Astronomy Daily - The Podcast - S03E205
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your ultimate source for the latest in space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna, and today we embark on an extraordinary journey across the cosmos. From the mysteries of dark energy and multiverses to China's cutting-edge spaceplane project, we've got plenty of fascinating stories to explore.
Highlights:
- Dark Energy and Multiverse Life : Discover groundbreaking research linking dark energy to the potential for life across multiple universes. Delve into the model developed by Dr. Daniel Cerini and his team, which suggests that universes with 27% dark energy content might be the sweet spot for star formation and life.
- China's Spaceplane Ambitions : Uncover the reveal of China's first commercial uncrewed spaceplane, Haolung 1, at the Zhuhai Air Show. Learn about its innovative design and its dual purpose in advancing cargo capabilities and spaceplane technology.
- Suni Williams' Health Update: Tune into NASA astronaut Suni Williams' response to health rumors from aboard the ISS. She assures us of her well-being, highlighting her rigorous exercise routine and adaptation to microgravity.
- Sony's Laser Communications: Explore Sony's venture into space technology with their new laser communication system. Discover how this innovation could revolutionize space-based communication networks.
- Mars' White Rocks Mystery : Join the Perseverance rover's exploration of bright white rocks on Mars' Jezero Crater. Understand the significance of these rare formations and what they reveal about Martian geology.
- Martian New Year : Celebrate the start of a new Martian year and learn what makes a Martian year unique, from its longer Daily to extreme weather conditions.
- Oscar 7's 50th Anniversary : Commemorate the 50th year in orbit of Oscar 7, the oldest operational satellite, and its remarkable story of resilience and technological impact.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (https://www.astronomydaily.io) . Sign up for our free Daily newsletter to stay informed on all things space. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTube, Tumblr, and TikTok . Share your thoughts and connect with fellow space enthusiasts.
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.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) .
Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/24040942?utm_source=youtube
00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 welcome to astronomy daily I'm excited
00:00:02 --> 00:00:04 to bring you another fascinating day of
00:00:04 --> 00:00:06 space news and discoveries that showcase
00:00:06 --> 00:00:08 just how remarkable our universe truly
00:00:08 --> 00:00:11 is today we're diving into some
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 incredible stories that span the cosmic
00:00:13 --> 00:00:15 Spectrum we'll explore groundbreaking
00:00:15 --> 00:00:17 research that connects dark energy to
00:00:17 --> 00:00:19 the possibility of Life across multiple
00:00:20 --> 00:00:22 universes and take a look at China's
00:00:22 --> 00:00:24 ambitious new space plane project we'll
00:00:24 --> 00:00:26 also check in again with NASA astronaut
00:00:26 --> 00:00:28 Sunni Williams aboard the International
00:00:28 --> 00:00:31 Space Station and discover why some
00:00:31 --> 00:00:32 peculiar white rocks on Mars have
00:00:32 --> 00:00:35 scientists intrigued plus we'll
00:00:35 --> 00:00:37 celebrate a special Milestone as one of
00:00:37 --> 00:00:40 Humanity's earliest satellites marks 50
00:00:40 --> 00:00:42 years in orbit and learn about Sony's
00:00:42 --> 00:00:44 Innovative plans to test laser
00:00:44 --> 00:00:46 Communications in space and since it's a
00:00:46 --> 00:00:48 special day on Mars we'll explore what
