Welcome to another exciting episode of Astronomy Daily with your host, Anna. In today's episode, we've got a stellar lineup of fascinating space news straight from the cosmos. From a historic lunar flyby by the European Space Agency's JUICE mission to unexpected discoveries about Mars, courtesy of NASA's InSight lander. We've got it all. We'll also dive into the groundbreaking Polaris Dawn mission, which promises to feature the first-ever commercial spacewalk. And if that weren't enough, we'll wrap things up with a fun twist: zero gravity snacks from Doritos that are making their way into space. Buckle up, because this journey through the universe is going to be out of this world.- **ESA's JUICE Mission: A Historic Lunar Flyby**: The European Space Agency's Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) is performing an unprecedented double gravity assist maneuver by swinging by both the Moon and Earth. This historic event aims to slingshot JUICE toward its ultimate destination, Jupiter and its intriguing moons Ganymede, Callisto, and Europa. The Moon's gravity served as a break, enabling JUICE to slow down in its trajectory relative to the Sun, effectively saving the spacecraft about six months of travel time. Photographs from the lunar encounter were taken using JUICE's onboard monitoring cameras, capturing remarkable images shared in real-time with the public via a live webcast. - **Unexpected Discoveries on Mars**: NASA's Mars InSight lander, though no longer active, continues to provide invaluable data. A new study revealed that Mars gets bombarded by space rocks far more frequently than previously estimated. This insight comes from a combination of seismic data and orbital imagery, suggesting a pressing need to update our current models of Martian geological activity and surface evolution. Notably, two of the newly discovered craters are the largest ever detected on Mars, each roughly the size of a football field. This finding has far-reaching implications for our understanding of planetary surfaces across the solar system.- **Polaris Dawn Mission: The First Commercial Spacewalk**: The Polaris Dawn mission team, led by billionaire entrepreneur Jared Isaacman, is ready to embark on a groundbreaking journey. This mission raises the stakes in commercial space exploration by aiming to perform the first-ever commercial spacewalk. The crew, including retired US Air Force pilot Scott "Kidd" Poteet and SpaceX engineers Anna Menon and Sarah Gillis, will attempt to break Earth orbit altitude records and conduct approximately 40 experiments. Additionally, the mission aims to pioneer high-speed internet access in space using Starlink connectivity.- **Zero Gravity Snacks: Doritos in Space**: Doritos is launching a new limited edition flavor called Cool Ranch Zero Gravity, designed specifically for space travel. These specially formulated chips feature an oil-based coating to prevent crumbs from floating in microgravity environments. The Polaris Dawn mission will see its crew become the first people to eat Doritos in space. Doritos has partnered with the Polaris Dawn crew to raise awareness and funds for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, contributing a $500,000 donation and offering fans the chance to win mission-themed memorabilia.For more Astronomy Daily, including our continually updating newsfeed, visit our website at astronomydaily.io. Follow us on social media at AstroDailyPod on Facebook, X, YouTubeMusic, and TikTok. We love engaging with our community, so be sure to drop us a message or comment on your favorite platform.For more Space and Astronomy News Podcasts, visit our HQ at www.bitesz.com. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/astronomy-daily-the-podcast--5648921/support. Keep looking up, and I'll see you tomorrow!

Welcome to Astronomy AstroDailyPod! I'm your host, Steve Dunkley, bringing you the latest cosmic updates for 24 June 2024. Today, we delve into a star on the brink of explosion, a stranded spacecraft, and the ongoing search for Planet Nine. We'll also explore new satellite constellations aiding in firefighting, a joint Chinese-French satellite mission, and a family suing NASA over space debris. Plus, we look at racing drones testing spacecraft control systems. Let's dive in!- **NASA Sued Over Space Junk**: An American family is claiming over $80,000 from NASA after space debris crashed into their Florida home. The debris, part of a cargo pallet from the ISS, caused significant damage but fortunately no injuries. NASA's response could set a precedent for future claims.- **Chinese-French Satellite Mission**: A joint mission between China and France has launched the Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) to study gamma ray bursts, the universe's mightiest explosions. This collaboration aims to unravel mysteries of the cosmos and enhance our understanding of the universe's history.- **Boeing Starliner Delayed Again**: NASA has delayed the return of the Boeing Starliner from the ISS to review thruster malfunctions and helium leaks. The mission, initially set for June 26, will be rescheduled to ensure safety and thorough data analysis.- **Impending Nova Event**: The star T Coronae Borealis, part of a binary system, is set to undergo a nova event visible from Earth. This rare cosmic event offers a unique opportunity for both professional and amateur astronomers to observe and study.- **Racing Drones for Spacecraft Control**: Researchers at Delft University are using racing drones to test neural network-based AI control systems for future space missions. This innovative approach aims to enhance spacecraft autonomy and efficiency in unpredictable space environments.For an astronomical experience, visit our website at [astronomydaily.io](https://www.astronomydaily.io) for the latest news, sign up for our free newsletter, and check out exclusive sponsor deals. Connect with us on YouTube, TikTok, X, and Facebook via @AstroDailyPod for engaging discussions with fellow space aficionados. This is Steve, reminding you to keep your gaze fixed on the heavens. Until our next stellar episode, let the cosmos ignite your curiosity and wonder. Clear skies and cosmic discoveries to all!**Support**:This podcast is better with your support:[https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/](https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/support/)[www.bitesz.com](https://www.bitesz.com/)**Sponsors**:[www.bitesz.com/nordpass](https://www.bitesz.com/nordpass)[https://www.bitesz.com/show/astronomy-daily-the-podcast/sponsors/]

**Date:** 7th August 2023- **Host:** Steve Dunkley**Main Topics Covered:**1. **Personal Updates:** - Steve celebrated his son and his partner Kate's birthdays in Sydney. - Lunch at a famous Australian landmark.2. **SpaceX News:** - SpaceX tests their new booster. - Static fire test conducted for the Starship First Stage prototype, Booster 9.3. **Graphene in Space:** - The wonder material graphene is being researched for use in space building and development. - Scientists from the Italian Space Agency discuss graphene's potential role in space exploration. - Up to 1.9% of interstellar medium carbon is made of graphene.4. **Voyager 2 Update:** - NASA reestablishes contact with Voyager 2. - Voyager 2's history and its journey through the solar system. - Voyager 1 and 2 carry golden records with information about Earth.5. **Bubbletrons:** - A phenomenon from the early universe where massive bubbles may have emerged and collided. - These bubbles could have been responsible for the creation of dark matter particles and microscopic black holes. - The bubbles' expansion and collision might have created gravitational waves.6. **Other Space News:** - Discovery of an unusual Jupiter-sized planet, T-O-I-G-4860B, orbiting a low mass star. - NASA's collaboration with Axiom Space for private astronaut missions. - NASA announces crew members for SpaceX Crew 8 mission to the International Space Station.**Closing Remarks:**Steve and Halley, the digital reporter, wrap up the episode, touching on the incredible properties and potential of graphene in space technologies.For more Astronomy Daily visit www.spacenuts.io