Etiqueta: Satélites

Today’s Satellite News

NASA Curiosity Rover Explores Unique Boxwork Formations on Mars

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has captured the first close-up images of unique boxwork formations on Mount Sharp, revealing intricate mineral ridges formed by ancient groundwater. These patterns, never seen elsewhere on the mountain, offer clues about Mars’ geological history and the presence of water beneath its surface billions of years ago. Curiosity’s ongoing analysis of drilled samples aims to uncover whether these formations could indicate past habitable environments and further our understanding of the Red Planet’s transformation from a wet world to a dry desert.

NASA Satellite Image of Sicily Weather - June 15, 2025

A NASA satellite image captured on June 15, 2025, provides detailed meteorological data for Sicily. Such satellite imagery is crucial for accurate weather forecasting and monitoring atmospheric conditions. The data, managed by local models, supports precise weather predictions and is protected by copyright. Sharing is permitted with proper citation. This highlights the importance of satellite technology in modern meteorology and public weather services.

SPARCS CubeSat to Test Electrodynamic Tethers for Space Debris Removal

The SPARCS mission from Sharif University of Technology aims to tackle the growing space debris problem in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by testing electrodynamic tethers (EDTs). Comprising two CubeSats, SPARCS-A and SPARCS-B, the mission will demonstrate intersatellite communication and deploy a 12-meter EDT to adjust orbital paths without fuel, potentially enabling controlled deorbiting of satellites. The mission also features a dosimeter to monitor the radiation environment in LEO, informing future satellite design. If successful, SPARCS could mark a significant step toward sustainable satellite operations and debris mitigation in space.

Atlas V Launches Second Batch of Amazon Project Kuiper Satellites

United Launch Alliance's Atlas V rocket successfully deployed 27 new Amazon Project Kuiper satellites into low Earth orbit, advancing Amazon's plan to compete with SpaceX Starlink in global broadband services. Project Kuiper aims to deploy over 3,200 satellites through about 80 launches, involving ULA, SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Arianespace. Amazon expects to begin offering broadband services by the end of the year. This launch marks a significant step in the global expansion of satellite internet networks, with China also developing large-scale constellations. The mission highlights the growing competition and investment in satellite-based connectivity.

NASA Relay 2 Dead Satellite Emits Unexpected Radio Signal

A team led by Clancy James from Curtin University detected a powerful radio signal from NASA's long-defunct Relay 2 satellite using the ASKAP radio telescopes. This unexpected burst lasted only a nanosecond but was so intense it overshadowed other signals. The source was traced to Relay 2, inactive for nearly 60 years. Scientists suggest the cause could be a collision with space debris or an electrostatic discharge from accumulated charge. This event highlights the unpredictable behavior of space debris and offers new ways to study electrostatic phenomena in orbit, especially as the number of small, unprotected satellites increases.