S03E96: NEOWISE's Grand Finale & Artemis IV's Engine Upgrades

Are you ready to explore the latest frontiers of space? In this thrilling episode of Astronomy Daily, we bring you the most exciting updates from the world of space exploration and astronomy. Hosted by Anna, this episode is packed with groundbreaking discoveries and significant advancements that are pushing the boundaries of our understanding of the cosmos.

First up, we bid farewell to NASA's NEOWISE mission, which has been a cornerstone in our quest to understand near-Earth objects. Launched as the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) in 2009, this mission transformed into NEOWISE in 2013, focusing on asteroid hunting. Over its 14-year run, NEOWISE made 1.45 million infrared measurements of over 44,000 objects, including 215 newly discovered near-Earth objects. As the mission comes to a close, it paves the way for its successor, the NEO Surveyor, set to launch in late 2027.

The Artemis IV mission is another highlight, featuring modernized RS-25 engines from the space shuttle era. These upgraded engines, equipped with modern flight computers, are set to make Artemis IV a significant milestone in NASA's journey to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond. With enhanced payload capacities and cutting-edge technology, the Artemis missions are set to revolutionize space exploration.

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has made headlines with its discovery of a potentially habitable exoplanet, LHS 1140 b. Located 48 light-years away in the constellation Cetus, this exoplanet could harbor a temperate water ocean, making it a prime candidate for extraterrestrial life. The JWST's advanced capabilities have provided unprecedented insights, hinting at the presence of an atmosphere rich in nitrogen, much like Earth's.

Europe's space ambitions are soaring with the imminent launch of Ariane 6, the newest rocket developed by the European Space Agency (ESA). Designed to cater to both government and commercial clients, Ariane 6 aims to address Europe's launcher crisis and secure its place in the competitive space launch market. With a versatile design and a strong commercial interest, Ariane 6 is poised to become a crucial player in the aerospace industry.

Lastly, the Subaru telescope has expanded our understanding of the Kuiper belt by identifying new objects beyond its previously known boundaries. Using innovative observational methods, researchers have discovered seven new celestial bodies, suggesting that the Kuiper belt extends further than we thought. This discovery has significant implications for our understanding of the solar system's formation and evolution.

Tune in to this episode of Astronomy Daily to delve deeper into these fascinating topics and stay updated on the latest space news. Visit our website at astronomydaily.io to listen to all our podcast episodes and follow us on social media for more cosmic updates. Stay curious, keep exploring, and always remember to keep looking up!