NASA BurstCube: Tiny satellite en route to International Space Station to probe cosmic mysteries | Tech News

NASA BurstCube: Tiny satellite en route to International Space Station to probe cosmic mysteries

NASA's tiny BurstCube satellite is en route to the International Space Station to study short gamma-ray bursts to advance our cosmic understanding.

By: MD IJAJ KHAN
| Updated on: Mar 22 2024, 11:13 IST
NASA Hubble Space Telescope captures dwarf galaxy in Virgo cluster, 52 mn light years away
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1/5 NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has once again astounded the world with its latest capture—a dwarf galaxy nestled 52 million light-years away from Earth. This distant marvel resides in the expansive Virgo galaxy cluster, illuminating the depths of space with its ethereal presence. (ESA/Hubble & NASA, M. Sun⁣)
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2/5 In a recent Instagram post, NASA unveiled the captivating image, shedding light on the celestial beauty that lies beyond our reach. With a concise caption, the space agency provided insights into the galaxy's location and the unique challenges it faces within the Virgo cluster. (NASA/Smithsonian Institution/Lockheed Corporation)
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3/5 Ram pressure, exerted by intergalactic gas, plays a significant role in shaping the destiny of galaxies like the one captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. This force, while capable of inhibiting star formation by dispersing vital gases and dust, can also stimulate the birth of new stars through compression—a delicate balance of cosmic forces. (ESA/Hubble & NASA, M. Sun⁣)
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4/5 The post shared just two days ago has already garnered immense attention, amassing over three lakhs likes and counting. Enthralled netizens flooded the comments section with expressions of awe and wonder, each remark reflecting the profound impact of NASA's cosmic revelations. (ESA/Hubble & NASA, H. Ebeling)
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5/5 From descriptors like "mesmerizing mess of sparkling beauty" to declarations of intent to "live in space," the responses underscore the profound impact of NASA's cosmic revelations. Each heart emoji serves as a testament to humanity's enduring fascination with the boundless mysteries of the universe, as unveiled by the lens of the Hubble Space Telescope. (NASA)
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BurstCube, NASA's small satellite, is journeying to the International Space Station to study high-energy gamma-ray bursts. (NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center Conceptual Image Lab)

NASA's diminutive BurstCube satellite is now making its way to the International Space Station (ISS) aboard SpaceX's Dragon resupply spacecraft. It lifted off at 4:55 p.m. EDT on Thursday, March 21, from Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, BurstCube is poised to embark on a significant mission.

BurstCube Satellite Mission Objective

Upon arrival at the ISS, BurstCube will be unpacked and subsequently released into orbit. Its primary objective? To detect, locate, and analyze short gamma-ray bursts- transient bursts of high-energy light that hold crucial insights into cosmic phenomena.

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Jeremy Perkins, BurstCube's principal investigator at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, emphasised the satellite's multifaceted role. "BurstCube may be small, but in addition to investigating these extreme events, it's testing new technology and providing important experience for early career astronomers and aerospace engineers," Perkins stated.

Short gamma-ray bursts, often stemming from the collisions of neutron stars, offer astronomers a unique window into the universe's workings. These cataclysmic events not only emit high-energy light but can also generate gravitational waves – disturbances in the fabric of spacetime.

The simultaneous study of gamma-ray bursts and gravitational waves represents a burgeoning field known as multi-messenger astronomy, shedding light on different facets of cosmic phenomena. Moreover, the collisions that give rise to gamma-ray bursts yield heavy elements crucial for life's existence.

BurstCube's Precision Instruments

BurstCube's detectors are meticulously designed to cover a wide swath of the sky, enhancing the odds of capturing concurrent bursts alongside gravitational wave detections. With its ability to detect gamma rays ranging from 50,000 to 1 million electron volts, BurstCube is poised to contribute substantially to our understanding of these celestial events.

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As part of the CubeSat class of spacecraft, BurstCube exemplifies the potential of small satellites to revolutionize space exploration. Leveraging standardized components and novel technologies, BurstCube exemplifies a cost-effective approach to space science.

Led by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center and funded by NASA Headquarters, BurstCube's collaboration spans multiple institutions, underscoring the collaborative nature of space exploration.

In the pursuit of unravelling the mysteries of the cosmos, BurstCube represents a significant step forward, poised to expand our understanding of gamma-ray bursts and their cosmic implications.

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First Published Date: 22 Mar, 11:12 IST
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