Astronomy Daily - The Podcast: S04E05
Welcome to another fascinating edition of Astronomy Daily, your daily source for the most intriguing developments in space and astronomy. I'm Anna, and today we have a packed show highlighting the rapid advancements in space technology and exploration.
Highlights:
- Italy's Telecommunications Security Deal with SpaceX: Italy is finalizing a groundbreaking 1.5 billion euro deal with SpaceX to revolutionize its telecommunications security infrastructure. This five-year contract will leverage SpaceX's satellite network to provide secure communications, focusing on emergency response capabilities.
- Electric Propulsion Technology Breakthroughs : The University of Virginia's research is pushing the boundaries of spacecraft propulsion with electric thrusters, offering a more efficient way to travel through space by ionizing xenon gas and creating high-speed plasma beams.
- Quiet Black Hole Formation: A discovery in the Large Magellanic Cloud reveals that some massive black holes form quietly through direct collapse, challenging our traditional understanding of stellar death and black hole formation.
- Timekeeping for Lunar Missions: NASA has developed a new lunar timekeeping system to address the complexities of time flow on the Moon, crucial for future lunar missions and operations.
- Mars Insight Lander Observations: New images from NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter show how dust accumulation affects the Insight lander, providing insights into Mars's atmospheric processes.
- Exciting Missions Planned for 2025 : The year 2025 promises a busy schedule with multiple lunar missions, new heavy-lift rockets, and ambitious planetary explorations, including China's Tianwen 2 mission and ESA's BepiColombo flyby.
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, Tumblr, YouTube, YouTubeMusic, 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.
00:00 - Astronomy Daily brings you a roundup of the most interesting space news
00:46 - Italy in final stages of deal with SpaceX to provide secure communications
02:37 - University of Virginia researchers are developing revolutionary electric propulsion systems for spacecraft
04:59 - Astronomers have found that some black holes form quietly without spectacular explosions
09:23 - NASA's Insight lander has been dormant on Mars for two years now
11:12 - Looking ahead to 2025, we're set for a busy year in space exploration
13:07 - This is the end of today's episode of Astronomy Daily
✍️ Episode References
SpaceX
[SpaceX](https://www.spacex.com/)
University of Virginia
[University of Virginia](https://www.virginia.edu/)
NASA Artemis Program
[NASA Artemis](https://www.nasa.gov/specials/artemis/)
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter](https://mars.nasa.gov/mro/)
ESA BepiColombo
[BepiColombo](https://www.esa.int/Science_Exploration/Space_Science/BepiColombo)
Firefly Aerospace
[Firefly Aerospace](https://firefly.com/)
Blue Origin
[Blue Origin](https://www.blueorigin.com/)
Rocket Lab
[Rocket Lab](https://www.rocketlabusa.com/)
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/24935831?utm_source=youtube
00:00:00 --> 00:00:01 welcome to another fascinating edition
00:00:01 --> 00:00:03 of astronomy daily I'm excited to bring
00:00:03 --> 00:00:05 you today's Roundup of the most
00:00:05 --> 00:00:07 intriguing developments from across the
00:00:07 --> 00:00:09 space and astronomy World we've got a
00:00:09 --> 00:00:11 packed show ahead with stories that
