S04E104: Viper’s Lunar Farewell & ISS’s Grand Finale

Space News Today

Welcome to Astronomy Daily, your go-to source for the latest news in space and astronomy. I'm your host, Anna, and today we have an exciting lineup of space-related news that I'm sure you'll find fascinating.

Episode Highlights

- **NASA Cancels Viper Lunar Rover Mission**: NASA has officially canceled the Viper lunar rover mission, initially aimed at exploring the moon's south polar region. Persistent supply chain issues and cost overruns were major factors. While the rover is fully assembled, NASA is exploring the possibility of offering it to US industry and international partners for future lunar exploration.

- **Deorbiting the ISS**: NASA has unveiled plans to deorbit the International Space Station using a vehicle developed by SpaceX. This move will bring a controlled and safe conclusion to two decades of remarkable achievements aboard the ISS. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will be adapted for this mission, ensuring a precise and safe reentry.

- **Hot Jupiter Progenitor Discovered**: Astronomers have pinpointed a hot Jupiter in the making, known as TIC 241-24-9530 b. This planet, situated about 1100 light-years from Earth, has the most eccentric orbit ever recorded and is expected to evolve into a hot Jupiter over a billion years. The discovery sheds light on the life cycle of these extreme planets.

- **Preserving ISS Artifacts**: NASA is now considering preserving small artifacts from the International Space Station, marking a reversal of their previous stance. Items like the ship’s bell, logs, and display panels may be saved as mementos, ensuring that the ISS's legacy is immortalized in museums.

NASA Cancels Viper Lunar Rover Mission

NASA has officially pulled the plug on the Viper lunar rover mission, originally scheduled for a November launch. Persistent supply chain issues and cost overruns were cited as the main reasons. The mission, aimed at exploring the moon's south polar region, was delayed multiple times, pushing potential landing to 2025. Despite the cancellation, NASA is exploring the possibility of offering the rover to US industry and international partners.

Deorbiting the ISS

NASA has unveiled plans to deorbit the International Space Station using a vehicle developed by SpaceX. This move will bring a controlled and safe conclusion to two decades of remarkable achievements aboard the ISS. SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft will be adapted for this mission, ensuring a precise and safe reentry. The mission will see the ISS drift downwards before the crew finally exits, about six months prior to the final reentry.

Hot Jupiter Progenitor Discovered

Astronomers have pinpointed a hot Jupiter in the making, known as TIC 241-24-9530 b. This planet, situated about 1100 light-years from Earth, has the most eccentric orbit ever recorded and is expected to evolve into a hot Jupiter over a billion years. The discovery, published in Nature, sheds light on the life cycle of these extreme planets and underscores the importance of multi-institutional collaboration in uncovering the mysteries of our universe.

Preserving ISS Artifacts

NASA is now considering preserving small artifacts from the International Space Station, marking a reversal of their previous stance. Items like the ship’s bell, logs, and display panels may be saved as mementos, ensuring that the ISS's legacy is immortalized in museums. NASA is consulting with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum to develop a preservation strategy.

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