#JAXA - ALLTHINGSGEO

Space Exploration

Japan’s New Space Rocket Engine Faces Another Explosion: What Went Wrong?

By Jonathan Bala November 27, 2024

Japan’s New Space Rocket Engine Faces Another Explosion: What Went Wrong?

Japan’s Epsilon S rocket engine has experienced a second consecutive explosion during testing, casting a shadow over its anticipated debut launch next year.

Summary

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) faces renewed scrutiny after the Epsilon S rocket engine exploded during a combustion test.
This marks the second consecutive failure of the Epsilon S rocket’s engine development in just over a year.
Tuesday’s explosion occurred at Tanegashima Space Center, located in Kagoshima Prefecture.
Despite the explosive incident, no injuries or external damage were reported.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi confirmed that a thorough investigation was underway.
The Epsilon S rocket is a critical part of Japan’s goal to achieve autonomy in its space development program.
The rocket’s design promises enhanced payload capacity and improved cost efficiency compared to its predecessor, the Epsilon rocket.
Previous engine failures were attributed to ignition system issues, with corrective measures implemented thereafter.
Japan’s larger H3 rocket program has recovered successfully after initial setbacks, providing a contrast to the Epsilon S struggles.
The H3 rocket has achieved three consecutive successful launches, restoring confidence in Japan’s space industry.
Analysts believe Epsilon S’s success is crucial to compete in the growing small satellite launch market.
The repeated failures of Epsilon S threaten confidence in Japan’s ability to meet its ambitious space exploration and commercial objectives.
The global satellite launch market remains lucrative, and small rockets like Epsilon S are key for Japan to secure a competitive edge.
The government remains committed to advancing space exploration despite the setbacks.
A successful resolution of these issues could reaffirm Japan’s position among leading space-faring nations.

Introduction

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has encountered a serious challenge in its quest for space exploration autonomy. The Epsilon S rocket, a smaller yet highly anticipated addition to Japan’s fleet, suffered a catastrophic engine explosion during testing on November 26, 2024. This is the second time in two years that such a mishap has occurred, raising pressing questions about its readiness and reliability.

The Epsilon S rocket is a key part of Japan’s plan to boost its space industry. It is designed to be better than the earlier Epsilon rocket. This new model can carry more weight and is more cost-effective. The main goal of the Epsilon S rocket is to help Japan become a leader in the competitive market of launching small satellites.

“Development of flagship rockets such as Epsilon S is extremely important from the perspective of ensuring autonomy of Japan’s space development,” said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi during a press briefing, emphasizing the significance of the project.

Key Challenges for the Epsilon S Rocket

Testing Challenges

The recent explosion follows a similar engine failure from the previous year, which was attributed to ignition system malfunctions. Despite implementing corrective measures, the issue has resurfaced, signaling potential systemic problems in the rocket’s development process.

The combustion test at Tanegashima Space Center was intended to validate the improvements made after the earlier mishap. However, the setback has forced JAXA to reevaluate its design and testing protocols.

Comparison with the H3 Rocket Program

Rocket Type	Status	Key Features
H3 Rocket	Recovered from initial failure	Larger payload capacity, focus on reliability
Epsilon S	Facing repeated test failures	Small payloads, cost-efficient design

The H3 rocket program, also under JAXA, provides a contrasting narrative. After a failure during its debut launch in February 2023, the H3 has achieved three successful launches consecutively. This rebound highlights JAXA’s ability to overcome challenges, albeit in a different program.

Financial and Commercial Implications

The global satellite market is rapidly expanding, with smaller rockets playing a vital role in deploying constellations for telecommunications, earth observation, and more. For Japan, the Epsilon S rocket is key to capturing a share of this lucrative sector.

However, the repeated failures have created uncertainty among stakeholders and potential clients. This could hamper Japan’s ability to compete against other established players in the small rocket market, such as SpaceX’s Falcon 9 and Rocket Lab’s Electron.