00:00:11 --> 00:00:13 showcase just how rapidly space
00:00:13 --> 00:00:15 technology and exploration are advancing
00:00:16 --> 00:00:17 we'll be diving into Italy's
00:00:17 --> 00:00:19 groundbreaking negotiations with SpaceX
00:00:19 --> 00:00:21 for a major telecommunications Security
00:00:21 --> 00:00:23 deal exploring revolutionary
00:00:23 --> 00:00:25 developments in electric propulsion
00:00:25 --> 00:00:27 technology that could transform how we
00:00:27 --> 00:00:30 travel through space and examining some
00:00:30 --> 00:00:32 remarkable astronomical discoveries that
00:00:32 --> 00:00:34 are changing our understanding of black
00:00:34 --> 00:00:36 hole formation we'll also look at the
00:00:36 --> 00:00:38 unique challenges of timekeeping for
00:00:38 --> 00:00:40 future lunar missions check in on the
00:00:40 --> 00:00:42 latest updates from Mars and preview
00:00:42 --> 00:00:44 some of the exciting space missions
00:00:44 --> 00:00:47 planned for 2025 so let's get started
00:00:47 --> 00:00:49 with today's Cosmic
00:00:49 --> 00:00:51 journey in a significant development for
00:00:51 --> 00:00:53 European space
00:00:53 --> 00:00:55 Communications Italy is in the final
00:00:55 --> 00:00:58 stages of negotiating a substantial 1.5
00:00:58 --> 00:01:01 billion Euro deal with SpaceX
00:01:01 --> 00:01:03 this 5-year contract would revolutionize
00:01:03 --> 00:01:05 Italy's telecommunication security
00:01:05 --> 00:01:07 infrastructure marking one of the
00:01:07 --> 00:01:09 largest European government contracts
00:01:09 --> 00:01:11 for Space X to date the deal encompasses
00:01:12 --> 00:01:13 a comprehensive Suite of encrypted
00:01:13 --> 00:01:16 communication Services leveraging space
00:01:16 --> 00:01:18 X's satellite Network to provide secure
00:01:18 --> 00:01:20 telephone and internet services for
00:01:20 --> 00:01:22 Italy's government
00:01:22 --> 00:01:24 operations what makes this particularly
00:01:24 --> 00:01:26 noteworthy is the scope of services
00:01:26 --> 00:01:28 being considered including dedicated
00:01:28 --> 00:01:30 military communication coverage across
00:01:30 --> 00:01:33 the Mediterranean region one of the most
00:01:33 --> 00:01:35 promising aspects of this potential
00:01:35 --> 00:01:38 partnership is its focus on Emergency
00:01:38 --> 00:01:40 Response capabilities the system would
00:01:40 --> 00:01:42 enable rapid deployment of satellite
00:01:42 --> 00:01:44 services during critical situations such
00:01:44 --> 00:01:46 as terrorist attacks or natural
00:01:46 --> 00:01:48 disasters ensuring reliable
00:01:48 --> 00:01:50 Communications even when traditional
00:01:50 --> 00:01:53 infrastructure might be compromised the
00:01:53 --> 00:01:55 initiative has already received crucial
00:01:55 --> 00:01:57 backing from Italy's intelligence
00:01:57 --> 00:01:59 services and defense Ministry
00:01:59 --> 00:02:01 highlighting the Strategic importance of
00:02:01 --> 00:02:03 this investment in National Security
00:02:03 --> 00:02:05 infrastructure this move aligns with
00:02:05 --> 00:02:07 Italy's broader efforts to modernize its
00:02:07 --> 00:02:09 Communications capabilities and
00:02:09 --> 00:02:10 strengthen its position in the growing
00:02:10 --> 00:02:13 space sector what's particularly
00:02:13 --> 00:02:15 interesting is that Italy isn't just
00:02:15 --> 00:02:18 focusing on security Communications the
00:02:18 --> 00:02:19 country is also planning to conduct
00:02:19 --> 00:02:21 tests to evaluate whether starlink
