Space News Today

In this episode, we journey through the latest cosmic developments that are capturing our imaginations and shaping our understanding of the universe. We kick off with a concerning update about Spain's Spainsat NG2 satellite, which encountered a space particle during its ascent to orbit, highlighting the unpredictable nature of space travel. Fortunately, contingency plans are in place to ensure uninterrupted communications for the Spanish Ministry of Defence.Next, we delve into a busy launch schedule, featuring SpaceX's Falcon 9 missions that will deploy new Starlink satellites and a variety of rideshare missions, including NASA's Pandora project aimed at observing exoplanet transits. The excitement continues with ISRO's upcoming launch of an Earth observation satellite, showcasing the rapid advancements in global space initiatives.We then explore groundbreaking laboratory research supporting the RNA World hypothesis, which suggests that RNA could have been the first self-replicating molecule on Earth. This study, which mimics early Earth conditions, provides compelling evidence that life may have emerged more quickly than previously thought, with implications for the search for life on Mars.As we look towards the Moon, 2026 promises to be a pivotal year for private lunar exploration, with several companies planning missions to scout resources and test technologies essential for a sustainable human presence.We also discuss an ambitious proposal to develop a kilometric baseline interferometer to hunt for habitable moons around distant exoplanets, potentially revolutionising our search for life beyond Earth.Finally, we highlight China's Chang'e 7 mission, which is set to investigate the Moon's South Pole and its ancient ice deposits, crucial for future lunar habitation efforts.Join us as we unpack these fascinating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily podcast, hosted by Anna and Avery 00:38 – **Spainsat NG2 hit by space particle while heading to final orbit 01:51 – **SpaceX and ISRO have several missions scheduled for next week 03:08 – **RNA World hypothesis says RNA was first self replicating life precursor 04:30 – **2026 could be a pivotal year for private lunar exploration 07:13 – **This week's Astronomy Daily includes: Satellite hits, launch previews### Sources & Further Reading1. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 2. ISRO (https://www.isro.gov.in/) 3. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 4. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: [email protected] Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/) Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟Become a supporter of this podcast: Support Us (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30975390?utm_source=youtube

SpaceTime with Stuart Gary Gary - Series 29 Episode 2 In this episode of SpaceTime , we explore the intriguing history of our galaxy and the secrets of Earth's early water retention. Unraveling the Milky Way's Chemical Bimodality A groundbreaking study suggests that the Milky Way's stellar formation and its unique chemical bimodality may stem from intergalactic gas rather than traditional star formation or galactic collisions. Researchers utilized advanced computer simulations to analyze the formation of 30 simulated galaxies, revealing that the Milky Way's distinct groups of stars, defined by their iron and magnesium content, can emerge through various mechanisms. This research not only enhances our understanding of the Milky Way's evolution but also challenges previous assumptions about the role of smaller galaxies in shaping its chemical structure. Earth's Mantle: A Reservoir of Ancient Water New findings indicate that Earth's mantle may have locked away vast amounts of water during the planet's formative magma ocean phase. Researchers discovered that bridgmanite, the most abundant mineral in the mantle, could store significant quantities of water, potentially equating to the volume of all today's oceans. This study reshapes our understanding of how water was retained during Earth's extreme early conditions and its role in the transition to a habitable planet. The implications of this research may provide insights into the geological processes that sustain Earth's dynamic environment. The Astronomy of Standing Stones Reflecting on archaeological astronomy, we revisit a pivotal study that revealed how ancient standing stones in Britain were constructed with astronomical alignments in mind. This research confirms that the earliest stone monuments, including the Great Circles of Scotland, were intentionally oriented to mark the movements of the sun and moon. By examining the patterns of alignment, researchers established a connection between these ancient structures and the cultural significance of celestial events, illustrating the sophisticated understanding early Britons had of their environment and the cosmos. www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com (https://www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com/) ✍️ Episode References Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society Journal of Science Journal of Archaeological Science Reports Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-your-guide-to-space-astronomy--2458531/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . (00:00:00) This is Space Time Series 29, Episode 2 for broadcast on 5 January 2026 (00:00:47) New study on the Milky Way's chemical bimodality (00:12:30) How bridgmanite in Earth's mantle may have stored ancient water (00:20:10) The astronomical significance of ancient standing stones in Britain (00:25:00) Science Robert: Sleep apnea linked to Parkinson's disease and more news in science Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30970659?utm_source=youtube

