Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S03E218
Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest space and Astronomy news. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have an exciting lineup of stories, from NASA's Voyager 1 spacecraft's triumphant return to full operations, to astronauts celebrating Thanksgiving aboard the International Space Station, and updates on SpaceX's Starship program. We'll also dive into intriguing new findings from asteroid Ryugu samples and explore China's latest achievements in space. Stay tuned for all these stories and more.
Highlights:
- Voyager 1's Communication Comeback : Discover how NASA engineers successfully restored Voyager 1's operations after a communication disruption, highlighting the spacecraft's incredible durability and the dedication of the mission team.
- Thanksgiving in Space : Learn how astronauts aboard the International Space Station celebrated Thanksgiving with a unique feast and shared messages of gratitude, bridging the gap between Earth and space.
- SpaceX's Starship Progress : Get the latest on SpaceX's Starship program following Flight 6, with insights into post-launch inspections and preparations for the upcoming Flight 7.
- Asteroid Ryugu's Microbial Findings: Explore the fascinating discovery of Earth-based microorganisms on asteroid Richie samples, shedding light on planetary protection challenges and the adaptability of terrestrial life.
- China's Space Milestones : Uncover China's recent achievements, including the return of the Tianzhou 7 cargo spacecraft and the launch of advanced mapping satellites, enhancing their space infrastructure.
For more cosmic updates, visit our website at astronomydaily.io (https://www.astronomydaily.io) . Sign up for our free Daily newsletter and explore our newsfeed for the latest developments in space exploration and Astronomy. Join our community on social media by searching for #AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, Tumblr, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. Connect with fellow space enthusiasts and share your thoughts.
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.
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✍️ Episode References
NASA Voyager 1
[NASA Voyager 1](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/voyager/index.html)
International Space Station
[International Space Station](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/main/index.html)
SpaceX Starship
[SpaceX Starship](https://www.spacex.com/vehicles/starship/)
Asteroid Richie
[Asteroid Ryugu](https://solarsystem.nasa.gov/asteroids-comets-and-meteors/asteroids/
ryugu/in-depth/)
5--- Hayabusa2 spacecraft
[Hayabusa2](http://www.hayabusa2.jaxa.jp/en/)
Imperial College London
[Imperial College London](https://www.imperial.ac.uk/)
Tianzhou spacecraft
[Tianzhou spacecraft](https://www.space.com/china-tianzhou-cargo-spacecraft)
Long March 2C rocket
[Long March 2C](https://www.space.com/long-march-2c-rocket)
Siwei Gaojing satellites
[Siwei Gaojing satellites](https://www.spacedaily.com/reports/China_launches_Siwei_Gaojing_satellites_999.html)
Astronomy Daily website
[Astronomy Daily](https://astronomydaily.io)
Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/24336368?utm_source=youtube
00:00:00 --> 00:00:02 welcome to astronomy daily your source
00:00:02 --> 00:00:04 for the latest space and astronomy news
00:00:04 --> 00:00:06 I'm your host Anna and today we've got
00:00:06 --> 00:00:08 an exciting lineup of stories to share
00:00:08 --> 00:00:09 with you we'll be covering NASA's
00:00:09 --> 00:00:12 legendary Voyager 1 spacecraft returning
