> 00:11:00 planet South Pole region
00:11:00 --> 00:11:01 this close encounter took place on
00:11:01 --> 00:11:03 September 4th marking a significant
00:11:03 --> 00:11:04 milestone in the mission's journey
00:11:05 --> 00:11:07 toward a comprehensive study of mercury
00:11:07 --> 00:11:08 a joint effort by the European Space
00:11:09 --> 00:11:11 Agency Esa and the Japan Aerospace
00:11:11 --> 00:11:14 Exploration Agency jaxa Bey Columbo
00:11:14 --> 00:11:19 whizzed just 165 km about 103 mi from
00:11:19 --> 00:11:21 the surface of mercury not only did this
00:11:21 --> 00:11:23 flyby produce stunning photos but it
00:11:23 --> 00:11:26 also played a crucial role in adjusting
00:11:26 --> 00:11:28 the spacecraft's trajectory to match
00:11:28 --> 00:11:30 Mercury's more inclined orbit relative
00:11:30 --> 00:11:32 to Earth the primary objective of these
00:11:33 --> 00:11:35 flybys is to slow down the spacecraft
00:11:35 --> 00:11:37 effectively using Mercury's gravity as a
00:11:37 --> 00:11:39 break to ease it deeper into the sun's
00:11:39 --> 00:11:42 gravitational pole unlike missions that
00:11:42 --> 00:11:44 slingshot past planets to gain speed Bey
00:11:44 --> 00:11:46 Columbo needs to decelerate to ensure it
00:11:46 --> 00:11:48 gets captured by Mercury's minuscule
00:11:48 --> 00:11:51 gravity launched in 2018 and named after
00:11:51 --> 00:11:54 Italian scientist jpe Bey Columbo this
00:11:54 --> 00:11:56 mission is unique it consists of two
00:11:56 --> 00:11:58 orbiters isa's Mercury planetary Orbiter
00:11:58 --> 00:12:00 and Jack ta's Mercury magnetospheric
00:12:00 --> 00:12:02 Orbiter stacked together aboard the
00:12:02 --> 00:12:05 Mercury transfer module MTM these
00:12:05 --> 00:12:06 orbiters will separate once they're
00:12:06 --> 00:12:08 inserted into Mercury's orbit in late
00:12:08 --> 00:12:10 2026 to commence their primary science
00:12:10 --> 00:12:13 Mission the recent flyby was a pivotal
00:12:13 --> 00:12:15 event for the mission providing a unique
00:12:15 --> 00:12:17 opportunity for the scientists involved
00:12:17 --> 00:12:20 Johannes benov esa's Bey Columbo project
00:12:20 --> 00:12:23 scientist emphasized how crucial these
00:12:23 --> 00:12:25 flybys are for both navigating the
00:12:25 --> 00:12:27 spacecraft and preparing for its
00:12:27 --> 00:12:29 scientific Mission he noted
00:12:29 --> 00:12:31 we get to fly our world-class science
00:12:31 --> 00:12:32 laboratory through diverse and
00:12:32 --> 00:12:34 unexplored parts of Mercury's
00:12:34 --> 00:12:36 environment that we don't have access to
00:12:36 --> 00:12:38 once an orbit even though the main
00:12:38 --> 00:12:40 science camera aboard issa's Orbiter
00:12:40 --> 00:12:42 remains shielded until final orbit
00:12:42 --> 00:12:45 insertion 10 of the spacecraft's 16
00:12:45 --> 00:12:47 instruments were active during the flyby
00:12:47 --> 00:12:49 these instruments collected valuable
00:12:49 --> 00:12:51 data on Mercury's particles plasma and
00:12:51 --> 00:12:54 magnetic fields additionally the
00:12:54 --> 00:12:56 Japanese orbiters monitoring cameras
00:12:56 --> 00:12:58 captured striking black and white images
00:12:58 --> 00:13:01 of the planet terrain including unusual
00:13:01 --> 00:13:03 double Peak ring crater basins
00:13:04 --> 00:13:05 interestingly the close encounter was
00:13:06 --> 00:13:07 made possible due to an issue discovered
00:13:07 --> 00:13:10 earlier this year the spacecraft's
00:13:10 --> 00:13:11 electric propulsion system wasn't
00:13:11 --> 00:13:13 operating at full power due to
00:13:13 --> 00:13:15 unanticipated current levels between the
00:13:15 --> 00:13:17 solar arrays and the electrical
00:13:17 --> 00:13:20 distribution system this glitch led the
00:13:20 --> 00:13:22 mission controllers to plan a closer
00:13:22 --> 00:13:24 flyby thereby also extending the mission
00:13:24 --> 00:13:26 timeline to late
00:13:26 --> 00:13:28 2026 once bee Columbo enters Mercury's
00:13:28 --> 00:13:30 orbit it aims to transform our
00:13:30 --> 00:13:32 understanding of this enigmatic Planet
00:13:32 --> 00:13:34 the mission will investigate everything
00:13:34 --> 00:13:36 from Mercury's internal structure and
00:13:36 --> 00:13:38 surface geology to its magnetic field
00:13:38 --> 00:13:41 and exosphere promising to enrich our
00:13:41 --> 00:13:43 knowledge of the smallest and innermost
00:13:43 --> 00:13:45 planet in our solar system Bey Columbo's
00:13:45 --> 00:13:47 Journey has been extensive involving one
00:13:47 --> 00:13:50 flyby of Earth in 2020 two of Venus in
00:13:50 --> 00:13:53 2020 and 2021 and now four of mercury
00:13:53 --> 00:13:55 with two more scheduled before final
00:13:55 --> 00:13:57 orbital insertion after nearly 8 years
00:13:57 --> 00:14:00 in Space the miss is poised to deliver
00:14:00 --> 00:14:01 groundbreaking science starting in
00:14:01 --> 00:14:06 November
00:14:06 --> 00:14:08 2026 thank you for tuning in to
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