00:00:48 --> 00:00:51 makes a Martian year unique stick around
00:00:51 --> 00:00:52 as we journey through these Amazing
00:00:52 --> 00:00:54 Stories from across the cosmos so let's
00:00:54 --> 00:00:55 get
00:00:55 --> 00:00:59 started in 1961 radio astronomer Frank
00:00:59 --> 00:01:01 Drake introd produced a groundbreaking
00:01:01 --> 00:01:02 equation that attempted to estimate the
00:01:02 --> 00:01:04 number of intelligent civilizations in
00:01:04 --> 00:01:08 our galaxy this famous formula known as
00:01:08 --> 00:01:10 the Drake equation combines various
00:01:10 --> 00:01:12 factors like the number of stars with
00:01:12 --> 00:01:14 planets and the time needed for
00:01:14 --> 00:01:17 civilizations to develop space signaling
00:01:17 --> 00:01:19 technology while it's always been more
00:01:19 --> 00:01:20 of a conversation starter than a
00:01:20 --> 00:01:23 definitive calculator scientists have
00:01:23 --> 00:01:24 continued to build upon Drake's
00:01:24 --> 00:01:27 foundational work now fascinating new
00:01:27 --> 00:01:29 research published in the monthly
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 notices of of the Royal Astronomical
00:01:31 --> 00:01:33 Society is taking this concept to an
00:01:33 --> 00:01:36 entirely new level exploring not just
00:01:36 --> 00:01:39 our universe but multiple universes the
00:01:40 --> 00:01:42 study focuses on how dark energy that
00:01:42 --> 00:01:44 mysterious Force pushing our universe to
00:01:44 --> 00:01:47 expand might influence the formation of
00:01:47 --> 00:01:48 Life across different
00:01:48 --> 00:01:51 universes Dr danielis serini from Durham
00:01:51 --> 00:01:52 University and his team have developed a
00:01:52 --> 00:01:55 model that estimates the total number of
00:01:55 --> 00:01:57 stars that could form in different
00:01:57 --> 00:01:59 universes based on their Dark Energy
00:01:59 --> 00:02:01 content what they found is absolutely
00:02:01 --> 00:02:03 fascinating The Sweet Spot for Star
00:02:03 --> 00:02:05 formation and therefore the potential
00:02:05 --> 00:02:07 for Life appears to be in universes with
00:02:07 --> 00:02:10 about 27% Dark Energy
00:02:10 --> 00:02:12 content here's where it gets really
00:02:12 --> 00:02:14 interesting our universe contains
00:02:14 --> 00:02:18 approximately 23% dark energy this
00:02:18 --> 00:02:20 suggests that contrary to what we might
00:02:20 --> 00:02:22 expect we may not actually be living in
00:02:22 --> 00:02:25 the universe most conducive to life the
00:02:25 --> 00:02:27 delicate balance between dark Energy's
00:02:27 --> 00:02:29 expansive force and gravity's pull
00:02:29 --> 00:02:30 creates conditions where matter can
00:02:30 --> 00:02:33 Clump together to form stars and planets
00:02:33 --> 00:02:34 but it seems there could be even more
00:02:34 --> 00:02:36 favorable conditions in universes with
00:02:36 --> 00:02:39 slightly more Dark Energy This research
00:02:39 --> 00:02:41 opens up exciting new possibilities for
00:02:41 --> 00:02:43 understanding our place not just in our
00:02:43 --> 00:02:47 own universe but in a potentially vast
00:02:47 --> 00:02:49 Multiverse as Professor Lucas lombriser
00:02:49 --> 00:02:52 from the University de genev points out
00:02:52 --> 00:02:54 this model could help us explore how
00:02:54 --> 00:02:55 life might emerge across different
00:02:55 --> 00:02:58 universes and potentially reshape our
00:02:58 --> 00:03:00 fundamental questions about existing
00:03:00 --> 00:03:02 itself it's a remarkable example of how
00:03:02 --> 00:03:04 our quest to understand alien life
00:03:04 --> 00:03:06 continues to evolve taking us from
00:03:06 --> 00:03:08 Drake's relatively straightforward
00:03:08 --> 00:03:10 equation about civilizations in our