Global Context of Small Rocket Programs

Country	Rocket	Key Strengths
USA	Falcon 9	High reliability, reusable design
New Zealand	Electron	Focused on small satellites
Japan	Epsilon S	Cost-efficient, compact design

#JapanSpaceProgram, #EpsilonS, #JAXA, #RocketLaunchFailures, #SpaceExploration, #SatelliteLaunch, #H3Rocket, #Tanegashima, #RocketDevelopment, #SpaceRace, #GlobalSpaceIndustry, #SmallSatellites, #Falcon9, #RocketLabElectron, #Resilience

Keep Reading

Space Exploration

Supercomputer Simulation Explains the Origins of Mars’ Moons

By Jonathan Bala November 24, 2024

Supercomputer Simulation Explains the Origins of Mars’ Moons

Mars’ moons, Deimos and Phobos, have long been mysterious. While various theories have existed about their origins, new supercomputer simulations are providing fresh insights. These simulations suggest that the moons were not simply captured asteroids, nor the result of a traditional collision. Instead, a near miss by a large asteroid may have created a debris ring from which the moons formed.

This discovery brings us closer to understanding these enigmatic companions of Mars. With future missions like the Mars Moons eXploration (MMX) mission set for 2026, we may finally answer the question of how Mars’ moons came to be.

Summary

Mars is one of only two rocky planets in the solar system with moons.
The two Martian moons, Deimos and Phobos, resemble small asteroids.
There are two main models explaining their origins: capture or collision.
The capture model struggles due to Mars’ weak gravity.
The collision model suggests an asteroid impact, forming debris that became the moons.
A new model proposes a “near miss” by an asteroid that caused tidal forces to break it apart.
The fragments from the near miss formed elliptical orbits around Mars, eventually becoming circular.
The new model explains the orbital characteristics of both moons.
The upcoming MMX mission in 2026 may provide rock samples to confirm the origin.

Introduction to the Mystery of Mars’ Moons

Mars’ moons, Deimos and Phobos, have fascinated scientists for centuries. Unlike Earth’s Moon, which has a well-understood origin tied to the collision between Earth and a protoplanet, Mars’ moons have remained enigmatic. While these moons are small, irregularly shaped objects, they hold critical clues about the early history of our solar system and the planet Mars itself. Researchers have proposed several theories about how these moons were formed, but new advancements in supercomputer simulations are helping to clarify their true origin.

The Current Models

Two main theories have dominated discussions about the origins of Deimos and Phobos.

Capture Theory:

This theory suggests that the moons are captured asteroids. This would explain why they resemble asteroids in size and composition. However, this model faces significant challenges because Mars is much smaller than Earth and Venus, and its gravitational pull is weaker. Capturing one asteroid, let alone two, would be a rare event, especially for a planet like Mars. In addition, captured moons generally have elliptical orbits, which does not match the nearly circular orbits of Phobos and Deimos.

Collision Theory:

The collision theory posits that an asteroid or comet collided with Mars early in its history. This impact would have created a debris ring, and from this ring, the moons would have formed. This theory accounts for the circular orbits of Phobos, which is close to Mars. However, Deimos, the smaller moon, has a more distant orbit, which is difficult to explain using this theory.

The Supercomputer Simulation Breakthrough

New supercomputer simulations are challenging these traditional models by proposing a compromise theory that blends both ideas. According to this new model, a large asteroid passed close to Mars and was torn apart by the tidal forces of the planet’s gravity. Instead of being captured outright or colliding with Mars, the asteroid’s fragments were captured into elliptical orbits around Mars. Over time, these orbits shifted due to the small gravitational influences of the Sun and other planets in the solar system.

The small gravitational tugs from other bodies, including the Sun, caused the orbits of the fragments to shift, eventually leading some of them to collide and form a debris ring around Mars. This process allowed the moons to form at a greater distance than the collision model had suggested, better explaining both the orbits of Phobos and Deimos.

This breakthrough offers a better explanation for the current positions and orbits of the Martian moons. It accounts for the proximity of Phobos to Mars and the more distant orbit of Deimos.

