Major Space Missions In 2024
Source: From the moon to Europa, six space missions to be excited for in 2024 (The Hindu, January 6)
Keep an eye on six key space missions throughout 2024. These missions represent major strides in our exploration of space and could herald new discoveries about the moon, Mars, and Jupiter’s icy moon Europa.
Europa Clipper
- Launch Details: The NASA Europa Clipper mission is set to launch on October 10, 2024. It has a 21-day window to take off. The spacecraft will travel on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket.
- Journey to Europa: Europa is one of the biggest moons of Jupiter. It is a bit smaller than our Moon. Its surface is icy. Scientists say there is an ocean under the ice. Europa may hold more than twice the water of Earth’s oceans.
- The Science Goals: The mission wants to see if Europa could support life. There will be close flybys of the moon. The Europa Clipper will map the ice surface and collect data on the moon’s ocean. It aims to find water geysers too.
- Expected Impact: Scientists are excited. This mission could help us understand moons like Europa better. Clipper is expected to reach Jupiter’s orbit by 2030.
Artemis II Launch
The Artemis program is NASA’s initiative to return humans to the moon. It stands out because it aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the lunar surface. The program is not just about brief visits; it aims for a lasting presence to gear up for Mars missions.
- Artemis I Recap: The program initiated with Artemis I. This mission involved an unmanned capsule. It orbited the moon in late 2022.
- Upcoming: Artemis II: Artemis II will be the program’s first crewed mission. Four astronauts will take a 10-day trip to lunar orbit. This mission lays the groundwork for future exploration.
- Expected Launch: The launch of Artemis II could happen in November 2024.
- Potential Delay: Equipment readiness could delay the mission to 2025. Spacesuits and oxygen systems must be fully prepared.
VIPER To Hunt Water On The Moon
NASA will employ VIPER to scour the moon’s south pole for water in late 2024. This rover is akin to the size of a golf cart.
- Mission Schedule Update: The launch was initially set for 2023 but is now delayed for additional testing. The lander system, built by Astrobotic, required more time to ensure readiness for the mission.
- Launch: The robot’s journey to the moon is set for November 2024. It signifies a major stride in lunar exploration.
- Objectives of VIPER: VIPER aims to detect substances like water and carbon dioxide that evaporate at low temperatures. These volatiles are crucial for supporting human life during future moon explorations.
- Technological Features: During its 100-day lunar expedition, VIPER will endure drastic temperature swings. It is designed with batteries, heat pipes, and radiators to withstand temperatures from as high as 224 degrees Fahrenheit to as low as -240 degrees Celsius.
Lunar Trailblazer And PRIME-1
- Lunar Trailblazer Mission: NASA is working on cost-effective missions called SIMPLEx. The Lunar Trailblazer is one. This mission will go to space with another launch. Its job is to find water on the moon from orbit. It maps where water molecules are by checking surface temperatures. The team plans for it to be ready by 2024. But it must wait for its primary launch mission to be ready.
- PRIME-1: The Companion Mission: PRIME-1 is set to launch in 2024. It carries Lunar Trailblazer. PRIME-1 will also test a drill on the moon. This is similar to what the VIPER mission will use later. Its launch will depend on other missions being on schedule.
- Launch Dependencies and Delays: Delays can affect Lunar Trailblazer and PRIME-1’s timeline. An earlier moon mission was postponed until February 2024 or later. This may also push back PRIME-1 and Lunar Trailblazer.
JAXA’s Martian Moon eXploration
- Exploring Phobos and Deimos: Japan’s space agency, JAXA, plans to visit the moons of Mars. These moons are named Phobos and Deimos. In 2024, a robot will start its journey to them. This mission is called the Martian Moon eXploration (MMX).
- The Mystery of the Moons’ Origins: The origin of Mars’ moons is a puzzle. Scientists are unsure if they are captured asteroids or if they formed from debris around Mars. The MMX mission wants to solve this mystery.
- MMX Mission Goals and Sample Return: A spacecraft will be sent to orbit Mars for three years. It will study Phobos and Deimos closely. The mission includes landing on Phobos. It will collect samples and bring them back to Earth.
ESA’s Planetary Defense Mission: Hera
- Overview of Hera: Hera is a new mission from the European Space Agency. It aims to investigate the Didymos-Dimorphous asteroid system after NASA’s DART mission.
- DART Mission Legacy: In 2022, the DART mission did more than just visit asteroids. It crashed into Dimorphous to test a defense strategy. This was to see if we can protect Earth from dangerous objects in space.
- Kinetic Impact Technique: The method used by DART is known as kinetic impact. It is about hitting an asteroid to change its path. It might be vital for protecting our planet one day.
- Hera’s Journey: Hera will begin its journey in October 2024. By the end of 2026, it will reach the asteroids. There, Hera will study their properties.