00:03:10 --> 00:03:13 galaxy to contemplating the conditions
00:03:13 --> 00:03:15 for Life across multiple universes it
00:03:15 --> 00:03:17 shows just how far our scientific
00:03:17 --> 00:03:19 understanding has come while reminding
00:03:19 --> 00:03:21 us that there are still so many
00:03:21 --> 00:03:23 Mysteries left to
00:03:23 --> 00:03:26 explore next in today's news in a
00:03:26 --> 00:03:27 significant development from China's
00:03:27 --> 00:03:30 Aerospace sector state-owned company
00:03:30 --> 00:03:33 Avic has unveiled their first commercial
00:03:33 --> 00:03:36 uncrewed space plane named howong one or
00:03:36 --> 00:03:38 Sky Dragon the reveal took place at
00:03:38 --> 00:03:41 China's largest air show in juhi where a
00:03:41 --> 00:03:43 model of this Innovative craft was put
00:03:43 --> 00:03:46 on display while still in development
00:03:46 --> 00:03:48 this space plane represents an important
00:03:48 --> 00:03:50 step forward in China's space
00:03:50 --> 00:03:52 capabilities particularly in their
00:03:52 --> 00:03:54 ability to supply their growing space
00:03:54 --> 00:03:55 station
00:03:55 --> 00:03:57 program the concept behind the howong
00:03:57 --> 00:03:59 one is particularly interesting because
00:03:59 --> 00:04:02 it combines The Best of Both Worlds in
00:04:02 --> 00:04:05 space travel like the retired us space
00:04:05 --> 00:04:07 shuttle it launches vertically on top of
00:04:07 --> 00:04:09 a rocket booster but returns to earth
00:04:09 --> 00:04:11 like an aircraft Landing horizontally on
00:04:12 --> 00:04:14 a conventional Runway this design
00:04:14 --> 00:04:16 approach could significantly reduce the
00:04:16 --> 00:04:19 costs of sending cargo into space making
00:04:19 --> 00:04:20 regular resupply missions more
00:04:20 --> 00:04:23 economically viable the China man space
00:04:23 --> 00:04:24 agency has already shown their
00:04:25 --> 00:04:26 confidence in the project by awarding
00:04:26 --> 00:04:28 the space plane and Engineering flight
00:04:28 --> 00:04:31 verification contract ract according to
00:04:31 --> 00:04:33 experts like Jonathan McDowell from the
00:04:33 --> 00:04:35 Harvard Smithsonian Center for
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 astrophysics this project might be
00:04:37 --> 00:04:40 serving a dual purpose not only
00:04:40 --> 00:04:42 developing cargo capabilities but also
00:04:42 --> 00:04:44 gaining valuable experience with space
00:04:44 --> 00:04:46 plane technology that could later be
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 applied to crude vessels it's worth
00:04:49 --> 00:04:51 noting that China isn't alone in
00:04:51 --> 00:04:53 pursuing space plane technology they've
00:04:54 --> 00:04:55 already been operating a military space
00:04:55 --> 00:04:58 plane that can stay in orbit for months
00:04:58 --> 00:04:59 though details about its activities
00:04:59 --> 00:05:02 remain largely classified the United
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 States has its own military space plane
00:05:04 --> 00:05:05 the Boeing
00:05:05 --> 00:05:08 X-37B which has conducted extended
00:05:08 --> 00:05:12 Missions at altitudes up to 38 km in
00:05:12 --> 00:05:14 the commercial sector Sierra space's
00:05:14 --> 00:05:16 Dreamchaser is also preparing to join
00:05:16 --> 00:05:18 NASA's Fleet of cargo vehicles serving
00:05:19 --> 00:05:20 the International Space
00:05:20 --> 00:05:23 Station this development comes as China
00:05:23 --> 00:05:24 continues to expand its presence in
00:05:24 --> 00:05:26 space with their space station now
00:05:27 --> 00:05:29 regularly hosting Crews since its first
00:05:29 --> 00:05:31 module launched in
00:05:31 --> 00:05:34 2021 the addition of the how long won to