The Importance of the MMX Mission

While these simulations offer an intriguing explanation, they are still hypotheses. The real test will come in 2026, when the Mars Moons eXploration (MMX) mission is set to launch. MMX will explore both Deimos and Phobos, gathering important samples, particularly from Phobos, to help confirm or challenge these theories. This mission could be the key to unlocking the mystery of how Mars’ moons came to be.

Facts About Mars’ Moons

Phobos is gradually getting closer to Mars and will eventually crash into the planet in about 50 million years.
Deimos is moving away from Mars at a rate of about 1.8 centimeters per year.
The origin of Mars’ moons has been debated for centuries, but we are now closer to solving the mystery.
Both moons are irregularly shaped and are considered to be captured asteroids or remnants from a past collision.
The name Phobos comes from the Greek word for “fear,” while Deimos comes from the Greek word for “panic.” These names were chosen because of the moons’ association with Mars, the god of war.

The origins of Mars’ moons have long been a topic of great scientific interest. Through new supercomputer simulations, researchers are offering a compelling new theory that might finally explain the mysteries of Deimos and Phobos. Whether these moons were captured from the asteroid belt or the result of a near-miss asteroid collision, the answers will likely come in the near future with the MMX mission. Until then, the mystery of Mars’ moons remains an exciting puzzle for scientists and space enthusiasts alike.

References

Origin of Mars’s moons by disruptive partial capture of an asteroid – Kegerreis, Jacob A., et al.
Rings of an Ancient Sky – Brian Koberlein.
Broken World – Brian Koberlein.
JAXA MMX Mission – Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
Mars and its Moons – NASA Solar System Exploration.

#MarsMoons, #DeimosAndPhobos, #MMXMission, #SupercomputerSimulations, #AsteroidNearMiss, #MarsExploration, #PhobosAndDeimos, #SpaceMysteries, #PlanetaryScience, #MartianMoons, #NASA, #JAXA, #MarsAstronomy, #CollisionTheories, #AsteroidCapture

Keep Reading

Satellite Technology

Bepicolombo Mission to Mercury

By Jonathan Bala May 20, 2024

Bepicolombo Mission to Mercury

Key Takeaways

BepiColombo is a joint mission by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) to study Mercury. The mission comprises two spacecraft: the Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO) and the Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO). BepiColombo aims to map Mercury’s surface, analyze its magnetic field, and study its exosphere and core. Launched on October 20, 2018, BepiColombo is expected to arrive at Mercury in 2025. The mission will provide insights into the planet’s formation, geology, and its extreme environment.

Summary

Joint Mission: Collaboration between ESA and JAXA.
Spacecraft: Two orbiters – MPO and MMO.
Launch Date: October 20, 2018.
Arrival at Mercury: Expected in 2025.
Mission Goals:
- Map Mercury’s surface.
- Study Mercury’s magnetic field.
- Investigate the planet’s exosphere and core.
Significance:
- Understand planetary formation.
- Study Mercury’s geology and extreme conditions.
Scientific Instruments: Includes cameras, spectrometers, magnetometers, and particle analyzers.
Challenges: High temperatures, intense solar radiation, and gravitational influences.

The BepiColombo Mission to Mercury

The BepiColombo mission is a collaborative effort between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), aiming to explore Mercury, the least explored terrestrial planet in our solar system. Named after Giuseppe “Bepi” Colombo, an Italian scientist who significantly contributed to the study of Mercury, the mission marks a significant milestone in planetary science.

Mission Objectives

The primary objectives of the BepiColombo mission are to:

Map Mercury’s Surface: High-resolution imaging and spectral mapping to study the planet’s surface composition and geological history.
Analyze the Magnetic Field: Understanding Mercury’s internal magnetic field and its interaction with the solar wind.
Study the Exosphere: Investigating the thin, tenuous atmosphere of Mercury.
Investigate the Core: Gaining insights into the structure and composition of Mercury’s core.