00:02:21 --> 00:02:24 satellite-based connectivity could help
00:02:24 --> 00:02:26 boost high-speed internet access Across
00:02:26 --> 00:02:29 the Nation this dual-purpose approach
00:02:29 --> 00:02:31 could potentially transform both
00:02:31 --> 00:02:33 government operations and civilian
00:02:33 --> 00:02:36 internet infrastructure throughout
00:02:36 --> 00:02:38 Italy next let's take a look at some
00:02:38 --> 00:02:40 groundbreaking research from the
00:02:40 --> 00:02:42 University of Virginia which is pushing
00:02:42 --> 00:02:45 the boundaries of spacecraft propulsion
00:02:45 --> 00:02:48 technology led by Professor cheni the
00:02:48 --> 00:02:50 team is making remarkable advances in
00:02:50 --> 00:02:52 understanding electric propulsion
00:02:52 --> 00:02:54 thrusters which could fundamentally
00:02:54 --> 00:02:57 change how we travel through space
00:02:57 --> 00:02:59 unlike traditional chemical Rockets
00:02:59 --> 00:03:01 Electric elect propulsion systems work
00:03:01 --> 00:03:04 by ionizing xenon gas and accelerating
00:03:04 --> 00:03:06 it using electric Fields this process
00:03:06 --> 00:03:08 creates a high-speed plasma beam that
00:03:08 --> 00:03:10 propels spacecraft forward with
00:03:10 --> 00:03:12 remarkable efficiency what makes this
00:03:12 --> 00:03:15 technology particularly exciting is that
00:03:15 --> 00:03:17 it allows spacecraft to travel much
00:03:17 --> 00:03:19 further while carrying significantly
00:03:19 --> 00:03:22 less fuel the team's research focuses on
00:03:22 --> 00:03:23 the behavior of electrons Within These
00:03:24 --> 00:03:26 plasma beams which might seem like a
00:03:26 --> 00:03:28 minor detail but is actually crucial for
00:03:28 --> 00:03:31 the future of space explor ation these
00:03:31 --> 00:03:33 tiny charged particles play a vital role
00:03:33 --> 00:03:35 in determining how the thrusters exhaust
00:03:35 --> 00:03:38 plume interacts with the spacecraft
00:03:38 --> 00:03:40 itself understanding these interactions
00:03:40 --> 00:03:42 is essential for Missions that could
00:03:42 --> 00:03:44 last years or even
00:03:44 --> 00:03:46 decades one of the most significant
00:03:46 --> 00:03:48 challenges they're addressing is how to
00:03:48 --> 00:03:50 prevent the plasma plume from damaging
00:03:50 --> 00:03:52 critical spacecraft
00:03:52 --> 00:03:55 components when not properly managed
00:03:55 --> 00:03:57 these particles can flow backward
00:03:57 --> 00:03:59 towards solar panels communication
00:03:59 --> 00:04:01 antennas and other sensitive equipment
00:04:01 --> 00:04:03 by developing Advanced Computer
00:04:03 --> 00:04:05 simulations the researchers are gaining
00:04:05 --> 00:04:07 unprecedented insights into how these
00:04:07 --> 00:04:10 particles behave and how to control them
00:04:10 --> 00:04:13 effectively the implications of This
00:04:13 --> 00:04:15 research extend far beyond academic
00:04:15 --> 00:04:17 interest as we look toward ambitious
00:04:17 --> 00:04:19 goals like NASA's Artemis program and
00:04:19 --> 00:04:22 future Mars missions these improved
00:04:22 --> 00:04:24 electric propulsion systems could be the
00:04:24 --> 00:04:27 key to making long duration space travel
00:04:27 --> 00:04:30 not just possible but practical
00:04:30 --> 00:04:31 their increased efficiency and
00:04:31 --> 00:04:33 reliability could be the difference
00:04:33 --> 00:04:35 between a successful Mission and one
00:04:35 --> 00:04:37 that falls short of its