00:00:12 --> 00:00:14 to full operations after a communication
00:00:14 --> 00:00:17 issue taking a Peak at how astronauts
00:00:17 --> 00:00:19 celebrated Thanksgiving aboard the
00:00:19 --> 00:00:21 International Space Station and getting
00:00:21 --> 00:00:24 updates on spacex's Starship program
00:00:24 --> 00:00:25 we'll also explore fascinating new
00:00:26 --> 00:00:29 findings from asteroid ryugu samples and
00:00:29 --> 00:00:30 look at China's latest achievements in
00:00:30 --> 00:00:32 space including new mapping satellites
00:00:32 --> 00:00:35 and cargo missions stay with us for all
00:00:35 --> 00:00:37 these stories and more so let's get
00:00:37 --> 00:00:40 started in an impressive display of
00:00:40 --> 00:00:42 engineering prowess NASA has
00:00:42 --> 00:00:43 successfully brought Voyager one back to
00:00:43 --> 00:00:46 full operations following a concerning
00:00:46 --> 00:00:48 communication disruption last month the
00:00:48 --> 00:00:51 veteran spacecraft now an incredible
00:00:51 --> 00:00:54 15.4 billion miles from Earth had
00:00:54 --> 00:00:56 unexpectedly switched from its primary
00:00:56 --> 00:00:59 x-band radio transmitter to a weaker
00:00:59 --> 00:01:00 s-band transmitter
00:01:00 --> 00:01:03 temporarily halting the flow of valuable
00:01:03 --> 00:01:06 scientific and Engineering data the
00:01:06 --> 00:01:08 situation was particularly challenging
00:01:08 --> 00:01:10 given the vast distance involved it
00:01:10 --> 00:01:13 takes nearly 23 hours for signals to
00:01:13 --> 00:01:14 make a round trip between Earth and
00:01:14 --> 00:01:19 Voyager 1 but earlier this month Mission
00:01:19 --> 00:01:21 Engineers managed to reactivate the
00:01:21 --> 00:01:23 x-band transmitter restoring data
00:01:23 --> 00:01:25 collection from all four of voyager's
00:01:25 --> 00:01:27 operational science instruments the
00:01:27 --> 00:01:29 issue stemmed from the spacecraft's
00:01:29 --> 00:01:31 fault protection system which had
00:01:31 --> 00:01:33 deactivated the xand transmitter when a
00:01:33 --> 00:01:35 heater was activated this protective
00:01:35 --> 00:01:37 measure is crucial for preserving power
00:01:37 --> 00:01:40 for critical operations especially given
00:01:40 --> 00:01:42 Voyager 1's extremely limited power
00:01:42 --> 00:01:44 supply the spacecraft relies on
00:01:44 --> 00:01:46 electricity generated by the heat from
00:01:46 --> 00:01:49 decaying plutonium which decreases by
00:01:49 --> 00:01:51 about four Watts every year what makes
00:01:51 --> 00:01:54 this achievement even more remarkable is
00:01:54 --> 00:01:55 that both Voyager spacecraft are
00:01:55 --> 00:01:58 operating with razor thin power margins
00:01:58 --> 00:02:01 over the years the mission team has had
00:02:01 --> 00:02:03 to make difficult decisions shutting
00:02:03 --> 00:02:05 down all non-essential systems to keep
00:02:05 --> 00:02:07 these historic probes functioning
00:02:07 --> 00:02:09 despite operating in temperatures far
00:02:09 --> 00:02:11 colder than their original design
00:02:11 --> 00:02:13 specifications the remaining science
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 instruments continue to send back
00:02:15 --> 00:02:18 valuable data about Interstellar space
00:02:18 --> 00:02:20 after 47 years of operation Voyager 1
00:02:20 --> 00:02:23 and its twin Voyager 2 Remain the only
00:02:23 --> 00:02:25 human-made objects operating in
00:02:25 --> 00:02:27 interstellar space while their Advanced
00:02:27 --> 00:02:29 age presents ongoing challenges for
00:02:29 --> 00:02:32 NASA's mission team this latest recovery
