JAXA loses contact with lunar lander in first iSpace mission | Space Brief

On today's space brief, The Japanese space agency JAXA has lost contact with its lunar lander, the first iSpace mission to the Moon.  Space Force, the newest branch of the US military, is considering using commercial data to help monitor satellites and space debris in Earth's orbit.  And scientists have measured the first seismic waves on Mars, revealing new information about the planet's internal structure.  All this and more, let's get started.

5. Japanese Lunar Lander Mission in Trouble: Contact with Spacecraft Lost

Earlier today, the Japanese space agency JAXA announced that it has lost contact with its lunar lander, the first iSpace mission to the Moon. The mission, launched last year, was intended to test new technologies for future lunar exploration and to search for resources that could be used to support human settlements on the Moon.

The iSpace lander was supposed to touch down on the lunar surface near the South Pole, an area that has been identified as a prime location for future human missions. However, JAXA lost contact with the spacecraft during the descent phase, just a few minutes before it was supposed to land.

While JAXA has not yet officially declared the mission a failure, the agency has stated that the likelihood of recovering the spacecraft is very low. The cause of the failure is not yet known, but JAXA has said that it will be conducting an investigation to determine what went wrong.

The iSpace lander is not the first spacecraft to run into trouble during a lunar landing attempt. The Soviet Union's Luna 15 crashed into the Moon in 1969, and NASA's Surveyor 4 mission failed in 1967. However, these setbacks have not deterred space agencies from continuing to pursue lunar exploration.

Despite the disappointment of the iSpace mission, JAXA and other space agencies remain committed to exploring the Moon and other celestial bodies. These missions will pave the way for future human exploration and could lead to the discovery of new resources that could be used to support life on Earth and beyond.

https://spacenews.com/first-ispace-lunar-lander-feared-lost/

https://www.npr.org/2023/04/25/1171924186/contact-is-lost-with-a-japanese-spacecraft-attempting-to-land-on-the-moon

4.  Space Force considers using commercial data to monitor space debris and satellites

Space Force, the newest branch of the US military, is considering using commercial data to help monitor satellites and space debris in Earth's orbit. A report commissioned by the US government has suggested that Space Force could benefit from using commercial providers of satellite tracking data, which could potentially provide a more comprehensive view of objects in space.

Space debris is becoming an increasing concern for space agencies and governments around the world. With more satellites being launched into orbit every year, the risk of collisions and the creation of more debris is growing. Space Force's responsibility is to protect US interests in space, and one of the ways it does this is by monitoring and mitigating the risks associated with space debris.

The report suggests that using commercial providers of satellite tracking data could help Space Force to better monitor the position and movements of satellites and debris, as well as provide more accurate data on potential collisions. This could enable Space Force to take more effective measures to avoid collisions, such as adjusting the orbits of satellites or moving debris out of harm's way.

Commercial providers of satellite tracking data already exist, and several companies are currently offering this service to governments and other organizations. By using data from these providers, Space Force could potentially reduce its reliance on expensive and complex satellite tracking systems, while still maintaining a high level of situational awareness in space.

As the number of objects in space continues to grow, the need for more effective monitoring and mitigation strategies will only increase. The potential use of commercial data by Space Force is just one example of how innovative solutions are being explored to address this important issue.

https://spacenews.com/report-space-force-could-benefit-from-commercial-data-to-monitor-satellites-and-debris/

3.  Proposed SES-Intelsat Merger May Face Regulatory Hurdles

Satellite operators SES and Intelsat have reportedly been in talks about a potential merger that could create one of the world's largest satellite companies. However, the proposed merger could face regulatory challenges due to concerns about competition and potential antitrust violations.

Both SES and Intelsat operate large fleets of communication satellites that provide services such as television broadcasting, broadband internet, and mobile communications. A merger between the two companies would create a dominant player in the market, potentially giving the combined company too much power and limiting competition.

The merger could also face opposition from other players in the satellite industry who could argue that the combined company would have an unfair advantage. In addition, regulators may be concerned about the impact on consumers, particularly in developing countries where SES and Intelsat are major providers of communication services.

If the proposed merger were to go ahead, it could have significant implications for the satellite industry as a whole. The combined company would have a larger fleet of satellites, which could lead to cost savings and increased efficiencies. However, it could also result in job losses and a reduction in competition.

Regulatory approval for the merger is not guaranteed, and it could take several months or even years for the process to play out. In the meantime, both SES and Intelsat are continuing to operate independently, and are likely exploring other options for growth and expansion.

https://spacenews.com/connecting-the-dots-ses-intelsat-merger-would-face-uphill-regulatory-struggle/

2.  Mars Reveals Liquid Core as Scientists Measure First Seismic Waves

Scientists have measured the first seismic waves on Mars, revealing new information about the planet's internal structure. The data shows that Mars has a liquid core, which is similar to Earth's, but smaller.

Seismic waves are produced by earthquakes, and they travel through the planet's interior. By measuring these waves, scientists can learn about the planet's composition, including the size and density of its core.

The seismic waves on Mars were detected by the Insight lander, which landed on the planet in 2018. The lander's seismometer, called SEIS, recorded the waves and transmitted the data back to Earth.

The data revealed that Mars has a solid crust, a mantle, and a liquid core. The core is believed to be made up of a mixture of iron, nickel, and sulfur, and it is about 1,100 miles in diameter. This is smaller than Earth's core, which is about 1,500 miles in diameter.

The discovery of a liquid core on Mars is significant because it suggests that the planet may have had a magnetic field in the past. A magnetic field is generated by the movement of a liquid metal core, and it protects the planet from the solar wind. Without a magnetic field, Mars would be more vulnerable to the effects of the solar wind, which could strip away its atmosphere.

Overall, this new data provides valuable insights into the composition and history of Mars. It could also help scientists understand how other rocky planets in our solar system, including Earth, formed and evolved over time.

https://www.marsdaily.com/reports/Mars_reveals_liquid_core_as_scientists_measure_first_seismic_waves_999.html

1.  ULA Delays Launch of Vulcan Rocket Due to Testing Anomaly

United Launch Alliance (ULA) has delayed the first launch of its Vulcan rocket due to a testing anomaly. The rocket was set to launch on April 18 from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, but the launch was postponed after a problem was discovered during testing.

The issue occurred during a hot-fire test of the rocket's main engine, which is designed to simulate the conditions of a launch. ULA has not yet released details about the anomaly or how it will affect the schedule for the launch.

The Vulcan rocket is a new, next-generation rocket that ULA has been developing for several years. It is designed to be more powerful and cost-effective than previous rockets, with the ability to lift heavier payloads into space. The rocket uses two engines, including a new engine called the BE-4, which is being developed by Blue Origin.

The delay of the Vulcan rocket launch is a setback for ULA and its customers, who were eagerly anticipating the rocket's debut. However, delays and technical issues are not uncommon in the aerospace industry, and it is better to address any problems before launching a rocket into space.

ULA has not yet announced a new launch date for the Vulcan rocket, but the company has said that it will take the time to carefully review the data from the hot-fire test and make any necessary adjustments to ensure a successful launch.

https://www.space.com/ula-vulcan-rocket-testing-anomaly-launch-delay

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