This Week in Orbit
NASA's MAVEN mission has provided new insights into Martian auroras, revealing complex interactions between the solar wind and Mars' atmosphere. Meanwhile, a rare Mars meteorite has offered a glimpse into the planet's deep interior, preserving evidence from 1.27 billion years ago.
Week Overview
NASA's MAVEN mission has provided new insights into Martian auroras, revealing complex interactions between the solar wind and Mars' atmosphere. Meanwhile, a rare Mars meteorite has offered a glimpse into the planet's deep interior, preserving evidence from 1.27 billion years ago. On Earth, cosmic filaments are helping scientists set the first limits on dark matter's potential decay into gravitons, a hypothetical particle. In space exploration history, the Soviet Luna 24 mission's sample return from the Moon in 1976 marked a significant milestone.
Launch Activity
This week saw no new launches, leaving the total number of active satellites in orbit at 18,561. The Starlink constellation remains a significant presence with 10,916 active satellites, including 9,731 operational units and 911 currently raising their orbits. The Orbital Radar Launch Log provides a comprehensive record of all past launches for those interested in historical data.
Orbital Events
A series of close approaches were tracked this week, with the nearest involving OBJECT A and OBJECT D, passing within 0.63 km of each other. Other notable close encounters included TIANHUI 5A and TIANHUI 5B at 1.28 km. Such events underscore the increasing congestion in low Earth orbit, a situation closely monitored by the Orbital Radar Debris Map.
Space Weather
Space weather data was unavailable this week, but the impact of solar activity on satellite operations remains a critical area of study. The Orbital Radar Space Academy offers resources for understanding how space weather affects both current and future missions.
Notable Satellites
The world's first air-breathing satellite thruster is poised for a test run, potentially revolutionising propulsion in very low Earth orbit (VLEO). This technology could extend satellite lifespans by utilising atmospheric particles for propulsion. For more on current satellite missions, the Orbital Radar Satellite Library provides detailed information on active satellites.
Looking Ahead
The upcoming total solar eclipse on 12 August promises to reveal phenomena never before observed, offering a unique opportunity for scientific study. Additionally, the Artemis programme continues to build momentum towards a lunar return, laying the groundwork for future exploration. For those tracking celestial events, the Orbital Radar Pass Predictor can help identify visible passes of satellites and other orbital objects.
