Global Spaceflight Plans for 2024 Previewed on This Week In Space Episode 94
2024 is shaping up to be an exciting year for spaceflight enthusiasts around the world. Despite the delay of the Artemis crewed lunar program, there are several thrilling missions scheduled for this year. On Episode 94 of This Week In Space, hosts Tariq Malik and Rod Pyle provide a sneak peek into the global plans for spaceflight in 2024.
Europa Clipper: Exploring Jupiter’s Moon
One of the most highly anticipated missions is the launch of Europa Clipper. This mission, led by NASA, aims to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa, which is believed to have a subsurface ocean that could potentially harbor life. The Europa Clipper spacecraft will conduct detailed reconnaissance of the moon, studying its composition, geology, and potential habitability. This mission will provide valuable insights into the possibility of life beyond Earth.
ESA’s HERA Mission to Didymos: Deflecting Asteroids
Another mission to look forward to is the European Space Agency’s HERA mission to Didymos. Didymos is a binary asteroid system consisting of a larger asteroid and a smaller moonlet. The HERA spacecraft will study the impact crater created by NASA’s DART (Double Asteroid Redirection Test) mission, which aims to deflect the smaller moonlet using a kinetic impactor. This collaborative effort between NASA and ESA will help develop techniques to protect our planet from potential asteroid impacts.
Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket: A Giant Leap
Space enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the first flight of Blue Origin’s mammoth New Glenn rocket. Designed to be reusable, this rocket will have a significant impact on the future of space exploration. With its powerful engines and impressive payload capacity, New Glenn will enable ambitious missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond. Its successful launch will mark a major milestone in the commercial space industry.
India’s Gagaanyan Capsule: A New Era for Indian Spaceflight
India is also set to make its mark in space exploration with the first crewed flight of the Gagaanyan capsule. This spacecraft, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), will carry Indian astronauts to low Earth orbit. The Gagaanyan mission represents a significant achievement for India’s space program and highlights the country’s growing capabilities in human spaceflight.
Exciting Space News of the Week: Model Falcon 9
In addition to the major missions planned for 2024, space enthusiasts can now launch their own SpaceX rocket, albeit in model form. Estes, a renowned model rocket maker, has released a stunning scale model of the Falcon 9 rocket. This launchable model provides enthusiasts with an opportunity to experience the thrill of a SpaceX launch from the comfort of their own homes. The detailed recreation of the Falcon 9 retails for $149.99, and readers can save 10% by using the code IN-COLLECTSPACE at checkout, courtesy of collectSPACE.com.
This Week In Space: Unveiling the New Space Age
This Week In Space, hosted by Rod Pyle and Tariq Malik from Space.com, takes viewers on a captivating journey through the new space age. Every Friday, they delve into fascinating topics such as the race to the moon, plans for Mars exploration, and other groundbreaking missions. With their expertise and passion for space exploration, Pyle and Malik provide insightful analysis and engaging discussions that keep viewers informed and inspired.
Rod Pyle: A Space Author and Historian
Rod Pyle, the co-host of This Week In Space, is an accomplished author, journalist, television producer, and Editor-in-Chief of Ad Astra magazine. With 18 books on space history, exploration, and development under his belt, including “Space 2.0” and “Destination Mars,” Pyle brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the show. His extensive experience in producing documentaries and working on sci-fi TV projects, such as Star Trek and Battlestar Galactica, adds a unique perspective to the discussions.
Tariq Malik: Space.com’s Editor-in-Chief
Tariq Malik, the other co-host of This Week In Space, is the Editor-in-Chief of Space.com. With 18 years of experience covering space news and science, Malik is a seasoned spaceflight reporter. He has presented space stories on major news networks like CNN, Fox News, and NPR. Malik’s passion for space exploration is evident in his achievements, including earning the Space Exploration merit badge as an Eagle Scout and participating in Space Camp multiple times.
Conclusion
As we embark on another year of space exploration, the global plans for 2024 promise to captivate our imaginations. From missions to Jupiter’s moon Europa and asteroid deflection experiments to the debut of Blue Origin’s New Glenn rocket and India’s first crewed flight, there is much to look forward to. This Week In Space, hosted