00:02:32 --> 00:02:34 demonstrates the incredible durability
00:02:34 --> 00:02:36 of these pioneering spacecraft and the
00:02:36 --> 00:02:38 dedication of the engineers who keep
00:02:38 --> 00:02:39 them
00:02:39 --> 00:02:41 running now here's a story for our many
00:02:42 --> 00:02:43 listeners who like to celebrate
00:02:43 --> 00:02:45 Thanksgiving the holiday season took on
00:02:45 --> 00:02:47 a whole new perspective this year as
00:02:47 --> 00:02:49 four NASA astronauts aboard the
00:02:49 --> 00:02:51 International Space Station shared their
00:02:51 --> 00:02:53 unique Thanksgiving celebration with us
00:02:53 --> 00:02:56 here on Earth Commander Sunni Williams
00:02:56 --> 00:02:59 along with crew mates Don Pettit Nick ha
00:02:59 --> 00:03:01 and Butch wil more beamed down a special
00:03:01 --> 00:03:04 message from their orbital home giving
00:03:04 --> 00:03:06 us a glimpse into how they're marking
00:03:06 --> 00:03:08 this traditionally Earthbound holiday
00:03:08 --> 00:03:10 While most of us gathered around dining
00:03:10 --> 00:03:12 room tables these astronauts celebrated
00:03:12 --> 00:03:15 with their own special Feast though
00:03:15 --> 00:03:17 perhaps not quite what you'd expect
00:03:17 --> 00:03:19 their Thanksgiving spread included some
00:03:19 --> 00:03:21 familiar holiday favorites like smoked
00:03:21 --> 00:03:24 turkey and butternut squash along with
00:03:24 --> 00:03:25 some more unusual additions like
00:03:26 --> 00:03:28 brussels sprouts and believe it or not
00:03:28 --> 00:03:30 sardines all carefully prepared for
00:03:30 --> 00:03:33 consumption in microgravity the crew
00:03:33 --> 00:03:34 took a moment to reflect on what they're
00:03:34 --> 00:03:36 thankful for with Butch Wilmore noting
00:03:36 --> 00:03:38 some uniquely astronaut specific
00:03:38 --> 00:03:40 blessings including the ability to lay
00:03:40 --> 00:03:43 on the ceiling thanks to zero gravity
00:03:43 --> 00:03:44 but they also shared more Universal
00:03:44 --> 00:03:47 Sentiments of gratitude appreciation for
00:03:47 --> 00:03:49 family friends and the support of those
00:03:49 --> 00:03:51 back on Earth who keep them connected to
00:03:51 --> 00:03:53 home Don Pettit touched on something
00:03:54 --> 00:03:56 many of us can relate to the challenge
00:03:56 --> 00:03:58 of being away from loved ones during the
00:03:58 --> 00:04:00 holidays but he pointed out that modern
00:04:00 --> 00:04:03 technology allows them to stay connected
00:04:03 --> 00:04:05 virtually with family and friends even
00:04:05 --> 00:04:09 from 250 m above Earth it's a reminder
00:04:09 --> 00:04:10 that whether we're separated by
00:04:10 --> 00:04:13 continents or orbital planes the spirit
00:04:13 --> 00:04:14 of togetherness that defines
00:04:14 --> 00:04:17 Thanksgiving finds a way to bridge the
00:04:17 --> 00:04:20 gap let's move on to some SpaceX
00:04:20 --> 00:04:22 news SpaceX continues to make
00:04:22 --> 00:04:24 significant strides with its Starship
00:04:24 --> 00:04:26 program following the successful
00:04:26 --> 00:04:28 completion of flight 6 the aftermath of
00:04:28 --> 00:04:31 this latest test has kept teams busy at
00:04:31 --> 00:04:33 Starbase with Comprehensive inspection
00:04:33 --> 00:04:35 and repair work underway across various
00:04:35 --> 00:04:36 systems and
00:04:36 --> 00:04:38 structures in the immediate hours after
00:04:38 --> 00:04:41 the launch Engineers began examining the
00:04:41 --> 00:04:43 launch Tower's Chopsticks the mechanical
00:04:43 --> 00:04:45 arms designed to catch returning
00:04:45 --> 00:04:47 Vehicles while these systems experienced
