S03E68: Starliner's Historic Test & Artemis III Milestone: NASA's Lunar Leap and Neutron Star Discovery

Embark on a Stellar Journey with Our Latest Podcast Episode

Are you ready to traverse the cosmos and uncover the latest in space exploration and astronomy? Our newest episode of Astronomy Daily is packed with exciting news and groundbreaking discoveries that will leave you starry-eyed.

First on our interstellar itinerary is NASA's historic crewed test flight of the Starliner spacecraft. Astronauts Butch Wilmore and SUNY Williams have successfully entered orbit aboard Boeing's Starliner, marking a significant milestone for NASA's commercial crew program. This mission aims to validate the Starliner system, testing its transportation capabilities and paving the way for future missions to the International Space Station (ISS).

Next, we delve into the progress of the Artemis III mission, a collaborative effort between NASA, Axiom Space, and SpaceX. This mission is set to return astronauts to the moon by 2026. The recent integrated test involving a pressurized simulation has provided valuable data that will help refine the advanced spacesuit and the human landing system, bringing us closer to once again setting foot on lunar soil.

In the realm of astrophysics, scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery: the slowest spinning radio neutron star ever detected. This neutron star, emitting radio signals at an unprecedented interval of 54 minutes, challenges our understanding of these celestial objects and opens new avenues for research. The discovery, made using CSIRO's ASCAP radio telescope and verified by the Meerkat radio telescope, underscores the importance of continuous observations and advanced technology in pushing the boundaries of our knowledge.

We also cover the significant decommissioning of the first telescope on Hawaii's sacred Mauna Kea volcano. This effort, part of an agreement to respect the cultural and environmental significance of the land, marks a milestone in balancing scientific research with indigenous values.

The European Space Agency (ESA) is gearing up for the highly anticipated test launch of the Ariane Six rocket. Set for July 9, this next-generation rocket represents a new era for European space endeavors, with its versatile modular design and impressive payload capabilities.

Finally, we explore a fascinating new book by Greg Eghigian, "After the Flying Saucers: A Global History of the UFO Phenomenon." This insightful work delves into the history of UFO sightings and alien abductions, offering a lens through which we can understand our evolving perspectives on science and the unknown.

Tune in to this episode of Astronomy Daily to stay updated on these stellar developments and more. Follow us on YouTube and X, and visit our website at astronomydaily.io for even more space news and to catch all of our previous episodes. Until next time, keep looking up!