00:04:37 --> 00:04:39 objectives particularly fascinating is
00:04:39 --> 00:04:42 how the team is using state-of-the-art
00:04:42 --> 00:04:44 supercomputers to create noise-free
00:04:44 --> 00:04:46 simulations that reveal previously
00:04:46 --> 00:04:49 unseen patterns in electron Behavior
00:04:49 --> 00:04:51 this deeper understanding is already
00:04:51 --> 00:04:53 leading to improvements in Thruster
00:04:53 --> 00:04:55 design that could significantly extend
00:04:55 --> 00:04:58 the operational life of future
00:04:58 --> 00:05:00 spacecraft now let's let's move on to
00:05:00 --> 00:05:02 some more groundbreaking research this
00:05:02 --> 00:05:04 time involving everyone's favorite space
00:05:04 --> 00:05:06 Topic in a fascinating breakthrough
00:05:06 --> 00:05:07 astronomers have discovered that some
00:05:08 --> 00:05:09 massive black holes form in a
00:05:09 --> 00:05:11 surprisingly quiet way without the
00:05:12 --> 00:05:13 spectacular explosions we typically
00:05:13 --> 00:05:15 associate with Stellar death this
00:05:15 --> 00:05:17 evidence comes from observations of a
00:05:17 --> 00:05:20 remarkable binary star system known as
00:05:20 --> 00:05:21 vfts
00:05:21 --> 00:05:24 243 located in our neighboring large
00:05:24 --> 00:05:27 melanic Cloud Galaxy the system consists
00:05:27 --> 00:05:30 of a massive star about 20 5 times
00:05:30 --> 00:05:32 heavier than our sun orbiting with a
00:05:32 --> 00:05:34 black hole roughly 10 times our Sun's
00:05:34 --> 00:05:36 mass what makes this discovery
00:05:36 --> 00:05:38 particularly intriguing is how it
00:05:38 --> 00:05:40 challenges our traditional understanding
00:05:40 --> 00:05:43 of black hole formation typically we
00:05:43 --> 00:05:45 expect massive stars to end their lives
00:05:45 --> 00:05:48 in dramatic Supernova explosions but
00:05:48 --> 00:05:52 vfts 243 tells a different story using
00:05:52 --> 00:05:54 state-of-the-art models of Stellar
00:05:54 --> 00:05:56 collapse researchers found that the
00:05:56 --> 00:05:58 black hole in this system likely formed
00:05:58 --> 00:06:00 through a process called called direct
00:06:00 --> 00:06:03 collapse instead of exploding the star
00:06:03 --> 00:06:05 essentially imploded with most of its
00:06:05 --> 00:06:07 energy being Carried Away by tiny
00:06:07 --> 00:06:08 particles called
00:06:08 --> 00:06:11 neutrinos this process is remarkably
00:06:11 --> 00:06:13 subtle compared to the cosmic fireworks
00:06:13 --> 00:06:15 we usually expect the team's
00:06:15 --> 00:06:16 calculations revealed that these
00:06:16 --> 00:06:19 neutrinos were emitted almost equally in
00:06:19 --> 00:06:21 all directions during the
00:06:21 --> 00:06:23 collapse this symmetrical emission is
00:06:23 --> 00:06:25 crucial because it explains why the
00:06:25 --> 00:06:28 binary system remained intact a
00:06:28 --> 00:06:31 traditional super NOA explosion would
00:06:31 --> 00:06:33 have likely torn the system apart or at
00:06:33 --> 00:06:35 least significantly disrupted its orbit
00:06:36 --> 00:06:37 this discovery opens up new
00:06:37 --> 00:06:39 possibilities for understanding how
00:06:39 --> 00:06:42 black holes form throughout the Universe
00:06:42 --> 00:06:44 it suggests that many Stellar Mass black
00:06:44 --> 00:06:46 holes might come into existence without
00:06:46 --> 00:06:47 announcing themselves with bright
00:06:47 --> 00:06:49 explosions making them essentially
00:06:49 --> 00:06:51 invisible to our telescopes at the