00:04:47 --> 00:04:49 less stress than during flight 5 due to
00:04:49 --> 00:04:51 the absence of a booster Landing attempt
00:04:51 --> 00:04:54 the sheer power of all 33 Raptor engines
00:04:54 --> 00:04:56 necessitated thorough checkups the
00:04:56 --> 00:04:58 launch Mount has received particular
00:04:58 --> 00:05:00 attention with scaffolding quickly
00:05:00 --> 00:05:02 installed around its upper section and
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 the implementation of the Dance Floor a
00:05:05 --> 00:05:07 movable platform that allows detailed
00:05:07 --> 00:05:09 inspection of the mounts lower sections
00:05:09 --> 00:05:11 these rapid response protocols have
00:05:11 --> 00:05:13 become increasingly efficient with each
00:05:13 --> 00:05:15 launch demonstrating spacex's growing
00:05:16 --> 00:05:17 expertise in post-flight
00:05:17 --> 00:05:20 operations several systems showed signs
00:05:20 --> 00:05:22 of wear from flight six including the
00:05:22 --> 00:05:24 booster quick disconnect system which
00:05:24 --> 00:05:26 required repairs after being scorched
00:05:26 --> 00:05:28 during launch the ship quick disconnect
00:05:28 --> 00:05:30 arm also sustained damage with burnt
00:05:30 --> 00:05:32 umbilicals and notable charring on
00:05:32 --> 00:05:34 protective doors perhaps most
00:05:34 --> 00:05:36 surprisingly the tower's weather and
00:05:36 --> 00:05:38 Communications antenna experienced
00:05:38 --> 00:05:40 bending from launch forces a first for
00:05:40 --> 00:05:41 the
00:05:41 --> 00:05:44 program looking ahead to flight 7
00:05:44 --> 00:05:46 preparations are already well underway
00:05:46 --> 00:05:48 booster 14 has completed its initial
00:05:48 --> 00:05:50 cryogenic testing and is being fitted
00:05:50 --> 00:05:54 with grid fins ship 33 designated as the
00:05:54 --> 00:05:56 first block 2 ship to fly has received
00:05:56 --> 00:05:58 its full complement of six Raptor 2
00:05:58 --> 00:06:00 engines and is preparing for static fire
00:06:00 --> 00:06:03 testing the launch profile for flight 7
00:06:03 --> 00:06:05 appears similar to its predecessors with
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 a ship targeted to land in the Indian
00:06:07 --> 00:06:09 Ocean near Australia if current planning
00:06:09 --> 00:06:11 holds we could see this next launch as
00:06:11 --> 00:06:14 early as January 11th looking further
00:06:14 --> 00:06:17 ahead SpaceX has ambitious plans for
00:06:17 --> 00:06:19 2025 with environmental assessments
00:06:19 --> 00:06:21 underway to support up to 25 launches
00:06:21 --> 00:06:24 from Starbase including three night
00:06:24 --> 00:06:26 launches though these currently won't
00:06:26 --> 00:06:28 include booster Landing
00:06:28 --> 00:06:31 attempts next up today in a fascinating
00:06:31 --> 00:06:32 development from the world of asteroid
00:06:33 --> 00:06:35 sample analysis scientists have
00:06:35 --> 00:06:37 discovered that specimens from asteroid
00:06:37 --> 00:06:40 ryugu became home to earth-based
00:06:40 --> 00:06:42 microorganisms after their return to our
00:06:42 --> 00:06:45 planet this finding emerged during
00:06:45 --> 00:06:47 research led by Matthew GJ at Imperial
00:06:47 --> 00:06:49 College London providing valuable
00:06:49 --> 00:06:51 insights into how terrestrial life forms
00:06:51 --> 00:06:54 interact with extraterrestrial
00:06:54 --> 00:06:56 materials the sample in question
00:06:56 --> 00:06:58 collected by jaxa's Hayabusa 2
00:06:58 --> 00:07:00 spacecraft and returned to Earth in
00:07:00 --> 00:07:03 December 2020 showed remarkable evidence
