A hundred weeks in space exploration
Planetary Radio: Space Exploration, Astronomy and Science
Deep Dive
Why is the JUICE mission important for space exploration?
The JUICE mission aims to explore Jupiter's icy moons—Europa, Callisto, and Ganymede—to investigate their habitability and the presence of liquid water beneath their surfaces, which could harbor life.
What challenges did the JUICE mission face during its launch?
The mission faced a one-second launch window due to weather delays and had to ensure perfect launch conditions to avoid using excess fuel, which would limit its capabilities during the mission.
What is the significance of the OSIRIS-REx mission's sample return?
OSIRIS-REx returned samples from asteroid Bennu, providing pristine material from the early solar system, which can help scientists understand the origins of life and the formation of the solar system.
What hurdles did the OSIRIS-REx team encounter during the sample collection?
The spacecraft had to navigate a rocky terrain on Bennu, and during the sample collection, it nearly got stuck in the asteroid's surface, requiring precise maneuvering to avoid mission failure.
What is the primary goal of the Psyche mission?
The Psyche mission aims to explore the metallic asteroid Psyche, which is believed to be the exposed core of a protoplanet, providing insights into the early solar system's formation.
What challenges did the Psyche mission team overcome before launch?
The team discovered a potential overheating issue with the spacecraft's thrusters just two weeks before launch, requiring a last-minute solution and a seven-day delay to ensure mission success.
What is the main objective of the Europa Clipper mission?
Europa Clipper will perform close flybys of Europa to study its icy shell, ocean, composition, and geology, helping scientists understand its potential for habitability.
How did Hurricane Milton impact the Europa Clipper launch?
The hurricane forced the mission team to evacuate and delayed the launch, adding stress and uncertainty to the already complex process of preparing the spacecraft for liftoff.
What is the hottest place in the solar system, according to Bruce Betts?
The core of Jupiter is the hottest place in the solar system, with temperatures estimated to be around 25,000 kelvins, due to gravitational collapse and residual heat from its formation.
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