00:06:51 --> 00:06:53 moment of their birth the implications
00:06:53 --> 00:06:55 are significant for our understanding of
00:06:55 --> 00:06:57 Stellar Evolution and the population of
00:06:57 --> 00:07:00 black holes in our galaxy
00:07:00 --> 00:07:01 it seems that nature has more than one
00:07:01 --> 00:07:04 way to create these Cosmic Giants and
00:07:04 --> 00:07:07 sometimes prefers to do so quietly
00:07:07 --> 00:07:09 without the dramatic flare we've come to
00:07:09 --> 00:07:11 expect from dying
00:07:11 --> 00:07:14 stars as NASA and other space agencies
00:07:14 --> 00:07:15 prepare for a permanent human presence
00:07:15 --> 00:07:17 on the moon they're facing an unexpected
00:07:17 --> 00:07:20 challenge keeping accurate time while
00:07:20 --> 00:07:22 this might sound simple the physics of
00:07:22 --> 00:07:25 space make it surprisingly complex NASA
00:07:25 --> 00:07:27 researchers have recently developed a
00:07:27 --> 00:07:29 new system of lunar time to address this
00:07:29 --> 00:07:32 critical need time actually flows
00:07:32 --> 00:07:34 differently on the moon compared to
00:07:34 --> 00:07:36 Earth with lunar clocks ticking slightly
00:07:36 --> 00:07:38 faster due to the moon's weaker
00:07:38 --> 00:07:41 gravitational field in fact lunar time
00:07:41 --> 00:07:43 drifts ahead of Earth Time by about 56
00:07:43 --> 00:07:47 micros every day while this might seem
00:07:47 --> 00:07:49 insignificant these tiny differences can
00:07:49 --> 00:07:52 have major implications for navigation
00:07:52 --> 00:07:54 communication and coordination between
00:07:54 --> 00:07:57 lunar operations the new timekeeping
00:07:57 --> 00:07:59 system incorporates Einstein's theories
00:07:59 --> 00:08:02 of Relativity to account for these
00:08:02 --> 00:08:04 variations it considers not only the
00:08:04 --> 00:08:06 moon's weaker gravity but also its
00:08:06 --> 00:08:09 motion around Earth and the sun which
00:08:09 --> 00:08:11 introduces periodic time
00:08:11 --> 00:08:14 variations even local gravitational
00:08:14 --> 00:08:17 anomalies on the moon known as mascons
00:08:17 --> 00:08:19 need to be factored in as they subtly
00:08:19 --> 00:08:20 influence the flow of time across
00:08:20 --> 00:08:21 different lunar
00:08:21 --> 00:08:24 locations this precision timing becomes
00:08:24 --> 00:08:26 crucial when you consider the ambitious
00:08:26 --> 00:08:28 plans for lunar development with
00:08:28 --> 00:08:30 multiple space agencies and Commercial
00:08:30 --> 00:08:31 companies planning to operate various
00:08:31 --> 00:08:33 elements on and around the Moon from
00:08:33 --> 00:08:36 Landing systems and Rovers to permanent
00:08:36 --> 00:08:38 habitats and research stations
00:08:38 --> 00:08:40 coordinated timekeeping becomes
00:08:40 --> 00:08:42 essential for everything from navigation
00:08:42 --> 00:08:45 to communication scheduling the system
00:08:45 --> 00:08:47 also needs to maintain precise
00:08:47 --> 00:08:49 synchronization with earth-based Mission
00:08:49 --> 00:08:51 Control while allowing for autonomous
00:08:51 --> 00:08:53 operations during periods when Earth
00:08:53 --> 00:08:55 isn't visible from lunar
00:08:55 --> 00:08:57 bases it's a complex balancing act that
00:08:57 --> 00:08:59 requires accounting for relativistic
00:08:59 --> 00:09:01 effects while maintaining practical
00:09:01 --> 00:09:04 usability for lunar
00:09:04 --> 00:09:06 operations as we prepare to establish a
00:09:06 --> 00:09:08 permanent human presence on the moon