Spacecraft Components

The BepiColombo mission consists of two main spacecraft:

Mercury Planetary Orbiter (MPO): Built by ESA, the MPO is designed to study Mercury’s surface and internal composition. It carries a suite of instruments including cameras, spectrometers, and a laser altimeter.
Mercury Magnetospheric Orbiter (MMO): Developed by JAXA, the MMO focuses on studying Mercury’s magnetic environment. It is equipped with magnetometers, particle analyzers, and plasma detectors.

This simple schematic shows the three separate spacecraft that combine to create the BepiColombo mission. — This simple schematic shows three separate spacecraft that make up the BepiColombo mission. Image Credit: ESA

Scientific Instruments

The BepiColombo mission boasts a variety of scientific instruments:

Cameras: For high-resolution imaging of Mercury’s surface.
Spectrometers: To analyze the chemical composition of the surface and exosphere.
Magnetometers: To measure Mercury’s magnetic field.
Particle Analyzers: To study the composition and dynamics of the exosphere.
Laser Altimeter: For precise topographic mapping.

Launch and Journey

BepiColombo was launched on October 20, 2018, from the European Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, aboard an Ariane 5 rocket. The mission is expected to arrive at Mercury in 2025, after a seven-year journey that includes multiple gravity-assist flybys of Earth, Venus, and Mercury. These flybys are critical for adjusting the spacecraft’s trajectory and reducing its speed for orbital insertion around Mercury.

Challenges of the Mission

Exploring Mercury poses several unique challenges:

Extreme Temperatures: Mercury’s proximity to the Sun results in surface temperatures ranging from -290°F (-180°C) to 800°F (430°C). The spacecraft must endure these extremes and maintain the functionality of its instruments.
Intense Solar Radiation: The spacecraft must be protected from the Sun’s intense radiation, which is about ten times stronger than what Earth experiences.
Gravitational Influences: Navigating the spacecraft to Mercury requires precise calculations to account for the gravitational pull of the Sun and other celestial bodies.

Mission Goals and Scientific Return

The BepiColombo mission is expected to revolutionize our understanding of Mercury. Some key scientific goals include:

Mapping Mercury’s Surface: The MPO’s high-resolution cameras and spectrometers will create detailed maps of Mercury’s surface, revealing its geological history and surface composition.
Understanding the Magnetic Field: The MMO will provide valuable data on Mercury’s magnetic field, helping scientists understand its origin and structure.
Studying the Exosphere: The mission will investigate the composition and dynamics of Mercury’s thin exosphere, offering clues about its interaction with the solar wind.
Investigating the Core: By studying Mercury’s gravitational field and rotational dynamics, scientists hope to gain insights into the planet’s internal structure and core composition.

Significance of the Mission

The BepiColombo mission holds great significance for planetary science. By studying Mercury, scientists can gain a better understanding of:

Planetary Formation: Insights into how terrestrial planets, including Earth, formed and evolved.
Geological Processes: Understanding the geological history and surface processes on Mercury.
Extreme Environments: Studying how planetary environments close to the Sun are shaped and maintained.

Key Milestones

2018: Launch of BepiColombo.
2020: First flyby of Earth.
2021-2022: Flybys of Venus.
2023-2024: Multiple flybys of Mercury.
2025: Orbital insertion around Mercury.

Collaborative Efforts

The BepiColombo mission is a testament to international collaboration. ESA and JAXA have pooled their expertise and resources to tackle the formidable challenges of exploring Mercury. This partnership extends to numerous scientific institutions and universities worldwide, which contribute to the mission’s scientific payload and data analysis.