00:07:04 --> 00:07:06 of microbial colonization within just
00:07:06 --> 00:07:08 one week of exposure to Earth's
00:07:08 --> 00:07:10 atmosphere scientists observed 11
00:07:10 --> 00:07:13 microbes on the sample surface even more
00:07:14 --> 00:07:17 impressively this population exploded to
00:07:17 --> 00:07:20 147 microorganisms just a week later
00:07:20 --> 00:07:22 while initially intriguing the team
00:07:22 --> 00:07:24 conclusively determined these weren't
00:07:24 --> 00:07:26 alien life forms their appearance only
00:07:27 --> 00:07:28 after the samples exposure to Earth's
00:07:28 --> 00:07:30 atmosphere combined with their rapid
00:07:30 --> 00:07:33 population growth clearly identified
00:07:33 --> 00:07:35 them as terrestrial in origin the
00:07:35 --> 00:07:37 microorganisms were likely bacteria
00:07:37 --> 00:07:39 similar to the common basilla species
00:07:39 --> 00:07:42 found in soil and rocks this discovery
00:07:42 --> 00:07:44 has significant implications for future
00:07:44 --> 00:07:47 space exploration particularly regarding
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 planetary protection protocols it
00:07:49 --> 00:07:50 demonstrates just how readily
00:07:51 --> 00:07:53 earth-based microorganisms can colonize
00:07:53 --> 00:07:55 and survive on extraterrestrial
00:07:55 --> 00:07:56 materials raising important
00:07:56 --> 00:07:58 considerations for both sample return
00:07:58 --> 00:08:00 missions and Planetary
00:08:00 --> 00:08:02 Exploration the findings serve as a
00:08:02 --> 00:08:04 crucial reminder of the challenges we
00:08:04 --> 00:08:06 face in maintaining pristine conditions
00:08:06 --> 00:08:09 when studying materials from space they
00:08:09 --> 00:08:11 also highlight the importance of careful
00:08:11 --> 00:08:13 contamination controls in future
00:08:13 --> 00:08:15 missions especially as we continue our
00:08:15 --> 00:08:18 search for evidence of life beyond Earth
00:08:18 --> 00:08:20 the research underscores an impressive
00:08:20 --> 00:08:22 yet concerning truth Earth's
00:08:22 --> 00:08:25 microorganisms are remarkably successful
00:08:25 --> 00:08:27 colonizers capable of establishing
00:08:27 --> 00:08:28 themselves even on materials from
00:08:28 --> 00:08:31 millions of miles away this adaptability
00:08:31 --> 00:08:33 could have profound implications for our
00:08:34 --> 00:08:35 understanding of how life might spread
00:08:35 --> 00:08:37 throughout the solar system whether
00:08:37 --> 00:08:40 naturally or through human
00:08:40 --> 00:08:42 exploration China's Space Program
00:08:42 --> 00:08:44 continues to Mark significant Milestones
00:08:44 --> 00:08:46 with several notable developments this
00:08:46 --> 00:08:50 month the tanjo 7 cargo spacecraft which
00:08:50 --> 00:08:52 had been serving China's tiangong space
00:08:52 --> 00:08:54 station since January completed its
00:08:55 --> 00:08:56 Mission with a controlled re-entry into
00:08:56 --> 00:08:59 Earth's atmosphere after delivering
00:08:59 --> 00:09:01 crucial supplies to the station and
00:09:01 --> 00:09:03 being loaded with waste materials the
00:09:03 --> 00:09:05 spacecraft made its final descent on
00:09:05 --> 00:09:07 November 17th providing us with
00:09:07 --> 00:09:10 spectacular footage of its fiery return
00:09:10 --> 00:09:12 through Earth's atmosphere but before
00:09:12 --> 00:09:16 its dramatic finale tanjo 7 had one last
00:09:16 --> 00:09:19 task to complete the spacecraft deployed
00:09:19 --> 00:09:22 a small satellite called Bay 08 equipped
00:09:22 --> 00:09:24 with Earth observation capabilities and