In this episode, we embark on an exhilarating exploration of the cosmos, uncovering groundbreaking advancements and intriguing discoveries that are reshaping our understanding of the universe. We kick off with an exciting look at very low Earth orbit (VLEO) satellites, which operate at altitudes between 100 and 400 kilometres, offering sharper images for Earth observation and enhanced communication capabilities. The benefits of these closer orbits could revolutionise agriculture, climate monitoring, and disaster response, despite the challenges posed by atmospheric drag.Next, we delve into the BepiColombo mission, which is on the verge of entering orbit around Mercury after an arduous journey since its launch in 2018. This collaborative effort between the European Space Agency and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency promises to yield unprecedented insights into Mercury's surface composition and its magnetic field, advancing our understanding of the inner solar system.We then discuss a remarkable confirmation of Einstein's general theory of relativity, as astronomers observe a black hole twisting spacetime during a tidal disruption event. This stunning finding not only validates a century-old theory but also provides a new method for measuring black hole spins.In launch news, SpaceX continues its impressive streak with a successful Falcon 9 mission, deploying 29 Next Gen Starlink satellites to bolster global broadband coverage. With a record-breaking number of launches in 2025, SpaceX is set to maintain its momentum into the new year.We also highlight NASA's Escapade mission to Mars, which will investigate how solar wind erodes the Martian atmosphere. The mission's unique approach of waiting in a halo orbit around Earth's Lagrange point before heading to Mars exemplifies the clever engineering strategies that are becoming increasingly important for space exploration.Finally, we celebrate the X-ray Imaging and Spectroscopy Mission (XRISM), which has delivered the clearest X-ray spectrum yet from a fast-spinning supermassive black hole, revealing critical insights into black hole behaviour and their relationship with host galaxies.Join us for these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, January 5, 2026 00:56 – **Very low Earth orbit satellites could revolutionise how we monitor Earth 03:43 – **The BepiColombo mission is set to enter orbit around Mercury in 2026 06:06 – **Astronomers detect black hole's spin dragging spacetime 07:54 – **SpaceX launched 29 Next Gen Starlink satellites on January 4 09:06 – **NASA's Escapade mission to Mars will investigate how solar wind erodes atmosphere 10:53 – **X ray spectrum of fast spinning supermassive black hole from NASA mission 12:48 – **This week's episode is packed with innovation, discovery and cosmic wonders### Sources & Further Reading1. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 2. Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (https://www.jaxa.jp/) 3. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 4. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: [email protected] Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/) Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟Become a supporter of this podcast: Support Us (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30958684?utm_source=youtube