This schematic shows the components of BepiColombo’s solar-electric propulsion system without the solar arrays. There are four T6 gridded ion thrusters mounted on gimbals. The system has three tanks holding 1,400 kg of xenon gas, a high-pressure regulator, four flow control units, and two power processing units. It also includes several metres of high-voltage harness and piping needed to connect everything. Image Credit: ESA

Scientific Instruments Overview

Here is a detailed look at some of the key instruments onboard the BepiColombo spacecraft:

Table 1: Scientific Instruments on MPO

Instrument	Function
Mercury Radiometer and Thermal Imaging Spectrometer (MERTIS)	Maps surface temperature and composition.
Mercury Gamma-ray and Neutron Spectrometer (MGNS)	Analyzes elemental composition of the surface.
Spectrometers and Imagers for MPO BepiColombo Integrated Observatory SYStem (SIMBIO-SYS)	High-resolution imaging and spectral mapping.
Mercury Laser Altimeter (BELA)	Measures surface topography.
Italian Spring Accelerometer (ISA)	Measures non-gravitational forces acting on the spacecraft.

Table 2: Scientific Instruments on MMO

Instrument	Function
Mercury Magnetometer (MMO-MAG)	Studies Mercury’s magnetic field.
Plasma Wave Investigation (PWI)	Analyzes plasma waves and their interaction with the magnetic field.
Mercury Sodium Atmospheric Spectral Imager (MSASI)	Studies sodium in Mercury’s exosphere.
Mercury Dust Monitor (MDM)	Measures dust particles in Mercury’s vicinity.
Solar Intensity X-ray and Particle Spectrometer (SIXS)	Monitors solar X-rays and energetic particles.

Data and Discoveries

The data collected by BepiColombo will be crucial in addressing several unanswered questions about Mercury. For instance, the mission will investigate:

Surface Features: Detailed mapping to identify geological formations such as craters, cliffs, and volcanic plains.
Volcanism and Tectonics: Studying evidence of past volcanic and tectonic activity.
Polar Regions: Investigating the presence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters at Mercury’s poles.
Magnetosphere Dynamics: Understanding how Mercury’s magnetosphere interacts with the solar wind.

The success of the BepiColombo mission will pave the way for future missions to Mercury and other inner planets. It will also enhance our understanding of exoplanets in close orbits around their parent stars, as these environments can be analogs to Mercury’s extreme conditions.

The BepiColombo mission represents a monumental effort in space exploration and scientific discovery. By delving into the mysteries of Mercury, the mission promises to unlock secrets about the formation and evolution of terrestrial planets. The data gathered will not only expand our knowledge of Mercury but also provide broader insights into planetary science and the conditions that shape our solar system.

Hashtags

#BepiColombo, #MercuryMission, #SpaceExploration, #ESA, #JAXA, #PlanetaryScience, #Mercury, #Astronomy, #SpaceScience, #InterplanetaryMission

References

European Space Agency: BepiColombo
http://sci.esa.int/bepicolombo/
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency: BepiColombo
https://www.isas.jaxa.jp/en/missions/spacecraft/current/mmo.html
National Space Science Data Center Master Catalog: BepiColombo
https://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/nmc/spacecraft/display.action?id=2018-080A
European Space Agency (ESA). (2023). “BepiColombo Mission Overview”. Retrieved from ESA Website.
Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). “BepiColombo: Mission to Mercury”. Retrieved from JAXA Website.

Keep Reading

Satellite Technology

Japanese Lunar Lander Successfully Survives Its Third Night on the Moon

By Jonathan Bala April 27, 2024

Japanese Lunar Lander Successfully Survives Its Third Night on the Moon

Key Takeaway

Japan’s SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon) lunar lander, designed to operate for only a single day, has remarkably survived three brutal lunar nights, defying expectations and continuing to transmit data and images despite its unintended upside-down orientation on the lunar surface.