00:09:08 --> 00:09:11 this new timekeeping system represents a
00:09:11 --> 00:09:13 crucial step forward it's another
00:09:13 --> 00:09:15 reminder that even seemingly simple
00:09:15 --> 00:09:17 aspects of space exploration often
00:09:18 --> 00:09:20 require innovative solutions to account
00:09:20 --> 00:09:22 for the complex physics of our
00:09:23 --> 00:09:26 universe speaking of NASA recent images
00:09:26 --> 00:09:28 from NASA's Mars reconnaissance Orbiter
00:09:28 --> 00:09:30 have captured f ating new views of the
00:09:30 --> 00:09:32 Insight Lander which has been dormant on
00:09:32 --> 00:09:35 the Martian surface for 2 years now
00:09:35 --> 00:09:36 these observations are providing
00:09:36 --> 00:09:38 scientists with valuable information
00:09:38 --> 00:09:40 about how dust moves and accumulates on
00:09:40 --> 00:09:43 the red planet the images show that the
00:09:43 --> 00:09:45 Lander once a gleaming piece of
00:09:45 --> 00:09:47 technology has now taken on the same
00:09:47 --> 00:09:50 reddish brown Hue as its surroundings a
00:09:50 --> 00:09:53 testament to Mars everpresent dust by
00:09:53 --> 00:09:55 monitoring how dust collects on inside
00:09:55 --> 00:09:57 surface and how much gets Swept Away by
00:09:57 --> 00:10:00 winds and dust devils scient are gaining
00:10:00 --> 00:10:02 new insights into Mars's atmospheric
00:10:02 --> 00:10:05 processes particularly interesting are
00:10:05 --> 00:10:07 the numerous dust devil tracks visible
00:10:07 --> 00:10:09 in the area around Insight these
00:10:09 --> 00:10:11 swirling Martian winds have been found
00:10:11 --> 00:10:14 to follow a seasonal pattern being most
00:10:14 --> 00:10:16 active during the summer months and
00:10:16 --> 00:10:19 nearly absent in Winter the tracks they
00:10:19 --> 00:10:21 leave behind create a constantly
00:10:21 --> 00:10:23 changing pattern on the surface like
00:10:23 --> 00:10:26 Nature's Own ETA sketch the images have
00:10:26 --> 00:10:28 also revealed interesting details about
00:10:28 --> 00:10:30 impact craters on on Mars including
00:10:30 --> 00:10:32 those created by insight's own Landing
00:10:32 --> 00:10:35 thrusters initially dark brown these
00:10:35 --> 00:10:37 small craters have gradually filled with
00:10:37 --> 00:10:39 dust and return to the surrounding
00:10:39 --> 00:10:42 terrain's characteristic rust color this
00:10:42 --> 00:10:43 process helps scientists better
00:10:43 --> 00:10:45 understand how quickly surface features
00:10:45 --> 00:10:47 on Mars can change and disappear under
00:10:47 --> 00:10:49 the influence of dust movement while
00:10:49 --> 00:10:51 Engineers continue to occasionally
00:10:51 --> 00:10:53 listen for signals from Insight in case
00:10:53 --> 00:10:55 a dust devil cleans its solar panels
00:10:55 --> 00:10:57 enough to revive it no new
00:10:57 --> 00:10:59 Communications have been detected after
00:10:59 --> 00:11:01 two years of Silence NASA has announced
00:11:01 --> 00:11:03 they'll stop listening for signals
00:11:03 --> 00:11:06 shortly even in its retirement though
00:11:06 --> 00:11:08 Insight continues to contribute to our
00:11:08 --> 00:11:09 understanding of Mars through these
00:11:09 --> 00:11:11 orbital
00:11:11 --> 00:11:14 observations looking ahead to 2025 we're
00:11:14 --> 00:11:16 set for an incredibly busy year in space
00:11:16 --> 00:11:18 exploration with a remarkable lineup of
00:11:18 --> 00:11:20 missions that will push the boundaries
00:11:20 --> 00:11:23 of our understanding of the solar system