This episode originally aired in 2024. Cosmic Q&A: Gravity, Energy, and Hidden Galaxies In this thought-provoking holiday repeat episode of Space Nuts , hosts Andrew Dunkley and Professor Fred Watson dive into listener questions that explore the intricate relationships between gravity, energy, and the cosmos. With inquiries from Steve, Gus, and Nick, the discussion spans the nature of gravity, the implications of energy on gravitational fields, and the mysteries of galaxy movements. Episode Highlights: - Gravity Without Mass: Steve from New Zealand poses a fascinating question about the possibility of gravity existing without mass. Andrew and Fred discuss the theoretical implications and whether energy can contribute to gravitational effects, referencing concepts like thermal energy and dark matter. - Energy and Gravity: Gus from Jessica, Washington, raises an intriguing point about the equivalence of mass and energy and its relationship to gravity. The hosts navigate the complexities of gravitational energy and ponder whether the energy of gravitational fields could influence mass. - Hidden Galaxies: Nick from Auckland, New Zealand, wonders if there are early galaxies moving towards us that we can't yet see. The discussion delves into the concepts of redshift and peculiar motion, clarifying how the expansion of the universe affects our observations of distant galaxies. - Listener Engagement: The episode wraps up with Andrew and Fred encouraging listeners to keep sending in their questions, fostering a sense of community and curiosity about the universe. For more Space Nuts, including our continuously updating newsfeed and to listen to all our episodes, visit our website. (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/) Follow us on social media at SpaceNutsPod on Facebook, X, YouTube Music Music, Tumblr, Instagram, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform. If you’d like to help support Space Nuts and join our growing family of insiders for commercial-free episodes and more, visit spacenutspodcast.com/about (https://www.spacenutspodcast.com/about) . Stay curious, keep looking up, and join us next time for more stellar insights and cosmic wonders. Until then, clear skies and happy stargazing. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/space-nuts-astronomy-insights-cosmic-discoveries--2631155/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30952966?utm_source=youtube

In this episode, we traverse the cosmos, unveiling the latest developments in space exploration and astronomical discoveries. We kick off with exciting news from Denmark, as the European Space Agency has greenlit its first lunar mission, named Mani, aimed at high-resolution mapping of the Moon's surface. This marks a significant milestone for Denmark, showcasing its commitment to lunar exploration alongside ESA's push for cost-effective missions.Next, we celebrate SpaceX's impressive start to 2026, with the successful launch of the Cosmoskymet satellite, enhancing Earth observation capabilities for various applications. As we shift our focus to exoplanets, we unravel the mystery of Fomalhaut B, which has been revealed as an expanding cloud of debris rather than a planet, highlighting the dynamic nature of protoplanetary systems.Our journey continues with insights from the James Webb Space Telescope, revealing the tumultuous history of the Milky Way through the study of distant galaxies. This research reshapes our understanding of galactic evolution, showcasing a violent youth filled with mergers and intense star formation.As we look to the night sky, we provide tips for stargazing, with Jupiter shining brightly during its opposition on January 10th. This is the perfect opportunity for enthusiasts to spot the gas giant and its moons, as well as enjoy the Quadrantids meteor shower.Finally, we share good news for the International Space Station crew, as a persistent leak in the Russian segment has been successfully sealed after years of effort. This development ensures continued stability for ongoing operations aboard the ISS.Join us as we explore these captivating stories and more in this episode of Astronomy Daily!00:00 – **Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to spot for space and astronomy news 00:34 – **Danish team gets green light from esa for first lunar mission 01:56 – **SpaceX launches Italian Earth observing satellite Cosmoskymet on January 2 04:24 – **Canadian astronomers used JWST data to piece together Milky Way's turbulent past 07:02 – **After years of dealing with leak in Russian segment, it's stopped 08:00 – **This week's Astronomy Daily includes: New missions, launches and more### Sources & Further Reading1. European Space Agency (https://www.esa.int/) 2. SpaceX (https://www.spacex.com/) 3. NASA (https://www.nasa.gov/) 4. Hubble Space Telescope (https://www.hubblesite.org/) ### Follow & ContactX/Twitter: @AstroDailyPod Instagram: @astrodailypod Email: [email protected] Website: astronomydaily.io (http://astronomydaily.io/) Clear skies and see you next time! 🌟 Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss) . Sponsor Details: Ensure your online privacy by using NordVPN . To get our special listener deal and save a lot of money, visit You'll be glad you did! Become a supporter of Astronomy Daily by joining our Supporters Club. Commercial free episodes daily are only a click way... Click Here (https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-space-news-updates--5648921/support) This episode includes AI-generated content. Episode link: https://play.headliner.app/episode/30939110?utm_source=youtube