· space brief · 7 min read
Space Brief 22 Aug 2024
ESA's Cluster mission coming to an end, Europe's contributions to Artemis III, JUICE's groundbreaking maneuvers, Yaogan EO satellites, and amateur astronomers discovering exoplanets.
Top News
Cluster Mission Set to End with Reentry Over South Pacific
ESA’s Cluster mission, which has provided unprecedented data on Earth’s magnetosphere since 2000, is concluding. The first of its four satellites is scheduled to reenter Earth’s atmosphere on 8 September 2024. This mission has significantly advanced our understanding of space weather and magnetic phenomena, demonstrating the value of long-duration space science missions.
Read the full story: ESA
ESA’s Icy Moons Explorer Racks Up Two World Firsts
The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) mission has achieved two historic firsts in space exploration. The spacecraft successfully executed the first lunar-Earth flyby and a double gravity assist maneuver on its journey to Jupiter’s icy moons. These complex maneuvers are crucial for JUICE’s long journey, saving considerable fuel and extending its operational life. This achievement marks a significant milestone in our quest to study Jupiter’s potentially habitable moons.
Read the full story: European Spaceflight
How Students Learn to Fly NASA’s IXPE Spacecraft
Students are gaining hands-on experience in operating NASA’s Imaging X-Ray Polarimeter Explorer (IXPE) spacecraft. This educational initiative provides practical knowledge in mission control activities, preparing the next generation of aerospace professionals.
Read the full story: NASA
August 2024 Supermoon Rises Near NASA Marshall
A super blue Moon was visible over NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center from August 19 to August 21, 2024. This event occurs when a full Moon is at its closest approach to Earth, appearing larger and brighter than usual.
Read the full story: NASA
EarthCARE profiles atmospheric particles in detail
ESA’s EarthCARE satellite is delivering detailed data on atmospheric particles through its advanced lidar instrument. This technology is enhancing our understanding of Earth’s climate and weather patterns, crucial for improving climate models and weather forecasts.
Read the full story: ESA.int
Recent Satellite Activity
YAOGAN-43 O1A
- Satellite ID: 60458
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Earth observation (inferred from Yaogan series)
TLE Data:
1 60458U 24148A 24234.80339721 .00029547 00000-0 12129-2 0 99994
2 60458 35.0021 20.8869 0005797 310.5876 49.4334 15.23269758 844
This satellite is part of the Yaogan-43 series, likely used for Earth observation. It was launched on August 16, 2024, and is currently in a low Earth orbit with an inclination of 35.0021 degrees.
YAOGAN-43 O1B
- Satellite ID: 60459
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Earth observation (inferred from Yaogan series)
TLE Data:
1 60459U 24148B 24233.49196780 .00026155 00000-0 10707-2 0 99997
2 60459 34.9978 29.1314 0005826 309.5954 50.4246 15.23383506 582
This satellite is also part of the Yaogan-43 series, launched on the same date as YAOGAN-43 O1A. It has similar orbital characteristics.
YAOGAN-43 O1C
- Satellite ID: 60460
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Earth observation (inferred from Yaogan series)
TLE Data:
1 60460U 24148C 24234.47404907 .00016642 00000-0 67662-3 0 99994
2 60460 35.0045 22.9342 0006735 328.4694 31.5617 15.23678151 736
This is the third satellite in the Yaogan-43 series launched on August 16, 2024. It shares similar orbital parameters with its counterparts.
YAOGAN-43 O1D
- Satellite ID: 60461
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Earth observation (inferred from Yaogan series)
TLE Data:
1 60461U 24148D 24234.80139300 .00031359 00000-0 12649-2 0 99990
2 60461 34.9974 20.8723 0007429 327.4806 32.5450 15.23837304 789
The fourth satellite in the Yaogan-43 series, launched alongside its counterparts on August 16, 2024.
YAOGAN-43 O1E
- Satellite ID: 60462
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Earth observation (inferred from Yaogan series)
TLE Data:
1 60462U 24148E 24234.80187171 .00035230 00000-0 14251-2 0 99993
2 60462 34.9960 20.8751 0006534 323.2952 36.7315 15.23726142 781
The fifth satellite in the Yaogan-43 series, sharing the same launch date and similar orbital characteristics as its counterparts.
YAOGAN-43 O1F
- Satellite ID: 60463
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Earth observation (inferred from Yaogan series)
TLE Data:
1 60463U 24148F 24234.47464580 .00027820 00000-0 11332-2 0 99992
2 60463 35.0011 22.9398 0005709 323.1687 36.8635 15.23541118 737
The sixth satellite in the Yaogan-43 series, launched on August 16, 2024, with orbital parameters similar to its counterparts.