00:05:34 --> 00:05:36 their capabilities could Mark another
00:05:36 --> 00:05:38 significant step forward in China's
00:05:38 --> 00:05:40 increasingly ambitious Space
00:05:40 --> 00:05:42 Program now let's get an update to a
00:05:42 --> 00:05:44 story we brought you a couple of days
00:05:44 --> 00:05:46 ago recent tabloid headlines have raised
00:05:46 --> 00:05:48 concerns about NASA astronaut Sunni
00:05:48 --> 00:05:50 Williams's Health aboard the
00:05:50 --> 00:05:52 International Space Station but these
00:05:52 --> 00:05:54 claims have been firmly refuted by both
00:05:54 --> 00:05:57 NASA and now Williams herself in a video
00:05:57 --> 00:05:59 interview from the ISS will Williams
00:05:59 --> 00:06:01 addressed these speculations directly
00:06:01 --> 00:06:03 confirming that she maintains the same
00:06:03 --> 00:06:05 weight as when she first arrived in
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 orbit the experienced astronaut
00:06:07 --> 00:06:09 explained that she's been maintaining a
00:06:09 --> 00:06:11 rigorous exercise routine which is
00:06:11 --> 00:06:13 standard practice for All Space Station
00:06:13 --> 00:06:15 crew members this includes regular
00:06:16 --> 00:06:18 sessions on the exercise bike treadmill
00:06:18 --> 00:06:20 runs and weightlifting all crucial
00:06:20 --> 00:06:22 activities that help combat the effects
00:06:22 --> 00:06:25 of long-term microgravity exposure on
00:06:25 --> 00:06:27 the human body Williams noted that while
00:06:28 --> 00:06:30 her physique has changed somewhat due to
00:06:30 --> 00:06:32 the weightlifting regimen with slightly
00:06:32 --> 00:06:35 larger thighs and Glu muscles these
00:06:35 --> 00:06:37 changes represent healthy adaptation
00:06:37 --> 00:06:40 rather than any concerning health issues
00:06:40 --> 00:06:42 Williams has been aboard the ISS since
00:06:42 --> 00:06:45 June 6th arriving on Boeing's first
00:06:45 --> 00:06:47 crude Starliner Mission though
00:06:47 --> 00:06:49 originally planned as a short-term stay
00:06:49 --> 00:06:51 Mission adjustments have extended her
00:06:51 --> 00:06:53 time in orbit she currently serves as
00:06:53 --> 00:06:55 commander of expedition 72 and is
00:06:55 --> 00:06:58 scheduled to return to Earth in February
00:06:58 --> 00:07:01 2025 alongside the crew n astronauts
00:07:01 --> 00:07:03 throughout her extended Mission she
00:07:03 --> 00:07:05 continues to perform her duties
00:07:05 --> 00:07:07 effectively leading a seven-person crew
00:07:07 --> 00:07:09 that includes both American and Russian
00:07:09 --> 00:07:11 space Travelers so I think we can put
00:07:11 --> 00:07:12 that one to rest
00:07:13 --> 00:07:15 now Sony is making an exciting move into
00:07:15 --> 00:07:17 space technology with their latest
00:07:17 --> 00:07:20 Venture into laser Communications the
00:07:20 --> 00:07:22 company has partnered with California
00:07:22 --> 00:07:24 based Astro digital to launch two small
00:07:24 --> 00:07:26 satellites that will test an Innovative
00:07:26 --> 00:07:29 Optical Communication System what makes
00:07:29 --> 00:07:31 makes this particularly interesting is
00:07:31 --> 00:07:33 that Sony is adapting the same
00:07:33 --> 00:07:35 technology they originally developed for
00:07:35 --> 00:07:38 CD players to work in space these
00:07:38 --> 00:07:40 satellites built on Astro digital's
00:07:40 --> 00:07:42 corvis platform are scheduled for launch
00:07:42 --> 00:07:42 in
00:07:42 --> 00:07:45 2026 each will carry a specialized
00:07:45 --> 00:07:47 lasercom Optical terminal developed by
00:07:47 --> 00:07:50 Sony space Communications Corporation
00:07:50 --> 00:07:52 the company believes their system offers
00:07:52 --> 00:07:54 significant advantages over traditional
00:07:54 --> 00:07:56 radio communication methods with