00:11:23 --> 00:11:25 the Moon is taking Center Stage early in
00:11:25 --> 00:11:27 the year with multiple missions headed
00:11:27 --> 00:11:29 to our Celestial neighbor in in January
00:11:29 --> 00:11:31 alone we'll see the launch of two lunar
00:11:32 --> 00:11:35 Landers Firefly aerospace's Blue Ghost
00:11:35 --> 00:11:38 destined for the mayor chissum and iac's
00:11:38 --> 00:11:40 hakuto R mission 2 which will attempt to
00:11:40 --> 00:11:43 land in the May frigoris these missions
00:11:43 --> 00:11:45 will carry various scientific payloads
00:11:45 --> 00:11:47 and even a micro Rover to explore the
00:11:47 --> 00:11:50 lunar surface several heavy lift Rockets
00:11:50 --> 00:11:52 are making their debut this year marking
00:11:52 --> 00:11:54 a significant advancement in launch
00:11:54 --> 00:11:56 capabilities blue origins new Glenn
00:11:56 --> 00:11:58 rocket is scheduled for its inaugural
00:11:58 --> 00:12:00 flight any time now while rocket lab's
00:12:01 --> 00:12:02 Neutron rocket will join the lineup
00:12:02 --> 00:12:04 later in the year these new vehicles
00:12:04 --> 00:12:06 will greatly expand our ability to
00:12:06 --> 00:12:09 launch larger payloads into space in the
00:12:09 --> 00:12:12 realm of Planetary Exploration China is
00:12:12 --> 00:12:14 preparing for its ambitious chenwen 2
00:12:14 --> 00:12:16 mission set to launch in May this
00:12:16 --> 00:12:18 spacecraft will attempt something never
00:12:18 --> 00:12:20 done before visiting both an asteroid
00:12:20 --> 00:12:23 and a comet on the same Mission it plans
00:12:23 --> 00:12:25 to collect samples from asteroid calawa
00:12:25 --> 00:12:28 in 2026 before heading to Comet pan
00:12:28 --> 00:12:29 stars in
00:12:29 --> 00:12:32 2034 we'll also witness several crucial
00:12:32 --> 00:12:34 planetary flybys throughout the year the
00:12:34 --> 00:12:37 Europa Clipper will swing past Mars in
00:12:37 --> 00:12:39 March on its journey to Jupiter while
00:12:39 --> 00:12:41 issa's Bey Columbo will make its final
00:12:41 --> 00:12:43 Mercury fly by this month these
00:12:43 --> 00:12:45 gravitational assists are crucial
00:12:45 --> 00:12:47 Maneuvers that help spacecraft reach
00:12:47 --> 00:12:48 their distant
00:12:48 --> 00:12:50 destinations back in Earth orbit we
00:12:50 --> 00:12:52 might see the beginning of commercial
00:12:52 --> 00:12:54 space stations with vasts plans to
00:12:54 --> 00:12:57 launch their first Haven one module in
00:12:57 --> 00:13:00 August meanwhile multiple space weather
00:13:00 --> 00:13:01 monitoring missions will take their
00:13:01 --> 00:13:03 positions to help us better understand
00:13:03 --> 00:13:06 solar activity and its effects on
00:13:06 --> 00:13:08 Earth that brings us to the end of
00:13:08 --> 00:13:11 today's episode of astronomy daily thank
00:13:11 --> 00:13:12 you for joining me on this journey
00:13:12 --> 00:13:14 through the latest developments in space
00:13:14 --> 00:13:16 exploration and astronomy if you'd like
00:13:16 --> 00:13:18 to stay up toate with all the latest
00:13:18 --> 00:13:20 space and astronomy news head over to
00:13:20 --> 00:13:23 our website at astronomy daily. where
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00:13:51 --> 00:13:53 this is Anna reminding you to keep
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00:13:54 --> 00:13:56 another fascinating look at what's
00:13:56 --> 00:14:00 happening in space
00:14:00 --> 00:14:02 St
00:14:02 --> 00:14:17 [Music]