00:09:24 --> 00:09:26 Optical communication systems adding
00:09:26 --> 00:09:28 another piece to China's growing space
00:09:28 --> 00:09:30 infrastructure
00:09:30 --> 00:09:32 in a separate development China has
00:09:32 --> 00:09:34 bolstered its satellite imaging
00:09:34 --> 00:09:36 capabilities with the successful launch
00:09:36 --> 00:09:39 of two new mapping satellites the seway
00:09:39 --> 00:09:42 gouging 203 and 04 satellites lifted off
00:09:42 --> 00:09:45 aboard a long march 2C rocket from the
00:09:45 --> 00:09:48 jukan satellite launch Center these
00:09:48 --> 00:09:49 Advanced satellites represent a
00:09:49 --> 00:09:51 significant upgrade to China's existing
00:09:51 --> 00:09:54 Network featuring High Precision radar
00:09:54 --> 00:09:56 systems capable of producing detailed
00:09:56 --> 00:09:58 images regardless of weather conditions
00:09:58 --> 00:10:00 or time of day
00:10:00 --> 00:10:01 what makes these satellites particularly
00:10:01 --> 00:10:04 noteworthy is their enhanced payload
00:10:04 --> 00:10:07 efficiency which has improved by 25%
00:10:07 --> 00:10:09 over previous versions they're designed
00:10:09 --> 00:10:12 to support a wide range of applications
00:10:12 --> 00:10:14 from natural resource management to
00:10:14 --> 00:10:17 Urban safety and emergency response the
00:10:17 --> 00:10:19 satellites all- weather Imaging
00:10:19 --> 00:10:20 capabilities make them especially
00:10:20 --> 00:10:22 valuable for disaster management
00:10:22 --> 00:10:24 allowing rapid assessment of natural
00:10:24 --> 00:10:26 disasters even under challenging
00:10:26 --> 00:10:28 conditions these developments highlight
00:10:29 --> 00:10:31 China as growing sophistication in space
00:10:31 --> 00:10:33 operations from maintaining a permanent
00:10:33 --> 00:10:35 space station to expanding its satellite
00:10:36 --> 00:10:38 infrastructure for both commercial and
00:10:38 --> 00:10:40 scientific purposes it's another
00:10:40 --> 00:10:41 reminder of how space technology
00:10:41 --> 00:10:43 continues to evolve and Advance across
00:10:43 --> 00:10:46 multiple Nations and
00:10:46 --> 00:10:48 programs well that brings us to the end
00:10:48 --> 00:10:50 of today's space news Roundup it's been
00:10:50 --> 00:10:52 another fascinating day of developments
00:10:52 --> 00:10:55 in space exploration and astronomy from
00:10:55 --> 00:10:57 voyagers impressive recovery to
00:10:57 --> 00:10:59 groundbreaking discoveries from asteroid
00:10:59 --> 00:11:01 examples and the continuing evolution of
00:11:01 --> 00:11:04 our space capabilities around the globe
00:11:04 --> 00:11:06 I'm Anna and I've enjoyed bringing you
00:11:06 --> 00:11:08 these stories today if you want to stay
00:11:08 --> 00:11:10 up to dat with all the latest space and
00:11:10 --> 00:11:12 astronomy news be sure to visit our
00:11:12 --> 00:11:14 website at astronomy
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00:11:17 --> 00:11:19 free daily newsletter and access our
00:11:19 --> 00:11:21 constantly updating Newsfeed with all
00:11:21 --> 00:11:23 the latest developments in space
00:11:23 --> 00:11:25 exploration and astronomy you'll also
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00:11:42 --> 00:11:45 about the fascinating world of space
00:11:45 --> 00:11:47 exploration thank you for listening to
00:11:47 --> 00:11:49 astronomy daily keep looking up and I'll
00:11:49 --> 00:11:50 see you tomorrow with more exciting
00:11:50 --> 00:11:54 stories from the final
00:11:54 --> 00:12:03 frontier St
00:12:03 --> 00:12:06 the St is the to
00:12:06 --> 00:12:14 [Music]