00:07:56 --> 00:07:59 terminals that are more compact lighter
00:07:59 --> 00:08:02 and more energy efficient than current
00:08:02 --> 00:08:04 Alternatives this development comes at a
00:08:04 --> 00:08:06 crucial time as the growing number of
00:08:06 --> 00:08:08 satellites in low earth orbit is putting
00:08:08 --> 00:08:11 increasing strain on available radio
00:08:11 --> 00:08:14 spectrum laser communication technology
00:08:14 --> 00:08:17 could provide a much needed solution
00:08:17 --> 00:08:18 offering higher data transmission rates
00:08:18 --> 00:08:21 without the limitations of traditional
00:08:21 --> 00:08:23 radio frequencies Sony isn't alone in
00:08:23 --> 00:08:25 pursuing this technology they're joining
00:08:25 --> 00:08:28 companies like SpaceX in the race to
00:08:28 --> 00:08:29 develop these Advanced community
00:08:29 --> 00:08:32 systems with significant interest coming
00:08:32 --> 00:08:34 from organizations like the US space
00:08:34 --> 00:08:36 development agency the terminals will be
00:08:36 --> 00:08:38 tested not only for communication
00:08:38 --> 00:08:40 between the satellites and ground
00:08:40 --> 00:08:42 stations but also for satellite to
00:08:42 --> 00:08:45 Satellite Communication in orbit this
00:08:45 --> 00:08:47 dual testing approach could pave the way
00:08:47 --> 00:08:48 for more efficient space-based
00:08:48 --> 00:08:51 communication networks in the future
00:08:51 --> 00:08:52 potentially revolutionizing how we
00:08:52 --> 00:08:54 transfer data through
00:08:54 --> 00:08:57 space let's get a Mars update the
00:08:57 --> 00:08:58 perseverance Rover has made an
00:08:58 --> 00:09:00 intriguing Discovery while exploring the
00:09:00 --> 00:09:03 rim of Mars jezero crater during its
00:09:03 --> 00:09:05 two-month climb up the crater's steep
00:09:05 --> 00:09:07 slopes the Rover encountered something
00:09:07 --> 00:09:10 quite unusual a scattered field of
00:09:10 --> 00:09:11 bright white rocks that immediately
00:09:11 --> 00:09:14 caught the attention of NASA's science
00:09:14 --> 00:09:16 team these ghostly white rocks are
00:09:16 --> 00:09:18 particularly fascinating because they're
00:09:18 --> 00:09:21 quite rare on Mars while white rocks are
00:09:21 --> 00:09:22 common on Earth due to our planet's
00:09:22 --> 00:09:25 diverse geology and tectonic activity
00:09:25 --> 00:09:28 Mars is different the red planet's crust
00:09:28 --> 00:09:30 is primarily composed of dark minerals
00:09:30 --> 00:09:33 like Olivine and peroxin making these
00:09:33 --> 00:09:35 pale specimens Stand Out dramatically
00:09:35 --> 00:09:37 against the Martian landscape the
00:09:37 --> 00:09:39 science team has been using every tool
00:09:39 --> 00:09:41 at their disposal to study these
00:09:41 --> 00:09:44 mysterious rocks perseverance is Mast
00:09:44 --> 00:09:47 cam Z has captured multi-spectral images
00:09:47 --> 00:09:49 while its super cam has used laser
00:09:49 --> 00:09:51 analysis to try to determine their
00:09:51 --> 00:09:53 composition unfortunately none of the
00:09:53 --> 00:09:55 Rocks were large enough for the Rover to
00:09:55 --> 00:09:57 safely examine with its robotic arm
00:09:57 --> 00:09:58 instruments but scientists are keeping
00:09:58 --> 00:10:00 watch for larger specimens as they
00:10:00 --> 00:10:01 continue their
00:10:01 --> 00:10:04 exploration one of the most puzzling
00:10:04 --> 00:10:06 aspects is how these rocks ended up in
00:10:06 --> 00:10:08 their current location they appear to be
00:10:09 --> 00:10:10 scattered Loosely over just a few square
00:10:10 --> 00:10:13 meters suggesting they might be
00:10:13 --> 00:10:15 erosional remnants of a resistant vein
00:10:15 --> 00:10:17 or rock layer where softer surrounding
00:10:17 --> 00:10:20 material has worn away alternatively
