Dead NASA Satellite Relay 2 May Have Caused Mysterious 2024 Radio Burst

In June 2024, scientists detected a mysterious, highly effective burst of radio waves originating from inside our galaxy. At first, they thought it was coming from a pulsar or one other undiscovered cosmic object. However, an evaluation revealed the origin of the sign was too near the Earth. Astronomers suppose it was attributable to a long-dead NASA satellite tv for pc Relay 2, was launched in 1964 however ceased operations in 1967 after its communication programs failed. Yet, practically 60 years later, it mysteriously emitted a robust radio sign, the researchers stated in a brand new preprint research, which was posted June 13 to the server arXiv and has not but been peer-reviewed.

Relay 2: A Silent Satellite Sends a Loud Signal

According to the research, the sign was detected utilizing the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder (ASKAP) telescope array. These intense flashes sometimes originate from deep area and may carry extra power in milliseconds than the solar emits over a number of days.

But this sign, lasting simply 30 nanoseconds, was traced again to the neighborhood of Earth, too shut for ASKAP to give attention to clearly. After ruling out cosmic sources, the staff traced the heart beat to the orbit of Relay 2. Despite having no functioning programs, the satellite tv for pc by some means emitted the brightest radio flash within the sky at that second.

Researchers proposed two theories: a micrometeorite impression that created a radio-emitting plasma cloud, or an electrostatic discharge (ESD) attributable to cost buildup on the satellite tv for pc’s growing older supplies.

New Clues About Spacecraft Behavior and Space Debris

Though each mechanisms might produce related indicators, scientists lean towards electrostatic discharge because the likelier trigger. According to area physicists, older spacecraft like Relay 2 could also be particularly susceptible to such power releases on account of outdated supplies and restricted shielding.

Karen Aplin informed New Scientist that finding out these unintended emissions might assist monitor ESD occasions on at the moment’s small satellites — lots of which additionally lack superior safety. In an more and more crowded orbital atmosphere, this detection methodology could supply a novel software for evaluating area particles and satellite tv for pc well being.