YAOGAN-43 O1G
- Satellite ID: 60464
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Earth observation (inferred from Yaogan series)
TLE Data:
1 60464U 24148G 24234.80206075 .00031366 00000-0 12725-2 0 99990
2 60464 35.0041 20.8751 0005979 327.7886 32.2463 15.23653276 784
The seventh satellite in the Yaogan-43 series, sharing the same launch date and similar orbital characteristics as its counterparts.
YAOGAN-43 O1H
- Satellite ID: 60465
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Earth observation (inferred from Yaogan series)
TLE Data:
1 60465U 24148H 24234.80141228 .00027885 00000-0 11264-2 0 99997
2 60465 35.0012 20.8711 0007435 326.3736 33.6507 15.23810367 787
The eighth satellite in the Yaogan-43 series, launched on August 16, 2024, with orbital parameters similar to its counterparts.
YAOGAN-43 O1J
- Satellite ID: 60466
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Earth observation (inferred from Yaogan series)
TLE Data:
1 60466U 24148J 24234.80116374 .00025379 00000-0 10241-2 0 99992
2 60466 35.0040 20.8686 0007362 331.2919 28.7391 15.23861930 785
The ninth satellite in the Yaogan-43 series, sharing the same launch date and similar orbital characteristics as its counterparts.
CZ-4B R/B
- Satellite ID: 60467
- Launch Date: 2024-08-16
- Purpose: Rocket body (third stage of the Chang Zheng 4B launch vehicle)
TLE Data:
1 60467U 24148K 24234.76787971 .00098074 00000-0 11277-2 0 99997
2 60467 35.0076 19.6107 0123470 48.9350 312.1967 15.51885272 795
This object is the spent third stage of the Chang Zheng 4B rocket that launched the Yaogan-43 satellite series. It remains in a slightly different orbit from the satellites it deployed.
All these satellites were launched on August 16, 2024, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center (XSC) using a Chang Zheng 4B launch vehicle. They are part of China’s Yaogan series, which are believed to be used for Earth observation purposes, although their specific missions are not publicly disclosed. The satellites are in similar low Earth orbits with an inclination of approximately 35 degrees, suggesting they may work together as a constellation for their Earth observation mission.
More Space News
Europe Delivers for Artemis III
Europe has completed the European Service Module (ESM) for NASA’s Artemis III mission, which aims to return humans to the Moon. This module will power the Orion spacecraft, providing essential functions like propulsion and life support. The ESM’s completion highlights Europe’s critical role in the Artemis program and brings us one step closer to sustainable lunar exploration.
Read the full story: ESA
NASA’s DART Team Earns AIAA Space Systems Award for Pioneering Mission
NASA’s Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission team has been honored with the 2024 Space Systems Award. This recognition celebrates the successful execution of the first planetary defense test, where an impactor altered an asteroid’s trajectory. The DART mission’s success provides crucial data for future strategies to protect Earth from potential asteroid impacts.
Read the full story: NASA
Talented Teams Tackle Toasty Planet
NASA-funded teams UNITE and Exoplanet Watch have confirmed a new exoplanet using amateur telescopes. This “warm Jupiter” discovery showcases the growing role of citizen scientists in space exploration. The collaboration between professionals and amateurs demonstrates how space science is becoming more accessible to the public.
Read the full story: NASA
Axiom Space and Nokia partner to develop high-speed wireless communications for spacesuits
Axiom Space and Nokia are collaborating to bring high-speed wireless communications to spacesuits for the Artemis missions. This partnership aims to enhance communication capabilities for astronauts on lunar missions, a critical step in enabling long-duration space exploration.
Read the full story: SpaceNews.com
2025 Human Lander Challenge
NASA’s 2025 Human Lander Challenge focuses on advancing in-space propulsion systems using cryogenic liquids. This initiative is critical for NASA’s plans to establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon and future Mars missions, addressing key technological challenges in long-term space exploration.
Read the full story: NASA
Copernicus Trajectory Design and Optimization System
NASA’s Copernicus project offers a robust solution for spacecraft trajectory design and optimization. This system enhances mission planning and execution, supporting a wide range of space missions from lunar exploration to interplanetary travel.
Read the full story: NASA
The Marshall Star for August 21, 2024
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center recognized 332 team members for their exceptional contributions across various missions and operations. These awards celebrate achievements that drive NASA’s space exploration objectives forward.
Read the full story: NASA