Summary

The Japanese Space Agency’s SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon) landed on the Moon on January 19, 2024, with the mission to test lunar landing technology and collect data about surface geology.
After landing, SLIM ended up in an upended position, resting on its face, which affected the solar panel orientation and limited its operational time.
SLIM was not designed to survive the harsh lunar nights, where temperatures plummet to -170°C, but it unexpectedly survived the first lunar night that began on January 31.
Despite being disbanded in March, the operations team received signals from SLIM after the second and third lunar nights, indicating its continued operation.
SLIM was even spotted by cameras on board the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter after the second lunar night.
On April 24, 2024, JAXA announced that SLIM had survived its third lunar night, continuing to transmit images and data.
The mission aimed to test pinpoint landing technology that uses facial recognition systems to identify craters and achieve an accurate touchdown within 100 meters.
Although the landing was accurate, SLIM’s upended position was unexpected.
JAXA hopes to use the data from the resilient SLIM to learn more about the origin of the Moon by analyzing the surface geology.

Japanese Lunar Lander Successfully Survives Its Third Night on the Moon — The SLIM spacecraft saw the lunar surface.

The Resilient Lunar Explorer: Japan’s SLIM Lander Defies Expectations

When Japan’s Space Agency (JAXA) launched the SLIM (Smart Lander for Investigating the Moon) mission, little did they expect the small lunar lander to become a groundbreaker in lunar exploration. Designed to operate for just a single day, SLIM has defied all odds by surviving three brutal lunar nights, where temperatures plummet to a bone-chilling -170°C (-274°F).

SLIM touched down on the lunar surface on January 19, 2024, with the primary objective of testing lunar landing technology and gathering data about the Moon’s surface geology. However, the landing didn’t go entirely as planned. Instead of settling on its base, SLIM found itself in an upended position, resting on its face.

This unexpected orientation had a significant impact on the solar panel alignment, limiting the lander’s operational time to just a few hours after dawn and before sunset. Despite this setback, SLIM soldiered on, transmitting valuable data and images during its brief windows of operation.

One of the most remarkable aspects of SLIM’s mission is its ability to withstand the harsh lunar environment. The lander was never designed to endure the freezing temperatures and extreme conditions of the lunar night, yet it managed to power through not just one, but three consecutive lunar nights.

The first lunar night began on January 31, and against all odds, SLIM survived the ordeal, powering back up on February 15. This feat alone was a remarkable achievement, but SLIM wasn’t done yet.

Even after the operations team was disbanded in March, SLIM continued to surprise everyone. Signals were received from the lander after the second and third lunar nights, indicating its unwavering determination to keep exploring.

JAXA’s announcement on April 24, 2024, confirming SLIM’s survival of its third lunar night, was a cause for celebration among space enthusiasts worldwide. The resilient little lander, against all expectations, continued to transmit data and images, providing invaluable insights into the lunar surface.

One of the key objectives of the SLIM mission was to test cutting-edge pinpoint landing technology. This innovative system utilizes facial recognition algorithms to identify craters on the lunar surface, allowing for highly accurate landings within a 100-meter radius of the target location.

While the landing itself was accurate, SLIM’s upended position was an unexpected outcome. Nonetheless, the data gathered during this process will undoubtedly contribute to the refinement of future lunar landing techniques.

JAXA’s ultimate goal with the SLIM mission is to gain a deeper understanding of the Moon’s origin by analyzing the surface geology. The lander’s unexpected longevity has provided an unprecedented opportunity to collect data over an extended period, potentially shedding new light on the formation and evolution of our celestial neighbor.

SLIM’s remarkable resilience and determination have not only captivated the scientific community but have also inspired future lunar exploration missions. The lander’s ability to overcome adversity and adapt to unforeseen circumstances serves as a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of space exploration efforts.

As we look towards the future, SLIM’s achievements will undoubtedly pave the way for more ambitious and daring lunar missions, driving us ever closer to unlocking the mysteries of our nearest celestial neighbor.

HASHTAGS:

#SLIM, #LunarExploration, #JAXA, #MoonLanding, #SpaceScience, #LunarGeology, #ResilientTechnology, #MoonOrigin, #PinpointLanding, #SpaceInnovation #Japanese Lunar Lander

Source:

Phys.org: Japan’s Moon Lander Wasn’t Built to Survive the Night: This article discusses Japan’s Moon lander and its limitations, particularly its inability to survive the extremely cold lunar nights.

Keep Reading