Dead Nasa Satellite relay 2 may cause mysterious 2024 radio burst

In June 2024, scientists discovered a mysterious, powerful burst of radio waves originating from within our galaxy. First of all, he felt that it was coming from a pulsar or any other unseen cosmic object. However, an analysis showed that the origin of the signal was very close to the Earth. Astronomers feel that it was launched in 1964 due to a long -dead NASA Satellite Relay 2, but in 1967 it stopped operation after its communication systems failed. Nevertheless, about 60 years later, it mysteriously emitted a powerful radio signal, researchers said in a new preprint study, which was posted in Server Arxiv on 13 June and has not yet been reviewed.

Relay 2: A silent satellite sends a loud signal

As StudyThe signal was detected using the Australian square kilometer array Pathfinder (Ascap) Telescope array. These acute brightness usually originates from deep space and can carry more energy in milliseconds than the sun in several days.

But this signal, running only up to 30 nanoseconds, was back in the surrounding area of ​​the Earth, which is clearly close to the Askap to focus. After exiting cosmic sources, the team traced Pulse into the class of relay 2. Despite not having no working system, the satellite somehow emitted the brightest radio flash in the sky at that time.

Researchers proposed two principles: a micromateurite effect that created a radio-elevator plasma cloud, or an electrostatic discharge (ESD) that is caused by charge buildup on the content of aging satellite.

New clues about spacecraft behavior and space debris

Although both mechanisms can produce similar signals, scientists lean towards electrostatic discharge because the possibilities are the cause. According to space physicists, old spacecrafts such as relay 2 can be prone to such energy release especially due to chronic materials and limited preservation.

Karen Aplin told New scientist Studying these casual emissions can help monitor ESD events on today’s small satellites – many of which also lack advanced protection. In a fast congested orbital environment, this method of detection can provide a novel tool for the evaluation of space debris and satellite health.