00:10:20 --> 00:10:22 they could have tumbled down from a
00:10:22 --> 00:10:24 larger deposit higher up on the Crater
00:10:24 --> 00:10:28 Rim this discovery joins other recent
00:10:28 --> 00:10:30 fascinating finds along the Crater Rim
00:10:30 --> 00:10:32 including the colorful Boulders at Mount
00:10:32 --> 00:10:35 wasburn and the Striking zebra striped
00:10:35 --> 00:10:37 rock formation known as Freya
00:10:37 --> 00:10:39 Castle each of these discoveries is
00:10:40 --> 00:10:41 helping scientists piece together the
00:10:41 --> 00:10:43 complex geological history of this
00:10:43 --> 00:10:44 region of
00:10:45 --> 00:10:47 Mars while we're talking about Mars
00:10:47 --> 00:10:50 here's some exciting news November 12th
00:10:50 --> 00:10:52 2024 marked the beginning of a brand new
00:10:52 --> 00:10:55 year on the red planet the Martian New
00:10:55 --> 00:10:57 Year officially kicked off at precisely
00:10:57 --> 00:10:59 10:32 Central European Time
00:10:59 --> 00:11:01 as Mars began another Journey around the
00:11:01 --> 00:11:04 Sun this marks the planet's 38th year in
00:11:04 --> 00:11:07 the modern Martian calendar which began
00:11:07 --> 00:11:09 counting from 1955 when a massive dust
00:11:09 --> 00:11:12 storm swept across the planet the
00:11:12 --> 00:11:14 Martian calendar is quite different from
00:11:14 --> 00:11:16 what we're used to here on Earth for
00:11:16 --> 00:11:19 starters a day on Mars called a Saul is
00:11:19 --> 00:11:22 slightly longer than Earth's lasting 24
00:11:22 --> 00:11:25 hours and 39 minutes but the really big
00:11:25 --> 00:11:27 difference is in the year length a full
00:11:27 --> 00:11:30 Martian year takes 680 7 Earth days to
00:11:30 --> 00:11:34 complete or about 668 SS that's nearly
00:11:34 --> 00:11:36 double the length of an earth year
00:11:36 --> 00:11:38 here's a fun fact if you want to
00:11:38 --> 00:11:40 calculate your age on Mars Just divide
00:11:40 --> 00:11:43 your Earth age by 1.88 and you'll
00:11:43 --> 00:11:46 instantly shed quite a few years like
00:11:46 --> 00:11:48 Earth Mars experiences four distinct
00:11:48 --> 00:11:50 Seasons but they're not quite as evenly
00:11:50 --> 00:11:53 spaced as ours the planet's more
00:11:53 --> 00:11:55 elliptical orbit means these Seasons
00:11:55 --> 00:11:57 vary in length the red planet's axial
00:11:58 --> 00:11:59 tilt creates some interesting effects
00:11:59 --> 00:12:01 too with the Northern Hemisphere getting
00:12:01 --> 00:12:03 more sunlight during its Summer and the
00:12:03 --> 00:12:05 southern hemisphere receiving more
00:12:05 --> 00:12:07 during Northern winter weather on Mars
00:12:07 --> 00:12:10 is Extreme to say the least during a
00:12:10 --> 00:12:12 summer day temperatures might reach a
00:12:12 --> 00:12:16 balmy 0° C at noon only to plummet to-
00:12:16 --> 00:12:19 60° by Nightfall winter nights are even
00:12:19 --> 00:12:21 more brutal dropping to a bone chilling
00:12:21 --> 00:12:22 minus
00:12:22 --> 00:12:25 110° the second half of the Martian year
00:12:25 --> 00:12:27 is particularly dramatic often marked by
00:12:27 --> 00:12:29 Fierce dust storms that can sometimes
00:12:29 --> 00:12:31 engulf the entire planet these storms
00:12:32 --> 00:12:33 are triggered when Mars moves closer to
00:12:33 --> 00:12:36 the Sun heating up the atmosphere and
00:12:36 --> 00:12:38 lifting fine dust particles that create
00:12:38 --> 00:12:40 a self-reinforcing cycle of warming and
00:12:40 --> 00:12:41 more
00:12:41 --> 00:12:44 dust finally today a little celebration
00:12:44 --> 00:12:48 is in order in Milestone news Oscar 7 an
00:12:48 --> 00:12:49 extraordinary satellite that has defied
00:12:50 --> 00:12:52 all expectations is celebrating its 50th
00:12:52 --> 00:12:55 year in orbit this week launched on
