In the latest episode of Astronomy Daily, we delve into some of the most exciting developments in space exploration. Hosted by Anna, this episode covers everything from SpaceX's groundbreaking missions to NASA's innovative dark matter research.
First up, we discuss the eagerly anticipated Polaris Dawn mission from SpaceX. Originally set for late July, the mission has now been delayed to mid to late August. This mission is particularly noteworthy as it aims to perform the first-ever private spacewalk. The crew, led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, includes pilot Scott Kidd Poteet and mission specialists Sarah Gillis and Anna Menon. Unlike the Inspiration4 mission, Polaris Dawn will aim to go even higher and conduct at least one spacewalk, marking the first all-civilian extravehicular activity.
Next, we cover SpaceX's return to flight with the Starlink 10-9 mission after a brief hiatus. This mission is significant as it marks the 50th dedicated Starlink launch for 2024. The hiatus was due to a liquid oxygen leak in a previous Starlink mission, but thorough investigations and fixes have allowed SpaceX to resume its launch schedule. The Federal Aviation Administration and NASA have given SpaceX the green light, ensuring that all safety measures are in place.
We also touch upon the upcoming Crew-9 mission to the International Space Station, scheduled for no earlier than August 18. This mission could be the last NASA-led ISS mission to splash down in the Atlantic Ocean, with future missions potentially moving to the Pacific coast to mitigate space debris concerns.
Finally, we dive into NASA's groundbreaking dark matter research with the upcoming Roman Space Telescope. Set to launch by 2027, this telescope will use high-resolution imaging to study the distribution of dark matter with unprecedented precision. By focusing on the Andromeda galaxy, the Roman Space Telescope aims to identify gaps and disruptions in tidal streams caused by dark matter. This research could revolutionize our understanding of the universe's structure and the role dark matter plays within it.
Don't miss out on these exciting updates in space exploration. Tune in to the latest episode of Astronomy Daily to stay informed about the final frontier. From private spacewalks to groundbreaking dark matter research, this episode has something for every space enthusiast.
