Connect with us

Hi, what are you looking for?

Technology

Zombie NASA Satellite Sends Mysterious Radio Pulse After 60 Years

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – In a surprising turn of events, a NASA satellite that has been dormant for nearly six decades has emitted a powerful burst of radio waves, capturing the attention of astronomers worldwide. This unexpected signal, originating from within our galaxy, was detected by researchers in June 2024.

Immediate Impact of the Signal

The satellite, known as Relay 2, was launched in 1964 but ceased operations just three years later due to the failure of its onboard transponders. However, the recent radio pulse has reignited interest in the long-defunct satellite. According to a preprint study posted on arXiv, the signal was detected by the Australian Square Kilometer Array Pathfinder (ASKAP), a radio telescope in Western Australia.

“This was an incredibly powerful radio pulse that vastly outshone everything else in the sky for a very short amount of time,” said Clancy James, the study’s lead author and an associate professor at Curtin University’s Institute of Radio Astronomy.

Key Details Emerge

The radio pulse, lasting just 30 nanoseconds, does not match any known systems on the satellite, ruling out the possibility of a deliberate transmission. Instead, researchers speculate that a micrometeorite impact or an electrostatic discharge might have triggered the burst.

ASKAP’s inability to focus on the signal, due to its proximity, further adds to the mystery. Radio bursts typically originate from distant galaxies, not from within the Milky Way.

Expert Analysis and Theories

James and his team suggest two potential scenarios for the pulse’s origin. The first involves a micrometeorite impact that could create a plasma cloud, increasing space environment conductivity or generating an electric field on the spacecraft’s surface.

The second, more likely scenario, involves an electrostatic discharge (ESD), which occurs when electricity flows between two surfaces with different charges. Given Relay 2’s early construction materials, it may have been prone to such events.

“As a very early spacecraft, Relay 2 may have been constructed from materials capable of holding greater charge and hence producing stronger ESD events,” the researchers noted.

Background Context

Launched during the early years of space exploration, Relay 2 was part of NASA’s efforts to establish satellite communication. Its unexpected reactivation raises questions about the longevity and potential reactivation of other dormant satellites.

The timing is particularly significant as it coincides with increasing interest in satellite servicing and debris management.

Industry Response

Karen Aplin, a professor of space science and technology at the University of Bristol, who was not involved in the study, emphasized the importance of this discovery for future research. “In a world where there is a lot of space debris and more small, low-cost satellites with limited protection from electrostatic discharges, this radio detection may ultimately offer a new technique to evaluate electrostatic discharges in space,” she stated.

What Comes Next

While the exact cause of the radio pulse remains uncertain, the event serves as a launchpad for future investigations into electrostatic discharges in space. Researchers are keen to explore these phenomena further, potentially leading to better understanding and management of satellite operations and space debris.

The discovery of the radio pulse from Relay 2 underscores the unpredictable nature of space exploration and the potential for long-dormant technology to surprise and intrigue scientists.

You May Also Like

Technology

Tesla (TSLA) recently reported a year-over-year drop in second-quarter deliveries, yet the market responded with optimism, pushing the stock up by 5%. This unexpected...

Health

The All England Lawn Tennis Club in London experienced its hottest-ever opening day on Monday, as the prestigious Wimbledon tournament kicked off under unprecedented...

Science

Look out, daters: a new toxic relationship trend is sweeping through the romantic world, leaving many baffled and heartbroken. Known as “Banksying,” this phenomenon...

Technology

In a bold reimagining of the DC Universe, director James Gunn has introduced a significant narrative element in his latest film, which reveals that...

Entertainment

Netflix’s eagerly anticipated talent competition Building the Band is set to premiere on July 9, promising an emotional journey for viewers. This series, centered...

Technology

Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has recently made headlines with her latest investment in the tech sector. According to official filings, she...

Entertainment

A new documentary series titled “Animals on Drugs” is set to premiere on the Discovery Channel on July 28, 2023. The three-part series follows...

World

The first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine is recommended at birth, a practice that has come under scrutiny following recent comments by Health...

Sports

ZAGREB, Croatia — A concert by Marko Perkovic, a right-wing Croatian singer known for his controversial views, attracted tens of thousands of fans to...

Business

Erin Dana Lichy, a prominent cast member of “Real Housewives of New York,” has officially settled into her dream home, a grand townhouse located...

Politics

Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman faced significant backlash following his professional tennis debut at the Hall of Fame Open in Newport, Rhode Island,...

Lifestyle

The upcoming TRNSMT 2025 festival is set to take place from July 7 to July 9, 2025, at Glasgow Green, and organizers have released...

Entertainment

While the echoes of Summer Game Fest 2025 and the Xbox Games Showcase still resonate, Xbox has already set its sights on the next...

Technology

Meta has officially opened preorders for its new Oakley smart glasses, the limited edition HSTN, ahead of their anticipated release on July 22, 2023....

World

CHONBURI, Thailand — The world-famous pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, celebrated her first birthday on Thursday at Thailand’s Khao Kheow Open Zoo. Despite her burgeoning...

World

In Kerr County, Texas, the looming threat of flash flooding has been a persistent concern for local officials. Years before devastating floods claimed over...

Copyright © All rights reserved. This website provides general news and educational content for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, we do not guarantee the completeness or reliability of the information presented. The content should not be considered professional advice of any kind. Readers are encouraged to verify facts and consult appropriate experts when needed. We are not responsible for any loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of information on this site.