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https://scitechdaily.com/cosmic-fireworks-nasas-burstcube-detects-monumental-space-explosion/
BurstCube, a compact satellite, recently detected its first gamma-ray burst, demonstrating the capabilities of CubeSats in observing the most violent explosions in the universe.
Despite challenges such as solar panel failures that could have shortened its mission, BurstCubesatelliteUtilizing advanced communication systems for data transmission provides important experience for the next generation of space scientists.
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BurstCube’s firstgamma raysViolence
The shoebox-sized BurstCube satellite has for the first time observed a gamma-ray burst, the most powerful type of explosion in the universe, according to a recent analysis of observational data collected over the past few months.
“We are thrilled to be collecting science data,” said Sean Semper, BurstCube chief engineer at NASA‘s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “This is an important milestone for the team and the many early-career engineers and scientists who are involved in this mission.”
The event, called GRB 240629A, occurred on June 29 in the southern sky toward the Microscopic constellation. The team announced the discovery in a GCN (General Coordinate Network) announcement on August 29.
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BurstCube was launched from the International Space Station along with another satellite called SNOOPI (Signal of Opportunity-P-wave Survey) on April 18, 2024. Image credit: NASA/Matthew Dominick
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Launch and mission objectives
BurstCube was deployed into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS) on April 18 following its launch on March 21.
The mission is designed to detect, locate and study short gamma-ray bursts, brief flashes of high energy produced by collisions of ultra-dense objects such as neutron stars. These collisions also produce heavy elements like gold and iodine, which are key ingredients for life as we know it.
BurstCube is the first CubeSat to use NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite (TDRS) system, a constellation of specialized communications spacecraft. Data relayed by TDRS (pronounced “tee-driss”) helps coordinate rapid tracking measurements with other space observatories and ground-based observatories through NASA’s GCN.
BurstCube also regularly transmits data back to Earth using the Direct to Earth system — both it and TDRS are part of NASA’s Near Space Network.
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On-orbit challenges and adaptation
After BurstCube was deployed from the space station, the team discovered that one of the two solar panels had failed to fully deploy. It blocked the mission’s star tracker’s view, preventing the spacecraft from orienting itself with minimal drag. The team had hoped BurstCube would operate for 12-18 months, but now estimates that the increase in drag will cause the satellite to re-enter the atmosphere in September.
“I’m proud of the team’s ability to rise to the occasion and make the most of our time on orbit,” said Jeremy Perkins, Goddard’s principal investigator for BurstCube. “Mini missions like BurstCube not only provide the opportunity to conduct exceptional science and test new technologies, like our mission’s gamma-ray detector, but they also provide important learning opportunities for upcoming members of the astrophysics community.”
About BurstCube
BurstCube is led by Goddard and funded by the Astrophysics Division in the Science Mission Directorate at NASA Headquarters. BurstCube partners include the University of Alabama in Huntsville, the University of Maryland, College Park, the Universities Space Research Association in Washington, the Naval Research Laboratory in Washington, and NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center.
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Table of Contents
BurstCube: Unlocking the Secrets of Gamma-Ray Bursts
In the vast expanse of space, there exist some of the most violent and powerful explosions known to humanity – gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). These brief, intense flashes of energy are believed to be the result of collisions between ultra-dense objects, such as neutron stars. To study these phenomena, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center has launched a small satellite called BurstCube, designed to detect, locate, and study short gamma-ray bursts [[2]].
Launch and Mission Objectives
BurstCube was deployed into orbit from the International Space Station (ISS) on April 18, 2024, along with another satellite called SNOOPI (Signal of Opportunity-P-wave Survey) [[3]]. The mission is led by Dr. Jeremy Perkins, Principal Investigator at Goddard [[1]]. BurstCube aims to expand sky coverage to detect, localize, and rapidly disseminate information about GRBs, assisting in the understanding of these extraordinary events [[2]].
First Gamma-Ray Burst Detection
Recently, BurstCube achieved a significant milestone by detecting its first gamma-ray burst, GRB 240629A, which occurred on June 29 in the southern sky towards the Microscopic constellation [[3]]. This detection demonstrates the capabilities of CubeSats in observing the most violent explosions in the universe.
On-Orbit Challenges and Adaptation
After deployment, the team encountered a challenge when one of the two solar panels failed to fully deploy, blocking the mission’s star tracker’s view and preventing the spacecraft from orienting itself with minimal drag. Despite this
gamma-ray burst hit earth
The Power of Gamma-Ray Bursts: Understanding the Most Violent Explosions in the Universe
Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most powerful explosions in the universe, emitting enormous amounts of energy in the form of gamma rays, X-rays, and visible light. These cosmic fireworks are caused by the collapse of massive stars or the merger of neutron stars or black holes, releasing an enormous amount of energy in a very short period. Recently, a tiny cubesat called GRBAlpha played a key role in determining the peak intensity of the brightest gamma-ray burst ever seen [[1]].
BurstCube: A Compact Satellite with a Big Mission
One of the latest advancements in GRB detection is BurstCube, a compact satellite launched from the International Space Station (ISS) on April 18, 2024, along with another satellite called SNOOPI (Signal of Opportunity-P-wave Survey) [[2]]. BurstCube is designed to detect, locate, and study short gamma-ray bursts, which are brief flashes of high energy produced by collisions of ultra-dense objects such as neutron stars. These collisions also produce heavy elements like gold and iodine, which are key ingredients for life as we know it.
First Gamma-Ray Burst Detection
BurstCube has successfully detected its first gamma-ray burst, demonstrating the capabilities of CubeSats in observing the most violent explosions in the universe [[3]]. The event, called GRB 240629A, occurred on June 29 in the southern sky toward the Microscopic constellation. The team announced the discovery in a GCN (General Coordinate Network) announcement on August 29.
Mission Objectives and Challenges
BurstCube’s mission is to detect, locate, and study short gamma-ray bursts. Despite challenges such as solar panel failures that could have shortened its mission, BurstCube utilizes advanced communication systems for data transmission, providing important experience for the next generation of space scientists.
The Importance of GRBs
Gamma-ray bursts are crucial for understanding the universe’s most violent explosions. They provide valuable insights into the formation of heavy elements, the behavior of matter at extremely high energies, and the properties of black holes and neutron stars. Additionally, GRBs can be used as cosmic lighthouses, helping astronomers study the distant universe and the expansion of the cosmos.
Conclusion
BurstCube’s successful detection of its first gamma-ray burst marks a significant milestone in the study of these cosmic fireworks. As we continue to explore the universe, compact satellites like BurstCube will play an increasingly important role in understanding the most violent explosions in the universe. With their advanced capabilities and compact design, CubeSats like BurstCube are paving the way for the next generation of space scientists to study GRBs and unravel the mysteries of the universe.
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