00:12:55 --> 00:12:57 November 15th
00:12:57 --> 00:13:00 1974 this remarkable mic satellite holds
00:13:00 --> 00:13:01 the distinction of being the oldest
00:13:01 --> 00:13:03 operational satellite still circling our
00:13:03 --> 00:13:06 planet even predating NASA's famous
00:13:06 --> 00:13:08 Voyager missions by 3
00:13:08 --> 00:13:11 years what makes Oscar 7's story even
00:13:11 --> 00:13:14 more fascinating is its humble Origins
00:13:14 --> 00:13:16 built by volunteers from the radio
00:13:16 --> 00:13:19 amateur satellite Corporation or amsat
00:13:19 --> 00:13:21 this satellite was largely constructed
00:13:21 --> 00:13:23 on basement workbenches despite its
00:13:23 --> 00:13:25 modest Beginnings it had to meet the
00:13:25 --> 00:13:27 same rigorous space Readiness standards
00:13:27 --> 00:13:28 as professional satellites to hitch a
00:13:28 --> 00:13:31 ride alongside the Noah 4 weather
00:13:31 --> 00:13:33 satellite Engineers initially predicted
00:13:33 --> 00:13:35 a lifespan of just 1 to 3 years for
00:13:35 --> 00:13:38 Oscar 7 primarily due to its use of
00:13:38 --> 00:13:40 standard electronic components rather
00:13:40 --> 00:13:41 than radiation hardened
00:13:41 --> 00:13:44 ones but this Plucky little satellite
00:13:44 --> 00:13:47 had other plans not only did it surpass
00:13:47 --> 00:13:49 its expected lifetime but it also played
00:13:49 --> 00:13:51 a crucial role in developing modern
00:13:51 --> 00:13:54 emergency Beacon technology contributing
00:13:54 --> 00:13:56 to A system that has since saved over
00:13:56 --> 00:14:00 57 lives perhaps the most remarkable
00:14:00 --> 00:14:04 chapter in Oscar 7's story came in 2002
00:14:04 --> 00:14:06 after going silent in 1981 due to
00:14:06 --> 00:14:08 battery failure the satellite
00:14:08 --> 00:14:10 unexpectedly sprang back to life 21
00:14:10 --> 00:14:12 years later earning it the nickname
00:14:12 --> 00:14:15 Sleeping Beauty among the amateur radio
00:14:15 --> 00:14:18 Community today despite some erratic
00:14:18 --> 00:14:20 Behavior it continues to operate using
00:14:20 --> 00:14:22 solar power serving as a testament to
00:14:22 --> 00:14:25 the Ingenuity of its volunteer Builders
00:14:25 --> 00:14:27 and the surprising durability of early
00:14:27 --> 00:14:30 space technology
00:14:30 --> 00:14:32 and that wraps up another fascinating
00:14:32 --> 00:14:35 day of space exploration and Discovery
00:14:35 --> 00:14:37 from the mysteries of dark energy and
00:14:37 --> 00:14:40 its role in creating habitable universes
00:14:40 --> 00:14:42 to China's ambitious new space plane and
00:14:42 --> 00:14:45 the heartwarming story of Oscar 7's
00:14:45 --> 00:14:47 golden anniversary we've covered quite a
00:14:47 --> 00:14:50 journey through the cosmos today I'm
00:14:50 --> 00:14:51 Anna and I've been thrilled to share
00:14:51 --> 00:14:53 these stories with you if you're hungry
00:14:53 --> 00:14:55 for more space news head over to
00:14:55 --> 00:14:58 astronomy daily. where you can sign up
00:14:58 --> 00:15:00 for our free free daily newsletter and
00:15:00 --> 00:15:02 stay up toate with our constantly
00:15:02 --> 00:15:04 updating Newsfeed while you're there
00:15:04 --> 00:15:06 don't forget to check out our complete
00:15:06 --> 00:15:08 Archive of past episodes want to join
00:15:08 --> 00:15:10 our community of space enthusiasts you
00:15:10 --> 00:15:12 can find us across all major social
00:15:12 --> 00:15:14 platforms just search for Astro daily
00:15:14 --> 00:15:18 pod on Facebook X YouTube Tumblr and Tik
00:15:18 --> 00:15:20 Tok thanks for tuning in and remember to
00:15:20 --> 00:15:22 keep looking up there's always something
00:15:22 --> 00:15:35 amazing happening in the cosmos
00:15:35 --> 00:15:37 the St is the
00:15:37 --> 00:15:44 [Music]